Ch. 2

Putting his grand escape from hostile soul reapers and close call with Toshiro Hitsugaya behind him, Dante started hopping from roof to roof. The air of the Seireitei, which seemed almost like a throwback to the Edo era, was so fresh and clean. With every passing second, the black assassin felt more alive than ever before. "Oh yeah! This is how to roll!" Dante replied. "I feel like that one brother in Crackdown, but without having to really do shit or whatever. But then again, I'm just itching to find some action. Get a feel for this place." As he traversed through the rooftops, Dante heard a sudden crash nearby. "What the fuck is that?" He turned to his right and saw a small cloud of smoke on a distant rooftop. "Looks like something's getting started," he said with a smirk. "Don't they know that you can't start a party without a gangsta like me?" Wanting to investigate the blast, the black teen hurried to the destination.


Meanwhile on the rooftop in question, Uryu Ishida and Orihime Inoue stood face to face with a large heavy bodied Soul Reaper Jirobo Ikkanzaka. The two ryoka prepared themselves as the enemy towered over them. He counted down the seconds for them to relent on their encounter. As soon as he counted to one, the shinigami started to attack. Uryu was ready to react as the sword fell upon them. However, everyone froze as a strong energy was felt and closing in. "Could that be... Ichigo?" Orihime asked in surprise as they watched the owner approach.

Uryu focused on the person carefully. However, the person he saw was an unfamiliar young man. It was Dante, and he was on the giant soul reaper ahead. "It's not Ichigo," he said. "I don't know who-" the quincy stopped in mid-sentence as he saw the teen carrying a scythe with, what appeared to be, a chunk of a roof on his blade.

"Surprise, mother fucker!" the young man shouted before launching his cargo at Jirobo.

"Get down!" Uryu replied as he tackled Orihime to the surface as the individual attacked. Though stunned, Jirobo held his blade over his massive body in defense from the on-coming attack. The heavy object collided with deadly force and accuracy. Now Jirobo was covered in a small cloud thanks to the the attack hit hard, the shinigami was able to absorb some of the damage.

"Oh yeah! Now what, bitch!" the teen said as he landing next to Uryu and Orihime. "Straight from my boy Jango "Mandalorian Badass" Fett up in this bitch!"

"Who the hell are you and why did you do that!?" Uryu shouted as he and Orihim returned to their feet. "You nearly killed us!"

"But I didn't, did I?" Dante responded with a nonchalant expression on his face. Uryu only groaned. "Shit, you could be a little more grateful with your quincy ass. I coulda been some forgetful female character trying to hook up with you or Ichigo. Like we don't have enough of those running around this site."

Uryu and Orihime stared at the black teen with sweatdrops on their forehead. It was clear they had no idea what Dante had just rambled said. "Do you think this guy's alright?" Orihime whispered with some concern.

"To be honest, I think that attack might have strained his mind," Uryu said.

"Ain't it rude to talk smack about a brother?" Dante asked with folded arms. "Especially when the guy's a foot away?"

It wasn't long after the dust cleared from Dante's attack that Jirobo stood back up. He stared at the newcomer with an intense gaze. Though the blow did cause some damage, he was still standing tall thanks to his defense. All that was left from the chunk of roofing was rubble scattered around the man's large feet. "So another one arrives," the massive soul reaper said. "No matter. I shall dispose of you as well."

"Right. You're gonna shank me. Bitch, I'll give you a liposuction before you can touch my black ass!"

(Title: Can You Top That. Artist: Agustus ThElefant. Album: Afro Samurai)

"I hope you three used this extra time to repent. But don't worry, you'll have an entire eternity to do so." It was then that Jirobo dashed toward them, leaping in the air ready to attack. The three prepared themselves as the Soul Reaper's large sword was coming down on them. At the last second, the trio leaped out of the way as Jirobo's blade crashed into the ground.

"Come shinigami!" challenged Uryu as he was in the air. "I will fight you myself!" However, the quincy's response came in the form of a fistful of sand thrown into his face. Uryu was blinded by the cheap attack and slipped off the ledge after he landed.

"You are not the one who decides who I fight," Jirobo said. The large man then turned to Orihime, who got into a battle position. "Now to end your regret," he said with a indifferent look. "With death that is."

"Shit, that was a punk move," replied Dante as he blocked Jirobo's path. The black teen's scythe was held out to the side as he focused his attention on the larger opponent. "But I'm surprised you managed to blind him. I mean the kid was wearing glasses and all. Then again, something tells me you'd be able to gas a mother fucker while he's wearing a mask. Ain't that right, Humpty Dumpty?"

Jirobo's face twisted with agitation. Listening to Dante's ceaseless blather was starting to unnerve the soul reaper. "Shut up and repent, you ignorant child!" he shouted as he raised his zanpakuto. Dante closed the gap between them with a quick dash before both opponents' weapons were locked. "Fool! Do you really think you're stronger than me!?" the shinigami exclaimed.

Dante smirked at the wide-bodied foe. "Bitch, I'm part of the Tokyo Strikers. We get down with the bitches and hoes on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, fuck dragons in the ass on Sunday and Tuesday, and smoke some ganja with Marion Barry and Willie Nelson on Wednesday and Friday, son!"

"What does that mean?"

"It means you ain't got shit on me, playa!" Dante pushed Jirobo's zanpakuto off of his scythe with a hard shove. Freed from the lock, the shinigami tried to deliver a downward stroke. However, the black teen dodged the attack and hook the back of Jirobo's left leg before pulling him forward. The giant fell in a splits position, his face now expressing serious discomfort from his current position. "Cou de gras, bitch!" replied Dante as he spun kicked Jirobo directly in his lower jaw. "You just got slaughtered, Porky Pig!" gloated Dante.

"Hey!" Orihime called from behind as she watched the battle with surprise from the black teen's supposed victory. "Are you alright?"

Dante turned his head to face the young woman and smiled. "Hells yeah, girl!" he said. However, his gleeful expression instantly changed as the wind was knocked out of him by a giant fist making contact with his gut. Orihime watched in shock and horror as Jirobo slowly returned to his feet. She thought that Dante had defeated him. Instead, it seemed Jirobo had only faked his loss. With his balled-up hand still imbedded in the young teen's stomach, the large shinigami continued to rise to his feet. "I have to admit, your strength is impressive and unorthodox. Also, few enemies have been able to do cause me to fall," Jirobo said before pushing the black teen's body off his hand and onto the surface. "But you still have a long way. But sadly, you won't have the time to refine those skills of yours."

Dante slowly rose his head and glared daggers at the enemy. "Damn it…" he said weakly as he gave painful coughs. He could feel that a rib or two may have broke. Standing over his fallen victim, Jirobo raised his blade over Dante's blade. A satisfying grin formed on his fat lips as he would finally shut the teen up. However, a speeding flash of light heading straight toward the soul reaper caught his attention.

Reacting quickly, the enemy swordsman slashed at the attack. The force of the blow returned the strike back to its owner, Orihime. In her hand was a black and red fairy-like creature suffering from grave injuries. "Stupid girl," it hissed. "Why didn't you aim before you shot!?"

"Tsubaki…" Orhime whispered in guilt before the creature's form retreated into her blue flower hairpin.

The spared Dante watched as Jirobo took relaxed strides toward Orihime. A sinister glint shined in the soul reaper's eyes and his grip tightened around his sword. He towered over the strawberry-haired young woman before attacking. Dante struggled to his feet as he used his scythe for support. Thanks to those attacks dealt by the Soul Reaper, he could only watch as the foe attacked the evading Orihime. "God, ain't this a bitch," he thought as he breathed heavily. "Here I am, bruised and shit watching something I already saw on the tube." He then heard the sound of shingles breaking off the edge of the roof.

The black teen moved to the edge and saw Uryu trying to pull himself up. The white clothed teen was trying as hard as he could to return to the surface. "I must hurry," he thought. "Orihime is in danger." Uryu then noticed a long wooden pole hanging near him. "What's this?" The quincy looked up and saw Dante holding his scythe to assist him. "It's you!"

"Tell me something I don't know," Dante sneered. "Now hurry up and get yo' ass on this pole... Wait. Why does that sound so wrong…?"

"I won't even dignify that with an answer," Uryu said dryly. He grabbed on to the end of the scythe, where Dante him up to safety. Now back on the building top, the two began to catch their breath. Uryu turned his attention to Orihime, was trying her best defend herself against Jirobo. The quincy returned to his feet and created a blue and white striped bow from spiritual particles forming near his glove. "Keep Orihime safe," he said to Dante.

"You got it," Dante replied as he hurried to Orihime's aide. Just as he reached the girl, he saw Jirobo's blade ready to fall upon her. Luckily, the shinigami was momentarily disabled by a spirit arrow shot from Uryu. Jirobo covered his cut before glaring at Uryu. "You might wanna get out the way, girl," Dante said as he grabbed Orihime's hand and pulled her to a nearby corner.

After distancing themselves from the larger Soul Reaper, the two watched as Jirobo and Uryu squared off. "Uryu…" Orihime said. Dante turned his attention to the young woman. "That bow, his glove… He's been training hard."

"Not a bad shot," Dante replied. "Quincy boy's been busy. And look at that stare. Looks like he's out for blood."

"Well this is intriguing," Jirobo mused. "One uses unknown techniques, the other wields a scythe, and the last is a quincy. One uses projectile weapons, but all three are my enemies."

"Get to the point," Dante rushed. "We ain't got all day."

"I'm just saying this is a coincidence. A trick of fate, if you will." With a smile painted on his face, Jirobo held his sword in front of his, its blade pointing straight up. "Allow me to show you all the true form of my zanpakuto." The soul reaper placed his hand just over the end of the blade. He then pushed down on his sword's blade, shouting "Flap away, Tsunzakigarasu!" In an instant, the sword was reduced to a grip and the death god was surrounded by small double-edged shuriken hovering gracefully in the air around him.

Orihime was shocked while Dante and Uryu were unfazed. In fact, the black teen scoffed. "Nice trick. But I've seen better crap at a second-grade talent show."

"Now it is time for you to regret. I am Jirobo Ikkanzaka, the 4th ranked of squad 7! I am also known as Kamaitachi Jirobo, thanks to my ultimate skill of projectiles. No one has seen my Tsunzakigarasu and lived to tell about it! I bet you are unable to follow them with your eyes. This is a glorious prelude to your demise." Uryu merely stood with a nonchalant gaze, waiting patiently as the enemy continued his ramble. "Your bows and arrows are useless against my attack. You're completely helpless. As a fellow master of flying weapons, you will-" Hearing more than enough, Uryu fired multiple arrows in one shot. Jirobo stood paralyzed in shock from seeing all of his weapons eradicated in one shot with pinpoint accuracy.

"That's rather interesting, unlike in the living world," Uryu taunted. "It appears in this world, the ultimate skilled fighter just means windbag simply talking crap."

"About time you shut his fat ass up, son!" Dante replied. "The only thing I regret and repent was standing here and listening to his crap. Geez, some people really need to shut up and breathe." Orihime only glanced at Dante. It was clearly ironic for someone like him to say anything too much speaking.

"That… is impossible…" Jirobo replied, still stunned. "You were simply lucky. Your arrogance shall be the end-" Just as Jirobo pulled out his reformed weapon, Uryu managed to shatter the blade with one simple shot.

"You still don't get it?" the quincy asked. The only response he got was a loud yelp of pain as blood rained upon the ground from Jirobo's wounded hand. "It looks like you'll have to drop your title. Because when it comes to projectile weapons, I'm the better man. Although Kamaitachi Uryu doesn't sound as good."

"Gyah! My hand!" Jirobo called in pain. "I can't move my fingers!"

"Oh yeah! Where's you shootin' stars now, bitch!" applauded Dante.

"It would appear that it is you who are having regrets," Uryu said to Jirobo. "As a fellow user of projectile weapons, you must be wishing you had never met me."

"Insolent bastard," Jirobo hissed. "You dare to insult me!? I'll kill you!" Jirobo picked himself up and was ready to assault the quincy. However, Uryu beaten him to the punch and shot two arrows at the ground near his feet. The shinigami instantly froze in fear as he glanced at the arrows.

"I hope you know that was intentional," warned Uryu with a stern glare. "Be assured that next time, I will not miss."

"Incredible! Such power… I hate to admit, but you speed and accuracy far surpasses my own! Never in my wildest dreams did I wish I would find such a powerful practitioner and fail miserably. You have already defeated me. Whether you torture me or destroy me, I don't care." After hearing the surrendering opposition's call, Uryu lowered his bow and straightened his glasses. Though part of him wished to take Jirobo's advice, he decided to spare him instead. "Why do you not finish me off? Are you going to let me live?"

"I am a quincy. I may not want to show mercy to Soul Reapers, but that does not mean I will beat on a weak foe either." With that said, Uryu's bow vanished into his glove. With a threatening tone, he then replied, "Now quit your whining and leave, before I change my mind."

Jirobo lowered his face in shame as he held his wounded wrist. "It would seem you are a generous person. How unfortunate… for you that is!" Jirobo turned around to where Orihime and Dante stood and charged.

But just before he could strike, Dante had already drew his katana. Jirobo stopped in his tracks as the sharp tip was aimed directly between his eyes. "C'mon. You didn't really think I wouldn't see that coming," he said. Jirobo couldn't speak as both of his eyes were glued to the business end of Dante's sword. "You must think you's a big man for tryin' to take out a chick who's defenseless? You're nothing more than a bitch-ass poser. But guess what? Game's over, playa. Time to say sayonara." With a powerful and well aimed double slash from both his scythe and sword, Dante struck Jirobo right in his chest. The behemoth death god collapsed from the attack. "Well. That's a wrap," Dante said cooly as he returned his weapons to his back.

"Uryu and… Dante, wasn't it?" Orihime began.

"That's right," Dante said with a nod.

"Well, thank you. Both of you, for helping me."

"No problem. Just keepin' it real."

"There's nothing to really thank," Uryu said humbly.

"Because it was nothing, right?" Uryu turned to Orihime who gave a sweet smile. The blonde then returned her attention to Jirobo's motionless body. "So, is he…"

"Nah. I just shanked him so bad that his soul power been cut off," Dante said. "The chump can kiss his job of being a shinigami good-bye."

"I see."

"Alright Dante, I have a few questions to ask you," Uryu said.

"Aight, lay it on me, cuz," Dante replied.

"Who are you and why did you help us?"

"Aight I guess I can lay out the 4-1-1. The name's Dante Blaine, as you know and I'm sorta the new kid in the neighborhood. Back where I come from, I would be what you'd call... A blade for hire. A different kind of death god, knawmean? Like, if you want someone's candle snuffed out, I'm yo' boy. Long story short, I'm here because of some freaky incident that's straight from an 80's sci-fi show. Something involved in one out of at least every five stories posted on this site." Hearing that last quote muttered, both Orihime and Uryu gave Dante confused glances. "But, seeing that I've pretty much done this and that from where I originally called home, I decided 'why not hang around here a bit?' I mean, I heard that the prices on homes here are to die for."

"That's all well and good," Uryu replied as he pushed up his glasses. "But you haven't told us why you assisted us."

"Hold on there, Quincy Adams. I was just getting to that," Dante said. "As I was saying, being the kind-hearted person I am, I thought you two could use a little help. Plus I needed a little exercise."

"Well, thank you again for being so generous," Orihime said with a wide smile.

"What can I say, I'm just a fountain of compassion. Speaking of which..." With a smirk on his face, Dante held Orihime's hands and shot her a flirtatious smile. "You know girl, since I'm new to this place, why don't you and I get to know each other a little better?" the black teen offered.

A flustered Orihime stepped back, a sheepish and embarrassed smile decorated her face. "Well that sounds nice and all…" she began. "But you see, Uryu and I are busy saving an important friend of ours."

"A rescue mission, huh?" Dante asked as he scratched his head. After a minute of thought, the black teen snapped his fingers. "I get it! You mean Rukia Kuchiki, right?"

"Wait," Uryu replied. "How do you know about Rukia?"

"Huh?" Dante scratched his head as he realized what he blurted out. "Oh well... I'd tell you, but that would be breakin' the fourth. So for the sake of universal continuity, Imma have to keep my info on the down-low and plead da fifth. Knawmean?"

"Ever since you came met us, we haven't understood a word you've said."

"True 'nuff."

As the black teen walked away from the two individual, Orihime took a step toward him. "Dante, wait!" she called. Hearing the blonde's plea, the young warrior stopped and faced her. "Why don't you stay and help us?" she asked. The sudden offer surprised Uryu, who felt somewhat relieved that the assassin was leaving. "I'm sure if we work together, we'd be able to find the others and save Rukia."

"Is that a fact?" Dante asked. Orihime nodded while Uryu only gave a shrug. "Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll pass. You know the saying: two's company, three's a crowd. But I promise, if I meet anybody from your crew, I'll let 'em know what's up."

"Okay. Thanks."

With a smile and a small salute Dante walked to the other side of the platform. "Well, time to fade. I'm sure we'll catch each other again soon." With that said, the black teen leaped off the building to another rooftop. Both Orihime and Uryu hurried to where Dante stood and watched as he raced along the building tops.

"You know something?" Uryu asked.

"Huh? What is it?" Orihime replied as she turned to her friend.

"I always thought Ichigo would be the craziest guy I have ever met. But after seeing Dante, I've learned that there may be higher levels."

"You could be right. But whatever the case, I hope he'll be alright."

"I'm more concerned for the soul reapers who are in earshot when he talks," Uryu quipped.


A few blocks away resting in a dead end, Dante stood against a wall inspecting his weapons. Long after his battle with Jirobo and the spiritual energy he had absorbed, the young warrior's weapon's, in both power and form, had changed dramatically. His simple katana was now a large zanbato armed with a longer, broader blade with a sharp tip on the end. His scythe now had a sharper blade with four spiked protrusions jutting from the back of the blade. The pole had become bent in the middle and a sharp diamond tip decorated the bottom end. "I still don't get it," Dante said to himself. "Why are my weapon's changing? I mean, back in my world, they looked like ordinary killing tools. But now look at 'em."

"Even now, you still haven't caught on," a loud, harsh voice called.

Hearing the boisterous exclamation, the black teen pushed himself off the wall and stood in a fighting position. He looked around for any signs of an enemy. The assassin then settled down and folded his arms. "Oh great. Another one," Dante replied. "Who am I on the line with now?"

"Don't take that tone with me, wielder!" the voice replied. "You know exactly who I am! I am the soul of the scythe!"

"Is that so? Then tell me why you and Kowa keep changing shape? You guys on something I don't know about?"

"Hahahaha!" cackled the new spirit. "I'll tell you this, you are quite amusing for a mere child." Dante only spun his eyes in response. "Fine, I'll answer your question. You see, the world we resided in had such a small amount of spirit energy. The only way we could exist without using up unnecessary energy was in basic forms."

"I get it now. Since we're here in the Soul Society, you two are sucking up some of the surrounding energy to get a little boost."

"Finally you're catching on, wielder! Now that we're back home, it is only a matter of time until we reach full strength. Which means we'll finally have our revenge."

"Our revenge? What are you talking about now?"

"Don't tell me you've forgotten? Revenge on the fools who did this to you."

"You mean the Agency?" asked Dante. Just mentioning the word reminded the black teen of a few scant glimpses of his past. The painful images of a few experiments he endured while in their custody flooded his mind. Not only that, but the young assassin remembered that it was at that base where he escaped. However, he made sure that many of his captors fell before he could leave. "I already took care of business with those bastards," he thought coldly.

"Did you?" asked the spirit. "There's a lot more about yourself you don't understand. But believe me, you will."

Sensing the spirit's presence was now gone, the black teen sat on the ground with his weapons lying on both sides. Dante thought over about what his new friend told him. "I thought I took care of those fuckers a long time ago. Then again, I should have guess they never go away that easily." Dante then turned his head up at the blear blue sky. "Whatever's going on, I'm gonna get to the bottom of this. And when I find out what it is, there will be hell to pay."


Dictionary

Uryu Ishida: The last member surviving member of the quincies. A resident of Karakura Town, his reasons for invading the Seireitei are to save his friend from execution. Though he is usually quiet and solitary, he is very prideful of his heritage and has a strong sense of justice. Due to an event in his childhood and past history, he sees shinigami as his enemy. Even so, he will not hesitate to help his close friends, even if they are shinigami. He fights using a bow called the Lone Sparrow, a weapon composed of blue energy gathered by his glove. He can also fire numerous arrows composed entirely of spirit particles.

Quincy: A line of spiritual aware people who are said to be survivors from hollow attacks. They fight enemies by using bows made entirely of spiritual energy and other sophisticated tools. Unlike shinigami, the quincy's purification process when destroying hollows also destroys the souls within the beasts. If such actions were made, the balance of the world would shift, endangering both the spirit and living worlds. In order to prevent such a disaster, the Soul Society sanctioned an eradication act 200 years ago. Though the Quincy had fought valiantly, their powers were no match against the shinigami, leading to their extinction.

Orihime Inoue: A human resident from Karakura Town. Her reason for arriving in Seireitei is to save her friend from execution. She is known for her odd appetite and rather large chest. Though she acts ditsy from time to time, Orihime is one of the brightest students in Karakura High. Her recently manifested powers allow her to create an impenetrable shield and heal comrades. Though she has an offensive ability (Tsubaki), she rarely uses it due to her stance against killing.

Jirobo Ikkanzaka: A shinigami who once served as a member of the seventh division under the fourth seat. His brother, Jidanbo, is the guardian of the Western Gate. With his zanpakuto, Tsunzakigarasu, and its ability to create multiple flying blades, he has earned the title of "Kamaitachi" (Wind Scythe). Though he was a boastful man and an expert in projectile weapons, he was also a coward who would use any underhanded tricks to achieve victory. After his confrontation with the ryoka, Jirobo's abilities are now lost and his career as a soul reaper is now over.

The Agency: An underground group of scientists from Dante's world. They specialize in many fields of knowledge, including genetic engineering and interdimensional research. Dante Blaine was one of their last experiments before he destroyed the main base and most of its workers. Since then, Dante has worked tirelessly to exact revenge on the organization during his tenure as an assassin. Before arriving in Seireitei, the black teen managed to destroy the Agency and their weapons.

Jango Fett: A bounty hunter from the Star Wars universe. Orphaned after the murder of his parents, he was raised to become a deadly warrior by the True Mandalorians. He led this group to many victories against the Death Watch splinter group. On the planet of Galidraan, him and his team were attacked by a group of jedi. Jango was the only one who survived the ambush. After escaping slavery and reclaiming his armor, he soon lived his life as a bounty hunter and later a template for the clone army, giving rise to the clone troopers and his son Boba. In a wide scale battle on the planet Geonosis, Jango encountered Jedi Master Mace Windu. Though a worthy adversay, Jango was slained by the Vapaad expert by decapitation. His legacy as a Mandalorian bounty hunter lived on through his son Boba.

Marion Barry: A Mississippi born man who took up a political career. He started as a hero of the Civil Rights Movement and was the first president of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Meeting during the 1960's. He also served as the second mayor of Washington D.C. between the years 1979 to 1991. In 1990, the mayor was busted in a sting operation for cocaine possession. He was then convicted of multiple counts of perjury, drug possession and one count of conspiracy in possessing the drug. It is said that the phrase, "Bitch set me up" can be traced back to him when he was caught. Due to these charges, Marion was barred from the next election. However, he soon served as the fourth mayor of D.C. from 1995 to 1996. However, the good mayor was still having trouble with the law due to more drug charges, skipping on taxes, refusing to pay traffic tickets, and an alleged case of stalking.