In Loyal Pursuit

Continued from: Hollow Chase and Peace Broken

Captain Ukitake arrived at the late afternoon market with Kiyone and Sentaro at his side. Quickly noticing the unease on most of their faces, he ordered Kiyone and Sentaro to arrange pairs of the members present, emphasizing the need for at least one member being cool-headed so as to prevent another disappearing into the maze of Rukongai. Smiling at his people, the captain left, shunpoing to a quiet corner on the east side of the market.

He could already feel Rukia's reiatsu in one of the poorer districts, but something prevented him from completely pinpointing her location. He didn't stop to think on what that could be, closing his eyes to clear his mind. Pushing his worry for Tsukiro aside and forming a palm with his hand, Juushiro whispered a Kido chant under his breath.

"Eyes above, traces below, all come together now. Form the golden bough of offering towards the knowledge I do seek, taking energy before you .... Bakudo 52, Sora no Meijin." *

A golden disc created itself on his hand with a large bubble to one side. Opening his eyes, he set a ribbon in the middle of it. Glowing threads wrapped around it, enveloping it. Then, on the other side, a red dot formed, growing more distinct and pointing to the west.

A bead of perspiration slid down his neck as Juushiro breathed one more word. The ribbon caught on fire, while a transparent map formed around the darting arrrow.

Canceling the Kido, Juushiro turned to his left, taking to the roof and following the map in his mind.