Prelude: When Worlds Collide
It is yet another peaceful day within Soul Society. The captain of Squad 6, Kuchiki Byakuya stood in his chambers gazing at the benevolent beauty of Seireitei. The captain stood stoic as he awaited the arrival of his new vice-captain, Lieutenant Abarai Renjii. The previous third-seated officer seemed fit to hold the mantle, his loyalty and distinction of service were up to the standards required for the position. After getting a recommendation from the 5th division Captain ,Sosuke Aizen, the young noble saw no reason to deny his appointment.
The new lieutenant walked into his chambers with urgency, "Captain I have a report from the 1st Division, we have orders from the Head Captain". Upon hearing this, the noble swiftly exited his office and began the long walk to the building of the 1st Division. Renjii turned and left with the captain as they walked towards their destination. To pass the time the two carried light conversation, both men still getting used to their relationship. Byakuya knew relatively little of the previous 6th seated officer, and he resolved to try and understand the man that would be his second in command. From conversation he managed to pick up on Renjii's loyalties, general likes and dislikes, and his motivation for fighting. As the two entered the 1st Division compound Byakuya took note of several members from the SRI that were leaving the building as well. In time the two reached their destination, the office of Head Captain Genryusai Yamamoto.
"You both may enter," the ancient Shinigami said before Byakuya even touched the door. When they walked in Byakuya saw his 11th Division counterpart, Zaraki Kenpachi, standing there as well. As usual Zaraki wild and aggressive appearance was only matched by his equally is wild speech.
"Where have ya been Kuchiki, the one time I show up on time the great noble is late to the party," Zaraki said with a hint of sarcasm.
Without addressing the most recent comment Byakuya addressed the matter at hand. "What is going on that requires two captains of Gotei 13 to be assembled," he said, "I would assume it has something to do with an inquiry made by the SRI."
"Direct as always," the elderly Shinigami stated, "You are correct. The SRI has detected a strong level of reiryoku coming from the human world. Upon investigation they detected an anomaly within the Dangai."
"Why don't the egg heads at the SRI handle this bull," exclaimed Kenpachi in annoyance.
"Yeeeaaahhh! Ken-chan and me have more important things to do then run errands for the neerrrddsss!," the pink-haired child lieutenant of the 11th division, Yachiru Kusajishi, said from the shoulder of Zaraki.
"Under normal circumstances you would be right," Yamamoto began, "But after looking at the report from Captain Kurotsuchi I have deemed it necessary to send you two in order to investigate. Captain Kuchiki, due to your attention to detail and efficiency you will lead the investigation portion of this mission. Captain Zaraki, since we do not yet know the scope of this threat you are being sent to neutralize it. Is that understood."
"Yeah yeah we got ya old man," Kenpachi replied, obviously annoyed with the orders. While he would not show it on his face, Byakuya was equally as annoyed with this, only for having to work with the brutish 11th division Captain. After the group of Shinigami finished discussing a few smaller matters they made their way towards the gates of the Dangai. The gates attendant, an unseated officer from the 12th division was there to greet them. Having been made aware of their coming he had decided to make prepare the gate for the arrival of the Captains and their respective lieutenants. Byakuya took a mental note to let one of his superiors know of his forethought. Within minutes they were on their way through the darkness of the Dangai.
"No matter how many times I come through here I always friggin hate it," complained Zaraki, "I really hope those 'tards at the SRI were right about this. I don't want to waste my time on some bullshit mission." Byakuya was about to reply when he began to sense a shift in reishi within the Dangai. For a while he lost track of time, in front of him Zaraki's movements slowed to a crawl. He looked to his hands and they were equally as slow and as suddenly as it began all returned to normal within the abyss of the Dangai.
"Captain Kuchiki what was that," Renjii asked, obviously aware of what had occurred.
"I do not know exactly," he admitted.
"Hey why you sissies slow up for! Hurry up," exclaimed Zaraki, seemingly unaware of what had just occurred. Byakuya motioned towards Renjii to speed up so they could continue with the mission faster, and investigate the reason for this oddity.
Konohagakure – Attack of the Kyuubi
Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf village, stood on top of the great stone faces of his predecessors. It was his duty to lead and protect the village, a duty he took pride in, and he was failing to do so. His wife, Kushina Uzumaki, was the jinchuriki of the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox. After giving birth a masked man managed to infiltrate and steal his newborn child, Naruto. He was then forced to leave his wife's side to protect his son from the masked man. Upon doing so the intruder released the seal on his wife and took control of the Nine-Tailed Fox, Kyuubi. After moving his wife to safety along with his child Minato went to his village, which was now in the middle of battle with the Kyuubi. He could see the shinobi of his village battling the Nine-Tails, pushing it back out of the village. The monstrous demon's rage demolished dozens of shinobi and just as many buildings with each swipe of its massive claws. Even with the assistance of Hiruzen Saratobi, his predecessor the Third Hokage, there was little they could do against this force of nature. The Kyuubi began to charge a mass of dense chakra, known as the Tailed-Beast Bomb. Having learned from Lord Third the power of this technique Minato began to focus his chakra to counter it.
My Space-Time Barrier should be able to handle it, he thought as he readied the technique. The Kyuubi release the mass of chakra towards the village and Minato placed his signature barrier technique to block it. Several miles behind him the attack exited his jutsu, well away from the village. Satisfied he readied himself to attack the Kyuubi when he felt himself being pulled into something… a space-time technique. Minato activated his Flying Thunder God technique to escape.
"Your speed is amazing Yellow Flash," a voice said. Minato turned to see the masked man standing behind him. In the distance the attack of the Kyuubi continued, Minato knew that this individual was in control of the Nine-Tails. Control over the nine-tails and extensive knowledge of the Hidden Leaf.
"Are you Uchiha Madara," he asked. The Masked man remained silent, and a chain attached to his wrist fell behind him.
The two shinobi charged at each other, Minato knew his opponent had some form of space-time ninjutsu but he did not know the extent of its abilities. What he did know is that he had to be faster than him, or he would get caught in the same technique as before. He threw his kunai at him while readying his original move, the Rasengan. His kunai phased through his opponent. With perfect timing Minato teleported to his kunai, that was now above the Masked Man, hitting him with the Rasengan.
"Very good Lord Fourth," He said, "But this is futile against the power of the…" Before he could finish Minato used his Flying Thunder God technique to get behind him and used his Contract Seal to release whatever control he had over the Nine-Tailed Fox. He opened his mouth but he began to feel a pressure unlike anything he had ever felt before. This pressure was not like what was given off by the Nine-Tails, it was a pressure that seemed to crush his very soul… a spiritual pressure.
Zaraki Kenpachi – Outside Konohagakure
The 11th division captain looked around, even he could tell this was not where he should be. Not only did it not look like the Human World, it felt… weird. Kenpachi may not have any skill in detecting spiritual energy but even he could tell there was just something off about this place.
"Where the hell are we," he said, more of a general statement then a question.
"This place, it feels as though the earth, the wind, the very trees, are filled with energy. Everything is so… alive," the red-headed Lieutenant, Renjii Abaraii said.
"I agree completely Abaraii," Byakuya said. Before anyone else said a word Kenpachi felt a dense and sinister aura. If he felt it he knew that those who were with him felt it as well. Whatever it was, it was strong. And that meant that Kenpachi Zaraki, would have some fun tonight.
Hiruzen Saratobi – Konhagakure
"DO NOT LET THIS BEAST DESTROY YOUR HOMES!," the elderly shinobi shouted. Hiruzen Saratobi, the Third Hokage, was hailed as one of the most powerful shinobi ever to walk the ninja world. In his prime there were those who said he was the strongest of all the Hokage. But now he was an old man, old and tired. But he took up arms once again to defend the village he had defended for all of his life. While not being the current leader of the village, all of the ninja in the Hidden Leaf looked to him as a leader. And today of all days he gladly took up that mantle to combat this terrible demon. So here he stood, a god amongst men, leading the ninja of the Leaf Village against the Kyuubi. He could tell that the morale of his fellow shinobi was faltering. It had been nearly an hour and they seemed to be making no real progress against this beast. It smashed it's tails on the ground creating a mighty tremor then released a roar that pushed back all those who were attacking it. The Kyuubi looked down and made eye contact with the Third Hokage.
"YOU!," the beast bellowed, "I WILL KILL YOU ALL FOR SEALING ME WITHIN YOUR WHORES!". Unlike before, the Nine-Tails had spoken. Not only that the beast attacks were now directed at the shinobi, not at the village. Whatever had been controlling the beast before had no affect on it now. Now it seemed to be acting on its own accord, and it seemed hell bent on vengeance against those who imprisoned it. In his hands he held the Monkey King Emma, his longtime companion, who had transformed into a diamond-hard staff.
"Stand your ground! We must not falter!," Saratobi yelled, more so to himself then to his fellow Shinobi. As the nine-tails prepared to attack a pressure befell the village. To Saratobi it felt like a slight annoyance but the ninja around him were brought to their knees by the strength of this pressure.
A large man with wild hair wielding a katana charged the Kyuubi from above. He had a black shihakusho with a white haori over it. The sleeves were ripped and the jacked had some sort of emblem on his back. On his left eye there was an eye patch, and it was clear that the pressure was emminating from this individual. Saratobi motioned to help him in his attack when two men appeared in front of him. One wore a simple black shihakusho and a katana on his side, his red hair was tied into a ponytail that resembled a pineapple. The other had smooth jet-black hair and had the same black shihakusho but also wore a haori over it as well.
"Kuchiki!," yelled the man who had engaged the Nine-Tails, "You stay back with the geezer! I want to have my fun." The man with the black hair nooded in agreement.
"Your friend has no idea what he is up against!," Saratobi cried, "Do you not care for his life."
"You must be strong yourself to still be standing," Kuchiki said, "The brute is strong, do not underestimate his prowess." Saratobi though knew better, no one is powerful enough to fight the Kyuubi alone. But he knew he was not going to be able to lend aid while these two were in his way.
All he good do was watch the battle between these strange warriors and the Demon Fox.
Kenpachi Zaraki – vs. Kyuubi
"URAAAHHH," Zaraki yelled while slashing at one of the legs of the massive fox he was fighting. As with most of his attacks, the fox seemed more annoyed than hurt and countered in rage by using its other paw to crush the shinigami. Kenpachi stood his ground, and freed himself from the Nine-Tailed fox and slashed off one of the beast claws. "You are hella strong for a giant fox!", Kenpachi said as the Nine-tailed fox reeled in pain.
"You are brave and strong," The Kyuubi replied, "I have no problem with you shinigami, now leave and return to your world else I will devour your soul!"
"So ya know bout shinigami," Kenpachi said, "I ain't never hear of what you are before. You sure aint no hollow"
"I have lived for a very long time death god, and you do not belong here! Begone," the Kyuubi roared, obviously not wishing to continue with this fight.
"But the fight is just getting started ! And I have yet to have my fill!," Kenpachi yelled as he resumed his attack. In an impressive show of force Kenpachi began to push the Fox back, remaining under the fox as to avoid attacks from the demon's many tails. The two continued this dance, with Kenpachi dodging between the Kyuubi's legs attacking its limbs, and the nine-tails getting annoyed with the fight.
"ENOUGH," the Kyuubi bellowed, releasing a roar that forced Kenpachi away from it. Zaraki flew through several buildings, his eyes crazed and bloodthirsty. The demon fox began to gather energy in front of its mouth. Even without being able to detect energy Kenpachi knew he would be in big trouble if he didn't get serious. His eye patch, which was meant to limit his power so he could enjoy fighting longer, was quickly removed. All of his spiritual energy, or reiryoku, was unleashed so he could take the attack. Before he could get into a defensive stance the beast took advantage of this opening and released his attack. A massive explosion enveloped the area, wiping clean the landscape and scarring the body of Kenpachi. By the time the dust cleared Zaraki was barley standing, on the edge of consciousness, as the Kyuubi made its way to the Shinigami Captain to finish him off.
"Howl! Zabimaru!," yelled Renjii Abaraii as he attacked the Nine-Tailed fox, scratching the face of the demon fox. Before he could speak he was hastened to a group of humans.
"Can you heal this man," Byakuya said to them.
"We should be able to stabilize him," a female human said to him, unshaken by what was going on. Without speaking Kuchiki vanished, probably to fight the demon fox. Kenpachi tried to move but the last attack from the nine-tails took a lot out of him. As he faded out of consciousness he smiled at having found something stronger than him.
Byakuya Kuchiki v. Kyuubi - Konohagakure
By the time Byakuya had returned to the fight Renjii had already suffered major damage from trying to occupy the attention of the nine-tails. It was all the lieutenant could do just do dodge the attacks of the demon fox. Byakuya knew that his subordinate would not last much longer without intervention.
"Ye lord! Mask of flesh and bone, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of truth! Truth and temperance, upon this sinless wall of dreams but slightly the wrath of your claws. Hado # 33 Sōkatsuki" Byakura said as he unleashed a mass of blue spiritual energy that crashed against the massive fox throwing it off balance. The Kyuubi shifted it's weight and slammed one of its tails into Byakuya sending him crashing into the ground. With surprising speed the Kyuubi rushed the downed Shinigami who was forced to use Shūnpo to evade it.
"Hado # 58 Tenran!," Byakuya shouted as he unleashed a widening tornado to slow his opponent. The Kyuubi swiftly leaped out of the attack before it could take full effect and leaped towards the Captain. Byakuya Shunpo'd back to the ground and prepared to unleash another spell when the Kyuubi flipped itself over, now having a dense orb in its maw. Before he could react the nine-tails released its attack at Byakuya. Without an incantation Byakuya used Bakudo # 81 Danku to protect himself from most of the blast.
From this exchange Byakuya knew that the Nine-Tails was a perceptive combatant, such as himself. It knew that he was faster than him, and kept on the offensive to prevent the Shinigami from mounting an effective attack. Byakuya knew that he would have to defend and attack at the same time.
"You are strong Demon, stronger than many opponents I have faced. It is not often that I am forced to use my full strength," Byakuya said to the nine-tails as it landed on the ground.
"Do not flatter me child! You have no idea what you are up against Soul Reaper," The Kyuubi said.
Byakuya unsheathed his sword, his zanpakuto, and held the edge towards the ground, "Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi." When the blade reached the ground, nothing happened. In that moment the Kyuubi rushed towards him and landed a direct hit. Byakuya flew through several buildings before he skirted to a halt. As he struggled to his feet he remembered what his Lieutenant had said, that this world was 'different' somehow. The Kyuubi did not allow him further thought; it was standing above Byakuya with its hand raised to finish the job. Byakuya body was in too much pain to allow him to move, but the fatal blow never happened. In a surprising show of strength Renjii Abarai stopped the attack before it could reach him.
"Just… returning the favor… Captain," Abarai said as he struggled to maintain his pose.
"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet," a voice said as a flaming dragon smashed into the Kyuubi. The elderly man that Byakuya saw earlier appeared next to him. "You are strong son, but do not think you can fight this demon on your own. Now get up I know you have more fight left in you," the old man said to him. As he finished his statement a few more humans leaped into contact, shouting something about earth release as several walls emerged from the ground encircling the fox and smashing into it.
"SARATOBIII!," The Nine-Tailed fox yelled in rage as it recovered from these attacks. The entire area was then assailed with the demonic energy emanating from the fox demon. It was then that Byakuya realized that the fox was holding back against him, damaging his pride. The humans, knowing their weakness, continued to battle with the demon.
"You stay here and wait for our medical-nin to tend to your injuries, we can hold this monster off for that long." The old man said to Byakuya.
"Are you the strongest one here," Byakuya asked.
"Oh me? Oh no there is one more. My successor… the Fourth Hokage." The elderly man said before he ran back into battle. One stronger than him, Byakuya thought to himself, these must not be ordinary humans. More of the human warriors, called shinobi in this world, ran to the battle ignoring the Captain.
"Lord Fourth is on the battlefield!" one of them yelled. Before he could turn to see the face of this "Fourth Hokage" a young man with blonde hair appeared before him.
"I appreciate your assistance but please allow us to finish the job," He said, "This is an internal matter and I do not want outsiders to be injured fighting this beast."
"And under whose authority do you speak boy," Byakuya said to the young man.
"My authority, as the Fourth Hokage it is my responsibility to defend this village. It is my fault the beast is attacking, and I will seal this monster into my own child if need be, to protect this village," The man told him with honesty and sincerity. The level of honor impressed Byakuya, for a human he was obviously strong and his desire to protect what true.
"Then I will help you with your duty, not as an outsider but as a comrade-in-arms," Byakuya told him, "I may not be at full strength but I will aid you in the defeat of this beast."
"If you insist on helping then listen carefully, the Kyuubi is using its full power and there be cannot afford to make a mistake with this. If only we had a…" the man said when the distinctive reiatsu of Zaraki Kenpachi fell on the village. "… Distraction."
Kenpachi Zaraki
Thanks to those human medics Kenpachi was back in action, and feeling stronger than ever. And his opponent of choice, the Nine-Tails, was just like he left it. He leaped into the air and grabbed onto the fur on the nine-tails head, slamming it into the ground. With the head next to him Kenpachi drove his zanpakuto into the Kyuubi's face and slashed outwards, drawing blood from the demon fox. Enraged, the Kyuubi used one of its tails to grab Kenpachi and throw towards a mountainside.
"Earth Style: Mud Wall!," a voice said as Kenpachi crashed into a wall that had sprung up from the ground. "Careful there young man, you are strong I'll give you that but the Kyuubi is stronger yet."
Kenpachi swung his sword to kill the one who got in the way of his fight but the old man caught his hand completely, surprising the shinigami.
"Be careful where you swing that sword young man," the elderly man said. Then Kenpachi began to feel a strange energy eminating from this old man, it wasn't quite like spiritual pressure, more like the very life force of this man was crushing him. Whoever this guy was he was strong, very strong, and obviously was someone not to piss off.
"All I wanna do is fight that giant demon-fox," Kenpachi said, pointing his zanpakuto at the nine-tails.
"Then we have something in common," The man replied, "What is your name young man?"
"Kenpachi Zaraki, and yours old timer," Kenpachi asked.
"Hiruzen Saratobi," Hiruzen said to him. As the two turned to face the demon-fox Zaraki noticed a flash of yellow above it, and then it was gone. "It seems that this fight was taken elsewhere, come on Zaraki I am sure you do not want to miss out."
Slightly puzzled Kenpachi nodded in agreement and followed the elderly shinobi as they ran in the direction he assumed the Nine-Tails was in.
Minato Namizake – Several miles outside of Konohagakure
The Nine-Tailed Fox roared as it searched the forest for Minato. The warriors, Shinigami is what they called themselves, were further into the forest preparing to ambush the Nine-Tails. It took a little convincing but the proud warriors took the advice from the ninja once they understood the purpose of his actions, which was to seal the fox away in another jinchuriki. If these death gods were as powerful as they said they were, they would buy enough time for Minato to seal the Nine-Tails in his son. The Kyuubi was surprisingly fast, easily keeping up with the speed of the yellow flash, which was good seeing as he wanted to lure the beast deeper into the forest. It was then that the Yellow Flash reached a clearing in the woods…
"Howl, Zabimaru!," screamed Renjii Abarai. His sword shifted into a segmented whip-like blade that extended and wrapped around a tree. Renjii then braced himself as the Kyuubi ran into the blade, slowing it down momentarily for the second phase of the plan.
"Walls of iron sand, a priestly pagoda, glowing ironclad fireflies. Standing upright, silent to the end. Bakudo # 75 Gochūtekkan," Byakuya chanted as five incredibly tall and thick pillars connected to each other by chains that pinned the Kyuubi to the ground. "Hurry up and set up your seal Minato! I do not know how long this will hold the Demon!" Byakuya called out to him as he struggled to maintain his technique. Minato activated his Flying Thunder God technique and appeared next to his wife and child, still safe, coddled next to each other.
"Kushina…," Minato said softly as he approached them, "We must re-seal the Nine-Tails."
Her eyes still locked on their child Kushina said, "If I must die to seal the Nine-Tails then so be it."
"There is no need for you to die Kushina," Minato replied, "If you die the Nine-Tails will not die with you. No. I will seal him inside Naruto, under your care he will grow to be a strong shinobi, and maybe one day he will tame the beast within."
"NO!," She yelled in defiance, "I won't let the demon be sealed inside of my son!."
"Kushina you know that I am right! By using your clans sealing jutsu along with that technique our son will have a chance to tame the demon within him."
"I WILL NOT LET YOU DO THIS TO MY CHILD," She screamed at him, tears forming in her eyes, "What about his father! What… what about our family!"
Minato vanished above his son, knowing that he would not win in an argument with his wife.
"I love you," He said, vanishing to the clearing where the two shinigami were holding down the Nine-Tailed Fox. In the depths of his soul he could hear the cries of his wife cursing him, but he had a job to do.
"About damn time human! SEAL THIS THING NOW!," Cried out Renjii Abarai as he held his weapon trying to help restrain the Nine-Tails.
After a series of hand signs Minato clapped his hands and activated the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
"Interesting," The deity said, "What are you doing here brothers, this is not your world." It said, addressing the two Soul Reapers.
"Wadaya mean "brothers"," asked Renjii, who was obviously confused as to why a skeletal demon was talking with him and addressing him as a brother.
"HAHA you know not where you are little death gods, you are far from the Soul Society! I am sure my little brother, your King, doesn't even know you are in my world!" The deity bellowed with a little bit of amusement.
"What are you exactly Shinigami-sama," Byakuya asked, taking a little bit of focus from holding the Kyuubi.
"Me?! HAHA! I am the one true God of Death in this world!," the God of Death told them. It observed what was going on and smiled, its pale teeth gleaming in the moonlight, "It seems you are having some trouble little death gods."
"I wish to seal this beast into my son, but it is far too powerful, would you seal half of the chakra away Shinigami-sama," pleaded Minato, who was struggling to maintain the jutsu that summoned the God of Death.
"HOHO for my usual price I'll give ya an even better deal mortal!," exclaimed the God of Death, "Seeing as your summoning of me has allowed me to see my kin, I will seal the entire thing in the boy!"
"How did you…" Minato began.
"I am a God human; I do this summoning shit just to get out the house! MWAHAHAHA!," The death god bellowed, "Well let's get this over with mortal, It's about time for Glee and I completely forgot to turn on the TiVo."
"What is a…" Minato began.
"SILENCE MORTAL! IT IS A TIME TO DO THE DEED!," the eccentric God of Death bellowed. Its corporeal hand reached through Minato grasping his soul. It then reached towards the Nine-Tailed fox and grabbed its throat. Despite its struggling the Kyuubi could not fight the next few chains of events. The God of Death forced the Kyuubi, and all that was attached to it, into Naruto. The deity then placed a seal on the child for safe keeping. "Little death god, come and stabilize the seal!." It said to Byakuya and Renjii. The two shinigami's moved to the side of the child and poured their reishi into the seal to stabilize the process.
The God of Death then looked down upon Minato, and the young Hokage knew exactly what was going to happen…
Kushina Namikaze
No no no no no, was all that Kushina thought as she speed through the forest. Her body was exhausted, but she could not allow her son to be damned to being the jinchuriki for the Nine-Tailed Fox. And most of all she would not allow the man she loved to die sealing the beast. He was the reason she made it this far in life, and she could not, and would not, let him die. Her newborn son, the love of her life: both were in this forest and she ran and ran and ran, hoping to stop the sealing of the Nine-Tails. She reached a clearing to see it…
Before her the God of Death stood behind Minato, grasping his soul. In front of him was her son Naruto, and two men with black shihakusho stood pouring some strange energy into him. As the God of Death prepared to take his "payment", Minato turned and looked at her, and for one moment they locked eyes. His crystal blue eyes and blond hair were as serene as always. There was no fear in his eyes, and for a moment she thought his mouth moved to say something to her. But she could not make it out for her the tears started to flow out of her eyes.
"MINATOOO!," she cried in agony as the deity ripped out his soul and devoured it. Kushina fell to her knees in despair, the love of her life… gone. Her body, and her spirit, was tired…
She had pushed herself to hard, she could feel the life leaving her body. Her thoughts turned to her newborn child… Naruto. Now Minato's fear, his child growing up without his mother, was going to happen. And she wept. For her lost love and for her parentless child. She wished that she could see her child some day, but she knew that it would never happen. She collapsed on the ground, and her eyes began to close. As she closed her eyes for her final rest she could only hope, hope that her child would grow and be strong. Stronger than anyone ever before him.
Byakuya Kuchiki – 3 hours afterwards
Byakuya stood in the ruined Village as humans began to return to the remains of their homes. Renjii Abarai was finishing getting treated by one of the medicinal shinobi of the village. The elderly man, the Third Hokage, was having a conversation the Kenpachi that was out of earshot of the 6th Division Captain.
"Hey Kuchiki," Zaraki shouted, "Old-man Hiruzen says he may know a way to get us outta here."
Byakuya moved towards the two men to hear what the Hokage had to say.
"From what I have learned from Captain Zaraki, you have arrived here though some form of space-time gate formed from this substance called 'reishi'," Hiruzen said as he rubbed his chin, "Lord Fourth's signature jutsu tapped into space-time and allowed him to travel at high speeds. Perhaps if you poured your... energy… into his jutsu it may be the catalyst you need to return home."
"Well if that is our only lead, I suppose we can try Lord Third," Byakuya said respectfully.
After Renjii recovered the three shinigami moved just outside the village along with the Third Hokage. After placing a strangely shaped kunai on the ground and drawing various character on the ground the Hokage motioned for the soul reapers to stand around the kunai.
"Just to be cautious I will leave the area, if you do return home I would like to thank you for aiding the Hidden Leaf Village. If you ever return here know that you will have allies with the shinobi," the Third Hokage said to them.
"Thank you Lord Hokage, it was a pleasure to fight with such distinguished warriors," Byakuya said to him.
"Yeah! For a geezer you're wicked strong! I'd love to see which one of us is stronger," Zaraki said as well.
"While I was of little help I'm glad to have been here too Hokage-sama," Renjii added. After a quick bow the Hokage left their presence so the shinigami could begin the process of returning home. The three soul reapers poured reiryoku into the kunai, wondering what was supposed to happen. Byakuya was about to stop the process when the world around him began to shift and distort. Before he realized it the three shinigami were standing inside of the Dangai with an exit in front of them. The three looked at each other puzzled before they decided to walk through the exit. When they walked out the unseated officer who saw them off looked up at them puzzled.
"Captains! How did you return so quickly. You just walked through the Dangai, I have yet to even close the gate… and why are you so injured!," the unseated officer inquired. Without saying a word Byakuya walked towards the 1st division offices to report what had occurred. Kenpachi and Renjii followed suit, both unwilling to explain what happened since they left. As the young noble captain walked through the streets of Soul Society he vowed to never forget what occurred, and deep down, he would always wish to return to the Land of Fire and fight with the shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village.