The Substitute Shinigami
A/N: The battle continues as the Soul Society slowly beats the stronger shadow monsters. However, the tide turns when reinforcements for the shadow monsters arrive. Can the Soul Society hold on or will Balder have the last laugh?
Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to the Bleach.
*SC* = Scene Change
"Talking"
'Thoughts'
Chapter 21: Outnumbered
The shinigami and shadow monsters continue their battles. Numerous shinigami have fallen, but they refuse to retreat. If they fail now, then they will never succeed in the future. Their responsibilities are to protect the souls of the humans throughout the world. Yumichika slays a lion shadow monsters only for two more to replace it.
"How many of these creatures are there?" questioned Yumichika.
An eagle monster strikes Yumichika in the head before he has the chance to counter. The shinigami lands on the ground as the eagle flies around and begins to head towards the shinigami. Suddenly, a fireball hits the shadow monster killing it instantly. Yumichika looks towards the source of the attack and sees Momo nodding her head towards Yumichika as she fires another fireball towards a rhino shadow monster. Meanwhile, Izuru and Yachiru fight together as they overcome a few of the shadow monsters. However, a sudden shake of the earth causes them to stop.
"What's was that?" asked Izuru.
Yachiru looks around and notices a few trees falling down. Something big must be heading their way. She also notices other shinigami recognizing the issue at hand. Suddenly, three giant lizard monsters appear and charge at the shinigami.
"The only things I saw bigger than those creatures are the Menos," stated Izuru.
The giant lizards begin rampaging through the shinigami forces. This forces the shinigami to retreat. A giant metal ball slams into one of the lizards. Marechiyo appears with his zanpakuto as he begins to bark orders to regroup. Suddenly, Chojiro arrives striking one of the lizards in the eye. He jumps away as more shinigami arrive. Both Hisagi and Iba watch as three more captains arrive to aid the shinigami.
"It's a good thing we got here on time," said Kyoraku with Ukitake and Unohana.
The last set of reinforcements arrives for the Soul Society as the three captains lead the charge. However, as they charge towards the shadow monsters, a large shadow snake appears from the ground catching the shinigami off guard.
"These creatures just keep coming," said Kyoraku.
"Unohana, I think it is best for you to help heal our wounded," said Ukitake.
"All right," replied Unohana as she falls back.
"Are you ready Shunsui?" asked Ukitake.
"Of course," replied the captain.
*SC*
Fire and Ice clash as the ice melts into the water and the flames disappear. Toshiro keeps his distance as he tries to overpower the red samurai. However, Redzomu does not give up and continues to combat the captain with full force. Toshiro begins to sweat as the heat from Redzomu begins to rise. Luckily, for the captain, the fire is not strong enough to cause the moisture in the air to disappear, but it is annoying that Toshiro is unable to get a strong enough hit on the red samurai. Flames erupt around Toshiro forcing the shinigami to jump away. However, during the process, the flames burn Toshiro's left forearm causing him to grunt in pain. At this point, Toshiro knows he has to use his full power. He was hoping to save up some of his strength, but at this rate, Redzomu will burn him alive.
"What's wrong ice boy?" questioned Redzomu as it charges at Toshiro.
"I will end this now," said Toshiro with a serious tone and expression.
"Bankai," said Toshiro.
Suddenly, the temperature in the area begins to drop as ice forms onto Toshiro. Ice wings appear on the shinigami's back as Toshiro aims his zanpakuto towards the red samurai.
"Daiguren Hyorinmaru," said Toshiro.
In a second, both fighters disappear with amazing speed. They clash exchanging numerous attacks. Redzomu rushes behind Toshiro and swings its sword, but the shinigami turns around and blocks the attack with ease. Toshiro counters with a swing of his zanpakuto. Numerous ice shards shoot from the sword as Redzomu summons a wall of flames causing the ice to melt the moment it makes contact. Once Redzomu stops the flames, it notices Toshiro gone. Toshiro appears behind Redzomu and attacks the shadow monster. Toshiro slashes Redzomu across the back as ice begins to form from the wound, but fire erupts around Redzomu's body melting the ice.
Redzomu raises its left hand and begins shooting fireballs towards Toshiro, who dodges the attacks. Suddenly, Redzomu appears to Toshiro's left side and strikes the shinigami sending him straight into a tree. The red samurai uses to chance to charge at Toshiro and swing its katana as it summons more flames around its body. Fire surrounds its blade as it clashes with Toshiro's ice blade. The two fight again unleashing numerous flames and ice shards.
"Stop blocking!" shouted Redzomu.
"I don't think so," replied Toshiro.
Suddenly, the two fighters disappear. However, they manage to keep up with each other's movements as they continue to clash again with their weapons. Redzomu spits fire from its mouth, which lands onto Toshiro's right shoulder causing fire to erupt. Toshiro jumps back as his ice causes the flames to die out. However, the moment he looks up, Redzomu appears in front of him and launches its katana forward piercing Toshiro in the heart.
"Goodbye ice boy," said Redzomu.
"Goodbye," replied Toshiro with a smirk.
Redzomu's eyes widen the moment Toshiro's body turns into ice and breaks apart. Suddenly, Redzomu feels sharp pain in its chest. It looks down and notices a blade piercing its heart. The red samurai turns its head around and notices Toshiro behind it.
"Zanhyo Ningyo is helpful when catching my opponents off guard," said Toshiro. "And this will finish you. Ryusenka."
Toshiro withdraws his zanpakuto as Redzomu's entre body turns to ice. Hitsugaya hits the ice causing it to shatter into a million pieces with Redzomu along with it.
*SC*
Ichigo and Orihime continue their battle with Silzomu. Orihime stays far enough to provide support as Ichigo and Silzomu continue to clash. Ichigo appears behind Silzomu surprising the silver knight. Ichigo swings his blade only for Silzomu to block it with a shield.
"I'm a knight, not a samurai," said Silzomu.
Ichigo grunts in annoyance. He is already using his bankai. He had preferred to use it against Balder, but in this case, the silver knight proved more of a challenge. Ichigo and Silzomu continue to exchange attacks as the silver knight pushes forward. Suddenly, a light beam strikes the silver knight from the back causing it to lose its balance. This allows Ichigo to strike the knight with his Getsuga Tensho. The silver knight slams into the cavern walls as an explosion occurs.
Kurosaki watches the section of impact closely, but the moment he turns towards Orihime, Silzomu rushes out towards the orange-haired man.
"Santen Kesshun!" shouted Orihime creating a shield for Ichigo.
Silzomu slams into the shield as Ichigo appears behind the knight.
"Getsuga Tensho!' shouted Ichigo unleashing his powerful attack on the knight.
Silzomu slams into the ground as its armor begins to fall apart. The silver knight turns around and summons a wall of ice. Suddenly, ice shards shoot out from the wall causing Ichigo to go on the defensive. Water gushes over the wall and slams into Ichigo. The water stops around Ichigo and begins to swallow him up. Ichigo tries to struggle from the grasp of the water, but he is unable to do so.
"Getsuga Tensho!" shouted Ichigo easily destroying the wall of water.
"Damn it!" exclaimed Silzomu. "How did he get so much stronger?"
"Koten Zanshun!" shouted Orihime.
Silzomu raises its shield to block Orihime's attack surprising the young woman. She did not think the monster's shield could block the attack. Silzomu appears in front of Orihime, who summons her shield in time to block the monster's attack. However, the silver knight launches a wave of attacks upon Orihime's shield causing numerous cracks to appear.
'I can't hold it,' thought Orihime as she lands on one knee.
Suddenly, Ichigo slams his entire body straight into Silzomu causing the knight to soar towards a cave wall. Kurosaki holds his right shoulder amazed that he does not feel the pain of smashing into metal.
Silzomu appears from the cloud of dust creating from its impact with the wall looking towards its two opponents. Both of them are annoying. Both of them have caused too many issues. Silzomu charges at Ichigo. Ichigo blocks the silver knight's sword and grabs the silver knight's wrist.
"Let go!" shouted the silver knight as the shadow monster tries to break free, but it is unable to do so.
"No," replied Ichigo as he holds onto the knight with little effort.
"How do you increase power so suddenly?" asked Silzomu.
"I am not even using my full power," said Ichigo. "Trust me; I am saving it for Balder. The bankai form you see before you is not my full strength. My new strength is a secret."
"Koten Zanshun!" shouted Orihime unleashing her attacking from behind Silzomu.
The silver knight tries to move, but Ichigo keeps the knight in place.
"Block this," said Ichigo as Orihime's attack slams into Silzomu's back.
Just as Silzomu feels the pressure of the orange-haired woman's attack, Ichigo jumps back and swings his zanpakuto forward.
"Getsuga Tensho!" shouted Ichigo.
Both attacks hit Silzomu with full force causing its armor to fall apart as the attack obliterates the silver knight. Ichigo exits his bankai mode to converse reiatsu as he and Orihime head deeper into the cave. However, before they have the chance to move forward, Golzomu appears and blocks the two from moving.
"You're not going anywhere," said Golzomu.
"I am your opponent, not them!" laughed Kenpachi.
Kenpachi's distraction allows Ichigo and Orihime to pass Golzomu and move forward.
"Ichigo," said Kenpachi. "You owe me a fight."
Ichigo groans as he continues running. Kenpachi and Golzomu continue to stare at each other. They have been fighting with pure sword skills. However, a single thought runs through both of their heads. It is time to take it up a notch. Both fighters stopped using kendo style fighting and resume to their single hand fighting styles. However, this only means it is time to fight at full power.
"How about we stop our warm-up?" asked Kenpachi.
"Fine with me," replied Golzomu.
Kenpachi reaches for his eye-patch, grabs it and pulls it off. The moment he removes the patch, his reiatsu soars to tremendous levels causing the entire area to shake. Kenpachi begins to laugh as his power continues to increase. Golzomu watches with amazement. However, the shadow monster stays firm as its own power begins to increase.
"I am the strongest shadow monster here for a reason," said Golzomu.
Suddenly, lightning and fire erupt from Golzomu's body striking the area uncontrollably. Golzomu slams its katana to the ground and lifts it a second later. A few more seconds pass as lava begins to erupt from the single hole.
"You might be strong, but I doubt your body will be able to handle lava," said Golzomu.
Golzomu's red eyes begin to glow as a powerful burst of energy shoots out from the gold knight's armor. The earth begins to shake from the raw power emitting from both fighters. Anybody on the surface can feel the powers from these two fighters. At this moment, a great fight is about to occur. In an instant, both fighters charge at each other with amazing speed. Less than a second later, they clash sending a powerful shockwave causing the cave ceiling to drop large chucks of earth. Kenpachi's zanpakuto clashes with Golzomu's katana. Their blades unleash scraping noises as they try to gain the upper hand in strength. However, both opponents refuse to let go. Golzomu jumps away as it raises its left hand launching a powerful wave of fire towards Kenpachi.
Kenpachi soars straight through the flames and swings his zanpakuto towards Golzomu. The gold knight blocks the attack creating another powerful shockwave. To Kenpachi's surprise, Golzomu manages to push the shinigami back with its own strength. During the process, Golzomu surrounds its left hand with lightning and slams its left fist straight into Kenpachi's stomach sending bolts of electricity through the shinigami's body.
To the shadow monster's surprise, Kenpachi continues to laugh as he slams his head straight into the shadow monster's helmet. The helmet breaks under the force of the attack sending the shadow monster soaring to the ground creating a small crater. Golzomu jumps back up with amazing speed stopping Kenpachi's sword swing just in time. Golzomu forces Kenpachi to back away again as the monster jumps back as well. The captain shinigami charges forward and begins launching a series of attacks. However, Golzomu is able to block every single strike with an equally powerful attack. Suddenly, Golzomu jumps back as it raises its left hand to touch its shoulder. Golzomu swings its arm forward confusing Kenpachi.
"Just wait for it," said Golzomu as the ground begins to crack open revealing numerous red glows.
Lava shoots out from the cracks and aim towards Kenpachi. The captain shinigami jumps away as the lava nearly hits him.
"You have me on my feet!" shouted Kenpachi with smirk
'He's seriously enjoying this too much,' thought Golzomu.
*SC*
Renji dodges an attack from Grezomu as the green samurai attempts to cut Renji's head off. Renji already released his shikai form trying to fight off the samurai. However, it has been a difficult fight. Every move Renji attempts, Grezomu manages to deflect with powerful winds. Grezomu appears in front of Renji striking the shinigami across the chest. Suddenly, a powerful wind occurs sending the shinigami soaring into a tree. Renji groans in pain and coughs a bit, as he slowly rises. He notices multiple cuts on his body and he never knew wind would hurt so much.
Grezomu charges at Renji as the shinigami swings his swords forward allowing it to stretch out. The green samurai dodges the attack and continues on its path towards Renji. Renji withdraws his zanpakuto and blocks the attack. Renji raises his left hand straight into the samurai's stomach.
"Hado #31, Shakkaho," said Renji creating a kido spell hitting the green samurai at direct range.
The kido spell sends the samurai soaring away from Renji. However, just as the samurai is about to hit the ground, it raises its left hand towards the shinigami and sends a blast of wind towards Renji. Renji rolls to the right to avoid the attack, but the ball of wind expands catching the shinigami off guard. The wind cuts through Renji's clothes causing him to bleed from his wounds. Renji lands on the ground in pain as Grezomu stands back up. The green samurai appears above Renji and swings it katana downward. Renji rolls out of the way again and immediately stands up. Pain shoots through his body as his wounds continue to throb, but Renji ignores it to his best efforts.
"All right, this is difficult," said Renji.
"You are no challenge," said Grezomu.
"Oh really?" questioned Renji. "You have not seen me at my best."
Grezomu begins to walk towards Renji with its katana pulled out.
"Bankai," said Renji.
A wave of wind erupts from Renji causing Grezomu to stop. Suddenly, a giant snake with red hair appears from the wind as Renji appears with a restored outfit.
"Hihio Zabimaru," said Renji.
Grezomu watches with a raised eyebrow. This is new to him.
"Let me show you my true strength," said Renji.
Renji launches his zanpakuto towards Grezomu forcing the green samurai to dodge the larger weapon. The red-haired man does not allow the green samurai to rest as he launches the zanpakuto again. The green samurai barely dodges the attacks as it tries to find an opening.
"Let's see your precious weapon take this!" shouted Grezomu as it raises its katana and swings it downward.
A powerful gust of winds occurs causing anyone in the area to fall down. The wind slams straight into Hihio Zabimaru causing it to break into multiple pieces.
"Your weapon is gone!" shouted Grezomu.
The green samurai charges forward attacking Renji with unrelenting force. Renji does his best to dodge the attacks, but he receives a few wounds causing him to stagger. The red-haired shinigami jumps away to avoid further damage as he begins to smirk.
"What are you smirking about?" questioned Grezomu as he stares at Renji from afar.
"I am not as weak as you think I am," replied Renji.
Grezomu feels a disturbance and turns towards the sky only to find the pieces of Renji's zanpakuto shoot down towards Grezomu. The green samurai prepares itself to fight against the pieces as it begins to deflect. Grezomu deflect the segments using its wind techniques and the katana, but a few successfully injure the green samurai despite its armor.
"You took your eyes off me," said Renji causing the green samurai to turn around.
However, the moment it turns around the snake opens its mouth at directly in front of Grezomu.
"Hikotsu Taiho," said Renji unleashing a powerful beam of spiritual energy.
Unable to escape, Grezomu takes the full force of the attack killing it instantly.
Renji lands on one knee trying to catch his breath. He used up a great amount of his power to finish the fight. Unfortunately, the battle is not over. However, he looks around only to notice an increase of the weaker shadow monsters. He knows the shinigami are outnumbered, but he can only hope his allies prevail.
*SC*
Byakuya and Whizomu continue to stare at each other. They have fought back and forth for a while, but neither seems to be making any progress in the fight.
"I thought you were trying to kill me," said Whizomu.
"I can say the same about you," replied Byakuya. "If you want a real fight, then I will show you how inferior you are."
Byakuya raises his zanpakuto to the front. He closes his eyes as he releases his zanpakuto.
"Scatter Senbonzakura," said Byakuya.
Byakuya's zanpakuto begins to turn into millions of pieces, which happen to look like cherry blossom petals. Whizomu seems unfazed by the shinigami's zanpakuto as it tightens its grip on its katana. Whizomu begins to glow a bright white color causing Byakuya to narrow his eyes.
"Light, but you are a being of darkness," said Byakuya.
"No," replied Whizomu. "The power of light is not the same as the element of light. I must use the power of darkness to infuse my powers, but the element of light is free game."
A shield of light surrounds Whizomu as the samurai walks towards the captain shinigami. Byakuya sends his zanpakuto straight towards Whizomu. However, the moment his blossom weapon strikes the shield, it bounces off it. Byakuya narrows his eyes as Whizomu remains in the same spot. He swings his hilt back calling back the thousand small blades. The white samurai raises its right arm as the shield of light begins to morph. Suddenly, multiple beams of light shoot out from the shield as Whizomu waves its arm and hand around causing the beam of light to shoot towards Byakuya. Byakuya moves his hilt forwards causing his zanpakuto pieces to move to the front of him blocking the light. However, Byakuya realizes the beam of lights change directions and attack him from the rear. Byakuya is unable to block the attack and chooses to dodge. However, the attack grazes Byakuya's left arm. He grunts a bit as he lands on the ground. The shinigami captain looks to his left arm. He did not expect to receive a hit. However, light is quiet fast.
"Do you really think you can outrun light?" questioned Whizomu. "I don't have to move and I can beat you."
Byakuya returns his attention to Whizomu. This samurai has a powerful defense with a powerful offense. The shinigami captain turns his attention to the white samurai.
"All right, then I shall show you my offense and defense," said Byakuya. "Bankai."
Byakuya's zanpakuto enters the ground and disappears, causing Whizomu to raise an eyebrow. Why would he cause his weapon to go into the ground? The next event answers Whizomu's question as large swords form from the ground. The samurai's confused expression turns to surprise when the swords break into a far large version than Byakuya's shikai.
"Senbonzakura Kageyoshi," Byakuya.
Suddenly, the blossom shards rush towards Whizomu, who summons its beam of lights. The shards and beams clash creating massive explosions. Nearby shinigami and shadow monsters begin to move away from the area to avoid death by the hands of these two fighters. A few of the light beams pass through Byakuya's offense and aim at the shinigami himself. Fortunately, Byakuya is able to use more of his blossom shards to block the attacks.
Whizomu narrows its eyes. The amount increase in shards is far greater than it thought. It will have to use stronger attacks if it wants to beat the shinigami. The samurai raises both of its hands with his katana still sheathed. Suddenly, more beam of lights shoot out from the shield and at a larger size.
Once again, Byakuya counters with his zanpakuto causing more explosions to occur as the two attacks collide. This time though, Byakuya manages to pierce Whizomu's defense causing the samurai's eyes to widen. Byakuya's bankai slams into Whizomu's shield causing the samurai to slide a few feet. Luckily, for the shadow monster, it manages to survive the attack. The shinigami captain realizes the situation. It looks like the samurai's shield has limits. However, if only he could manage to hit the shield with his full power. Suddenly, Byakuya feels a presence behind him. Whizomu stops as well, noticing the same person.
"Why are you here?" questioned Byakuya.
*SC*
"Collapse Sakanade," said Shinji as his zanpakuto changes with a large ring connecting his to zanpakuto.
"Just a ring?" questioned Blaczomu as it lands a few feet from Shinji.
Shinji smirks as he points his zanpakuto towards Blackzomu.
"Don't expect to win," said Shinji.
Blaczomu charges at Shinji with his katana in its right hand. It has already enough time fighting against the shinigami. Blaczomu clashes with Shinji as the two fighters exchange a wave of attacks, but neither are able to gain the upper hand as the shinigami jumps back.
"Hmm, I'm afraid I will not waste any more time," said Shinji.
Shinji begins to twirl his zanpakuto causing Blaczomu to raise an eyebrow. What could the shinigami possibly be doing?
"All right, let's see if you are a good fighter," said Shinji.
The shinigami captain charges at Blaczomu, who enters a defensive position. The samurai feels pain shoot through its left shoulder. It stares at the wound wondering what just happened. Shinji charges at Blaczomu again causing the black samurai to prepare for the attack only for it to receive another wound on his right leg. Once again, the samurai tries to wonder how the shinigami constantly hits it. At that moment, it becomes clear to it.
"You've disrupted my senses," said Blaczomu.
"Yes I have," replied Shinji. "At least your senses of what is up and down or left and right. Your eyes will deceive you."
"So you think you won," said Blaczomu. "I am the fourth strongest shadow monster here. Only three surpass me including Whizomu."
Blaczomu raises its left hand as a dark cloud begins to form from it. Suddenly, the cloud erupts from the shadow monster's hand begins to surround Blaczomu. The shadow shoots towards Shinji, but it misses.
"Just to let you know, if you shoot aimlessly, then I doubt you will hit anything," said Shinji.
"You've affected my eyesight," said Blaczomu. "But, I am a master of the shadows, which fits my species. I don't need my eyesight."
Shinji narrows his eyes as the shadow monster closes its eyes. The dark clouds surround the shadow monsters causing it to disappear under the clouds. Shinji stays in the same spot as the clouds begin to expand across the area around the two fighters. Shinji decides it is best to move around. He starts running, but the moment he does, a katana appears from the dark clouds slashes him. Shinji grunts in pain as another katana blade slashes him across the back.
The shinigami captain jumps back as he tries to concentrate. He did not expect the shadow monster to counter his attacks. Blaczomu appears again as Shinji manages to block the attack. The clashing of the swords sounds through the area. Shinji swings his zanpakuto forward as his feet make noises on the dirt ground. Suddenly, the entire ground beneath Shinji goes black as the shinigami jumps back. The shadow spikes erupt from the group as the dark clouds begin to cloud Shinji's vision.
"I don't even have to fight," said Blaczomu through the clouds. "I will let my element do the fighting."
'This is harder than I thought,' pondered Shinji as he tries to avoid the shadows.
"What the…," started Blaczomu as he appears from the dark clouds and slams into the ground.
Shinji looks up and notices two figures standing next to him.
"Um, I assume this is a good thing," said Shinji.
*SC*
"This is not going well," said Rukia as she tries to avoid a huge stream of water.
"Captain Kyoraku made this monster seem easy to take on," said Rangiku as she shares Rukia's frustration.
"What's wrong?" questioned Bluzomu as the shadow monster continues to use its water techniques.
"That's it," said a frustrated Rukia as she turns around to face Bluzomu. "Dance Sode no Shirayuki."
Rukia's zanpakuto transforms to white as a white ribbon forms from the hilt. She points the zanpakuto forward after the transform and stares at the blue samurai.
"Your water will not defeat me," said Rukia.
"We'll see," said Bluzomu as the shadow monster creates a wall of water. "Take this!'
Bluzomu sends the wall of water towards Rukia, who prepares to fight against the water.
"Tsugi no mai, Hakuren," said Rukia.
Rukia punctures the ground before her four times. The female shinigami sends a wave of ice towards the wall of water as it starts to freeze the wall. However, Rukia's eyes begin to widen as her ice begins to melt.
"What happened?" questioned Rukia.
"Run Rukia!" shouted Rangiku. "That water is at a boiling point!"
"Damn it," said Rukia as she jumps away as the water breaks through the ice.
Rukia tries to run, but Bluzomu keeps the water on her trail. At this rate, she knows it will be difficult to escape.
"You're mine!" shouted Bluzomu.
A few seconds later, a cloud of ash begins to surround Bluzomu.
"What the…," started Bluzomu as the monster begins to feel sharp pain. "I have to get out of here."
Bluzomu manages to escape the field of ash, but it has multiple scars on its armor. The blue samurai grunts in annoyance. These two women are so weak, yet they keep avoiding its attacks.
"I will finish you off!" shouted Bluzomu.
Rangiku moves her hilt again causing the ash to head towards Bluzomu. The blue samurai moves its left hand causing another wall of water. Rangiku withdraws her ash to avoid it getting wet.
"That will not help you!" shouted Bluzomu unleashing its water towards the ash.
Suddenly, his water begins to freeze, but the water samurai causes it to boil again. Rangiku appears behind Bluzomu with her zanpakuto solid again.
"What?" questioned a surprised Bluzomu.
Rangiku cuts Bluzomu across the back as the samurai falls forward. Rukia appears in front of Bluzomu as she swings her zanpakuto from one side to another with it facing downward.
"Some no mai, Tsukishiro," said Rukia as the area around Bluzomu begins to freeze.
As the temperature decreases, Bluzomu realizes the issue at hand. Rukia and Rangiku watch from afar as a pillar forms from the ground and up.
"Did you get him?" asked Rangiku.
"No," replied Rukia.
Rukia turns to her right with Rangiku following her. Bluzomu stares at the two women as it rolls its left shoulder.
"You almost had me," said Bluzomu. "But, you will not come that close again."
"This is not going well," said Rangiku.
"I know," replied Rukia. "By the way, isn't that what I said earlier?"
"Yeah," said Rangiku with a small smile.
However, both women lose any smiles as they can feel their reiatsu becoming low. They have used up a lot of power with their attacks. If they do not finish this fight soon, they will not survive the day.
"Now both of you will die here!" shouted Bluzomu only for a foot to land on the shadow monster's face sending it soaring across the battlefield.
Rukia and Rangiku's eyes widen as they see the person standing in front of them.
"Why?" questioned the two shinigamis.
*SC*
"Bakudo #9, Horin,' said Rojuro as he launches an orange tendril upon the yellow samurai.
Rojuro successfully captures the samurai and it down to the ground.
"I have you trapped," stated Rojuro. "It is over."
Yelzomu stares at its captor. However, it simply smirks as lightning begins to form around the samurai.
"Are you sure?" asked Yelzomu.
"You cannot shock me through the kido spell. It is made of reiryoku," said Rojuro.
"Who said I had to have direct connection," said Yelzomu. "You should know lightning can strike anywhere."
Yelzomu shoots out lightning causing Rojuro to release his hold on the samurai and begin to dodge the lightning strikes. As the shinigami captain attempts to strike Yelzomu, the yellow samurai summons lightning before it to stop the shinigami's advancements. Rojuro jumps away to avoid the strikes, but the yellow samurai continue launch attack after attack forcing the yellow-haired man to keep his distance.
"Play Kinshara," said Rojuro as his zanpakuto changes into a long gold whip with a flower tip.
Yelzomu unleashes a wave of lightning towards the shinigami captain, who manages to avoid the attack. Rojuro swings his zanpakuto forward as the yellow samurai dodges the attack. In an instant, the yellow samurai appears in above Rojuro sending a wave of lightning attacks against the shinigami.
Rojuro launches a kido spell towards the ground causing an explosion and a cloud of dust. Yelzomu launches lighting strikes into the dust cloud hoping to hit the captain shinigami only to hear nothing but explosions and no death cry.
"I might have hit his head," said Yelzomu.
"Nope," said Rojuro as he swings his zanpakuto.
Yelzomu turns around only for the zanpakuto to hit its chest plate.
"Kinshara Sokyoku Dai Juichiban: Izayoi Bara," said Rojuro as he taps the whip.
The whip begins to glow as Yelzomu's eyes widen. A few seconds later, a large shockwave occurs causing a massive explosion destroying the area nearby. Luckily, for Rojuro, there are only a few shinigami in the area, but he had hoped to eliminate a few of the shadow monsters. He can still hear the battle in the distance, but decides to concentrate on his current opponent, if the shadow monster is still alive.
"Whew, way too close," said Yelzomu as it appears again.
The shadow monster's chest plate is missing a large chuck. It seems like Yelzomu destroyed his own armor to escape the explosion. Rojuro stares at the shadow monster with an annoyed look. He did not expect it to survive, but it does not matter. He will have to deal with it soon. Suddenly, Yelzomu appears in front of Rojuro and launches a series of attack against the shinigami captain, who manages to dodge most of the attacks. However, the yellow samurai manages to hit Rojuro across the left arm. The shinigami captain jumps back as he launches another kido spell.
"Hado #54 Haien!" shouted Rojuro launching purple blast of spiritual energy.
The attack strikes Yelzomu in the chest causing an explosion. The yellow samurai slams into the ground as it tries to stand up, but pain shoots through its chest. It looks at its chest and notices green blood coming out of its chest. It also realizes its katana is no longer in its hands. Rojuro charges at Yelzomu to finish the shadow monster, but the yellow samurai refuses to die. It raises its arm forward and then shoots off two lightning strikes towards the sky. Rojuro stops his advance as multiple lightning bolts strikes the ground around Rojuro. Each lightning strike comes closer to Rojuro, who begins to dodge the attacks to the best of his abilities. Yelzomu sits up with pain shooting through its chest. It stares at Rojuro as it launches numerous lightning strikes. Suddenly, six spiritual bands connect to Yelzomu's body causing the shadow monster to cease moving.
"What is this?" questioned Yelzomu as it tries to move.
Suddenly, the yellow samurai feels something land on its head.
"That was Bakudo #61," explained Rojuro. "And this is your end. Kinshara Sokyoku Dai Juichiban: Izayoi Bara."
A massive explosion occurs ending the yellow samurai. Rojuro sighs as he notices other shadow monsters begin to surround him. He looks around and notices a few shinigami.
"This is only getting worse," said Rojuro.
*SC*
Uryu and Chad continue their fight alongside the shinigami. However, they begin to feel the strain of the hour-long battle. The amount of shadow monsters has them cornered. Sado slams his fist into a lion shadow monster. Uryu unleashes a volley of arrows hitting numerous shadow monsters, but to Uryu's shock, a group of shadow monsters manages to dodge a few of the arrows and continue to charge at Uryu. Fortunately, a few shinigami intervene and battle against the shadow monsters.
"Hold them!" shouted a shinigami.
As best as the shinigami try to hold off the shadow monsters, the sheer numbers of the dark creatures continue to overrun the shinigami.
'There is at least a ten to one ratio with the shadow monsters having the advantage,' thought Uryu as he aids the shinigami from the distance. 'At this rate, our side will suffer a lot more casualties.'
The shadow monsters break through the shinigami line as the shinigami suffer more death. Suddenly, a wave of explosions occurs at the shadow monster line causing the shinigami to wonder what it is happening. Uryu turns around as his eyes widen.
"Ishida," said Sado as he too turns around.
"Whose side are you on?" questioned Uryu looking at familiar creatures.
"We have to avenge our loss by defeating those monsters. Our ruler has stated to aid shinigami," said the creature as it steps forward. "All hollows attack!"
*SC*
A/N: This is the end of chapter twenty-one. This took me so long to complete. It was at least four days. I felt like I slowed down a bit, but I managed to complete it. In addition, I slowed down trying to understand Shinji's ability. I tried my best to understand how Shinji affected his opponents. Based on what I found, it is through eyesight. If it is something else that causes the affects, then I missed it. Anyhow, I want to thank everyone for reading my chapter and please review.