CHAPTER 126: Fragment

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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.

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!"

Ukitake smiled at Kazuya. "You must be here to meet Kaien. Follow me."

"Thanks."

As Kazuya trailed a step behind Ukitake, he marveled at the expansive compound, a sprawling labyrinth of living quarters intermingled with training grounds that seemed to stretch out infinitely. The long stroll allowed him the time to have a discussion with his Zanpakutō Spirit.

{Ukitake Jushiro, the carrier of Mimihagi, the Right Hand of the Soul King,} Nami spoke mysteriously. {Partner, you already know the reason for your excitement.}

'Soul King.'

{Exactly. I believe we are fragments born of him—my working theory or "headcanon," if you will.}

Nami didn't know more about their circumstances than him but she had access to all of his memories, including all the random theories from way back. It allowed her to form conclusions that were hard to dispute, at least for him.

'It has to be true. How else can you explain my powers and connection to Hōgyoku?'

{Hmm, indeed. Do you want to devour Mimihagi and gain his unique power — Stagnate — the power that denies growth and stops any event from happening against your will? It's not on the level of Almighty but it's still beyond your average Bankai.}

Mimihagi's 'Stagnate' was capable of evading the future sight of Yhwach's Almighty. Capable of holding together the three realms once it attached itself to the Soul King's body. The thought of taking away that power was rather enticing but it would compromise Ukitake's life and make allies like Yoruichi turn against him.

{To be evil and selfish is to walk the path of freedom, Partner.}

'The power of Stagnate. Won't it affect our evolution?'

As much of a power boost it provided, he couldn't let his evolution stagnate, not before finding the mysteries that lay beyond Bankai and Vasto Lorde Arrancar.

{It might. Shall we save it for after our final form? At that point we can simply intimidate Ukitake into submission.}

He shook his head at her violent tendencies. She was more American than most Americans.

'Or we can cure his illness.'

{We can most certainly try.}

His train of thought was interrupted as he spotted Miyako reclined against a tree, giving a lap pillow to Kaien. The husband and wife both blissfully dozed off in the peaceful garden, stirring an irresistible feeling to tease them.

"This couple really doesn't care about showing some discretion," Ukitake sighed, though the corners of his mouth betrayed his contentment. Kaien and Miyako, his top seated officers, were his biggest pride in the 13th Squad.

The slight rustle of their approach disturbed the slumbering pair. Kaien's eyes flickered open, his expression hardening into a frown. "Captain, and—Kazuya? Why are you here?"

Kaien's confusion was reasonable. He had told Kaien to steer clear of him, yet here he was, appearing unannounced in the heart of Kaien's division.

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."

***

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