DREAMS OF RUKIA: Opening Arc & Soul Reaper Civil War Arc

DREAMS OF RUKIA: Chapter Twenty Eight

DISCLAIMER: THERE WILL BE SPOILERS FOR MAJOR EVENTS AND CHARACTERS OF BLEACH AND ITS SUBSEQUENT LIGHT NOVELS. If you don't wish to be spoiled, then do NOT read until you have seen all of Bleach and know of the light novels Can't Fear Your Own World, WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU, and Spirits Are Forever With You.

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A few days have passed. My injuries are practically healed and I've been cleared to return to Squad 13's barracks, where I will truly be living. I wave goodbye to Isane and Kiyone as I lightly jog my way back to the barracks. I couldn't wait to see Rukia.

As I enter, it seems as though Rukia's been waiting for me. Her face lights up as she nearly knocks me over by running into me, hugging me as tight as she can.

"Tsuchiya! You're alright!" She exclaims into my torso as her face is buried. My face reddens as I return the hug.

"Yeah, I'm much better now. I needed that after so long of fighting with no breaks, and using Bankai so much..."

"I can't believe you learned Bankai so quickly! It took me until about 10 years ago to get my Bankai!"

"Let's just say I had a little help from friends in higher places. But the situation demanded it, and I'm glad you're safe." Rukia looks up to meet my gaze."

"Tsuchiya, what you said on the cliff, did you really mean it?"

"Yes. It's one of the many revelations I had on that ledge. I realized that my goals started out selfish, but over time I just wanted to see you happy again. And there, staring Katen Kyokotsu in the face, I realized that I really loved you. Why else would I go out of my way to challenge the entire Court Guard, including your own brother, just to save you?" We sit down on cushions across from each other. Rukia and I both share blushing as I await her response.

"I... I don't know what to say. It's all happening so fast-"

"You don't have to reciprocate just because I said so. We have all the time in the world to contemplate it. It's a big deal, plus I think we need to convince your brother first." I laugh along with Rukia.

"Yeah, he didn't seem so impressed by your actions. But I'm sure Byakuya will warm up to you, in time. In the meantime, do you want to meet some of the other Captains? I mean, you probably did on your journey..."

"Yeah, but now we're on good terms, so we can formally meet. Good idea."

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We spent a large portion of the rest of the day touring the Soul Society. It's SO much more expansive than I thought, easily the size of a large city! The Captains are also much nicer when you're not actively trying to defeat them. One thing they all had in common, besides their rank, was that they all (mostly) commemorated my strength. Even Zaraki! Man, meeting him was pretty nerve-racking, his spiritual pressure is so immense that I couldn't get too close to him without feeling oppressed by it.

"You're pretty strong, kid. If ya ever wanna come by and spar, don't be a stranger! It'd be fun fighting against that Bankai of yours."

"W-Well, I don't think I'd be a worthy opponent for the likes of you, Captain Zaraki, but I'll keep that in mind!" 

Yeah, him offering to fight and train me was pretty daunting, but I couldn't say no. It may even be a teachable moment too. However, as me and Rukia were leaving Squad 10's barracks to head back home, we suddenly felt a presence so oppressive it forced me down onto my knees, even Rukia was feeling the effects. After a bit, it goes away.

"W-What was th-that?" I exclaim to Rukia as I get back up.

"That spiritual pressure... it can't be!"

"What? Who in all the realms has that much spiritual pressure?"

Rukia looks at me with a slightly nervous but relived look.

"Tetsuo Ito. I think he's finally awake."

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Hey! This is a shorter chapter but I wanted to cap everything off and even give an update on the relationship between our main character and Rukia! You can't rush love.

Meanwhile, Tsuchiya meets the other Captains and Kenpachi Zaraki even offers to be his sparring partner in the future! And then, as if things couldn't get even more eventful, Tetsuo Ito has finally emerged from his coma. 

This is the final chapter in this story! The next arc will be a separate 'book', and every consecutive arc thereafter. Can't wait to get started on the Nueva Espada arc!

I hope you enjoyed, and thanks SO much for reading! See you in the Nueva Espada Arc!