"Hm?"
Kensei looked at Kūkon, vibrating at his waist. In his memory, she'd reacted this apparently only twice—first during Jinzen, nearly overpowering him, and subsequently only in Sōsuke's presence.
Did Kūkon-sama have some solution?
"What's wrong?"
Ukitake noticed Kensei's peculiar expression and inquired.
"Ah... my Zanpakutō might have something to tell me."
Kensei indicated Kūkon; the blade vibrated more intensely, as if urging him.
Ukitake raised an eyebrow with interest. Such proactive communication from a Zanpakutō was rare. Recalling Kyōraku mentioning Kensei's unusual blade over tea, this seemed confirmed.
"Please, go ahead, Brother Ukitake."
Ukitake nodded, gesturing for Kensei to proceed.
As Kensei sat cross-legged in Jinzen, Ukitake watched with interest, teacup in hand.
He was curious what the little junior brother's Zanpakutō wanted at this moment.
Could it somehow influence Mimihagi-sama?
The thought surprised Ukitake; he dismissed it with a wry smile—wishful thinking.
Larger fragments might be negotiable, but Mimihagi was the complete right arm.
"Still... since little junior brother appeared, he's accomplished much almost a miracle."
Watching Kensei communicate with his blade, Ukitake smiled.
Despite constantly angering their teacher, when problems arose, Kensei solved them.
Kuchiki Kōga, the Tsunayashiro—even hints of Hueco Mundo exploits. Kyōraku must be relieved.
Kensei entered the familiar space. Kūkon waited, arms crossed, as if expecting him.
"You want fragments from your sickly brother's body? Quite ambitious."
"Originally, I thought Mimihagi's massive arm might spare scraps. Sadly, no."
Kensei shrugged, then asked why Kūkon had summoned him.
"Mimihagi—what a name." Kūkon first critiqued Seireitei's naming tastes. "Next time, inform me beforehand."
"Can you extract Mimihagi?"
Kensei regarded confident Kūkon strangely. Was she capable of everything?
"Of course—I'm the world's greatest Zanpakutō. Nothing's beyond me."
Kensei's eyes lit up—then Kūkon added: "Though true, I'm still bound to you. My abilities depend on your limits. Understand?"
"Understood: successes are your credit; failures, my insufficient effort."
Kensei's mouth twitched. Whose personality had Kūkon inherited?
"Teachability." Kūkon nodded approvingly. "Though I could extract the entire right arm now, your sickly brother would die."
"Forget it."
Kensei shook his head firmly. If Mimihagi resided in Old Man Yama or Kyōraku, he'd consent without hesitation.
"I can negotiate with the right arm—extract fragments. Your brother survives, his condition improves."
"How will you negotiate consent? Threaten to cut it?"
Kūkon clenched her fist, smirking. "I have means Mimihagi cannot refuse."
"But this favor isn't free. Borrow Kuchiki Kōga's Muramasa for my research."
Kensei blinked. Kōga remained imprisoned in Muken; Muramasa was likely sealed. Given his connections, borrowing shouldn't be difficult.
But why did Kūkon want it?
"Deal."
After brief consideration, Kensei agreed. Kūkon wouldn't harm him.
"Tell your sickly brother: no useless resistance. Leave the rest to me."
Kūkon watched Kensei retreat, lips curving. Her purpose achieved.
Emerging from Jinzen, Kensei found Ukitake watching concernedly.
"How did it go? What did your Zanpakutō say?"
"Good news." Kensei shifted position. "Kūkon can negotiate with Mimihagi—extract fragments, ease your condition."
Ukitake was skeptical. Mimihagi had resided within him since childhood, sustaining his life but otherwise dormant.
Could his junior brother's Zanpakutō truly negotiate with the Soul King's right arm?
"As long as Mimihagi-sama isn't angry. What must I do?"
Ukitake coughed lightly, trusting Kensei. As long as Mimihagi remained stable, he'd survive.
Consider it an experiment for little junior brother.
"Just... don't resist uselessly."
Kensei drew Kūkon, pointing it at Ukitake.
The blade glowed—simultaneously, light emanated from within Ukitake.
Ukitake was astonished. Never had Mimihagi reacted externally. Pity he couldn't observe.
The process lasted mere seconds.
Ukitake shuddered, then coughed violently. Several nail-sized fragments flew from his mouth.
Kensei startled—had Kūkon used violent methods, angering Mimihagi?
"Brother! Don't die!"
"Cough!" Ukitake waved reassuringly. "I'm fine—better than before, actually."
Kensei eyed the blood at Ukitake's mouth skeptically. This didn't look like improvement.
"Your Zanpakutō truly accomplished this." Ukitake wiped his mouth, amazed. "I wonder how she negotiated with Mimihagi-sama."
He stretched, savoring smoother breathing, genuinely pleased.
Now he could drink with Kyōraku. Hooray!
In good spirits, Ukitake smiled gently, declining to investigate further. "But Kensei, Soul King fragments are no trivial matter. Use them cautiously."
"Just errand work for the Royal Guard."
Kensei nodded. Researching such things bored him. Judging by the sensation, these were likely Mimihagi's discarded scraps.
"I'll deliver these to Urahara. Rest well, brother."
Seeing Ukitake's improved complexion, Kensei collected the fragments and prepared to leave.
"Take care."
Ukitake watched him depart, already planning to invite Kyōraku for drinks.
He'd long watched Kyōraku indulge while his body forbade participation. Now, perhaps no issue.
And if teacher caught them—he could blame Kyōraku.
Surely teacher wouldn't punish an invalid.