BLEACH: The Dusk In Red

Hyoma had learnt an awful lot from today. Now he knew he truth of his family, which had literally been right next to him for so long. Thinking about it now, it really vexed him. Unfortunately, despite how it seemed, he had made little progress when it came to actually stopping the fires. He now had a name, Kaizo Escallion, but there was a large chance he has nothing to do with it. And even, the secrets of the fires are being hidden by his father and brother.

Speaking of brother, he now caught a glimpse of his true nature. Even if the two were close as brothers should be, Bashira was elusive. Whenever a conversation somehow leaned into a spiritual one, Bashira would always immediately drop it, or slowly shift it in a different direction while disguising it as embarrassing. But now Hyoma knew he was keeping him in the dark.

'He probably wasn't allowed to talk to me about it.. no, it's more than that.'

Of course, there was also the family head issue. Hyoma tried to talk to him about the black flames 3 days ago, and although he heard him out, he told him to keep quiet about it.

'Those black flames.. they're something that a normal member can't know about. I wonder, did mother know about them too?'

Unfortunately he couldn't ask her, because she was dead. She probably didn't even know either, as she married her way into the family. Since she wasn't a Suzuka.. I mean a Suzukai? No!... Suzuko! Since she wasn't a Suzuko by blood, she likely couldn't receive a Shikigami from the Tetragrammaton and in consequence, see spirits and such.

'Hang on a minute.. why could I see them then?'

Although very brief, Hyoma had learned the basics of Reiryoku1, and that having enough of it would allow one to see spirits. However, he had not been born with the required amount to see them initially, but at some point he suddenly gained just enough.

'Was it because of the flames? Or was it my ancestry kicking in late? This was all very confusing.' 

Hyoma returned back to the main family hall with his father, and was surprised to see Bashira there waiting for him, however, he was not alone. Standing next to him was a short orange haired kid, wearing a blue hoodie.

"Oh! Hyoma! And father? Don't tell me... he's finally decided to join us?"

The orange haired kid didn't really look like he was paying attention. In fact, he seemed awfully familiar, even if it was only his fuzzy head. Wait a sec..

'That's the guy who was sleeping in that bed? What's brother doing with him?'

As Hyoma walked up to the two by himself, the kid began to leave. He just went straight to his bedroom, without even greeting him.

"Ah. Don't mind him, he'll be back soon."

"He's a Soul Reaper isn't he? What's he doing with you?"

"His name is Ito, a member of Squad 2's Stealth force. More specifically, the Punishment Force."

The three large organizations amongst Shinigami, is the Gotei 13, Kido corps, and Onmitsukidō as known as the stealth force. The last one in particular, is merged with Squad 2 and comes in 5 different units, each specialised in different tasks.

The Punishment force in particular, is lead by Squad 2's captain, Soi-Fon of the noble Fon clan. They are a combative force that specializes in stealth and secrecy, killing targets quickly without causing a fuss. Additionally, they may also be used to assassinate dangerous comrades who break the law that may refuse to turn themselves in.

"So he's one of those ninja's.. wait a kid like him?"

"Kid? I'm pretty sure he's 20."

"Right.. WHAT"

Bashira chuckled while Hyoma started to contemplate on his life. If he died at a ripe old age, he would be stuck looking like that for the rest of his spirit life. It was a disturbing thought.

'I could always turn into a hollow instead... What does one even look like?'

Bashira then began to continue.

"He's only been here for around 3 days, so I was supposed to show him around the place while he completes his duty. But I can finally stop that now... Since your going to be taking over for me!"

Shocked, Hyoma turned around and looked at his father. He didn't seem to object.

"Hey! You can't just force that on me? I don't even know.. God damnit."

Ito who left only a little bit ago, quickly came back. He was now wearing one of his countless black Ninja Gi's instead of the causal clothes he was wearing before hand. in just one leap, he jumped from the stairs, all the way to the door before exiting the house quietly.

"Well, not today. You will tomorrow though. But for now, lets test that new Shikigami of yours?"

Now that he had one, Hyoma didn't really know how to use it. So learning from his brother would actually benefit him, rather than struggling to figure it out on his own. Heck, he didn't even know how to control his spiritual pressure yet.

"Man I'm tired.. fine!"