Double Trouble

40. Pride

Byakuya Kuchiki watched his adopted sister as she poked and prodded both boys. He was even more attentive in watching how the two young men reacted to her, especially the white haired, black/golden eyed boy. His instincts were telling him that there was something different about the boy. He just couldn't place it. Unlike the other boy, his reiatsu was somewhat controlled. The second boy, who was teasing Rukia, his reiatsu was wild, uncontrolled and an annoyance.

After hearing the former captain of the tenth explain their origin, it made sense. The Shiba clan was full of rowdy people with uncontrollable reiatsu, in most cases. In others, such as their father, his control seemed perfect.

Byakuya's eyes turned towards is lieutenant. It wasn't much of a secret that Abarai disliked him, but he had faith that the boy knew his place and wouldn't act upon his emotions. "Lieutenant," he spoke, gaining Renji's attention immediately. "Return to the barracks, tell the men of what has happened and begin your search for both Captain Aizen and Captain Ichimaru."

"Yes sir" Renji turned to leave when Rukia grasped the arm of his Shihakusho. Turning his attention towards her, he saw a smile on her lips.

"Congratulations, Renji." She looked at him fully. "For becoming my brother's lieutenant."

He grinned back at her. "Thanks." He scratched the back of his neck as his cheeks turned slightly red. Catching his captain's sideway glance towards himself, he said goodbye before leaving.

Shiro jabbed Ichigo in the side and whispered. "You've got competition bro."

Ichigo's face turned bright red before he turned to his brother and growled lowly. "Shut-up." Shiro just grinned knowingly. Ichigo blew out a puff of air before pushing his hair out of his eyes and looking towards their father who was talking to the three older captains and the way older looking guy. All the while not noticing the grey eyes watching him from nearby with disapproval.

~~

Seventh Seat Hanataro Yamada poked his head around a corner. With all the commotion going on, he had first been called to the eleventh to heal the men injured by the Ryoka. Later he had come across the body of Captain Tosen. Calling forth a Hell Butterfly, he reported the death of a captain. The reiatsu coming from the wounds were from a very powerful person. Upon further examination, he found that the fallen captain had blood upon his sword that was not his own.

Within a few moments, Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu arrived upon the scene. The kind face of the lieutenant always put him at ease. "Did you see what happened?" she inquired as she began to examine the reiatsu that seeped from the deadly wounds.

"No." he answered as he looked around them a bit nervously. Reaching down he gave a gasp of surprise. His sword was missing from his hip. I forgot Hisagomaru again!

"These wounds were made by Captain Kenpachi." Isane murmured softly. Why would these two captains be fighting? Kenpachi I understand, but Tosen never... Her eyes left the body, gazing before her at the blood that scattered the entire plaza area. The reiatsu coming from the pools of blood was mainly Captain Kenpachi's. She then came to a conclusion that his had been a one-sided fight; at first. "Captain Tosen attacked Captain Kenpachi first."

Looking away from Isane, Hanataro felt some relief when he saw a group of people coming from the eight towards them, when suddenly they were cut down. Their screams causing him to stare in horror. His eyes widened in shock when the bodies fell only to reveal Captain Ichimaru and Captain Aizen. Turning away he quickly ran over to the lieutenant, grasped her arm, pulled her behind him and ran to hide.

Not even a moment later, both captains stood at their fallen comrade's side. "Too bad, he still had a job to do." Gin Ichimaru's voice echoed around the four cornered area.

"Hmmm." Aizen's voice echoed. "His need to ensure justice was what ultimately got in his way to follow my commands."

Hiding around the corner, Hanataro held his hand over Isane's mouth, as she did the same to his. Neither wanting to reveal their location. However, they were both sensed by the two traitors. "Oh?" Gin's voice was heard. "Seems Unohana has a few stragglers out here." The sound of his sword leaving its sheath was heard by the two hidden Shinigami.

"Take care of them." The coldness in Aizen's voice could be felt by both causing their hearts to freeze in fear.

Both heard the beginning of Gin Ichimaru's Shikai release. "Impale them," Grappling for the tiles beneath their feet, both knew of a secret way to get away. "Shinso." Both saw the fast blade coming for them through the walls. Instead of taking the ladder, both fell into the sewer systems beneath the roads of the Seireitei. Above them neither man expected survivors, as neither could now sense the two. Turning away, they continued on their way to escape.