#zabimaru express

[bleachbleachbleach]

How long has Renji been waiting--nay, patiently yearning--to offer this service to someone?

How many nights has he lain awake playing this scenario out in his head

How many different ways has he imagined the opportunity

Use Zabimaru as a ladder and climb up!

[reikorun]

KlubOutside Q&A 301-400 [Translation]

Translated by @reikorun

Q301.

2022.03.07

The Medallions and the "Sankt Altar" used by His Majesty bore a striking resemblance to each other, is it correct to assume that the Medallions are the practical application of "Sankt Altar"?

A301.

That's correct.

Q302.

2022.03.07

Towards the end of the story, brush pens became used less frequently to express bloodshed compared to the early days, does this have something to do with your art style? I would love to know if there is a reason.

A302.

It became like that because I wanted to draw more detailed blood spray and flow.

Q303.

2022.03.14

What kind of technique is Ganju's "Seppa"? Considering the fact that it can directly interfere with matter and the fact that Ganju trained with Ginjō's group in the final arc, I anticipate that this is perhaps a technique closer to Fullbring.

A303.

He is using a technique passed down within the Shiba clan to unbind the union of Reishi particles thereby dividing the matter into pieces.

Q304.

2022.03.14

The boss-like characters that Ichigo has fought so far, that is, Byakuya, Aizen and Ginjō, all have colors contained within their names, but is there some color related connotation in Yhwach's name? 

A304.

In the very early stages of development, Yhwach was given the pseudonym "Yhwach Beltz". Beltz means "black" in Basque.

Q305.

2022.03.14

Is Renji's false Bankai "Hihiō Zabimaru" (*Baboon King), inspired by Minamoto no Yorimasa's slaying of the Nue? Renji subdued Zabimaru who is in the form of a Nue and attains the Bankai "Hihiō Zabimaru"; Minamoto No Yorimasa slays the Nue and is granted the famous sword Shishiō (*Lion King). I'm very interested in the pair because they both have these points in common: defeating the Nue and gaining the power (or weapon) called "~King". I would be happy if you could answer!

A305.

It's the first time I'm hearing of this legend. However the similarities are such that I'm not even surprised you would think it's the source. A sword with such a manga-like name exists….

Q306.

2022.03.21

Orihime has a food scene in every arc. Examples: 

Agent of the Shinigami arc - Red bean paste on a loaf of bread.

Soul Society arc - Meal at Kūkaku's residence.

Arrancar arc - Ice cream eaten with Rangiku and the meal that was almost shoved down her throat by Ulquiorra.

The Lost Agent of the Shinigami arc - Doughnuts.

Thousand-Year Blood War arc - Scrapped bread, some sweet potato-like food. 

And more.

Were these eating scenes included to add to her character, or rather, perhaps I should ask if they naturally increased in number because Orihime came to life on her own as the story progressed? I love the scene where she cries while eating doughnuts in the Lost Agent arc.

A306.

I'm realizing that for the first time now that you've mentioned it. Come to think of it, Orihime eats well, huh…. Whenever I draw a food related scene, it is also the moment where I think to myself “I want a soft atmosphere in the dialogue and the scenery”, so I believe that's where Orihime fits in. Besides, it's kind of like, I don't really want to draw a scene where a man eats food, you know?

Q307.

2022.03.21

Between Isshin and Masaki, who came up with the name "Ichigo"? My personal hypothesis is that he was born because Isshin protected "one thing = Masaki's life", and since Isshin would probably dislike the idea of his son bearing half of his own name, I reckon Masaki came up with it. However, if there is a definitive answer, I would love to know! 

A307.

Masaki is the one who named him. For a long time, I was in two minds over whether or not I should draw Ichigo's naming scene, but I abandoned the idea because it would likely just be Isshin and Masaki getting all lovey-dovey and that's gross.

Q308.

2022.03.21

In my opinion, Ichigo is the most handsome Jump character of all time! From sensei's point of view, are there any protagonists that you think lead a cool lifestyle, or anyone you consider good-looking among the history of Jump protagonists?

A308.

I'm rarely enthused by the protagonist, so I don't have any protagonist in mind. I like Cygnus Hyoga. Somehow, I feel like I've mentioned this before….

Q309.

2022.03.28

If Grimmjow undergoes training, could he attain Resurrección: Segunda Etapa someday? 

A309.

He can.

Q310.

2022.03.28

In chapter 2, Ichigo fights a Hollow in Yumisawa Children's Park, is there any connection between the name "Yumisawa" and the Quincy? From long ago, the Ishida family have resided in Karakura Town which is the Jūreichi. I wondered if there is a possibility that words relating to the Quincy are attached to place names? (*Yumisawa - 弓沢 includes the kanji for "bow" - 弓.)

A310.

Huh!? There is indeed a connection. That's uncanny! I'm surprised you noticed because I simply added that connection in the name while playing around with the background details and had no intention of mentioning it at all.

Q311.

2022.03.28

When it comes to something I don't like, but I have to get it done, I have a hard time getting started. What does sensei do at times like this?

A311.

I procrastinate until the very last minute, and when it finally becomes impossible to put off any longer, I'll start with just a little bit of the initial part and then leave it aside for later. Of course, I'm talking about my rough drafts. 

Q312.

2022.04.04

I thought the lines that Kajōmaru-san delivered were contrasting Captain Kyōraku's speech, but since Kajōmaru-san disappeared earlier than I expected, I've been contemplating the true meaning of his words this whole time. Did something happen in Kajōmaru-san's past?

A312.

Naturally, his lines are meant to correspond with Shunsui's lines, but it's the prelude made for the purpose of setting up Shunsui's speech which is the main message, so I had Kajōmaru say it as he was going to exit the stage early.

Q313.

2022.04.04

I've always thought to myself that if a BLEACH musō style game ever came out, it would probably be so much fun. Doesn't "Shinigami Musō" sound good??? Thank you for your time!!!

A313.

I love Hokuto Musō too, so I think it probably would be fun if there was one. Just imagine Aizen running out from the back of the screen in a 2-player setting whilst blowing away all the trash mobs!

Q314.

2022.04.04

Why did the Shin'ō Academy have its name changed from "Tōgakuin"? (Has their curriculum or philosophy changed?) ×[1] 

A314.

Originally it was a school exclusively for Shinigami, however as organizations like the Kidō Corps and the Inner Court Troop were established and classified, the name changed. 

Q315.

2022.04.11

It's something that I just thought of right now, but is it possible that the Zanpakutō belonging to the early 13th Division were modeled after Pisces and its ruling planet Neptune? Captain Ukitake's Sōgyo no Kotowari may allude to the constellation of Pisces. It is a constellation in which the tails of two fish are tied together with a string (or ribbon), and Sōgyo no Kotowari also has the hilt of two swords linked together with a cord.

On the other hand, Kaien's Nejibana is a three-pronged spear. It is a symbol of Neptune (Poseidon in Greek), the god of the sea who rules over the planet Neptune. 

I have a fair amount of confidence in this theory as there is too much overlap, but what do you think? Also, please let us know if there are any source materials or inspirations which formed the image of Captains and Vice-Captains (any others are fine too).

A315.

"Twin fish" is used to represent letters in Chinese literature, from there I kind of imagined it as "exchanging of letters" → "circulation of energy". About Kaien's sword, I suppose that comes from the mental image of combining the whirlpool of the Shiba clan and water from the twin fish. ×[2]

Q316.

2022.04.11

Sensei, can I use the photos you uploaded of your doggie for my phone's wallpaper?

A316.

You can.

Q317.

2022.04.11

I really sympathize with Quilge Opie's line "speech is silver, silence is golden", but I wonder if a line like this is based on sensei's actual experience?

A317.

This is originally a proverb from the English language.

Q318.

2022.04.18

I watched Ōishi-sensei's birthday stream! I'm very happy because I was able to see characters from other works being drawn by Kubo-sensei and the process by which illustrations come to a state of completion in real time! Do you have any plans to stream it to your fan club or release a time-lapse? If you are so inclined, please do so!!

A318.

That is Ōishi-kun's YouTube project, so please make a request to Ōishi-kun! ×[3]

Q319.

2022.04.18

What does Honshō Chizuru-chan think about Orihime and Ichigo's marriage?

A319.

Since Chizuru is a free-spirited person, she would think "she got married, so what?"

Q320.

2022.04.18

Kubo-sensei also appeared in Ōishi-san's YouTube archive, I watched the hell out of it (an expression I rarely use these days….) The damask-patterned curtains behind Kubo-sensei were so chic that I took my hat off. What brand is it? I looked very closely at it, but I wonder if it's a front lace style where a damask-patterned lace curtain is hung in front of a thick curtain. I was interested because the curtains were beautiful.

A320.

I forgot the manufacturer but it does indeed have front lace. You're very observant…. ×[3]

Q321.

2022.04.25

When Byakuya fought PePe, he was never manipulated by Love Kiss even though he was struck by it. Is that because the mantle Byakuya was wearing is made of the Ōken.

A321.

That's right. That reminds me, there was no space to draw the reason there….

Q322.

2022.04.25

When the Soul King is first seen, he clearly appears to have limbs, when did you settle on the idea to have him limbless? Additionally, when Pernida Parnkgjas promptly dispatched the Second-Class Divine Soldier he was drawn with a normal left hand, so I don't think Pernida was set up to be the Left Arm of the Soul King at that time.

A322.

With respect to the set up I had in mind, it had been arranged so that normally, Pernida can maintain an imperfect humanoid form, but when they lose themself, they lose the ability to maintain their shape, thus revealing their true form (a left hand), but since it's difficult to understand, I'm thinking it's a concept I can probably do away with. Either way, I wanted to draw Pernida's hood tearing apart when they turn into a left hand.

Q323.

2022.04.25

I wish a Blu-ray box edition of the BLEACH anime would be offered for sale…they were available in the past…I'd like to have something similar to the DVD box which went up to the Soul Society arc….

A323.

I'll let my editor know. Murakoshi-saaan!

Q324.

2022.05.02

I apologize for bringing up the anime, but in the Zanpakutō: The Alternate Tale arc, among the Zanpakutō of the Captains and Vice-Captains whose names had already been established at the time, it was only Itegumo's incarnated form which did not make an appearance. Was this Kubo-sensei's intention? Or is it that the anime staff simply didn't come to you with an offer for Itegumo…?

A324.

Since I have no recollection of ever having met to discuss Itegumo, I think it's likely there were no plans for Itegumo.

Q325.

2022.05.02

What kind of person is Ikumi-san's husband? How old is he in your designs?

A325.

Ikumi-san is single in the main story, and she remarries in that space leading up to the Echoing Jaws of Hell arc.

Q326.

2022.05.02

Kubo-sensei, do you often reread the BLEACH tankōbon? 

A326.

I usually don't read them at all, so I've almost forgotten everything. It's thanks to posting replies in this Q&A corner that with every round of questions I end up rereading the previous and subsequent tankōbon thoroughly.

Q327.

2022.05.09

Was it intentional that Aizen's origins and past are still largely undisclosed? I'd like to know because I often find myself thinking that there aren't many villains who possess that much charisma whose background remains unknown.

A327.

Most depictions of a villain's past are composed in order to draw out sympathy and a sense of relatability from the audience, and since I don't like that approach very much, I try to avoid it. All characters have a different set of values and I believe a villain is a character whose differences in that regard are so large that they cannot be accepted.

Q328.

2022.05.09

I was always watching out for this with bated breath, but I wonder if the reason Rangiku's breasts don't spill out from her Shihakushō is because she's holding them in place with Reiatsu? Did she actually have a nip slip once where nobody was watching? I'm curious if the reason why her chest is so widely exposed is because they cause her pain or perhaps it's a 'freebie' for others. I love how sexy her chest is.

A328.

I was drawing her with the assumption that she would affix double sided tape to her chest, but I like the idea of her holding them in place with Reiatsu better. Maybe I should use it.

Q329.

2022.05.09

I was surprised to learn that Kubo-sensei's hometown is the very town where I currently live and work (I felt a strong sense of familiarity at the mention of Soleil). So here's my question: roughly where in Karakura Town is the Visored's base located? 

A329: 

The Visored's hideout is around Spark (the name of a supermarket). I wonder if Spark is still there…?

Q330.

2022.05.16

The 7th volume with Byakuya on the cover begins with the line “We should not shed tears”, but at the time Kubo-sensei wrote this poem, did you already have an image in your head of chapter 502, "Falling Sakura" (where Byakuya is defeated by the enemy and sheds tears)?

A330.

I had no way of knowing where Jump would tell me to end the series, so it's not the exact version I had in mind back then, but I wrote it based on the idea that the tears would eventually be shed.

Q331.

2022.05.16

I would like to know how Yoruichi transforms into a cat. Is it a technique she herself had developed, is she able to shapeshift using a spiritual tool belonging to the Shihōin clan, or perhaps a device or technique developed by Urahara Kisuke? These are the only methods I can think of.

A331.

This is a technique developed by Yoruichi, for the purpose of sneaking out of the mansion whenever she pleases.

Q332.

2022.05.16

Have you ever tried Ayataka Café Matcha Latte? It's extremely popular and delicious.

A332.

Matcha based sweets aren't really my thing.

Q333.

2022.05.23

Where on Earth did Renji get that snazzy shirt with the Zabimaru-like design which he was wearing in the Human World in the final chapter? Was it custom made for Renji?

A333.

It's custom made. That t-shirt is nice isn't it?

Q334.

2022.05.23

On the Squad 10 introduction page in BLEACH 13 BLADEs, it says "Rangiku narrowly avoided having her Bankai stolen", has Rangiku acquired Bankai?

A334.

That's what is actually written there!? It's a mistake. How in the world did a mistake like this get in there…?

Q335.

2022.05.23

I have a question about the Shikai of Komamura's Zanpakutō "Tenken". When looking at the games and the anime, it seems there are two patterns in Tenken's Shikai ability: one where it partially summons Kokujō Tengen Myō'ō and does battle with its arm and sword, and another pattern where it accompanies Komamura's attacks with a mass of sword energy (?) that looks like an enlarged version of his own arm and sword. Which one is considered correct by Kubo-sensei?

A335.

"Summoning the arm of Myō'ō" is correct.

Q336.

2022.05.30

Regarding the resident certificate which is given as a bonus for joining this FC, I was surprised to see that Hueco Mundo was an option. Even in Hueco Mundo there are resident certificates…are there any public offices and such that manage it? If so, did Aizen establish and maintain it? These are the questions I thought about but I'd like to know sensei's opinion!

A336.

You might be able to tell by looking at the signatures, but Harribel is in charge of it and Hueco Mundo has started to become organized after Harribel began ruling.

Q337.

2022.05.30

You mentioned Momoclo in a previous Bambies related question, do you have any favorite idols and such? Did you happen to like Hinatazaka46 through Love it!? Is there someone you're rooting for?

A337.

When I see idols who were season regulars on Love it! appearing in other shows, I naturally start rooting for them. (*Love it! is a variety show in Japan.)

Q338.

2022.05.30

During the new captain's appointment ceremony in volume 74, Nanao-chan, who served as the host, is seen carrying a cane, was this an aftereffect of her fight with Lille? In the same volume, just a few pages before (the scene where she goes outside to call for Captain Kyōraku), it looks like she didn't have a cane, so I was wondering what the true situation is.

A338.

That's right. Either I forgot to draw it in the scene where she calls out to Shunsui or the detail ended up getting lost in the solid paint fill.

Q339.

2022.06.06

Is the reason why Ichigo's Bankai could not be stolen with a medallion because Ichigo's Bankai was mixed with Hollow power?

A339.

Correct.

Q340.

2022.06.06

You served as a judge for the Jump Gag Manga Awards, and I got the impression that there is a high percentage of gag manga among the works you find interesting, but do you have any plans or desire to draw your own gag manga?

A340.

When it comes to me, I just don't have the talent to draw gag manga, so I won't draw it. Gag manga are challenging works and only a select few can draw them.

Q341.

2022.06.06

About the color illustration from chapter 558 (depicting Ichigo and Renji inside a white coffin with a cross on it), it appears to bear a close resemblance to Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" music video, is there any connection?

A341.

I drew the white coffin design quite a long time ago and when I saw the Bad Romance music video, I recall being rather indecisive about what I should draw because Bad Romance was released first. Ultimately, I ended up drawing it after some time had passed. That being said, the music video for Bad Romance was incredibly cool.

Q342.

2022.06.13

When the anime commences, will there be a BLEACH game released following Soul Ignition? Not so much an app or something but for game consoles…. 

A342.

I feel like I heard some rumor like that from my editor….

Q343.

2022.06.13

If the Quincy trace bloodlines, I think Uryū would notice that an Echt Quincy called "Kurosaki" existed until recently, but were there any documents, family trees, etc. compiled by Sōken? If so, did Uryū sense something extraordinary after being admitted to Karakura High school, in particular towards the fact that it was a human with the surname "Kurosaki" who possessed the high Reiatsu?

A343.

Books concerning the Quincy are kept in a locked archive inside the hospital. Uryū is forbidden from going there, nor does Uryū himself want to enter that place so much that he would go to the trouble of fighting with Ryūken. Additionally, the more important books are kept in Ryūken's private room.

Q344.

2022.06.13

I've been wondering about this for a while, but in the color version, Liltotto's clothes in her earlier appearances had long sleeves, is this something that was simply overlooked during your checks? Don't the Sternritter only conform to one style of clothing?

A344.

Really!? I had no idea because I wasn't asked to check that. Her outfit was always sleeveless.

Q345.

2022.06.20

I read on the internet that the heroine of BLEACH, Inoue Orihime, is modeled after Inoue Mayuko from Ushio & Tora. Is that true? Is it also the case that Tatsuki was modeled after Asako?

A345.

I'm not exactly familiar with Ushio and Tora…. Please check for yourself whether it's mentioned in any official statement anyway.

Q346.

2022.06.20

Is it possible for fellow Hollows to make children?

A346.

It's possible.

Q347.

2022.06.20

I was thinking that the "B" and "H" from Jugo and Bazz-B's Schrift are the letters which form each other's names, was this giving us a hint that these two were best friends?

A347.

Of course.

Q348.

2022.06.27

I want Hollow and Dragon figurines!!! Are there any plans to turn them into figurines? Where can I request one to be made for me? I want to line up all the Märchens!!!!!!!

A348.

Is this question based on the premise that I draw all the Märchens!?

Q349.

2022.06.27

Will the effect of Wabisuke's ability be lifted if the Shikai is disengaged?

A349.

It will be lifted.

Q350.

2022.06.27

When Shinigami engage their Shikai, sometimes It will be unleashed by calling the sword's name despite not uttering the release command, is there any difference between this and a situation where they do recite the release command in full? Just like how only those who have acquired Bankai are able to release their Shikai without calling the name itself, perhaps it's not the case that just anyone can do this?

A350.

Only experts can release Shikai without the release command, and even if they can, it will take time for its efficiency to reach 100% after the release.

Q351.

2022.07.04

If members of the Visored have theme songs, please tell us about them!!

A351.

Oh yeah, I guess I've never made a note of that. I'll write about them somewhere!

Q352.

2022.07.04

Please tell us what your favorite BLEACH movie is!

A352.

I like the Ulquiorra fight at the beginning of Hell Verse.

Q353.

2022.07.04

Is the healing ointment that comes out of Ikkaku's sword an original ability of the Zanpakutō rather than something that was added through modification? When I did some investigating, I learned that the Hōzuki plant was used as a medicinal herb in the past, so I thought, maybe?

A353.

It's Hōzukimaru's ability.

Q354.

2022.07.11

I have received my certificate of residence, thank you very much. Did you also inspect the packaging envelope? I have never seen such a stylish parcel before, I was totally blown away…. I'm truly happy that I was immersed in this universe even before opening my package.

A354.  

I did inspect it. Isn't the design great? The certificate of residence is also the outstanding handiwork of Ishino-san who has been involved with BLEACH for a long time.

Q355.

2022.07.11

Will the birthdays of the Sternritter members be made public in the future?

A355.

Perhaps it will be revealed in the anime, I can't say for sure.

Q356.

2022.07.11

In an illustration previously exhibited at the Reverse Shibuya event, Rickenbacker was listed as a Broombuggy. His appearance is quite different compared to Marshall and Wordsworth, does this mean that all Dragons people ride are considered Broombuggies?

A356.

Broombuggy is the name of a Dragon species while simultaneously being something like a model number used for Wing Bind registration, so if an individual brings along their own Dragon and it passes the test, they can register it as a Broombuggy.

Q357.

2022.07.18

When designing a female character, how is the bust size determined?

A357.

It's not so much choosing a bust size, but rather it's more like deciding on the overall fleshiness of the character and then making it a size that suits.

Q358.

2022.07.18

The new BLEACH work looks so interesting, I could barely contain my excitement!!! I couldn't help but wonder if there's something hidden in the title, like in BURN THE WITCH, is the missing horizontal bar on the "A" in "BREATHES" simply a design choice? Or does it have some kind of meaning? Please give us a hint!

A358.

I was just playing around with a design for the rough draft and I didn't even really communicate this detail to my editor, but the design more or less gives the impression that the "bolts of Hell have come loose.”

Q359.

2022.07.18

In the one-shot, there are records adorning a whole surface of the wall in the 5th Division barracks, are those all Hirako's personal belongings?

A359.

That's right.

Q360.

2022.07.25

I read the new BLEACH one-shot. The individuality of each person very much stands out, even down to things like their Captain's haori, has the change in Captain-Commander resulted in a more lenient dress code, personal grooming and so on?

A360.

It's definitely become more lenient. I mean, the Captain-Commander is Shunsui so….

Q361.

2022.07.25

With regard to Captain Unohana's name, was it intentional that by giving her the name "Retsu (烈)", the kanji for "death (死)" can be constructed when parts of her name are combined? Also, if the aforementioned is true, is there a possibility that the details surrounding characters’ naming will be revealed in a future one-shot sequel?

A361.

If "Hana (花)" and "Retsu (列)" are cut in two and then connected together, the result is "death (死)". It was intentional, or perhaps I should say, I did it out of fun but it turned out right. If someone correctly guesses the wordplay in the naming like this, then I may acknowledge it, but I don't think I should be the one to reveal it.

Q362.

2022.07.25

Is the BLEACH one-shot drawn entirely with traditional art mediums? There were some parts here and there that looked like it could be digital, did you use both?

A362.

Illustrations of characters, illustrations of animals, visual effects and lettering for sound effects were all made using traditional art mediums, Anything outside of that is digital.

Q363.

2022.08.01

New Vice-Captain, Rindō, has made an appearance, but where did Vice-Captain Iemura go?

A363.

Given that Atau's abilities were superior, Iemura voluntarily made an application for himself and was demoted to 3rd seat. Even though Iemura was the one to raise the matter of his own accord, he was so depressed that Hanatarō, unable to look on in silence, summoned him back to the 4th Division where he was reinstated. In the end, it seems that the 4th Division, which has a lot of paperwork, is more suited for Iemura. 

Q364.

2022.08.01

I read the one-shot! I was like "this is iiiit!" for the first time in a long while and it gave me goosebumps…. Is this strictly a one-shot, will there not be a continuation…? I would definitely like to read the rest!

A364.

I'm not good at drawing when I'm being told to “draw, draw, draw” repeatedly, so I'll consider it once I'm no longer being told to do so.

Q365.

2022.08.01

Was the color spread in the 20th anniversary chapter, drawn digitally?

A365.

The coloring is digital.

Q366.

2022.08.08

How does Ichika perceive Yumichika's gender? We live in a time where gender is a difficult issue, but I'd like to see a scene unfold where he's like "I'm a man" and Ichika goes "what!?"

A366.

She already knew he's a man from the start.

Q367.

2022.08.08

In chapter 188, when Isshin-san regained his Shinigami powers for the first time in 20 years, he referred to the Visored in his conversation with Urahara-san. During this scene, Urahara-san who had helped to contain their Hollowfication, acted as though he possessed no detailed information concerning their backgrounds or ideology. Was this information simply not revealed to Isshin-san and nothing more? Or is it that he truly had no idea what the Visored were planning at that time because he hadn't been involved with them since The Past arc, among other things?

A367.

This is because he concluded that there would be more of a benefit towards the management of Ichigo's Hollowfication if he did not divulge that information to Isshin.

Q368.

2022.08.08

I like the sound of Aaroniero Arruruerie's name. What is the origin of this name?

A368.

It's based on the designer Eero Aarnio.

Q369.

2022.08.15

I have a question concerning the phrase "Fill the earth and know your own powerlessness" in Kurohitsugi's chant. In the book of Genesis, after creating man (in the sense that man is the greatest thing ever created), the word of God states “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it." Are the words in the Kurohitsugi incantation modeled after this? 

A369.

It's not the case that I used Genesis as a model, though Kurohitsugi's chant itself becomes a chant that speaks about all humanity.

Q370.

2022.08.15

In the new one-shot, Ichigo goes to Keigo's ramen shop and says "everyone came out to eat", but who exactly does he mean by "everyone"? Who else was there besides Mizuiro? Was Chad also with them

A370.

The one in the seat at the back is Uryū.

Q371.

2022.08.15

I love Dordoni, so I'd like if you could draw him a lot more.

A371.

Now that you mention it, I forgot to draw new pieces for Dordoni and his group for the art exhibition….

Q372.

2022.08.22

In the new one-shot, Ichika calls Renji "Tō-sama (*father)", but what does she call Byakuya?

A372.

"Oji-sama (*uncle)"

Q373.

2022.08.22

Sensei, have you ever seen derivative creations (fanfiction, dōjinshi, etc.) of your own work? Also, what do you think about such creations?

A373.

As long as the fans can find enjoyment in it with one another, they can go right ahead. Please send me male-oriented erotica. Because I read it.

Q374.

2022.08.22

I love the background music from the anime and movies and I listen to them often, was sensei also involved in the music selection?

A374. 

It doesn't involve me. This is not because I'm not interested, but because I'm fond of Sagisu-san's work.

Q375.

2022.08.29

Aside from nobles, do seated officers live on the road to the seated officers' quarters? Do they live in detached housing?

A375.

Most of them do.

Q376.

2022.08.29

I was incredibly impressed after watching the video of you drawing on KlubOutside! Are you using a tracing lightbox from Bears.Seven? And is it being stabilized by the horizontal pipe behind it? Also, if you don't mind, I would be grateful if you could tell us what's going on with the space on both sides of the tracing lightbox!

A376.

I ended up buying a new ultra-thin tracing lightbox over and over again until I found one that I liked, I forgot the manufacturer's name. I'd be in trouble if it broke…. The space on both sides is chaotically littered with things.

Q377.

2022.08.29

Regarding Kyōraku-san's Bankai, Katen Kyōkotsu: Karamatsu Shinjū, if the opponent doesn't put up a resistance (that is, try to rise to the surface) at the Third Act: Dangyo no Fuchi, does it not transition to the Final Act? The story goes that "having resigned themselves to their fate, they hurl themselves", so I thought that if the opponent accepted it, then it would become a lovers' suicide just as the name suggests. 

A377.

Not limited to the Third Act, If an opponent dies midway through, it is assumed that the "performer has disappeared", and thus the Act ends there.

Q378.

2022.09.05

When I look at sensei's work, the lines appear to be much bolder in the early stages, are your lines something you paid more attention to as a consequence or did you have a change of mind regarding this area? Or perhaps you merely changed your pen?

A378.

The lines became thinner for two reasons: for one, with that early method of drawing, the lines would come out too thick when printed in the magazine, secondly I gained more experience with a pen and it reached a point where I was able to draw faster. 

Q379.

2022.09.05

Do you like robots? You are great at creating characters, creatures and fantasy. Someday, I would like to see a robot designed by sensei.

A379.

I'm not interested in robots right now so I don't think I'd be able to compose a good design.

Q380.

2022.09.05

After I saw Ichika, there's something I've been wondering about: what is the growth rate of a Shinigami like in terms of physical age? Does the growth rate eventually come to slow down as the physical body develops in age?

A380.

I'll probably write about this in a Fanbook.

Q381.

2022.09.12

Japanese translations of the chapter subtitles were printed in the Fanbooks, but are there any plans to publish the rest somewhere?

A381.

It was difficult to check them so I don't really want to do it….

Q382.

2022.09.12

How tall is Tōshirō at present, in cm? Has there been any change from 133 cm…?

A382.

He's 134 cm now.

Q383.

2022.09.12

When you were composing your designs for New Sakura Wars, did you decide on the framework of each character? I'm especially curious about Anastasia.

A383.

For Sakura Wars, the request came in with everything already decided down to the names, settings, personality, body type, hairstyles, colors and role, so my job was to draw the actual design of the character using my own art style, that's all there was to it. It's almost like "putting makeup on someone else's child “

Q384.

2022.09.19

Kazui's room made an appearance in the one-shot, what made an impression on me is the fact that it wasn't a children's study desk or the like which adorned the place, but instead it was very simple furniture. Is there some reason for that?

A384.

It's to Ichigo's taste.

Q385.

2022.09.19

I would like to know what foods Kisuke-san likes and what food he dislikes…. If there are any changes between the time he was a Captain and the time he became "Hat-and-Clogs", I'd definitely like to hear about both of those eras….

A385.

His favorite food is rice and the food he dislikes are too many to list. While we're on the subject, Yoruichi has no likes or dislikes at all when it comes to food.

Q386.

2022.09.19

Who came up with the title "WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU"?

A386.

I did.

Q387.

2022.09.26

Is it possible that Engetsu was not originally Isshin's Zanpakutō, but instead a Zanpakutō that once belonged to another Shinigami, like for instance, someone among the Five Great Noble Clans? I was wondering if the reason why no Shinigami connected the dots between Isshin and the Getsuga Tenshō used by Ichigo, was because they recognized Engetsu as a fire type Zanpakutō and were unaware of its ability i.e. "Getsuga Tenshō which gathers Reiatsu into a slashing attack"?

A387.

There are three reasons why the other Shinigami were not reminded of Isshin through witnessing Ichigo's Getsuga Tenshō:

Unlike the one used by Ichigo, Isshin's Getsuga Tenshō is a technique that gathers fire and Reiatsu into a slashing attack which is used at close range.

There are no opportunities for fellow Captains to learn each other's technique names outside of fighting together and training together.

In the Soul Society arc, Ichigo doesn't mention the name Getsuga Tenshō in front of anyone but Byakuya.

Q388.

2022.09.26

A long time ago on a certain program, Morita-san, who plays the role of Ichigo, mentioned how Kubo-sensei had pointed out to him the correct intonation of Getsuga Tenshō back in the early days. Did Kubo-sensei check the intonation of characters' spoken lines and techniques in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, which were implemented in Brave Souls but have yet to make an appearance in the anime?

A388.

I may not be able to check as far as the finer details for Brave Souls. For the new anime on the other hand, I spent several hours discussing and checking as many new names and vocabulary as possible. As long as I haven't missed anything in my checks, it should turn out great.

Q389.

2022.09.26

I would like to learn the particulars of how Shutara Senjumaru got promoted to the Zero Division. What did she (is it a she?) create? At first I thought it might be the Shihakushō, but I can't imagine that a Shihakushō is important enough to warrant a promotion to Zero Division, so I'm thinking it's probably something else. 

A389.

It's the Shihakushō.

Q390.

2022.10.03

I would like to know how Abarai Ichika-chan rates her father's eyebrows!

A390.

She thinks they're the coolest shape in the whole world.

Q391.

2022.10.03

Does Kubo-sensei have a Kanken certificate? (*Japan Kanji Aptitude Test)

A391.

I don't have one.

Q392.

2022.10.03

What is the motive behind Kyōraku Shunsui choosing Yadōmaru Lisa as his Vice-Captain? I'm also intrigued by their relationship. When Kyōraku and Lisa reunite again during the Decisive Battle of Karakura in the anime, Lisa strikes him violently as if in greeting, Kyōraku then says something like "you're looking as cute as ever" and Lisa blushes in response. I'm curious because I think this would never have happened if Lisa wasn't conscious of Kyōraku in some way or the other.

A392.

This is one of those scenes where the checks didn't come to me.

Q393.

2022.10.10

I really love the well-built and good-looking mature men that Kubo-sensei draws, but I was curious about specific areas of the face or body where you exert the most effort when drawing these characters. If I have to pick one character, I would be very happy if you could tell me something about Zaraki Kenpachi. 

A393.

All the characters are different in terms of what aspect I pay extra attention to, in Kenpachi's case, I imagine him with "dry-looking, tense muscles on a thin figure with prominent bones.”

Q394.

2022.10.10

Not long after assuming her position as Captain of the 8th Division, Yadōmaru Lisa is seen wearing a Captain's haori which had long sleeves (in the illustration from the novel "WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU" Lisa can be seen wearing what looks to be a haori with sleeves.) However, in the one-shot, it became a sleeveless Captain's haori. Did she have it altered to sleeveless or does she switch between two garments depending on her mood that day?

A394.

Immediately following that, Lisa used the haori Shunsui used to wear after cutting down the length of the sleeves.

Q395.

2022.10.10

The Seireiheki ordinarily protects the Soul King Palace, but do the gatekeepers of the Seireimon also normally protect the Soul King Palace?

A395.

I'll write about this here because it's probably not a piece of lore I'll ever draw, but the areas bordering the edges of the street around where the gates fall have come to be named "Marumaru-mon", they stand guard over the vicinity of those areas. ×[4]

Q396.

2022.10.17

Sensei, how many layers do you divide your work into when drawing an illustration digitally? If possible, I would also like to see a making-of video of your drawing process!

A396.

The number of layers depends on the illustration. All of the original color drawings from the BLEACH exhibition are still available as time-lapses, so I hope they can be viewed somewhere.

Q397.

2022.10.17

Kazeshini's chains appear to be expandable, but how does it shrink back after it has been expanded? 

A397.

Shūhei does his best to shrink them back.

Q398.

2022.10.17

Given that Shawlong is the No.11 Arrancar, does that mean he was the first Menos among Aizen's forces to be turned into an Arrancar? In that case, why did Aizen choose him as the first test subject?

A398.

That's because Shawlong himself advised Aizen to try it on him first.

Q399.

2022.10.24

If Moguro Fukuzō from the "The Laughing Salesman" were in the world of BLEACH, who do you reckon would be the character that would likely be targeted by Moguro Fukuzō to have their souls filled?

A399.

Let me see, I wonder who… Shūhei…?

Q400.

2022.10.24

According to Ulquiorra's monologue, it seems that the fully Hollowfied Ichigo had used Sonído which is Hohō for Arrancar. In The Past arc from volume 36, it appears as though Kensei, who had progressed in Hollowfication, also utilized Sonído in the same way when he instantly moved behind Rabu. Could this be an indication that as a Shinigami's Hollowfication spreads from a state of being the mask alone to one where it affects the whole body, their existence grows closer to an Arrancar?

A400.

Correct.

Translation Footnotes:

×1. The "Shinigami Tōgakuin" is a name which appears in Souls character book, page 99. This is the name that is still most commonly used in Rukongai to refer to the Academy.

×2. Kubo is referring to Han-dynasty poems and legends, most notably: Ballad of Watering Horses in a Ditch by the Great Wall. Fish is used as a metaphor for letters sent by families far away as people would place their message in a wooden receptacle shaped like a fish. This receptacle would open down the middle thus becoming "two carp":

From a far land a traveler came and left me two carp. I asked my children to cook the fish and inside they found a silk letter. I knelt long and read the letter. What did that letter say? It started, Try to eat. and ended, I miss you always.

×3. Kōji Ōishi's Birthday stream featuring Tite Kubo:

https://www.youtube.com/live/nTwRin6T3VA?si=TmtttpxOOAdWnRLa

×4. Please note: "Mon" means gate but "Marumaru" is not really a name, marumaru is a symbol (○○) which we use as placeholders when, for instance, there is no name. So it's essentially like saying "such and such gate” until the named gate actually falls and replaces that placeholder.

[recurring-polynya]

I was thinking today about how Rukia's attacks are all in the forms of circles, and that her usual attack position starts with herself inside the circle, when it occurred to me that this is also the classic Hihiou Zabimaru position.

Interestingly, I think this is actually Hihiou Zabimaru's defensive position, but it's also their "ready position." As soon as I started thinking about this, I realized that this is actually a carryover from Zabimaru's shikai behavior-- they extend to attack, but retract to protect Renji in between attacks.

That's not actually what I wanted to talk about, though.

I've talked before about how I think that the fundamental theme of a zanpakutou and the foundation of its abilities is inherent to itself, but that the expression of those powers is strongly influenced by the shinigami and has the potential to take many forms. For example, I think the reason Rukia's shikai attacks are all focused on hitting people with ice are because she was trained by and idolized a man with a water zanpakutou, even though Sode no Shirayuki's powers are really more about thermal manipulation. I think this extends, not only to the effects of the attack, but the aesthetics of them. I mean, if you think about Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, is it really necessary that a bunch of swords rise up out of the ground? No, of course not. Are they the very essence of Byakuya-core? Yes.

To that end, I want to talk about the similarities between Hakka no Togame and So-oh Zabimaru-- not in the broad strokes, because they are very, very different zanpakutou-- but in the details. Rukia and Renji grew up together. They are best friends and battle partners and at some point become romantic partners. They get their bankai together. We already know they like making dramatic entrances together. It's no surprise that they have a similar sense of what it means to look sick as Hell.

Clad bankai. For starters, they are both bankai that are worn. I'm not sure if this is a term that's ever used in canon with regard to bankai, although it is used in reference to some Fullbring. In any case, it's a bankai that changes your outfit, as opposed to making some giant construct (like Komamura or Kurotsuchi's) or, um, special effects-based like Rose's or Tousen's, or just a better weapon, like Soi Fon's or Ikkaku's. There's no hard and fast here-- Ichigo also has a clad bankai, which is a full outfit change, like Rukia's. Renji's is somewhere between that and Kensei and Hitsugaya, who just get some shoulder accessories (and one could argue that Kensei's is more "big weapon" than "clad"). The point is, they're in the same ballpark.

Neck protection that leaves the throat exposed. I spent a bunch of time looking up historical armor to try and figure out if this is even a thing, and as far as I can tell, it is not. This says "I love a cowl neck, but I also want to be tits out." I think they both really loved those Hueco Mundo cloaks they had, except for the fact that they made it hard to talk or something and this was the result.

Shoulder guards. I'm not sure Rukia's are actually functional, but they give impression of armor. You'll sometimes see Renji's referred to as "pauldrons" or "spaulders", but these are European terms. In Japanese armor, the piece that covers the shoulder is called the sode. Yeah.

Stripes! "Don't say tiger print is lame!" Rukia says. "Renji really likes it!" Rukia says. Mm-hmm. You know who else has stripes on their neck and shoulders?

(Oh jeez oh jeez, looking at these two pictures underneath each other, Rukia's loops look exactly like Zabimaru's snaketail who stole this from whom?????) Speaking of...

Loopies!! The loopies are cool enough by themselves (if not performing any battle function at all aside from getting caught on shit), but here's the best part: Rukia's appear to be an extension of Sode no Shirayuki's ribbon. When Renji shifts into Orochi-Oh form he gets a bone ribbon.

On some level, maybe subconscious, maybe not, this man looked at the most beautiful zanpakutou in Soul Society and said "I want that for me."

Fringe. Rukia is mostly very stiff looking, but she's got these little ice crystal thingies dangling at various places. We'll have to see how this gets animated, but I hope that they blow around a little to add some kineticism and maybe make some bell-like noises. Bankai is all about making big winds and explosions and smoke clouds and you gotta have some dangle-y shit to blow around, it's compulsory.

Connections to royalty. In Rukia's it's more visual-- the ice tiara, the formal upright kimono. On Renji's side, his bankai is literally called "Two Kings", and it's two forms are "Baboon King" and "Serpent* King." ("Orochi" is used for a giant mythical serpents and dragons, including the eight-headed dragon Yamato no Orochi). I love this imagery being used for them in particular because of their origins as street kids. I hope, with all my heart, that someone makes an AMV for their bankai set to Royals by Lorde.

There's some other aspects that not necessarily inherent to their bankai. Rukia's ice crown is somewhat similar to Renji's bandana/sunglasses, in the sense that it's a head accessory. Rukia's bankai also includes tekkou (which she wears normally, but I assume these are bankai tekkou?) and Renji has his wrist wraps. Rukia's little ice flower on her chest reminded me a little of the baboon skull Renji had on Hihiou Zabimaru, in terms of, it's just...like...decoration? Their #brand? Finally, the cover on the sheath of Rukia's sword (which she also has in shikai) looks a little the extended hilt-guard Renji has going on. (For that matter, does Rukia have to wield Sode no Shirayuki two-handed in bankai? I feel like Kubo drew it that way because he couldn't figure out how to fit the hilt up her sleeve.

[crimsonstray]

She peaks in his office, a large tote bag in one hand and a red bag tied with a gold ribbon in the other. With near-singing enthusiasm she pops the red bag in his view and offers it. “Happy Valentine’s day Renji!” Within the bag is a white chappy-like chocolate wielding a sort of basic, flat kind of zabimaru(?) of milk chocolate. It seems simple and lumpy, but somehow still wears a fierce expression. “I think it came out rather well if I do say so myself.” she notes proudly with a grin.

Oh right, valentine's day. he had almost forgotten. when did this day even sneak up on him??? renji just stares at the bag she held. did he look surprised? he probably did. he should smile. she remembered and made the effort to offer him something. he was just shocked? yeah. that was it. he did get some chocolate except this was different. this was from Rukia.

after taking the bag and unearthing her masterpiece. he did stare at it for a good moment or two before saying anything. she really did put a lot of effort into this. it was very very thought out. right down to zabimaru. yep. this was the best of them all. all the others go home.

' i like it. it's almost too good to eat. ' he said with a broad smile of his own. ' you did real good, rukia. thank you. and uh. happy valentine's day, punk. '

[kingdaddydaichi]

Out Of The Ether (pt. 4) ⨳ Renji Abarai x f!reader ⨳ NSFW

( Source )

🙅🏼‍♀️ 18+ ONLY 🙅🏼‍♀️ MINORS DO NOT INTERACT 🙅🏼‍♀️ OR RENJI WILL MAKE ZABIMARU ROAR ON YOUR ASS 🙅🏼‍♀️

← part 3 ⨳ part 5 →

Word Count: 1.6k

...The sharp tinkling of the doorbell split the palpable tension like a sheet, tearing the fleeting soul connection asunder and hurtling you both back to the world around you.

Yuki, the older female shop owner, called out to you announcing her return from her morning errands. You tore your eyes from Renji's and called back, "O-Okaerinasai, Yuki-san!" before hurrying back to the front of the shop with Urahara's items. Renji followed behind you, happily watching your hips sway as you walked.

Yuki-san excused herself to the office to tend to business, allowing you to finish up with your current customer. Just before closing the office door, Yuki-san waved and said, "Good to see you again, Renji-kun!"

"Hai, likewise, Yuki-san!", Renji replied before turning back to you, an immediate expression of concern appearing on his face. "You okay? You've gone pale!"

"R-Ren-ji?", you asked in dismay.

He flashed his big, dumb smile. "Right! I haven't even introduced myself yet. Yeah, my name's Renji, what's yours? I've been meaning to ask".

"Renji", you repeated, this time as more of an incredulous statement rather than a question.

His smile shrank and his eyes narrowed. Had he met you before? No way, he'd definitely remember you if he had. He wasn't great with faces, but yours? He wouldn't have forgotten your kind eyes, your bright, beautiful smile. Or...was it that you'd seen him somewhere before?

"I-uhh, I just remembered I have to- uhh do something", you said backing away before turning and scurrying towards the back of the shop.

"Wait!", Renji beckoned. It was too late though. Once again you'd retreated through the back door that led to the reiki practice. He cursed under his breath, then sighed and picked up the bag of goods he'd paid for, seeing no other course of action but to head back to Urahara's shop. Maybe he could try again in a few days, find another excuse to come see you again.

He could've flown or flash-stepped his way back to his home in the Living World, but walking helped him think...and you'd given him a lot to think about. How did you know that he'd been having recurring dreams? What was with those few moments when your eyes met and your soul seemed to whisper something to his? And what the hell was your reaction to hearing his name all about? He'd chastised himself a few days prior for (wishfully) thinking you'd had the same dreams, but more and more the signs seemed to point to it as a real possibility.

Meanwhile, you'd stolen away to your reiki table downstairs, upon which you'd laid down, your palms covering your closed eyes and mind reeling. What the fuck? What the actual fuck? How? It was him, alright, no doubt about it. Oh god, his voice, his build, his name, his Spiritual Pressure.

You bit your lip and considered if all of the above was the same, did he also have the same big- ? No, nope, stop it you fucking pervert! But, damn, you really wanted to find out. Hell, just being around him for such short periods of time had left a wet spot in your panties - both times. More importantly, thinking back to the way you'd bailed on him made you cringe.

You finished out your shift at the shop that evening and just before leaving you asked Yuki-san for the address to Urahara's shop. Without knowing how else to get in touch with him, it was your best shot at finding Renji. You felt awful about your sketchy behavior earlier in the day. You owed him an apology and your name. Also, you simply wanted - no, needed - to see him again. Soon.

The sun had already set, which you considered too late to show up on someone's doorstep unannounced. Tomorrow, you thought.

⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳

Later that night, after tossing and turning for an hour, your asinine reaction to learning his name replaying in your mind for the billionth time, you’d eventually managed to fall asleep.

The tall male silhouette seemed to saunter towards you from a distance that made it impossible to discern any of his features. As he got closer however, it was like the veil of shadows began to lift and for the first time since these dreams began you were able to make out the unmistakable bright red hair, only it cascaded down his chest and back as opposed to the ponytail you’d come to easily recognize. A few more steps towards you and the details of his face became more apparent - his tattoos, his hungry brown eyes, and that smirk of his that made you weak in the knees. "Tell me your name, Shinigami", you breathed.

He reached for you, taking your hand in his, pulling you flush against him. You wrapped your arms around his narrow waist and pressed your ear to his chest, closing your eyes to the sound of his heartbeat. Hooking his finger under your chin, he tilted your head up to look at him. You watched his gaze descend upon your lips, licking his own to moisten them before lowering his mouth to your ear. You nearly shivered under the heat of his breath when he whispered, "You know my name". He dragged his soft lips across the angle of your cheek, stopping at the corner of your mouth, mere centimeters from touching his lips to your own. "Say it", he commanded.

"Renji", you sighed as if answering a prayer.

He smirked and on his next inhale, he captured your hungry lips in a passionate kiss. Your lips, tongues, and teeth all worked together to create a symphony of sucking and smacking noises, accompanied by the sighs and moans that escaped you both.

You ran your hands up to his chest before slipping your fingers beneath the plunging neckline of his shihakushou, spreading the material further still until it fell from the cliffs of his shoulders like a black and white waterfall of linen and silk. Each ephemeral movement was slow and deliberate, more vivid and lucid than ever - the death god before you panting, stopping your hands with his as you tugged at his white silken obi.

Sucking and nibbling at your carotid, he reached down to pull upwards on the hem of your sheer ivory gown that left little to the imagination, bunching and trailing it up over your naked thighs, hips, and breasts until he'd pulled it from your arms and rid you of it entirely. Only then did he pick up where you'd left off, untying his obi and hakama, allowing everything to fall into a heap onto the invisible floor beneath your pairs of bare feet.

He sank to his knees as a worshipper to its deity's altar, stopping along the way only to taste and nip and suck on your hardened nipples. Your mouth dropped open and your head fell back as he resumed his netherly journey, dragging the tip of his tongue along your midline, all the way down to the space below your navel. You carded your fingers through his soft scarlet hair, spreading your need between your thighs when you rubbed them together for some semblance of relief. But Renji had no interest in teasing the goddess that stood before him. No, that would be an ungrateful consecration of the sway you held over him.

As if willing it made it so, you abruptly found yourself lying back on an infinite plane of soft cashmere. You felt Renji's weight sinking under your legs as he crawled between them. Pushing his hands up under your open thighs and along your waist, he settled on his stomach to taste you between the creases of your legs. He hadn't so much as breathed on your pussy yet and you were arching your back, willing him to taste you properly.

Ask and you shall receive.

His mouth clamped down onto your needy sex, giving you all you ever asked for and more. Your holy water was the nectar of the gods and he was fucking parched.

He pushed one open hand down on your lower belly while the fingers of the other spread your petals apart. By now you were tugging on handfuls of his hair, crying out in pleasure, but nothing could've prepared you for the blissful agony when he began pushing two of his long fingers inside you. He knew you could take it. And, my gods, did you. You clamped down around him, your greedy pussy sucking hard on his fingers as he curled them to caress that special spongy spot that he knew would soon send you plummeting.

Your moans traveled down his spine, causing him to mindlessly grind his erection between his body and the plush surface beneath him to provide his painfully hard cock with some friction as he worked you over. He furrowed his brow and groaned with desire, his cock aching to be inside you already.

His tattoos glistened under the sheen of sweat around his neck and back as he sucked your clit hard between his tongue and teeth. You rocked your hips, pushing back against Renji’s face, breath quickening. He didn’t relent, just kept suckling on your clit while simultaneously tugging firmly on your g-spot, his chin coated in a cocktail of sex and saliva. Your whole body jerked when the coil in your womb snapped, but Renji stayed latched on with every roll of your hips, moaning against you, refusing to release you until he’d gotten every last drop. He reveled in the sounds he coaxed from you, losing count of how many times you called out his name.

He drank you down with one final swallow as he raised his body up from the makeshift bed. With his predatory gaze locked on you, he crawled to you, a long clear thread of pre swinging from his angry cock with every advancement towards you on his hands and knees.

Oh fuck.

Your eyes snapped open and within seconds you were diving for your nightstand. There was an ocean of desire between your legs and you couldn't get to your vibrator soon enough.

⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳⨳

← part 3 ⨳ part 5 →

[buriedinbleach]

My best friend and I have gotten back into Bleach and while falling back into this delicious hellhole she introduced me to you. And I have read and reread and just obsessed over everything you’ve posted because I love your writing so much and I want to share it with anyone who loves Bleach. If it’s still open and you don’t mind, can I ask you what you think Renji, Shuhei, and Kensei (my top boys) think of their girlfriend with tattoos? Thank you BiB! 💕💕💕

Thank you sweetie! You and your bf have apparently drawn me back from my void with your delicious asks. While I finish the fic, hope this satisfies for the moment 😉 I kinda went off on some tangents on the guys tattoos too.

*I’ll start by noting that since all three of these hotties have tattoos themselves, none of them are going to be averse to any ink.

*All of them were tattooed using Tebori, no modern machines. They each sat there for hours and, despite the taboo on tattoos, proudly show them off throughout the Seireitei.

Renji:

*Renji is the dude that got inked once and ended up addicted. They have meaning and have been specifically curated to suit his body like an art gallery, but the man loves him some ink.

*Which makes it all the more impressive that each one is done using the Tebori method.

*There is some discussion as to whether Renji’s tattoos link to his connection with his zanpakuto or if they're just done to look cool.

*I can see the case for both, but I lean more towards the connection with Zabimaru. Renji was in the 11th division before transferring to the 6th. And I think we can all agree that looking cool in the 11th has more to do with your ability to fight than how much ink you have. Not to mention the fact that Zabimaru has similar markings. Just my two cents.

*Renji loves seeing your tattoos (though being inked isn’t a deal breaker). He likes trading stories about how and why you got each particular one.

*Renji never tries to talk you out of getting another tattoo if it’s something you want. In fact, he’ll probably start talking about the next piece he’s saving up for on himself.

Shuhei:

*Shuhei has two tattoos that we know of: his 69 in homage to Kensei for saving his life as a kid, and the blue band running across his cheek and the bridge of his nose.

*Shuhei appreciates the artistry in ink, but given the fact that one of his tattoos has a known meaning and the other is a blue band, he knows that sometimes it’s just about expression and not everything needs to have a deeper meaning. He’s understanding and chill like that.

*Shuhei wears his tattoos like his scars, as badges of honor. Ink taboo? Not with him. He’s happy to see you show off your art too rather than hiding it away.

*Absolutely holds your hand if you get a new tattoo in a sensitive area, or if it’s your first one and you just need some moral support. He insists on being there for you.

Kensei:

*Canonically, Kensei has gotten tattooed only twice: once for the 6 and later on to add the 9. Then in all his 100+ years in the world of the living, he only gets piercings after that.

*Both numbers have meaning to him, the 6 being symbolic of his last name as well as the fact that he was previously the Lieutenant under Ginrei Kuchiki before becoming Captain of the 9th and getting that number added.

*Though he doesn’t really have any plans to add to his tattoos anytime soon, he really loves it when you show his ink some appreciation, so he loves doing the same for yours.

*He also secretly loves getting peeks at your tattoos when out in public on dates, particularly ones that might get covered up normally. He knows exactly where to find them and he loves being reminded of that fact.

[wild-pineapple-butt]

Rukia slipped out of their room quietly, early in the morning when it was still dark out. She had quite a few things to do before Renji woke up - which meant she had to be back before he woke for his usual morning training.

~~~

The sun has just risen as Rukia flash stepped back toward the house, her prized goods in tow. She had stopped by the Kuchiki home where Byakuya had provided her with his usual gifts for Renji as well.

This year, Rukia was struggling a lot with balancing her time, working hard to keep her squad running efficiently and searching for an adequate Lieutenant. It meant Renji had picked up a lot of the slack at their home, often going long periods without seeing each other much. She wanted to make it up to him but despite days of earnest though and polling, there was still no deciding gift in mind for Renji.

So in a very Kuchiki like way, Rukia decided to get him everything she could think of. She had taiyaki in hand, his usual of course. Several flavors of cakes, including a small pineapple cake, for them to consume. She had bugged Ichigo until he took her to a party favor store and purchased every type of party favor there. There was a new bottle of sake, a box of juice for her because why not, and a new assortment of coffee’s from around the world of the living for Renji to try.

But of course, there was more. Rukia had purchased a new cooking set complete with pots, pans, knives and utensils. There was a new wood whittling with his initials engraved in the handles. A new pair of the latest sunglasses in a similar style to Renji’s favorite pair. A soft silk kimono with zabimaru embroidered into the back in beautiful stitch work. — that was about all Rukia could manage to carry as she made it back into the house. She’d wanted to try for more, but Ichigo convinced her that Renji might feel overwhelmed if she bought anything more.

Sighing with relief, Rukia set all of these items down on the kitchen table, getting to work on arranging them outside of shopping bags so they would be more visually appealing. After it was perfect, she turned on the coffee maker the way Renji had taught her and padded back into their room to see if he was awake.

@rukia-kuchiki-divided

Renji had been expecting gift(s) for his birthday from Rukia - she hadn't made it exactly secret that she had been asking around and preparing for his birthday these past few weeks. Not one to dampen her effort though, he pretended not to notice. She had a tendency to always gift him such lavish and extravagant gifts, to his chagrin, but he knew it was out of love.

So when he woke up on the day of his birthday to find Rukia gone from bed, the sheets already cold and void of warmth, he knew that she had gone out early to prepare. The shuffling outside and the smell of coffee brewing told Renji that she was back and even though he was already awake, he'd stay inside, waiting for her to "wake him up."

"Good mornin," he chuckled as she walked in, tugging her over for a chaste morning kiss. "I can already smell the coffee brewin' - how early did ya get up to do this?" he shook his head, padding out to the living room. "Kami! What is this???" He hadn't expected her to come back with literally an entire store in tow, gift after gift after gift, lining up their dining room table in its entirety.

"Rukia!" he sighed, burying his face into his palms. "What is this? Did I somehow age 10 years in one go?? What's with all these presents??" He didn't know where to start, as stacked presents never seemed to end.

"Really... why did ya get all of this? I woulda been happy with one of these things," he peeked out, grabbing ahold of Rukia's arm. "Yer already so busy with yer duties and Kuchiki clan stuff... this probably wasn't easy to get..."

Despite his reluctant tone, his heart was soaring knowing that Rukia had gone to such lengths to secure so many things for him. And they were all things that he loved; not to mention expensive. He knew that with her salary as a captain now, she could afford many luxuries, but that kimono! Those sunglasses! That brand of expensive sake!! Surely that must have put a dent in her wallet...

"Oh Rukia... what 'm I gonna do about ya..?" he sighed, finally pulling her into a tight hug, whispering into her ear. "Kami... I don't even know where to begin to express my thanks.... but I am thankful. Both fer these presents and fer yer presence in my life. Really. Thank you..."

[theseathatsparkles]

faraway (pt.1) (feat. time traveling byakuya)

mmm ive been sitting on this for so long and i finally decided to just post what i have edited. i’ll definitely post more eventually, but i just got a dog so production might be slow. 

so anyways, have some time traveling byakuya

faraway

noun 1. very distant, remote; 2. abstracted; dreamy

***

Kyoka Suigetsu rips through Kurosaki's chest, and Byakuya knows the war is over.

***

"A senkaimon," says Byakuya. His voice is hoarse and it cracks halfway through the statement, but Kisuke is polite enough not to say anything. The pink scars marring Byakuya's throat really aren't his business. "Why?"

Kisuke smiles, but both he and Byakuya know the grin is as fake as the cheery tone Kisuke plasters over his voice. "I've found a way back to Soul Society," he says, and it isn't entirely a lie. He can't tell Byakuya the full truth, though; Byakuya will insist that it's Kisuke who goes through the senkaimon, and Kisuke can't waste precious time arguing. Aizen's coming, Kisuke can feel it, and Byakuya needs to be gone. "It's only stable for one person at a time, but I'll follow you once you're through."

Byakuya's silver eyes widen with incredulous delight, and Kisuke can't help but feel a little bad for the deception. "How did you do it? Aizen blocked off all the -"

"Don't worry about it," says Kisuke dismissively. "It has to do with physics and space-time and technology for gargantas and really, it isn't a problem right now. Just take Senbonzakura and go."

Luckily, Byakuya isn't quite smart enough to question the vague answer, and he's halfway into the senkaimon before he stops and turns around. "You'll follow me, right?" He asks softly, and Kisuke is suddenly and horribly reminded of how young Byakuya is. Hardly three hundred years old; still practically a child.

"Of course," says Kisuke. This time, his words are entirely a lie.

***

The moment Byakuya steps into the senkaimon, he knows that Kisuke lied to him. This senkaimon feels nothing like the familiar portals to Soul Society that Byakuya is used to; isntead, his vision is filled with colors and sounds, blurry scenes that Byakuya can't quite make out. He can feel the senkaimon pulling at his reiatsu, and the gaping scars along his neck that making talking so difficult burn.

Black spots appear at the edges of Byakuya's vision, and he mentally curses Kisuke. Of course the story about getting back to Soul Society was a lie. Byakuya knows that Aizen had used the hogyoku to make travel between Soul Society, the World of the Living, and Hueco Mundo impossible for anyone without Aizen's express permission. And yet Byakuya had been so desperate for a way back to his home that he'd believed Kisuke's obvious lie.

If anything, he'd...

Byakuya's world goes black, and for a long time, he doesn't think anything at all.

***

Byakuya doesn't quite wake up so much as he jolts into sudden alertness. Senbonzakura hums at his side, and Byakuya feels a sudden wave of panic hit him from the bond he has with his zanpakuto. He sends calming thoughts at Senbonzakura until the rush of emotion recedes, and Byakuya promises to meditate and talk to his sword when he has the chance.

After this lightning-quick pause, Byakuya looks up to find out where the senkaimon had taken him, and is confronted with an impossible scene.

Renji, red hair pulled back into a familiar ponytail, skin flushed with blood and adrenaline, stands over Kurosaki, who is very much alive. A few metres away, Rukia lies on the ground, eyes watery and expression desperate. Blood drips from Kurosaki's nose, and a faint sheen of sweat shines on Renji's forehead.

Byakuya's eyes widen, and he makes a very undignified, un-Kuchiki noise. This is impossible. He knows this because Byakuya has had nightmares about this before, nightmares about the scene in front of him. This is where everything started to go wrong. This can't be happening, and...

...and Kisuke had said something about space-time before Byakuya had stepped into the modified senkaimon. Had said that he'd found a way back into Soul Society.

The part of Byakuya's brain that still believes in things being rational immediately dismisses the idea slowly forming in Byakuya's mind. The part of his brain that has seen Kisuke work before and knows exactly how smart the ex-captain is tells the rational part of his brain to shut up.

"Goddamn genius," he mutters, and isn't entirely surprised when the words come out smooth and undamaged, when his throat doesn't ache with the effort of talking. Byakuya brings up a hand against his neck, and the skin there is clean and unblemished. Urahara Kisuke is a goddamn genius, and if anyone could send Byakuya back in time, it would be him.

Byakuya opens his mouth to say something, anything, to tell Rukia he's sorry he let her die and that there was never a day where he didn't think of Renji. He wants to tell Kurosaki how to survive, how to defeat Aizen...

Aizen, who is most certainly watching the scene playing out. No, Byakuya can't say anything just yet. Tipping Aizen off to his knowledge would be a suicidal move. A move he can't afford to make.

"Fukutaicho," Byakuya says, careful to keep his voice steady. Kurosaki should be recovering right about now, and Byakuya doesn't want to see Renji hurt. He ignores Renji's blink at the use of the title and no name; Byakuya doesn't think he can say Renji's name without breaking down and telling him how much Byakuya loves him. "Do not waste your time on the Ryoka boy." It's too easy to fall into the role of the Head of the Kuchiki Clan, and Byakuya hates it.

Renji sighs, but pulls Zabimaru away from Kurosaki's throat. Kurosaki looks furious at the slight, even as his blood drips on the ground.

"Taicho, he stole Rukia's powers," Renji says, and really, Byakuya almost wants to laugh. Renji shouldn't be worried about this. Renji should be worried about the megalomaniac who has already murdered the 46.

"I am quite aware," Byakuya responds, tone crisp in the way it only is when he's trying to hide his emotions. "Central 46 made it quite clear what her crimes are. However, wasting your energy on a human is not befitting of your station."

Giving Kurosaki a dirty look, Renji finally steps back. He's angry, that much is obvious, but Byakuya refuses to feel bad. As much as Byakuya loves Renji, there are things more important than Renji's hurt feelings right now.

Things like keeping everyone Byakuya loves alive.

[bansept]

When the fight was over - Headcanon

I recently saw such a beautiful fanart of Ichigo and Orihime after the battle against Ywach, I wanted to write this. I unfortunately forgot the artist's name but to all fanartists, the ones who draw, the ones who paint, the ones who doddle : you are the core of all fandoms. Your art work is loved and looked with wonders by so many around the world. You make us dreams and smile, cry and laugh, and I live and support all of you for healing my unsteady heart with your art.

On with the headcanon! Enjoy!

When the rumble of the battlefield died down, the smoke from all the shots fired on the marble floor of the Soul Society flying away, Ichigo kneeled on the ground, trying his hardest to breathe properly.

His arms, legs, feet, his entire body was aching from the muscle ache of having to wield Zangetsu against the Quincy leader. He was panting on the floor, clearly feeling blood oozing out of his injuries in his feet, where the bastard's attacks had treacherously hit him. Ichigo winced in pain, sitting down as Renji was barely standing, Zabimaru now back to its shikai, back on the shinigami's hip.

"We did it... You did it Ichigo..."

He kept mumbling, not believing his own words. They sounded too beautiful, too idealistic. Was the thousand year-old really gone? What of his last words? Ichigo could feel his brows knit together in worry, mind already ready to think of a way to defend himself if danger were to appear.

But instead, the sound of labored breathing and pants from a voice the two men knew very well.

"Renji! Ichigo!"

They turned simultaneously, seeing an almost healed, but still damaged Rukia holding onto Orihime, who was looking pale. Too pale. Her eyes were almost completely closed, bruises, cuts and burns all over her once smooth skin.

Ichigo didn't think and got up, rushing to her side, even when he felt like he would loose his feet. His body was begging for him to rest, but his mind shut it out.

What was more important than himself was her.

"Rukia! What happened to Inoue? Did someone else attack you?!"

He almost barked, regaining his footing once he was close to the two women. The small one looked utterly devastated to see her friend in such a bad state, and didn't let go of her as she very carefully slid her to the floor. Renji joined the small group to gently pat Rukia on the back, silently looking at the scene.

"Inoue! Hey, can you hear me? Come on, please open your eyes, just for a bit?"

Ichigo tried, leaning close to the light haired young woman, who opened her eyes a bit wider in what seemed an excruciating effort. Ichigo smiled at her before looking for something to place her head on, anything that could be used as a pillow for her.

Rukia noticed him and gave a white cloth, surely an old Quincy cape that had been lost in battle. Ichigo thanked her quickly before placing the garment on the ground, a little white puddle, and making Orihime rest her head on it.

"Inoue... Hey, do you hear me well? Press my hand for yes."

Ichigo gulped down a nervous sweat when he placed his hand in hers, and inwardly gave himself a slap. Inoue was badly injured and he was blushing and angsting over holding her hand... Stupid crush of his.

Orihime, on her side, opened and closed her eyes several times, trying to lick her lips but couldn't really so she kept her mouth agape, making breathing much easier. Everyone could see a light blush taint her cheeks as she held onto Ichigo's hand.

"Rukia, we should go look for some medics. Inoue can't use her powers to heal herself right now." Renji said, voice obviously worried for his friend. The brunette nodded, gently letting go of Orihime, and smiling down at her.

"We will come back soon. Don't make too much movements, okay?"

Orihime blinked multiple times, as if to say a cheerful yes, and managed to pull her lips up into a smile. All the shinigami's puffed out a breath of relief and laughter.

When the two shinigami's were gone and Ichigo was alone with her, simply holding her hand and making sure she kept her eyes opened, that she was conscious and that she didn't move, he felt on edge. The battle had died down for now, and they were in a weak state, it would be fairly easy for someone to pop out and try to embuscade them.

He felt a tight squeeze on his hand, a finger running over his knuckles and immediately turned his head towards Orihime, cracking some bones in the process.

"...Y...You... W...won.... Ku...Rosa...ki-kun..."

She smiled, tears pearling in the corners of her eyes. Ichigo felt his face enlighten when he heard her voice, almost identical as before, but a bit more rough. He scooted even closer and smiled the brightest smile he could at her.

"Thanks to you, Inoue... We won thanks to you. Thank you so much..."

Her eyes widened, forgetting the pain for a moment, forgetting the heavy ruins around them, the smell of dust and blood she smiled at him, a true, wide smile, raising their joined hands together so it was up in the air.

"V... victory!..."

She breathed out and Ichigo took charge of keeping their hands up, hesitating to kiss them. Instead, he gave her a laugh, clear and deep from his heart, which was radiating like the sun.

When the medics arrived, Ichigo refused any types of healing or medicine as long as the girl laying under him wasn't treated first. Rukia and Renji watched from afar while their wounds were being tended. They both snickered lightly at Ichigo's furious scowl when someone tried to tear their hands away from each other.

Orihime was healed pretty quickly, the burns disappearing from her flesh and the cuts sealing back. She quickly sat up, still a deep red carmin as she looked at her friend, who glanced at her with the same expression.

Without a word, she deployed her powers, golden wings traveling to their friends and opening up to heal them, while a smaller pair of her pin fairies opened up around them. There, in the gentle orange like veil, the two teenagers kept close, not saying a word, not making a sound, hugging each other so tightly, neither wanted to pull away.

Ywach was defeated. Orihime had managed to shield Ichigo from many deadly attacks and repair Zangetsu after Tsukishima had used his fullbring. Ichigo had delivered the finishing blow after teaming up with his friends and Aizen.

All was over. All was done.

And yet, as the two humans held onto each other like they would lack air without the other, they knew it was the start of a much sweeter story.

[of-muppets-and-men]

Penumbra

Chapter 4: A Glimpse of the Sun

Children were few and far between in the Soul Society, at least in the Seireitei and especially amongst the noble families. The usual culprits being either widowed all too soon or being duty bound to create an heir, loving couple or not. A thing Rukia found to be rather tragic. Souls often lost track of how old they became; the insignificance of it after a few decades. Yet somehow, spending your life with your beloved was as rare as having a Bankai.

The misfortune of it all led her mind astray. She thought of her Sister and the void she’d left behind, the greatest of them in Byakuya’s heart. And of course, she thought of her own predicament; her decisions… and regrets. As charmed as her life was, what if she had stayed? Said something to him? Questions that lingered and tormented her ever since.

Then perhaps she wouldn’t have to formulate this ridiculous plan a visit to her own child.

A tug at her sleeve drew her gaze away from the monotone streets and to her pleasure, it was Ichika. Her second-born bore a concerned expression with eyes that mirrored her own.

“Mama? Are you okay?” the sweet child asked.

Rukia gave off a quick sigh and put on a brave face for her daughter, “I'm okay, pumpkin.”

In a moment’s notice, Ichika was swept up by her mother and held in her arms. The boisterous little girl giggled with glee as she nuzzled in her mother’s embrace. Outside her numerous regrets, Ichika was most definitely not one of them. But naturally, her husband had to spoil the moment. With a scoff and a scowl, Renji made his complaint abundantly clear.

“I don’t get why the hell we have to visit Yoruichi just because she adopted some kid.”

“Because...” His wife explained, trying to ignore his slight, “It would be rude to decline Yoruichi’s invitation and it would give Ichika a friend her age. Plus we haven’t seen her in months, so it wouldn’t kill us to get back in touch. Also, mind your language. I won’t have our daughter picking up your boorishness.”

Renji choked in offense at his wife’s backhanded comment while their daughter snickered at him. His famous scowl returned, prompting Ichika to raspberry at his defeat. Unfortunately for the lieutenant, he was outnumbered this time.

“Knock it off you two, we’re almost there.” Rukia reprimanded.

Her Husband begrudgingly fell in line as he took Ichika from Rukia’s arms and placed her on his shoulders. Renji was and still is far too proud to ever admit, but this was without a doubt his favorite thing to do outside of combat. Given his duties as a lieutenant and Rukia as acting Captain of Squad 13, it was a genuine difficulty for them to act as a family. By the Soul King, he hated when Rukia was right.

The Abarai family at last made it to the front gate of the Shihouin Manor; gaudy as always. Renji audibly groaned as he rolled his eyes at the lavish mansion. Several members of Yoruichi’s guard appeared before them, before bowing respectfully. Rukia, Renji and Ichika nodded in acknowledgement as the guards opened the gate, revealing their Mistress.

Yoruichi stood along the path, as informally as she could get away with. Just as they had prior, the many attendants of House Shihouin flanked the family on both sides, bowing in honour of their guests.

“Thank you for having us.” The Abarai family said in unison as they bowed before their host.

“Oh, come now. You guys should know I’m not big on formality.” Yoruichi chuckled.

With a quick snap of her fingers, the attendants and guards dispersed; allowing the old friends to greet each other without tradition snuffing the fun out of it. Rukia and Yoruichi shared a long overdue hug, the latter of whom towered over Rukia. As their embrace continued, Rukia felt the reiatsu of another person emanating from the rooftop. It was odd, like it was trying to mask itself. But even so; it was remarkably immense.

“You feel it too?” Renji piped up, sensing the same thing, “Who is that?”

A chuckle led both off their astounded faces back to Yoruichi, wearing a mischievous grin.

“You can come out now.”

And just like that, the culprit appeared before them. A little girl no bigger than Ichika sporting a uniquely tailored Shihakusho bowed politely before her elders. Rukia’s breath seemed stolen away; the girl’s violet eyes, practically identical to her own. And more distinctly, beautiful bright orange hair so reminiscent of him… it had to be her.

While Rukia silently marvelled out how breathtakingly beautiful her firstborn had become; her husband was more hard pressed to know how this seemingly random kid had such immense spiritual power. It had to be at least Captain level, given his arms still had goosebumps.

“Rukia. Renji. I’d like you to meet my daughter.”

“Katsumi Shihouin! Nice to meet you!” the little girl announced with pride.

“It’s my pleasure.” Renji remarked, “Yoruichi, where the hell did you find this kid?”

“I’ll tell you once we get inside, it’s starting to get hot.”

Nobody could disagree with that assessment, the blaring light of the afternoon had no mercy to spare. The shinigami made their way inside the expansive manor with Katsumi and Ichika already proving to be fast friends. Their parents could hardly make out a word of what they were on about but decided to let them be. Growing up in a noble household didn’t elicit a lot of time for friends. Not to mention it was frowned for upon for nobles to associate with the 'lower ranks', even if either party were children.

While the girls zipped down every hallway, the adults found themselves content to find a room to chat. And Yoruichi’s living room happened to be perfect. A brief warning for the kids not to break anything; a warning they probably didn't hear and the were off. Resting their zanpakuto upon a recently acquired stand, the shinigami let themselves melt into the couch. It was as encompassing as Renji remembered it to be, but this time, he neither complained nor cared. Yoruichi sprawled out like she normally did, letting out a sharp whistle that bounced off the walls. Not a moment after, another member of her court appeared, carrying her beloved pocky sticks and a fresh pot of tea.

“Seriously? Where do you keep getting these things from?” Renji whined.

Yoruichi smiled coyly as she placed one in her mouth, “Kisuke knows better than to let me run out.”

“Ah… so you two are…”

“Partners. In every way possible.” she purred in response.

Lovely. Imagery neither of them needed. Rukia rolled her eyes, elated her old friend would probably never change.

“Oh yeah, before if I forget. Where did you adopt Katsumi from?” Renji abruptly asked.

The princess of the shihouin clan sighed deeply, fixing her posture into something more dignified. At the same time, Rukia’s grip clenched tight around her tea. Lucky for them both, Renji wasn’t one to pick up on such subtleties.

“The South Rukongai, in Inuzuri. I found her swaddled up and alone while I was on patrol. My conscience wouldn’t let me just leave her there, so I took her in. Plain and simple.”

“Hmph… the Inuzuri District of all places.” the lieutenant recollected, “Kid was lucky you came by…”

A lull of silence fell over the shinigami. Whilst Renji bitterly re-lived his life as a street rat, Yoruichi breathed easier knowing her ploy had worked. Inuzuri held many memories for both Renji and Rukia; some good but most, not so much. Name dropping the seedy little district ensured he wouldn’t pry any deeper than necessary. The acting captain of squad 13 curled up, taking a slow and deliberate sip of her jasmine tea. She had partly fabricated that story, a bit of guilt nibbling away at her core. When the warm liquid settled, Rukia hardly recognized the woman staring back at her.

“Her spiritual pressure… it’s incredible.” Rukia randomly noted.

“You’re telling me.” Yoruichi breathed, “Some of my attendants can barely withstand it.”

It was true. A feat typically reserved for Captains, was similarly accomplished by a girl of seven. But even most of the current captains couldn't make lesser souls pass out entirely. Only Yamamoto himself could ever have claimed to. As troubled as her heart may have been, Rukia couldn't help but feel a sliver of pride. Her little one was bound to be a force of nature.

“MY LADY!” another voice said, piercing through the tranquility of the living room.

Three pairs of eyes panned towards the entrance of the adjacent hallway where a lone messenger now knelt.

“What is it?” interrogated the Shihouin princess.

“A messenger for Lieutenant Abarai.” the man spoke, quick and concise. “Captain Kuchiki has requested he return to the Squad 6 barracks.”

“Did he give a reason why?” Renji similarly questioned, sitting up from his spot on the sofa.

“No, sir. He only said it was urgent.”

The lieutenant rose from the couch, his legs taking a second to remember the weight of his frame. Damn thing was more effective than most Binding Kido. He reluctantly took Zabimaru from the sword stand, letting out a sigh that matched his annoyance.

“Damn… Looks like I’m gonna have to cut our little reunion short. Will you and Ichika be okay?”

“Yes, we’ll be here for a while longer so don’t worry about us.” His wife reassured him.

“Alright, see you soon.”

Renji planted a loving kiss on Rukia’s forehead before subsequently leaving. Rukia faked a smile the whole time until she was sure he’d exited the manor. Yoruichi slumped back down, enjoying herself as she greedily consumed her snacks. A deep sigh escaped the acting captain’s lungs, hard pressed to know more of the daughter she left behind. Her brave face waned as tears of joy formed in the corners of her eyes.

“She’s beautiful…” Rukia suddenly beamed, wiping away at her cheeks. “Tell me. Does she have a zanpakuto?”

“Indeed she does.” Yoruichi divulging, reaching under the couch to reveal a massive odachi.

She handed Rukia her daughter’s zanpakuto, staring in awe of the blade’s size. If the blade reflected the power of the shinigami, then there was no doubt Katsumi was Ichigo’s child. Rukia positioned the greatsword to inspect the guard. A four point star style guard with circular grooves between each point and a vague snowflake design atop it. A true zanpakuto at her age was unprecedented, let alone one of such size. The forlorn mother pressed the handle against her forehead, weeping softly on the milestone she missed. Without a sound, Yoruichi scooted beside her, hugging her for what it was worth.

“Does she know it’s name?” Rukia asked weakly, still clutching the blade.

“No, not yet. Though given her parents, I doubt that it will stay that way for long.” Yoruichi complemented.

A half-hearted laugh came from the both. But eventually, it was drowned out by the thrilled screamed of her daughters. Ichika and Katsumi came barreling through, after tormenting the manor for the past 30 minutes. Rukia’s heart felt more at ease when she them getting along; if only they knew they were sisters. Ichika’s eye flared with worry, however, when she noticed her mother’s anguish.

“Mama!” She bolted over, “Are you okay?”

“Yes, sweetheart. I’m okay.” Rukia responded warmly. “Having fun?”

As Rukia spoke, Yoruichi tucked the zanpakuto back under the sofa, hoping they weren’t any the wiser.

Both girls shook their heads in excitement, “Mhmmm!”

“You two didn’t break anything, right?” Yoruichi chimed in, crossing her arms.

Neither of them said a word but the devious look in their eyes betrayed their words; a messy disaster more than likely in the cards. Neither of the elder shinigami were convinced, but decided to let it be. After all, that’s what servants were for. The unknowing sisters joined them on the sofa, intent on starting a pillow war.

A looming sense of dread filled Rukia’s heart. Innocent as they were now, one day her daughters would learn the truth. It scared her to think of the possibilities. What if that knowledge made them hate one another? Or if both of them came to resent her. Would it have been worth all the secrecy then? Her mind lingered and strayed. Only at another tug of her sleeve, did its tension cease. Rukia half expected it to be Ichika, but gasped when Katsumi stared back at her instead.

“Auntie Rukia… Will you visit us again?” Katsumi wondered.

Taken aback by the question, Rukia took a moment to answer, “Umm Yes sweetie. Why do you ask?”

“I like playing with Ichika… I don’t have many friends so...”

Rukia rested a hand on her firrstborn’s head and gave a reassuring smile.

“We’ll come back as many times as you want.”

“Really?!” the girl’s eyes lit up with excitement.

“Of course.”

Without warning, Katsumi lunged into her for a hug. Ichika followed her half sister’s lead as they both screamed with joy. A sly smirk formed on Yoruichi’s face as Rukia was overwhelmed by her children's love. The small woman’s arms enveloped them both; her face home to her first genuine smile in months. The future was bound to be racked with hardship of her own making, but at least for now, she had this...

[tasteofshapes]

Who does Ichiruki tell first that they are in love and or dating?

They don’t. Everyone knows it before they do.

In another universe, this is what happens: it’s not something that they consciously decide on, or do on purpose; it’s just that this is something that blossoms so naturally between them that at first, they don’t even realise it for what it is. They have lived together, fought alongside each other, and they know the other person so well that this just seems like a natural extension of their relationship, like breathing, like living. It just is. 

So it comes as a surprise one day during a scouting mission when Renji suddenly blurts out, “are you guys dating?”

“What?” They both say at the same time, two faces wearing identical expressions of surprise turning to stare at Renji. 

They’re at the edges of Soul Society, where there aren’t even any dirt roads, where endless fields gone wild and overgrown give way to a large forest. There have been enough scattered reports of Hollows lurking in the forest that they’ve decided to check it out. Ichigo tags along, as he usually does anytime Rukia is involved, and he’s been such a frequent visitor to Soul Society that nobody even bothers to comment on it anymore. Every time they send Rukia on a mission now, they automatically assume that Ichigo will come along. Renji doesn’t know how Ichigo finds the time - he’s a busy pre-med student, with a full load of classes, and yet somehow, he’s always there, a constant presence by Rukai’s side, and honestly, Renji’s surprised that they’re surprised by his question.

“We’re not - we’re, that is, I mean - ” It should be amusing that this is all it takes to reduce Ichigo to a babbling idiot, but Renji more or less expected this from him. In some ways, Ichigo’s still that naive, clueless teenager, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. 

Rukia’s far more composed as she says calmly, “We have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Really. Because, you know, it ain’t just me wonderin’.” Renji stares at them, one skeptical eyebrow lifted, and Rukia stares back, poker-faced. 

Even how they’re sitting is a dead giveaway: Renji’s resting under the shade of his own tree, and it’s a goddamn forest right, there are enough trees to go around that they don’t have to share, and yet the two of them are sitting side-by-side under another tree, their shoulders pressed against each other like they’re conjoined, passing a bottle of water back and forth between them. Exactly why they don’t each have their own bottle isn’t something that Renji bothers to ask. And they have the nerve to look surprised?

“Really,” Rukia says, and because Renji’s known her almost his whole life, he also knows when she’s lying, and this time, she’s not. They’re really not lying when they tell him they have no idea how’s he’s gotten the impression that they’re dating.

“But you’re-” Renji makes a vague hand gesture in their general direction and they look at him like he’s crazy. 

“And you’re-” he points at the bottle, now in Rukia’s hand, and she looks down at it, puzzled, before staring at him like he’s grown a second head. 

“And, and…” he trails off sadly when Ichigo cuts him off and starts talking loudly about heat stroke, and how one of the symptoms is confusion and disorientation. 

Ichigo ends by saying dismissively, “maybe you should head back to Soul Society, Renji, you’re clearly delusional. That can happen you know, sunstroke can affect weaker individuals quite badly. We can carry on without you.”

All Renji hears is a challenge and he draws Zabimaru at once, eyes flashing. “Try me, ya lil’ jerk,” he says, and that pretty much kills the conversation right there and then.

-

They don’t give any more thought to Renji’s questions after that. They’re close, they always have been since the moment Rukia stepped into his life, and personal boundaries isn’t something that they draw between them since that time when Rukia spent months living in his closet. Ichigo knows how Rukia’s breathing changes when she falls asleep, the little noises she makes when she dreams, and it never once strikes him as strange that she is the only person that he knows such intimate details about. 

Rukia comes to visit him in the Living World every time she’s there for a mission, and usually he’s not in when she drops by his apartment. He knows when she’s here though - he’s shit at sensing reiatsu, but he never has problems identifying hers. She crashes at his once or twice after she finishes a long mission, when she lacks the energy to open the gates.

Then one time, he comes back after a night class to find her sleeping in his bed, wearing his clothes. Whatever mission it was hasn’t gone well - there are cuts all over her face that she hasn’t had the spare energy to heal, and the sheets smell like smoke and ash, but her sleeping face is soft and unguarded. Something twists like a knife in his chest, and he hates that he wasn’t there, that he couldn’t prevent this. He stands there for a long moment watching her sleep, fighting down the urge to go out and kill something, and then she stirs and sleepily says, “Ichigo?”

“Yeah,” he says gruffly, and then before he knows it he’s pulling back the covers and sliding into the bed next to her, and she’s automatically shifting over as if they’ve done this a hundred times before. 

“Go back to sleep,” he says, drawing up the blankets and slipping an arm protectively over her waist, and she’s tired enough that she does.

They don’t talk about it in the morning, but the memory of his body curled around hers is something that either of them forgets. It just becomes part of their unsaid thing, something else that they do: them sharing a bed, him holding her throughout the night. 

-

Gradually, their routine settles into something like this: Ichigo visits Soul Society every weekend, and when he does, Rukia shifts back into her old rooms at the Kuchiki manor, and he takes the guest rooms right beside hers, and at night they slide open the dividing walls and turn their separate spaces into one large room. 

Byakuya has long ago given up on snarkily pointing out that Ichigo has his own relatives that he could stay with in Soul Society, and has grudgingly accepted the intrusion once he realised that they come as a matched set, and that if he wants to see Rukia, he’ll have to put up with the annoying carrot-top permanently attached to her side.

It’s automatic, this thing. When Rukia isn’t off on a mission, the household staff prepare the rooms every Friday morning, and every Friday evening Ichigo comes and they have dinner with Byakuya and Renji. Every Saturday they visit the Shiba clan and drink until dinner, then make their slow, drunken way back to the Kuchiki manor under the stars. It’s nice, what they have, and Ichigo doesn’t question it, until he does.

It’s a night just like any other Saturday night. Kukaku breaks out the good sake and they drink until they’re both smashed off their faces, stumbling back in the dark, and Rukia’s humming softly to herself, old childhood songs that he doesn’t recognise, and he looks over just as she trips. It’s instinctive - he immediately reaches out to steady her, his hands warm on her shoulders, and she leans in close until she’s practically in his arms and says, “don’t tell anyone, it’s embarrassing to see a captain drunk.”

There are stars tangled in her hair and her laugh is a warm thing that wraps itself around him. “Your secret is safe with me,” Ichigo says, then dips his head to kiss her. The way her mouth shapes itself against his feels so natural that he doesn’t even think about what they’re doing, just enjoys the press of her lips against his, the little soft sounds that she makes as he slides his tongue into her mouth. 

It’s only when she says his name that his brain comes back online and he realises that his arms are wrapped around her and pulling her tight against him, and she’s holding a fistful of his uniform from tugging him down to kiss him back. Ichigo stares dumbly down at her, and Rukia’s got an equally blank look on her face as she looks back at him. 

“Erm,” he begins, and then stops, because what is he supposed to say, exactly? He’s drunk, but he isn’t that drunk, and he was aware of what he was doing and still did it anyway because it felt natural, because he couldn’t think of a reason why they hadn’t been doing this sooner. At the back of his mind he’s wondering when he missed all the signs for this.

“Huh,” is all Rukia says, and he realises that he’s still holding her, and it feels right. She feels like she has always belonged here, in his arms. He doesn’t step back. She doesn’t pull away.

“Right, so, yeah,” Ichigo says, and if anything tips him over the edge it’s this, the way she looks up at him, open and trusting, and he can’t help himself as he kisses her again. She kisses him back, and his hands are tangled in her hair as he explores her mouth, tries to tell her with his tongue and his lips what he feels but doesn’t know how to put into words. 

“Yeah,” Rukia echoes faintly when they finally part, and she sounds breathless. Ichigo can’t resist the smirk that creeps onto his face, knowing that he did that, and she responds by pinching him. “Don’t get smug over one kiss.”

“I’m not,” he says, still smirking, and she rolls her eyes.

“I guess Renji was right after all,” she murmurs, and that wipes the smirk right off his face because goddamnit, of all people, how did Renji know before he did?

“We’re not going to tell Renji that,” he says, still holding her. Then he thinks for a second and says decisively, “and anyway, it isn’t official until I take you on a date.”

- 

They go on a date. Ichigo brings her to a movie and buys her popcorn and they hold hands the entire time, and she’s entranced by the novelty of it all. 

“Why didn’t we do this sooner,” Rukia says, as they walk out of the movie theatre into the bright afternoon sunshine, and he’s not sure if he’s dazzled by the light or by her smile.

“Because I’m an idiot?” he says, and means it. He’s a dumbass for taking this long when all this was within easy reach, when all he had to do just reach out and touch her.

“Finally! I’ve been telling everyone that for years!” She laughs at him, teasing, and he reaches out and pulls her close.

“I’m your idiot,” he says softly, and her answering smile as she tugs him down into a kiss makes his heart beat painfully with joy.

-

Then the next weekend, Byakuya sits them both down for tea and asks him what his intentions are towards Rukia. 

“My intentions?” Ichigo says blankly, as Rukia chokes on her tea. “I - er - I love her?”

“Yes, I already know that,” Byakuya says impatiently, “despite your extreme lack of courtesy in duly informing me as the head of the household. Now. You’ve been dating for a while, and our families have yet to be formally introduced. This is not proper.”

“Er,” Ichigo says, “actually… we just started dating.”

Byakuya stares at him. “…what?” he says finally, and there’s a dangerous note in his voice. “Do you mean to say that you’ve been taking advantage of my sister all this time without the intention of making her a formal offer?”

“No! There has been no advantage taking of any sort!” Ichigo does not miss the way that Byakuya’s fingers dance on Senbonzakura’s hilt, but Byakuya hasn’t murdered him yet, so he talks quickly. “We never did anything, we were just friends all this time, and I never realised how I felt about Rukia until recently because… because I’m an idiot?” He offers, shrugging helplessly.

“Well, that I did know,” and although Byakuya’s eyes narrow, he sets down Senbonzakura, and they heave a small sigh of relief. Then he frowns. “Kurosaki Isshin referred to Rukia as his third daughter. Wasn’t this years ago?”

“Yeah, turns out everyone knew before we did,” Ichigo says, running a hand through his hair ruefully, and Byakuya actually snorts and looks at Rukia, one eyebrow raised in disbelief. 

She nods. “I’m afraid so, nii-sama.”

“Well, then,” Byakuya says, sounding unhappy, “I suppose you’ll have to make your mistakes first before you can learn from it. I will inform the elders that we will discuss the formal introduction of the families at a later date.” He collects his sword and gets to his feet, and sweeps out of the room in rustle of expensive silk before Ichigo has time to realise that he’s just been insulted.

“Hey!” He says indignantly to thin air, and Rukia pinches him. 

“Quiet, you fool,” she says, “Nii-sama has just given us his blessing.”

“‘Blessing’ might be a bit of a stretch,” Ichigo mutters, and she pinches him again.

“Just be grateful that nii-sama hasn’t tried to kill you.”

“Yet. He hasn’t tried to kill me yet,” Ichigo says, and she’s laughing as he pulls her into his arms. “Even if he did, it’s worth it,” he says softly, right before he kisses her, “you’re worth every bit of it.”

-

The light is no mystery,

the mystery is that there is something to keep the light

                                                           from passing through.

Richard Siken, Visible World

-

Fic Masterpost

[bleachbleachbleach]

Hello again, ti's I! I've hit a major stumbling block in my academy calculations (either the seireitei has an astronomical death rate 10x real world examples or I messed up my beginning calculation and have to do the whole thing from scratch ToT) but I have to ask: how often do shinigami stand on air in soul society?!

In the human world that's all they do, in heuco mundo I can think of several examples off the top of my head, but in soul society? I can think of *maybe* one example that isn't filler or film. Their buildings are built on a 2d plane for a people that can move in 3 dimensions. Do you have any memories or screenshots of people running on air in ss? Do you know if there's any explanation?

(Do either of you have memories of irl class exercises that involved multiple year groups??)

[DO YOU REMEMBER ASKING THIS, ALMOST A FULL YEAR AGO? LOL. Trust that we never forgot!]

whipplefilter:

What do we know about the atmosphere?

According to Renji, the Living World has a relatively low concentration of reishi in its atmosphere; 

according to Ishida, Hueco Mundo is reishi dense;

and according to Byakuya, so is the Royal Realm.

What do we know about sky standing?

We've certainly seen shinigami stand in the sky in the Living World, no question. Until earlier this year I honestly assumed they could do this anywhere and didn't think about it, and it wasn't until a few months ago it occurred to me I couldn't think of any examples of this! (NB: In the time elapsed since I wrote this, we've gotten 999 examples of shinigami sky-standing in Soul Society in TYBW lol. ALL THE SAME--)

We also have a lot of examples where they are explicitly not sky-standing in Soul Society. Every battle that immediately comes to mind definitely takes place on the ground, to the detriment of the buildings and rooftops. (When I say "every battle that immediately comes to mind" I mean Hitsugaya showing up to fight Ichimaru in socks and Kira, Hitsugaya, and Matsumoto causing roof damage as they tear after each other after discovering Central 46 dead. Rumor has it there are other fights that happen in Bleach.)

The existence of Zabimaru Express also kind of makes it seem like it's not as second nature to sky stand in Soul Society:

[DiamondDust Rebellion]

-> Below the cut, 2 theories about how sky-standing might work!

Renji also ran down all the Soukyoku Hill stairs, which seems like maybe something that wouldn't have happened if he could have simply Tony Hawk'd it through the air.

I briefly trawled some forums that said that Quincy showed shinigami how to sky-stand in Soul Society, and that Vizard sky stand in Rukongai in TBTP, but neither of those things rang any bells for me. I would happily be tagged in someone else's post if you remember either of these things happening, though!

How does sky standing work?

We know shinigami are able to stand in the sky by concentrating reishi particles under their feet. But what… what does that mean…

Theory 1:

In order to stand on air, you need to be less dense than air. If you can gather reishi under your feet and sky stand, maybe reishi is less dense than air. If you gather enough of it beneath you, it can also suspend you. Kinda like… imagine the atmosphere as a liquid, and concentrated reishi like little air bubbles under your feet as you sky stand.

* Caveat 1: Of course, Shinigami are already made of reishi, but they don't float off into space in the Living World, so not all reishi is less dense than air. But I think we're asked to believe that reishi can take on multiple forms/states and cannot be described as any one thing with any one set of characteristics--shinigami are reishi that understands itself to be corporeal: It holds the memory of blood and weight and flesh. Free air reishi understands itself to be free air.

** Caveat 2: I don't think it makes sense for reishi motes to be knocking around with, you know, carbon dioxide and nitrogen and hydrogen and whatnot in the Living World, so I feel like the units of measurement when thinking about density/displacement don't even actually track in exact computational ways. Like, they can probably occupy the same molecule-sized space simultaneously. We know shinigami in their fleshy-reishi state of being can sit on beds and crash into buildings in the Living World, but they can't eat (easier to imagine interaction with a hard surface than it is to imagine the entire chemical process of digestion? if a shinigami was well-studied enough and concentrated hard enough, could they pull off an autonomous process in the Living World??). Regardless, we know there's various and ineffable forms of interaction between the physical and spiritual worlds, so maybe trying to separate them into discrete categories is the wrong move.

My theory about why sky standing might not work as well in Soul Society is because there's more reishi in the atmosphere and less more-dense-than-reishi Nothing, so it's more cumbersome to gather it under your feet effectively.

BUT THEN. THEN. Why is it possible in reishi dense environments?? I'm going to be honest with you, we just watched the whole Hueco Mundo arc (NB: again, this was like, last winter lol) and I have zero memory of anyone sky standing. I'm not saying it didn't happen; I just have no memory of it. I do have memory of Byakuya BUNNY HOPPING THROUGH THE DESERT, which sure is a Choice if sky-running on an even plane was an available option.

And then Byakuya spends a page and a half hypothesizing as to why they can't sky-stand in the Royal Realm:

[Bleach 628]

Something something Quincy blah blah, but the relevant part here is that Byakuya seems very certain that normally they can stand in the Royal Realm, and that this is due to the reishi dense atmosphere. Why he would be certain about this, I don't know, but I don't think he's just freeballing. Byakuya doesn't freeball. Maybe he aspires to be Soul Society NOAA incarnate, and that's why he wants to be friends with Hitsugaya. ANYWAY. 

Why would Byakuya's whole spiel here be true? I don't know. If we're assuming it's easier to do in the Living World and not as easy in Soul Society, just based on how often we do or do not see them doing it--this throws a spanner in the works. Maybe they can sky stand in Soul Society, but it's distracting and tedious to sky stand. So if they're not worried about destroying human buildings/killing people, they just resign themselves to destroying the Seireitei on the regular and condemning Joe Shinigami to several lifetimes of new construction. 

Theory 2: Solid vs liquid vs gas particle states

ippoddity: This theory requires us to review a bit of high school chemistry. To review, in order of reishi concentration levels, from low to high: Living World < Soul Society < Hueco Mundo = Royal Realm. Somewhat related to the previous theory, we can think about reishi particles existing in different states of matter, which relates to their availability for usage in situations like sky standing. 

[particles in states of matter]

Let’s think of the reishi concentration in the Living World as existing in a gaseous state. In this state, particles are in the lowest concentration, because they’re constantly bouncing around in a free state. But, this also allows for skilled reishi manipulators to “grab” those free particles flying around and craft them into platforms to stand on, so they can stand in the air. So even though there’s overall a lower concentration of reishi particles (gas particles floating around in the big ol’ Living World container), they’re easier to scoop up and pack together into a different shape.

In Soul Society, reishi particles might exist in more of a “liquid” state. Meaning they are pretty high in concentration, but not as freely available to manipulate and use for purposes like standing in the air. Since there’s less freely available particles, we don’t see any shinigami sky standing. But for example, as seen in Ishida vs Mayuri, a Quincy can come on by and suck up the liquid reishi particles and craft them for their own use. Maybe there’s some kind of Quincy ability to apply energy to a reishi particle, so that it goes from a liquid to a gaseous state, thus “freeing” it up from the more dense state so that they can use it. 

The most high concentration reishi realms are Hueco Mundo and the Royal Realm. Particles are the most dense in a solid state, and in this state, particles are the least available to use. This is why solid shapes are fairly stable and don’t go around changing very much. Solid states like all their particles to stay packed together, so they’re not available to use for other things (like gathering random particles to stand in the sky). If all reishi are in the “solid” state, then they can’t be grabbed and used for other things, like sky standing foot platforms.

I’m sure there are plenty of loopholes and exceptions to this theory, but it mostly holds up, at least until the TYBW arc I think?

Note: This theory is only half thought out, as my knowledge of chemistry and states of matter is loose at best. It probably doesn’t hold up well if you examine it too closely, but maybe you can get the gist of it!

[fat-hirako]

"Yer getting awful close to that shinigami... the one with the red hair and Zabimaru blade..."

Shinji gave her a sort of dazed look. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, you mean Renji? He and I are pals. Our names even rhyme? Kinda? Sorta..." He said trying to tiptoe around where he thought she was trying to go with this. She did seem pretty disappointed. What's it to her? Is he not allowed to have friends? Was it because he's a shinigami? She had expressed disdain for them before.

"Plus, he's nice to me. He doesn't call me vulgar names... or hit me." Well, save for the one time he smacked his ass.

"What's it to ya, anyway?"

[recurring-polynya]

Renruki Week Day 4: Zanpakutou

It took me so long to come up with a workable idea for this one, which made me double-mad because I love writing zanpakutou nonsense. I eventually realized it's because I like writing longform zanpakutou nonsense, slowburn zanpakutou nonsense, if you will. Anyway, here's a vignette set somewhere amidst my Heart is a Muscle series, somewhere around or after Call Me Back When the War is Over, which features Akon discovering that Rukia and Renji's reiatsu is weirdly similar and subsequently trying to study them like a pair of bugs. You shouldn't need to read that to enjoy this, though, just a general appreciation of Rukia being a huge troll.

Edit: Forgot to say earlier, but this was somewhat inspired by an interview with Kubo, where he was asked if Zangetsu (OG big-knife Zangetsu) is heavy, and he replied that you swing a zanpakutou with your reiatsu, not your muscles, and that Renji and Ichigo would each find each other's swords to be heavy. So that part, at least, is semi-canon.

| ao3 | ff.net |

🐍 🐒 💪

The second Rukia saw Renji whip his arm back, she hit the dirt in a forward somersault, and then twisted onto her back.

“Bakudou Number Four! Hainawa!” she barked, just as Zabimaru’s lead segment hit the apogee of its arc. The crackling yellow rope of reishi lashed securely around their spiky bits and then, instead of pulling it towards her, Rukia threw.

All manner of colorful language poured out of Renji as he went hurtling through the air after his hapless sword. Rukia gave a quick, vindictive jerk on her spell. Zabimaru did a quick mid-air about-face, abruptly retracting when Renji lost his grip on the hilt. The weapon hit the ground, embedding themself halfway up their picks into the soft dirt of the training field. A few seconds later, Renji hit the ground fifty yards away with a loud grunt and a small cloud of dust.

Rukia stood up and brushed off her hakama feeling very proud of herself.

“That was so uncalled for,” Renji groaned.

“I have observed,” Rukia announced, striding across the field, “that happen to you in actual fights. I wondered how it was accomplished, since my experience is that Zabimaru is outrageously heavy and difficult to deflect.”

Renji sat up and flopped his forearms on top of his knees. There was dirt smeared across his face. “Yes?” he frowned. “And?”

Rukia stopped next to Renji’s blade, standing up in the ground like a flagpole.

“But that’s the nature of a melee-type zanpakutou, isn’t it? It’s heavy, but not to you, because you wield it with your own reiatsu. So I simply had to wait until you threw them in the direction I wanted, and I gave ‘em a little extra push. Just like a hakuda throw!”

Renji attempted to rub the dirt off of his face and only managed to smear it cutely across his nose. “I can ground myself with my reiatsu before I extend Zabimaru, but I lose a lot of mobility that way.” He sighed. “Chalk up one more thing I have to watch out for when I’m fighting you.”

“What kind of fighting partner would I be, if I didn’t spot your weaknesses and help you overcome them?” Rukia teased.

“You could have just mentioned it. You didn’t have to throw me headfirst into the ground to prove your point.”

“I didn’t do it to prove a point. I did it because it was fun.” Rukia glanced over at Zabimaru. “I bet I could pick them up.”

Renji cocked one eyebrow skeptically. “Yeah, I’m sure you could. They’re not too heavy to lift, they’re just too heavy to use. Hisagi and I used to try to fight with each other’s zanpaktou for a lark sometimes. And you know. Resistance training. The zanpakutou hated it and we always ended up injuring ourselves.”

  “You kept trying, though?”

“You know how we are.”

“I do.” Rukia made an expression of mock-hurt. “You let Hisagi hold Zabimaru?”

Renji shrugged. “Look. Go ahead and pick ‘em up. I can tell you want to.”

In fact, she did. Rukia stood up a little straighter, and squared her shoulders. She shifted Sode no Shirayuki to her left hand, and took a good grip on Zabimaru’s hilt. It would have been easier to do with two hands, but that wasn’t the point. She gave a strong jerk. The dirt around the base buckled a little. Rukia wrinkled her nose and tried again. This time, the sword shifted significantly, but still stuck in the ground.

Renji watched all this with calmly lidded eyes, not saying a word.

Rukia gave one more strong wrench, forcing a little extra reiatsu down her arm, and Zabimaru finally broke free.

“Nice job!” Renji announced, making no motion to get up.

Now that she had Zabimaru in hand, Rukia realized that carrying them presented its own problem. Rukia was too short to hold them vertically, but if she held it horizontally, the moment-arm of the heavy end segments was agonizing on her forearm muscles.

Renji continued to watch her in silent amusement. Bastard.

Rukia took a deep breath, and swung, heaving Zabimaru up onto her shoulder, the way she’d seen Renji carry them many times. It wasn’t comfortable, but it was at least bearable. “There we go!” she declared cheerfully.

Renji let out a loud laugh. “You’ve proved your point, you menace, now give me back my sword before they bite you.”

“You’re such a worrywart!” Rukia chided, walking over to him anyway. “Zabimaru loves me!”

“The only thing Zabimaru loves is causing me grief,” Renji replied, holding out his hand.

“Here, give her some attention before she starts getting jealous,” Rukia said, pressing Sode no Shirayuki into his hand instead.

“Rukia!” Renji yelped. “Eep, she’s cold!” He quickly rearranged his legs so he could set Shirayuki across his knees. “There you go, beautiful,” he said gently to the sword. “I’m so sorry about her, but I’m sure you already know.” He glared up at Rukia. “You can’t just go around handing your unsealed zanpakutou to people!”

Rukia snorted. “She only pretends not to like you to piss me off.” She swung Zabimaru down into a two-handed grip she could just barely manage. “Now let’s see how much you like me.”

“Rukia, you can’t,” Renji warned, although the seriousness in his voice was belied by the fact that he was trying to arrange Sode no Shirayuki’s ribbon artistically across his lap. “Extending the segments is 100% reiatsu-based. They won’t do it for anyone but me.”

“We have pretty similar reiatsu, though,” Rukia reminded him. “And Akon said it would probably continue to get more similar, because of the power of our phenomenal friendship.”

“Akon said it would take a decade at least,” Renji reminded her.

“He said it usually does. He also said that we’re freaks. I’m gonna try to synch our reiatsu.”

“That only works when we’re not actually trying to do it,” Renji pointed out.

Rukia cleared her mind and tried to think Very Renji Thoughts. Tall, she thought. Immovable. A heart of iron, the depth of the sea.

To her side, she heard Renji sigh, and felt his reiatsu come in underneath hers, a perfect two-part harmony.

Lend me your strength, Zabimaru, Rukia thought to herself. This isn’t actually important, but I know you love a bit.

It wasn’t exactly a voice, but something hummed back, two more parts to the harmony, one even deeper than Renji’s register, and one above him, but below Rukia.

Rukia drew her arms back and slung them forward. “Howl, Zabimaru!” she yelled, for good luck.

The huge sword swung down, nearly taking Rukia’s rotator cuff with it. Time seemed to slow down to molasses. Ponderously, the sword lengthened, like a Kuchiki aunt trying to to touch her toes. From the tip, propagating back to the tsuba, each segment stretched, reached, managing to pull a full millimeter apart from its neighbor. It hung in the air for the briefest of moments, and then, with an absolutely pathetic CHNK-CHNK-CHNK-CHNK, snapped back into place.

Somehow, the sword seemed to have gotten a little lighter.

“I told you I could do it,” Rukia proclaimed triumphantly. “You saw it. You witnessed it.”

“I don’t believe it,” Renji gawped. “I cannot-- Rukia, that was amazing!”

“Thank you,” she preened. “To be fair, I had the advantage of having seen it done before.” With great care (and great difficulty, as well), she managed to get Zabimaru turned around so she could present them back to their owner hilt-first. “Thank you, sir, for the loan.”

“Yeah,” he snorted,” accepting his blade as easily as if they were made of paste and paperboard. “Any time. I guess.” He passed Sode no Shirayuki back, before hefting himself to his feet. “I hope you don’t expect to see me do a Hakuren soon. I’m still in charge of piggyback rides, but the miracles are your department.” He shook his head as he sealed his sword and sheathed it. “Fucking unbelievable, as usual, Kuchiki. Please don’t tell Akon you did that.”

“Oh, your poor ego is in no danger, I shall keep it a secret for now,” Rukia announced primly, putting her sword away as well. “How’s your hand?”

Renji frowned and looked down, stretching his fingers open. “My hand? Nothing happened to my hand. I landed on my head when you threw me.”

“No, when I handed Sode no Shirayuki to you. You said she was cold?”

“Huh? Oh, no, I was just surprised!” He flexed his hand at her. “See? No harm done.”

“Mm,” Rukia nodded thoughtfully. “Kaien tried to pick her up once, you know. I had to take him to the Coordinated Relief Station. Third degree ice burns all the way up his arm. Happened in less than a second.” She shot him her sauciest wink. “I told you she liked you.”

Renji’s mouth fell open. Rukia loved it when he made that face. He looked so stupid but also so very, very cute.

“Come on,” she said. “Let’s go get lunch. After all that hard work, I’m starving.”

[rugitus]

"Hey, Abarai-kun! Look!" In her hand is a bandanna with multi-colored designs, hand embroidered into the fabric.

FIRST FIVE ASKS GET A KISS (3/5)

     smile making its way onto his face, he breaks out into a wide grin. reaching out to take hold of the familiar fabric, his gaze flicks from it to the female, his expression ecstatic. 

     ‘ shit -- where the hell’d you find it? i was lookin’ everywhere for this thing! ’ body practically brimming with excitement – that, coupled with relief – he pockets the garment immediately; temporarily ties it around Zabimaru’s hilt. ‘ thanks hinamori! i spent a fortune on that one. man, i’m so happy i oughtta – ah, t’ hell with it. ’ giving her a bright smile, both of his hands reach out. taking hold of either side of her face, he leans towards her: lips connecting in a quick, grateful peck, as he’s already looking back down at the fabric by the time he’s pulled away. ‘ next time they give you a hassle at the bar, lessay you call me? ’

[sweet-maemi]

Bleach LA

So, I looked to the Bleach LA yesterday evening, and I think that it’s very good. The fights are realized really well, I appreciated a lot the one of Ichigo against Renji. And when he took out Zabimaru, I was so "wahoo" Obviously, the movie is filled with IchiRuki moments, and those who say the opposite are blind. As for the characters, the actors knew how to play their role, and we find well our favorite characters. - Ichigo and Rukia, nothing to say, they are Ichigo and Rukia and their bond is demonstrated very well. - Isshin, I found him more paternal than in the manga, it was a little bit strange. - Yuzu and Karin were cute. - Byakuya, well, except for his cup shaved on the side, the actor plays him well, but I would have preferred fewer expressions on his face, as Byakuya is, - Renji, I admit that I did not like him, was he really like that in the manga? I thought he was less arrogant. - Ori... Well, she is even more boring in the movie than in the manga. Her only thought is Ichigo, wow, she’s a very interesting character (irony) - Chad... We did not enough see him. - Tatsuki and Keigo, meh Tatsuki is a little OOC I think. - Ishida was perfect. When he took out his bow for the first time, I thought that he had a crazy class ^^ To finish, I think that we were spoiled with IchiRuki, and I wonder where are the canon couples u_u