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Post by Fuu Ayumu on Apr 4, 2024 1:02:11 GMT -6
Fuu lowered her head. She wanted to dismiss the kind captain's words to get more of the facts, no, to understand the truth before her, more importantly, the people involved. However, she couldn't. He was too wise. And he, too, had spent considerable time in Las Noches, over seven years. Since before the Takeover. Had he suffered like she had?
She reached for her lukewarm tea. "I understand. I'm sorry, Miya- Kita, Captain Ukitake."
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Apr 4, 2024 1:04:28 GMT -6
"It was three days," Kita informed Fuu.
Fuu's look was confused as she looked on at Kita.
Kita continued, "Before I ever saw Gin. It was three days, and from that day forward, Aizen's little plan to use us against one another went into action. It was also the day I became the propriety of Gin Ichimaru, and I witnessed Gin's other personality."
"Other personality?" Fuu asked, genuinely confused. The Snake had always been the same and even with her brief meeting in her office, his sly ways very much intact.
Kita smirked, "Gin has many masks, and one of those masks is reserved especially for Lord Aizen."
Fuu gasped eyes widening, her tablet and pen falling to the floor, in hearing Kita call Aizen, Lord.
"Listen to the full story, Ayumu," Juushiro stated quietly from the side.
"I called him Lord Aizen because Gin has two masks for Aizen," Kita giggled, "maybe more than that. He hates—no, Gin loathes the man, and though Aizen might have been very aware of this, Gin convinced Aizen the best he could that he would follow him once more. Though, only to keep us safe from Aizen he let the man believe this. That was," Kita paused and smiled warmly as she looked down into her teacup. "until he found out he was going to be a father. It was shortly after Gin killed Aizen."
"And he disappeared from view after," Fuu murmured.
"He didn't disappear," Kita murmured. "He fell into a coma."
"A coma? Why? Was he too injured to recover?" Fuu shook her head. "Yeah right, like that would keep him down. He was probably scared of being a father."
Kita sighed as she shook her head. "I understand that you are like many of the others here in the Soul Society, Fuu, but please keep your snide remarks to yourself. If anything is going to upset me it will be your comments toward the man I love. Not your questions about the hell we lived through to keep you and everyone else alive."
"And to your question. It was part of it."
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Post by Fuu Ayumu on Apr 4, 2024 1:05:49 GMT -6
Fuu's eyes widened at Kita's confession about Gin being scared.
"Everything was just too much for him. The weight of the end of his long, lonely, bloody journey--the killing of a man who was father, mentor, friend, and his true nemesis--that and a path to happiness--something he never wished for himself--he always believed death would find him before salvation. Plus, Gin was a creature who balanced light and darkness, the loss of that balance was too much."
"And you learned this how?" Fuu questioned.
"Shinsou, Gin's zanp--"
"Ichimaru's zanpakuto," Fuu cut Kita off, her eyes cast to the floor. She slowly looked up at Kita. "Ichimaru's zanpakuto spirt spoke to you?"
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Apr 4, 2024 1:07:05 GMT -6
Kita raised a brow, "is that odd?" She looked at Juushiro as he nodded before explaining.
"You are not a soul reaper, Kita, so it is unusual. Most conversations with a zanpakuto spirit are within their inner realm and usually to their perspective master alone. Occasionally the master can invite another into their inner realm, opening the realm for others with a joint meditation. But it is a special process." He looked to Fuu. "Few can trust that far."
"But then how--And did he..." Fuu was shocked speechless. That man trusted no one. Didn't he?
"I not only spoke to Shinsou but I've been to Gin's inner realm through Sumi, and Gin and Shinsou visited me as a spirit fox in the human realm several times due to Sumi's fading influence. I was trusted by both of them, explicitly. I have even wielded Shinsou and he has even appeared when I have called for his aid."
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Post by Fuu Ayumu on Apr 4, 2024 1:08:00 GMT -6
"Wow...." Fuu looked to her notes or lack therein, of these details. It was so hard to grasp, the man she thought she knew with this particular, very special detail. Of those who could be trusted in another's inner realm, she could only name one that everyone would agree with. The captain in front of her, Juushiro Ukitake. It was nigh impossible for her to compare Gin Ichimaru in comparison to him, but he had not only allowed this woman into his inner realm but Shinsou responded to her as well.
She scribbled something vague. She'd have to talk this through with someone else. Maybe.
She looked to the table spread of snacks and picked up a dango stick this time, balancing the cookies from before. She didn't need to get sick before she finished this.
She needed to get back on track. "From what I remember of the report from the Captains Meeting at the time, Ichimaru was pardoned for his crimes and Urahara stood by him if anyone were to go against that decision..." Fuu paused again before shaking her head. She needed a quiet room to get back to Ichimaru. "But Aizen came back. What happened then? Were you involved? Ichimaru?"
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Apr 4, 2024 1:09:15 GMT -6
Kita's blood froze with that question and her eyes widened. Should she tell Fuu the truth, tell her that Vale was the one that tethered himself to Aizen to bring him back from the dead? If she did that, she would be throwing Vale under the bus.
She shook her head, she was there, to tell the truth, no matter the consequences. "Gin was still very much in his coma when Aizen returned. And we were none the wiser of it at the time, but what had happened was Vale Tervaden had used a forbidden Kido and tethered his life force to Aizen's body. Then went out and picked a fight with anything that moved. The closer Tervaden got to death the closer Aizen came back from the dead."
Fuu blinked a few times as Kita continued.
"Tervaden was smart enough to untether himself from Aizen before he died, but in doing so Aizen was still very weak. The two then gave Aizen a false identity as a human and he lived out the next 8 years in Karakura snuggling up to Sojiro."
"Sojiro?" Fuu asked.
"Mine and Gin's son," Kita replied.
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Post by Fuu Ayumu on Apr 4, 2024 1:10:06 GMT -6
Fuu fell silent, making furious notes, but she also noted that she should look at this information again later, perhaps with her superior. She had to stick with her current purpose. It wasn't possible to write a story with all the details and all the players. Some of this information seemed confidential as well, especially that forbidden kido. What mattered to her right now wasn't the reason behind their enemy's return. That was in the hands of her captains and the commander. What she wanted, no, needed in order to sleep better was the truth between Kita and Ichimaru.
She returned to the matter of Sojiro, nibbling on her snack again. "He was only 8, right? He didn't hurt him, did he?"
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Apr 4, 2024 1:11:53 GMT -6
"No, he never tried to harm him. He only wanted to win him over. Aizen's main motive was to try and take Sojiro away from his father. I am not sure how Aizen thought he was going to do that. The only thing," Kita's brow furrowed, "I can think of is he was going to try and tell him about his father's wrongdoings. Trying to turn him against him."
Fuu huffed, "Like Aizen is some kind of angel."
Kita giggled, "Sojiro was told about his father and Aizen and even the things I had done. I did not want our son to be blindsided by any of this. Gin was not too sure about it, but he saw that it did not change how his son felt about him."
"That's a lot to put on a child. He was only eight... Did it have to be so young?" Fuu questioned.
Kita's head nodded, "the day he started asking questions about his father was the day we started explaining. Even though Gin was in a coma, we were still very much connected with him, through Sumi and Shinsou."
Kita smiled, " We started small and built upward, and we did not add details. There was no need. His seven years in Las Noches showed him more than any child should ever be exposed to."
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Post by Fuu Ayumu on Apr 4, 2024 1:14:38 GMT -6
"Is he okay?" Fuu asked. "You told me even your children were used against you. He wasn't ... harmed, was he?"
"He was not harmed so to say. In truth. I don't think Aizen can bring it upon himself to harm a child. Will he play with their head? Most definitely, but to physically harm a child I don't think he has it in him." Kita confessed what she believed to be one of Aizen's weaknesses.
"Gin did, however, watch Sojiro pick up Shinsou and nearly attack Ulquiorra, and Vale did hurt Sojiro--at least once--with Sada."
"Wait, but Sada is one of the worst! How did the kid survive such an attack?"
"Sada can also heal his attacks if he is so inclined or ordered to," Kita muttered, hands clenching. "I didn't know about everything that happened to him, but he made it out of there. Soji trusted in his family," she looked into her lap, "maybe more than he should have at times. He's also blessed. I think that helped him."
More tears filled her eyes, thinking of her brother. "He is actually one of the lucky ones. Sumi fulfilled her promise to me with him."
"Promise? What promise was that?" Fuu asked.
"To protect me and for my sanity, my family. How she did that for Gin and I was dubious at best."
"Is that why you attacked Soul Society? For your family?"
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Apr 4, 2024 1:15:52 GMT -6
"That is a horse of a different color. I was actually not supposed to come to Soul Society. My orders were to destroy the human realm. Gin and I were ordered to go to Karakura." Kita confessed.
"Karakura? What changed?" Fuu asked.
"Vale Tervaden. He was trying to keep me as far away from Gin as he possibly could. When Vale and I arrived in Soul Society I had to make my attack look as good as possible without hurting as many as I could." Tears started pooling in Kita's eyes. "I was unsuccessful in my attempt, and that weight -- and guilt -- has haunted me ever since that day." The tears broke free and trickled down her cheeks.
"If there was a moment," she sniffled, "in time that I could relive," she wiped at the hot tears streaming down her cheeks, "it would be that time, so I could do it right and save everyone." Kita covered her face and bawled in her hands. "I am so sorry Fuu. I did not want to hurt anyone."
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Post by Fuu Ayumu on Apr 4, 2024 1:17:16 GMT -6
Fuu’s eyes widened as Kita broke down and made to rise, but before she could speak or do anything else, there was a whoosh of shunpo and another pair of arms wrapped around Kita, holding her close. Gin Ichimaru. She blinked but the silver-haired reaper ignored her, his squinted eyes on the woman in his arms. Fuu retrieved her notebook from where it had fallen, attempting to give them some space, but she could not take her eyes off them.
The snake hadn’t even acknowledged her yet. Fuu knew she was no threat to his prowess, but still, he always seemed aware of those around him, even if it were just to put them beneath his notice. This time, however, was different. She could still feel his energy crawling around them, but the keen edge of his presence wasn’t pressing down on her.
Captain Ukitake rose from the table, holding a hand out to stall Fuu. “I’ll prepare some more tea. To give us all a breather.” He walked over to the door, sliding it open.
He paused and Fuu wondered if he would address Ichimaru. But a moment later, he passed through, leaving her alone with the couple.
Fuu glanced over to them, both silent but for Kita’s low sobs, and then back at her notes. Despite her deep-seated distrust of the reaper, she couldn’t dismiss a sliver of envy for the trust in the pair before her or discount the heavy weight of sorrow cloaking them. She couldn’t help but ask herself, hating herself at the same time, if Ichimaru regretted more than the pain Kita suffered as well.
Could a man like him change? Should they accept it? Could she pardon Kita in her writing without giving him the benefit of the doubt?
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Post by Kita Miyamoto on Apr 4, 2024 1:19:13 GMT -6
“I’m all right,” Kita whispered to Gin as he held her close.
“I warned you, dearie. You don't have my heart of of stone,” Gin wiped her tears away, looking into her eyes. He grinned. "Now what were you talking about?” His look turned to the now terrified girl.
Fuu’s hands shot up in her defense. “The attack on the Soul Society, I’m sorry I did not know it was going to be such a touchy subject.”
"I’m fine, Gin. I swear,” Kita repeated.
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Apr 4, 2024 1:43:12 GMT -6
“Ichimaru,” Juushiro murmured from the door, holding a new tray of tea and plates of hot apple pie, “if you are going to interrogate Fuu, I’ll have to ask you to leave once more.” When the reaper’s eyes narrowed but didn’t retort, he walked in and set the tray down. “If you remain calm, you may stay for this part. Kita needs a few moments to collect herself so I will take over this part of the interview.”
Fuu’s terror banked as confusion set in. “Take over? Captain Ukitake, what do you mean-”
Kita blinked in confusion as well, too distressed to recall, as the captain expected, but Ichimaru caught on instantly, as expected.
“You’re telling her that?”
Juushiro nodded. “It needs to be done.”
Ichimaru chuckled, and Fuu felt her fear shifting into anger. She hated that mocking sneer.
“Well then, this will be interesting.” He took a seat and pulled Kita into his lap. She started to speak, wiping her tears away again, but he set a finger to her lips, grinning all the while. “Take a breather, dearie. This, I want to see.” He grabbed a slice of pie and held out a piece, still smirking.
Fuu glared at him, once again sure of her initial assessment of the man, but schooled her expression when the captain cleared his throat, recalling her place. She picked out a piece as well.
Juushiro waited for Kita to take her bite and for Fuu to swallow her own before he picked up his slice. For a few minutes, the only sounds in the room were the tinkling of china and silverware. Even Kita’s distressed breathing eased up. Juushiro let them relax.
But he couldn’t let it continue too long. Ichimaru would not sit silent for long, even if he were focused on Kita, and a prolonged break could cause Kita to catch on and worry, too. That wouldn’t help.
Juushiro took a sip of his tea and then began.
“The blame for the attack on Soul Society is not Kita’s to bear. It is for Aizen, Tervaden, the Seraph Sumi, and select captains of the Gotei 13 to bear that burden.”
“Juu-” Kita started but Gin covered her lips again.
Fuu’s eyes were wide and her face was white with shock. “Captain, what- what do you mean by that? I mean, you can’t be serious.”
Kita tried again but Juushiro overrode her. “I have never been more so, Officer Ayumu. Aizen had returned and we knew he would never stop trying to use Kita or looking for revenge on Ichimaru. The two were irrevocably tied to his fate, even more so with their bond and Sojiro as their son.” Juushiro bowed his head. “They could not escape and were stronger together, so we met with them and planned Aizen’s demise.”
“Who?” Fuu squeaked.
“Captains Kuchiki of Sixth Division, Mutsu of Third Division, Karakura Defender Urahara, and myself.”
“Not the commander? And wait,” she did the calculations in her head. “not either of the Komamuras? Wasn’t this an intelligence meeting?”
“It was but some were not involved. Urahara came to me with the plan. The Komamuras were excused because they were recovering from the confrontation with Sada Teruo. As for the commander,” Juushiro sighed, “we made a joint decision not to involve him as he was being constantly targeted by Tervaden.” He fell silent, sipping his tea.
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Post by Fuu Ayumu on Apr 4, 2024 1:45:20 GMT -6
Fuu let him be, making notes both on his words as well as the information she recalled on previous attacks against Soul Society, the attack by Tervaden that had left their commander nearly dead and blind, the surprise assault of Sada Teruo on the captains training to leave terror and pain in its wake. She understood why such steps had been taken.
“What was the plan?” she finally asked. She glanced over to the couple out of the corner of her eye. “Was Ichimaru going to kill him again?”
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Post by Captain Juushiro Ukitake on Apr 4, 2024 1:50:47 GMT -6
Juushiro felt a catch in his throat but ignored it. “With Aizen’s return, the gods gave the leaders of each realm a prophecy. Seven years before the next war. Seven years before we could attack Hueco Mundo and seven years before Aizen or his allies could unleash their full power. As you know from the assault on the training dome and successive battles, it only curtailed the worst here in Soul Society. It was the same in Karkura. The Kurosakis, Uraharas, and Kita’s family suffered as we did. So Urahara devised a plan to infiltrate Las Noches in the future, using Kita and Ichimaru. As a unit, they would defect on the next possible opportunity until it came time to fulfill the next prophecy.”
He coughed and the girls in the room started, but Juushiro lifted his gaze to catch the trembling officer’s eyes in his own. He needed to finish this. “That meant doing whatever was necessary, no matter the cost to them or to the realms. For the greater good, we sacrificed the Urahara family as well as the family of a human woman who should never have been a part of this. This was the price of any victory we could claim.”
The cough bubbled up and he doubled over, Kita and Fuu both rushing over. He held up a hand. “I am calling a halt to this interview. I know you have more questions, Fuu, but I also know that what you have learned has shaken you greatly. You need to think before you finish here.”
Fuu swallowed as she watched Kita heal Ukitake, muttering about him being too stubborn to let her heal him before. “You-you said that you sacrificed the Uraharas…”
The ailing captain nodded with a sigh. “Kita has a brother, Kenji Urahara, and he’s been as much a part of this as any other who suffered in this war. As a child, Aizen exploited him, and as a teen, when he couldn’t fight with the zanpakuto powers he’d earned with his determination as a child, he nearly died at the hands of Sada Teruo before being captured with Sojiro. When he became a prisoner, his father distanced himself to prevent further pain, but instead, the boy has grown up with no guidance only lies and deceit.” He lowered his head. "Those who cared.... could do nothing..."
It was a confession not only to Kenji...
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