Challenge from The Infamous Man: In life, Naruto Uzumaki died alone. In death, Coyote Starrk has lost all reason to continue. However, he learned that there are others like him. Now given the chance, this wolf is ready to return and form his pack.

This is a response to a challenge of The Infamous Man wherein Naruto dies and becomes an Espada.

My pick: Coyote Starrk, the Primera Espada

Note: It would be encouraged that the readers should be familiar with both Naruto and Bleach manga to avoid confusion and misunderstanding. But since this is a fanfiction, confusion is inevitable so just keep up. Enjoy what you want.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Bleach. The idea for this fic is due to a spark of insanity.

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Prologue: Reminiscence

"Black!"

...

The word was clearly heard by those in the vicinity. Alone it meant nothing significant, unless one knows the circumstance. It was heard high above a war-torn town, where the sound of clashing steels and various explosions resonated throughout every corners and altitude. How such large scale destruction was left unnoticed, as surely it was hard to miss a collision between people who are clad in either black or white that fought with powers beyond imagination?

The answer is that the whole battle is indeed unnoticed. This is all because of the counter measure to isolate the war in a separate plane. The area they are battling in is a replica of the town, excluding the citizens. No one but a selected few is aware that there is a war that may tip the balance of the Spiritual world.

This battle is between the Shinigami against the Hollows. The Shinigami are basically the ones who ensure the balance that connects both Material and Spiritual world. However, it was a terrible day that one of their kinds betrayed the whole for power. It made matters worse when the whole of Soul Society learned that the traitor has manipulated their affairs the whole time without detection till now. Sosuke Aizen, former Captain of the 5th Division, now commanders an army of specialized Hollow. He had gathered them long before his betrayal was announced and are strengthened through a tool, the Hogyoku. Through it he tore down the boundary that separates Shinigami and Hollows, creating his army of Arrancars. These Hollow are given the power of a Shinigami in return for their loyalty. They now serve him and aid in his ambition.

His ambition is to rise up above all races and become a god. To accomplish this, he needs to sacrifice 100,000 souls to create an artifact to be able to transcend to the realm of the Spirit King and TAKE his place.

Led by the Sotaicho, Captain Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto of the 1st Division, the Shinigami have trained and planned for the day that the plan of the traitor shall commence. They have prepared their defense since the Shinigami Daikou, Ichigo Kurosaki, disobeyed the order to retrieve their captured friend, Orihime Inoue. Thus when he and his comrades infiltrated Hueco Mundo, the Sotaicho speculated that this was the initial phase for whatever plan Aizen has concocted. And indeed he was proven right when after some time, Aizen and his faction appeared above the town of Karakura. So thus the war has officially begun.

Aizen brought with him the three strongest of the Espada, along with his other minions. Each of them went their separate ways to face off the forces of the Gotei 13. The battle has been going on for some time now and each one was slowly coming to a conclusion. The only one left is the one said to be the strongest of them, the one bearing the title of Primera.*

Coyote Starrk. The so-called Primera Espada held himself contrary to anyone bearing his current position. Initially, he doesn't bear any violent or arrogant traits that are common among the ranks that were present, excluding the blond hair female. The sole purpose that was speculated of his participation is more of obligation than desire. However, considering their ranking system, it was common sense to never let down ones guard. Along with his Fraccion and partner, Lilynette Gingerbuck, they were confronted by two of the oldest and most powerful captain of the Gotei 13; Shunsui Kyoraku, Captain of the 8th Division, and Jushiro Ukitake, Captain of the 13th Division.

Strangely, their battle didn't start with declaring of threats or boasting of powers. In contrary, it began with an idle chat and mild bickering (although the girl did most of it). The irony of the situation is that both sides want to settle it in a subtle way, yet are still obligated to combat one another.

Starrk didn't hold any interest to any of these affairs, but the loyalty to Aizen required him to do so. Earlier, his battle with Shunsui proved dull as it was more of analyzing and countering his moves. However, his interest was piqued when he witnessed the Bankai, the full released power of a Zanpaktou, of nearby captains. Something in him stirred, desiring to test the strength of a Bankai. He long ago released his Resureccion, revealing that his Fraccion was not only his partner, but his other half. He explained that unlike other Arrancar who sealed their power in a sword, he split it to another being due to his immerse power. Now he stood before them in his released form, Los Lobos, taking up the appearance of a western gunslinger complete with a fur lined vest, holsters and warmers and wielding two ornamental pistols.* His eyes that once held disinterest now burns with a fire that desire to surpass every obstacle. This obstacle impersonates the form of his opponent, Captain Shunsui Kyoraku.

Likewise, the flamboyant captain also released his Zanpaktou to its Shikai form. The power he wields is most unusual. Not only do the blades take the form of two large dao swords, it possesses powers to affect both the wielder and his adversary. Its power is to turn real any childhood games with dangerous consequences, complimenting his personality. Any rules and boundaries made should be followed by the players: both the wielder and his opponent.

The skills displayed by the Primera proved to be outstanding for him to keep up with a captain-level Shinigami. His power was then pushed further when the other captain and two more of the same level joined in the fray. Yet he was still able to overpower them, defeating both of the new comers. But the decisive match is when Shunsui played "Irooni", a color game where both sides choose one. A color decides the damage his opponent will sustain. The damage is proportionate to the area of color the one who called bear. The risk though is that the damage also affects the caller because of the retaliation.

Thus the result when Shunsui called out BLACK. With the discard of his white captain haori, revealing all of the black cloth of his Shihakusho, he slashed at the black Hollow hole on Starrk's chest. The cut was a fatal one as he heavily bled. And finally losing his hold to stay afloat, Starrk plummet to earth.

As Shunsui stoically watched the dying Arrancar's accelerating descent, he can't help but think of his opponent. While his face held no emotions, things in his mind were going on differently. Although many thought of him as a lazy flirt, he is quite a respected person who values a personal honor. Though he tries to resort to reasoning to solve conflicts, he still enjoys an occasional spar. And a spar with a friend would ensure to push him to do the best. It could be due to the influence of the captain of the 11th Division since they were good friends.

Though he never released his Bankai, there was a difference between holding back and holding a trump card. That is what he had wanted to elaborate to his opponent. He noticed how much they are alike. And due to his playful nature, one funny possibility is that he is his long lose brother. Thus he considers a part of this match as a friendly rivalry to outdo one another.

But he is still aware of the reality that he is facing the enemy. And he had won. He found it fortunate that the battle pushed him so far. Part of him felt it wouldn't have been much of a victory if the Arrancar fought….unenthusiastically. A warrior who fought without a purpose is just a puppet, and as eccentric as he is, he desired that both combatant have given their best.

Thus it was out of place that he felt a pinch of gladness that the once reluctant Hollow now fought with much vigor. And as his code of honor dictates, he never took his eyes away from the dying warrior, subtly giving his respect for being a worthy adversary. Now he must leave to finish what was still yet to be completed.

As his life slowly slips away, Coyote Starrk soon deemed it enough to let the clasp of a second death take over. However all were not aware of a presence that is hidden in the shadows, who has plans of its own.

xxxxx

'So….., I guess this is it then. That last one finally did it, a fatal one too. Strange how the pain feels kinda numbed. Must be the blood loss. Sigh…. I guess there is nothing left now but to wait…..

I could have wished for a less troublesome way to go, but I couldn't think of a more fitting way either. Being a Hollow and all, death in battle is somewhat deserving for our kind...

Strange, I'm starting to see things. Is this what they meant by having your life pass before you when you die? Again, must be the blood loss. But I don't think that is possible. The day when we had split our power, we have no memories prior that. I may have also assumed that neither of us held any of our original form. If that was the price to escape the loneliness, then it doesn't matter anymore. A Hollow is formed by how a soul felt before transformation. If that theory is true, then I must have been alone in life. Then I rather forget it all to lessen the void I felt. So the possible explanation is these are of someone else. It is possible to see the memories of the Hollow we have devoured, but they should have been messed up due to the amount and variety. It's not uncommon; I used to have random flashbacks of someone's life back then.

But one particular memory keeps resurfacing. But this one, I am familiar with because I been there. It's about a boy with blond hair that feels so alone. I must have eaten a very lonely soul for me to feel this way. I felt…sad for that young soul. I mostly see him with a smile. However, this is just a mask, somewhat like Gin, to hide his suffering. I wished that he should have found peace. Sadly it cannot be. I don't know why I held that one memory so personal, but it gave a sense that there may have been others like me. Someone who I could have related my suffering. During those times, I felt a sense of kinship.

Kinship.

I felt this with that Shinigami (Shunsui if I got it right). He was kinda an odd fellow, don't you think? But who am I to judge. Crafty and witty; he was quite a skilled opponent. Man, gave me a bit of trouble and he haven't even released his Bankai. So much for going all out and still loses. Strange how his Zanpaktou turns any game into a death-match, or was it the other way around? Oddly, it kinda suits him appropriately. I doubt that he would have toyed with his enemy, he wouldn't have hinted the rules if he did. Somewhat honorable and reliable yet still retain the sense to enjoy the simple things…..…like me.

Hahahahaha!…It's funny how we are so alike. You are also strong. If it were any other circumstances, I would have gladly accepted the thoughts of being allies.

Strangely, you gave the feeling that I know someone like you. Laid-back and lazy, but powerful when the need arises (or it could have been a Hollow I ate a century ago, I don't know). It was a pain in the ass though to release my Resureccion, but I guess even then I am not strong enough.

But since I'll be dead anyway, I want to say: Thanks. Who knew that I would have a hard time taking anyone down? I loss the desire to be strong long time ago because I kept thinking the stronger I stay, the more those around will die. But you did. For a brief moment, I felt the desire to be stronger, to keep fighting, to protect…..my friends.

Friends.

Your friend with white hair, the taller one, also gave a similar vibe. From what I recall from Lilynette, your friend (Jushiro, was it?) was kinda interesting as well. We were on opposite side of the battle field, but he still kept his honor by staying away from our fight. So he got stuck with Lilynette. It was amusing how he kept annoying and somewhat treating her like, well…. a kid.

I had the impression that you Shinigami don't give a damn who your enemy is. As long as they are on the opposite side, no question asked. But I guess just like us, there are those who have their own opinion for peaceful solutions. You gave some time to consider the opponent as someone other than an enemy. A fatal opportunity to others, but a point to those like me. It means that given a chance, I would have rather settle difference through democracy, as long as it is not too long. And if I wasn't busy at the time, it would have been entertaining to see her get riled up every time he dodged.

But when we became one, I felt something, from her. That feeling that is so familiar with us and more. The feeling of being underestimated and I know how much Lilynette hates that. Frustration and depression that no matter how hard she tried she wasn't acknowledged as someone worthy of anyone's time, I felt that. Then the feeling that we thought we have escaped from, the dread of being alone forever. How was my loneliness related to any of this? I would have killed him for bringing back that pain, but I didn't. It's not like me and because for what he have done for her. In his own way, he acknowledged her. The advices, the comments, even just 'fighting' (chuckles) with her; it gave her a small sense of joy. That small piece of acknowledgement gave her, us, a hint of determination. To what, I don't know. But why? Have we met somewhere? Why is it so familiar? I don't understand. Why do I feel this way?

Feelings.

This strange feeling is also shared by the hostage. I never got to know Inoue, but from what I observed interest me. She was a shy, little girl (chuckles) with a big heart, kind and loyal to her friends. Even her capture was because she cared for them deeply. Then from what I have observed of her stay in Las Noches, she still retains her kindness, even when things didn't look well for her. Her eyes also held something, but what was it? Hope? Determination? Trust? There was a few times where I felt drawn to her, like I really want to know her. But I never pursued the idea due to reasoning that it was just mild curiosity and will soon pass. But the feeling that afterward follows is very troubling. I felt it again, the loneliness. I don't understand, and it is also followed by another one. I'm not sure but it is followed by… fear? How are the two related?

She reminded me of memories in my earlier days of being an Espada. Sometimes when I remember that blond boy, I saw a little girl somewhere in the background. In fact, I probably wouldn't have noticed her in the shadow if she hadn't sparked my curiosity. I was interested in her eyes, a pure white that shined like the radiance of the moon. Was she blind? If so, then her eyes held a wider variety of emotions than Tousen. They say that the eyes are the window to your soul, well hers is wide open. I saw it as well in her the emotions that mirrored Lilynette. I saw her loneliness. I don't know why she gave the same vibes as the boy. But when he praise or cheers her up, I saw something else. Something strong and vibrant. I saw in her eyes a great resolve with a spark of happiness. Strangely the Inoue girl also gave of a similar aura when she was near that orange-haired disaster. Like a simple spark that set ablaze, so is the fire that burned in her soul. Interesting… (Chuckles) I may not know much, but by the look of this he was her strength. I wonder if it would have been different for him if only he noticed, he seem to be the oblivious type as far as I can see.

But there was one memory of her that moved me. I saw her eyes again, but it no longer held any strength or resolve. No, she was crying and I saw it. Disbelief. Sadness. Despair? Again, I also saw her loneliness, only worse. All hope I remembered was not there. Why? Why was she crying?

Why does she resemble Inoue? Was this the reason why I was so hesitant to harm her? Was this why when I retrieved her, I felt like being stabbed in the hole in my chest? If I remember right, the pain right now is nothing like that back then. Was this the heart, the one Ulquoirra keeps denying?

(Chuckles) I bet he would go on a 'Drawl-Out' with me knocked out before it's even half started. I wonder if it would have been funny to them. Grimmjow and Nnoitra would have laughed their ass out.

Everyone.

I guess I have to admit that we were not the closest of friends but I always wanted to think we are. Everybody seems to go with their own business but a part of me wished that we can share a drink or two. I bet that I would be the laughing stock of Hueco Mundo, but strangely that was my dream. With us being the strongest, we would have fought for each other's back. I would have gladly done it…a long time ago. But since no one asked, I guess that idea went on backburner. I think the idea would have been irrelevant to half the Espada, leaving the others to take time to question my sanity. But still, each of you held a place in my heart.

Hahahaha!…listen to me. I bet I could start a debate with Ulquoirra right now or Szayel would ask permission to dissect me. But I'm glad that there are others as strong as me, makes me feel less alone. Common denominator: Sosuke Aizen.

Aizen.

If my guess is right, Aizen will leave us now. Witnessing the fall of the Primera Espada should be very disappointing for sure. I never agreed to what your plans were. It was dishonorable and too violent for my taste. But I didn't disagree to it either; probably it would have added hassles which I kept trying to avoid. I wished that there was a better way though. I don't have any actual problem with the Shinigami, as long as they leave us hollows alone. Just a way to keep both sides to themselves. But you had to do the destroy-and-conquer tactic, didn't you?

But for all that is worth, thank you. I felt unsettling things about you at first, like making a deal with the devil. But you have given us something that we had craved for: companions. We were never alone and for that we are in your debt.

But there's another reason why I'm willing to fight for you even though I felt that you can't be trusted. It is somewhat petty if I blurted it out, so I didn't. When you had formed the Espada and appointed me as Primera, I felt something rise up where my heart should have been. Call it impossible for our kind, but it was something like that. Lilynette was right. You may not think of it, but you believed that I deserved the position as number-one. For entrusting me that position, I felt an irrelevant closeness to being whole, like I found a purpose. It somewhat made me believe that I should give my all to prove the trust you gave me. The irony of both ideas: trusting you and doing the best for me. Ironic indeed, but we believe what we want.

If only you have gave a little more effort in ensuring our total loyalty, I probably would have also put more effort in aiding you fulfill your goal. I'm not angry, just sad that you showed little concern for the demise of others like Barragan. But that's just the pot calling the kettle black; I didn't do much as well for Aaroniero's death. But guess I won't be able to repay you. I still wished that it was in a less troublesome way. But thank you…..for saving us from the darkness.

Lilynette.

If you can still hear me, I'm done for. No more. There's no way we are going to survive this. I'm sorry, but there is nothing left to fight for. It would be over soon. But I felt that through this battle I gain something. For a moment, a surge of power flowed within me. No, I don't have an extra ability (I think). No, it felt like….something else. Like something long loss and forgotten. When you find it, you're not sure what it is but you know it is really important.

But you, Lilynette, are also important. We may have been one once upon a time, but you are another being. You are more than a friend ...You are my sister, my precious people. And just like any good brother with the right mind should do, I would do my best for you and I would have wished the best. I'm not sure how, I keep questioning why you seem weaker than me. Not in bad way, but we were one once; we should have had equal power. But that alone made up my mind to be your brother, to protect you. But that didn't keep you out of trouble, now did it? (Chuckles) But I made a promise, that whatever we do, wherever we go, we will be together forever. And I never go back on a promise….

Strange, where are all this coming from? Is it possible for our kind to feel all this? How is that even possible, we are Hollows after all? These memories seem much closer and more familiar, like they were actually mine. But how, I don't understand any of these. Sigh….. Talk about the mind going a mile a minute. I bet Szayel would love going into my head right now. Still it's a wonder how much I been thinking before it all ends. I never thought that I would get worked-up over something.

But remembering them somehow gave me a warm feeling. I'm grateful to remember this in my final hour. Thank you. Now I know….

I am not alone.

There's no use of complaining about it anymore, I'm going to take a VERY LONG nap soon after all this. The cramps are getting annoying though. Maybe I should get off the floor….

WAIT! CRAMPS…? FLOOR…? WHAT THE…?'

XXXXX

Author's note:

*(1) - Be aware that this is where Starrk witnessed the Bankai of the captains. With Barragan in oblivion and Tier is in a snow-globe, he assumed that he is the last one.

*(2) - I guess I didn't describe how he looks. Here' the site if you need info: wiki/Coyote_Starrk