Chapter 126: Fragment

Chapter 126: Fragment

While en route to rendezvous with Kaien, Kazuya bumped into a tall, pale-looking man with flowing, white hair. Kazuya’s pulse quickened, and a shudder of excitement charged through his veins. It wasn’t because of the white-haired man’s emaciated looks, but the secret hidden within him. The man carried an organ of the Soul King, and it messed with his mind.

He controlled himself, suppressing any urges that might alert Ukitake.

“Kiyone, Sentaro.” Jushiro Ukitake greeted his subordinates with a leisurely gait, his friendly smile unwavering even as he faced Kazuya. “And who graces us with their presence?”

“He is...” Kiyone blinked, her eyes widening like saucers. “Hey, you didn’t give your name!”

“You got way too distracted by my cat,” Kazuya teased with a chuckle. “Well, you can call me Kazuya, written as ‘Harmony, Peace.’”

{The wind of peace that causes war...}

Ukitake placed a hand on his chin, his eyes taking on a keen glint. “A long, unruly silver mane and a voice that leaves an unforgettable impression — Kaien’s depiction of you was spot on.”

Ukitake knew Kaien more than almost everyone, maybe excluding his wife. Underneath the rowdy, blunt exterior lay a man of unparalleled honor and compassion. Thus, a friend of Kaien should, theoretically, have been an ally to Ukitake. However, as he took in Kazuya’s charismatic grin, an ominous feeling tugged at the back of his mind. The silver-haired youth had more going for him than eyes could unveil.

If Kazuya could peer into the depths of Ukitake’s mind, he’d erupt into a gleeful laugh and commend Ukitake’s perception. After all, he was a Vasto Lorde Arrancar — the embodiment of everything Gotei 13 stood against.ViiSiit novelbi/n(.)c/(o)m for latest novels

His lips curved into a subdued but telling smile. “Kaien talked about me? How intriguing.”

{We told him to stay quiet, but he paid no heed to our warning. How do we punish him? Do we resort to stealing his beloved wife away from him?}

‘Don’t be mean to my friend. Having his and Isshin’s support will help us in the long run.’

Aizen was a man who executed every strategy as flawlessly and precisely as possible. An alliance with the Shiba Clan introduced countless variables for Aizen if he ever wanted to go after Kazuya. Besides, Aizen’s current priority revolved around experimentation on Hollow.

“Of course,” Ukitake said, chuckling softly. “Your prodigious feats in the Shin’o Academy had every Shinigami whispering. Didn’t expect you to scout our division. I thought you were eyeing a position in the 4th Division.”

Ukitake’s chronic illness didn’t stop him from picking up the rumors from his squad.

“A prodigy? Kazuya...” Sentaro raised a brow. “I remember you. The rookie who went toe-to-toe with Captain Soi Fon!”

Kiyone grinned cheekily. “I get why Nee-san is friends with you. You want to join her squad!”

Kazuya nodded, a hint of impatience creeping onto his face. “Yeah.”

The impatience didn’t go past Ukitake’s keen gaze. He placed a hand on Sentaro and Kiyone’s shoulder. “Kaien gave you a task, right? Prioritize it. I’ll entertain our guest.”

The pair immediately bowed their heads. “Yes, Captain!”

Taking the opportunity to tease Kaien, Kazuya spread his arms wide, and with a melodious giggle, sprinted toward him. “Kaien darling~, did you miss me?”

Kaien’s whole body seemed to quiver, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his Zanpakuto as if faced with a threat far more dire than even a Vasto Lorde. “Back off, you freak! Don't come any closer.”

“You wound my heart with your words,” Kazuya declared theatrically, his eyes shimmering like shards of crystal as he feigned an agonized expression. “Miyako Nee-san, my pure heart has been shattered to pieces. Your husband is so heartless.”

Miyako couldn’t hold back any longer; she erupted into giggles, her laughter infectious. “I can't help it. Kaien only has room for me in his heart, I'm afraid.”

Ukitake grinned at the drama. “Things would be different if Kaien wasn’t so entwined with Miyako.”

“Yes,” Miyako said with a heavy nod. “I can’t compete with Kazuya’s voice. It’s irrefutably seductive.”

With everyone taking turns teasing him, Kaien couldn’t help but make an exaggerated expression of despair. “Kazuya, what is your business with me?”

“My friend, I’m here for a favor. The same as last time.”

Kaien assumed a serious expression. “Again? Alright come with me. Captain, Miyako, I’ll see you both later.”

“Have fun out there~,” Miyako teased, waving her hand at Yoruichi, who sat upon his shoulders. “Cutie cat, take care of these idiots for me.”

Yoruichi nodded her head lazily, much to Ukitake’s surprise. Kaien and Kazuya left the 13th Squad together and ventured outside the Seireitei before they stepped through the Senkaimon. Personal use of the Senkaimon like this was absolutely forbidden, even for Vice-Captains, yet Kaien broke the rule twice. As a man with a loving wife, he understood Kazuya’s plight.

As they arrived in Karakura Town, Kaien turned to him. “Before you go, one brief question: are you set on the 4th Division?”

“I’m also joining the 10th Division. Can’t make Uncle Shiba unhappy.”

Kaien narrowed his eyes. “Two squads. I doubt Captain Unohana—” he froze mid-sentence, noticing a knowing grin on Kazuya’s face. “You already convinced her?”

“I was with Captain Unohana before coming to you. She has no problem with me joining both divisions.”

“To make that scary woman share her healer with another squad — I have no choice but to applaud your way with women. You’re the greatest seducer I’ve ever met.”

Clearing his throat, Kazuya corrected, “I haven’t seduced her... yet.”

Kaien shook his head in exaggeration. “Don’t end up dying at her hands. Your mission is more important.”

As a Vice Captain, he was privy to information most wouldn’t know, including Captain Unohana’s bloodstained past.

“I know, friend. I know.”