Chereads / Bleach: the shades of darkness / Chapter 20 - Chapter 20 : Return to the Soul Society

Chapter 20 - Chapter 20 : Return to the Soul Society

The faint rustling of fabric and the distant hum of spiritual energy stirred Yami from his deep sleep. His eyes slowly fluttered open, adjusting to the dim light filtering through the canvas of his tent. The familiar scent of Hueco Mundo's barren sands filled his nostrils, grounding him in the present. His body ached in places he hadn't felt in a long time, a testament to the intense spar he had with captain Ryoma .Yami's memories came rushing back, Captain Ryoma's formidable strength, the clash of their spiritual pressures, and the intensity and fun that had enveloped them both from the spar.

As Yami sat up, the blanket that had been draped over him slipped off, revealing the bandages wrapped tightly around his torso. The injuries he had sustained were mostly healed, he chalked it up to Captain Akiro's wrapping the bandages on him . Yami's hand instinctively moved to the large scar on his chest, a permanent reminder of the battle that had pushed him to his limits. Despite the pain, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. He had given it his all, and though he had been defeated, he had gained valuable experience that has pushed him to break his limits .

Pushing himself off the cot, Yami stretched, feeling his muscles protest with each movement. The tent was sparsely furnished, with only a small table, a chair, and a few personal belongings scattered about. His Zanpakutō, rested on a stand nearby, its dark blade gleaming in the low light. Yami reached for it, the familiar weight of the weapon reassuring in his hand.

He took a moment to steady himself, drawing in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. The air in Hueco Mundo was dry and cold, a stark contrast to the warmth of the Soul Society. But this desolate place had become a second home to him during the mission, and now, it was time to say goodbye.

Yami exited the tent, the harsh landscape of Hueco Mundo stretching out before him. The base camp was a hive of activity, with Shinigami from the 10th and 11th Divisions packing up supplies and preparing for their departure. The camp that was , once bustling with life, was slowly being dismantled, and the air was filled with the sounds of orders being barked and the shuffling of feet on sand.

Yami made his way to the meeting tent, it was larger and more ornate than the rest and stood at the center of the camp. It was here that the captains held their briefings, discussing strategy and planning their next moves. Yami made his way toward it, his mind still processing the events of the previous day. 

As he approached the entrance, the flap of the tent was pushed aside, and Yami stepped inside. The interior was lit by a few dim lamps, casting long shadows across the space. A large map of Hueco Mundo was spread out on the central table, marked with various notes and indicators of their completed missions. The atmosphere was light with the lingering tension of relief , but there was also a sense of finality in the air,a feeling that the mission was truly coming to an end.

Captain Ryoma stood near the table, his imposing figure cast in stark relief by the low light. Despite the intense battle they had fought, he appeared as composed and confident as ever, his presence commanding attention. Captain Akiro was seated nearby, his usual relaxed demeanor in place as he sipped from a cup of sake. He looked up as Yami entered, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Ah, Yami, you're awake," Captain Akiro said, setting down his cup. "How are you feeling?"

Yami bowed respectfully to both captains before answering. "I'm feeling much better, Captain Ryoma. Thank you for the spar yesterday. It was an honor to face you." He then turned to Captain Akiro, his voice filled with gratitude. "And thank you, Captain Akiro, for healing my injuries."

Captain Akiro waved off the thanks with a dismissive gesture, his smile widening. "No need to thank me, Yami. It's my duty as your captain, after all. I'm just glad you're back on your feet."

Ryoma nodded in agreement, his eyes appraising Yami with a satisfied gleam. "It's no problem, Yami. You fought well. You've earned a good rest." He paused, his expression shifting to something even mor lighthearted . " We're heading back to the Soul Society in a few hours, and I need you to make sure everything is ready for the departure ."

Yami listened intently, nodding as he absorbed the information. "Understood, Captain. I'll make sure the remaining Shinigami from the 10th and 11th Divisions are prepared for the departure ."

Ryoma's expression softened slightly, and he took a step closer to Yami. "Before you go, there's something else you need to know. Yami, from this moment on, you're no longer a member of the 10th Division."

Yami's eyes widened in surprise, his mind racing to process what Ryoma had just said. He turned to Captain Akiro, seeking confirmation, but the 10th Division captain simply gave him a small nod, a sad smile playing on his lips.

Ryoma continued, his voice steady and resolute. "You've been reassigned, Yami. As of now, you're the new lieutenant of the 11th Division."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Yami was too stunned to respond. The weight of the announcement settled heavily on his shoulders, and he struggled to find the right words. He had never imagined that he would be chosen to serve as a lieutenant, let alone in the 11th Division the division known for its strength and combat prowess. It was an immense honor, but it also meant leaving behind the division and captain Akiro.

Ryoma's eyes gleamed with approval as he saw Yami's reaction. "Congratulations, Yami. You've earned this position, and I expect great things from you."

Yami took a deep breath, regaining his composure as he turned to face his new captain. "Thank you, Captain Ryoma. I won't let you down." He then turned to Captain Akiro, his voice filled with genuine emotion. "Captain Akiro... I know I haven't been your subordinate for long, but I'm grateful for everything you've done for me. Serving under you has been an honor."

Captain Akiro's smile grew wider, and he reached out to give Yami a hearty slap on the back. "Don't get all sentimental on me now, Yami. This isn't goodbye. It's just a new chapter for you. And remember, the 10th Division doors are always open. You better come visit us from time to time, or I'll come after you myself!"

Yami couldn't help but smile at Captain Akiro's words. "I'll be sure to visit, Captain. You can count on it."

The atmosphere in the tent lightened considerably after that, with Captain Akiro pouring another cup of sake and offering it to Yami. "Here, a toast to your new position. You're going to make a fine lieutenant, Yami."

thats it readers the end of the hueco mundo arc but this wont be the last time yami goes there hehe