12 [12] Shihouin Yoruichi '1'

Shihouin Yoruichi's POV

I am Shihōin Yoruichi, the former captain of 2nd Division of the Gotei 13, 22nd generational Head of the Shihōin Clan, the first woman to ever hold the position and the former commander of the Onmitsukidō- also called the Secret Mobile Corps, Special Forces and Covert Ops, the second largest organization that Shinigami's join, and one of the three main branches of military in Soul Society, responsible for patrols and conducting of surveillance in enemy territory and carrying out top-secret operations, such as assassinations and the execution of the Shinigami's who have broken the law. (A/N: So..like the Anbu in Naruto with no Danzo & Root TT_TT.)

The born princess of the Tenshiheisōban, the Shihōin Clan, one of the four noble families, the girl that grew up at the Shihōin Mansion in the Seireitei of Soul Society.

Well, that was who I was, hundred years ago.

Complicated as it is, things led to this and that and she got mixed with things hidden behind the veil, getting entangled in the schemes of Aizen resulting in her to leave Soul Society and leave behind her position and titles to help Urahara Kisuke and Tessai Tsukabishi, the former disgraced captains from being sentenced to death.

To obviously set up a force against the sinister plans of Aizen, the 5th division captain.

And it's been 100 years since that, living in this store that is commonly known by the name Urahara Store.

Mainly responsible for getting all the related information circulating in Soul Society which for her as the former commander of Onmitsukidō is an easy task.

While observing Kurosaki Ichigo, the boy with an unique lineage as Urahara believed him to be the solution that would help them in exposing the true nature of Aizen.

And surprisingly that boy somehow got the powers of Shinigami transferred from that girl from Kuchiki family, Rukia Kuchiki.

'Hmm, it reminds me of little Byakuya, Sigh* to think, that little hot headed brat would grow up to be a wonderful captain of 6th division. What can I say?'

The brat who claimed that he would show her that his Shunpo is better than her's.

But transferring the Shinigami powers is a serious crime and for things to lead to this, both Urahara and I knew that this matter was not simple, as the Hōgyoku was sealed in Rukia's body, making us come to a conclusion, that Aizen was behind it.

And even though he knew it, he took a wait and see approach believing that even if Soul Society came to know about it and send their captains to retrieve Rukia back to punish her.

It wouldn't be really detrimental since he believed that Aizen still doesn't know a method to remove the Hōgyoku sealed in her body.

Maybe he planned to let them capture her, believing that this would help Ichigo develop, having ultimately assumed that he would be their last hope, their solution.

Ultimately so that he can harness greater power and become strong.

Some may think that doing this was extremely dangerous, to let him develop and rescue Rukia by himself (in the future) even though it hasn't been that much of a time since he got his Shinigami powers.

But I have to agree that this is the best method to let that orange haired kid to develop mentally, and well, his strength too, also considering his lineage, it is actually possible.

And well knowing Kisuke's personality, he would probably step in if Ichigo truly encounters a danger, once again being confident that Ichigo would be the solution to their problem.

Well, they didn't have any option to begin with.

Since Kisuke is already considered a criminal... that is to say him stopping them from retrieving Rukia would not only tip soul society off that something was weird they would instead come crashing down on him and never notice Aizen at all.

Considering all that, I guess the wait and see approach is the best that we can do right now.

That's that, but all this leads to now.

This moment.

When I sensed that a Shinigami had appeared from Soul Society while looking towards the sky above, sitting above Urahara Store in my black cat form.

Then I moved slowly from there to a room where I saw Urahara Kisuke rasing his head and looking at the sky above.

"It seems you noticed it too."

I remarked, walking leisurely from a short distance away from

"There's someone coming from Soul Society, and judging from the aura,, it's not an ordinary guy."

"Kisuke, what are you going to do next?"

"...let me see."

Kisuke replied, pulling down the hat on his head, maybe having a flash of thought in his mind.

Just some days ago, after Rukia's shinigami power was transferred to Kurosaki Ichigo, he had immediately handed over a gigai to her.

Thinking that with that gigai suppressing her, Rukia Kuchiki's Reiatsu shouldn't recover at all.

Believing that under such preparations, even if the other party sent by Soul Society took some props, it should be impossible for him/her to find Rukia.

Then after some moments of more contemplation he said, looking towards her.

"Yoruichi, please confirm the identity of the other party first."

"If possible, try not to let the other party meet Kurosaki Ichigo."

Hearing what he said while walking away, I nodded, already predicting what he would say right now.

...

But, why is it that, I already failed my task that I haven't even begun yet.

"???"

Shihouin Yoruichi, aka obviously ur Mom- cough* I mean, not at all suspicious 'normal' black cat, that is, her found herself in speechlessness

She is standing on a wall not far away from Kurosaki Ichigo's house, just arriving in her cat form, in a silent pause filled with question marks all over her head.

Could it be that she was tricked by Urahara Kisuke?

What about it being impossible for the other party to find Rukia Kuchiki?

It has only been a short while since the other party arrived in the living world, so it couldn't be a coincidence.

After contemplating a bit about it, feeling a bit helpless along with it since the other party beat her to it, using her cat form she to move forward on the wall and arrive at the door of Kurosaki Ichigo's house.

And, from there, jumping directly to the roof of the second floor.

'Since there is no other way to stop the other party, let's just eavesdrop from the corner and collect information.'

That's what she could come with in such a short time as it seemed that the other party meant no harm, atleast for now.

Then, the moment she found a comfortable position from where she could both hear and observe the other party's words and actions, she heard the black-haired boy, that she heard was called Asa Ryou from that Kuchiki girl, from before speak.

"Why are you so silent?"

In Kurosaki Ichigo's room, the boy could be seen sitting down unceremoniously and looking at Rukia with a smile.

"Don't be so nervous~ I told you we are friends. If you have anything you want to ask, just ask."

He stated nonchalantly, followed by.

"When did you come?"

"A few couple of minutes ago."

"Then...how much do you know about my current situation?"

"Everything."

'!!!'

'How!?'

That is not possible, there is no way that the other party could've know that, although and even if it explains how he was able to find her so quickly.

'Could he be an underling of Aizen?'

A natural question, but a question that got rejected quickly.

After all, that's not possible because if he is, then why wouldn't he capture her right away.

Well, it's too early to assume and judge, let's observe for now.

'The moment I think that it is dangerous, I'll intervene. Hmm, let's do that.'

"Everything?"

"Yeah, Everything."

"..."

Followed by a quite silence, predictable, even she who had plenty of experience about the world was surprised.

Maybe finding the situation funny and predictable, the boy smiled slightly upon seeing the silence of the girl and shifted his attention to the Kurosaki Ichigo.

Following with a remark.

"In order to protect this human being, you broke the rules of the Soul Society and gave him the Shinigami's power. Is that right?."

"...That's right, but how did you know?"

"Yes, and I can only say that I have my means."

'Hmm, interesting, having your own means, this is a vague unclear answer, that means he doesn't want to share it, it could mean many thing.'

Surprisingly the girl nodded, not thinking too much about it, maybe reasons she contemplated in her mind.

But she wouldn't be better, after all, she also doesn't like prying secrets from others, one of the reasons she had changed her team from 'Executive Militia' to the 'Correction Team', reasons she didn't want to think about right now.

It would leave her in a bad mood.

Anyways, I continued observing.

"So..Rukia Kuchiki, you should know the consequences of breaking the rules right? Or do I have to remind you?"

Suddenly, the temperature of the room started growing up, the atmosphere of the room getting intense.

And I also got ready thinking that the other party would attack her.

And just when this happened, Kurosaki Ichigo suddenly got up and interrupted.

"Wait... wait a minute!"

As he shouted, even before Rukia could reply.

"What does it mean to break the rules! And what do you mean by the consequences you mentioned!"

"You should have guessed it, haven't you?"

He replied: "Just like there are laws and regulations among you humans, there are similar things on the Shinigami's side."

"Giving the power of Shinigami to humans is one of the laws that must not be violated."

"Once this rule is broken, the rule breaker will be punished to the highest level."

"In other words...Rukia Kuchiki may just be punished to death."

'Not a wrong assumption, but she would most probably not be punished to death, considering that little brat Byakuya, he should most probably treasure this sister of his that was adopted.'

'So most probably, the other party would use the power of the Kuchiki Family to help her.'

"What a joke!"

Ichigo shouted righteously: "Rukia did that to protect me and Yuzu!"

"She obviously did good things, why should she be executed?"

The sudden shout interrupting her, but she didn't mind it, already used to the boy who only shouts and yells.

But like her, not bothered by it the black-haired boy replied, albeit calmly.

"Unfortunately, these are the rules of Soul Society and I am not able to interfere with it."

Suddenly appearing behind Ichigo, and putting his palm on his shoulder to press him down on his seat.

I was immediately alerted, shocked by the other party's speed, albeit slow compared to her, it was already quite amazing, the Shunpo technique that the other party.

'When!?'

This could be seen, clearly written on Ichigo's head.

His eyes widening in surprise maybe contemplating many thoughts.

'Too much impulsive, then again it is expected.'

I thought, and waited for the next moment when.

The black-haired boy's calm & soft voice sounded again: "Kurosaki Ichigo, breaking Soul Society's rules and still live requires great strength."

"And unfortunately, neither you nor Rukia have that level of strength."

'True, but for him to say it so bluntly and straightforwardly.'

I became confused contemplating wether to laugh or cry.

"...Does that mean you are going to take Rukia back to Soul Society and watch her be executed?"

"Hmm, what will you do if I say yes?"

'Hmm, a taunt that wouldn't have worked on people with experience but would most probably work on this impulsive brat.'

I shook my head, helplessly.

"Then I'll stop you!"

After swallowing some pill he had taken out in advance, he replied getting in his combat mode and slashing at Ryou.

"How naive."

The black-haired boy shook his head slightly, and grabbed the Zanpakuto 'Zangetsu' flying towards him between his thumb and four fingers, applying strength in the next second following with a swift & fast movement that all happened precisely and perfectly and that even in an instant.

Bang~!

The Zangetsu in Ichigo's strength breaking completely like a fragile glass.

'!!!'

It was unexpected, although, she had already accounted that something like this would probably happen, she didn't think that it would be this easy for the other party to do it.

Kurosaki Ichigo's body froze in place, unexpectedly, thinking that the sword he so much prided on was shattered by the other party so easily.

At the same time, a huge amount of Reiatsu was released by the black-haired boy, pressuring & crushing Ichigo to the ground who was preparing to counterattack.

'Captain level!? Is he a new Captain of Gotei 13.?' No, that's not right, I haven't heard about a new Captain joining the Gotei 13.'

I thought at most he would be a vice captain.

Bang——!

"Stop me?"

The boy squatted down and looked at Kurosaki Ichigo who was lying on the ground and couldn't get up.

I didn't interfere since from the looks of it he was just toying with him, reasons I don't know, maybe to warn him not to be reckless, I don't know.

"Kurosaki Ichigo, this is not funny, do you think this is some game where you can apply cheats and solve all your problems instantly."

The black-haired boy said.

It seems he really wanted to make Ichigo realise that he shouldn't be reckless.

"If you want to stop me, you have to stand up

first."

"Arghh!"

Kurosaki Ichigo gritted his teeth, putting his hands on the ground and trying to stand up.

"I won't let you take Rukia..."

I have to commend him for his determination and strong will.

"Stop! That's it!"

Then again an interruption occured.

Rukia, who had been silent since the beginning, came out and stood between Kurosaki Ichigo and Asa Ryou, distancing them from each other

Something I predicted from the muscle movements of Rukia a few moments ago.

"Stop fighting, Vice Captain Ryou."

"I am willing to go back to Soul Society with you, but I hope you can let Ichigo go. He is innocent."

'What a good girl.'

"Now now, don't be like that. It makes me seem like I'm some big villain of a manga."

Ryou smiled and took back the Reiatsu pressing on Ichigo.

"Also, I never said I would take you back. I just wanted to make sure that this human you are saving is prepared for what is to come and I have to say although I'm not impressed, I'm not disappointed."

'Hmm, it seems I was right, this guy really meant no harm.'

"Ah?"

The girl was stunned for a moment: "Do you really mean that? You're not kidding right?"

"I'm not, I mean exactly what I said."

The boy added with a smile: "I am from the fifth team. The fifth team is tasked with rescue missions. The mission of coming to this world is to search for your whereabouts, not to capture you and bring you back."

'Aizen's Team!? Don't tell me he is really Aizen's underling. Wait..calm down, think rationally Yoruichi, he could be just only be a part of the division and may not know about the true nature of Aizen or maybe he is from some other 3rd force from the fact that he knew about the transferring from before maybe this 3rd force is also against Aizen, after all with his strength he should have already become a Captain but from the looks of it, should be vice captain of 5th division.'

"Now that the whereabouts has been found, the mission is completed. What to do next is a matter for the superiors and has nothing to do with me."

He remarked, prompting me to believe that he's a lazy guy.

Anyways, if he already knows about the whereabouts of Rukia and if it's true that he is from some other 3rd force, then his purpose in coming to the living world must be different.

'Hmm, well, let's try to get any information possible to gain from him.'

'Sigh* Such a hard worker I'm, I know.'

...