Kotaishi did NOT like this.
At all.
He stood in his human form atop the balcony overlooking the central garden. His arms were crossed inside the sleeves of his robes. His jewels and ornaments clinked in the slight breeze. He gazed at the frozen marble statue of his master in his Bankai state positioned in the center of the garden.
When he encouraged his master to pursue his thirst for knowledge (and ultimately, revenge,) he had no idea that his master sticking his head further into the well of knowledge would grab attention so quickly. Kotaishi had sense the changed in the air as well. Juushiro Ukitake picked up and left with Tsukiro so quickly after being bumped into by the hooded stranger, Kotaishi knew that it was no coincidence.
Ukitake had warned his master that he was treading into dangerous waters. Kotaishi had complete faith in his master's abilities. However, maybe he had misjudged the scale of the situation they were in and led his master down the wrong path.
But the time for backing out had long since passed, and Tsukiro had made his decision. There was no taking it back now. What happened, happened, and Kotaishi would damn sure protect his master from harm, even if he had to jump out of his sword and haul ass himself.
But if Ukitake had just told Tsukiro what he wanted to know, maybe he would have backed down in the first place.
No, Kotaishi growled. Either way, if Master Tsukiro finds out the truth about what has been going on lately and Aizen's plans for the Seraph, he's bound to be put in danger, whether he helps Ukitake or not.
Truth be told, if in his master's position, Kotaishi would have done the same. Upon first glance, Kotaishi and his master may seem like polar opposites, however, they were more alike one another than anyone could imagine. In fact, right now Kotaishi's mind was racing, just as his master's was.
Who was the hooded stranger? What did they want? What were Ukitake's plans from this point on? He hadn't even gotten to the point where he started answering questions!
"Master."
I know, Tsukiro responded as he followed Ukitake out of the teahouse. I have to be careful. If someone is after me already, then I'll need to watch my back. Also, I have a feeling I'll be needing your strength soon, Kotaishi.
"You already have it."
Tsukiro was silent for a long while.
"Do you think it was Aizen?"
Tsukiro didn't respond right away. ... Or one of his arrancars. He's clever, cunning and slippery. You'll only know he's there if he wants you to know.
"Well if it was him, he definitely wanted Ukitake to know. Do you think he wanted you to know?"
... I think he wants me to either fear him, fear for my life or both.
"He will get neither." Kotaishi left it at that.
Like hell the two of them were going to tuck in their tails and run. They chose this, they would see it through, even if it cost them their lives.
