Chapter 37 - Invaders (1/2)

'It has to be near here, I can feel strong spiritual activity' Rukia thought to herself as she moved towards the direction of the source. She saw a house with its lights still on. She went inside to try and track the spiritual fluctuation.

”It is near” she mused to herself. However before she could react, she felt a foot suddenly strike her from behind.

”It is near my ASS!” A voice suddenly said as she fell down. She turned around to see a young man pointing and yelling at her. He was fairly tall with a slim build, peach skin and brown eyes. His most discernible trait was his spiky orange hair.

”You.. can see me…? She was surprised that a human was able to see her. And not just see her, but he was also able to attack her.

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After Rukia was sent to the human world, life in the Thirteenth Division stayed relatively the same. For the next month, Itachi continued his lieutenant duties.

Itachi sat at his desk organizing papers. It was nearing the end of the day but there was one thing on his mind. Kiyone and Sentaro walk in and ask if Itachi needed any help but Itachi tells them he doesn't need any.

”Isn't Kuchiki supposed to return today?” Kiyone asked him.

”She was. We haven't had any contact from her for the entire month but I ȧssumed no news is good news. However it's worrying that she hasn't come back earlier. I'll talk about it with the Captain later when he is feeling better.” Itachi replies.

”Well Captain Ukitake is actually up and about, walking around the complex if you want to speak to him!” Sentaro added in. Itachi nods and gets up from his seat.

”I'll go talk to him. Actually if you two could finish organizing these files for me it would be much appreciated.” Itachi said as he walked to the door.

”Yes Lieutenant Uchiha!” Both of the third seats said enthusiastically as Itachi closed the door behind them.

Itachi walked around the complex for a few minutes while trying to find Ukitake's location. He picks up on his spiritual pressure and sees him looking at the pond. Ukitake notices Itachi and waves for him to come over.

Itachi approached Ukitake as he looked at the pond.

”Feeling better Captain?” Itachi asked him as they stared into the pond with several koi fish swimming about.

”Much better. By the way, did you, Kiyone, or Sentaro put in a work order for koi fish in this pond? I don't remember these being in here.” Ukitake asked as he crouched on the ground to get a better look at them.

”I don't recall ever doing that. I go over their work too and they haven't made such an order. I'm just as confused as you are.” Itachi replied, also staring at the mysteriously appearing koi fish.

”By the way, has Kuchiki come back yet? I haven't seen her around.” Ukitake asked Itachi. Itachi shook his head.

”No. That's what I wanted to talk to you about. I don't take her for the type to be late and it's worrying.” Itachi said.

”Well I'm sure she's okay. If she doesn't return in a few days though, I'll have to relay this to the other divisions and maybe the intelligence unit can locate her.” Ukitake said as he got up from his crouched position. He smiles at Itachi reassuringly. Itachi nods his head in acknowledgement.

”Care to join me on this walk?” Ukitake asked Itachi.

”Of course Captain.” Itachi replied and the two of them began walking around the Thirteenth Division as the sun set.

----

Another two months passed and Rukia did not return. Ukitake had sent out a request for her to be found but no information was returned to them about Rukia's whereabouts.

”I'm really worried about Kuchiki. But she's strong. I'm sure there's an explanation for all of this right?!” Sentaro asked Itachi nervously, hoping for some kind of reassurance.

”I'm not so sure anymore.” Itachi replied bleakly. ”I can only hope for the best at this point. If the situation isn't improved soon, I will head to Karakura town to find her. ” Itachi said. However, right at that moment, he received a message from a hell buŧŧerfly to appear in front of the Central 46. Itachi was surprised but still heeded the order and left for the central 46 building.

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When Itachi arrived, he saw a figure already standing in the center of the room. It was none other than the Sixth Division Captain, Kuchiki Byakuya.

”Captain Kuchiki.” Itachi greeted with a slight bow.

Byakuya nodded and remained silent.

He stood in front of the massive panel of elders. Itachi had knowledge of this group known as Central 46. It was a powerful group that oversaw all the judicial and legislative decisions of the Soul Society.

”Uchiha, we called you here because we received important news regarding a shinigami from your division.”

Itachi remained calm and waited for the elder to speak.

”It is news regarding Kuchiki Rukia.” The elder spoke.

Itachi was surprised. However, he didn't notice that Byakuya also slightly jolted.

”According to the information we have received, Rukia Kuchiki has broken the laws of the shinigami, by transferring her powers to a human!” the elder said.

”Uchiha, Itachi, we have informed you of this matter, since your captain is bedridden. Kuchiki, Byakuya, you are hereby selected to travel to the human world to retrieve the criminal.”

”As you command.” Kuchiki replied.

”Please wait. As the lieutenant of the 13th division, Kuchiki is under my command. As such, I feel that I should be the one to retrieve her.” Itachi said.

”Denied. The order has already passed. You are dismissed!” The elder no longer said anything, simply signaling the two to exit.

Itachi walked out reluctantly.

”Captain Kuchiki, I will take my leave.” Itachi didn't wait for a response before heading towards the Thirteenth division.

'The order was to retrieve her, so I won't have to worry too much. I am not going to be able to change their decision. The only thing I can do Is hope that Captain Ukitake can influence their decision.' Itachi thought to himself as he arrived at the main hall.

He was greeted by Kiyone who was standing outside the main hall.

”How is the captain?” He asked Kiyone.

”He is still resting. What happened?” Kiyone asked.

Itachi explained the content of his meeting, by the end Kiyone was stunned.