"You've really disappointed me, Jushiro. I never thought you were that kind of person."
That was what everyone's looks seemed to say to Jushiro Ukitake.
Yuko folded her arms and explained, "It's like how a troublemaker at school does one good deed and the teacher decides he's turned over a new leaf, but a good kid makes one mistake and everyone decides she's gone bad."
"The world has never been fair to good kids."
"That's called turning over a new leaf, damn it."
Jushiro snapped. "You knew? You knew I'd been falsely accused?"
"Obviously. I'm the one who accused you. How could I not know?" Yuko rolled her neck. "But Jushiro, people looking down on you for hanging out with Kyoraku is only natural. You should've been prepared for it."
Kyoraku scratched his head, looking speechless. "You make me sound like some kind of bad guy."
"Ahem. So, Yuko, you think that if we communicate sincerely with our Zanpakuto and ease their anger toward their owners, we can avoid fighting?" Retsu Unohana gave a soft cough, firmly steering the conversation back on course.
Yuko looked away from the two men and shook her head. "We probably can't avoid fighting. They're Zanpakuto, after all. No matter how nicely you dress it up, a sword will keep taking lives, even if it's only to protect the people close to you."
"What I'm hoping to avoid is the worst possible outcome."
Isane held her loosely clenched right hand to her chest, her eyes full of worry. "The worst possible outcome..."
Yuko glanced at her. "The Zanpakuto being destroyed and disappearing for good, of course."
Retsu Unohana picked up the explanation. "Normally, even if a Zanpakuto breaks, its wielder can nurture it until it gradually recovers."
"Except in Bankai," Shunsui Kyoraku added.
"Once a