Interesting read make think of my expanded bleach universe that was working on that had different kinds of spirits beings .Fay ,Yokai ,demons ,Oni ,different kind of Ghosts ,Hollows ,Divine spirits ,and much more .
One of my character is a incanate of the Hunt in human form he bears tribal armor and helm with horns and in hollow form bear horn of antelope title is unbound symbolizing savagery of beast and cunning hunt with men .A being grows stronger with every slayen foe .

Glad to see you back! Excellent chapter. You always make the way the pieces of the story keep re-arranging themselves fascinating. So many unexpected new (or old) connections. Looking forward to the next chapter.

FUCK BAKARI KUCHIKI FUCK

Nice to see a new chapter, sorry for the late review. I was busy.
Nice to see Arashi trying to get his life together. Him reaching out to Aizen was surprisingly touching. He just wants his family back.
Rukia shows that even without a legal position she can still make waves. One thing to consider, you keep expanding her family so it may be a good idea to give the reader a better understanding of the kids. Consider it a “Life in the Kurosaki family” episode. Can’t care for characters you don’t really know.
Kiyone shows how interconnected she is. I really did love the framing for this chapter as it was connected to her gossip industry.
Overall great chapter and some thoughts to consider.

After the delightfully fearful note WRT her potential return near Hammered Down's conclusion, I'll admit to not *remotely* expecting so many mortal-world faceoffs between the Kuchiki/Kurosaki clan and Unohana's sundry gigai guises. Still, thusfar her characterization's blend of tragedy and ghastly wrath hasn't suffered much. In other news, I'm digging the Stark/Cernunnos connection, your able use of the series' moderately-empowered mortal allies, and a handful of things going right for Komamura.

Another of my very favorite parts: Yamamoto dying and no one mourning him.
Good Riddance!
He is the only one I can’t forgive after he has died.

"Betcha a month's pay Yamamoto went straight to Hell when he died!"
No matter how many years (in both real life and in the story) have passed, I still whole heartedly agree with Hanatarou. And I love him so much for saying that.

So is the reason for Hanatarou saying this because of what Yamamoto was going to do to Rukia or is it because as someone who served under Unohana, Hanatarou saw a glimpse of what Yamamoto was doing to her? Or perhaps Hanatarou himself witnessed Yamamoto doing something wrong?
“So just dispose of it without undue ceremony and continue fulfilling your duty. Yes, that reflects his outlook quite well, I believe."

I have to wonder about Sasakibe’s words, and if that was what he really believed he wanted, or if Sasakibe himself wanted Yamamoto to be treated like Yamamoto treated others: not caring anything about the dead and treating them like trash, and therefore Yamamoto himself was treated without ceremony. Yamamoto who cared about the image of himself and the image of the Gotei 13 got treated like meat at the end.

And I never thought that the reason Renji stayed was because he promised Unohana in the dream that he would be there. It never occurred to me that even though he didn’t remember his promise, he still kept it.

"Ho, Abarai-kun. Fancy running into you here."

Urahara Almost sounded like Gin for a moment there.
I wonder if Gin hitched a ride with Urahara.

“Yes, don't worry, he's still dead, we just confirmed it!"

I love Urahara for that, and again I can’t help but wonder if he is channeling Gin.

“Give my regards to Rukia-chan if you see her, Abarai-kun!"
Another thing I can see Gin telling Renji to do.

However, the UraRuki shipper in me sincerely hopes that this is really Urahara saying this. And if it is Urahara, I really would like to know why he told Renji this.

Say does Urahara know about Imaginary!Yumichika? I wonder if him mentioning Rukia was had the purpose of drawing out Imaginary!Yumichika since after he left Imaginary!Yumichika popped up: “And miss the chance to see Rukia-chan? Not on your life, O Ye of Little Eyebrows!”

I have to say I love that Komamura didn’t stay either.

Wait, maybe Gin didn’t hitch a ride with Urahara, maybe he hitched a ride with Nel.

”And of course, at Isane's right hand was Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki, very respectably dressed with her badge on proud want to suggest a strategy to get us out of here alive? Zabimaru? Imaginary Ayasegawa?”

Now I would like to think that if it was really Yumichika in Renji’s head, he would be going on and on about how beautiful Rukia looks with her badge. So it makes me think it really is all in Renji’s head.

However on the other hand, the real Yumichika would be in awe of Rukia and would be left speechless, so maybe that is why he is quiet.

I love how Rukia is curious and not mad that Renji started a betting pool.

And I need to go read Tomas’s messages to see if Tomas ever disclosed why Rukia wanted to talk to Nel and led her to Komamura.

"One I've never seen before. And perfectly cast. We couldn't get close. How did you learn it, Captain Abarai?"

So Urahara finally addressed Renji by his rank and not kun. I see he is beginning to suspect that Unohana is behind this and she is making a subtle move.

"I knew it!"

I still love Hanatarou exclaiming that.

And I still don’t have a clue what Jigoku is saying.

I think the first word is who or whose.

I can only guess what the second word is. It can be accusing, assuming, avoiding, auditioning.

I feel like the last two words are “the contract”.

Maybe “whose accepting” not sure what the middle words are “the contract”?

If I don’t stop trying to figure it out I won’t be able to go to sleep.

And I still love Rukia’s dance. One of the best gifts that Tomas gave me.

“Bull. This is all him. That arrogant little punk.”

I really feel like this is Inner!Mayuri talking.

“This isn't middle school kiddy crap anymore, Ichigo. I'm not an enemy you can just beat up and call it over. It's serious as marriage, sex, and death. And if you're not mature enough to realize that, then get the hell out of the way for the people who are!" I can’t help but recall Ichigo and Mayuri’s conversation when Ichigo went to go visit Mayuri about RUkia’s gigai.

I feel like Inner!Mayuri was influencing Kon’s conversation with Ichigo.
"Her company Ibis includes the former Fifth Squad, whose members were charged with maintaining records and intel concerning known Hollows and their powers, as well as all recognized zanpakutō since even before the founding of the Gotei 13.”

Byakuya,Don’t forget, before the Manor Wars, the Arashi were in charge of the fifth.

Arashi could be a big help with records on hell.

Oh wait. Byakuya knows this and doesn’t trust the Arashi either. Mistake on his part for not going to another clan for help. I remember Shiba himself rebuffed offers for help and look where that got him.

I have to wonder if Tessai himself knows more than what he letting on by suggesting the fifth.

Or did Tessai suggest it because he knew that Byakuya wouldn’t take the advice.

Yes, I am very paranoid.

“I'm afraid they might skip the formalities and just lock us in a room together until I'm pregnant."To their elder's relief, this last statement did cause Lord-Commander Kuchiki's head to jerk ever so slightly in her direction.

I really would love to know what Byakuya was thinking. We the audience knew that Yoruichi already had a child, but I can’t help but think that even at whatever age he is, Byakuya at the time was scared at the thought of having a kid.

“To be fair, I feel anyone could marry Kyoraku-sama and count themselves fortunate."

You know what this statement made me realize, in all the people Noboru (and myself) were trying to set Rukia up with, it never crossed either of our minds to try setting her up with Shunsui.

Now that is a lovely picture in my opinion.

And he is a noble to boot. And could probably have defeated Arashi, Ichigo and Kon.

Damn. I should have been cheering him on since this chapter.

“Even before losing his death god powers, Isane would have been almost guaranteed to outlive him by many years.”

I can’t believe I missed this part in my first read through.

I keep forgetting how powerful she is.

I can’t believe I missed this part as well: "I plan to inform Lord Arashi next. Hopefully he can appreciate the need for secrecy in this matter, even if he does wish to remain informed.”

I wonder what Arashi did once he heard this.

“Lord-Commander's orders, no getting around them. For now.”

Yeah Right Urahara. Did you not go to Gin to trade information?

Now that I know that getting named Proxy got Mayuri thrown into jail, I can see why he didn’t want any one of his subordinates to research it, and why he put it in the Black Files.

I still love this part: “Translation: taking advantage of his time cooped up in a jail cell to laugh his ass off about me being dead. Typical Mayuri. You always were such a spirited underling.”

This chapter indeed was one of my favorites.

It is late where I am at (2 am). I have a doctor's appointment so I don't need to get up that early.

But I will probably continue re-reading chapters this weekend. No promises though.

"I won't be able to attend, but you'll be there for me. Tell me when it happens. I have to know."

I am just realizing that she was talking about Yamamoto’s funeral.

No wonder Renji had performed that high level spell ( especially since he is bad a kido) to burn Yamamoto.

Say, by any chance did Gin attend the Yamamoto’s funeral?

I could see him mocking the corpse, but I’m not sure if he would have even bothered.

“Sometimes things got so heated he just passed out and woke up in the morning with no clear recollection of their bout.”

Makes me wonder if Nel is doing anything to Renji? Is she really on their side?

She gets along fine with Gin, how do we know that Nel is really on their side? For all we know she could be doing something to Renji. Makes me fear for Komamura, now that Nel is in bed with him too.

Makes me very suspicious especially since no one knows where her hollow hole is.

“Occasionally upon waking Renji got the strangest feeling like there was someone in the room with them. A person he had let in. Watching them. But that didn't make any sense”

So we already know Gin is somewhat a voyeur, what with him shadowing people. Is he enough of a voyeur to be in the room as his ex girlfriend has sex with Renji?

“Bite your tongue, Renji! What kind of death is that for a legendary warrior, languishing in a hospital bed hooked up to breathing apparatus? So very ugly!"

You know I always had a small hope that perhaps Yumichika somehow found a way to live inside Renji’s head. But Imaginary!Yumichika’s comment about Yamamoto’s death makes me think that isn’t Yumichika afterall.

Mostly because I can see him hating Yamamoto as much as I hate him for what he was going to do to Rukia.

And I still find joy in Mayuri making it so that if someone like Urahara opens his files, that they are automatically deleted.

And this quote will always make me smile:”I have already informed Kuchiki-ojousama of this side benefit and basked in her trivial but well-warranted praise.”

I love that he basked in her praise.

Well now that he is back, Rukia can continue giving Mayuri praise.

“The mention of the name Kuchiki had Urahara dismissing the illusionary database and slumping tiredly into a chair of his brightly lit office.”

So is it just the name of Kuchiki (perhaps Urahara was in love Yoruichi, but he knows she is in love with Byakuya and doesn’t see Urahara as anything more than friends) that had Urahara dismissing the database?

Or is he remembering one of his conversations with Rukia, where she flat out told him that she trusted Mayuri more than him?

The UraRuki shipper in me hopes it is the last one?

“The most frustrating aspect of this endeavor was never knowing just who could be trusted. He even doubted himself.” This issue of trust makes me think he is remembering Rukia telling him she didn’t trust him.

“Unfortunately their reach still extended to him and those he cherished.”

I believe Yoruichi is one of those he cherishes. Tessai as well. Hiyori no doubt. I wonder who else Urahara cherishes.

“You simply want to know if he surpassed you in the time since your departure.”

Again I can’t help but wonder if Urahara is still remembering all that Mayuri was able to accomplish because Rukia had faith in Mayuri to rise to her projects, and broke open her piggy back for Mayuri.

Yoruichi would no doubt fund Urahara now that he is captain of the 12th. But I wonder if it hurts Urahara a little that Rukia went to Mayuri and not him.

“And I do confess a certain morbid curiosity as to what the maniac accomplished with unlimited funds and unrestricted resources which I sadly lacked for the past 100 years.”

So it seems that maybe it wasn’t my wishful thinking that Urahara was a bit jealous that Rukia funded Mayuri’s projects.

I was going to wonder if she was still funding the 12th division. Because she went to Rin about her marriage contract makes me think she is still funding the 12th division, and in turn funding Urahara as well.

Has he thanked her for that?

“Remember who holds the power in this relationship.”

I forgot how scary Benihime is.

And Katsurou makes his first appearance!

I remember my first read through of this chapter. I had never expected to come to love Katsurou the way I do know.

Again, Tomas, you are a magnificent story teller.

“Do not doubt his hatred, for I never have.”

What a difference Kon and Kukaku have made in Katsurou’s life.

I love seeing the transformation he has undergone: seeing how full of hate he used to be, and now the man is courting Kukaku and thinking about the future.

Of course, this never would have happened if he never tried to marry Rukia, so really it is all thanks to Rukia.

Just kidding Tomas, she did have an impact on Katsurou, however I am well aware that it is thanks to Kon saving his life, and Kukaku forgiving him that really helped him turn a new leaf.

“Her grandfather Yuma had served the ancient goddess faithfully before the Gotei 13 even existed, willingly going into exile with her when she abandoned the court of the King.”

Was it ever explained why Unohana decided to leave “the court of the king”?

Another thing I love seeing is the development between Noboru and Soifon.
How far the two have come! From "When I'm lord of the Shihoin, better believe the first person who gets the boot is you!" To him wanting to see her happy and married with children. Him asking her who his future descendant’s body guards will be if she doesn’t have children.

Once again Tomas, beautiful development.

"I don't want Aunt Rukia to marry that carrot-headed ogre!"

I wonder if Noboru is just as grateful as I am that even with two kids, the two haven’t gotten married.

And I still feel for Michiro and the harsh criticism from her writing club.

Well at least she is famous now, and who would have thought she would have come this far thanks to the inspiration that is Byakuya?

And my heart still aches a little at Noboru hiding from his father.

Of course now that I know how the two finally meet (I love that Byakuya first heard his son laughing) I’m glad that he hid.

So as I have mentioned before, I am a bit suspicious of Shunsui. Makes me wonder what he is doing behind the scenes.

We know he arranged Kaien and Miyako’s marriage. Did he do something to arrange Isane and Ukitake’s marriage.

When I first read His statement of “Fuck Me” I truly believed that he was surprised.

But he is a very good actor as he has proven before.

SO this could be just an act as well.

Isane’s statement of “The offer has been accepted by both of our houses and approved by their patron, the Arashi.” Makes me feel as though this is proof that Shunsui and Arashi are manipulating events, not anything bad against Isane, but doing this for something that hasn’t been revealed to us yet.

“But this is without doubt the worst day of my life.” So does Soifon play both fields? I am not sure if it is the worst day of her life because nobody is worthy of Yoruichi or because Soifon has a crush on her.

Wonderful chapter as always Tomas. I never get tired of rereading your work.

"Or perhaps I simply became a mask that someone else could wear.”

I didn’t pay much attention to this part when I first read this chapter.

I wonder if this is why the Hunt wasn’t killed permantantly when Ryuken and Noboru faced him.

“The fact that I came to Soul Society would indicate a shinigami was responsible for the end of my tenure as Cernunnos. Any other outcome would have resulted in the destruction of my soul.”

So that was why The Hunt was severly damaged. Ryuken would have permanently destroyed the Hunt, but something was missing from being able to do it completely.

‘Akon, the facility's vice-president for the past century, postulates we are the result of an incomplete konsō’. He has done much personal research on this subject, as a proud member of our breed.”

Just an idea( but you don’t have to do it), you can always bring in Akon when discussing the Hunt in future chapters.
Since the Hunt is after Rukia’s children, and Akon himself has theories on it, who better to inform Rukia of the Hunt than Akon.

And was it Aizen that let the Hunt off their leash when the Hunt went after the quincy? So maybe Aizen does have innocent blood on his hands.

I’m going to go need to reread Hammered Down because I could have sworn remembering something about this being done so Mayuri and Nemu could get the samples from the Quincy.

Or was that when Ishida’s grandfather died, and I am remembering things completely wrong.

‘Many shinigami and Quincy would assuredly die if they used the time-tested strategy of holding the Hunt off until then.’

Well it seems that Komamura did not repeat the mistakes the other 7th division members had done way back when that got Shiba retired as a captain.

Komamura is a better leader than he was, valueing the lives of others.

“It was only then that Komamura noticed one of them was just a boy. No more than five years old, he crouched wet and shaking at his defender's side. Short black hair contrasted with bloodless skin that looked blue from cold and fear. There was vomit on his chin. All the same he held a blue bow like the rest.”

I still love Ryuken’s and Komamura’s first meeting.

Ryuken was so young.

No wonder he has PTSD/nightmares even as an adult.

“Strength is not all that matters. You are no beast. Do not behave as one.” I really love this line by Komamura’s sword.

“Her son continued to wail in a mixture of grief, anger and terror as he fired arrow after arrow into the ground in search of something to no avail.”

This picture of Ryuken always tugs at my heart.

“We will take it with us.”
“Yes. I am proud to have fought with you.”
I had forgotten about this part as well.

Very selfless of Komamaura. This is probably another reason Ryuken holds him in such high esteem.

And I forgotten that Ryuken had given Komamaura back his sword.

“She would want you to have this, Ryūken.”

I’m remembering Ryuken offering similar words to his son before Ryuken went to face the Wild Hunt.

"Worthless!" he spat. His small hand lashed out and knocked the bloodied cross aside.”

So this same bloodied cross he deemed worthless when he was five years old, was the same one he used when he faced the hunt once more.

Very poetic.

Tomas, I love your story telling. No one else puts as much thought and skill into your writing than you.

Another of my favorite parts-“About to stalk off he paused, then turned to regard Komamura. With utmost solemnity far beyond his years the blood-spattered child offered a very deep bow.”

“Old Captain-Commander Yamamoto will be real distraught to learn about this. Yup, he'll be just plain devastated."Komamura's fists clenched. There were several layers of insinuation in those words he did not take kindly to.

So did this part mean that Komamura did not take kindly to Gin mocking Yamamoto, or that Komamura himself knew that Yamamoto didn’t care about the Quincy and that Yamamoto himself gave the order to kill off the Quincy in the event they would be a threat?

If it was the latter then Komamura had an inkling of what Yamamoto was like.

Once again, I am so happy that Komamura didn’t let the truth of Ryuken and his father surviving, protecting them from Yamamoto and those who would do them harm.

So did Gin shadow Komamura, and he was the one who told Aizen that the Quincy were still alive?

“I had hoped that being a former leader of the Hunt, my soul power could serve to abolish Cernunnos completely. But even that part of my legacy has been removed.”

So only former leaders of the hunt can abolish the Hunt completely. I almost regret Inoue not being around so that she can restore his powers back.

I am now wondering if there are other former leaders of the hunt, so that they can be the ones to destroy it completely.

No character jumps out at me at this time though.

"Such a melancholy parting. Are you certain you won't stay for a drink, Komamura? Some quality liquor might serve to give this little party a more spirited ending!”

Not to be suspicious of Shunsui, but after all the revelations of what he did makes me wonder if he had an ulterior motive for offering a drink to Komamura.

"They found something that looked like a giant serpent's skeleton at the bottom."

So do bones of a Vasto Lorde work the same way as a zanpakuto being left behind, allowing their wielders to travel between realms?

“if he was already dead twice over, it would take the living to, well, bring him back to life! Or… un-life, I guess” Does this work for Shinigami as well? *cough*Yumichika*cough*

“Do you think meditating and engaging in duels with people who treat you like a precious little prince will be enough to prepare you for when that omnipotent lunatic puts his sword to your throat?"

So Matsumoto knows that Byakuya is training him? Did Gin hear Ginrei’s prophecy and is shadowing Toshiro as Byakuya trains him? Or did Matsumoto get the information from someone else (Kiyone)?

I will always love the tender moment between Rukia and Noboru especially when she tells him: "Don't make me grieve for any more lost loved ones, Noboru,"
“That's… what I WANT!” Was this Kon or innerMayuri speaking

I wonder if innerMayuri was the one who gave Kon the confidence to confess to Rukia Kon’s true feelings:"I love you, Rukia-san."
Another of my favorite parts was when Rukia hugged Kon and told him she made him happy, since the first day she met him.

"Kon… if I should one day find I've fallen in love with you, rest assured, I won't hesitate to tell you."

You know what would be a kick to the balls for Kon? When Rukia sent Karin to go look for him, and Kon just left without seeing what she wanted. It would be very sad if Rukia had planned to tell him she had found herself in love with Kon. And Kon because he was running away, lost his chance.

Now I know that Rukia probably wasn’t going to tell him that, but I still would find it funny if it was.

I love this part as well:“There really was nothing like catching the attention of the person you loved.”
Makes me wonder if Mayuri (or anyone else from the 12th division) ever felt like this when Rukia’s attention was on them?

Another of my favorite parts of this story, was when Kon carried Rukia back to the human realm. I will never get tired of that.

‘Don't fret, girl. I was only teasing you. Like this, there's no satisfaction to be gained from consuming you in the slightest. A waste of a long-anticipated meal, I should think.’

So I know I’m supposed to be focusing on Kon’s inner conversations, but I have to say that I still love Tia’s and Rukia’s reunion.

I also love this part ‘we will fight or flee together. Either way, do not hold back on my part.’

I love Rukia’s resolve.

Not sure if I noted this in my first read through review, but I love with their zanpakuto’s are arguing with each other.
I also love this part:
‘Somehow, though, the sight of her barely contained grief felt worse. Quickly Tōshirō opened his mouth to offer some comfort.’

“Well, slap my ass and call me Strawberry if that don't beat all!"

And this line by Ichigo’s hollow still makes me laugh.

It is a good thing I read this because I had forgotten that Ichigo’s hollow cut off Kon’s arm.

“What looked like a small brown monkey was attempting to drag Kon further behind the barrier.”

And I forgot that Noboru had turned into a monkey to move Kon.

Another of my favorite parts: ‘And Rukia's down here. I can tell; she needs my help.’

I also love that Toshiro used Rukia’s zanpakuto.

I was going to ask if any Shinigami can use any zanpakuto, but then I remembered in Hammered Down, Hanatorou’s father or maybe it was SOifon’s brother who used the other’s zanpakuto.

But it seems that one can wield it better if they share the same element: ‘Strength surged through his body as the soul cutters forged a connection the only way they could; through ice.’

I wonder what else wielding someone else zanpakuto can do.

Another of my favorite parts:
‘Perhaps some measure of communion still lay between them, for each nodded before taking off to follow the trail of powder which would lead to the source of this horror.’

This chapter reminded me that Barragan is indeed dead, so he can’t be Hell’s Escapee.

“"Excuse me," Mizuiro interrupted sweetly, "but have you considered posing for Playboy Japan?”

Ah Mizuiro. Leaving Vasto Lorde’s surprised since hammered down.

First Barragan and now Tia.

Hitting on Tia, then hitting on Unohana. Makes me wonder what he would say if he ever saw Yoruichi.

If Mizuiro and Yoruichi ever meet, please let it be in front of Byakuya. I would love to see Byakuya’s reaction.

And I always love scenes between Aunt and Nephew:
"RUN, NOBORU!""AND LEAVE YOU HERE? LIKE HELL!"

Another of my favorite parts that always gives me goosebumps:” Her face was fierce enough to scare away anything short of Death itself.”

Because it shows what she was feeling once she knew her nephew was in danger.

“You're lucky I muted her senses with my Chiaroscuro too,"

I can’t believe I had forgotten about Enfain’s ability.

It was a very good thing I reread this chapter, since I had forgotten many things.

'HALT! CEASE AND DESIST! AROINT YE, VILLAIN'

So is the line above when inner!Mayuri/other!Kon first made his appearance?

Or was that line Kon telling other!Kon to stop imagining things?
‘For once the unhealthy kinkiness aspect did not result in self-castigation. There were more important things on his mind.’

So it makes me wonder, who does the self-castigation?

Kon or otherKon?

It almost seems as the one who does it, is otherKon.

Or perhaps Kon can’t get after Other!Kon because Kon has more important things.

I think I’m going to get really confused on trying to decipher who is who.

For example the passage below.

‘But a win was a win, and Kon accepted his with only the smallest trace of misgivings. He assuaged his guilt by enticing the shrunken soul with the knowledge that he would have three cute girls helping him run the store, of which he would be the senior assistant in charge for a change!’

Now I always thought Kon was smart. But now that I read the above passage, I am wondering if it was really otherKon(His Inner!Mayuri) that gave Kon that intelligence.

Not that I am saying Kon is stupid (he was above average intelligence when he was just a mascot).

But I am wondering if him reaching solutions quickly like the one on how to convince Ganju to stay with the girls, is Inner!Mayuri helping him think more quickly.

‘Oh. So that's it. Funny I didn't pick up on it before. Especially since it's a topic I'm intimately familiar with.’

He even knows that he didn’t pick up on it before.

They are still his feelings, however, InnerMayuri/otherKon is helping him notice things more.

‘This barren rock garden Urahara had created held only the appeal that anything broken here would not be missed.’

This is something that Mayuri would say.

I still love the Toshiro and Rukia moment, where she makes him think she left only for her to do the same thing he did and follow him.

‘Replacing the lenses on her face, she once more assumed that chipper grin which was somewhat unnerving considering their current situation’

So is this just a quick of Ochi-Sensei, she is chipper when she has her glasses, or is something going on?

“Yessir. And ma'am. Absolutely right away. And if I might say…"Both top-tier commanders leveled identical frigid glares at him.

So was Maki-Maki going to say what a cute couple (Toshiro & Rukia) the two make? They were practically finishing each other’s sentences.

Now I am off to re-read other chapters to see if I can detect other inner conversations that Kon had.

Chapter 22 part 4

And I see I was wrong. Kiyone didn’t take Rukia’s job in Heron. She is lieutenant of the Kido Corps.

I am very curious as to how she came to join this group.

And now that I think about where is Sentaro?

I can’t believe I forgot about him completely.

‘Love to hear what trusted source confided that particular bit of information with you. Been chatting with Gin Ichimaru behind my back, have you?’

You know, chatting with Gin is something I can easily picture Kiyone doing.

I mean she got the representative of Hell drunk. I can easily see her gossiping with Gin.

You know, I think I would get along quite well with Umasaya. They are just as paranoid as I am.

My favorite part of this chapter:

‘little Rukia then hied her rebellious tushy over to her former fiancé Lord Katsurou Arashi’.

Any talk of Rukia’s lovely tushy always being a smile to my face.

Although I am quite sad not have seen the scene between them myself.

I am so happy that Rukia went to her former fiancé to share the spell with.

I love that she still trusts him.

Say, there isn’t a chance of a Katsurou/Kukaku/Rukia scene is there.

I love the idea of her going to Aizen’s uncle for help.

I had suspected that it was Aizen who told his uncle to do the spell. But I really see it was my favorite character brilliant suggestion.

Unless it was Aizen who told her in a dream to go to her uncle.

Or is that just my own bias and love for Aizen making think so.

Either way I’m so happy that Arashi and Rukia did get to plot against Byakuya, I mean work together for the greater good.

You know I like the idea of Rukia working with Katsurou in having it appear as though the miracles are divine. Even though she herself isn’t aware of it.

However even if she was aware of it, and knows that Aizen is behind the healing of mortals, I think she would still do it.

Because it is the right thing to do. And because in the end both Aizen and Rukia want to help those who can’t help themselves.

After all that was was bound them together in the first meeting. To right the injustices that have been done.

They really are the perfect couple.

And I wish Kiyone would trust her zanpakuto more. He is right to be suspicious that her sister and brother in law are keeping secrets.

And Kujaku’s dream was quite frightening. The hunt seems to be after him and his sister. Or maybe just his sister since he can’t hunt Kujaku again right? Or is it just Rukia that the hunt can’t go after.

It is a good thing Komamura showed up in time.

It seems that even though he was a baby, he remembers Komamura and how he protected him and his mother.

I wonder what connection exists between the to that Komamura can hear him in his dreams.

And it seems as the Stark can hear him as well.

How very frightening.

Speaking of Urahara and Mayuri have the two had any encounters with Rukia after the birth of her children?

I know. I know. Kujaku’s nightmares are quite serious and frightening.

But how can Tomas dangle both of those names and not expect me to wonder if Rukia hasn’t met with the men.

‘Okay. But don't be too proud to ask for help if things get worse.’

Rukia, you can always ask Aizen for help.

Am I right in suspecting that Kiyone told Chizuru and Mahana about the rumor that the King’s touch refers to the treatment for Scrofula.

And I’m very curious as to what Kon would like to talk to Gin about.

And Just when I thought Tomas couldn’t give me any more surprises he gives me a whopper of one.

Komamura and Nel. I did not see that coming.

There goes my hopes of Komamura and Rukia.

Was Noboru as disappointed in this development as I am?

Maybe not as disappointed as Renji?

I wonder how the two broke up.

I also wonder how Nel and Komamura got together. Can I suspect that this little romance brewed when Komamura was helping Renji’s squad look for Cernunnos.

So I’ve finally caught up on Lifted Up.

And I’m so very glad I did.

I have missed quite a lot of developments that has happened to since in last picked this story up.

I’m so very sorry that I let so much time pass. That I let myself become so busy that I couldn’t return to this story.

Rest assured Tomas that I will do my best to not let so much time pass.

I know that I promised this in my earlier messages but please know that I will try my best to keep this promise.

And I apologize for breaking my earlier promise that I wouldn’t let so much time pass.

Thank you Tomas for writing this amazing story and sharing this chapter with us.

I eagerly await the next chapter (no rush though, you need sleep).

Chapter 22 part 3

I wonder what is was the caused Kon to recognize Unohana immediately.

He never did officially meet her, right?

And I do feel for Ichigo. Unohana keeps popping up at the most inopportune moments.

I admire Unohana but I can’t support the insult she made concerning Rukia’s healing skills.

“Whoever healed you did a mediocre job, in my professional opinion." Unohana bent down low, wearing a look of concern behind her mask. "Was it your father? Or Rukia-chan, perhaps?"

Although I do have to wonder how Ichigo received the injury.

I wonder if Unohana has realized she has become just as brutal as Yamamoto.

It is ironic that she despises Kendo due to Yamamoto, yer she was ok with using it to break Ichigo’s.

Damn. Tomas once again made me care about Ichigo and feel for him Unohana broke his knee.

However as much as I feel for Ichigo, I’m just glad that Unohana chose him and not Rukia.

Although I hope the reason for this is because Unohana knows how Aizen feels about her and were Unohana to hurt her, that might sour things between Unohana and Aizen.

And I can’t believe I didn’t realize that he received his injury from his fight with Kon.

I’m so dumb.

So without even realizing it Kon helped his mother take Ichigo down.

"Not Rukia-chan, though. She remains unaware of me, after all."

Ok I think I love Unohana. I know she doesn’t want Rukia to be called due to Rukia not knowing her true nature, but the Unohana/Rukia shipper in me hopes that Unohana doesn’t Want to cause Rukia harm due to what she feels for the girl.

"Stupid hag! You still can't see that you're worse than YAMAMOTO EVER WAS!"

I also have to admire Karin for being brave enough to say that to Unohana. I for one would never be brave enough to do that.

But I can’t help but wonder if Karin is as suicidal as her brother.

Because this is giving me flashbacks to when Ichigo first learned of Unohana’s true nature and screamed at her who then hell Unohana thought she was.

I wonder if Unohana was getting flashbacks back to that time as well.

I’m conflicted because I hate the beating the beating that Unohana is giving Karin but at the same time I can’t help but feel for her at these words: ‘Shall I show you what it feels like,when NOBODY COMES TO YOUR RESCUE?!’

And my heart just broke at this part:
‘Dazed from the assault, Karin still felt grief at the realization that Kon was being beaten by the one person he had thought loved him unconditionally.’

If Unohana isn’t careful I might begin hating her as much as I hate Yamamoto. Something I never thought possible.

And this part tore at my heart.

‘MOTHER, PLEASE STOP!’

I’m glad that Kon was able to snap Unohana out of her fury.

And Ryo finally makes her appearance.

I wonder where chad is at.

I’m very curious about Kuneido’s tattoo.

Although I’m not sure why but it reminds me of Iba’s tattoo. The two aren’t related right?

Chapter 22 part 2

So Retsu is suspicious of Aizen. I wonder what has happened in these three years for her to feel that way.

And who could Aizen be contacting. Or who is contacting Aizen.

I have a suspicion that it is his uncle which might explain why Unohana is feeling jealous.

The man has a blood relative. Unohana must think that his uncle being in the picture means that Aizen will push Unohana to the side.

‘The sight of that word disturbed him for some reason.’

And I see that Aizen isn’t blind by Unohana. He gets disturbed by her as well.

It is kind of nice to see what The two have been up to.

At first I thought Unohana was torturing I wonder if the enchantment Unohana is doing is making Kirio one of her seeds.

"We are growing a garden, Sosuke. Not all of them will survive."

I sure do hope Rukia, Renji, and Aizen survive.

‘He smiled at her to show everything was all right.’

So it seems that Retsu has a right to be suspicious. Aizen seems to be hiding from her how he feels about what there plans have become.

Or maybe he is just disturbed at what his adopted mother has become.

I’m surprised at the hug Ichigo gave Kon. I guess the ogre s maturing. Damn. I’m going to have to stop calling him an ogre.

"Well, not like it's a competition." Here the red-haired young man paused. "But I'm definitely winning."

Oh but you wouldn’t be saying that Ichigo if Kon wouldn’t have been selfless.

What the world might be like had Kon not decided to yield to Ichigo. Perhaps Kon would have had two children with Rukia as well.

Kon has done a lot in his time away.

“i ran across a few shinigami. None of 'em were what I'd classify as open, but I got the impression things were starting to happen."

Something tells me that these Shinigami was Gin and Matsumoto and they told him to return.

And I see that Byakuya still hasn’t allowed Rukia to be a Shinigami.

I for one am very curious about what was said in the fight.

Though I hate to see them fighting I for one am proud of Rukia saving Michiro.

So it seems as though the Arashi are helping Rukia heal as well.

Byakuya can’t say crap since they don’t work for him.

So the ‘King’s touch’, huh?

And the Arashi are the ones doing the miracles.

I can’t help but speculate that Aizen is telling his uncle to send his men to go perform these miracles.

Did Aizen hear of Rukia healing Michiru and tell his uncle to followe her example.

I loved that Ryuken told Kiyone that Shinigami were always welcome in his hospital even if they weren’t technically Shinigami.

So did Kiyone take Rukia’s old job.

So I see that Ryuken and I are thinking along the same lines-

"And since I do believe the source of our 'miracle' derives from a would-be usurper to the throne, it strikes me there might be an agency at work."

Ryuken has always been a favorite so I’m glad to see him again.

I feel bad that the loss of his arm still bothers him, especially the phantom sensation he gets.

Ah Ryuken. You should have just claimed to be the father of Rukia’s first child.

Surely Byakuya wouldn’t oppose the marriage (which makes me wonder why Ryuken wasnt considered as a potential suitor by Noboru. But now that I think about it the two didn’t meet until Rukia went into labor).

He and Rukia would have gotten married and Ochi wouldn’t still be bugging him.

“I thought he had mellowed, but ever since becoming Captain-Commander, I guess he feels he has to reassert that nobody's above the law, even his own family. Rukia paid the price for it.”

So I’m glad to see that Ichigo feels the same way as I do about Byakuya. I couldn’t have worded it better myself.

The man is turning into Yamamoto. And least he didn’t try to kill Rukia again.

However, his statement of ‘Rukia paid the price for it’ reminds me of the conversation she, Aizen and Gin had about Rukia being the Kuchiki whipping girl and Rukia paying the price for whenever Yamamoto and the Central 46 wanted to show Byakuya and the Kuchiki that no one is above the law.

Byakuya better be glad that when the spell was placed back on her she wasn’t in an angry state like the one that Aizen left her in. Otherwise Byakuya might need to be worried that she would take him down like she took down Yamamoto.

So Chad pretty much vanished. I can’t help but wonder why.

I still remember the beating he gave Yammy after Yammy threatened to rape and kill Rukia.

I would have thought he of all people would be sticking close to protect her and her children.

And I’m very happy that Michiru and Uryu are getting married.

Please tell me she kisses Rukia before she gets married.

‘Not like there had ever been someone else who the Quincy had his eye on.’ So I guess what Inoue did is permanent. I keep forgetting it wasn’t a spell, and her powers were powerful.

And I like Kon am shocked at Ichigo’s maturity which I shouldn’t be.

After all the Arashi aren’t just the ones performing miracles.

Tomas performs miracles as well.

Ichigo a character I never thought could mature enough to be a father, has gained significant character development to the point where I am changing my entire view point of him and I’m seeing him in a new light.

Not that it’s anything knew. Tomas has always written Ichigo well, and given him the roper development he deserves. I’ve just been to stubborn to openly admit it.

But I can’t deny it anymore after hearing Ichigo being honest with Kon about what concerns him, something i never expected him to do.

And Ochi the Mayor. What a frightening and exciting development.
I couldn’t help laughing at this part:
“She treated her opponent like he was an unruly student in class, which he couldn't fire back on apparently. “

I hope she never changes.

But I can’t help but feel bad for Ryuken.

Rukia and Ichigo aren’t married, so Ryuken still has time to marry Rukia.

I know. I know. I’m quite happy with Ichigo’s development and growth. But I still have my Rukia/harem ships.

I really love the Arashi messenger. I don’t know why but this really endured him to me:
"I shall do so." His calm, polite response nearly cost her what measure of self-control she had left.

Ah Arashi. I should be disappointed that he didn’t do these displays for Rukia seeing as he was going to marry her.

But seeing as I want her to end up with his nephew, I guess I won’t hold it against him.

The only person who has treated Rukia like a Queen was Yumichika.

Here is hoping that once Aizen leaves Nirvana he will court Rukia like Arashi is courting Kukaku.

“All the way back before I helped lock that maniac up in Nirvana!"

Wait. Does this mean that she knew that Aizen his nephew before Aizen himself remembered his true origin? How did she know?

I’ve got to say I liked what he said about forgiveness and how if Kukaku forgave him he could forgive her too.

However I can’t help be a bit suspicious, because this reeks of Aizen’s manipulations.

Or maybe being able to manipulate people runs in the family and Aizen just followed him his uncles footsteps without realizing it.

And this made me fall in love with Kukaku-

“Everybody needs a character flaw.”

And I admit I did get teary eye and my heart did ache for Kukaku at this part

“Kukaku Shiba looked down to where the stump of her left arm protruded from her robe.
Why would any man want me, when he could obviously do better?”

Oh Kukaku. He lost a part of himself as well.

If anyone could understand what you are going through it’s him.

“Wow. Sounds like quite a catch. You two would probably have a lot in common to talk about.”

Now that her zanpakuto pointed it out, Katsurou and Kukaku are perfect for each other.

Dammit Tomas. You made me ship Katsurou with someone isn’t Rukia.

But in all seriousness, I’m happy with the match. I love the character development you have given both Kukaku and Katsurou and I love the idea of the two together.

Chapter 22 part one

What an interesting dream Kujaku had.

I had never heard of the story of the rabbit in the moon before.

It is very interesting and I wonder what Kujaku dreaming about the rabbit making Mochi could mean.

I can’t tell if the rabbit is Kujaku’s zanpakuto or if someone is visiting his dreams.

And what significance the words “flower in the hand moon on the water could mean”.

I love that Rukia was included in the group of people teaching Karin self-defense.

And Kon seems to finally show himself. Well at least he kept his promise of coming to see her before she graduate high school.

And Kon deserves both the punch in the gut(he is lucky she didn’t aim for his ball) and the hug she gives him.

And it’s been 3 years!

What the Hell Kon?! Something tells me that Karin isn’t the only one counting the years he has been gone.

Rukia too must be counting the years.

Poor Kon. Her question of wanting to feel them really scared him.

And I like Karin would have thought that Kon would have gone to go see Rukia first. I mean when she came back to the human world, he was the first one she went to see.

Guess these 3 yrs really changed Kon, at least in terms of his feelings for Rukia.

And I’m quite happy Nanao and Isshin are dating but I do wonder if she ever disclosed to Isshin of the night she spent together with Nel and Toshiro.

And both Tatsuki and Kon are in the Olympics together.

And they seem to be dating. It explains why Kon’s feelings toward Rukia changed.

Not sure how I feel about that.

I have to wonder if Kon’s reason for choosing Losothro was true or if Matsumoto and Gin had anything to do with the decision.

I don’t like the way Karin said ‘kids’.

Please tell me it isn’t what I’m thinking it is.

And know I feel stupid. I forgot about Uruguay and Jinta.

Although Karin shouldn’t call Ururu a kid seeing as she is a teenager as well.
And I can’t believe I didn’t think Noboru.

So does Noboru being in the human world mean that Byakuya took his head out of his but and Rukia is still a Shinigami

And I’m so happy that Kujaku takes after his mother.

Hmmm. So Kon’s heart slightly aching means he still feels something.

However I can’t tell if his heart aching has to do with him being sad that he wasn’t there to see Kujaku grow. Or it’s Kujaku’s resemblance to his mother that makes his heart ache.

I can’t be too mad at Kon-especially at these lines.

‘The smile she wore made Kon feel safe and at peace for the first time in ages. His name on her tongue sent shivers up his spine.’

Because it means to still feels something for her and she still has an impact on his life.

So these three years he hasn’t felt safe or a peace without Rukia.

And damn. My worst assumptions turned out to be true.

Rukia had another child with the ogre.

Nothing against the baby.

But this means that I have to acknowledge that Rukia had sex with the ogre at least one more time and my hope that she got together with Mayuri or Aizen isn’t likely to have happened.

"You… had another one?" he mumbled.

I know how he feels.

so did Hiroku’s heart issues have a supernatural cause to them? Did Unohana try to strike at the child?

Damn. Now I’m curious about the birth.

Did Ichigo miss her birth as well?

Was Komamura or Ryuken there holding Rukia’s hand?

So Rukia had another child? Who else had children? Did Michiru and Ishida have a child? Does Noboru have a sibling?

Did Arashi and Kukaku get married?

"Yeah. Lucky." Kon could barely get even that much out, agog at the implications.

I hope Kon is feeling bad.

Is he just remembering the danger Rukia and her child was in 3 years ago. Is he just realizing the danger that could have be fallen her and her child in all the time he has been gone. Is he just realizing how things could have taken the wrong turn during the birth of her second child and both Rukia and the baby could have died without him getting to meet the child or say goodbye to Rukia.

So yes. I do hope he feels bad.

So does the blood draining from Kon’s face mean that the guy is still a Virgin? Or does it mean that Noboru is correct that Kon was sleeping with many women? Or does this mean that Kon and Tatsuki have had sex and he is just realizing he didn’t wear a condom.

He probably is just realizing that being in a gigai doesn’t prevent pregnancy.

He is forgetting that the woman who has two children just proved that being in a gigai makes pregnancy possible.

Chapter 21 part 3
So Ukitake feels he was reduced to a trophy husband, just as useless without his powers as he was with his powers.

‘Or perhaps even… decorational.’

I know I’m being harsh on him, but with Yamamoto being dead and me still being so very angry at Yamamoto my anger and hate has no where to go besides the man, who stood by and watched Yamamoto commit many crimes.

And I’m glad that Katsurou finally confronted the nobles about Sosuke’s revelation.

I know that Katsurou is angry at Isane, but I can’t help but feel offended to also remind everyone that Rukia was under the spell to.

But perhaps they just don’t want Rukia to know that she was and still is under a spell.

Okay. I was wrong and a bit harsh on my judgment of Katsurou I my earlier review. He has regained all of the respect and love for him with his following words: "I will not countenance any move made against Sosuke."

“He is the heir to a Great House, and at this time, I declare him to be my heir as well. Should you attempt to make war on Sosuke Takuiyoku, you will find yourself at odds with the house of Arashi on every level imaginable."

I absolutely love how Katsurou made it quite clear the lengths he is willing to go to to protect his nephew.

I love that he made him his heir and I love how easily he say the name Sosuke Takuiyoku, acknowledging the birthright of his nephew.

I think my love and respect for Katsurou grew even more due to his words

“The Gotei 7 is beyond the purview of the Great Houses, and it is that which Aizen is seeking to assail.”

Oh Byakuya tread carefully. You are sounding very much like Yamamoto and the Central 46.

How easily it is that to find yourself following the very same steps as Yamamoto.

“Make no mistake, I will go to war for his sake."

I really love this statement by Katsurou and regret all my disappointment towards him in the earlier chapter.

I find it funny how easily Byakuya forgets his own actions. How he himself cut off Soifon’s arm and how close he was to starting his own war for Rukia.

“Speaking of which, Kiyone sat stricken beside them. She too never knew Aizen Sosuke was born from the fallen House of Takuiyoku.”

I find it curious how Kiyone never knew about Aizen’s true lineage. It makes sense that nobody told her so that it wouldn’t be spread. But I find it surprising that she never knew.

So Unohana has not only inserted herself into Michiru’s life but Kujaku’s as well.

I now see who the other client of Michiru’s agent is.

How terribly frightening. Kujaku has been in Unohana’s care all this time. Who knows what she could have been doing to him.

You know know that I think about it, it wasn’t very smart of Ichigo and Rukia to have kept their son in the human realm. Especially after Ichigo realized that Unohana was in the real world thanks to Ichigo hiding her zanpakuto there.

Kujaku would have been safer in SS, with Katsurou as his father. Katsurou would have done a better job of keeping Kujaku away from Unohana.

I have to give Ichigo credit and I think I like him just a bit more for performing the konso on the baby before fleeing.

So I see I was wrong about the Burning Man being Yamamoto. I wonder if this is Shunsui instead.

I can’t help but sympathize and agree with everything Ishida says.

Michiru is too young to die.

It saddens me to know that Michiru is dying, but I’m so happy that Rukia agreed to be by her side during her last breaths.

And I love that Michiru confessed her love for Rukia by confessing her love for Rania. And how she would kiss her if she was real. I completely understand what Michiru means.

And I do hope she does get to kiss Rukia at least once.

And is the long lost friend Yumichika and Rukia’s own wish to kiss him after his mirror that he gifted her saved his life?

I so love how she seems to be channeling Yumichika with her words: “I think it's… beautiful."

‘Would you say that the living are better off dead?'

Ah Rukia. Still have Aizen’s, I mean Yoshi’s words in your mind.

“could you ever imagine yourself being turned into a comic book character, Rukia-chan? “

I wonder if Rukia picked up on Unohana letting her in on Michiru’s secret. Something tells me that Rukia is blinded by helplessness at Michiru’s condition and the shock of Unohana’s appearance.

“You are not above… asking for aid.”

I feel like Unohana is surprised at this. Surely Aizen told her about Rukia asking for help.

I love Unohana’s words to Rukia: “Will you defy the dictates of Seireitei again, Rukia Kuchiki?"

And i sincerely hope that Rukia will do somdor Michiru’s sake.

I also love these words: "Say that after you've failed."

I wonder if Unohana is remembering how Rukia told Aizen she could never take Down Yamamoto and Unohana remembering that she did. Or the time Rukia herself trying killing Unohana.

Unohana knows of Rukia’s achievements and her bravery even though she failed at taking down Unohana.

I can’t believe I thought that Unohana was helping Rukia heal Michiru because Unohana truly wanted to help them both.

Of course it was all part of Unohana’s plan to kill Michiru and cause strife between Rukia and Ishida.

I feel so stupid.

But I’m oh so very happy that Unohana couldn’t go through with murdering Michiru, not just because I want Ishida to be forever grateful to Rukia like his dad is, but because another character who I have grown attached to isn’t dying.

I’m so happy that Michiru didn’t die.

Tomas, you really had me believing one of my favorite characters would die.

I do wonder if Unohana has killed a baby before.
One of my favorite parts of the whole chapter (besides Arashi claiming his nephew as his heir and under protection, the tender scene between Rukia and Michiru) is the following part:
“Uryū scrambled around the bed and hugged Rukia with all his might. She hugged him back, elated by everything that had just taken place.”

Well I don’t know if Ukitake keeping Isanes secret is a good thing or a bad thing. But I can’t begrudge him for want to stand by her side and support her. This secret isn’t as awful as the secrets he kept for Yamamoto.

However I can’t help but feel like Isane’s secret is who the Escapee from hell is.

With how old she is, I feel that is the only thing it could be.

I am not surprised that Iemura reads Michiru’s books.

I have to say I did miss his perverted fantasies. But i couldn’t fully enjoy them due to the messenger and the message.

BYAKUYA, WTF?!

Has Byakuya gone full Yamamoto?! How could he do such a thing?! Did he really learn nothing after Rukia nearly died? Is he really willing to risk leaving her without the protection of the Shinigami at her back?

I want to slap him.

Please tell me that Noboru and Yoruichi don’t agree with him.

Byakuya, just wait until Aizen hears about this injustice.

Wait. Maybe this is a good thing. Rukia no longer having her brother’s or the Shinigami’s support must mean that the only one she can turn to is Aizen right?

Hmmm. I’m quite angry at Byakuya. But if this means that Byakuya is unknowingly driving Rukia into Aizen’s arms, then maybe I can begin to think of forgiving Byakuya.

Tomas as always you know how to touch my cold cold heart. There were so many things I loved about this chapter, and nothing you wrote disappointed. As always you go above and beyond what anyone has done with character development. I will always be grateful of the fateful moment when I first clicks on Hammered Down and began to read it.

As always, thank you for writing and sharing this chapter with you readers