Bleach: Gazing Mirage

Two weeks had passed since the nightmarish encounter in the human world, and the survivors from class #1 and #2 found themselves recovering in the Soul Society. The wounds, both physical and emotional, were still fresh as they sought solace and healing within the protective walls of their realm.

In the quiet courtyard of the 4th Division, Yuichi sat on a stone bench, his gaze fixed on the sakura blossoms gently falling from the nearby trees. The memories of that fateful night lingered in his mind, vivid and haunting. With a heavy sigh, he began recounting the events to his Niko who had been absent from the battle.

"The hollow attacked with such cunning, exploiting our vulnerabilities. Mei, Takeshi, and Hanatarō fought with everything they had, but we were blindsided by its strength and cunning tactics. It felt like a nightmare we couldn't escape. My life flashed before my eyes."

As he spoke, Mei and Takeshi, still recovering nearby, listened solemnly. Takeshi's bandaged form leaned against a tree, while Mei, her injuries healing but still present, sat with a stoic expression.

"Captain Unohana arrived just in time, her presence alone instilling fear in that hollow. She, along with Captains Rōjūrō and Instructor Gengorō, saved us from certain death. It's thanks to them that we made it back to the Soul Society alive."

The survivors had undergone thorough examinations by the 4th Division, where most received a clean bill of health. However, Mei, Yuichi, and Hanatarō bore the brunt of their injuries. Mei's broken bones and internal injuries, Yuichi's battered form with severe internal injuries, and Hanatarō's exhausted reiryoku reserves required more extensive care.

Takeshi, overhearing Yuichi's recounting, nodded in agreement. "Yes it was quite a nightmare, I thought I was definitely dead when I passed out. We owe the captains our lives."

In the following days, the survivors were tended to with utmost care. Takeshi's injuries were minor, and he only needed a few days to recover. Mei and Yuichi, however, required a week and a half of rest and healing before they could resume their duties as Soul Reapers. Hanatarō faced a longer recovery period, needing a few months to stabilize his reiryoku after overusing it to heal others.

As they recovered, those who could talk were debriefed by the 2^nd Division. News of the survivors and the tragic loss of their classmates spread throughout the Soul Society. Some lesser noble houses, furious over the death of their heirs, demanded answers from the Head Captain. Rumors circulated among the members of the 4th Division, whispers about the fate of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the 12th Division 3rd seat.

Yuichi, catching wind of these discussions, learned that Kurotsuchi had been found guilty. Although he had erased the data from the 12th Divison server he kept copies in his own personal hidden lab that Yoruichi discovered after days of searching. This provided evidence of his reckless experimentation and negligence, which contributed to the students' deaths.

Those students were of lesser noble houses connected to the five great families. However, it is a law that one cannot meddle in the affairs of the noble families or harm any member of their family unless the family in question breaks one of the laws of Soul Society beyond a shadow of a doubt. As such some of the nobles had called for his execution, seeking retribution for the lives lost. However, Captain Urahara, known for his cunning, negotiated and managed to sway their demands.

Urahara negotiated for Kurotsuchi's sentence to be commuted to another 40 years in the Maggots' Nest, a notorious prison cell in the Second Division Barracks. While this might have satisfied the enraged nobles, Yuichi couldn't shake the feeling that Urahara had his own reasons for such a decision. Knowing the role Mayuri would play against the Quincies Yuichi agreed that this was a better choice.

Soon a member of the 4th Division came and dismissed Niko and the others with the exception of Yuichi and Mei. Yuichi would need two days while Mei still another day. In a quiet moment, Yuichi probed Mei, who, though still recovering, displayed a keen understanding of the complex dynamics within the Soul Society. "Captain Urahara always has a plan and he wouldn’t have done something like this without discussing it with Lady Yoruichi," she remarked with a thoughtful expression. "We might not see the bigger picture, but they do."

Yuichi stood up with a groan and said, “I guess that's fine. I’ll head back and rest. Are you staying here?”

Mei nodded and said, “Yes” to which Yuichi, added, “Okay but don’t try to train anymore Captain Unohana got mad at you last time. Trust me you shouldn’t upset her.”

Mei chuckled weakly, understanding the gravity of Captain Unohana's disapproval. "I won't, Yuichi. I've had my fair share of scoldings from her. I'll take it easy and let my body recover properly."

With a nod, Yuichi turned to leave the courtyard, leaving Mei to her rest. As he walked away, the weight of recent events lingered in his thoughts. This was the first time he ever felt like he would die. Even in the beginning when he faced a hollow without a weapon he didn’t feel the soul-crushing despair that the last hollow made him feel. His lack of strength was more apparent than ever and his desperation and anxiety were only growing as he wasted time lying down mending his wounds.

With each step, Yuichi's internal struggle became more evident. Due to the recent incident classes at the academy were canceled until a pending date. This more than ever was when Yuichi should be training and not wasting time here. He didn’t know how long such conditions would remain and he needed to use the time to his best efforts. If not he would die soon and that was something he couldn’t allow.