Disrupted Flow. || Kokuzan // Kokudou.

9.

[ im working much harder than i need to on this, so enjoy- ]

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Muichirou's POV;

I let out a groan as I sat up, my hips aching. I glanced around, trying to process where I was before I remembered. That's right; my brother pushed me out of heaven. Am I back on Earth now..?

I froze as further recognition of this place hit me. I'm in the infinity castle! I glanced around. Aniki.. he looks so sad... I floated over to him. Floated. I'm a spirit. My body isn't healed fully yet, so I can't get back into it.

I sat next to him, hoping he could, in some way, feel my presence. But he didn't move. Then a shape moved in front of me. An orange-ish haori and black pants. I jumped to my feet. " Yoriichi! "

He moved closer to me. " Stay back, traitor! " I growled, gripping the katana I just realized had reappeared on my wait. Weird.

" Muichirou. Calm down. I'm just here to tell you, Tomioka can't see you at the moment. I may have turned my back on you, but I still want to help you. " The concerned tone in Yoriichi's voice made me sick.

" Bullshit! If you think I'm gonna listen to you after you betrayed the Demon Hunters, you're just as stupid as a newborn. " I spat. Yoriichi flinched, and my heart beat quicker. Why does seeing him flinch at my words make me happy..?

I ignored the thought and unsheathed my katana, gripping it tight. " Leave me alone. "

But Yoriichi only came closer. I backed up, cringing at the feeling in my body as I phased through the wall. " Wait! I just wanna make it up to you, Muichirou! Please! " He called after me. I stopped and turned to him. " The only thing I want from you is for you to leave me alone. " I muttered.

" Is there anything you want me to teach you about being in this form? " Yoriichi asked. I hesitated. " I guess.. " I mumbled. " It's how to make yourself visible to certain people, isn't it? " He guessed. I nodded reluctantly. " Okay. It's fairly simple. "

[ timeskip brought to you by the dust bunnies on my bedroom fan ]

I shifted my feet as I stood in front of Tomioka, taking deep breaths. " Okay, go. " Yoriichi whispered in my ear. I took one last deep breath before following the instruction Yoriichi had given me.

As my body tingled strangely, I looked down at my hands and saw that I was taking on a solid form. I reached out and tapped Tomioka's shoulder. His gaze snapped up, and my heart twisted at the pain in his eyes.

" Tokitou..? " He breathed, his eyes widening. I nodded and knelt down. " I'm back. " I whispered. Tomioka threw his arms around my shoulders and hugged me tight. I returned the hug without a second of hesitation. I missed him so much.

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Tengen's POV; [new pov????]

I paced up and down the hallway anxiously. Shinazugawa had paid a vist earlier to fill me in on what'd happened. My heart had shattered when he'd told me about Tomioka, Kochou, and Tokitou. Poor Tokitou.. it's like Kibutsuji's targeting him specifically.

The pain in Shinazugawa's eyes as he'd talked about Tomioka being kidnapped by Uppermoon Three had made my heart twist in pain. Uppermoon Three.. hold on! I froze as realization struck me. Kamado told me that's the guy who killed Kyojurou! Why's he still after us?!

I curled my hand into a fist. I have to help the Corps. I may not be a Pillar anymore, but I can still work.. somehow.

Resolution surged in my veins. I wrote a quick note for when my wives returned, grabbed my old cleavers, put on my old uniform, complete with my old headband and hair attachments and set off. With the help of my muscle mice, I found my way to the Corps headquarters and leaned against the gate entrance, humming quietly.

My heart lifted as Himejima turned his head. " Uzui? " He called out. I stood up straight and crossed my arms. " Miss me? " I forgot Himejima can hear just as well as I can.

" Uzui-san! " Kanroji squealed. She ran over to me and jumped into my arms. I hugged her tight. We'd become even closer friends since Kyojurou's death. Then I let her go and glanced at Iguro, smirking. He glared at me, and I snorted. Shinazugawa had disappeared, but he returned now, with Oyakata-Sama behind him.

" Tengen, my child? Have you returned? " The master's sweet voice was filled with relief. I dropped to my knees. " I have. For a bit. "

Oyakata-Sama put his hand on my shoulder. " So you know about our predicament? " He asked quietly. I nodded. " I'll help in every way possible to get them back. I have to. " I replied.

" I'm so glad you're back, Tengen. We could use every Slayer right now. I'm afraid we might have to call some former Pillars back, too. " There was a note in Oyakata-Sama's voice that shattered with anxiety and concern, too quiet for the normal human ear to pick up.

" If that's what we have to do, we have no choice, right? " I asked. Oyakata-Sama nodded. I let out a sigh. " Do we have a plan? " I questioned, standing as the master gestured for me to. He shook his head. My mouth curled into a tight frown. " I might have one, but it has a slim chance of working. "

" A plan is a plan. And we could use one right now. " Shinazugawa came up behind Oyakata-Sama, as did the others. Iguro nodded. " Okay, let's hear it, Tengen. " The master told me.

I let out a sigh. This is reckless, and they won't react well. I thought.

Swallowing back my worries, I told them my plan in a clear voice.

" Are you fucking stupid?! " Shinazgawa demanded as soon as I told them.

" That won't work. It just won't. You're stupid for thinking it will. " Iguro muttered.

" That's so dangerous.. Uzui-san, please tell me you're not serious.. " Kanroji's voice was taut with anxiety.

" I wouldn't advise such recklessness, Uzui. " Himejima's voice quivered.

" I have to agree it is quite a risky and reckless plan.. " Oyakata-Sama's voice was steady and calm, but that underlying anxious tone never left.

I narrowed my eye. " I know the risks. But I have to do it. "

Oyakata-Sama let out an emotion-thick sigh. " Okay. But you're not going alone. I'm calling in some other former Pillars. "

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haha, ciffhanger'd. again.

we love drama~~

anygays, word count yall?; 1100.