Author Notes: As to why I included Shaman King into this fanfic, its still based in the theory that Full-Bringers manipulate the Souls of objects. The objects in question, don't have to be conventional like watches or pendants. They could vehicles, bones and even the elements themselves.
As to why I included Hao in this, don't worry I'm including Yamamoto and Yhwach to make him flow better in the story. It also counts a semi-flashback chapter that continues to the next chapter.
Chapter 28: Onmyōdō
1000 years ago - Japan
(Shaman King Soundtrack: Tomo no Tasuke plays in the background)
Two leaders of their respective groups were fighting each other to the death, they had gone from where they originally started the battle and had landed in a section of Japan where a temple was located, one with emblems of five stars engraved on each pillar. The two landed in the center of the open courtyard in opposite positions as they faced each other.
The one on the left was a older man with red iris eyes, he had black hair on the sides of his head and was bald on top. The hair on the sides of his head lead into a top knot on top the back of his head. He had thick black eyebrows, a long, thick black mustache, a single large scar on his forehead, prominent wrinkles on his forehead and beneath his eyes, and shallow cheeks. He wore a black samurai uniform- that of those belonging to the Soul Reaper and Death God legions. He was wielding a weathered and severely burnt katana in both hands.
The one on the right was a tall, lean-built, and stoic middle-aged, reddish brown iris eyed man with pale skin, high cheekbones, a stubble mustache/beard, and shoulder-length ragged black, brown highlighted hair. His attire consisted of a white, double-breasted trench coat, which has a odd five pointed star symbol on the middle, with large buttoned cuffs and lapels, white trousers, and trench boots. Over this, he wore a tattered, ankle-length black cloak, which has a red ribbon near the neck and was fastened to the left with a single large button. He wielded an ornate Dadao, with a relatively long handle and a cross-guard shaped like a bird in his right hand and in his left, was a large broadsword made of pure blue energy with two protrusions jutting out diagonally on either side form the sword's cross-guard which, alongside the handle, formed a shape reminiscent of the pentagram insignia on his trench coat.
The two were in the middle of a brutal battle to the death due to their different views on how the world should be run. One for stability and the other for change. And neither could find a middle ground.
As the two were about to clash once again, a voice caught their attention and they stopped what they were doing to listen what he said because it was if he was reading what was in their hearts.
"You both have different opinions on how this world should be run in order to achieve peace or balance. You are both doing what you think is right in your thoughts How about I find a solution for you that you can come to an agreement on?," said a calm and peaceful voice of a man that was younger than both of them. The fellow stepped out from inside the temple to see who was out there.
He wore white, billowing robes and a large vertical black hat. The man was effeminate with long dark brown hair and similarly colored eyes. He seemed like he was in his mid 20s, yet his expression made it seem more ancient than he appeared.
Guessing from his garb, he's this temple's onmyōji., thought the man with two swords still raised.
Both...then he is also can see me as well. He has enough Spiritual Power to communicate with us., thought the man with weathered and burnt katana.
"Why don't you discuss it with me. I can provide the tea. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and Yhwach- though, I must say your YHWH style name is slightly pretentious- maybe Juha Bach instead.," he said politely to the two men with a joking tone. Yamamoto the older man's eyes widened as he was surprised that this priest knew his name. Yhwach middle aged man remained calm as the white garbed man with the tall hat sat on on the floor in a cross legged position.
(Shaman King Soundtrack: Haritsumeta Kuki plays in the background)
Yamamoto was hesitant to accept the offer that the onmyōji had made as was Yhwach. Something felt off about this man, he seemed to know more than he let on and his aura seemed to be more sinister than either of them had admittedly possessed within their own souls.
Both you said...It seems that you are able to see me as well- To able to see a Soul Reaper, he must possess a high level of Reiryoku or Spiritual Power, the ability to detect the Spiritual Realm without the 5 senses and to use your willpower in order to manifest it physically as abilities as well if one trained hard enough. It can also manifest as Reiatsu (Spiritual Pressure), a gauge of one's own power and utilize it as a powerful presence to force submission or surrender. If he is that aware, than it is wise to we leave now before he gets caught in the crossfire.,"said Yamamoto in a stern tone of seriousness as he rejected the offer. The onmyoji smiled back as a quiet response.
"Well, my people call it Furyoku/Mana, the measure of one's Sixth Sense they're born with Sir Yamamoto. It can manifest as the willpower of one's conventions. Everything has a certain amount of Furyoku that comes from the Great Spirit prior to birth to live out their existence, and upon their demise, that power returns to the planet, that is the Great Spirit's physical body in the Mortal Realm. During their lifetime, the way an individual lived their entire lives produces memories, which upon death is returned to the planet along with their Furyoku. These memories in turn give rise to more Furyoku, allowing the Great Spirit as a whole to grow, and the cycle of life to continue. One can improve Furyoku through near death or actual death in the possibility of being resurrected.," the man replied as if the threat did not concern him. His explanation seemed to be of a simple philosophy that seemed alien to Yamamoto's way of thinking- especially with the method of resurrection to gain more power.
I did not think the Soul King was capable of such things., the older man thought to himself. Yhwach on the other hand, had a more direct answer to the priest.
"You are mistaken in what you believe to an actual deity, it is merely an extension.," the dark haired, middle aged man told the Onmyōji, causing the latter to become shocked in the first time ever since he first appeared to them.
"What you call the Great Spirit is merely the Rei Chichue (Soul Father)'s Sonzai no Iki. (Breath of Existence) in effect and ignorant worshippers saw it as a deity onto itself and built a culture around it in North America. The Rei Chichue is a member of the Royal Family that is charge of creating purpose into matter - in all things once they are given form by the Mother. Once they have lived their existence, their existence is taken by the Death Gods into the Rei Yōji (Soul Infant)'s grasp so he can destroy its physical form so the Rei Hahaue (Soul Mother) can give birth to it again or resurrect a life that has not served its entire purpose. In the case of abnormal souls not belonging to any of the Six Realms, the Rei Aneue (Soul Sister) provides them a sub realm until the Rei Chicue can find a purpose for them in the next life. The Rei Aniue (Soul Brother) communes with the other realms to see what the next form of that particular existence should be located along the Six Realms of Rebirth.," said Yhwach in a calm, deep voice as if he was wanted to correct the man's way of thinking. The man became very curious as he listened to the dark haired man's explanation. Yamamoto was in a quiet sort of anger, he didn't like to hear about the other power that was opposite to the one he protected- they represented the opposite of what the Soul Society stood for.
"That's some surprising news. There's always some surprise when you read people-," said the man said with a slightly more opened eyed expression that tried to hide his excitement.
"Intentions with your Reishi (Reading of the Heart), the ability to read a person's heart in order to understand them...Hao Asakura, born Asaha Douji to a woman named Asanoha Douji, whose death was a product of human paranoia of death- the primal fear of dying at the hands of a monster, a demon. Wallowing in the hell of being accused of being a demon, you rose in society to become an onmyōji, a priest type of Shi no Tenshi who specialized in destroying Demons or rather Daemons in order to boost your status of your clan. But, you saw mankind just as demonic as Daemons and they were defiling the world. Now, you desire to enter a tournament to gain this "Great Spirit" so you can create a world of only those with enough Spiritual Power to be useful like you would have us do. You believe yourself to be the strongest and we're merely subordinates...even though compared to us, you are, but a insignificant man.," Yhwach interjected as he went into detail on the onmyōji's entire life to the latter's shock. Yamamoto looked to the side in disgust at what the multi-pupil eyed man was doing at this moment, using his powers to read the man's entire being.
(Bleach Soundtrack: Creeping Shadows plays in the background)
The onmyōji's eyes turned narrowed towards Yhwach, taking him more seriously than he did before. This man was even sharper than he had initially thought he'd be.
"You're right that I believe in my superiority- I could kill you both instantly. So are you looking for revenge for what I've done to those unnecessary humans if you did this much research on me-," Hao tried to compliment Yhwach before he took a better look at his eyes- they now had three pupils in both eye sockets.
What Hao was something outside of his range of knowledge, it was if it was this man was something more- terrifying than he could ever be- something not human. Then Yhwach opened his mouth to reveal something even more shocking to Hao.
"Your Reishi is nothing compared to my power, The Almighty. The eyes you look at with revulsion, are traces of my life back when I was in the heavens- they allow me to see everything that is to occur from the present into the infinite future- in fact, this meeting was in my mind from the moment I was conceived into the world in this current incarnation. I know everything-every possibility that lies within my gaze, countless futures like tiny pieces of sand in the wind and proceed accordingly to the knowledge gained to anticipate all of your actions and counter them. I can even transform that future to one that is more beneficial for me, even if I were to die- I would return unless stopped in a certain way. All powers become my ally and rendered forever unable to defeat me...if I desired- you would be dead instantly.," Yhwach calmly boasted to Hao as his Spiritual Pressure caused the temple to crack significantly with his presence alone. Hao was initially horrified at the implications, but then realized the likely weakness of the technique.
"What a scary ability...I think it'll work out somehow in the end. Besides, if you know every future, then I know in your heart is that you fear the unknown possibility. The fourth part of fate aside from the past, present and future. The opposite of absolute certainty.," Hao replied with a closed eyed smile in a serene tone, which got Yhwach to clench his fist in silent anger to what the onmyōji implied.
"...That optimism is similar to a man I knew when I was still the Reiō (Soul King)'s son before I was reborn as Yhwach.," the multi-pupil eyed man scoffed at Hao's suggestion with contempt. This made Yamamoto finally speak his mind to the two present.
"You dare to call yourself that after planning to murder him and intend to end the cycle of rebirth- for your world without the fear of death! You may think of this as paradise, but it as a paradise, but eventually it will be a hell of nihilism and insanity! Only through a cycle of order can the balance be secured!," Yamamoto raised his voice at Yhwach.
"You are merely satisfied with killing Hollows, putting their previous shells in your din so that you can have either die in poverty or live as potential fodder- repeating the cycle in the hopes that it'll one day improve. The only way to rid of Hollows and end human suffering is to remove the element of death itself- so that they will no longer have a need to Hollowify or kill each other for petty reasons.," Yhwach argued with a dark expression to Yamamoto.
This caused Hao to laugh, not in a cheerful laugh to their argument, but a sinister cackle as if his serene mask had come off and his true, dark nature that he had always been careful to hide.
He reopened his eyes, now with white iris pupils and a look of conceit at the two men before him.
(Shaman King Soundtrack: Unmei plays in the background)
"Hollows- so that's what you call special kind of Gaki with the white masks that occasionally appear...I see them sometimes being executed by Ghosts of Samurai in black garb- so that was your group then, Sir Yamamoto? And the white garbed group that shoot them with blue arrows- your group I assume Mr. Yhwach," Hao said with a calm, yet more condescending tone to the older man with the topknot.
Both men's eyes narrowed, he had been observing the Soul Reapers and Quincy that been executing Hollows likely in front of his temple while he quietly observed.
"You're both wrong. It's not that death is the problem- it's humanity itself, they're selfish, greedy, arrogant and self-absorbed beings that change the world in the way they see fit. Only a handful are actually aware enough to see their ignorant brethren's outcomes on the world- that in a thousand years or more...nothing will be left, but a barren wasteland devoid of life. You say balance, but it's destined that they'll end up destroying that system anyway like everything else they've come up with. So you need to wipe out all the unenlightened humans and keep the truly worthy- ones with the power to understand natural balance alive so they can bring the world back to its prosperous original form!," Hao counter-argued the both of them with his own egotistical views- his ambition to change the world.
Yamamoto gave an expression of shame and disgust towards Hao. Out of the three of them, this human seemed to be the most radical and easily having the most dangerous of the ideologies and could potentially destroy the system even more than Yhwach's own goals.
"It seems that you could become more of a threat to the Soul Reapers than this brat here if you act on your beliefs- you infant. I am not one to destroy a human in spite of your impure thoughts since it is against my duties. Go back in your temple, fester those thoughts until they consume once you become a Hollow once you die- likely to be destroyed by a Soul Reaper eventually. You are very likely to go to Hell when your mask is cut down if you plan on going forward with these childish dream of yours.," Yamamoto said with a stern glare as he glare with Spiritual Pressure intended to knock him out.
"So small.," replied Hao with a deeper voice as he somehow manifested his own Spiritual Pressure that forced the topknot man to his knees- not expecting Hao to be that much of a truly Spiritually gifted individual. Yhwach on the other hand was unaffected by the massive force- he had realized that if this man was so knowledgeable about the Spiritual Realm, then he was likely to powerful due to years of practice in honing his Spiritual Power in order to better understand the world.
Suddenly, Yamamoto was struck from the right side by an invisible force that he could not see, propelling him to the wall behind him. The force then pulled back to its original unseen position. True to his word, Yhwach's eyes looked at the second force that was then pushed back by a strong concussion force towards the wall where Hao was.
"It is your familiar, something other than a Hollow- a unique Ghost that is a Spirit embodying nature, nature of the elements, beasts or even emotions- yours is an Oni- its quite different from the images I see in temple.," he commented on the large demon that was invisible to Yamamoto for some reason, but visible to him due to his power. He slowly walked to the man with both blades raised.
"Reiō...is he greater than the Great Spirit? No matter, it seems if you are able to see it, then you're more pure than this ignorant Soul Reaper who can't even see one of my familiars- he's a being unworthy of his position.," Hao replied with a question
"How dare you mock the Soul Reapers! Zanka no Tachi, Minami: Kaka Jūmanokushi Daisōjin (Longsword of the Remnant Flame, South: Great Burial Ranks of the Ten Trillion Fire Dead)!," Yamamoto's voice shouted as his blade was impaled into the ground. The ground ruptured to reveal an army of blackened skeletons to rise from the temple ground. Yamamoto walked outside of the crater that was caused by the invisible first Oni.
"I got a glimpse of green Spiritual Pressure emitting from that force, you must be a Full-Bringer- your parents was either attack by a Hollow prior to your birth or you were in such a close proximity of a Hollow attack, that you awoke it on your own- likely cancelling the possibility of Soul Suicide with your own power. It is simple then, it is by the decree of the Soul Reapers that any hostile Full-Bringers are to be exterminated on sight!, You may know my name, but know that I am the 1st Head Captain of the 13 Court Guard Squads and I will not be pushed around by that, which hides itself!" the man shouted to Hao as he signaled his skeletal forces to head towards the man with his sword pointed straight.
"So small...," Hao replied as he belittled the man as he prepared to fight the both of the two fighters now facing him.
"Onmyōdō.," the priest declared as he manifested a red Five Pointed Star symbol aura behind him.
Present Day- Grassland Outside Karakura and Naruki City
(Bleach Hell Verse Soundtrack: BL_57-Sakkaku plays in the background)
Hmm, a memory from way back then..., thought Hao, now in the form of a preteen boy as he recalled a memory of a long distant past 1000 years ago. His eyes were closed and he was calm as a wind breezed around him.
"Do you see how he's floating? It's not Kūki Tsūro that's for sure. It's like something's holding him so he doesn't fall.," Isshin observed the boy in the sky. It was like he was being carried in the arms of a giant entity behind him.
"Yeah, that giant red thing's not a Hollow- I feel like it can eat souls like one, but it doesn't have a hole- so it ain't a Hollow.," Kenpachi replied in a frowning tone. Isshin opened his eyes in surprise to what he had just spoke.
Kenpachi can see it when I can't?, Isshin thought to himself with a wide eyed expression.
This got Hao's attention focused on Kenpachi with keener interest.
"Hmm, you can see the Great Spirit of Fire? I assumed from your talk of battle lust- you meant it in the way that of the ignorant stupidity of men who fight for their selfishness- however, yours is more primal and back in the time when mankind was more in tune with nature and didn't hide their instincts behind hypocritical reason. Your mind is pure of the rationality that plague most of humanity- those self-righteous hypocrites.," Hao said with a laid-back tone and closed upturned eyes.
"Good or Bad- don't give a shit. All I know is...that it'll be fun to fight that big guy.," Kenpachi grinned as he pointed his rusty edged sword at the boy in the poncho. He opened his eyes in a narrow, sinister stare.
"Great Spirit of Fire.," he uttered in English as flames flickered in the sky in addition to green flickers of Spiritual Energy.
Slowly, the invisible entity that was holding Hao manifested itself, revealing it was using its left arm as a foot hold.
It was a gigantic red colored humanoid with a muscular upper body with a slim lower torso, broad shoulders, black claws on large lower arms with slender upper arms and black lava rock armor down its lower arched legs. It had long horizontal horns with a branched section that pointed downwards- somewhat like elegant antlers. Its head had a face was mouth-less with two featureless green eyes and a thick neck. It had a noticeable hunk where the back of neck met the body. It was covered in tribal tattoos. It looked around as it had been a long time that it was last summoned. If one could look closely enough, the chest had a scar shaped like a blue pentagram star.
Kenpachi grinned with excitement in anticipation to battle with this creature. Isshin was still unable to see the giant that was in the sky for some reason. The Five Royal Guard and oddly, Mayuri as well were able to see its form perfectly in comparison for reasons that they kept to themselves.
"There are Classes of Nature orientated Spirits or Ghosts as you call them that we manipulate the souls, that you Soul Reapers aren't aware of. First are the Chikyū (Earth)- those that are merely objects, elements or materials that are merely tools with special powers and sometimes, barely sentient beings- Kugo Ginjo's group are at this level. The Second are the Seirei (Holy Spirit), objects and elements that have developed enough sentience to operate on a higher plane of consciousness- some of the recruits that Kugo has found have achieved this level. Finally, there are the Kami (God), they embody the elements and objects in their purest Spiritual Form- being minor gods that have dominion over the aspect they control. And then, there are the Godaiseirei (Five Elemental Spirits), the Five Spirits that personify the five elements in the world. The Great Spirit of Fire is one of them and you might say, I borrowed it for my own purposes.,"Hao explained about the nature of his powers and the red giant he summoned.
"I'm not here for a lecture. I want to see it in action- one of the Five strongest Ghosts of Nature itself- even if its just a ball of fire that decided to grow a pair of legs and arms.," Kenpachi retorted to the long-winded explanation of the giant with a confident smile. Hao's smile slightly dropped when Kenpachi said this.
The Great Spirit of Fire ignored Kenpachi's insult as if it were waiting for something to appear.
Several familiar screeches was all of the sudden heard in the sky- that of those belong to a Hollows. Emerging from black holes that opened in the sky, white masked Hollows of various shapes started to leap down. Mayuri, Kenpachii and Isshin were shocked at the appearance of Hollows, the most unexpected thing that could occur in this situation. The Royal Guard were more indifferent to the Hollows, figuring that the three below would take care of them.
"Tch, they likely are drawn by the five over there still hanging around...or maybe the thing that carrying Hao . Better to take care of-," Isshin said with annoyance until he saw the Great Spirit of Fire move with great ability as Hao leaped into the air and moved to its right shoulder. The entity was rushing towards the Hollows to the Royal Guard's shock.
The Great Spirit of Fire suddenly opened his face to reveal a toothy maw and roared. The Hollows looked baffled at the immense presence that they could not see.
The red behemoth proceeded to devour a large portion of the Hollows to Isshin's horror as he saw the monsters suddenly become erased from existence through chomp marks of an invisible, yet even more monstrous being.
The Hollows are disappearing- no, they're being eaten alive by something they can't see. And I somehow have the feeling...that whatever that thing is- it usually eats something else!, the former 10th Captain thought with a expression of silent anxiety.
"At least, he's making it eat people again...," Pitter said weakly under the ground, referring to Hao's current actions as if to confirm Isshin's dreaded thoughts in the latter's subconscious. Mayuri looked on with keen curiosity at the Great Spirit of Fire devouring the Hollows. Several tried to escape, but the red giant was fast enough to grab them.
"Marvelous...these Full-Bringers are truly marvelous to behold. I can't wait to get some to the lab.," the 12th Captain said to himself with a quiet sense of joy as he looked up in the sky.
Just as the Great Spirit of Fire was about to eat another set of Hollows, Kenpachi leaped up and swung his sword to strike one of its legs, which got its attention.
"Forget that trash and-," he shouted as he expected to at least cause the leg to bleed.
He then noticed that the leg he struck was now brown colored and hard as stone to his surprise.
"You little punk. There's more to you than meets the eye.," Kenpachi said with a hint of appraisal towards the creature's resilience to his sword.
"That is my Onmyōdō- a thousand years ago, I had mastered the arts of Divination and Elemental Manipulation. So I can turn my powers from Fire to Earth to Water to Wind to Metal. I can make my Spirit's element into any of these five elements in order to compensate for its own weaknesses.,"the young man told Kenpachi as the Great Spirit of Fire turned from earthly brown to green with wind surrounding it to icy blue to silverly purple with electric currents on its form and back to red with flames covering him.
"1000 years ago- a brat doesn't look that old, either you're crazy as me or you're using something to keep yourself young- like some fountain of youth or some crap.," the 11th Captain perceptively analyzed the boy's implications of possible immortality
"It's not immortality. This current body marks the third time that I have been born into the world.," Hao replied calmly to Kenpachi's statement.
"Huh?," Kenpachi replied with upturned sneer with an expression of irritated confusion.
"Reincarnation- Mine is unique in comparison with other mortals. When I went to Hell, I made a deal with King Enma, Japan's official Soul Judge in terms of death and fate of those who fall to the pit of eternal suffering. One needs to have mastered all five elements of the world and they must defeat 1008 Hell Guards in order to reach King Enma in order to make a bargain for an unfulfilled purpose to be settled in the Mortal Realm before they ultimately return the favor. That is the Taizan Fukun no Sai- with it, I will always be reborn every 500 years until I complete my goal and obtain the Great Spirit as my own. I had thought about the Soul King, but I was informed that I would be more of a lynchpin than a ruler. So I decided on the Great Spirit like I had initially, regardless of him being an extension of the Soul Father.," Hao explained, while Kenpachi was incredibly confused by the concept he was talking about.
"Yamamoto told us about that heretic he met 1000 years ago. He became more of a threat 500 years later when the Royal Guard 4 aided a Full-Bringer group of Native American folk and one Japanese priest to stop him from performing a coup d'etat on the Royal Family via the Breath of Existence. I thought he was gone forever when his soul entered the doors of my black mausoleum that ends reincarnation after he was defeated by his descendant. It seems that a piece of his managed to elude me and incarnated as this boy we see before us. If Kenpachi No.11 manages to defeat him against all odds- I think I'll use my Bankai variation of the mausoleum.," Ichibe said to himself with a morbidly ecstatic tone. The other four were horrified at what the Head Royal Guard was likely planning to do once Zaraki finished with this opponent.
"A lot of cosmological crap. Though, basically- you can use nature, come back from the dead you got some sort of power to read minds- no something like my hearts' desire or some shit- I can't wait to cut you down!," Kenpachi ecstatically shouted in anticipation for defeating this foe. He lunged at the Great Spirit of Fire for another attempt to cut it.
"Oh You speak of my Reishi, the ability to read people's hearts- you're perceptive for an unskilled Soul Reaper. Though this power was inferior to his in terms of magnitude,"Hao replied with a frowning expression. He then went deep into his thoughts. The Great Spirit of Fire also stopped what it was doing as it touched its chest as if remembering a horrid experience.
"Uh, not this memory searching bullshit again.," Kenpachi said with annoyance to being ignored by Hao.
1000 Years Ago
(Bleach DDR Soundtrack: Nightmare plays in the background)
Yamamoto was shocked that his own black skeletons that he had summoned were now turning on him and were manifesting odd characteristics that weren't usually associated with the technique; some had rings of earth circling them, others covered in harsh winds, some engulfed in water and a few that were covered in silver armor like a samurai shogun.
"What is this?! Are you capable of using a Zanpakuto against their masters?!,"he demanded Hao of this unusual situation as he used what Hao considered to be a special type of spell, but to a Soul Reaper, this would be a powerful Kido spell that destroyed one part of the temple in order to rid himself of a good number of the undead.
"You're so small to think I can merely control your magical sword's powers on a whim. While you can control merely the elements- I can control flame, wind, water, earth and metal. So even an enemy's flames belongs to me- that is Onmyōdō.," Hao replied in a tone of superiority.
Realizing that his Zanpakuto's power was now rendered unusable, Yamamoto tossed it aside and charged at Hao with the intent to beat him into submission- to make him forget his ambitions and live as a broken mortal for the rest of his days. Yamamoto stopped midway as he saw what was happening to the priest.
The priest noticed that Yhwach was gone the moment he decided to use his powers on Yamamoto and would casually examine where he would show up. Suddenly, a voice spoke behind Hao in a cold tone of superiority that caught him off-guard.
"You are likely the strongest of whatever culture you worshipped. But, there are being beyond your scope of the world- those that see far more than you will ever know."
Hao then noticed that a sword had stabbed him through the chest from behind. It was odd because it felt like a future where he would predict such an attack was suddenly altered to one that he was not able to do so and that the area of the stab did not cause him to bleed- yet it felt like he was in immense pain for some reason he couldn't read from the stabber's heart. He turned his head to see who had done this to him.
A severe looking Yhwach had decided to take the opportunity to pierce him from behind with the ornate sword with bird shaped cross. The skeletons halted their assault and returned to their previous all burning state from before.
"This changes nothing. It was that you wanted to kill me yourself as your Quincy pride demands.," Yamamoto told Yhwach as he looked with severity at the latter's actions and his likely intent for the priest.
"I had already foreseen that you would go after him foolhardily, with you being the more easier target to comprehend than the powers you now feel in your Soul- so you would defeat him and then myself once you realized how I fight. I merely had to take the proper action while you were distracted by his recklessness- rendering your inept powers inert with my superior might. A mere mastery of a religious practice is nothing compared to the might of omnipotence and omniscience of one descended from the heavens.," Yhwach explained to Hao as he pierced behind him, ignoring Yamamoto.
"Quincy- what a ridiculous name to have- sounds like some kind of Yōsei from British Isles. You took offense to my words about fearing the uncertain didn't you? All you've done is stab me from behind like one of those unworthy humans would in this situation. For doing this to me, I expect you want to burnt, drowned, buried, pierced or torn to shreds what do you decide on what-," Hao retorted as he summoned the five pointed star Spiritual Pressure of a red color that he had emitted earlier- to his shock, nothing happened.
"Your Onmyōdō is now a power that obeys me and will never operate without my Allowance as long as you are in my presence now that I have stabbed you in your Soul. And this sword is now absorbing some of your Spiritual Power- it allows me to now have that ability for my own and I will make it Absolute as it will be refined under my power.," Yhwach responded as he explained his powers.
"A jealous thief, though I'm hardly better So human to go after what you don't have. All when you claim to be a God.," Hao responded with a befitting tone of superiority to the Quincy's words. Yhwach laughed even more maliciously than Hao had done.
"You said humanity was the problem with this world and that only those worthy could live so that peace could be made- you are mistaken in one basic nature of power- Perspective. All sentient beings can be either benevolent or malevolent if they wished to be for their objectives, using their power to commit virtue...or sin. It's inevitable that all things will turn on one other unless an absolute force pressures them into not doing so. That is what it means to be a God- to be both merciful and merciless at the same time.," Yhwach smiled with as he mocked Hao's ambitions in a morbid tone. Yamamoto's eyes widened as he knew what Yhwach was planning to curse the man with.
"Observe, the powers of an almighty element beyond five- that of Absolution that you looked down on earlier.," The Quincy declared as a blue pentagram mark expanded on Hao's chest from where the blade had protruded into. Hao felt like a chain of Acquiescence was demanding that he reluctantly would never raise an intent to kill Yhwach again.
"Another power of this sword that is important to note- Anyone that is stabbed by the Watchful Eye of the Gottes Schicksal (God's Fate) has a destiny that is forever inscribed onto their being- no matter if they reincarnate it is unavoidable and incurable.," Yhwach explained as his pupils returned to normal with a stoic tone of disdain.
"Yhwach- you would damn a soul who had nothing to do with this fight with that sword?!," Yamamoto criticized Yhwach's actions.
"You speak as if he were still a mere mortal I know all. He already has plans in place to return to continue his work- a method to to forever reincarnate himself with his memories intact until he fulfills his goals- by bargaining with one of the Soul Judges of Hell itself in order to permit it.," Yhwach replied with a tone of indifference. Yamamoto was shocked at this revelation at looked at Hao with contempt.
"If this is true...then Hao Asakura...not only do you plan on disrupting the balance of Souls in the World of the Living through genocide, but also to cheat the very system that keeps the universe in balance through unlawful usage of reincarnation to your own benefit. Prepare to-," Yamamoto declared as his body became covered in bright flame.
"You knew about my plans to be reborn? So you're going to kill me for my heresy?," Hao asked the man who had stabbed him while ignoring Yamamoto. Yhwach merely pulled the sword from the body- and left the man alive to Yamamoto's surprise.
"This was merely an amusing distraction from the real fight that you interrupted with your parlor tricks. Know that you are now burdened with the destiny to forever be inferior to those who have the Light on their side- be it Quincy, Kami, Angel or even the fair folk if you were to face them- likely out of karma for what you've done to them- your punishment for raising your hand against one who is destined to be a god.," the dark haired man told the shocked Hao as he turned away from him.
The skeletons summoned by Yamamoto returned to the ground and the two men flew off into the sky to resume their death match that had been stalled by the priest's actions. Hao was left humiliated in his ruined temple with the knowledge he was not the most powerful being anymore as he thought he always thought he was. The mark faded away, but it was hidden in his Soul until something would cause it to occur.
Last Year
(Shaman King Soundtrack: Shaman Fight plays in the background)
In the middle of a colosseum in a man-made island on the West Coast of North America, hidden from public sight and a barrier to keep the pestering Soul Society from complaining about matters. It was a sacred battle ground where people of a secret culture from all over the world were gathered to watch the participants battle with their Spirits in order to decide the next winner of the tournament- the one to obtain the Great Spirit's power.
Hao, like he had done 1000 years ago and as the following reincarnation 500 years after that- entered a special tournament for beings like himself to obtain the Great Spirit- though he alone now knew that is was merely a power used by an even greater being that not even the council that were holding the tournament were aware of. This had been his third attempt to win the tournament- twice he had failed due to a combination of his own descendants turning on him, those who wanted him to answer to his crimes coming for righteous revenge and the curse from Yhwach that had been grafted onto his soul as he found out in his second life when he was born as a member of the council in charge of the tournament at the time- obtaining the Great Spirit of Fire in the process to his credit- that somehow created the possibility for holy based powers to beat him despite of his overwhelming advantage he'd usually have over them.
He had amassed a group of loyal followers with similar powers to win the tournament, despite being loathed by the majority of the people gathered in the stadium with one group that especially gunned for his demise.
A group that wore white and had heavenly powers- though in their case, they were more similar to Hao in abilities than Yhwach's group of Quincy, which had been on the decline for several centuries after Yhwach's death that occurred a week after Hao had encountered the man 1000 years ago.
Hao stepped in first with the intention of finishing off fights like he usually would- total annihilation.
Chapter 29: The Undead
