Chapter 232: The reason
(Ryoto's pov)
Together with Yoruichi, I went to the hill where I made a grave. It was made mostly because of that day when I killed Yan Fon, so it felt appropriate.
Yoruichi already knew that I visited here every year, but she probably didn't know why. It's hard to guess without me explicitly telling anyone.
At first, I stood in front of the grave without saying anything. There were more strokes on the grave than in the first year. I was forced to kill a few Quincies that attacked Isamu and me. Also, a few rouge Shinigami.
*Sigh*
What a brutal world we are living in.
"Do you know whose grave it is?" I asked Yoruichi.
She shook her head. "You never told anyone, and we never asked you since we guessed you would tell us someday."
"I really appreciate it that you didn't push me to share it, and I will explain it to you right now."
"Shouldn't you invite Rin and Isane then, too, to not explain it three separate times?"
"That's the thing. I want you to promise me that you won't tell anyone, especially Rin. At least for a few more years."
Hearing my serious tone, she stared at me, trying to understand why but she just nodded, knowing that she'll know in a moment, but she didn't like the idea too much.
"This grave was made to bury my old self. After Rin and I got into Soul Society, I promised myself to do everything I could to protect her.
Before I met you or Isane, I had a lot of issues, and I didn't sort them out until about 20 years ago after achieving my Bankai.
One of these things was letting my friend die because I wasn't paying enough attention to her, so in a state of panic mixed with my guilt, I made a bad decision in haste and..." I didn't get to finish my sentence.
"Because you assassinated Yan Fon, am I right?"
I widened my eyes.
"You knew?"
"I had a guess. There was never any evidence besides traces of Reiatsu, which were more Hollow like than any Shinigami should ever have. I found the same type of Reiatsu in the underground training room after your training."
"..." I didn't expect her to already know.
"That complicates some things."
"It does, but I'll worry about it in the future."
---
Now that Yoruichi's parents are done, it's time for the big bosses, Unohana and Yamamoto. I could tell them separately, but I want to get it over with as fast as possible. Also, I don't think they'll get mad or anything. I didn't do anything wrong after all.
---
I was mistaken. I should have thought this through more.
I'm currently sitting in dogeza in front of Yama-jii. Unohana was standing next to him.
"So you're telling me that a Captain and two lieutenants are currently pregnant at the same time and will need to have maternity leave in the future?"
"When you say it like that, it sounds like it's a bad thing..."
"It is a bad thing!!! It will leave a big hole in our ranks!!!"
"I already talked with the Shihoin clan leader, and we came to an agreement with Yoruichi's duty. Rin isn't a problem as she is my lieutenant, and Isane has a very competent Captain able to fulfill her duties without her lieutenant."
"Ara~ You have such a high opinion of me, Captain Yuuki, but I won't help you get out of this scolding. It will end when Head Captain decides it ends."
...Change of plans then.
I turned to Yama-jii.
"Yamamoto-sensei, just imagine-"
"I'm not falling for that this time."
Crap baskets.
---
END
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