:Warnings; Violence, strong language and hints of gore:
:Final Chapter:
The rays of the afternoon sun gleamed off the jagged blade of Nozarashi as Kenpachi Zaraki walked past the thick white walls of the Seireitei. Kenpachi scanned the area, seeing the surprised faces of the lower level officers as he walked forward. Kenpachi ignored the stares, the hushed whispers as he led his men back home; his intentions clear—it's time to take back the Soul Society!
Kenpachi watched as the surrounding officers all followed, for whatever reason, whether it be curiosity or a sense of obligation, Kenpachi noticed the mixed officers of many squads taking their positions around them, following as the men of squad 11 marched with their blades in hand, an outright challenge to those who claimed to be following within the law; Kenpachi understood now, he had been the pawn, the cause of a chain reaction that was intended to destroy the very world in which they lived.
"Fear leads to nothing but chaos, chaos creates conflict and conflict leads to destruction." Aizen had stated in the small enclosed space of trees only hours before; annoying Kenpachi with his way of speaking.
Kenpachi paused as he reached the front of the squad 1 barracks, his green eyes narrowing, seeing that the newly appointed head captain had felt their arrival. Without a word Byakuya lowered his hand to the hilt of his Zanpakuto.
Byakuya watched as the captains who had been able to stand with him split apart; a move Byakuya had not been expecting as he witnessed both Isane Kotetsu and Tetsuzaemon Iba break protocol. Byakuya's gaze followed the two, his hand closing over the hilt of his Zanpakuto.
Isane stepped forward, meeting Kenpachi's gaze and with a nod of her head she turned her back to the North, now facing Byakuya Kuchiki as an enemy. Iba followed suit, turning and standing next to the former squad 11 lieutenant, once again ready to aid squad 11 in battle, this time; with his whole squad.
Soifon walked forward but turned her gaze to the left as she thought about her own options; she could follow her orders and fight, or for once, follow her own damn judgment!
Soifon stilled as she caught sight of another man joining the battle. Soifon's lips parted; her confusion growing as the man came in from the East wearing a tattered light green kimono; his honey brown eyes filled with what looked like amusement as he met her gaze briefly. Aizen spread his arms and smiled as if in mock welcome to the other captains present. Some had not been able to stand due to injury; like Kensei Muguruma.
Kenpachi turned his head to the West, grinning as another figure emerged, this one hooded and hidden beneath the shadow, the only thing giving him away were his golden eyes peeking from under the tattered cloak he still wore.
In an instant, the captain's formation broke once more behind Byakuya as Shinji Hirako and Rojuro Otoribashi stepped forward, both captains positioning themselves to corner Aizen as they watched the Immortal walk forward.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi let out a snort before pulling the hood back from his head, his blue hair gleaming in the sunlight, his skin peach and healthy looking as his golden eyes narrowed, meeting Byakuya Kuchiki's gaze head on as he made his way closer to Zaraki.
Byakuya scowled at the squad 12 captain, seeing now that the threat had grown from being just Kenpachi Zaraki—It would seem now I have to deal with all three…
Byakuya Kuchiki lifted his hand, pulling Senbonzakura from its sheath.
"Very well…" Byakuya muttered, accepting the challenge he could see coming from the eyes of the three men who stood before him.
"Scatter, Senbonzakura!" Byakuya commanded; sending the signal to all of the lower level officers in wait that war had been proclaimed.
In a rush, the men behind Kenpachi all fanned out; preparing to take on the hordes of approaching lower level officers from other squads. Iba's men marched forward, giving squad 11 their backs as they followed their captain's earlier warning, already knowing Iba's reasoning behind what looked like betrayal. The members of squad 11 allowed it, accepting the squad 9 officers as comrades in their time of war.
Kenpachi Zaraki rushed forward just as Byakuya's pink flower like blades danced upon the air, heading straight for him. Isane and Iba moved back, positioning themselves for the possibility of attack. It seemed the remaining captains; Soifon, Lisa and Rukia had become hesitant in the moment, not knowing which side was the right one to take.
"Brother…" Rukia called out to Byakuya, even though she knew it was in vain. Rukia now felt trapped between her husband and her brother, knowing that Renji had already aided the members of squad 11 previously.
Aizen shifted his attention to the two captain's staring him down. Shinji narrowed his gaze as he walked forward, once again faced with the man who had made him an outcast for over one hundred years.
"Collapse, Sakanade!" Shinji commanded his Shikai.
"Are you sure that is a wise decision?" Aizen smiled as he moved himself forward, already seeing the effects of Shinji's Shikai, the world turning on its axis, trying to confuse the Immortal man.
"Play, Kinshara!" Rose commanded his Shikai forward, not leaving Shinji to fight alone.
Rose commanded the golden wire like whip forward. Aizen lifted his hand, grasping the golden flower at the end of Rose's whip.
"You really think this will be enough to damage me?" Aizen taunted as he pushed his spiritual pressure forward; knowing that the direction of the attack would be distorted by Shinji's Shikai ability. Rose didn't pause; lifting his hand he strummed the golden wire as if it were a guitar string, sending the shockwave of reverberating sound down on Aizen.
Aizen met Rose's gaze and smiled before he pushed his spiritual pressure against the shockwave, sending both Rose's attack and his counter move forward, tossing the squad 3 captain backwards. Rose let out a sound of alarm as he felt himself being lifted from the ground off his feet. A deep grunt sounded from the squad 3 captain's chest as he landed hard on the dirt pathway.
Shinji let out a curse as Aizen lifted his right hand and captured the blade of Shinji's Zanpakuto in his palm, evading the squad 5 captain's attack effortlessly. Aizen used the grip on the blade to haul the squad 5 captain from his feet.
"Snap! Tobiume!"
A searing blast of what felt like exploding fire hit Aizen's left shoulder, searing through the tattered cloth of his borrowed kimono, an attack Aizen had not been anticipating. Aizen turned his gaze; meeting the pair of large deep brown eyes he knew would appear under a furrowed brow. Momo Hinamori stepped forward but kept her distance from Aizen as she joined her current captain in battle.
"I won't let you hurt him!" Momo yelled at Aizen.
Sosuke tilted his head, his lips lifting softy as he looked upon a face he has not seen in many years.
"You're looking well, Momo." Aizen complimented her.
Momo held her ground, lifting her Zanpakuto high in the air with a backhanded motion she flung another of her impressive fire balls directly at her target. Momo's lips parted as she witnessed her former captain take the punishing blow head on, allowing the left side of his face to singe, the flesh blistering and melting down to the sickening white of bone.
Momo gasped as Aizen smiled down at her, the flesh on the left side of his face already regenerating, sending a chill down the squad 5 lieutenant's spine.
Kenpachi grinned wide as he walked forward, raising Nozarashi in his hand. Byakuya singled him out, deciding to take the former squad 11 captain out first, then he would deal with the Immortal.
Kenpachi swung both of his arms out throwing his head back, a roll of manic laughter escaped Kenpachi's chest as he took the first wave of pink blades head on, allowing them to tear across his chest, his arms and even his back. Byakuya narrowed his gaze at the beast in front of him, recognizing the excitement of a man consumed by battle.
Kenpachi lowered his head as he pulled his spiritual pressure forward a wave of yellow-gold light surrounding his immense frame, the sheer force of his power now deflecting the deadly petal like blades of Byakuya Kuchiki's Shikai.
With the lift of his right arm Kenpachi rushed at the 'head captain.' Byakuya pivoted his body swiftly, lifting his sword arm in a defensive motion, the mass of pink blades coming together to block the jagged blade of Nozarashi just in time.
Byakuya felt his feet sink into the sand below him as Kenpachi knocked him down into the ground, the force behind the former squad 11 captain's swing tremendous. Kenpachi leaned his frame forward, a sinister smile that resembled a sneer looming over Byakuya's face.
"What's the matter Kuchiki, shouldn't I be in pieces by now?" Kenpachi taunted the man before lifting his blade for another strike; Byakuya allowed his sword to solidify, the smooth gleaming silver's edge of Senbonzakura sending sparks across Nozarashi's jagged front.
"We both know you're gonna have to do better than this!" Kenpachi chuckled as he leaned his tall frame into his next swing, jarring Byakuya's arm so hard the vibrations made the joints in his fingers and wrist ache in protest.
Mayuri Kurotsuchi used the distraction of the ongoing battles to tend to his own task, slipping away from the melee. It seemed that nobody had deemed him worthy of a one on one confrontation; but it was no matter—I'll leave the battle to the brute and Immortal while I tend to other more important matters.
Soifon lifted her gaze, watching as Mayuri Kurotsuchi decided to sneak off in the middle of the battle. Without pausing, Soifon tensed herself to flash step, intercepting the man heading in the direction of her squad's barracks. Mayuri stilled as the figure of the petite captain appeared in front of him, her dark grey glare peering up at him as she crossed her small arms in front of her chest.
"My, my. It would seem I am not as invisible as I had suspected. The implications of your body language tell me you do not intend to fight against me, if that is the case, it would be wise for you to move." Mayuri smiled.
"Where are you running off too?" Soifon demanded.
"Tch. What concern would it be of yours?" Mayuri countered, beginning to feel agitated with the woman.
"You're not heading in the direction of squad 12; I want to know what you're scheming!" Soifon retorted.
"My goodness…If you must know I plan to free my Lieutenant from the false arrest I am assuming he was subjected to. Now, if you wish to stop me from my endeavor, now would be the time." Mayuri answered as he side stepped the woman, pushing past Soifon's frivolous attempt at blocking him.
"It's not like you to take a side, what is it that you know, Mayuri Kurotsuchi!?" Soifon called out to his back.
Mayuri paused, not even bothering to turn his head before he answered her.
"That is where you are vastly mistaken, Captain Soifon. If that were true and I in fact did not take a side in past situations, many of you would not be breathing…" Mayuri countered before walking away.
Byakuya pushed forward, releasing his own spiritual pressure against Kenpachi. The two men stood, gazes locked on one another, trying to gauge the others next move. Byakuya pulled back, using flash step to put in enough distance between him and what seemed like an unstoppable force; understanding that he had to maintain his distance Byakuya raised the stakes.
"Bankai, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi!" Byakuya commanded as he faced the tip of his blade down and let go of the hilt.
Senbonzakura descended into what looked like a reflective pool of water before two rows of massive silver edged blades surrounded him on both sides only to burst into a countless number of pink razor sharp blades.
Kenpachi let out a roll of laughter as he watched Byakuya lift his right hand.
"Yeah! Come at with everything you've got, Kuchiki!" Kenpachi grinned as his chest heaved from the excitement, the raw rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins.
Kenpachi tilted his head as a swarm of pink blades danced along his chest like a majestic wave. Kenpachi flexed his muscles, griping the hilt of Nozarashi before he took off in a mad dash, a move that had been proven suicidal for lesser men. Byakuya moved both of his hands up in front of his body.
"Gokei, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi!" Byakuya commanded.
Byakuya watched as the number of his blades increased, forming that of what resembled a pink cloud overhead. Kenpachi raised his head and laughed. Byakuya allowed his eyes to narrow as the cloud of blades encased Kenpachi Zaraki from all directions.
Byakuya tilted his head, no longer able to hear the man's manic laughter due to the swarm, not sure if his intention to obliterate the man had been successful. Byakuya watched as his blades collapsed in on themselves. Byakuya flash stepped father away, awaiting the shockwave that normally followed his attack, but his steel grey gaze only widened as he witnessed Kenpachi's spiritual pressure surge.
An Imposing bright yellow-gold energy rising out from Kenpachi's frame, the silhouette of a giant skull appearing behind the man's shoulders giving him enough room to walk forward all the while looking at Byakuya. Kenpachi stalked forward, a mocking grin etched on 'the Kenpachi's' face as Byakuya's blades were forced out in all directions.
"Doesn't seem like that's gonna work!" Kenpachi challenged the man even further.
Kenpachi chuckled lowly as he watched the silent anger rise behind Byakuya's gaze. Kenpachi walked forward, lifting Nozarashi in his right hand, his grin spreading wide as he watched Byakuya narrow his gaze—come on, Kuchiki, show me what ya got, quit fuckin' around!
Byakuya inhaled a deep breath as understanding filled him; it had been many years since he had seen Kenpachi in battle; and it would seem he had underestimated the man's unsealed state—I now understand this will all have to end with one powerful blow.
"Senbonzakura Kageyoshi, Shukei Hakuteiken!" Byakuya commanded.
Kenpachi let out a growl of excitement as he watched Byakuya's blades condense in front of him, a powerful bright white light emanating from between his hands. The bright light spread out with momentous force, covering Byakuya completely for mere seconds before flanking out behind each shoulder into the sprouting of wings, a soft halo of white light atop his head.
Kenpachi's excitement intensified at the sight of Byakuya's power; the two men locked gazes and as if in unspoken communication, Kenpachi heard Byakuya speak through his gaze—we finish this, with one blow!
Kenpachi lifted his sword arm in preparation for the attack his spiritual pressure surging forward, waves of yellow-white light that couldn't be contained from Kenpachi's excitement; Kenpachi felt his blood pumping, his chest heaving; he didn't even regret not having the eye patch!
Kenpachi pushed his legs back, taking a charging stance; the two men faced one another like poised cats about to spring. Byakuya lunged his body forward, his steel gaze never leaving Kenpachi's green. Kenpachi kicked off the dirt with his bare feet, a howling growl of laughter erupting from his chest as they closed the distance between them. Kenpachi launched his sword arm forward, aiming directly for Byakuya's chest.
Byakuya seemed to take flight, gliding across the pathway, his blade poised high, intending to land a blow just as fatal—when it comes to the law; I must uphold it!
The two men collided, a mass of bright white light pushing against yellow-gold, the air kicked up around them, shockwaves of their spiritual pressure effecting the melee around them as many lower seated officers were knocked off their feet, the sound of the collision seemed to echo throughout the area, even causing Aizen to lift his gaze.
The dust settled; both energies seemed to flicker before subsiding. Kenpachi stood standing, even though the collision had made him skid across the dirt. Kenpachi coughed violently, blood spurting across his chest before he looked down, seeing the blade that had managed to pierce just under his heart.
Kenpachi let out a deep wheezing sound as he staggered back on his feet, looking down, Byakuya lay on his back in the dirt, his chest heaving; his steel grey gaze wide, his lips parted and covered in blood. Kenpachi lowered his gaze; he could still feel the hilt of Nozarashi in his grip. Kenpachi's reflexes had proven true; the 'head captain' had been defeated with one blow to the chest.
"Brother!" Rukia's scream could be heard in the distance. Kenpachi turned his body away from Byakuya lifting his hand he pulled Byakuya's sword from his chest and tossed it down on the pathway, leaving a thick splash of his own blood behind with the movement.
Renji and Rukia rushed past Kenpachi, going to their knees at Byakuya's side. Rukia reached her small hands out hovering over the wound inflicted by Kenpachi. Rukia and Renji both closed their eyes, willing the scene in front of them to disappear. Kenpachi's blade had caught the squad 6 captain just under his sternum and with tremendous force 'The Kenpachi' had managed to carve clean through the left side of Byakuya's torso.
Byakuya reached his hand up searching for Rukia's. Rukia clasped his hand in hers, her deep violet eyes filling with tears as she stared down at her brother. Kenpachi turned his gaze to the scene in front of him, it seemed the clash between the two captain's had caused a mass pause within the ongoing battle, everyone stopping to see who had been the victor. Kenpachi lifted his arm, hauling Nozarashi up onto his shoulder, the blade stained with the blood of Byakuya Kuchiki. Kenpachi turned his head meeting the defeated man's gaze one more time.
Shunsui Kyoraku lifted his head, his brow furrowing as the sound of the doors creaked open above him. Akon sat next to him; the room had gone silent the minute a tremendous force of spiritual pressure had arrived within the Seireitei.
It had taken Shunsui a matter of minutes to realize the immense power he had been sensing was a mixture of power, belonging to numerous men of different ranks, all amplified by the Immortal man Shunsui feared was behind the whole situation somehow—how did he do it? How would Aizen be able to manipulate someone while being locked up within the Muken?
Shunsui stilled as he heard the sound of footsteps descending the stairs, not sure of what he was about to see appear. Feeling a little anxious, Shunsui decided to stand, making Akon follow suit while the other prisoners stayed huddled down against the walls, the waves of spiritual pressure being tossed around on the surface too much for them. Shunsui tilted his head as his gaze caught sight of the new visitor and at first he thought he was the one being made to see things.
"I see they left you in the very place you feared you would end up regardless…" Mayuri commented with a smirk.
Shunsui let out a breath as he shook his head—so that's what he looks like under all that makeup…
"Captain Kurotsuchi!" Akon rushed forward his features looking almost apologetic.
"I'm sorry, Captain, I lost Nemuri, I…I don't know what happened to her!" Akon rambled.
Mayuri met his lieutenant's gaze, his smile fading as he pondered what to say to the man he had known since he himself was a child.
"Nemuri is safe and being looked after in another location by Izuru Kira." Mayuri stated.
"Kira?" both Shunsui and Akon repeated.
"Yes, it would seem there has been an event of sorts going on right under our very noses, something even I was not privy too. Needless to say, it would also appear that Izuru Kira feels a sense of gratitude to me even after all these years, he was more than willing to look after Nemuri." Mayuri answered.
"What are you talking about, Captain Kurotsuchi? What event?" Shunsui asked, his brow furrowing in confusion, wondering how something could have been going on without their notice.
Mayuri allowed his smile to return as he tilted his head meeting the head captain's gaze.
"All will be revealed in due time, come along, Akon. There is work that needs to be completed!" Mayuri ordered his lieutenant before turning on his heel and walking back to the steep staircase.
Shunsui shook his head as he followed the two squad 12 members up the steep staircase, thinking on his feet, Shunsui paused and turned, re-latching the door to the maggot's nest so that the other prisoners wouldn't be able to make an escape and cause an even bigger headache. Shunsui turned back, realizing he had just been left on his own by the other two men.
Isane Kotetsu paused, dropping her blade to her side, her gaze zeroing in on Kenpachi. The man stood with his sword raised, the winner of the battle! Isane turned her head and gasped at the sight.
"Captain Kuchiki!" Isane breathed before flash stepping forward next to Kenpachi—why did it have to come to this!? How much more blood must be spilled!?
Isane turned her head up, meeting Kenpachi's gaze; her own morality staring her in the face as she parted her lips to speak. Kenpachi cut her off before she could.
"Do what ya want, the battle's already been won!" Kenpachi grated before turning his attention in another direction.
Isane rushed forward, going to her knees next to Rukia, she lifted her hands, illuminating yellow-green light in her palms; Isane began to stabilize the squad 6 captain.
Momo Hinamori turned her attention back to Sosuke Aizen, not wanting to take her gaze off of the man that had caused her and many others a lot of pain in the past. Momo couldn't shake the feeling that somehow, Aizen was connected to the events that had been happening.
While it saddened Momo to see both Captain Kuchiki and Captain Zaraki fighting to the death before her, she also understood it was the way of both men, neither one of them would have seen reason, Byakuya bound by what he felt was his duty to uphold the law, and Kenpachi fighting for his innocence, something Momo knew was the truth; Captain Zaraki had been arrested under false pretenses.
"Fear is a very powerful tool." Aizen stated abruptly, seeming to be talking to himself in the middle of the battle.
"Shut up! Nobody wants to hear what you have to say!" Lisa Yadomaru chided.
Sosuke Aizen let out a low laugh as he dropped his gaze to Byakuya Kuchiki, seeing the man lying in the dirt, something the Immortal had already guessed would be the case when going up against a man like Zaraki.
"Nobody wants to hear what I have to say…I figured that would be the case; that is why I didn't feel the need to warn any of you…" Aizen spoke loud enough for his voice to carry out across the battle.
Kenpachi paused, turning his gaze to the man, already knowing what was about to be revealed.
"Warn us about what? What could you know that we don't!?" Shinji growled as he made it back to his feet, Rose not far behind him.
"That's a question I'd like to know the answer to myself!" Shunsui Kyoraku stated as he walked forward.
The sounds of gasps echoed across the pathways as the man seemed to appear out of nowhere, wearing a simple white kimono that labeled him as a prisoner.
"Bound by the laws of the soul society; an oath taken by each and every one of you to uphold. You follow blindly, without even questioning the orders that are given from the central 46." Aizen began, his voice carrying out beyond the whispers of lower seated officers.
When nobody spoke, Aizen continued.
"Fear is a powerful tool when used in the right way. I have taken the liberty of spending my days reaching out as far as my mind can carry me. I sensed something near. Something so faint not even those in close contact would have been able to recognize it; unless, you happened to come in contact with it previously." Aizen explained.
"You've got my attention…" Shunsui encouraged him as he stepped forward.
Aizen lifted his head, meeting the head captain's gaze.
"You yourself are a victim of such an emotion; you arrested Kenpachi Zaraki knowing he was innocent to any crimes within the laws of the soul society, and for what? The fear of being imprisoned yourself!" Aizen accused.
Shunsui let out a deep sigh as many more whispers sounded throughout the crowd of lower level soul reapers.
"I won't deny it…" Shunsui answered.
"You mean to tell me that you arrested an innocent man for that reason!?" Rukia yelled.
Shunsui allowed his head to turn, seeing the state of Byakuya Kuchiki, the look of pain within Rukia's eyes—more pain to add to that list…
"The more important question to ask yourself is why the central 46 issued the order to begin with, something I am sure many of you have been wondering…" Aizen spoke as he walked to stand in front of the crowd. The silence of the crowd let Aizen know they were hanging on his every word in turn, making the Immortal man smile.
"The building that houses the central 46 has a link connected to the soul palace, before the invasion of the Quincy it was that link that brought them their orders, the guidance of the soul king was what kept the worlds in balance, until one man absorbed him." Aizen stated.
"What are you getting at? We don't need a history lesson!" Shinji snapped.
Aizen turned his head, his eyes filling with apparent amusement.
"What would you say if I told you that link still existed today?" Aizen asked.
"Are you saying the central 46 is being influenced by someone from the soul palace?" Shunsui blurted.
Aizen smiled as he met Shunsui's gaze.
"You've always been a clever one, I didn't think it would take you long to understand." Aizen answered.
"There is nobody in the soul palace!" Lisa interjected.
Shunsui cleared his throat, indicating that the squad 8 captain was wrong in her assumptions.
Lisa turned her head to Shunsui, her lips parting as she realized she hadn't been given all of the information.
"The corpse of Yhwach is lying within the ruins of the soul palace." Aizen stated; causing a mass reaction to the name of the man that had caused so much havoc years before.
"Are you implying that he's still alive!?" Shinji retorted.
"Yhwach was defeated by Ichigo Kurosaki. The last of his energy being miraculously absorbed ten years after his defeat, but the tainted energy of the Soul King that Yhwach absorbed still remains." Aizen revealed.
"How long have you known about this?" Shunsui asked.
"I first noticed the energy around six months ago. On a whim, I figured it would be no issue, eventually I figured Captain Kurotsuchi or you would come to realize its presence. After all, who would be willing to take my word for it? " Aizen countered.
"I quickly realized my error the minute Kenpachi Zaraki was tossed alongside me within the Muken. You see, he was the key to the soul society's destruction." Aizen explained.
"Are you saying this part of the Soul King that remains is trying to destroy us? Why would it do that?" Lisa argued.
"Why wouldn't it? It's not the Soul King that once sat upon his throne; it's what is left of the fusion between him and Yhwach." Aizen stated.
"What better way to destroy the soul society then to use its strongest soul reaper?" Aizen asked.
"So that's what was behind the orders of the central 46, the fear, the paranoia regarding Captain Zaraki; this energy has been living among them for the past six months; creating a mental link with each one of them." Shunsui sighed.
"That would be correct!" Mayuri Kurotsuchi grinned seeming to appear out of nowhere; the tattered old cloak now cast aside, replaced with his captain's haori, making the man's still un-painted features seem to pop against the light of the sun.
"So what do we do about it?" Renji Abarai asked as he stood to his feet; now that it looked like his captain was going to pull through, thanks to Isane.
"The answer to that question is simple; we do unto them as they would have done to us; we place them under arrest!" Mayuri answered before turning on his heel. Kenpachi following close behind him, intending to make sure every member of the central 46 was taken care of, one way or another.
Kenpachi Zaraki stood under the rising sun, his face turned up towards the sky, listening to the birds chirp along the tops of the trees. It had been a week since the siege on the central 46 chamber had been put into action; each member of the central 46 who had once been held in high regard was now locked inside the maggots nest, no longer a threat.
Under the examination of Mayuri Kurotsuchi it had been confirmed that each member's mind had in fact been affected, coming in contact with some form of energy source—taking it into his own hands, Mayuri Kurotsuchi had figured out a way to destroy the source of the link, once again making the soul society a place of peace.
"Captain?" Ikkaku called out to Kenpachi.
Kenpachi turned his head, meeting his Lieutenant's gaze.
"It's time…" Ikkaku informed him.
Kenpachi nodded his head, turning on his heel him and Ikkaku walked down the pathway; just like before, no longer hunted men. Kenpachi squared his shoulders, his white Captain's haori once again proudly worn across his shoulders; his squad now reinstated.
The two men walked in silence, neither one of them wanting to bring up the past events of last week, in truth, Kenpachi had already accepted it and decided to no longer dwell on what couldn't be changed; he had proven himself worthy of the title "Kenpachi."
Ikkaku turned down the pathway, both men arriving at the squad 1 barracks. Ikkaku lifted his hand, knocking on the door. The door creaked open and Nanao Ise poked her head out, seeing that they had arrived for the captain's meeting.
Nanao allowed the door to open, stepping aside she let the two men walk past her before closing the door. Kenpachi and Ikkaku waited for her, allowing the woman to take the lead as she escorted them down the hallway in silence, something Kenpachi had noticed, nobody wanted to open their mouth around him anymore.
Kenpachi and Ikkaku walked inside the great hall and the room fell silent as Kenpachi took his place in line, Ikkaku standing behind him, which was customary when a Lieutenant accompanied their captain.
Rukia lifted her head, glancing up at the squad 11 Captain as he stood next to her allowing her lips to lift in what could only be taken as a sympathetic smile. The news of Kenpachi's ordeal had traveled fast once everyone had gotten wind of it; there wasn't an officer who didn't know the lengths Kenpachi had gone to free himself, to take back his legacy.
Kenpachi gave the woman a slight nod before turning his gaze forward, ignoring the looks he was being given by the others—Don't need anyone's pity, don't know why the fuck they're all lookin' at me like this…
Kenpachi allowed his gaze to wander, and ended up meeting a pair of steel grey eyes. Kenpachi focused his vision with the one green eye that was visible; now that he'd gotten his eye patch back. Kenpachi allowed his lips to lift in a slight smirk as Byakuya met his gaze head on and once again Kenpachi felt like they were having a moment of silent communication.
"You got the battle to the death you've always wanted, be grateful." Byakuya's gaze spoke to him.
"Now that we're all here, I guess we can get this started." Shunsui addressed the room.
"We've all come to an agreement on how we will be preceding from here on. All situations regarding the soul society and its safety will now be put to vote between the thirteen of us." Shunsui started.
"First order of business, what do we do with Sosuke Aizen?" Shunsui announced.
"He should be locked back up in the Muken." Lisa stated bitterly.
Kensei, Shinji and Rose all nodded their heads in agreement.
"Alright, that looks like four votes for against his freedom; anyone else agree with that?" Shunsui asked.
"I still don't think he can be trusted, my vote is No." Toshiro Hitsugaya answered.
Shunsui let out a sigh before he continued.
"I'll go down the line for the remaining votes, Captain Soifon?" Shunsui asked the squad 2 captain.
"I still don't trust him." Soifon answered.
"So that's a no?" Shunsui asked, his brow furrowing, wondering if this was going to end up a unanimous vote leaving him the only one willing to give the man another chance.
"I may not trust him, but that distrust is based on the actions of his past, based on his current actions, I will allow him one chance." Soifon answered, surprising the room with her answer.
"Alright then, Captain Kotetsu?"
"Yes." Isane answered quickly, not feeling the need to waste time with an explanation.
Shunsui continued, patiently going down the line of the officers hearing them out for their reasons behind their answer and to his surprise by the time he'd made it down to the squad 11 captain, He'd already gotten enough votes in favor.
"Captain Zaraki, what do you think about it?" Shunsui asked, even though he pretty much had his answer already.
Kenpachi lifted his head, meeting the man's gaze before he spoke.
"Could care less…" Kenpachi answered, meaning every word—the fuck do I care if Aizen is free or not, I'm the one who let him out…
"I agree. It's really not a matter of importance to me." Mayuri chimed in his own two cents, whether it was needed or not.
Rukia decided to stay silent, already knowing the vote had been passed in favor for allowing Sosuke Aizen to live within the squad 1 barracks under supervision, something he had already been doing for the past week.
"We have our results, you're all dismissed." Shunsui stated with a smile, knowing that those opposed to the outcome would not be happy with the verdict, but he also had hope that one day the others might come around, and if they didn't, under the new laws that had been put in place, it wasn't something that couldn't be discussed at a later time.
Kenpachi waited for the room to clear out, not in the mood to deal with much after the past week; he intended to let his Squad have a couple weeks off from training in order to readjust after having to fight against their own, something Kenpachi figured he would take advantage of as well. Kenpachi turned once Rukia left the lineup, leaving him and Shunsui alone in the room.
"Kenpachi?" Shunsui called out to him.
"Yeah?" Kenpachi answered as he and Ikkaku both paused.
"Care for a drink?" Shunsui offered, expecting the man to turn him down after all that had happened.
Kenpachi let out a chuckle as he turned to face the head captain. Shunsui met the man with a smile of his own as Kenpachi walked his way over to the man. Ikkaku following close behind, the squad 11 lieutenant still a bit pissed off at Shunsui, but Ikkaku figured if his captain was strong enough to be the bigger man, he would follow suit.
"As long as you're buyin'…" Kenpachi grinned.
-End-
Author's note: Well, there you have it! Thanks to everyone who took the time to read my little adventure, I hope it was worth the time. I had fun writing it. Thanks to Emin-Folly who gave me the inspiration for this concept. If for some reason I have angered anyone with my perceptions, sorry, but this is how I saw the events taking place.
