The energy in the Seireitei was electric, a palpable buzz that was both familiar and distant to Akio. It was Crimson Ascent day for the fourth-year students at the Shino Academy. Two years removed from his own trial, Akio walked through the academy gates with a sense of detached nostalgia. He no longer needed Kyoraku's name to gain entry in any part of the Academy; the Squad 10 insignia on his arm was enough to wonder wherever he wanted inside the Academy.
But he wasn't here to sight see. He was her to meet somebody or somebodies (if you can say that).
He found the group clustered near the announcement board, a living snapshot of the Gotei 13's future. Renji Abarai's shock of red hair was a beacon of untamed energy, his face locked in its trademark scowl. Hisagi Shūhei stood with an observer's calm, while Izuru Kira offered a silent, respectful nod. Momo Hinamori seemed to vibrate with a mixture of excitement and nerves. And there was Rukia, her posture straighter, her violet eyes holding a new layer of confidence amidst the familiar uncertainty.
"Well, well," Akio announced, a grin spreading across his face as he approached. "If it isn't the Gotei's next generation of problem-solvers. You all put on quite a show out there. Fought with everything you had."
Renji turned, the scowl deepening. "Kurozume. Finally came to see what real combat looks like?"
"Came to make sure you didn't accidentally set the whole arena ablaze with that hair of yours, Matchstick," Akio retorted smoothly. "Pretty sure the academy budget doesn't cover fire damage."
"Will you stop calling me that?!"
"Why? It's descriptively accurate. You're all skinny and flammable-looking."
Before Renji could launch a proper counter-attack, Hisagi intervened, a faint, knowing smile on his lips. "Just ignore him, Abarai. He's bored. Congratulations on your placement, Kurozume-san. Squad 10 seems to be a good fit."
"Oh, Finally someone polite. Thanks, Hisagi. And congratulations right back on you, snagging second place, huh. That's no small feat," Akio said, his tone shifting into genuine appreciation as he scanned the group. "To all of you. Top five. Seriously impressive." His gaze softened as it landed on Rukia. "Especially you, little sister. Fourth place. Your brother might even crack a smile. A small one. Almost invisible to the naked eye."
Rukia's cheeks flushed a light pink, but she held his gaze, a proud smile touching her lips. "Thank you, Akio."
Momo peeked out from behind Hisagi's shoulder. "Did you watch all the matches?"
"Wouldn't have missed it," Akio said. "Had to see who was coming out on top. Can't say I expected it to be the Matchstick, but here we are." He clapped a hand on Renji's shoulder, making him jump. "You did good out there, really. And you, Kira, holding down third. Momo, fifth place is nothing to scoff at either. You all did great."
His expression then shifted to one of mock despair. "The only truly painful part was sitting through the Captain-Commander's speech. And the fact that the Matchstick here didn't continue my glorious legacy and demanded a reward from the old man after winning. A truly disappointing lack of ambition."
"Not everyone's a psycho like you, who asks the Captain-Commander for personal favors! And stop calling me that!" Renji barked, though there was less heat in it than before.
"How rude. Psycho is such a strong word," Akio sighed dramatically. "Ah, well. Duty calls. I have to go. You kids make sure to become splendid Shinigami. Try not to break too many rules. Or do. It's more fun that way." He gave a lazy wave and turned to leave.
He left them to Renji's grumbling and the others' laughter, the easy, familiar camaraderie a bright, warm spot in his day—a reminder of a simpler time before responsibilities and hidden enemies.
The lighthearted feeling evaporated the moment he stepped back into the Squad 10 barracks. The usual boisterous chaos was replaced by a low, tense hum of activity. Lieutenant Matsumoto spotted him immediately, her typically playful demeanor shelved for one of grim efficiency.
"Kurozume. Good, you're back," she said, striding over. "We have a situation. A… diplomatic one."
She launched an explaination quickly. "The young heir of the Hino Clan, a middle-level noble family under the Shiba's patronage, was insistent on a sightseeing tour of the Human World. It was a trivial request, but since the noble family is under the Shiba family, Captain has to send someone from the squad even for formality. Normally, a seated officer would handle the escort."
"But every single seated officer is either on a mission, on approved leave, or buried under the mountain of paperwork this stupid request generated," Rangiku sighed, massaging her temples as if the very thought caused her pain. "So, you're up. You've got quite good field experience for an unseated member in the squad and you are quite competent enough not to start an international incident. The heir's family is sending four of their own guards. You will accompany them. Your job is to be present, look official, and ensure nothing… exciting happens. This is a formality. Smile, nod, and follow them around. That's it."
It was the definition of a babysitting detail. Boring, tedious, and beneath his skill level. Yet, it was also a high-profile, low-reward assignment that reeked of potential complications. 'Perfect.' He could feel the strings of politics tugging at him already.
Akio sighed internally but offered a crisp nod. "Understood, Lieutenant. I'll see it done."
Across the Seireitei, in the deepest, most opulent shadows of the Tsunayashiro estate, the same information was received not with annoyance, but with cold, calculated glee.
Kagero, Tokinada's personal shadow, knelt before his master, delivering his report. "..The Hino heir's visit to human world has been confirmed. Kurozume Akio will also be sent to accompany the heir as a formality as there are no seated members available right now in the tenth squad."
Tokinada Tsunayashiro, who had waited with the infinite patience of a spider for two long years, allowed a slow, razor-sharp smile to spread across his face. "An escort mission. How… fortuitously vulnerable. The perfect chaos to finally excise this lingering problem."
He swirled the sake in his delicate cup, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Send four of our best. The ones who specialize in combat and clean, deniable kills. The attack must appear to target the Hino brat—a tragic, assassination attempt by a rival house. A believable story for the gossiping nobles." His voice dropped to a venomous whisper, filled with chilling intent. "But the primary and only true target is that cursed brat, Kurozume. Ensure he does not return from the Human World. Let his death be lost in the story of the attack and assassination of a noble child."
He paused, his smile widening into a cruel grimace. "And when that Kurozume brat is dead, kill the heir as well. This blow will serve two purposes. It will shatter the Hino family and cause the other mid-level nobles to further lose faith in the Shiba's ability to protect their own. The Shihoin are still struggling since Yoruichi's betrayal and disappearance, and the Kuchiki have no interest in the politics of supremacy. With the Shiba weakened and disgraced, this move will cement the position of House Tsunayashiro as the unassailable leader of the Great Noble Families. We will be first, and we will be alone at the top."
Kagero bowed lower, his form almost melting into the floor. "It will be done, my lord."
"As always, the shadows will cleanse our problems," Tokinada murmured, taking a final sip of sake. "How fitting that the upstart's end will come in the world of humans, far from the protection of his captains. Finally, this irritant will be removed."
[A/N]
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