Juushiro fell silent as he returned the bottle to the inner pocket of his kimono, unsure what to reveal at this point. He knew Aizen had been around, could have been listening the first time, and there were others around that looked for true people like Tsukiro for their examples. He closed his eyes as his right hand tinged in a painful memory. The twin spirits of Sogyo no Kotowari reached out with their own comfort.
Opening his eyes, the captain responded, "I'll start by asking for your assistance in a research endeavor of mine as well as test your level of power. The more you explore for answers, the more trouble you can stir up." He paused then added, "If you have the strength at the end of a session I'll begin answering your questions."
Taking in Ukitake's words, Tsukiro knew that if push came to shove, he would have to use his powers to their full limit.
"What is it that I'll be researching?" he asked.
"A personal curiosity of mine in the older parts of the Archives, a section you normally would need a captain's approval to enter. Juushiro smiled lightly. "But we will doing that later. I have to decide where to start- "
Juushiro gasped again and started coughing into his hand.
Tsukiro was beginning to get fidgety. Ukitake was still holding a lot back from him, which only made his thirst grow larger and harder to quench. Captain Ukitake's coughing also worried him.
He stepped closer. "Captain, are you alright? Should we go inside somewhere?"
Captain Ukitake waved his hand at Tsukiro in reassurance as the scratchy coughs subsided once more. "It's alright," he breathed. He smiled. "I'm fine."
'For now,' the captain muttered to himself below his breath.
"It's probably some cooking spices in the air," Juushiro explained, rubbing the back of his head with a bright laugh. "They can do that to you, even if it is just garlic."
"Yes, sir." Tsukiro replied, not quite believing him. "So, what now?" he inquired.
Juushiro rubbed his chin. "I think a change in the scenery would be advisable. I'd like to get in your first exercise today, and I can clarify some of the answers in regards to the seraph without the aid of research."
Tsukiro nodded. "Hai. I'm ready when you are."
Juushiro's light smile grew. "I'm glad you decided to accept my help, Tsukiro." He turned aside, coughing delicately one more time, then turned around with a slight chuckle. "Maybe we should stop by a teashop on the way and get something to drink. It can get quite dusty where we are going next."
"Alright." Tsukiro glanced backwards at the town. "I know a good teahouse nearby."
"Truly?" Juushiro asked, eyes twinkling. " The captain inclined his head slightly, still smiling. "Then lead the way, Tsukiro. I'm in your hands."
Tsukiro chuckled and lead them along the riverside to a fancy yet inexpensive two story teahouse. They didn't have to wait at all to get in. They sat down and placed their orders.
Juushiro ordered a jasmine tea. He waited for Tsukiro to place his order, and for the waiter to leave, before saying softly, "I know I may be withholding more than you wanted me to when you came back today, and I will apologize. However, I intend to do so until you are ready. If I change your world too quickly, you may lose sight of why you chose this path in the first place." He took up one of the crackers left by the waiter.
Tsukiro picked one up as well. "I understand. Not biting off more than you can chew and all that." He took a bite of the crunchy, slightly salty sweet, falling silent.
Tsukiro remained deep in thought as they sipped their tea. Juushiro Ukitake was truly mysterious in his mind.
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Part 5: Truth From Answers
