Bleach: Sea of butterflies

The grand hall of the First Division was shrouded in heavy silence as the captains gathered. At the head of the room sat Captain-Commander Yamamoto, his eyes closed, fingers steepled in thought as the murmurs of the other captains gradually faded into silence. The topic at hand was grave—the rapid increase in hollow activity across Rukongai.

Musashi stood outside the hall, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. Alongside him were the lieutenants of the gathered captains, waiting as their superiors deliberated.

"Musashi-senpai?" a voice called.

Musashi glanced up to see three figures approaching. Hirako Shinji, Yadōmaru Lisa, and Aikawa Love. The three newly appointed lieutenants carried themselves with an air of confidence, yet their expressions softened with familiarity.

"Shinji, Lisa, Love." Musashi gave a nod in greeting.

"Didn't think we'd see you here," Shinji smirked, leaning lazily against the pillar beside Musashi. "Still intimidating as ever."

Lisa adjusted her glasses, glancing at Musashi with her usual unreadable gaze. "He's quieter than I remember."

"You guys haven't changed," Musashi replied with a slight smile. "Still acting like rookies fresh out of the academy."

"Oi, we're lieutenants now," Love said, arms crossed. "Gotta show some respect."

Musashi raised an eyebrow. "You think rank makes you stronger?"

Shinji chuckled. "Well, at least we're better than Arasaka."

Before the conversation could continue, Suì-Fēng approached the group. Her presence drew attention as she stepped in front of Musashi with her usual stern demeanor.

"Musashi," she said curtly, standing at attention.

Musashi raised an eyebrow. "Suì-Fēng. Something urgent?"

There was a slight pause. Her eyes flickered to the side, and for a moment, her usually strict demeanor faltered. "Not urgent. I was just wondering… if you have any free time this evening."

Musashi's expression softened as he caught the subtle nervousness in her tone. "I suppose I can make time. What's the occasion?"

Suì-Fēng shifted slightly. "A spar. I want to test myself against you."

From the shadows, a soft chuckle echoed. Yoruichi had been perched nearby, listening. The 2nd Division captain stepped into view with a sly grin on her face. "A spar, huh? That's what you're calling it?"

Suì-Fēng immediately straightened, eyes wide. "L-Lady Yoruichi! This isn't—"

Yoruichi waved her hand dismissively, her smirk growing. "Relax, Suì-Fēng. I'm just teasing. I think it's cute. Don't get too flustered."

Musashi bit the inside of his cheek to stop from laughing at Suì-Fēng's panicked reaction. "It's settled then. I'll see you at the courtyard tonight."

As Suì-Fēng hurried off, Yoruichi leaned closer to Musashi. "Don't go easy on her. She'll never let herself live it down."

Musashi chuckled. "I wouldn't dream of it."

---

That evening, the sparring ground of the 2nd Division was quiet except for the shuffling of Suì-Fēng's footsteps. She paced in preparation as Musashi arrived, hands resting casually on his zanpakutō. A few shinigami lingered nearby, eager to witness the duel.

Suì-Fēng wasted no time, lunging forward with a burst of shunpo. Her fist aimed for Musashi's chest, but he sidestepped effortlessly, flicking her forehead with his finger.

"Boop."

Suì-Fēng stumbled back, blinking in disbelief. "Stop that."

Musashi raised his hands innocently. "I'm taking this seriously."

Another flick. "Boop."

Suì-Fēng gritted her teeth and tried a spinning kick. Musashi ducked and lightly flicked her forehead again.

"You—!" Suì-Fēng growled, frustration growing as the flicks continued.

From the balcony above, Yoruichi leaned against the railing, howling with laughter. "Hahaha, I told you to take it seriously, Musashi. Not bully her!"

Musashi had a faint smirk on his face, but stepped back, lowering his hands. "Alright, that's enough. You've gotten stronger, Suì-Fēng. Keep refining your precision."

Suì-Fēng crossed her arms, rubbing her forehead as she scowled. "You're insufferable."

Musashi nodded. "I get that a lot."

---

Later that night, Musashi and Arasaka strolled along the quiet streets near the 8th Division barracks. Arasaka had his hands behind his head, yawning loudly. "You really gave Suì-Fēng a hard time today. I thought she was going to explode."

Musashi shrugged. "She learns best under pressure."

"Uh-huh sure."

As they passed a small vendor, a familiar figure in a pink haori stood at the counter, purchasing a bottle of sake. Captain Shunsui Kyōraku turned, spotting them with a laid-back smile.

"Musashi, Arasaka. Out for a stroll?"

Arasaka grinned. "Captain Kyōraku. Late-night drink?"

Shunsui gestured with the bottle. "Couldn't sleep. Care to join me?"

The three of them sat beneath a cherry blossom tree, sipping quietly. The air was crisp, and the moon shone brightly above.

Shunsui took a long sip before exhaling. "Hollows in Rukongai, strange attacks... It's unsettling, isn't it?"

Musashi swirled his drink thoughtfully. "Yes. I can't shake the feeling that something larger is brewing."

Shunsui hummed. "Enjoy the peace while it lasts. It never does for long."

Arasaka raised his bottle. "To peace, then."

Musashi chuckled, tapping his bottle against Arasaka's.

---

The sun barely peeked over the horizon when Musashi and Arasaka made their way to the Kuchiki residence. The path was lined with cherry blossom trees, their petals lazily drifting in the soft morning breeze. Arasaka yawned, stretching his arms behind his head.

"Couldn't we have waited until after breakfast? Why are we always up so early?" Arasaka grumbled.

Musashi walked silently beside him, offering no response as his eyes stayed fixed ahead. The Kuchiki estate soon came into view, its grand entrance flanked by two guards who bowed respectfully as they approached.

"Sōjun-sama is already expecting you," one of the guards informed them.

Musashi nodded, leading the way inside. As they crossed the threshold, he immediately noticed something odd. The usually composed and punctual Byakuya was nowhere to be seen.

Arasaka glanced around. "Where is the little prince?"

Musashi stepped further inside. "He should be here."

Arasaka followed closely behind, but the moment he crossed under the archway, something heavy and damp dropped onto his head and shoulders. A rancid smell filled the air.

"Ugh! What the hell is this?!" Arasaka groaned, pulling at the gooey substance that now coated his hair and uniform.

Laughter echoed from the second floor. Byakuya stood at the balcony, clutching his sides as he laughed uncontrollably. Shishishi. I got you, Arasaka!"

Musashi hid his smirk behind his hand, watching as Arasaka tried futilely to shake off the foul-smelling concoction.

"That little..." Arasaka muttered, glaring up at Byakuya. "You think this is funny?! Get down here right now!"

Byakuya stuck out his tongue before disappearing from sight.

Musashi chuckled. "He's gotten quicker."

Arasaka sighed heavily. "I swear, one of these days..."

---

Later that morning, Byakuya sat cross-legged in the courtyard, staring at Arasaka with an annoyed expression. "Why do I have to learn this stuff? I'd rather practice with my sword."

Arasaka, now cleaned up, sat opposite him. "Because knowing Kidō will save your life one day. You can't always rely on your sword. Now focus."

Byakuya huffed but did as he was told.

"We'll start with something simple. Sai." Arasaka demonstrated, his index and middle fingers extended as he pointed at a nearby training dummy. The dummy's arms snapped behind its back as if bound by invisible restraints.

Byakuya watched carefully. "Alright...Bakudō #1 Sai." He mimicked Arasaka's movements, but nothing happened.

"You're rushing it. Take a breath and picture the spell binding your target."

Byakuya closed his eyes for a moment, then tried again. This time, the dummy's arms twitched but didn't fully bind.

Arasaka nodded. "Better. Try again."

They continued practicing as the sun rose higher, the gentle hum of Kidō energy filling the courtyard.

"Why do you and Uncle Musashi always chase hollows? Shouldn't the lower squads handle that?" Byakuya asked between attempts.

Arasaka leaned back on his palms, gazing at the sky. "Sometimes problems are bigger than they seem. You can't always leave things to others."

Byakuya frowned but didn't press further.

Suddenly, the stillness of the courtyard was broken by hurried footsteps. A shinigami from the 6th Division rushed toward them, panting heavily.

"Lieutenant Musashi, Arasaka-san!"

Musashi stepped into the courtyard from the porch, his gaze sharp. "What is it?"

The shinigami bowed quickly. "There's a hollow outbreak near the outer districts of Rukongai. Captain Ginrei requests your immediate assistance."

Musashi and Arasaka exchanged glances. Arasaka stood, patting Byakuya on the head. "Lesson's over, kid. Duty calls."

Byakuya crossed his arms. "I can handle more."

Musashi smiled faintly. "Another time. Stay here and train."

With that, the two shinigami disappeared in a flash of shunpo, leaving Byakuya alone.

(End of a chapter)