#inuzuri

[recurring-polynya]

In my continuing quest to wring meaning from the filler bits of Bleach anime episode #32, why are there 55 gallon oil drums in Inuzuri?

The obvious explanation is that the Seireitei ships its nuclear forbidden-kidou waste products out there, which also explains why there are so many carts.

[scratching92]

Starting my third attempt at a Renruki one-shot from Renji’s pov. Wish me luck.

[cooliogirl101]

WTL Deleted Scene

The bar had been closed for an hour and Mitsuo was in the process of cleaning up when he noticed the woman standing by the door. It was raining hard outside but she didn’t seem to notice or care, looking completely lost in thought.

Mitsuo hesitated for a moment before making his way towards the front.

“Can I help you?” He asked politely. The woman jolted slightly, before staring up at him with wide, startled eyes.

“No,” she said after a brief pause. “No, it’s okay. I shouldn’t have come. Sorry for disturbing you.”

She turned to walk away and before he could think better of it, Mitsuo reached out one hand to grab her shoulder. She went alarmingly stiff under his touch and he hastily let her go.

“I apologize, I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s just that, well.” He took in her drenched clothes, the lack of umbrella, the water droplets running down her face. “You look like you could use a place to warm up.”

She glanced at the very blatant ‘Closed’ sign on the door before looking back at him.

“I think we have time for one more customer,” he said, answering her unspoken question, and stepped aside to allow her in.

~~

“So that bad, huh?” The woman, who had introduced herself as ‘Hana,’ asked casually. Mitsuo raised an eyebrow at her.

“What do you mean?” He asked, sliding a cup of tea over to her.

“The way I look.” Her lips quirked up slightly, a touch of humor entering her eyes. “I figure it has to be bad if strangers are taking pity on me and allowing me to take shelter for free after hours. Be honest, on a scale of drowned rat to drenched owl, how bad are we talking?”

He took in her shoulder length sopping-wet brown hair, brown eyes, brown coat. She did look a bit like a bedraggled animal, actually.

“Hmm, more along the lines of wet cat, to be frank,” Mitsuo said, smiling. “How’s the tea?”

She took a sip, then drew back, surprised. “This-- ”

“Not bad, right?” Mitsuo chuckled.

“Well. The standards of tea have certainly improved since the last time I’ve been in Inuzuri,” Hana remarked. “Must mean this place is doing pretty well, right?”

“You could say that.” They certainly weren’t lacking money anyway. “I think we have some food leftover in the back. Let me see if I can scrounge up something.”

“You don’t have to,” Hana protested. “Seriously, you’ve done more than enough.”

“It’s no trouble.” Mitsuo smiled briefly. “Besides, it’d hardly be polite to let a lady go hungry. Why don’t you take a look at a menu and see if anything catches your eye?”

“Absolutely not, I’m not going to—wait, who came up with the names of these drinks?” She asked incredulously.

“Ah yes, I’m afraid my brother had quite a bit of fun coming up with them.” Mitsuo grinned, suppressing a chuckle. “My sister, she was of the belief that we should be trying to attract a more diverse clientele and suggested that creating cocktails designed to cater to both men and women might be a good idea. Kazuki—my brother—thought it was ridiculous and was deeply upset at the idea of serving ‘girly’ drinks in his bar. Unfortunately for him, he was unanimously outvoted. The compromise was that he would be allowed to name the drinks.”

“And K—and they approved these?” Hana’s lips twitched as she scanned the list. “The Red-Hot Pineapple Monkey? Oh dear, the person who inspired that one must be a…character.”

Mitsuo hummed his agreement, hiding his surprise. It wasn’t often that newcomers guessed the cocktail names were inspired by actual people, and that one was a comparatively less obvious one.

“Maybe I’ll try something after all. This one sounds promising—the Flower Power Glower.” She laughed. “I’m sorry, it’s just that one…I mean, I would have loved to—” Her voice trailed off, shoulders slumping slightly. “But I guess that’s not possible anymore.”

Hana glanced up at Mitsuo, a wry twist to her mouth.

“Maybe alcohol isn’t such a good idea tonight.”

“Maybe not,” Mitsuo agreed gently. “And for what it’s worth, I understand. I’ve lost people too. If there’s anything I can do to help, I’d be glad to give it a try.”

“Thank you, that’s very kind of you.” She hesitated. “There is one thing. I just—your family.” Hana looked down at her hands, fiddling with her mug. “They sound like…like an amazing group of people. Would you tell me about them?” There was an odd urgency to her voice now, words coming out just a touch too fast. “Please?”

Mitsuo paused. By all means, he should decline her request. It wasn’t exactly a secret that two highly-ranked Shinigami came from their household and although neither Rukia nor Renji visited frequently these days, it wasn’t unfeasible that someone could come seeking information to use against them. And yet, he couldn’t help but instinctively trust that this woman meant him and his family no harm.

He hadn’t lived this long by ignoring his instincts.

“What do you want to know?” He asked.

~~

They ended up talking for hours. Honestly, they probably could have ended up talking for longer had Kazuki not stormed in, shaking droplets of rain out of his hair.

“There you are! The bar closed hours ago, where the hell have you—who the hell is she?” Kazuki drew up short at the sight of Hana and Mitsuo sitting across from each other at the bar, halfway through their second pot of tea. Hana looked at him with the same wide-eyed look she’d greeted Mitsuo with.

“Manners, Kazuki,” Mitsuo said dryly.

“Shut up, this ain’t the goddamned Seireitei,” Kazuki retorted without taking his eyes off Hana. “So who is she?”

“She is able to hear you,” Hana said, a touch sardonically. “You can call me Hana.”

“Just Hana, huh? No last name?” Kazuki asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

“You’re hardly one to talk, given that you haven’t provided either of yours,” she retorted without missing a beat. He blinked, then grinned.

“Fair enough. You can call me Kazuki then.” His eyes fell onto the mostly-empty plate of gyoza on the table. “Aw man, I was hoping to eat those later.”

“Don’t worry, we saved the smallest one for you,” she replied, tongue-in-cheek. Mitsuo blinked. That had almost sounded like—

“I mean, thank you for the drinks and the food,” Hana said hastily, interrupting his thoughts. “How much do I owe you? And don’t tell me it’s on the house again, I mean the real cost.”

“How much do you want to pay?” At her uncomprehending look, Kazuki smirked. “We operate on a donation-only system here. You pay what you want, and if you don’t want to pay anything, that’s perfectly fine too.” He looked her over. “Actually on second thought, I second what Mitsuo said. It’s on the house—please use any money you have to buy an umbrella.”

“That doesn’t seem like a viable way to run a business,” Hana pointed out.

“Don’t worry about that. Anything that isn’t covered by donations just gets added to Hisana’s tab,” Kazuki shrugged.

There was a pause.

“Hisana’s tab?” Hana questioned. Her voice was very small.

“It’s a system we set up in honor of our late sister,” Mitsuo explained quietly. “Well, us and her fiancé at the time. Anyone who comes to this bar only needs to ask in order to be fed.”

It had been Kuchiki Byakuya’s idea. The amount of money he donated on a yearly basis could feed more hungry orphans than existed in all of Inuzuri.

“Oh.” Hana swallowed. “That’s—that’s a really nice thing to do. I’m sure your sister would have loved that.” She stood up and bowed. “I’ve taken up enough of your time. Thank you for your kindness—I can’t tell you how much it means to me.” 

“You have a place to stay?” Mitsuo asked, concerned.

“Of course. You don’t have to worry about me,” she smiled. “I’ll be fine.”

Mitsuo pursed his lips, studying her closely. There was something oddly familiar about her, something that had been bothering him all evening. Not her features—no, Mitsuo was quite certain he’d never seen this woman before in his life—but in her tone of voice, the way she tilted her chin up—

He shook off the sense of déjà vu and smiled at her.

“In that case, please feel free to come back at any time. You’re always welcome,” he said sincerely. “I hope to see you again.” 

Her smile softened into something a little more genuine.

“As do I,” she murmured. “Take care, Mitsuo, Kazuki.”

“So. Hana, huh?” Kazuki commented as soon as the door shut behind her. “Someone you know?”

“Not at all. I’ve never seen her before tonight,” Mitsuo replied honestly. “Why?”

He shrugged, staring off into the same direction Hana had left.

“Nothing. Just feel like I’ve met her before.”

~~

Hisana: “You don’t have to worry about me, I’ll be fine” while very much the opposite of fine

Mitsuo and Kazuki, immediately: wait why does this girl seem so familiar

Deleted this scene because I decided Hisana wouldn't risk going back to her family until Aizen was no longer a threat, no matter how much she missed them. But I figured I'd share this snippet anyway, hope you guys enjoy!

[electronicwitchcollection]

Shinji Smut

Sorry for the length, I find it impossible to write anything under 4k 😅

also, sorry for the filth 😂

please enjoy 🥹

You meet Shinji Hirako in a bar in soul society

Prompt: "we're not doing this standing, there's. Perfectly good bed right there"

prompt 2: "good girl"

———————————————————

Ignoring the shouts from souls selling their wears or their company, you walked down the street with a particular destination in mind. Nestled deep in Inuzuri, more fondly named "the pleasure district" in the South Rukongai was a bar. The hanging dog was a dingy little place situated just off the beaten path, a little hidden gem known for its unique music and cheap drinks.

Side stepping a rowdy group of Shinigami, well on their way to being pleasantly drunk, you ducked your head, letting your hair fall to cover your face to cover your identity until you made it to the inns wooden door. Taking a moment to smooth your hair back into place and pull down the hem of the tight black dress you were wearing, before you pushed open the door.

The unique, upbeat music washed over you as you entered, flowing around you and pulling you in deeper to the soulful melody. Squeezing past patrons merrily drinking and smoking, you pushed your way across the sticky floor towards the bar. Hopping up onto a free stool, assuring your dress was still covering you, you gazed across the room.

Stale smoke, cheap beer and the slight undertone of sweaty bodies clung to the fabric of the few chairs and worn down carpet. The lights were dimmed, assisting the atmosphere the music was creating. Loud conversations Fought to be heard over the music, the body heat of dancers shamelessly grinding on each other warmed the small place, causing your cheeks to flush delicately.

"what can I get yer darlin?" The raspy voice of the inns landlady caught your attention from across the bar. A short woman with wild, curly blond hair, well know for her equally short Patience. The no nonsense woman easily handled the rowdy drunks visiting her establishment

"whisky over ice please" you ask with a big smile. You watched as she fixed up your drink, measuring by eye a large amount of the deep honey coloured whisky before expertly sliding it to a stop next to you. You handed over the coins with a thanks, before she moved on to the next thirsty customer. The chill from the glass sinked into your palm as you raised it to your lips, smooth, oaky nectar lit up your tongue, leaving a slight burn in your throat as you swallowed.

Movement caught your attention in your peripheral, moving up next to you. You lowered your drink to the bar, nursing your drink in your hand as you turn to the stranger standing close to you. His thigh pressed up against your legs, crossed at the ankles as he gave you a big toothy grin. You lick away the moisture left from your drink from your lips as you regard the stranger.

Taller than you, he had a slight frame, wearing dark trousers and an deep orange button up. The black tie cut against the colour, pulling the eye. He had jaw-length blonde hair with an asymmetrical cut at the fringe. Soft brown eyes looked into your own as he spoke

"what's a pretty girl like ya doin' in a place like dis?" His thick Kansai dialect sounded enticing, though you weren't impressed with the pick up line youve heard a thousand times over. Smiling coyly, you avert your gaze to your drink, bringing it up for another slow pull, you didn't notice the way he watched your every movement

"how many times have you used that pick up line?" You ask quietly, making him lean in to hear you, his grin only widened

"how many times today or..?" He trailed off playfully, animatedly waving his hand around as he spoke

You nod in your correct assumption "and how many times has it worked?"

"now that depends" he said, leaning his elbow on the bar to assist him leaning in closer "is it working with ya?"

You lean in, playful smile on your face. A slight tilt of your head had him leaning in closer "im afraid not" you say, before leaning back into the stool to create some distance. His smile never wavered though his eyes shone with mischief. The woman behind the bar interrupted your electrically charged flirting, asking the stranger for his drinks order. You watched as the stranger leaned over the bar, talking to her in a familiar way. The loud music drowned out what he had said that made her laugh before turning to fix his drink.

Turning his attention back to you, he leaned against the bar, hips jutting out seductively. "Do ya believe in love at first sight? Or should I walk past again?"

You cocked an amused eyebrow at him, fighting back the chuckle that wanted to escape. You weren't going to give him the satisfaction, not just yet.

"that was as bad as the first" you told him as the bar keep reappeared, sliding over the new drink before disappearing. The man chuckled, shaking his head gently as he grabbed his drink.

"yer a hard woman to please" he accused you, peering at you over the rim of his drink.

"do you often find it hard to please women?" You couldn't help the chuckle that time as he choked on his drink. Swallowing some the wrong way, he coughed harshly, thumping his chest a few times with his fist. The satisfaction was clear on your face as he calmed himself to give you a dirty grin.

"I'll win ya over, mark my words" you notice the flash of silver on his tongue as he spoke, you wondered how it would feel sliding over your own. "There's plenty more where that came from" he gave you a wink before pushing off against the bar and disappearing into the crowd

———————————————————

The music changed, the new faster tempo song had you dancing slightly in your seat, shoulders swaying to the beat.

"you must me exhausted" the Kansai dialect muttered from behind you making you jump. You turned your head to see the man smirking behind you, eyes followed his as he walked around your stool, coming to a stop, leaning against the bar in front of you. "Youve been running through my mind all night"

"how long did it take you to come up with that one? " You teased before finishing the rest on your drink. Noticing you push your empty glass away, the joker caught the attention of the woman behind the bar, holding up two long fingers

"now that would be tellin' doll" he returned his gaze to you, offering a wink. "Is it working yet?"

"now that would be telling', doll" you poorly Mimic his accent, getting an answering grin in return. The hostess returned, putting two drinks down in-front of the man, waving him off with an amused "it's on the house" when he tried to pay

"what's yer name?" He asked you, pushing one of the drinks your direction

Accepting the drink with a thankful nod, you sample the nectar before offering it "YN" 

"A beautiful name for a beautiful girl" you rolled your eyes playfully at the cheesy line. "Yer not gonna ask mine?"

"I know who you are, Captain Hirako"

"Shinji" he insisted, not phased that you already knew his identity "It’s kinda slutty when girls give blowjobs to strangers, so let’s get acquainted first aye?"

You snort at the change of direction his lines had taken, your cheeks flushed at the dirty words, teeth teased your bottom lip "and who said I would be giving you a blowjob Captain?"

"I've got crystal balls" He grinned, pleased you were still playing along "they let me see into the future"

"you should get them checked out, they seem to be broken"

"ya offering to check em out?" His lecherous eyebrow wiggle got you laughing. Shaking your head amused you pick up your neglected drink and enjoyed the taste "what devision are ya in?"

"8th, Captan Kyoraku" 

"I shoulda guessed, Kyoraku always has the prettiest girls in his division " he rolled his eyes good Naturedly. The 8th was an almost all female division, your Captain famous for his shameless flirting and avoidance for paperwork. While he had flirted with you on occasion you've always felt that it was nothing more than a way to put you at ease. It was just who he was.

"careful now, you're sounding jealous" you smirk over the rim of your glass

"oh I'm terribly jealous" he said while his eyes slowly raked over your form, taking in each and every curve hugged by the black dress you were wearing. You blushed under his hungry gaze, squirming slightly on your seat as your thighs subconsciously squeezed together "Im not surprised he don't get no work done with ya about the office"

"Im not that kind of girl, captain" you say coyly, placing your glass back on the bar

"we will see about that" he said leaning forward, invading your space confidently. His long fingers brushed your hair over your shoulder, exposing your neck. Getting closer, you could feel his breath ghost against your ear making you shudder "I thought I told ya to call me Shinji" he husked into your ear.

Pulling back he stopped close to your face, tilting up your chin with his fingers. When you looked into his eyes with held breath,he grinned. His thumb brushed against your full bottom lip, causing your breath to hitch, before he pulled away completely.

"try not to watch my ass as I walk away" he winked before doing just that. You couldn't stop your eyes wandering down as he did

———————————————————

You had gotten into conversation with the landlady, laughing hard at her quick jokes and tales of drunken shinigami that had visited. The whisky was going down smooth, the energetic music flowing through you. Standing at the bar, leaning on it to hear the stories over the music, your hips swayed to the beat.

The landlady laughed along with you, her face splitting into a wide grin as she saw something over your shoulder. With a nod, she indicated behind you. You turned quickly, nearly bumping into the blonde captain

"dance with me" he asked, holding his hand out in invitation,

"what, you've ran out of pick up lines?" You teased back, letting his hand hang between you

"I'll give ya another one, if ya dance with me" he beckoned you forward with a curl of his fingers. You watched his face break out into a grin as you slammed back the rest of your drink, placing it back on the bar before putting your hand in his.

"have fun you two!" The landlady called after you as he lead you to the small makeshift dance floor.

"Is it hot in here? Or is that just you?"  He asked after pulling you flush against his body. You laugh both at the cheesy pick up line and the way he lecherously gyrated his hips against yours. You placed your hand firmly on his chest, backing him up a little. Satisfied with with space between you, you smooth your hand further up his chest, leaving it to settle on his shoulder. Letting the music flow through you, you close your eyes and swing your hips to the beat

Shinji was mesmerised by the way your hips moved, captivated by the sultry sway. The dress you wore hugged your figure perfectly, accentuating your curves. He held onto your Shapley hips, pulling you closer as he synced your movements together. You opened your eyes, smiling up at him seductively. Turning in his arms, you lay your hands over his own at your hips, circling them slowly to push your ass against his groin. You heard the sharp intake of breath behind you and caught the smug chuckle before it escaped your lips.

After teasing you all night, it was about time the tables had turned. Shinji readily matched your dance, subtly grinding himself into your ass as his hands caressed over your hips and thighs. "Woman" he breathed close to your ear eliciting a shudder from you "yer going ta drive me crazy"

You felt his hardening length push against you, pushing against it firmly before your turned back to face him"you're a good dancer" you praise him, letting him slip a hand towards your ass and push you into him

"I'm good at a lot of things" he boasted with a grin, leaning down closer towards you. In turn you tilted up your head, wrapping your arms around his neck.

Your teeth teased your bottom lip as your eyes darted down to his own and back to his eyes, already staring intently down at you. You watched as his tongue slowly ran across his lips, moistening the skin there. The small flash of metal caught your attention again."Show me"

Shinji closed the distance and captured your lips in a kiss. His hand squeezed the flesh of your ass as the other flew up to your hair, fisting the silky strands and tilting your head back. You groaned at the feeling, your lips parting enough for Shinji to take advantage. His tongue eased into your mouth, skilfully caressing against your own. You could feel the smooth metal imbedded in the appendage glide over your tongue. It was nothing like you've ever felt before. You eagerly chased after it, following the cool metal and deepening the kiss.

You playing fought for dominance, pushing against his kiss. You could feel Shinji smirk into the kiss before tightening his hold on your hair, manipulating into the position he wanted before kissing you feverishly. You melted into the kiss, sinking into Shinjis embrace. All too soon Shinji pulled away, dropping another sweet kiss on your swollen lips as you parted.

"how bout we try that again" he murmured against your lips, "with a little less company" he indicated to the crowed of drunken dancers surrounding you with a nod of his head. The kiss had made you forget about the bumbling drunks staggering around you, the music seemed louder to your ears " I have a room upstairs" 

——————————————————

You giggled as you ran up the creaking wooden steps, Shinji hot on your heels as he playfully tapped at your ass. The music while muffled, still provided you with a sultry beat as you neared the top. You stopped at the closed door, slightly out of breath as Shinji loomed over you, fiddling with the lock until the door Swung open. The room was cast in a soft glow from a lantern sat on the bedside table, a large four poster bed dominated the room, pulling the eye.

You hardly made it past the threshold before Shinji had you pressed up against the now closed door. Pulling your arms above your head, he pinned your wrists to the door in one strong hand, the other tilted your chin up to meet him in a bruising kiss.

You let out an unashamed moan. Shinji deepened the kiss, pinning your lower body with his hips. He nibbled at your bottom lip before kissing his way to your neck, lavishing the sensitive skin with playful nips and sloppy kisses, leaving you breathless. You squirmed in his hold, head tilted to the side to give him more access,

"Shinji" your breathlessly moaned into the room, body heating up deliciously under his touch. Shinji sucked in a breath at your neck before letting out a low groan, slowly grinding his hips into yours

"the way ya say ma name" his voice was depended with lust, almost gravely as he left the crook of your neck to look into your eyes, close enough to kiss "yer making it difficult not to fuck ya against the door"

His dirty words only fuelled your lustful need, your hips jerked forward seeking friction. Hands still held securely above your head, you whispered against his lips "please"

Shinji smirked, pleased with the beg. Releasing your wrists, he slowly trailed his hands down your body, following the curve of your hips and down to your shapely thighs. Wrapping his large hands around the supple flesh, he easily lifted you. Your legs wrapped around him automatically

"Were not doin' this standing, there's a perfectly good bed righ there" he muttered before capturing your lips in a searing kiss. Your arms wrapped around his neck as he moved you away from the door, blindly making his way to the large inviting bed while he invaded your willing mouth.

Without letting you go, Shinji laid you in the centre of the bed, keeping you connected in your kiss. Your legs opened, providing him plenty of room to grind his hidden length against your core. Shinji braced himself over you, hands digging into the plush mattress either side of your head. Leaving your lips with a parting nibble, his grin had you squirming beneath him, encouraging the lazy grind of his hips.

Pushing himself up to sit back on his haunches, Shinji caressed the soft skin of your thighs, pushing your dress up to offer more of the sensitive skin. His fingers hooked into the hem, toying with it "as beautiful as you look in this dress, I think it'll look much better on my bedroom floor"

You huffed in amusement, the awful pick up lines seemingly not yet done for the evening. You lifted up your ass to assist in the removal of your dress, slowly being peeled from your body. Carefully he manipulated it over your head, before dropping it unceremoniously to the floor.

"no bra?" He noted pleased as your naked breasts heaved with your heavy breathing, the blush trailed down from your cheeks staining your neck and chest at his hungry look.

"Shinji, don't tease" the whine in your voice evident as you turn to hide your blushing cheeks. Shinji leaned himself over you, guiding you back to meet his eyes with a warm hand

"wouldn't dream of it doll" he muttered lowly, sealing his promise with a kiss. His slender lips followed the curve of your jaw, trailing kisses down to your neck. Your eyes flutter close as he makes contact with your Erogenous zone, titling your head invitingly. Shinjis hot breath ghosted over your skin as he sloppily kissed your neck sending a shiver through you.

You gasped when you felt his teeth sink into your delicate flesh, the strong suck accompanying it surly encouraging a dark bruise. Marking you as his own. His hand caressed up your side, callous's eliciting a trail of goosebumps leading up to your breast that he eagerly squeezed. His teeth release your neck, heat rushed to the dull throb as he soothed it with his tongue. Dipping his head lower he kissed his way down your sternum, nibbling at the swell of your breast before pulling your pert nipple into his mouth, swirling the tip of his tongue over the sensitive bud.

You moan at the sensation, your hands fly up to his head, fisting in his hair and pushing him closer. Shinji smirked around your nipple, flicking his tongue over it before he pulled off with a wet pop. Your hands slipped from his hair, falling limply onto the bed beside you. You watched with hooded eyes as he tugged his tie, loosening the knot and pulling it from the collar of his shirt.

"D'ya trust me?"  He asked you, grin on his face covering the seriousness of his tone. You eye the tie as you nod your head slowly. "I need ya ta say it"

"I trust you"  you breath, eyes caught in his demanding eye contact

"there's a good girl" he muttered, gently lifting your hands to rest on your stomach. You watch mesmerised as he weaved the silky material between your wrists, pulling it snugly against your skin. Your breath hitched at the tug he gave, tightening the tie securely "tell me if there's something ya don't like, an I'll stop" he assured you.

Shinji held the end of the tie, pulling it up to the intricate design of the wooden headboard, your hands involuntarily going up with it. Nimble fingers guided the tie through the wood, looping it twice before securing it with a knot. Shinji sat back down between your parted thighs, admiring his work.

Large hands smoothed over your thighs as you tilted your head back to see the dark contrast subduing you

"how does it feel?" he asked, hands not stopping their caress. You pull experimentally on your bindings, the tie length had a little give, allowing you little room to pull, it felt secure but caused you no pain

"good" you admitted, relaxing your arms and laying your head back down to meet his eyes.

"good" he echoed, before wrapping his arms around your thighs and giving you a surprising tug down the bed. You yelped at the sudden movement, arms pulled up straight over your head. The stretch of your arms had your breasts sat perkily on your chest, the secure wrap he had over your thighs left you trapped in place. Your heart beat quickened, thumping loud in your ears at the arousal you felt.

The hands on your thighs slowly trailed upwards, long fingers hooked into the sides of your panties. Shinji peeled the rapidity dampening material down, caressing your legs as he went. Balling your panties up, Shinji pushed them into his pocket with a lecherous grin. "Ya won't be needing them for a while"

"and yet your still fully dressed" you cock an eye brow at him, eyeing up the clothes you wish would join yours on the floor. Shinji slowly began to undo the buttons on his shirt at a torturous pace "demanding little thing ain't ya?" he teased, finally, finally taking off his shirt to expose his chest and subtle abs. Though slight in frame, the captain had hardened muscle evident of his strength. Your tongue darted out to moisten your full bottom lip at the sound of his belt clinking open.

You would've been impressed at the graceful way he managed to escape the confines of his tight trousers in that awkward position if not for his engorged cock springing free and capturing all your attention. He was bigger than you had thought, full with sexual arousal his hardened length stood to attention proudly.

You pulled against your restraint in an effort to touch him, movement halted immediately. You groan in frustration at the wicked glint in his eye "I wanna touch you" you voice the complain

"I know ya do doll." His voice was thick with smugness as he palmed himself teasingly, throwing you a wink. You watched him eagerly as he lowered himself between your legs, nudging your thighs open widely to nestle himself at your core "jus lay back an let me do what I do best" 

The witty retort died on your lips as Shinji surged forward into a lavish open mouth kiss into your core. His tongue languorously probed into your depth, tasting all that he could reach. Your back arched up off the bed with a high keen. Hands writhing in their restraints at the pleasure being inflicted on you, desperate to grab hold of the golden head between your thighs.

"Shinji, fuck" Shinjis answering hum inbetween your dampened folds vibrated against your most sensitive area Heightening your pleasure. Lewd wet sounds filled the space as he sloppily ate you out. Your lower stomach twisted with your unreleased arousal, dull ache steadily growing tighter with the need to release.

A desperate moan ripped from your lips as Shinji focused his attention to your throbbing clit. Skilled appendage swirled expertly around the collection of nerves, rush of pleasure cresting over you. You could feel the added stimulation of his piercing, smooth little ball adding delicious texture to his sinfully skilled tongue. The two fingers slipping easily into your soaking pussy was almost too much, overwhelming pleasure tittering on the edge of painful.

The binds on your wrist tightened with a pinch at your writhing, nipping at your skin deviantly. Panting heavily at his transgressions, your legs tighten around him searching for that extra friction to send you over the edge. Not letting up on his intense kiss to your clit, Shinji increased the speed in which his fingers fucked you, sensing you nearing your orgasm.

Sealing his lips around your swollen bundle of nerves, Shinji sucked hard pushing you over the edge. Your orgasm ripped through you with a cry, the euphoria of pleasure had your thighs trembling, back arching as you pulled against the tie keeping you in place. Shinji released your clit with a hot lick, fingers driving into you with more vigour, prolonging your orgasm. Your release gushed over his fingers, the rapid in and out spraying your wetness over his busy hand and your thighs.

It was all too much, too much pleasure overwhelming your senses. You gasped out desperately trying to fill your lungs as you saw stars

"stop" you begged quickly, his fingers slowing inside you "stop, stop, it's too much"

Mercifully he adhered to your pleas, pulling away from your completely. Unshed tears blurred your vision and wet your lashes, causing you to close your eyes. Your breathing was deep and heavy, filling up your burning lungs. You felt boneless, body heavy as you sank into the matress spent. Shinjis hands soothed your trembling legs, eyes glued lustfully to your dripping pussy

"look at the mess ya made, pretty girl. Yer soaked" his voice thick with arousal penetrated through your post orgasmic haze. Your eyes snapped open at the feel of Shinjis hand returning to your spasming core, spreading your release around. The wet smack to your lower lips surprised you, involuntarily thrusting up with a moan.

Coming back to your senses you notice the gleam on Shinjis lower face from your release. Wide cocky grin pulled his lips over his teeth. His cock was strained between you, eager to plunge into your tight, wet heat. The tip of his cock had darkened with the rush of blood, bead of precum glistened from the slit.

"Shinji, please" you groan at the sight, licking your lips eagerly.

"such a needy girl" he teased leaning over you. The weight of his neglected cock settled on your stomach as he kissed you heatedly. His tongue forced entry into your willing mouth, mirroring the way his fingers had just brought you to a powerful orgasm. You could taste yourself on his tongue, smell the unique, sweet musk of your arousal drying on his chin. It sparked another ripple of arousal through you as you rolled your hips, encouraging Shinji to make his next move

"yer wanting ma dick that badly?" He uttered into the crook of your neck peppering kisses down to where it met your shoulder. The appearance of his teeth grazing your flush skin had you bucking beneath him. 

"please, Shinji." You didn't care that you were begging, you needed to feel the stretch as he filled you. Shinji gave you a playful nip before kissing you on the lips, moving just out of reach when you're tried to deepen it 

"anything for you princess" you felt Shinjis hand travel lower between you. Fisting his cock he guided it to your wet entrance, teasing the opening with the engorged head before pushing in at a tortuously slow pace. The slow drag of his arousal stretched you perfectly, inching his way in until he was buried to the hilt. Head hung low, Shinji stilled inside you, groaning at the tight, wet heat encasing him. "Fuck" he drawled out, rolling his hips and pushing in deeper. 

Your breath hitched in your throat as he retreated from you, leaving just the tip inside. A powerful thrust of his hips had him snapping back inside you, pulling the first of a series of moans. Your arms pulled uselessly on your bindings, snug grip adding to the overload of sensations forced upon you. Shinji quickened his pace, drilling into you with expert precision.  His deep groans mixed sinfully with your desperate moans, accompanying the lewd wet noises and the slapping of skin meeting. 

"yer takin me so well doll " he praised around a groan "yer greedy pussy is swallowing ma dick perfectly" 

Heat rushed your cheeks at his filthy words, his accent thickening with his desire. You call out his name wantonly, bucking your hips to match his punishing rhythm, trying to get as much of him in you as possible. The knot in your lower stomach built again, feeling too hot in your own skin you eagerly awaited your impending release. 

You groaned Needily as Shinji pulled himself from you, denying your orgasm.   Protest dying on your lips as he sat back on his knees, watching you hungrily. Shinji grabbed your right leg and manoeuvred it to cross over your left. The new position had your middle twisted uncomfortably, plump ass open for his viewing. Quickly you forgot about the uncomfortable position when he entered you again swiftly. The new angle had him deeper, mercilessly hitting your sweet spot. 

You cried out loudly at the punishing pace he set, thighs slapping against your ass with every powerful thrust. Kneeling over you, Shinji used one hand to pinch one of your nipples, rolling the hardened bud between his fingers. His other landed on your ass in a stinging slap, he soothed away the prickling sting before dealing another blow. 

"ya got a perfect ass"  the praise cut through your shout of pleasure. He kneaded the curve of your ass appreciatively as you called out his name "that's righ doll, scream out ma name, let everyone downstairs know who is pleasuring ya"

Too far gone to care about the possibility of strangers overhearing you in the throes of passion, his name left your lips in a mantra of lustful praise. The muffled beat of the music below made for a perfect tempo for Shinji to guide his snapping hips.  "Cmon lass, I can feel yer nearly there" he grunted with exuberance, pushing your right leg up higher with his thigh, Shinji removed his hand from your breast to rub tight circles into your clit. It was what you needed to finally push you over the edge. You called out, eyes slamming shut as the pleasure darkened your vision. Your back arched painfully in your twisted position, pushing your ass out further. Shinji quickly gripped onto your ass and thigh, thrusting erratically as he chased his own orgasm, the tightening of your inner walls squeezing him perfectly to drive him over the edge 

He came with a grunt, pulling out of your tight heat and watching as he painted your ass with his seed. He stayed kneeling over you, head thrown back as he tried to steady his breathing, allowing you time to come back from your powerful orgasm. 

When he felt your body relax under him, Shinji carefully pulled your leg back over to lay on the bed. Reaching up Shinji kissed you sweetly, lips lingering on your own. He made quick work of the knots In his tie, first releasing it from the headboard, then slipping it from your wrists. Shinji chucked the tie into the room before laying down heavily next to you. Pulling the hand closest to him, Shinji held it in his own, gently rubbing the reddened marks to bring back feeling. 

After giving the same attention to the other, Shinji leaned on his side, propped up by his elbow to grin down at you "so..?" He started with a wide smile "what d'ya think?"

You chuckled musically and turned to face your boyfriend. You matched his wide smile and caressed his smooth chest with your fingers "you were right. It was fun to pretend we didn't know eachother"  you laughed at the way his eyes brightened before he nuzzled into the side of your neck and kissing it loudly 

"see? I knew ya would love it" he boasted happily before adding eagerly  "we can role play again, aye?"

You pretend to think about it for a moment before nodding in approval "you have any ideas?"

"next time, ya can be a musician and I'll be ya trumpet and ya can blow me" he teased with a wink

[bleachbleachbleach]

Helloooo love your meta posts esp wrt to language so much!! It really has elevated my appreciation for the series by A LOT lol so thank you!

I have a question regarding ch 98 that's been bugging me incessantly: in the official translatjon renji says "all i do is bark at the moon", however in fan translations (and anime) renji is seen to be referring to a star. I am unable to find the raws anywhere to ascertain the finality of this conundrum so I was wondering if you could clarify what exactly is the 'object' renji is referring to here and lend us your thoughts?

Thank you for reading! I started this reread because I knew that the potential to really revel in this kind of stuff was already there, but I am really enjoying jumping into it full-on and wondering about and learning about a lot of extremely random things as I go. I'm really enjoying it!

[Bleach 098]

The Short Version

In the Japanese, Renji says, 星に向かって吠えるばっか ― which could be translated as "I’m just barking at the stars." 

The word he uses is 星 (hoshi), star, not moon. My guess is that the Viz chose "moon" because it’s more idiomatic in English to howl at the moon, and the phrase conveys that sense of lone wolf yearning/misdirection--particularly given that he’s talking about Rukia, and Rukia already has some moon imagery associated with her.

The catch is, the concept of "howling at the moon" also exists in Japanese; for example, there’s a famous modern poet named Hagiwara Sakutarou who wrote a collection titled 月に吠える、or, well, "Howling at the Moon." (You’ll notice the same verb, but 月 (tsuki/moon) instead of 星 (hoshi/star). But that's not what Renji says. I’d argue that it’s worth considering the idea that Renji was making a choice in not using that idiom! 

The Very Long Version

Stars and Moons and Monkeys and Tigers and Snakes and Dogs and-- oh my!

Tomes have been written about celestial symbolism, in Bleach and otherwise. I’m not a big celestial symbolism person, because they’re such BIG symbols I feel like sometimes they can feel very locked in, if that makes sense? Like X = moon and moon = Y and therefore X = Y. And while I love an extended metaphor, my preference is for very unstable, borderline sloppy referents. Which isn’t to say that celestial symbolism can’t be unstable and sloppy, too, and that’s what I really like about this whole Renji section. Renji is the KING of "imagistically, there is a lot going on here, my man."

As far as folklore is concerned, reaching for the moon might call to mind the story of the monkey reaching for the moon’s reflection:

The branch the monkey’s hanging from breaks and he falls into the water. His folly lies in failing to distinguish between what is real and what is illusion.

One one hand, this is fitting for Renji, our resident howler monkey. I don’t know how much baboon we’ve actually seen at this point, but we’ll see Zabimaru’s nue form very shortly. But of course Zabimaru isn’t just a monkey—he also has the head of a snake. And we have this dog imagery, coming from both Renji’s affiliation with Inuzuri and other body parts in some versions of the nue. And later we’ll have TIGER in the mix, too!!

There’s SO much going on. If Renji were a Project Runway creation, Tim Gunn would probably invite his creator edit—maybe choose one motif, one metaphor, one guy who will scan well on the runway.

But Renji exists in excess, he IS all those things, both in terms of his chimerical zanpakutou spirit and in terms of everything we’ve seen of him thus far: tearing through Ishida and Ichigo; herding butterflies with Rikichi; stunting with Rukia in jail; delivering Rukia to prison; getting stunted on by Aizen in a supply closet; being friends with Hinamori; tearing through Ichigo a second time; and now, finally, giving it all up and begging Ichigo: Just save her.

Bone Metaphors

The reader hasn’t seen it yet, but Renji knows what form Zabimaru’s bankai takes. In addition to all those animals and their potential allegories, we also have bone. In Renji's earlier line, there’s an idiom that I wish were preserved:

In the Viz, he says, "I’ll always be a stray dog." In the Japanese, his line is 「骨の髄まで野良犬根性が染み付いてやがるんだ.」Which could be translated as "I am, indelibly, a stray dog to the marrow of my bones /contemptuously." Or, more succinctly:

"I’m a stray dog to the bone."

I love this line because it’s reaching toward Renji’s challenge to Byakuya, insinuating still more layers to Renji’s multitudes.

Different Flavors of Disgust

Still thinking about Renji’s second act in this arc, I am also interested in his subsequent line. He says 厭になるぜ (iya ni naruze), or, in the Viz, "It makes me sick." But I was curious about the kanji 厭 (iya), because it’s more commonly written 嫌 (iya), which can be used as a negative interjection, or, pronounced differently, as the same word you’d use if you hated snails, or homework, or something―嫌い (kirai). Using the kanji 厭 is a less common spelling, though the meaning is similar. So I was like, well, what is the difference? According to this article, the kanji Renji uses is a lot more common in Chinese. If 嫌 is an expression of digust or hatred, 厭 suggests that you’ve specifically gotten tired of something (and are now disgusted with it). It’s the kanji you’d use to create the word for a pessimistic worldview, 厭世観 (enseikan). That is all to say, Renji has become sick and tired of it, and he’s about to change tack.

Failing Poetry 101

Coming back around to the original line, I really like Renji’s "I’m just barking at the stars" specifically because it doesn’t really reference any existing idiom, as might howling at the moon. "Barking at the moon" is an interesting middle ground, in that "barking" definitely feels more dog-like and howling more wolf-like; barking is less majestic, which fits with Renji’s description being derogatory of himself. Renji is not a poet in his use of loaded idioms but in his negation of them. And if Rukia can be described by moon imagery, she too contains multitudes and I think it's well within her power to be the stars, too.

Kira, as Renji’s most poetic friend, probably rolls partway into his grave whenever Renji says stuff like this, because it breaks poetic form. But I think he’s probably also kind of envious that Renji thinks this stuff up, because it’s fresh, new, off-kilter imagery, it is its own kind of poetry, and let's be real, the moon imagery market is fairly saturated. *frames moon with giant rebar hole in body*

So I’d say, "howling at the moon" conjures a certain kind of poetry, steeped in all the macro-folkloric meanings of the moon and dogs/wolves. "Barking at the moon" is kind of half-half. "Barking at the stars" is not a pre-existing idiom (or poem, or expected language), and conjures a completely different referent(s), the immediate of which is, of course, the volume’s own poem. Renji is out here Renji-ing it.

[Bleach Vol. 11 poem]

[fluffnflightillustrations]

Persona 5 x Bleach au!

we dont get a lot of old school rukia and renji and their inuzuri heists, so i went with the design of a magician due to her strengths in battle; trickery, quick feet, kido, and bakudou!!! And of course, i kept her monochrome theme!!

[cryinglittlepeople]

random,

but if you want to make me or kat irrationally angry, mention the scene between bazz and renji.

bazz killed izuru. straight up murdered one of renji's best friends. the first friend he ever made outside of inuzuri.

and renji never comments on this, and not just that, banters with his killer.

like fucking clown shoe writing

[renjirukia]

renji and rukia having different feelings about inuzuri is such a good source of conflict between them. like renji hates it. full stop. he has enough memories of the living world to know what a shit hole he got dumped in and his friends + finding rukia is probably the one bright spot in his life there. rukia on the other hand - we don’t get insight into her feelings on the place and for renji’s claim that it was full of murders and thieves - someone there found a screaming, starving baby and cared for her. it was a hard place to live but it’s the only home rukia ever knew.

[bifca]

more byaren thoughts: byakuya dating renji brings out the worst of the kuchiki hypocrisy in his family. they did not like hisana, but here is renji also from inuzuri, a man, loud and brash and tattooed and yes he's an officer, but his career started in the eleventh rather than one of the more prestigious divisions. suddenly hisana was a beloved and perfect spouse in their eyes, so ladylike, so noble, and it has renji uncomfortable and byakuya absolutely furious and at his most scathing

[dunnounderlinewhatever]

How Byakuya met Hisana (some possibilities/AU maybe?)

As previously mentioned on this post, I've been thinking about Hisana a lot lately and that obviously includes how she and Byakuya met. Truth is, there are many possibilities and you will probably find all of them in some fanfic (I am currently working on a rec list of ByaHisa/ByaSana fanfics which explore various different scenarios of how these two met, so if you're interested keep an eye out on the tags).

I have different scenarios in my head and some of them might be slightly AU depending of your own headcanons and interpretation of the source material (which was not much tbh). We were given so little information about Hisana that she just became this character I can basically assume anything and everything about.

First scenario: Hisana as a shinigami

This is one of the easiest ways to explain how those two met. Maybe she was a seated or unseated officer at the 6th or 13th. Better yet, can you imagine Hisana at the 11th? What a plot twist that would be.

He falls in love, goes against his family and marries her. But how did she get sick though? Maybe from some mission gone wrong or some successful mission in which there was a high price to pay?

Second scenario: Hisana as a maid

Another scenario that could explain how they met, but also calls into question how are the staff of the Kuchiki family hired? They must probably come from Rukongai, right?

Third scenario: Hisana as a courtesan

I've read many fanfics in which Hisana worked as a courtesan and they could perfectly fit in the story. Byakuya could have been her client and they both ended up falling in love, he had enough money and status to get her out of that life and bring her to Seireitei.

Fourth scenario: Byakuya on a mission

Another common scenario I've encountered in the fics of this pair is Byakuya going on a mission and for whatever reason it is at the 78th district. He either ends up getting hurt or helping Hisana in a way. I don't know why but I believe if Kubo ever writes anything about how these two met (he will never do it), I see him using this scenario. Don't ask me why, it's just a feeling I have.

Yadda, yadda, yadda, he takes her from her little hut in the woods to his manor in Seireitei and marries her.

I've also read some theories around the internet that both Hisana and Rukia were never actually alive which could have explained them ending up together in Inuzuri. Hisana is a very mysterious character for me and either she or Byakuya are unreliable narrators for me sometimes when I'm rereading the revelation scene. But I think that if Byakuya knew of anything else he would have probably told Rukia by now, but who knows for sure? I think not even Kubo knows lol

Anyways, does anyone have any other theory or scenario they would like to share?

[substituted-shinigami]

Tiger Robe

AO3

Characters: Rukia, Renji, and Ichigo (implied RenRuki), with a guest appearance of the Advance Team peanut gallery

Rating: G

Genre: Hurt/Comfort, Friendship

Chapter Summary: While shopping with Ichigo in the World of the Living, Rukia finds a tiger print robe that reminds her of someone from her past. (Starts out in the Soul Society Arc, but then jumps around a couple of times, Author’s Note after the story)

Part of the "We Can't All Be Winners" anthology series of oneshots.

************************************************************************

“Okay, we're here,” Kurosaki Ichigo began as they entered the clothing store, “The women’s section is in the back. If you need clothes, I don’t mind buying you a set or two, so can you just please stop stealing Yuzu’s?!? She’s starting to get suspicious…” But Rukia wasn't listening to him. Instead, she was looking around the store, completely enthralled.

“Woah! This is incredible!” Rukia replied with wonder, as her wide eyes flitted from one brightly colored clothing display to the next, “And you can afford such garments on your allowance alone?” Ichigo raised an eyebrow at her in response.

“Yeah…? It’s just a cheap department store, Rukia.”

“Incredible…” she muttered to herself again as she continued to look around the huge, lively store with a mixture of awe and nervousness. Several people passed them by, chatting as they filed in or out of the entrance, and loud music played on the speakers overhead.

This is nothing like the open markets that sold only rags in Inuzuri, she thought, And once I got adopted by the Kuchiki Clan, the tailors came to me. I don’t think I’ve been to anything even resembling a regular clothing store since the Academy. There is too much choice! What should I…?

Rukia could feel Ichigo’s concerned eyes on the back of her neck. Quickly, she stood up straighter, and turned towards him.

“You said, I could get whatever I wanted, right?!” she asked with a devilish grin. Ichigo sighed heavily as if he was immediately regretting both this decision and his entire existence. He scratched the back of his head.

“Within reason! I’m not rich, you know," he scowled, "You can get one everyday outfit and one sleepwear, that’s it!” With that, he set off across the store.

“Ah! You're so stingy, Ichigo!” Rukia teased as she followed after him.

“Keep talking smack, and I’ll make you shop in the children’s section!”

“I might anyway,” Rukia mused, as they passed by a pair of child’s pajamas with bunnies on them, “children’s clothes have nicer prints.”

“Whatever,” Ichigo replied, “Wear what you want when you sleep, but when you are out and about, try to wear typical 'teen clothes'. Otherwise people might get the wrong idea when we are walking together.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Rukia dismissed with a wave of her hand. As they continued walking along on their way to the back of the store, passing from the children's section into the men's, Rukia’s eyes were caught by a brightly colored robe. Turning towards it, she felt taken aback when she beheld the largest, tackiest tiger print bathrobe she had ever seen. Suddenly, she felt like she was thrown back over forty years…

_______________________________

“Oi, Rukia! Look at that!” Renji shouted to her while staring at a stall in Southern Rukongai. Rukia stopped mid run and turned around. They had finally made it all the way to the fifth district, but still had a ways to go.

“What is it, Renji? We've gotta get going if we are going to make it to the Shin'ō Academy by the day of the entrance ceremony!”

“I know, I know! Just come look at this real quick!” Renji replied enthusiastically while waving her over. Rukia sighed, but ultimately relented, and walked over to him.

“What? That tacky tiger print yukata?” She asked while crossing her arms. Renji immediately spun on her.

“It’s not tacky! Tiger’s are cool!” he defended. He turned back towards the robe, a twinkle in his eyes, “They are strong and powerful! And when we become strong and powerful shinigami and get paid good money to beat up a bunch of hollows, I’m going to buy a ton of “tacky tiger yukata”, so you better watch out!” Renji turned and tried to give her a smug smirk, but his smile was too big, too goofy, too…genuine. Rukia quickly turned away, a mixture of emotions tumbling within her.

“Psh, yeah, whatever, dork… Come on, let's get going. If we're late, and get thrown out, you'll have a real tiger to deal with!” She said as she began to march down the road again. Renji took one last look back at the robe before jogging to catch up with her.

"Yeah, alright, alright. I'm coming, Miss Tiger."

________________________________

“Oi! Rukia!”

Rukia hadn’t even realized she had stopped until she heard Ichigo shouting her name. She immediately spun on him.

“What?!” she snapped back.

“You stopped in the middle of the aisle! What’s so dang interesting that you hadn’t heard me call you three times?!” Ichigo asked. He looked up at the tiger robe and then back down at her questioningly, “Not exactly your size, is it?”

“Whatever! It’s tacky anyway!” Rukia snapped, and marched off towards the women’s section. Ichigo scratched the back of his head, shrugged, and followed after her.

__________________________________

  “Now listen up, all of you, this is a World of the Living store!” Vice Captain and Advance Team Leader Abarai Renji proclaimed professionally as they entered the building. He turned around towards the group of shinigami in gigai following him and continued, “You may each pick out a few outfits to use while here. You know your budget, so please stick with it!” he finished, giving Matsumoto Rangiku a pointed look.

“Why are you looking at me? You should look at Yumichika! He’s way worse!” she whined dramatically. Renji sighed. Matusumoto was reliable in battle, but when it came to budgets? Less so.

“Yumichika has Ikkaku to keep him on budget,” Renji countered.

“Yeah, and he listens to him on these matters about as much as I listen to my captain,” Matusmoto muttered.

“Hey!” Captain Hitsugaya Toshiro yelled.

“Normally, I would argue with her, but she’s right on that point,” Ayasegawa Yumichika said with a flick of his hair, “Although, I do tend to spend more money on make-up than I do on clothing.”

“It’s true,” Madarame Ikkaku agreed, “He’s found us some really nice eyeliner over the years, hasn’t he, Renji?”

Renji was rubbing his temples by this point. He greatly respected his mentors from the Eleventh, but sometimes he wished he didn’t always have to be the adult in these situations, “There is no make-up budget, only a clothing budget.”

“What?! That’s absurd!” Yumichika lamented loudly.

“How am I supposed to dress like the women of the World of the Living without make-up?!” Matsumoto complained.

“Fine! Whatever! Get what you want! Just stay on budget! Now go!” And with that, the groups split off, Yumichika and Ikkaku in one direction and Matsumoto and Hitsugaya in another. Hitsugaya stopped, and turned back towards Renji.

“Don’t worry, Lieutenant Abarai, I’ll keep her on budget.”

“Thank you, Captain Hitsugaya,” Renji replied, a little relieved. Hitusgaya nodded, and went after his lieutenant. Renji sighed and began rubbing his temples again.

“Not easy being a parent, is it?” Rukia teased as she walked up to him.

“No, not at all,” He grumbled in response. Rukia laughed lightly.

“Come on, I’ll show you where the men’s section is. It’s right before the women’s section so it’s on the way anyway,” She replied, strutting off. Renji followed after her.

“Here we are!” Rukia announced once they had arrived, “The everyday wear is here, the socks and underwear are over there, and the sleepwear is-” But she froze the minute her eyes fell upon a familiar looking brightly colored sleeping robe. Renji looked up to see what she was staring at.

“Oh, wow! A tiger robe!” he exclaimed excitedly. Rukia felt a familiar mixture of emotions as she watched him immediately walk right up to it, “This is so cool! How much does it cost, I wonder? Ah…”

“What?” Rukia asked tentatively, “Is…Is it expensive?”

“Yeah… It’s pretty pricey. Makes sense, this material is so amazingly soft! Oh well… I guess it is a little tacky, huh?” He joked half heartedly, as he put back the robe. Rukia stared at him for about half a beat before responding.

“Yeah, it is…but you’re tacky enough to pull it off,” she finished with a smirk. Renji wheeled around and scowled at her.

“Hey!”

“What?” Rukia asked innocently, as she grabbed the largest size robe off the rack, “I said you could pull it off, didn’t I? Anyway, what size are you? Like a gazillion extra large?”

“That’s not even a real number, Rukia, let alone a real size. And no, don’t buy that!”

“Why not? You said we could get whatever we wanted as long as we stayed within our budget, so this qualifies,” Rukia reasoned. Renji threw up his hands in protest.

“If you buy that, you will only have money for one like, one dress!” he exclaimed, “You won’t even have enough for sleepwear!”

“So?” Rukia asked, as she removed the robe from the hanger and began carefully folding it, “I already have some leftover World of the Living clothes I left at Ichigo’s house. I don’t need more than one new dress. Plus, like you said, I can choose to spend my money however I like! And I’ve chosen to buy this very large, very tacky tiger robe. But oh no!” She exclaimed, smacking her forehead dramatically, “What to do? I bought a size too large! I suppose I'll just have to give it away!” She handed Renji the neatly folded up robe.

Renji stared at her wide eyed for a moment, before relaxing and finally taking the offered robe, “Pft. Fine. Whatever. Spend your money however you like…” he finished, smiling a little as he rubbed the back of his neck.

”Thank you, Oh Great Advance Team Leader,” Rukia proclaimed, as she bowed dramatically. She found herself smiling as well, “I certainly will!”

__________________________________

Epilogue

“Oh yeah, I almost forgot!” Ichigo said as he stood before the Senkaimon doors, about to return to the World of the Living once more, “Rukia, could you give this to Renji? Hat-and-Clogs told me to give him this. Apparently he left it at his shop when the captains came and took you guys back to Soul Society during the war. Not this last war, the one before that. You all sure have a lot of those, huh? You should work on that. Anyway, here you go,” He pulled out a rather large, brightly colored, crumpled ball of cloth.

“Hm? O-Oh! Renji’s tiger robe! I thought we would never get it back!” Rukia exclaimed, taking it from him, “Hmph! That candy selling jerk probably used it to do gods know what. I better wash it before I give it back to him tonight. Anyway, thanks, Ichigo!” Ichigo watched Rukia as she carefully smoothed out and then folded up the robe. Suddenly, something clicked.

“W-Wait! Is that why you were acting so weird at the store back then?” Rukia turned to look at him.

“Huh?!”

“Back then, when you were secretly living in my closet, I took you to the store to get you some more clothes, remember? While there you started reminiscing right after you saw that tiger robe!” Ichigo exclaimed. He crossed his arms and looked up in thought, “So Renji had his own, huh? That’s surprising, I didn’t think he had too many World of the Living clothes…”

“He doesn’t, fool! I…uh…bought it for him,” Rukia finished quietly. Ichigo looked at her again. He raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, you did, huh?”

“Y-Yeah! So what?!” Rukia snapped. Ichigo regarded her wordlessly for a while. Eventually, he clasped his hands behind his head and turned towards the Senkaimon.

“Nothing. Anyway, I’ve got to head back. I’ll see you later, Rukia,” Ichigo said, walking towards the doors once more. Rukia blinked.

“Oh. Uh. Okay. See you later, Ichigo.”

Ichigo was about to step through the doors, when he stopped and turned to look at her over his shoulder, “Oh, and uh, don’t forget to invite me to the wedding.” Rukia’s face turned beet red.

“W-What?! Why you-” she shouted. Rukia tried to aim a kick at him, but as usual Ichigo was frustratingly quick, and with a flash, he was gone.

>>>>>>>>>> Author’s Note <<<<<<<<<<<

A/N: Phew! Took awhile to get this one out, but it’s finally here! Originally, I had it scheduled for April, but I’m glad I held onto it longer to edit it more at my leisure. I’ve always had the feeling that despite the fact she refused to talk about it, Rukia still thought about Renji and their past together a lot during their separation (albeit probably sadly and unbidden on her part). Even in the World of the Living, I bet anytime she saw something tiger or pineapple print, she was reminded of her “stupid” redhead with the “stupid” eyebrows! Speaking of tiger print, have you heard of Bleach Gree cards? They are cards of Bleach characters, one of which, of course, includes Renji in a tiger print robe as he’s dressed up as what I think is an oni for new years. Well guess what? If you look through the Rukia set, you can find her dressed up in a matching outfit, tiger print and all! I guess she wasn’t kidding when she said not to make fun of Renji for his tiger print, huh?! xD Anyway, thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it!

[recurring-polynya]

YO! @bleachbleachbleach ! I noticed you were back on your "why are there so few wheels in Soul Society?" bullshit again, and I need your opinion on the swaggiest vehicle in all of Soul Society which is to say, this fucking sweet rickshaw that Renji and Rukia's pals breathed all over in the middle of their touching flashback episode:

At first, one might say, "what the hell is this beauty doing down in Inuzuri, of all places?" and the answer is that it's transporting some hometown overachiever who has become a Soul Reaper back up to the Seireitei (not that this is consistent with any world building this show has given us, ever).

HOWEVER, three seconds before, we get evidence that they also have wheeled carts in Inuzuri!!

There's also *two* wheeled carts visible at the beginning of the thrilling water heist sequence.

We often talk about what sort of economy exists in the Rukon, distribution of natural resources, etcetera, and I submit, for your consideration: Inuzuri is the chop shop capital of Soul Society and the only reason our pal is taking a rickshaw home is because it just got a new paintjob/upholstery and they're gonna resell for a tidy profit when they gets back up north.

Speaking of that nice shinigami who gave Renji and Rukia some rice balls, in case anyone was wondering what became of them, they were one of Ashido's friends who died in Hueco Mundo. Upsetting!

[irlkisukeurahara]

I have a lot of Byakuya-centeric BLEACH AUs, all that I've dreamt of. I thought I'd explain two of them.

Byakuya Ukitake

Sojun Kuchiki made Jushiro Ukitake promise to raise his son if anything were to happen to him. He swore, and he had no idea what would happen.

One day, a little over a hundred years ago, Sojun Kuchiki was arrested for something entirely unexpected. He killed someone. He killed someone who abused Byakuya behind his back. Given that he killed another noble, his crime wasn't overlooked in the same way as other noble murders. Sojun was sentenced to death.

The exact truth was kept from the young Byakuya, all he knew is that Sojun was gone and that Jushiro had to take over. The Kuchiki clan collapsed as Byakuya Kuchiki became Byakuya Ukitake.

Byakuya was allowed to go to the Shinō Academy by Jushiro, making friends with a beautiful woman named Hisana in the non-advanced classes. She was always sad, and Jushiro taught Byakuya to help others, so he always tried to lift her spirits. Eventually, they became Academy lovebirds. Their relationship persisted until their graduation, Byakuya making Vice-Captain of Squad 13 under his adoptive father. She joined him in the Squad to always be near him. And eventually, he asked her to marry him. She said she would, if they promised to find her lost sister.

Of course, Byakuya agreed, and they were married. Hisana was spunky and energetic, while Byakuya was calm and joyous. Being raised by Jushiro Ukitake and Shunsui Kyoraku, he smiled a lot and treated others with kindness, but was still quite quiet and soft spoken. 30 years ago, Ginrei Kuchiki passed away. Jushiro suggested Byakuya to fill that spot left by his biological grandfather, and with hesitation, he went off to apply. Now that they didn't spend every moment together, both started spending even more free time researching to try and find Hisana's missing sister. And they did!

Byakuya came to the Shinō Academy on his own, approaching the young Rukia. He explained that she was his wife's little sister, and he wished to adopt her into the Ukitake family. He showed her pictures, explained many things, offered her riches. She agreed, and they walked back to the Ukitake estate. The sisters reunited with tears.

Several years passed by, and Hisana suddenly got sick. She could no longer perform her duty as a seated officer of Squad 13, and eventually she passed away with Byakuya, Jushiro, and Rukia present. Rukia took her position in Squad 13, but nobody could perform their job up to par due to grief.

Flash forward to the present day, Byakuya has been mulling over the death of his biological father for some time now. He was tired of being clueless, and came to Jushiro and demanded answers. Jushiro avoided the question at first, but quickly caved. He was executed for murder. But he was sickly, how could my father achieve such a thing? His Zanpakuto, Karetasakura. It dwindled away people's spiritual pressure in a way that could never recover fully from. It gave people the experience he lived with every day. He killed her in a slow and agonizing way. Byakuya quietly nodded, not sure what to make of it. But, he accepted this closure, giving Jushiro a hug.

Byakuya Inuzuri

The young Byakuya was tired of being told what to do, every day of his life. The Kuchiki lifestyle was miserable, and he could no longer take it. He ran away into Inuzuri, rushing to a bridge and planning to take a plummet. Just as he about leapt off, he was stopped. This terrifying, hulking monster of a man grabbed him. Byakuya was stopped by this man, and he made him explain that his home life was his reason for jumping. The man asked if Byakuya wanted another chance at a family. Byakuya agreed. Hiding the name Kuchiki, he became known as Byakuya from Inuzuri, the son of Kenpachi Zaraki.

The son of the Kuchiki family was missing, and they weren't taking it well. Sojun especially, he started going on less and less missions out of grief. Ginrei demanded Sojun and his wife have a second child, so that maybe the Kuchiki line would survive. They only ever had one before due to him and his wife's horrible health. But, they were demanded, and they gave in. His wife died during birth. But now, the Kuchiki clan had a daughter, Rukia.

Sojun begged Ginrei to let Rukia attend the Shinō Academy, hoping that doing things differently with his daughter would prevent a repeat of Byakuya. Eventually, Ginrei succeeded, and she was sent to the Academy. There, she met Renji Abarai in the advanced classes. There was some distance between them due to her being a Kuchiki, but she always tried to close the gap between them. Eventually, she joined Squad 13, and he joined Squad 5.

Renji served in Squad 5 for a while as an unseated officer, when an opening for the fourth seat of Squad 11 opened up. Renji wished to pursue greatness in hopes to feel on the same level as Rukia, so he left Aizen to apply for Squad 11's open position. He was accepted, and as he walked into the barracks, he was met with something that confused him. Two Vice-Captains. And they fought like children, even though one was a grown ass man. They introduced him before the Captain woke up, Byakuya Inuzuri and Yachiru Kusajishi. Renji chuckled, saying he was from Inuzuri too. The two bonded a little over that.

Eventually, the captain arrived. Renji watched as both his Vice-Captains cheered for his presence, and Byakuya even called him otou-san, while Yachiru called him Ken-chan. So, Kenpachi of Zaraki likes to adopt weird Rukongai kids. Good to know. Byakuya proposed a mission to Renji to help him get accustomed to the Squad 11 life. He agreed, and him and Byakuya left.

As they were walking, Renji suddenly blurted out "Are you that long lost Kuchiki son they always talk about? You look just like Vice-Captain Sojun Kuchiki." Byakuya stopped, turning to him. Renji expected this silence to be followed by frantic remarks, but Byakuya's followup... Was to laugh. He laughed hysterically. "You too?! You actually believe that shit?!" Renji was startled. "Do people ask this a lot?" "Yeah, all the fucking time! It's insane! And they won't take Zaraki Is My Dad for an answer!" "I see. Sorry for asking. A Kuchiki is my girlfriend and she said they never stop talking about their missing kid..." "You're dating a Kuchiki?! Daaaaym! You're looking UP! And I thought dating a captain made ME look like I have insane game." "You're dating a captain? Which one?" "Hm? Ah. Captain of Squad Three, Gin Ichimaru!" "Ichimaru? That the one everyone calls the creepiest man alive?" "Yep! That one!"

In truth, Byakuya had been under Zaraki's wing for so long that he forgot who he was. The name Kuchiki slipped his memory entirely, and he moved on as if nothing happened. He was constantly bothered by the Kuchiki family, who always received mockery to their face. Byakuya continues to refuse to admit to the truth, because not even he believes it. For now, he stays under Captain Zaraki, wielding his Zanpakuto, Senbonhahen. That family is quite the dangerous trio.

[glacialdeath]

@orangeshinigami asked: ❛  i wish i could dream of something beautiful or peaceful for a change.  ❜

Her natural instinct to such whining is to combat it with a quip and a sharp gaze. "Sorry, I'm a shinigami, not a genie."

Curious words asking why his sleep might be particularly troubled nearly leave her lips, but she pauses. With her mouth remaining agape for a second, she catches herself. Violet eyes peek under ebony hair carefully over at him, wary and cautious, as if he is some kind of deer that she'll scare off with a single step. Rukia had learned that lesson before with him: there could be wounds or trauma that remain as damage on his soul like a minefield, and no matter how much she thought she could rationalize for him, or how naturally curious she was to ask on these subjects, she needed to let it remain only a talk he could initiate, and not one for herself to start. So, she bottles her inquiries into a clasped fist, and tosses aside those running nosy thoughts.

But regardless of whether she knew why or not, something remains, leaving an ache on her heart that her hand rises to try and suppress, pressing the hand against her chest. With a sigh, and steeling herself, she sits up. Rukia starts by tossing him an extra pillow, sending it flying through the air so smoothly that it seemed to float for a second. "Lay back. Look at the stars by the window, and just talk at me for a moment." There's a familiar bossiness in her tone that indicates that she's not gonna relax until he does as she ask, no matter how much of a judging voice he gives her. "Tell me about what kind of things you hope for, or what you wish for." She gives a pause for him to think or fully take in her words, but doesn't let it sit completely, instead daring him to give in to her ask and making it seem all the more pitiful if he denies it, while guiding him all the same. "Don't think too hard, just answer. You're young, I'm sure you got plenty. "

To try and string up the momentum, she confesses her own, clearing her throat and forcing herself to carry through while looking past him, as if traveling to days long past while still being present. "For me, I used to say," She preps herself for mock, but she cannot completely rid the embarrassment of reusing foolish naive ideas from her childhood that sound cheesy in hindsight. “I’d dream of being someone my friends can depend on, that looks after them, and become someone that is strong and creates a home that they want to protect. ...And maybe something about getting a pet rabbit with the softest fur or something." She can't combat the redness that comes to her cheek at returning to that particular old admission.

To the kids in Inuzuri, this prompt was a tradition that became like a spell, spoken to the stars poking out of the holes in the roof to lull them to sleep on the difficult nights. When they went to bed with their words echoing in their minds, it tended to fend off the nightmares that sprouted out of the horrible things that existed just outside of their little fragile falling apart shack, and Rukia would hope that some part of the magic still held true with it. Resting her head on a knee she pulled back, shutting her eyes, and peeking open one as she adds one last comfort, leaving it unclear if her words are serious or another tease of hers. "I promise, I won't remember anything you say in the morning. I'll close my eyes, and you can just say it to the air." It's a moment that reminds her that he's still a teenager when it comes down to it, and he's been through some awful sights of his own at a young age.

[againstboredom]

How Ichigo’s resemblance to Kaien Shiba affected Rukia’s performance in battle, and why she chose to remain in Soul Society after her rescue

I think that Rukia, the beautiful soul that she is, would have given her powers to Ichigo even if he didn’t resembled Kaien. That’s not why she saved him, she did it because she takes her oath to protect ALL souls to heart. She would actually have done it without the oath, it’s the kind of woman that she is. For her the imperative to protect the weak, supersedes all other rules and regulations, it’s her primary drive.

She could have been at Keigo’s house that night, and she would have given him her power, if presented with the same conundrum.

If Ichigo being a swapt palette Kaien did something, it was trowing her off her game enough to allow a run-of-the-mill hallow to get the best of her. We know that getting rid of hallows, with the level of powers of the ones from the first arc was in her ball park, otherwise Ukitake would not have sent her to do it.

So I can only conclude, as the cause for her abysmal performance, the fact that Ichigo’s face triggered her unhealed trauma, of having killed the only person that gave her a place to belong in half a century.

It’s also interesting that if Ichigo’s rain stopped when he managed to save Rukia, Rukia’s rain was pouring heavily even by the time she went to HM, as we see in her interaction with the Kaien impostor.Her saving Ichigo the night they’ve met was not enough.  But where she differs from Ichigo, is that the rain doesn’t dominate her life, even if it continues to pour. She is now happy with her nakama , with Byakuya and has been reconciled with Renji, her oldest firend. Ichigo being her friend, sharing with her his own nakama, beating the stupid ideas out of Byakuya and Renji, finished what Kaien started, he showed Rukia that she was valuable and valued.

She gave him the power to protect, he gave her a place where she belonged.’’Let’s go home Rukia’‘, what other words can express belonging better than ‘‘my home is your home’‘, said in the most literal sense that those words can have?

Ishida even makes her a dress, as a testament that she now has friends in our world, a dress that will help her fit in, a symbol that she belongs, she doesn’t have to hide in closets and steal cloths anymore. When Rukia came out of her cocoon, it happened what Kaien knew it will, her beautiful soul touched the souls of others and now they are friends. Her kindness and her readiness to fight for what is right ,transformed into friends, even people that by all accounts should have been her rivals, a quincy and the girl that believes that they are rivals for Ichigo’s love.

She chooses not to go home with Ichigo and their friends, because although the months she spent with them were maybe the happiest of her life, she wants to get her power back. She chooses the power to protect her friends and indeed every soul everywhere, anywhere, over living the childhood and adolescence that were denied her both in the WOTL and in SS, first by dying as a baby, and then by waking up in Inuzuri, where every day of her childhood was a death game, with the only price being her life.

She will recuperate her power, hone it, do her duty and supervise if the reforms that Ichigo’s  rescue brought about are put into practice. She will not seek refuge in a second childhood/adolescence, she will do her duty as a shinigami, fallowing her conscience and her principles. In the middle of Ichigo shouting the word ‘‘PROTECT’‘ every 5 seconds, we forget that she was the OG protector of Bleach, and the one that got Ichigo to change his mind about what souls deserve protection, it’s all of them.

She is the protector’s protector. And his first teacher on his road to become the man that we see him growing up into. Even if the narrative pushes her aside in the latter part of the manga, she is the impetus and the prime mover of the story, without her it will be no Bleach.

[bleachbleachbleach]

All right B3 I gotta know...what concept of time do Shinigami use? How do they mark or measure the hours of the day? What kind of clocks or time-telling devices do they use? Analog or sundials?

“There are not just two times,” notes the physicist Carlo Rovelli in The Order of Time. “Times are legion: a different one for every point in space.” What we think of the present, he writes, “does not extend throughout the universe.” Rather, “it is like a bubble around us.” The “well-defined now,” as he calls it, “is an illusion.”

— “The Science of the Perfect Second,” by Tom Vanderbilt in Harper’s Magazine (April 2023).

Where time is concerned, I think we have enough canon evidence to say that the standard the Gotei has chosen is “whatever best coincides with the living world,” a 24-hour day with hours and minutes and seconds.

We see this mostly in the Soul Society arc, where Rukia’s execution is timed to the hour, and Hinamori has a whole alarm clock:

This isn’t to say there aren’t other forms of time in play as well (earlier Rukia tries to direct Chad toward the “hour of the tiger,” which no one else has ever mentioned as far as I know—maybe this is Kuchiki time, maybe this is Inuzuri time). I kind of feel like Soul Society may have embraced the multiplicity of different available measurement systems even harder than we have. Like, we have the age-old battle between Imperial and metric, and countless additional Indigenous, religious, etc. systems of measure. They have madness.

At the same time, I can think of some reasons this wouldn’t be true: Their world—at least, a world they have institutional memory of—is smaller than ours, in that there were fewer generations across which things might change, and fewer population loci (or rather, a singular locus, that being the Seireitei). There is also, of course, the near-infinite variations within Rukongai—but where shinigami are concerned, it’s the Seireitei and the Seireitei. Anyone shinigami happens to be familiar with X, Y, or Z system of Rukongai measurement is still going to know what the Seiretei uses; and what the Seireitei uses is probably 1) whatever the nobles continue to assert, combined with 2) whatever the 12th is begging people to use instead (Gotei-specific standard being the latter).

Which brings us back to the Gotei usage of mainstream Living World time.

The very interesting follow-up questions, of course, are:

Why?

To what end?

Practical Reasons

Despite the fact that this conception of time is even more removed from that which it is derived than it already is for us, there are practical reasons for its usage: Shinigami understand their purpose to be mediating the balance of souls across dimensions, which means their work directly concerns the Living World. For the sake of the dangai and keeping the number of shinigami that vanish in it to a minimum, standardizing time as much as possible seems important. It gives the 12th something to work with—some worldview that can unify the worlds a little bit and make all of this interdimensional travel and tracking possible! (See the links at the end of this post for further discussion!)

Also, without standardizing time across dimensions how are you supposed to make it to your Worm TV Zoom meeting on time? (Sidebar: I’ve previously hypothesized that the pomp and circumstance of the Worm TV was about network security but let’s be real, it’s probably also how you have a conversation in [nearly] real-time across dimensions. I would not be surprised if there was a wicked delay on denreishinki messages/data. See: The Great Gentei Kaijou Debacle of 2001.

Ideological Potentials

What follows are five ideas I think are interesting potential outgrowths of the discussion on Soul Society's use of mainstream Living World time:

1. Having chosen Living World time as the standard doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the most relevant concept of time for vast swathes of non-dangai/shinigami life in Soul Society.

We get “shinigami aging makes no sense” discourse all the time, but like, there’s at least two ways of looking at that: Either shinigami aging doesn’t work with (this concept of) time, or it’s this concept of time does not work for them. "Time" not working/not applying isn’t unique to shinigami, and we have plenty of Living World examples of this: Indigenous time, crip time, Island time, &c.

Functionally relevant or not, though, I think Living time holds additional, deep-seated ideological meaning for shinigami, too.

2. The choice of Living World time as Soul Society’s standard plays an active role in making and defining the relationship between shinigami and the living.

At a basic level, the purview of shinigami is death, and “life” may be described as being in time, where “death” is being out of it. This is complicated by any number of things—namely, there being an afterlife and some version of time still operating there, lol, but also the notion that being in time the “correct” way makes you more alive (see: crip time), or the notion that life and death are dualistic opposites (religiously and culturally, not a universal truth). It's of course further complicated by the fact that even if it's not the most relevant measure of time in Soul Society, time does in fact (now) exist there. Soul Society is not out of time so much as it is in time in very strange ways that stretch the definition of what that's supposed to mean.

3. The Living World is a moving target, as far as understanding it goes.

It’s constantly changing, and even if a soul is a soul is a soul, I feel like there’s no way the relationship between shinigami and the Living World has enjoyed the same level of elemental stability. Even taking only the 20th century into account, the cultural significance of shinigami and other such folklore in Japan has had massive swings. Who’s to say the Meiji Restoration and “modernization” didn’t make shinigami work way harder? Who’s to say the re-emergence of said folklore post-WWII and through the mid-20th century didn’t similarly impact what it meant to be a shinigami, how hard it was to do your job, and how much job you had to do? (Is reishi even thinner when fewer humans believe it might exist? Is it thicker under torii gates, or in spaces of ritual?)

Going off of that:

4. If ways of knowing can impact ways of being with respect to the relationship between shinigami and the Living World, perhaps Soul Society itself feels those impacts even more strongly.

The nature of zanpakutou is all about manifesting the inner into the outer world, and given that Soul Society is reishi all the way down, maybe some version of that holds true for Soul Society as a whole: It has seasons and solar days and all of these things, in these particular ways, not just because it exists in the echo of the Living World but also because bringing this concept of time to Soul Society has effected concrete (inasmuch as anything reishi is “concrete”) change in Soul Society. Maybe, given enough time, shinigami could wake up one day and Soul Society WOULD have a molten core and a real moon.

Or maybe there are too many additional forces working against any kind of progressive trajectory (see: Soul Society anachronisms, see: the incredible stretchiness of space-time in Rukongai/traveling across Rukongai [yes I’m thinking about Renji in the Bount arc, I am never not thinking about Renji in the Bount Arc]).

The relationship between Soul Society and the Living World, in addition to being defined in terms of life and death, could also be defined in terms of the material and the spiritual. Perhaps time becomes a critical link point between the two. In the Living World, units of measurement broadly writ have gradually lost their material referents; instead of measuring every kilogram against a literal kilogram object, The Kilogram, kept in a French vault, they are now measured in terms of universal constants, or math. But time has never been material, and maybe that makes it ideologically special for Soul Society and the Living World—a point of relation, an opportunity.

5. Living World philosopher Henri Bergson suggests that the spirit is anchored in the past and the body in the present, and time is the union of the spirit and the body.

Basically, he theorizes that pure memory is within the purview of the spiritual, and in order to react with consciousness you need to perceive something and let memory impress itself on what it means to you--it requires relation with the past. Spiritual beings and the past aren't exactly the same thing in Soul Society, but the way time and memory work and the way image functions in Edo-looking Soul Society roll together in cool ways here.

And perhaps time, then, becomes a way of laying claim to the shinigami’s prime directive: To be shepherds of souls, stewards of the balance between realms. If time, and by extension, the relationship between shinigami and the living, can be defined with *increasing specificity*, then perhaps in some courts this might prove the prime directive, prove the legitimacy of the shinigami project--that is, their relationship to the Living World and what it is they think their job is.

Then time becomes both a means of relation and intimacy between these words and their denizens, and also a measure of control/claim that is as loving (six hearts beating as one) as it is violent (thousand-year blood wars).

Further Food for Thought:

-> “In Search of Lost Time,” by Tom Vanderbilt in Harper’s Magazine (2023), which inspired a lot of my thinking here and offers an absolutely beautiful rumination on time, systems of measurement and their dematerialization, and different elemental clocks. I’ve read this three separate times this year because I liked it that much!

-> “The Tyranny of Time,” by Joe Zadeh in Noēma (2021), which is also about the standarization of time and the ways our minds and bodies might be out of sync with this standard; and is also about the historical muddiness of time and timezones and time in scatters of English villages.

-> More on the "Hour of the Tiger" thing:

-> More about different conceptions/measurement systems of time, and its wimeyness in historical Japan and also Soul Society (see "info" tab for our response tags):

-> Thinking about time at an existential timescale (primordial ooze shinigami):

-> Followed up by more about Universal Time and the Dangai: