73 Ichinose Maki (2/2)

This seemed to trigger something within Ichinose as he shouted,

”Why do I fight?! I fight against the barbaric ways of the Gotei 13, why…”

What followed was his frustrations gushing out. Itsuki waited for him to finish upon asking another question,

”You say you're fighting for a noble cause, but it's truly for anger isn't it. Anger against just one man for killing your previous captain.”

Ichinose was shocked as understanding flashed through his eyes. Itsuki, however, continued,

”This anger allowed people to manipulate you, goad you. Quite naïve thinking from your part, isn't it?”

Back at the main hall, Ichigo had just driven his sword through Kariya. The other's had moved far away to not get caught up in the shockwaves of their clashes. During this, another two figures had joined them, Yoruichi and Soi Fon.

Seeing that the battle had ended, Toshiro turned towards the others,

”You guys okay?”

The group looked at him as Rangiku jumped towards Itsuki who had just come out, completely ignoring her own captain.

”Itsuki.”

Toshiro eyebrow's twitched and a vein popped out his forehead as and irritated look surfaced from being ignored. He hated this trip, the two silent buddies, the teasing from Itsuki and being ignored by his own lieutenant had pushed his limits. He was just about to scream when a line passed through his head

'Short on patience, short on patience…'

He looked back to Rangiku cuddling Itsuki like a koala bear while he patted her head and Itsuki's apathetic look piercing through him. Seeing Itsuki come up, Soi Fon, Yoruichi and Rangiku dragged Itsuki away among the various looks of the others

Byakuya just stood there ignoring what was happening around him as he looked at Rukia. She seemed to be okay but Byakuya could tell that she was injured looking at her pale face.

”Byakuya-nii-Sama…”

Rukia looked down when she saw the way her brother looked at her. She couldn't tell if he was worried about her or looking down on her. She was never able to read her brother's thoughts, but she had a feeling that he was worried.

Byakuya seemed to nod at her as the rest of the Shinigami's joined the fray. Renji rushed towards his captain while the rest waited in order to get healed by Orihime. They stayed in the human world until they had properly rested and went back under the lead of Byakuya. The ones who had stayed behind were Itsuki, Soi Fon, Rangiku, Toshiro and Yumichika. It seems Ikkaku would join them later as this calmed Yumichika down.

At first Yumichika was confused as to why he had to stay, but Toshiro told him that he was the most 'idle'. The others were either resting or having fun so he believed that Yumichika should stay. Ikkaku would join him as the two were close.

As the group separated, Itsuki wasn't seen until the next day.