The Suicidal And The Sacrificial

S2: Overflowing

Abyss

"Yamio-sama. We already located where she is", one masked individual informed. The man named Yamio turned to him and walked closer towards him. He knelt with his face facing the ground. He can only see the hem of his cloak. "If you have known her location, why is she not here?", the man asked with his calm and yet raging tone. Though he isn't raising his tone, it felt so condescending. The masked one pressed his lips together anticipating the next thing that would happen. He felt his head detached from his body. Soon, his head was stitched back to his body.

He gulped and saw the long-haired man with streaks of white hair. He is wearing a full-length bloody red cloak. As he mustered his courage, he lifted his head and got a glimpse of an elegant-looking noble who was already nearly a middle-aged man. "Death had always been so close to us", he whispered as butterflies gathered around him. 

Human World

Kurosaki Residence

"All the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again", Kazui read and received a clap from Nozomi. "You're young and you can already read", she praised. The orange head laughed and grabbed Kon. "Kon taught me and he had always been with me", he informed. "That's fortunate for you. Since you are a modified soul, I wonder how many times I can cut your soul into particles. I feel bored recently", Nozomi tried to reach out to the doll but it started running.

"Nozomi. Inoue and I will do some shopping. Are you going to tag along?", Ichigo invited. "Will do!", she stood right away and dropped the book that Kazui was reading. She picked it up and her eyes softened at the sight of a broken shell.

Shopping District

Kazui used Kon as a bagpack. "About the book I was reading", Kazui walked beside Nozomi. "Did you suddenly crave for eggs? I can cook sunny-side, scrambled, pouched, and even boiled", Nozomi offered sounding confident of her skill. "I would appreciate them but I actually feel bad for the egg", the orange head kid grabbed her hand. The white head gave a gentle smile seeing small hands holding onto hers.

"Kazui, you're a level-headed kid compared to me. Sumire usually calls me an infant who just happened to be overgrown. You see, Humpty Dumpy is actually a story of a king who died in a battle. His body was actually left unburied for a long time. His men tried to put him all together but-", Nozomi stopped as they saw the meat section. The butcher seemed to have a bad day and decided to take it out on the meat. "Then, does that mean that heroes don't usually end up having a good life after?", the kid tightened his grip on the lady.

Those who had been fighting to restore peace had been dumped in the worst place.

Even after having to die in an honorable way, they have to be punished.

They felt a violent tremor. Nozomi grabbed Kazui and threw him to Ichigo with the trust that the orange head would be able to catch him on time. The lady rolled on the ground and anticipated a painful impact but she was held in someone else's arm. "Thanks. Nice catch!", she commented but her face changed at the sight the one who is carrying her. She was about to release her bankai but she felt a different kind of serenity with the man.

Soon, they were surrounded by Toshiro, Soifon, and Zaraki. "We've been tracking your spirit particle for the past three weeks. Just give it one more day and I will turn the human world upside down to find you", Zaraki smiled and removed his eyepatch. It was fortunate that the shopping district wasn't busy at the moment. People started fainting at the exposure to a heavy spirit particle.

"Wait", Nozomi motioned her hand. The man dropped her on the ground and drew his sword. "Don't do this here. The place will be in ruins in just a few seconds", Toshiro warned Zaraki and the man listened. He grabbed the new face and threw him in the air. Soon, the rest just stared at the white-head. "You recognize him, don't you?", Toshiro noticed a conflicted emotion from the woman's face.

Such an elegant noble. Pale grey eyes. Porcelain skin. And streak of white and black hair mixed together.

"Bring Kazui home, Inoue", Ichiro used his badge and Kon entered his human form. "I'll be calling reinforcement", Soifon disappeared.

Soul Society

Division 6 Barracks- Captain's Office

Renji watched as their Captain scanned a scroll that Division O gave. "Prepare to descend into the human world", Byakuya closed the scroll. "Captain, there have been disturbances in the Sekaimmon gate. I believe the Captain Commander placed us to be the one to monitor those who enters and exits Soul Society", Renji gulped as he rejects Byakuya's instruction. The man stood and wore his haori. "I will talk to the Captain Commander", he said then used his shunpo. "You know that it is not just the Captain Commander who will approve of your relocation to this battlefield", Hirako entered the office with Rose and Kensei. "Captains", Renji was baffled to see the group. "Consider it as a great honor for us to vouch for your Captain", they also followed after Byakuya. 

Rukia also peeked since the door was opened. "I heard that we are being dispatched in the human world and Division 6 is in charge of guarding Soul Society", she said worriedly. She knows that this battle is not just about pride. Considering the strength that Byakuya can contribute in this next battle, it is such a waste for them to lie waiting for the worst to come. "Whatever your brother chooses to do, I will not abandon him", the redhead said with assurance. "Thank you, Renji. I'm glad he has you on his side", Rukia smiled. 

Central 46

"You have to learn how to listen to your superiors even if you are noble". 

 "Have you not learned anything from your multiple disobedience as a noble". 

 "I don't know what your ancestors think of you, a failed Kuchiki".

"This is what you get when you let that daughter of a traitor get into your head". 

The last statement made Byakuya raise his spirit particle making everyone in the room silent. They are all behind the sheet of white concealing their identity. Kyouraku stands in front of Byakuya to open the motion of the group to consider having Byakuya join the expedition to the abyss. There is no better place to wait for the gate to open than in the human world. 

"You need to get a hold of yourself. As the new captain commander, you know that if Soul Society will be left unguarded, the enemy can just enter and the damage that was done 10 years ago might be repeated". 

The captain commander just gave a short nod and then turned to see Byakuya's determined eyes. "The only thing I can do is summon them for the audience. It's up to you to convince them", the man covered his face with his hat and gave the floor to the noble; the head of the Kuchiki Clan, one of the four prominent houses of Soul Society. 

"I will not deny the things you had accused me of. I broke laws, even those my family held for a long time. As I stand in your midst, I acknowledge my shortcoming of not being able to follow your orders even if I understand the necessity of it", Byakuya always knows how to talk. Soon, the place was filled with murmurs. "I, even without your permission, will use my power as a noble to decide that I am to be in the human world where there is more danger imposed on humans as well as shinigami", he said and closed his eyes. He was expecting criticism to flow and it did. He just allowed degrading words to fill the room. 

"We come for a proposal", Hirako broke the indistinguishable sounds. "We have been in the human world and we believe that it is our task to fulfill the role that was taken from us", the blonde gave a wide grin and turned to the noble feeling proud that he could rub it on the man's face. This time, they are his savior. After Hirako discussed their plan with Division 12, Central 46 hesitantly agreed to let Byakuya aid in the human world. Hirako tilted his head and smirked. "Tell me, Kuchiki Byakuya. Aside from your sorry excuse of caring for humans and the shinigami stationed, what else could it be that you're desperate to join the battle? It doesn't seem that you're in competition with Zaraki", the man asked with a teasing smile. "If you have time to yap around, go and gather your men", the noble furrowed his brow and left. 

Chapter end.