69 Troubles (1/2)

It's been six days since the betrayal of Aizen and gang. Currently, Itsuki was where the human group were staying and was sparring against Rukia. Ichigo was on the side being healed by Orihime. For the past few days, Itsuki didn't teach Ichigo any sort of sword techniques but just sparred continuously, beating the crap out of him.

Giving Ichigo a sword technique didn't align with his nature as he had his own, so just polishing his current swordsmanship and honing his instincts was what Itsuki believed to be best. Today was the last day Itsuki would train him and tomorrow was the day when they would return to the living world. After disarming Rukia, Itsuki ended the spar and was taking his leave with her when Orihime called out to him,

”Minamoto-san!”

Running to him she immediately bowed,

”About last time, I have to thank you!”

Upon giving her thanks she immediately returned to her group. Rukia was surprised as she didn't know why Orihime was thanking Itsuki. Apart from Itsuki telling her to heal Ichigo, they hadn't had any sort of interaction. Itsuki was unable to see her face when she bowed as she quickly turned and walked away. Her friends were surprised with her actions as they started questioning her.

Itsuki not knowing what to do just shrugged his shoulders and left the training ground with Rukia following. On their way, there was a strange atmosphere as Rukia kept glancing at him. Turning back, he saw Rukia donning a strange expression on her face. She seemed to quickly look away when they made eye contact. This carried on for a while before Itsuki questioned,

”What?”

Rukia shook her head before she followed Itsuki the hospital.

Arriving there, they made their way to meet Byakuya who was still in recovery. Hisana was already there peeling an apple for him while Renji was outside guarding his captain. Walking in Rukia immediately started talking to Hisana while Itsuki went to Byakuya.

Although Hisana hadn't gotten over her guilt, the two sisters liked to be with each other a lot. Rukia would come visit every now and then, talk about her days while Hisana would just listen. Ever since, Rukia's execution was announced, Hisana had somehow gotten wind of this despite Byakuya's attempts to make sure she never heard it.

She had barely eaten and with a weak body, she fell ill. Upon hearing that Rukia was safe, she immediately wanted to meet her when Byakuya told her that Rukia now knew everything. At first, she was hesitant, but she gathered her courage and faced her little sister. After a night of crying the two made up as Hisana became extremely protective of her.

Looking outside the window, Byakuya started speaking,

”You, did you know about Aizen?”

Hearing the words 'Aizen', the two girls were startled before talking their leave. They knew that the two were going to talk about something important.

Itsuki stayed quiet as he also looked outside rendering a short moment of silent. Byakuya gave a sigh seeing his friend's lack of response as he turned to Itsuki,

”Try not to take all upon yourself, we are here for you.”

Byakuya knew his friend's character the most due to the time the two had spent together sparring. He knew that his friend was looking for many ways to strengthen himself. Itsuki gave a small genuine smile as he nodded at Byakuya.

Itsuki then left for an underground base he had created. Upon entering, what entered his view was a broken shaft and various pieces of the halberd's blade of Sokyoku.

These were most of the pieces of the blade and the ones that Itsuki was able to salvage without anyone knowing. These pieces were most likely written off as lost or completely demolished when Ukitake and Shunsui destroyed the Sokyoku. The small amount the Shinigami took, would be researched and a new Sokyoku would stand where the previous one stood.

The Sokyoku was a weapon known as having the strength and power of a million zanpakuto. Whenever, Itsuki held a piece he could feel the broken shard augment his reiatsu by a small amount. It wasn't activated and was in pieces, so Itsuki could understand why it was only a small amount.

All the pieces that Itsuki gathered were in the middle of a triangular formation that looked extremely similar to the one Itsuki used to absorb the hollow. He then put each zanpakuto at one end while Itsuki stood on one. Pouring his reiatsu, the formation lit up before immediately dying out. Seeing no changes, Itsuki got up and started to make some adjustments to the formation before trying it out again but still failed.

The next day, Hisana and Byakuya were chatting calmly when they heard rapid footsteps approaching.

”Renji!”

Ichigo jumped up only to see a Byakuya and a woman that looked like Rukia shocked at the intrusion.

”Rukia? No, you are not Rukia?”

”You must be Kurosaki Ichigo, I have to thank you for taking care of my little sister.”

Hisana did a slight bow as a gentle smile masked her face. Orihime then jumped next to Ichigo as the latter was surprised with the fact that she reached the 3rd floor.

”Have you seen Rukia?”

”No, but she most likely is at the 2nd Division training grounds.”

”Okay and thank you.”

After the two left Byakuya looked as if in thought,

”That kid, I wonder if he plans to call me without titles…”

Hisana just giggled at her husband's concerns as she went back to peeling oranges for him.

The two then made their way to the training grounds. Walking through the path, they felt many eyes on them.

”Why are they monitoring us?”