108 [Spiritual Cases Arc] Part 108: Unexpected Confrontation

Yato gradually regained consciousness and noticed he wasn't home anymore. He felt someone was holding him, and by the wind brushing his face, they were definitely on the move.

Yato: "Huh...?"

Rukia: "Yato! Are you okay?"

As Yato's vision cleared, he finally realized it was Rukia carrying him while she leaped through the air using Shunpō.

Yato: "Huh...Yeah..."

Rukia: "What were you trying to do, you fool?!" - She scolded.

Yato: "Easy... I must have messed up while training my powers..." - He tried to apologize without giving too many details. - "Where are we going?"

Rukia: "I'm taking you to Inoue. We need to get as far away as possible for now. While you were out, Baishin suddenly appeared and attacked us. Ichigo and Lieutenant Kurotsuchi are dealing with him." - Her voice carried a tinge of worry as she spoke, her brows furrowing slightly with concern. - "From what Ichigo told me, the others have detected the presence of the Bounts and are going after them, but if what Urahara said is correct, it's highly likely that by the time we reach Inoue, the Bount will have fled."

Yato nodded, a mixture of relief and apprehension evident in his expression.

Yato: "Got it. Thanks, Rukia."

Rukia offered a reassuring smile before resuming her swift movements, her determination evident in each graceful leap as she navigated through the streets with practiced ease.

Moments later, Rukia and Yato reached a alley where Orihime and Tatsuki were. Rukia swiftly descended, landing gracefully with Yato still in her arms. Orihime was focusing intently, her Shun Shun Rikka glowing softly as she channeled her healing abilities to aid a woman who lay unconscious on the ground. Tatsuki's eyes darted around the dimly lit alley, her expression tense with worry as she searched for any signs of danger.

Tatsuki: "Hey, Rukia. What happened to Yato? Is he okay?" - She asked with concern as she rushed over to them, her eyes flickering between Rukia and Yato, awaiting an answer.

Yato, now more alert, managed a weak smile as he spoke up, trying to reassure his worried friend.

Yato: "Hey, Tatsuki. Just a little experiment gone wrong. Nothing to worry about." - He chuckled weakly, acknowledging his mistake.

Tatsuki crossed her arms, her concern transforming into a mix of annoyance and relief.

Rukia gently set Yato down, her gaze shifting between him and Tatsuki, silently assessing the situation.

Inoue finished healing the woman and approached Yato, concern etched on her face.

Orihime: "Yasakani-kun, you really should be more careful. Let me check you."

While Orihime focused on using her powers to heal Yato, Rukia turned her concerned gaze towards Tatsuki, eager to understand the situation.

Rukia: "What happened exactly? Ichigo mentioned you guys had detected the presence of the Bounts."

As Tatsuki began to explain, her words were momentarily interrupted by the unexpected voice of a male entity emanating from Orihime's peculiar pink rabbit-shaped purse.

Kurōdo: "I detected the presence of a Bount in this vicinity, but upon our arrival, it had already vanished. Thankfully, this woman is not in imminent danger. The Bount had already released her, and though her soul appears weakened, it seems it wasn't entirely consumed."

Rukia nodded, absorbing the information, her expression a mixture of relief and concern for their current predicament.

As Rukia and the others exchanged worried glances, their conversation was suddenly interrupted by the arrival of Uryū and Chad. Uryū wore a serious expression, while Chad seemed more stoic, with Noba perched on his shoulder, appearing as a gray anthropomorphic turtle plushy in dress trousers and a ruffled shirt. On Uryū's shoulder, Ririn took the form of a bird-shaped plushie, wearing a blue-hooded coat and a red bowtie.

Uryū: "We didn't have much luck in our search for the Bounts. When we arrived at the location, they were already gone. All we found were the clothes of the victim whose soul had been absorbed."

Yato: 'Two simultaneous attacks by Bounts... If one of the victims is alive, it's probably because the Bount who attacked was that woman with fire powers... uh, what was her name again?' - He pondered, his fatigue slowly dissipating thanks to Orihime's mending abilities. - 'But according to Uryū, they only found the clothes of another victim, so it must have been that Bount with...Huh...snake powers? Hmm, his name escapes me too...'

Rukia listened intently to Uryū's report, her brows furrowing with concern as she processed the information. The situation was growing more dire by the minute, with both the Bounts and Baishin posing significant threats.

Rukia: "So, not only are the Bounts on the move, but Baishin is also causing trouble. Ichigo and Lieutenant Kurotsuchi are dealing with him, but we can't afford to underestimate the danger he poses."

Rukia frowned, the weight of the situation pressing down on her shoulders as she considered their next move.

Tatsuki: "This is getting out of hand!" - Tatsuki's fists tightened at her sides, her determination shining through despite the uncertainty of their circumstances. - "We can't just stand by and wait. If Ichigo and Nemu are facing Baishin, then we need to go help them."

Chad nodded in agreement, his expression stoic yet resolute.

Rukia considered Tatsuki's words carefully, weighing the risks against the potential benefits of joining the fight against Baishin. Despite the dangers ahead, she knew they couldn't afford to hesitate.

Yato: "Since a lot is going on at once, Inoue-san, Ishida-san, and I can keep searching for the Bounts." - He suggested, scratching his head. - "Rukia, Tatsuki, and Sado can go after Ichigo to help him and Nemu. Tatsuki should arrive faster, and I'm sure Rukia can take Sado with her if she uses Shunpō."

Tatsuki, Rukia and Chad exchanged a glance, acknowledging Yato's suggestion. Tatsuki used her speed to vanish from the scene as quickly as possible, leaving only a trail of bright green behind her, while Chad grabbed Rukia's shoulder, and the petite shinigami swiftly disappeared, taking Chad with her.

# Meanwhile #

Ichigo grimaced in pain as Baishin tightened his grip around his neck, draining his Reiatsu. Baishin's laughter echoed menacingly in the tense air. Suddenly, with a swift and decisive motion, Nemu launched a powerful kick at Baishin's hand, causing him to release Ichigo. The force of the blow sent a shiver down Baishin's arm, eliciting a grunt of surprise.

Ichigo fell to his knees, leaning on his zanpakutō for support, while Nemu assumed a defensive stance in front of him.

Baishin's sinister chuckle filled the air as he prepared to strike at Nemu. However, his demeanor quickly shifted to one of astonishment. With a sudden burst of speed, he evaded Nemu's stance and Ichigo's presence, vanishing to a distant building. As he retreated, a sharp pain shot through his arm, prompting him to inspect it closely. There, etched into his skin, was a distinctive butterfly-shaped mark, leaving him bewildered and unnerved.

Feeling a presence behind him, Baishin turned around and spotted a shinigami standing not far away. Her attire revealed her shoulders and back, and on her right arm, she sported a black and gold gauntlet, connected by a small chain to a stinger-like blade on her middle finger.

Soi Fon: "For someone as dangerous as the reports claim... you sure are quite slow, Baishin."