Disclaimer- I do not own Bleach
"Man is not, by nature, deserving of all that he wants. When we think that we are automatically entitled to something, that is when we start walking all over others to get it."
― Criss Jami, Diotima, Battery, Electric Personality
As he collapsed upon the scorched earth, all he could smell was the stink of decay and the stench of smoke. Kazui's battle scars tattooed his body as he lay in the grime of the ravaged 'Court of Pure Souls'. Paralysed, Kazui's head twitched to the left, dust gusted around the image of a broken being. The being was enveloped in ash, clothed in a ragged Shihakushō with a thick strap across its chest. It had four black vertical lines on its forearms and black, tattoo-like bands crossing over its torso, wrists, and ankles. Similar bands, but with white ends, lay around its neck as a collar. It had two white shoulder plates crossing its chest in an X shape that held its Shikai blades in place, with the plate on its left shoulder having three sections adorned with red scales, and a white cloak with black markings tied around its waist.
Kazui stared at the creature. This beast had tried to prevent his war. But, hidden underneath all that body armour, was flesh.
Kazui glared at the being; he swiftly drew his Zanpakutō from its scabbard.
The monster stumbled towards Kazui, struggling to disarm him, but its attempt was futile; Kazui slashed at the fiend's legs, causing it to crumple to the ground. Kazui crawled on top of the brute, seeking to plunge his blade into its neck.
Kazui had the appearance of an older man; he had spiky, orange hair; large, dark orange eyes and thin facial hair around his mouth and on his cheeks. Although still relatively young, more prominent creases had developed under each of Kazui's eyes, giving him a mature appearance. He was clad in crimson armour with numerous metal plates, forming protective guards along his chest, waist, shoulders and thighs. Underneath his armour, he continued wearing his basic Shihakushō.
The creature struck Kazui's face, seeking to drive him backwards. It smashed Kazui's nose with its fist, drawing blood.
It slowly began to strike Kazui's face. As it pummelled him, Kazui sought to guard his face from the onslaught of blows.
Even though he was guarding his face, Kazui had left the rest of his body undefended. The man began to beat his stomach, cracking his armour. Kazui sought to retaliate; but the being swiftly continued striking his face, slowly beating him until he ceased moving.
The individual unceremoniously crumpled next to its unconscious son. An influx of pain was felt by the creature. Although it was in great discomfort, it couldn't help but smile. Its eyes closed as its thoughts wondered to its misguided son.
'It would seem that Kazui considers me a monster for fighting against him' Ichigo assumed.
Whilst he was thinking, Ichigo slowly went limp, as his mind wondered into blissful unconsciousness.