"What is your bidding, master?"

"Several camps were slaughtered in the western district. I sent some of my strongest men to search for survivors – there were none. While returning, my men ran into the attacker. Most of them didn't make it back."

"Is it him, master?"

"Yes. It is. Your task is to discover what he is after. Is he merely blood-thirsty? Is he seeking revenge? Is he trying to become stronger by killing everyone in his path? Or is he another Vasto Lorde attempting to conquer my territory? I need to know why he is doing this."

"Yes, master."

"and Runa…you may engage him in battle if necessary, but do not kill him. I would like to meet this Azrael Ryuu."

***Soul Society***

Kuchiki Bankotsu, "You cheated!"

Haru Kaien, "Why can't you just accept the fact that I'm faster than you?"
Kuchiki Bankotsu, "Such arrogance. Are you really suggesting that a commoner like you has a shunpo even on the level of mine?"

Haru Kaien, "I just beat you in a race!"

Kuchiki Bankotsu, "You have cheated and if you will not admit to your deception, I shall be compelled to slice it out of you," (unsheathing his sword).

Girl, "I wouldn't if I were you, Bankotsu. Haru Kaien is this year's champion swordsman."

Kuchiki Bankotsu, "Impossible. Are you telling me that this brat defeated the six-year champion Yukimura Masahiro?

Haru Kaien, "Masahiro was my teacher. My goal was to surpass him."

Kuchiki Bankotsu, "Well, I guess you shall live today brat," (vanishing).

Haru Kaien, "(turning to the girl) I'm surprised that you know my name. I haven't seen you since that day Kuchiki beat my ass."

Girl, "Well when you hear that someone defeated Yukimura and became the new champion swordsman, you have to learn their name."

Fukui Kichirou, "Did you hear about how Kaien helped me defeat the Kenpachi?"

Girl, "I can't say I have."

Fukui Kichirou, "Well there we were surrounded by thousands of the fiercest fighters in Soul Society. Tsuyoshi turned to me screaming, 'we're going to die, oh my god, we're going to die.' Then I said, 'quiet Tsuyoshi! We are the students of Yamamoto Daichi; we can easily defeat these men. Now, Kaien go grab our swords.' By the time Kaien returned with our swords, I had already defeated all of our opponents. Then the Kenpachi came out of nowhere and said, 'Kichirou, you are the greatest warrior that has ever stepped a foot into Soul Society. Your skills are far superior to mine, but still I must try to defeat you.' Then I said, 'How dare you call me by my first name! For this insult, we must fight to the death.' When Capt. Tatsumaki and Capt. Kawaguchi showed up, I was ready to give the Kenpachi the finishing blow. But they reminded me that I was better than beating up random thugs, so I let him live."

Girl, "haha, Kichirou, you tell the best stories."

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "Yeah and it's funny how they never reflect reality."

Fukui Kichirou, "What! Are you calling me a liar? That's totally how it happened!"

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "Like I would ever cower behind you and… (argument continues)."

Girl, "So Kaien…you're on track to graduate the academy in a year, you're the champion swordsman, you can beat Kuchiki in a race, and you fight the Kenpachi on your off time. Is there anything you don't do well?"

Haru Kaien, "Well, I'm really not too good with kido."

Girl, "Well maybe I can help you with that."

Haru Kaien, "That would be awesome; umm…you know I never got your name."

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi and Fukui Kichirou, "how do you not know her name!"

Girl, "It's ok. My name is Motou Makoto."

Haru Kaien, "What a lovely nam- (interrupted by loud beeping)."

Girl, "What's that sound?"

A dense reiatsu falls upon the students. Kaien flash steps in the direction of the enormous spiritual pressure.

Motou Makoto, "Is he going to try to face that spiritual pressure? (flash steps after him along with Tsukuda Tsuyoshi and Fukui Kichirou)"

***A small laboratory***

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, Fukui Kichirou, and Motou Makoto entered the lab where Kaien stood calmly in the center.

Haru Kaien, "It's ok guys. One of my hollows escaped its cage. Everything's under control."

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "What? How could you be holding a hollow of that size in here? By its spiritual pressure, that thing would have to be hundreds of miles long."

Haru Kaien, "No. He can actually fit in my hand."

In Kaien's hands there was a small jar. Inside the jar was a disgusting looking hollow only two inches in length.

Fukui Kichirou, "What the hell is that thing? It has small feathers and scales and tentacles and eww."

Haru Kaien, "It is one of my hollows. I call him Taitan."

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "What did you do it? How did you give it such a gigantic spiritual pressure?"

Haru Kaien, "I didn't do anything to it yet."

Motou Makoto, "Then how does that thing have such a high spiritual pressure. Everyone knows that a hollow's strength is proportional to its size."

Haru Kaien, "The answer to that question is simple: everything we know about hollows is wrong."

Fukui Kichirou, "What?"

Haru Kaien, "Since the beginning, we have always assumed that small, weak hollows live in Hueco Mundo and when they get stronger and larger they go to earth to eat humans. But what if we were wrong? What if the hollows we fight on earth are also the weak ones? A year ago, I theorized that hollows can evolve into another order of hollows where their size no longer reflects their strength. A hollow of this second order is exponentially stronger than its first order counterpart."

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "I don't believe any of this bullshit!"

Haru Kaien, "Well in my hand, there is proof. Taitan is at the second level of second order hollows. Right now he has enough reiatsu to fight on par with a captain. But what worries me is that there is still potential to evolve into a third level. "

Fukui Kichirou, "Are you telling me that there are hollows out there that are stronger than captains?"

Haru Kaien, "I'm saying that there are hollows out there that are substantially stronger than captains."

A messenger appears at the door.

Messenger, "Tsukuda Tsuyoshi. Haru Kaien. Please report to Captain Yamamoto's squad barracks immediately."

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "He probably wants to yell at us about your super hollows."

The two students entered the barracks where fifty other people sat waiting including Captain Yamamoto Daichi and his lieutenant Kobayoshi Tetsuo.

Captain Yamamoto, "I trust that you have handled that disturbance from earlier Haru."

Haru Kaien, "Yes, sir."

Captain Yamamoto, "Good. Now Let us begin. Today, I have gathered fifty of the strongest men from the Academy and Guard Squads. As time goes on, our numbers will swell. Captains from the various clans will be drawn to us by our power and will wish to join us. Yesterday, I was issued a challenge. If one of you can survive two strikes from the challenger, then the captain shall join the Guard Squads."

Random Shinigami, "New Captain! (roar of applause) Who is it?"

Captain Yamamoto, "Captain Ragunaroku of the Taiyou Clan."

Everyone went silent.

Captain Yamamoto, "I understand this is no easy challenge. He is the former master of the current Kenpachi and the only man to ever defeat him. In his 900 years of fighting, few have survived two blows from his sword. I do not expect too many of you to survive, but I cannot stress how important it is that the Guard Squads acquire Ragunaroku as one our captains. Who will accept this challenge?"

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "I will, Captain!"

Captain Yamamoto smiles and asks who else will answer the call. Forty-three of the men accepted the challenge. The other seven included Haru Kaien.

Haru Kaien, "What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you throwing your life away?"

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "I am here to protect Soul Society. If giving my life shall serve that purpose, then so be it. "

Haru Kaien, "Didn't you once insult me because I was willing to die for pride? What hypocrisy is this?"

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "This isn't your misplaced sense of pride, Kaien. This is my reason for being. I joined the Academy so that I could protect the people of Soul Society; so that I could protect those that I care about. I vowed to protect Soul Society, and I will do that regardless of who my enemy is. That is all I desire and all that I would die for."

Haru Kaien, "I still think you're a fool."

The following day, Tsukuda Tsuyoshi leaves for the challenge while Haru Kaien searches for Captain Kawaguchi. Kaien finds him conversing with Motou Makoto.

Haru Kaien, "My sincerest apologies Captain, but may I ask a question."

Captain Kawaguchi, "Go ahead."

Haru Kaien, "Tsukuda Tsuyoshi has accepted the challenge of Captain Ragunaroku. I would like to know if you have had a vision depicting his survival."

Captain Kawaguchi, "(sigh) His survival depends."

Haru Kaien, "On what sir?"

Captain Kawaguchi, "On whether or not you are willing to die in his stead."

Haru Kaien, "I beg your pardon?"

Captain Kawaguchi, "I have seen the last battle Ragunaroku will have. Either Tsukuda is subjected to the Black Flame Cannon or you are."

Haru Kaien, "(nervously) The Black Flame Cannon."

Captain Kawaguchi, "The power of Captain Ragunaroku's zanpakuto of which only 2 men in the last 900 years have survived."

***Elsewhere***

Captain Ragunaroku, "Let the challenge begin. When the final hour comes cast their souls into the fires of hell, Arumagedon"

Captain Ragunaroku's zanpakuto turns completely black. The first opponent charges for the attack and is instantly cut down.

Captain Ragunaroku, "(grinning lustfully) Next."

***At the Gate of the Academy***

Motou Makoto, "What are you going to do?"

Haru Kaien, "Isn't it obvious?"

Motou Makoto, "So you're going to get yourself killed?"

Haru Kaien, "I can't let my friend die. Especially if I can do something to prevent it."

Motou Makoto, "Tsuyoshi is a warrior, Kaien. You cannot protect him. He destined to battle and to die in battle. He knows this. That is why he has chosen to give his life for the protection of Soul Society."

Haru Kaien, "I know this, but still I cannot let him die. Not in this battle. Everyone else seems to have something they would die for: Tsuyoshi, for the protection of those he cares about; Yukimura, for justice; Kawaguchi, for truth. I don't know what I would be willing to die for yet. I just know that today, I have to fight."

Motou Makoto, "Then make it back in one piece, else I won't forgive you."

***Elsewhere***

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "I guess it's my turn. I am Tsukuda Tsuyoshi."

Captain Ragunaroku, "Why should I bother learning your name?"

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi, "Because I'm not only going to survive, I'm going to defeat you and become the Captain of Taiyou Squad myself."

Captain Ragunaroku laughed and then charged Tsuyoshi. Tsuyoshi narrowly dodged this attack and the next several attacks while studying his opponent's fighting abilities. When he finally found an opening, Tsuyoshi charged his opponent. This offense quickly became a defense when Captain Ragunaroku flash-stepped behind Tsuyoshi. The impact of Ragunaroku's blow destroyed half the bones in Tsuyoshi's body. Captain Ragunaroku pointed his zanpakuto at the paralyzed figure. Black reiatsu began swirling slowly into a ball at the tip of zanpakuto.

Tsukuda Tsuyoshi: So this is the Black Flame Cannon? His second blow. I should have known that I wouldn't survive. I am sorry my friends I could not protect you (closing his eyes). Wait, is that…

Familiar voice, "Smile against the sun and stars, Kasai Ou no Kishu."

Haru Kaien shot a fireball into the hand of Captain Ragunaroku.

Captain Ragunaroku, "Kasai Ou no Kishu? It has been six centuries since I last battled this zanpakuto. A previous owner and the Kenpachi were the only ones who ever survived the Black Flame Cannon."

Haru Kaien, "Well, I guess that increases my chances."

Captain Ragunaroku, "We'll see (releasing his spiritual pressure)."

Haru Kaien: Shit! I can't move! Fuck, he's using the Black Flame Cannon.

Kasai Ou no Kishu, "What a fine mess you got us in."

Haru Kaien, "My inner world? This is convenient."

Kasai Ou no Kishu, "Convenient? Look at the sky! The four headed dragon spews its black venom upon this world and is burning your soul into nonexistence."

Haru Kaien, "So how are we going to defeat them?"

Kasai Ou no Kishu, "Defeat them? All I shall do is wish you luck. I haven't the power to challenge this opponent. I have chosen to survive and survival means surrendering to their awesome power."

Haru Kaien, "What? You're going to abandon me!"

Kasai Ou no Kishu, "(hurling a katana towards Kaien and floating into the heavens) This is your fight Kaien. If you desire my help, then make their strength your own."

The four heads of the dragon surrounded Kaien.

Four-headed Dragon, "Surrender and the Black Flame shall give you a quick death. Fight and the Black Flame shall devour your soul with deliberate slothfulness."

Haru Kaien: I am sorry Makoto. We both knew that it was a promise I couldn't keep. I do desire to live, but I have too much pride to bow down to anyone. Here it comes…Amazing. Even now when I can feel the Black Flame consuming me, I still cannot submit.

Four-Headed Dragon, "Why is he taking so long to die? Perhaps he is just that strong, it may take the Black Flame time consume all of his spiritual pressure."

Haru Kaien, "I am just admiring the farewell poem the Black Flame is telling me."

Four-Headed Dragon, "(nervously) Did he say poem?"

***Soul Society***

Captain Ragunaroku, "six hundred years and this is the level he is at? What a disappointment (walking away)."

Haru Kaien, "The strength of my sword reveal (reconstituting within the Black Flame), the energy of my emotions feel (spiritual pressure increasing exponentially), the malice of my mind conceal, the corruption of my core heal (black reiatsu begins swirling slowly into a ball as Haru Kaien points at Captain Ragunaroku), until these reveries be real, burn Black Flame Cannon!"

Captain Ragunaroku held up his sword to defend himself from the destructive power of his own attack. When he noticed that the Black Flame Cannon was absorbing his zanpakuto, he passionately pushed himself out of the range of the attack. It was only when the captain noticed that his zanpakuto had been melted down to its hilt that he realized the fight was over.

Captain Ragunaroku, "I've been defeated. (turning around and walking away) I'll return in two months time, lieutenant."

Haru Kaien picked up his wounded friend and returned to the Academy. Captain Yamamoto awaited them at the gates.

Captain Yamamoto, "Finally, there is some good news. You have made it easier for the Guard Squads to defend Soul Society Haru and saved the life of your friend Tsukuda. Unfortunately, I have received no other good news today. Captain Kawaguchi no longer has the ability to see the future. To make matters worse, the assassin Akio Himura confronted and killed the Captain of the Gatsu Clan. Such an assassination is unprecedented. From this point on, bringing Akio Himura to justice shall be the top priority of the Guard Squads."