Chapter 9: HOLLOWED BY GUILT

Alright, I'll leave the rest to you.

...Head Captain, please wait. How exactly do I...prove my innocence...?

"How"...? Come on, you're a member of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. What better way is there than to show off your strength during missions?

...B-But I'm scared.

That's a little rich coming from you. Whether you intended to or not, you defeated a captain-level opponent.

...That's exactly why I'm scared!

[<gender If something were to happen... I might...kill...someone again./If something were to happen... I might...kill...someone again.>]

[<gender I don't want, /I don't want, >]

[<gender I don't want to hurt anyone else, /I don't want to hurt anyone else, >]

!

Don't worry. If you lose control again, I won't hesitate to order your execution.

...

This isn't a game, and we aren't friends. We're all members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads.

So I'll say it once more.

Prove your innocence. With your own two hands.

.........

Raaaghhh!

Hya!

Ku...on...ny...

Forgive me.

Phew...that was close! I thought I was a goner for a second!

That's because, I truly intended to cut you down.

So you WERE trying to kill me...

I'm not playing around here. To me, a sword is,

Is everyone in Squad 11 like this?

Squad 11 has nothing to do with it. When I wield my sword, I always put my life on the line.

You think you can master on the battlefield that which eludes you during training?

Hm, that makes sense! Thanks for practicing with me, Kuonny.

Think nothing of it. Farewell.

Bye-bye!

.........

.........

Akon, how fares Deadline Squad 44?

Reconnaissance missions have begun throughout Soul Society, the World of the Living and Hueco Mundo, as well as the Dangai.

At present, we have not received any new information concerning either Yhwach or the Scarlet Rebellion.

Hmm...

Is it possible that the battle with the new recruit exhausted what remained of both Yhwach's power and the Scarlet Rebellion's forces?

It's more likely, given the manner in which it took control of Lieutenant Kuchiki's body, that Yhwach's power requires a vessel of inordinate strength.

A vessel...?

If the Rebellion's objective is indeed the revival of Yhwach, they will most certainly kick up a fuss sooner or later.

Observe for even the most minute abnormalities.

Yes, sir.

This is the Department of Research & Development.

What is the meaning of this?!

Hm?

The moment we entered Hueco Mundo, we were attacked by that blue-haired Arrancar!

Did you not inform them of our investigation?!

I assure you, we did.

Then why is he ambushing us?!

That sounds like a problem on the Arrancar side. We can't be sure they actually communicate with one another.

Regardless, make sure you lodge an official complaint with Hueco Mundo.

...*sigh*...

Anything else to report?

No, sir, that was everything. How are things on your end?

Miserable. On top of wasting a considerable amount of my time, it requires the utmost skill and precision.

The longer this continues, the more it cuts into my precious research.

Our new recruit had best awaken sooner rather than later...

As you can see, today's Karakura Town patrol mission...

...consists of members in need of some light rehabilitation.

.........

I heard you all received pretty serious injuries during the Corpseshade incident.

But at least try to show some spirit.

.........

I can't heeaar you!

Yeah.

Okay.

......Right.

*sigh*...I see we'll have to start from scratch.

Hollows have been sighted around Karakura Town, recently. Don't let your guards down.

(We don't have time to be cleaning up Hollows... Not with the Scarlet Rebellion still at large in the Seireitei.)

(That last battle made it painfully obvious... We're nothing but dead weight.)

(Hollow hunting is an important responsibility, sure, but isn't there a faster way to get stronger...?)

[<gender (...Hando, Tokishima, and even Shino seem to be in the dark about the incident with Lieutenant Kuchiki...)/(...Giro, Maiko, and even Shino seem to be in the dark about the incident with Lieutenant Kuchiki...)>]

This time, the three of you will handle the Hollows by yourselves to the best of your abilities.

All four of us are going to do a lap around Karakura Town. Try not to stray too far from the group.

Understood? Speak up!

...Yes, ma'am.

Take that!

Groaaarrr...

Well, it's the first battle on the road to recovery, of course it was going to be easy.

.........

What's wrong with you, <param=player_family_name>?

Huh...?

Don't "Huh?" me. Why ain't your sword drawn?!

Well, I...

Ya think your sword's too good for these Hollows? That Kido's more than enough to deal with 'em? Don't get cocky just 'cause ya threw down with Ichigo Kurosaki.

No, it's not like that...

Then what is it?

What's that about fighting Kurosaki?

Ah, no, nothin'.

(Shit, I was ordered not to talk about that!)

Riiight... I don't really care, but let's try to keep the peace, okay?

I hear ya.

And you. Next time, use your sword and fight seriously.

...Yes, ma'am.

Alright, onto the next Hollow.

The hell are ya playin' at?! Why won't ya draw your sword?!

Ya think this is some kinda game?!

I don't...

Then use your damn sword already! Ya forget how to hold it or somethin'? Look, this is how ya do it!

[<gender ...S-Stop.../Stop it...>]

STOP IT!!!

!

[<gender Please...don't touch me or my Zanpakuto.../Please...don't touch me or my Zanpakuto...>]

Hey...

That's enough.

Hando, Tokishima, and I will handle the rest of the Hollow hunt. You'll hang back as support.

...I'm sorry.

This mission is meant get us back on our feet.

That's right, it's not all about fighting.

.........

...Rain...

Ugh...agh...

Urgh...

Hey, what's wrong?

I-I'm fine...

You don't look fine. I've seen less pale sheets.

We're surrounded!

Look, I don't know what's up with you and your sword.

......

Hando...

But protecting people is our job.

<param=player_family_name>...

If ya still can't draw your sword, then use whatever ya can to take these Hollows down.

And if ya can't even do that...then you should give up on bein' a Soul Reaper.

.........

GROOAAARRR!

Shino, I'm ready whenever you are!

Same here.

And you,

...I'm with you.

Got it. Don't overdo it now.

...Yes, ma'am.

Here we go, everyone.

Yes, ma'am!

GROOAAARRR!

Raaaaaagh!

Your power...ain't even close to that Bambi-whatever bomber girl!

GWOOOOO...

Too easy!

Eat THIS!

GWAAAAA!

Damn it! Can't even take it out in one hit... I'm still too weak!

Uuuuuurghhhh...

Here I am, worrying about <param=player_family_name>...when I'm not in much better shape myself.

That night was a painful wake-up call. Physically, I'm just not strong enough.

GRAAAAAAAA!

If only I had enough power to fight with my smarts and guts alone. I don't want to rely on some trump card.

Hya!

Hah!

Guaaaahhh...

Next up, over there.

Vreeeee...

I can tell by their Spiritual Pressure...These guys are strong...

But, I...

GUAAAAAAH!

Ngh!

...*pant* ...*pant*...

Rrrrr....

This isn't looking good...

.........

I'll protect you.

...S-Stop...

GUWAAAARH!

!

What are ya doin', ya moron?!

Argh!

GUAAAAAAH!

[<gender H-Hando...!/G-Giro...!>]

GUUUURH!

Dammit...!

[<gender Hando!/Giro!>]

Pick up...your Zanpakuto...

.........

A real Soul Reaper...never lets go of their sword...even in the face of death...

<param=player_family_name>...!

I'm...

GWOOAR!

Hado Number 4: Byakurai!

NGHAAAOH!

Come and get me!

Rrrrr....!

[<gender ...Forgive me, Hando.../...Forgive me, Giro...>]

But I swear I'll take this one down...

No matter what...

UGRAAAAGH!

Ruler, the mask of blood and flesh, all things of the universe fly, that which names all! Gathering of heat and war,beyond the seas in reverse, take steps to the south.

(Ten more meters...three, two,one, !)

Hado Number 31: Shakkaho!!!

...GRRRRR!

...No...way...

GUOOOORH!

Ngh...

<param=player_first_name> <param=player_family_name>...

Much like this rain, you are but an insignificant droplet.

However...even a droplet is capable of rippling the surface of still water, of being carried by the wind, and of altering the raging tides of fate.

.........

That power will be ours...

Photons,

......

Brazen of you to use this downpour as cover for a kidnapping. On a night like this, one should be enjoying the quiet sounds of the falling rain.

You're trespassing in my backyard.

You're...Yoruichi Shihoin.

Oho, if you know who I am then we can cut to the chase. Leave, and don't make a fuss.

......

Have it your way.

......

You're next.

......

A wise decision.

Oh boy... This one's gonna be a handful.