No.

I took the earring out of my pocket and looked at it. The other, in my opinion more powerful, one was still pinned to my ear.

Merc had a point. If I went rogue for a while I could become a lot stronger. No, longer would I be a bouncing ball of fate. Instead I could write my own history. On the other side I would have to leave Soifon and all of my accomplishments this far behind.

I would be a deserter, even if everyone else would accept that because of the earrings I would know. It went against my nature. ‘Remember what we talked about when I first let you into the castle?’ Merc asked, feeling my uncertainty.

‘Yes, to stop being the perfect soldier and become a leader instead.’ I answered. Before me split a path. Either stay and become stronger by the usual means or seize the opportunity to grow my strength by any means necessary to be powerful enough to protect my subordinates.

Protect the person I loved.

‘No.’ I answered and put away the earring. ‘No? Why not?’ Merc’s voice was filled with surprise, apparently he thought he had me with that last sentence. ‘Because I don’t see the reason to turn traitor.’

‘You wouldn’t be a traitor, you would be a hero!’

‘I don’t want to be a hero.’ I answered to metallic shouting in a calm and collected fashion, ‘I want to follow the principles of my country, MY principles. I won’t desert and that is final.’

The projection of Merc vanished after that, ‘Have it your way then.’ He said. I could feel his anger. Hopefully given time he would calm down.

Afterwards I went to train as I had originally planned. It was just some light training, nothing major as I didn’t want to be drenched in sweat when I met with the Ryoka and Soifon later. With that in mind I stopped when the clock stroke seven. By now all of Soul Society would be awake so I could go do something else.