NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: Chapter 8
Trigger Warning: blood fights
Kisuke sat at the table, waiting for Soifon to return from her fight with the Espada. He knew that the Head Captain had ordered him to keep Soifon away from Hollows and battles, but this enemy felt too powerful for Ichigo and his friends to handle alone.
Kisuke's blonde eyes narrowed as he sensed Soifon's spiritual energy wavering. He almost intervened but recalled how furious she would be if he did.
"Yo, Kisuke!"
Distracted, Kisuke barely registered who was calling him. He was more concerned about Soifon and hoped she was safe. He trusted her abilities and knew she would prevail.
Yoruichi, having just returned from aiding Ichigo against Hollows, decided to check on Soifon and ensure her former student hadn't killed the blonde shopkeeper.
The purple-haired woman, feeling a powerful spiritual energy, decided to leave Ichigo to handle the situation. A frown creased her face when she sensed Soifon's energy mingled with that of an Espada.
"Kisuke!" Yoruichi called out to her friend, but he remained unresponsive, his gaze lost in the distance, holding a cup of tea. His expression was etched with worry.
Taking a deep breath, Yoruichi raised her hand and struck Kisuke on the head. "Kisuke!" she exclaimed sharply. The blonde man jumped up in surprise.
"Yoruichi? What the devil?" he asked, his eyes wide as he recognized his old friend.
"Stop ignoring me!" Yoruichi hissed, her golden eyes blazing with irritation. "I came to see if Soifon had done away with you yet."
Kisuke shook his head, a smile playing on his lips. "Not yet, no." He raised an eyebrow at Yoruichi. "Soi-chan seems to be tolerating me, at least for now."
Yoruichi raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really? Soi-fon usually can't stand you, especially when she's around." She paused. "Maybe she's just trying to be polite to the Head Captain."
Kisuke opened his mouth to protest, but then paused. He realized he didn't mind having Soifon around. He didn't understand why people found it strange. "And what does Soi-fon and I do together have to do with you?" He thought.
Yoruichi's eyes narrowed as she waited for Kisuke to elaborate. But he simply closed his eyes, leaving her both curious and confused.
Yoruichi hesitated, wanting to tell Kisuke about her feelings regarding his involvement with Soifon. She questioned why she should assist Ichigo and his comrades against hollows while neglecting to aid in Soifon's protection. However, the head captain redirected his query to Kisuke.
" SOIFON!"
As Soifon's spiritual energy faltered, Kisuke rose swiftly. Yoruichi's concerned gaze signaled her awareness of the situation. Kisuke acknowledged that he would allow Soifon to engage in battle but made no guarantees against intervening.
"Kisuke, let's go!" Yoruichi urged, realizing the need to assist Soifon. Though Ichigo and Rukia were present, if Soifon's opponent proved stronger, the younger Soul Reapers would be outmatched.
Kisuke nodded, flash-stepping out of the shop towards Soifon's location. His heart raced with worry. "Soifon, you must be alright," he thought.
( Soifon, & Ichigo, & Grimmjow, & Rukia)
"Captain!" Rukia gasped as Soifon soared into another building, Grimmjow pursuing her.
Soifon emerged from the wreckage, Shunko gone, landing heavily on a broken roof. She panted heavily as Grimmjow descended from the sky, his smirk evident.
"Are you finished yet, little captain?" he taunted.
Soifon took a step forward, her gray eyes blazing. "Hell no!" she snapped, despite her body's exhaustion.
Both had inflicted damage. Blood streaked Grimmjow's body, while Hōmonkas of Suzumbatchi littered it.
"Don't think I'll let you strike me again, bitch!" Grimmjow sneered. He doubted his body could absorb any more of Soifon's attacks.
Soifon glared at him and leaped into the air to attack. Her energy reserves were dwindling, yet she refused to resort to her Bankai.
Ichigo stood ready to intervene, but Rukia restrained him. "Rukia, why can't I help?" Ichigo demanded, his voice tense as he observed the fight.
"Because the way they're fighting, you'll only interfere," Rukia explained calmly. Though she acknowledged Ichigo's concern, she knew he was right. They needed to act.
"But I don't understand," Ichigo growled. "Why isn't Soifon using her Bankai?" He couldn't fathom why she hesitated.
Rukia sighed. She wanted to explain to Ichigo that not all Shinigami used their Bankai recklessly like he did. Yet, she had to admit, she was also puzzled by Soifon's reluctance.
"I don't know," Rukia finally replied with a helpless shrug.
Ichigo frowned, wondering what Soifon's bankai looked like. Her rank as a captain hinted at its formidable power. "No one has witnessed Captain Soifon's bankai before," Rukia observed, her gaze fixed on Soifon's sword clashing with Grimmjow's.
As Kisuke and Yoruichi appeared beside them, Ichigo questioned their presence, "Yoruichi, Urahara?!" Kisuke, oblivious to Ichigo's query, focused on the clash between Soifon and Grimmjow. His heart sank as he recognized Soifon's tiring demeanor and dwindling energy.
Their swords met, eyes locking. "This is entertaining, but it's becoming unbearable," Grimmjow smirked. "However, you're gorgeous, little captain. Perhaps I'll take you when this concludes."
"In your dreams, Espada!" Soifon sneered, retreating from the confrontation. She knew she must swiftly end the battle, as only one man possessed the privilege of kidnapping her—Kisuke. Her chest heaved with realization.
Grimmjow laughed. "I will have fun with you," he said, his blue eyes locking with Soifon's cold gray ones. "I'll enjoy quelling that fiery temper of yours and teaching you some respect."
He lunged forward, but stopped abruptly when Ulquiorra appeared behind him.
"Grimmjow, it's time to return," the Espada said calmly. "Lord Aizen has summoned you."
Grimmjow scoffed, reluctant to abandon his newfound amusement. "Fine," he said, glancing at the exhausted Soifon. "Perhaps we'll meet again soon, little captain. Next time, it may not be just a battle."
With that, he vanished with Ulquiorra.
Soifon's gaze lingered on the spot where Grimmjow had stood, unaware of Kisuke's arrival. Lost in contemplation, she shook her head and made her way towards Ichigo and Rukia.
The captain winced at the throbbing wounds that drained her spiritual energy. As her body weakened, she plummeted toward the ground.
"Soifon!" Kisuke's heart sank as he witnessed her collapse. The blonde swiftly leapt up and caught the petite woman in his arms.
Soifon closed her eyes, expecting impact, but felt strong arms enveloping her. She mustered her remaining strength and whispered, "Kisuke?"
"Hey," Kisuke responded softly as he cradled Soifon. "You'll be fine. Don't succumb to sleep."
Sharp coughs wracked her body, blood seeping from her mouth.
Soifon shook her head feebly. "I'm sorry... I can't stay awake." Her eyes drooped as she leaned against Kisuke's chest, her tiny form stained crimson.
Kisuke's voice shook as he rested his hand on Soi Fon's pale cheek. "Come on, Captain, wake up!" he urged.
"Kisuke, we need to get her back to the shop," Yoruichi's words barely registered as Kisuke's mind whirled with concern.
"I'll fetch Orihime," Rukia announced, disappearing in a flash step.
Nodding, Kisuke flashed back to the shop with Soi Fon in his arms. His thoughts raced, "Stay strong, Soi Fon." He winced as she coughed again, her breathing shallow. "Don't give up on me, Soi," he whispered, urging her forward with renewed speed.