Chapter 28: Secrets

I had gotten a message from Rukia via private channels. An unknown messenger had gave a note Rukia had wrote me.

'Meet in the Human World'

Seeing it as odd I decided to investigate.

Human World

I had sent a spirit hound, an ability thanks to Sokens power I could perform. It was bright blue almost identical to Lobo actually. It waited for a few minutes til it heard the gentle sound of footsteps.

"Kakashi? I told you to meet me here" she said

"I can't there is something happening in the Soul Society, can't risk being seen" I answered

After Toshiros unsanctioned investigation into Aizen, I was bit on edge. Me and the Captain had never been the best of friends, plus I could see a darkness to him.

"Okay...I'm going to tell you something, but you must keep it a secret" she explained

My wolf avatar awaited for her to speak.

"I transferred my powers to a...human"

"Rukai!" I said in shock as my avatar was in a defensive pose

"I know it was a violation of the Soul Society law, but he needed help" she pleaded

My avatar looked around making sure no one had heard it.

"This is a major offense Rukia"

"I know, it's why you need to keep it a secret"

My wolf lowered its head in contemplation, then raised it.

"I can't"

Her eyes widen at the answer.

"I won't report you, but if asked I will speak the truth" I confessed

Though it seemed to reassure her as a smile crept on her face.

"Rukia!? Where are you!?" An unfamiliar voice called out

"I must go"

"Yes, see you later Kakashi" she whispered

My avatar then dissolved away returning to me.

Soul Society

Soi Feng had been trying to overcome my Kirin strike. Still only gaining inches against it. This was her fourth try to surpass the technique. She tried to push against the lightning, but still unable to win. Falling to the ground she huffed as sweat began to run down her.

"Doing better than last time" I praised

"Thanks" she huffed

"Just a bit more, and you'll maybe make a dent"

"...what am I doing wrong?"

"You're forcing it"

"What do you mean?"

"You're pushing your body too hard, and your spiritual energy can get too unstable if your body isn't able to keep up" I explained

"So what do I need to do?"

"Work harder" I answered

All she could do is clench her fists, I wanted to tell her that Yoruichi had used Shunko.

Inner World

After Soi Fengs practice I decided to go home. Still unable to feel completely at peace. I sat in my Inner World not able to sense any of that 'other' me. Though I did see Lobo as she sat on a dark stone.

"Where's the other guy?"

"He lives in the darker areas here, don't worry he comes when he is needed"

"Needed?"

"You'll see"

"So...I need to talk to you"

She lifted her head in interest, waiting for to talk.

"I've been a bit on edge, I still don't have much faith in myself since Kaiens death so I guess I just some guidance" I explained

She sat quietly soon moving off the black stone. I was confused as she brushed past me.

"Come it's time I start teaching you a few things"

"What do you mean?"

"We've been half-assing it this whole time, you're good with technique, but you need understand- no we need to understand each other" she answered

A sword appeared out of the ground, she grabbed the hilt by her jaws.

"Draw your blade"

I did as she got into a defensive position. She glared at me, but I still had questions.

"Why do we have to fight each other?"

She leaped as our blades clashed, I struggled against my friend.

"What better way to understand one another through the fires of battle"

She pushed me back using her blade like a dagger. With each leap the point would clash with my blades edge. She jumped in the air loosening her hold to make a slash movement. I blocked it as she attempted another slash.

"You're good, your stance leaves no opening, and your swordsmanship is clean and proficient"

"And I'm guessing somethings wrong?"

"Just one thing...Instinct"

I narrowed my eyes at the question.

"You can plan all you want, but that is the ingredient to make you a complete warrior"

I mulled it over in my head and remember most of my battles. My fight with captains, my fight with the Hollows, and even my friends. All had been due to my tactics, but what did she mean?

"Lightning doesn't think, it's wild and uncontrollable, but you can focuse it use it to your benefit and you may learn a thing or two about yourself" she explained

I didn't say a word as thunder began to roar.

"The fires here don't stop, only when your soul is greatly disturbed they grow, but when the thunder and lightning come they calm though they won't go away" she explained looking at the battlefield

She released her blade as it fell to the ground.

"Now your other resident can help you, but later"

Division 8

Captain Shunsui had called me early, something that wasn't common.

"Kakashi" he greeted

"Captain Shunsui"

"I got something for you" he said handing a file

"Tell me"

"We're looking into a sensitive matter"

"What matter would that be?"

"Missing people, again this time there is no trace of them not even a last sighting" he explained

"Not much to go on"

"I know, I'm practically asking for a miracle from you" he confessed

"I'll see what I can do, but may I ask who was there Captain?"

Division 5

"So Kakashi what brings you here? we rarely talk so I don't see this as a social call" Aizen said with his empty smile

"Missing people, they were your subordinates" I answered

Aizen stared at me with his cold eyes, as he stood up. Taking a look outside where his other subordinates trained.

"I don't have a clue of what happened to them" he answered

"Then do you know who might have a reason?"

"I would say Gin Ichimaru, but why would he need my subordinates?"

I knew Aizen was hiding something, it might be important. I couldn't ask him outright or he would avoid the question. Threatening was out as well he was a Captain and would cause my own penalty.

"I'll take a look" I said leaving

Stopping at his door I turned.

"Aizen? Do you know who assigned Rukia to the Human World?" I asked

"No, why do you ask?" He responded with a slight shock

"Just curious since she's a rookie and has little experience even if she was promoted to Vice-captain" I answered as I left

Division 3

Coming into the Division 3 compound, I seen it was much larger expected. Seeing Vice-captain Kira I approached.

"Vice-captain Kira" I called out

He was a bit on edge as I called his name. Izuru Kira looked as if he had just gotten out of bed.

"Yes, Vice-captain Hatake?"

"I have few questions for Captain Gin Ichimaru, I was hoping to see him"

"Sorry, but the Captain isn't in today not for awhile at least" he explained

The timing seemed coincidental, but that was a rarity. For me it was very suspicious, but I would have to meet him at another time.