Yoruichi hadn't been exaggerating regarding the distance to the area where the mission was taking place. It was true that it was just outside the eastern borders of the Rukon District, but given that the City of Wandering Souls was in fact larger than several small countries that Itachi had seen in the Shinobi World, getting to the site within a day was still no small feat. Even with his improved proficiency in the art of Shunpo, covering so much ground so quickly was hardly an easy task. It had been early morning when Yoruichi had informed Itachi and the other students of their mission, but by the time they actually reached the general region where the mission was to take place it was already mid-afternoon.
So, he thought as the group finally came to a stop, this is where the Rukon District ends…
…and The Wild begins.
As mind-bogglingly vast as the Rukon District was, it was not the whole Soul Society. Far from it, in fact. The Rukon District, and the Seireitei within, were merely the most densely populated areas in the Soul Society, and in actuality were just a very small fraction of the realm that made up the afterlife. While there were other inhabited regions in the Soul Society, most notably the Principalities, the ancestral homelands of the Five Great Noble Houses and their vassals, the grand bulk of the land was actually unclaimed wilderness.
Vast unclaimed wilderness.
It was one thing to see it briefly presented on maps or in paintings in the classroom, but quite another to actually step outside the Rukon District and into it. True, they were only on the very edge, but even here Itachi could feel the difference. The Seireitei was nice, but even then, it still held some of the same crowded vibe that seemed to permeate the Rukon District. Just stepping beyond its borders and onto the frontier was like suddenly getting blasted with an onrushing gale of fresh air. Suddenly there were no more buildings around them, no throngs of people milling about.
There was green, and so much of it. They were atop a small hill, but even that modest vantage point was enough to slam home to Itachi just how massive the world beyond the Rukon District truly was. Mountains were visible just over the horizon, but the expanse before them was a majestic tapestry of trees and plains almost as far as the eye could see. There was nothing manmade in sight; this was nature in all its glory and more.
"It's something else, isn't it?" said a familiar female voice from just over his shoulder.
Itachi turned and saw Yoruichi come up next to him. A knowing smile was on her face, as if his reaction was just what she'd been expecting.
All Itachi could do was nod. "That's… one way to put it."
Jiraiya whistled. "No kidding. Haven't seen something like this in quite some time."
"Beautiful…" said Visaelya softly, "I heard stories, but I never knew…"
"That's right, I almost forgot," said Yoruichi, "You're Captain Drakken's niece, right? You've spent your whole life up until now inside the Seireitei, haven't you?"
Visaelya nodded. "Yes. I always wanted to go beyond… journey across The Wild along the Great East Road to our clan's Principality… but I was never allowed to do so. My parents told me the trip would be long and dangerous, and that it would be better to complete my training before undertaking it."
"They're not wrong," said Yoruichi, "Taking a trip across The Wild is not something to be done lightly. Hollows are much more numerous out there; their Gargantas commonly bring them into the Soul Society through various entry points in the wilderness, and it's from there that they begin to converge on the Rukon District, assuming they're not drawn towards one of the independent settlements. Hollows aren't the only beasts to worry about out there, either; there are plenty of dangerous creatures that make their homes in The Wild, and they're viciously territorial. As if running that gauntlet weren't bad enough, there are also the various bandit tribes and marauders that are on the loose beyond the borders of the Rukon District."
"It wasn't always that way, though, right?" asked Itachi, "Our classes have made the occasional reference to ruins out there that would indicate prior habitation, but they didn't go into much detail; they considered them to be part of a past better left forgotten."
Yoruichi sighed. "I should've known that's what your teachers would tell you. The truth's substantially more complicated; your instructors prefer the sanitized version. Not that they have much of a choice in the matter."
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
Yoruichi shook her head. "We don't really have time to go in-depth on that right now. Once you've all graduated and proven yourselves… well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."
As if on cue, Soi-Fon appeared in front of them via Shunpo a moment later. "Lady Yoruichi, I've made contact with our advanced teams. Third Seat Urahara is ready for you, and Squad Ten is on site."
Yoruichi nodded. "I see. Did you make contact with Captain Drakken as well?"
Soi-Fon grimaced at the Squad Ten Captain's name. "I did…"
Yoruichi smirked. "Let me guess; he was his usual self?"
Soi-Fon groaned. "To put it charitably. With all due respect, Lady Yoruichi, must we work with him on this mission?"
Yoruichi gave her subordinate a sympathetic smile. "That's the way it's gotta be this time around. I know it's rough, but we've gotta roll with it. Is Squad Four's support team on site?"
"Yes," she said, "According to Kisuke, they arrived just before I did."
"Good," said Yoruichi, "With them around to provide medical aid, we should be able to mitigate any potential disasters. Since they'll be charged with healing Soul Reapers from both squads, that should give Captain Drakken additional incentive to exercise caution to make sure that they're protected. Hopefully that will serve to rein in his overconfidence."
Soi-Fon nodded. "Understood, Lady Yoruichi."
Visaelya raised an eyebrow. "Is something the matter? I beg your pardon, Captain Shihōin, but I fail to see how working with Captain Drakken could be as bad as your subordinate is making it out to be. He is an esteemed member of my clan, and has earned his position just as much as you have!"
Yoruichi nodded. "I never said that he didn't have the skills to go with his rank. He didn't become a Captain just because of his bloodline; he put in the work required for the position. However… Visaelya, was it? What's your personal experience with the man? He is your uncle, so I wouldn't be going out on a limb by saying you've encountered him at family gatherings and other such occasions from time to time, right?"
"Yes," Visaelya replied, "I've met him several times. He is proud and confident, as well he should be given his skill and power. At the same time, though, he is also a man of refinement and high-standing."
"How did he treat you?" asked Yoruichi, "I'm assuming he did interact with you on a personal level from time to time."
Visaelya's brow furrowed in thought. "Well, he was friendly enough. Perhaps… slightly condescending, but given his position when compared to mine, I think that could be forgiven. I do recall more than one occasion where he said that I showed considerable promise, although… well, I don't know if he was actually taking me seriously at the time."
Yoruichi sighed. "Yeah… that sounds like him on a good day. Since you're his niece, you get the relatively pleasant side of him. Those of us that are outside the Drakken Clan… well, let's just say that he can test one's goodwill."
"Will he be a problem?" asked Itachi.
Yoruichi shook her head. "You students are under Squad Two's supervision, so you shouldn't have to worry about him."
"That's good," said Jiraiya, "It sounds like he can be a bit of a handful."
Visaelya scowled at him. "You are in no position to criticize a member of my clan! His abilities shall prove all naysayers wrong… no disrespect intended, Captain Shihōin."
Yoruichi smiled. "It's all right. Your loyalty to your family speaks highly of you, Visaelya. Still, take a bit of advice from a fellow noble; don't let that loyalty become unconditional. Family is important, but so is being able to judge individuals on their own merits. You can respect them while still being aware of their faults."
Visaelya nodded. "I'll keep that in mind… thank you, Captain Shihōin."
"Anytime," she replied, "All right, let's pick up the pace. We don't want to keep our dear friends in Squad Ten waiting."
It actually only took about a half an hour or so for them to arrive at the exact mission site. Itachi spotted a broad clearing up ahead, and he could sense multiple presences with higher than average amounts of spirit energy. Sure enough, gathered before the foothills at the end of the clearing were scores of Soul Reapers gathered in what appeared to be a hastily made encampment, and it didn't take long for Itachi to find Squad Ten's Captain.
So that's the man they call the Sunfire Dragon, he mused, I don't know what his abilities are, but the amount of spiritual pressure that he's suppressing is substantial.
A tall man with an athletic yet slightly slender build, Rhaegon Drakken certainly had the air of an individual who fully embraced their noble heritage. With light skin unmarred by so much as a single blemish, vibrant violet eyes, and shoulder-length silver-blond hair, he was an exemplary physical specimen of his bloodline. There was more than enough family resemblance for Itachi to easily connect him to Visaelya, to the point that if he didn't know better he might actually assume that he was her father rather than her uncle. His bearing was just like Visaelya had described; proud and confident. He wore his Soul Reaper uniform and Captain's haori as if they were his birthright, and there was a rather possessive manner in which his hand hovered over the dark red handle of his Zanpakutō. The weapon's gleaming silver circular guard seemed like it was just tailor made to match the man's locks; it certainly looked as immaculate as them.
Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "That's him? He looks more like an actor than a Captain. Did he get lost on the way to the stage?"
"Don't take him lightly," Itachi murmured, "Play the fool if you want, but I know you can sense his spiritual pressure just as well as I can."
Visaelya scowled at Jiraiya. "Insolent oaf…"
Yoruichi actually giggled. "You're not the first person I've met to have that reaction. If I didn't know better, I might act the same way. He certainly takes his sweet time making sure he looks the part of the pretty boy before a mission."
"Pride in one's appearance is all well and good, but he's a Captain," Soi-Fon muttered, "He should focus less on his looks and more on keeping his division in line!"
Observing the assembled Soul Reapers, Itachi suspected that Soi-Fon was onto something. While there was nothing particularly egregious about their behavior, they did seem a little too laid-back considering that they were gathered right at the mouth of a Hollow nest. Confidence and maintain composure was one thing, but to Itachi's well-trained eyes it seemed as though they were barely bothering with even basic perimeter security. There were patrols and sentries posted, but it wasn't hard to find gaps in their coverage.
Perhaps I'm being too harsh, he thought as he took another look around, I'm evaluating their defenses based on how a trained Shinobi like myself might infiltrate their ranks, but they're not here to face human opponents; they're up against Hollows. The beasts are intelligent, but subtlety is hardly their calling card. The way the patrols here are set up should be sufficient to spot incoming Hollows from the most likely approach vectors.
"Hey, there!" called a familiar voice, "Glad you all could make it!"
Itachi saw Kisuke step out of the crowd and approach them a moment later. He and his fellow students hung back as Yoruichi and Soi-Fon came forward to meet him.
"What's the situation?" asked Yoruichi, "Please tell me Drakken hasn't sent anyone in yet."
Kisuke smiled. "We got lucky; he's exercising some restraint today. He didn't bring his pet either, so there's another bit of good news for you."
Soi-Fon sighed with relief. "This might actually go well, then."
Yoruichi nodded. "Glad to hear it. Sorry for making you deal with him for so long. You know that there's only so fast I can go while keeping an eye on the students."
"I know," Kisuke replied, "I'm not worried about it, but you know how Drakken is. Hope you're ready."
Yoruichi shrugged. "As ready as I'll ever be."
She then turned to the students. "I want you all to wait here with Kisuke, all right? Soi-Fon and I are going to meet with Captain Drakken for some last-minute planning before we begin the operation. We'll be back before you know it!"
"Do not leave this area!" Soi-Fon ordered, "Remember that just beyond the border of this encampment is a Hollow nest, and we don't know if all of them are still in there or if some are sneaking around nearby. Remain here unless you want to become their next meal, is that clear?"
Jiraiya chuckled. "Now there's some motivational speaking for you."
Soi-Fon scowled at him. "Take this seriously, Jiraiya!"
The sage raised his hands in mock-surrender. "All right, all right! I'll behave myself, little lady!"
"Excuse me?" she growled in reply, "You'd better…"
"Come on, Soi-Fon," Yoruichi interrupted, "I know you're not eager to meet with Drakken, but we really need to get this over with."
Soi-Fon shot one more glare at Jiraiya before turning to follow her Captain. "Of course, Lady Yoruichi. Forgive me."
Itachi shook his head as the two of them departed. "What is it with you and women? Do you try to push their buttons on purpose, or does it just come naturally to you?"
Jiraiya grinned. "What can I say? It's a gift!"
"Hardly the word I would use for it," Visaelya scoffed.
Jiraiya shrugged. "Give it time, Little Miss Vissy. It might just grow on you."
She folded her arms. "After putting up with it for the past four years, I can assure you that it most certainly will not."
As the two of them traded barbs, Itachi turned his attention back to the encampment. Members of Squads Two and Ten intermingled freely as they continued their preparations for the mission, although he could detect a slight edge just beneath the surface. It wasn't hostility, but there did seem to be a mild undercurrent of rivalry between the two groups.
I wonder if that's due to their respective Captains coming from different Great Noble Houses, he mused, All the Squad Two members that I've met so far seem quite loyal to Yoruichi, so perhaps it's the same with regards to Squad Ten and Captain Drakken. Hopefully it won't interfere with the mission.
It was as he passively scanned the assembled Soul Reapers that Itachi nearly gave himself a heart attack. He caught a glimpse of the back of one particular Soul Reaper's head, and it looked very familiar.
Black hair, unkempt but not wild… that profile… it can't be…
He was startled by Jiraiya putting his hand on his shoulders. "Hey, are you all right?"
Itachi silently cursed the momentary distraction; that split-second was all that particular Soul Reaper had needed to slip back into the crowd. Try as he might, Itachi could not find him again.
"Am I imagining things?" he muttered.
Jiraiya gave him a nudge. "Soul Society to Itachi! What's up?"
"Are you okay?" asked Visaelya, "You look like you've seen a ghost... although in our line of work I suppose that's actually to be expected."
Itachi shook his head, his gaze still roving over the crowd. "It's nothing."
I'm hallucinating. That's got to be it.
Why can't it be more? You are dead, after all, and so is he. Would meeting here really be so unlikely?
Given the sheer size of the Soul Society, quite so.
Stranger things have happened. Just look at yourself, for example.
A fair point. Still…
After a few more minutes of scanning the crowd, Itachi gave up and tried to push what he assumed to be no more than an apparition from his mind. He had a mission to focus on, and he could not afford to be distracted by ghosts of the past.