I DO NOT OWN BLEACH
Hi guys.
First of all.
What the fuck Renji? Ichigo's just laying there beaten up and about to get exiled forever and you just stand there after all he's did for you? After all he's did for SS? Vandenreich would treat him better, if you know what I'm implying. _
Any ways, joking aside I think that could actually happen, Ichigo loves his powers and if he doesn't get them he'll get mad, Juha Bach has already stated his intentions of Ichigo joining and once Ichigo get's thrown out of SS, Juha may appear and be like "Sup, guess you wanna join now huh?" Hell, I would. Would work out better for Ichigo, quincy power training, they have a lot of hollows to train him, Bach seems to have a zanpakuto and seems to be able to do anything, so if he can fix Ichigo's zanpakuto, Ichigo will be ballin'. He might even give him Halibel as a 'Welcome' present.
Fuck yeah.
Either that or Isshin, if not him then Aizen. Either way, Ichigo's gonna be a lot more interesting. Oh yeah and Kenpachi got his zanpakuto but I've just got bored of him since he's water, rinse, repeat and I prefer Unohana but whatever, this'll turn out pretty interesting as well.
Any ways, let's go!
Prepare for the most depressing chapter ever that may make you want to mope in a corner. You've been warned. -_-
Kenpachi and Byakuya = Biggest dickheads out there.
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At dawn, in Senzaikyu valley at the docks stood Starrk as he commanded the pirates he looked over to carry the grain in as carefully and as dutifully as they possibly could. The past week had been a very interesting one filled with actions that his old self did similarly. Starrk alongside Findorr and the brigands had been plundering the sea the whole week and, while they had bore fruit, they had yet to find enough food to fill everyone's stomach. (A lot for the rebels, but since Ichigo's promise to feed the Seireiteian captives was still about, the food was running thin as people got a small portion each. Small, but at least equal). The grain was carried in jugs that made it look more like wine than grain or seeds and it was heavier than wine, all those thousands of grains and seeds all added up and each carrier made a small grunt once the jug was handed to him, which would indirectly flex their muscles forcing a few women to cheer.
Speaking of which, Starrk got a pirate ship helm tattoo on his upper arm, it was very dashing.
As Starrk continued watching over the brigands work, he caught sight of Ichigo arriving to the scene, his purple cloak over his usual attire as Kenpachi walked beside him, chiming advice into the leaders ear as they walked closer to the ship, the former Doctore giving a very negative opinion of the pirates. "There stands more to worry about than grain being carried in by brigand shits" He scoffed as Ichigo rolled his in the scarred, middle-aged rebels complaining.
"What would you have us feast upon? The promise of better days?" Ichigo mocked.
"I would fill our men's bellies with the death of Seireiteians!" Kenpachi spat. "Kuchiki is certain to dispatch more soldiers and we should be preparing to greet them sword in hand and blood upon thoughts!"
"We are" Ichigo told him. "By assuring our own do not go into battle weakened by hunger!" He said. "Besides, they would turn on us if we do not feed them, not all of us wish for needless slaughter, some wish to be free and live a life of peace"
"Women, children and useless boys" Kenpachi spat. "Let them live in wonderland! While the men prove that a chained pup can become a vicious wolf when blood is upon mind!"
Ichigo ignored him. "Stark, Findorr!" Ichigo called the two pirate leaders. "How fairs recent ventures?" He asked the two. Kenpachi strolled up beside him and folded his arms, looking at the two with a small glare.
"If you are of a thirst the Gods have shown favor" Findorr said with a grin.
"You carry no grain?" Ichigo asked in disbelief, they had been searching for a fucking week!
"A small sum" Stark said. "A few sacks taken from a Seireiteian ship, yet the captain held more stock in wine and drink" He sighed. Ichigo shook his head and have a small annoyed growl.
"Wine will not see our people fed!" Ichigo said in a very irritated tone.
"They have stored most of their harvest against approaching chill" Findorr said. "If you want grain, you'll have to go out into the roads or invade another city to get them!" He grinned. "So, when will we attack?" He asked, slapping his hands together and rubbing them excitedly.
"We will not" Ichigo sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Stick to the sea"
"Difficulty rises in securing such bounty" Findorr reminded him.
"As does it's price?" Kenpachi spat.
As Ayon lifted a large jug of grain, a practical joke forced the dread-locked warrior to trip and drop the large jug forcing it to smash upon the ground, the grain spilling everywhere in turn making some rebels and captives quickly move to grab a handful.
"Hold ground!" Ichigo roared, tearing two people away from the spilled food, Ayon quickly grabbed the one who tripped him by the throat, then retracting his fist and punching him, hard. Ichigo quickly grabbed his shoulder and looked him in the eye. "Calm yourself!" He urged. A few seconds later, the man gave a simple nod and turned away to continue his duties.
"Ichigo" A voice called, Ichigo turned to see Unohana arrive. "More slaves arrive to join cause" She said. "They are all at the gate"
Ichigo sighed in annoyance, he couldn't have a fucking minute of peace could he? Shaking off the thoughts and turning them to welcoming any possible allies, Ichigo caught up with the older woman then took the lead, Kenpachi and Unohana at his heel. As they walked up a narrow path and passed Kirio, who was talking to a brown-haired and large, yet kind man, Marejirosaburo Omaeda, one of the very rare modest of their family. "Do you know of my sister?" He asked Kirio. "I have yet to see her since the city fell" He asked- no begged.
Before she could answer, Ichigo with the two beloved warriors walked right past her. "We should not be wasting food on fucking prisoners!" Kenpachi spat. Ichigo rolled his eyes as he was having enough of the older man's yapping.
"You know my mind upon subject-"
"I stand with Kenpachi towards the matter-" Unohana began.
"Given anything less than my word, the vow will not be broken!" Ichigo hissed. If he had one word to describe his mood at the moment, it would be 'stressed. Four words? 'Stressed the fuck out'. He shook his head in annoyance as he looked up on top of the walls to see many guards and rebels upon them overlooking the city as he walked closer to the gate, dozens of slaves seeking to enter the city with Renji and Chad with a handful of others trying to calm them down and see their slave brands as well as their weapons to be handed in. Some brought gifts such as food and water, which was always helpful while others brought more weapons. Renji used his arms as a barrier and bellowed.
"If you hold weapon, you must give over before entering city!" He cried out. Most of them were too busy trying to meet up with Ichigo to listen and Renji gave an annoyed grunt. "Fuck" he whispered.
"Weapon?" Rukia asked a slave gently, she knew it could be a frightening thing to them so she tried to be as calm and as considerate as possibly. The slave smiled and handed her a knife, muttering a claim that it was all he had, he looked too green to be of any threat and Rukia believed him, allowing him entry. Rukai turned to Rangiku and chuckled. "Seems a lifetime ago that I stood such as him" She told the buxom blonde, who smiled and patted her on the shoulder. "Show brand" She told another.
"Show brand or mark!" Renji bellowed. "And prove you stand former slave and no friend of the Republic!"
Grimmjow and Soi-fon, boredom consuming them and indifference surrounding them stood at the wall just after the narrow gate, the former leaning against the wall. Soi-fon turned to one slave, a female. "Show brand"
The women quickly opened her shirt to reveal the mark on the left side of her breast, Grimmjow admiring them with a laugh. "The most fearsome weapons yet exposed" he complimented. "Could force a man to betray his mother and father" He said. Entranced by Grimmjow's bravado and Soi-fon's pretty face, the slave smirked.
"I would take no offence to closer inspection"
Immediately perked up from her boredom, Soi-fon cupped with the woman's breast and kissed her, biting the woman's lip before pulling away as Grimmjow laughed in the background. "We're busy, not now" She said. "Later" Soi-fon told her, moving her away. As slaves moved up, Ebern halted one.
"Calm yourself brother" Ebern told the young man. "Let me take this" The red-haired rebel said, taking the small sack of coins away from him. "Ichigo holds disdain for any use of coin within these walls"
"Ichigo!" Renji called. Ebern cursed and quickly left the area as the pineapple-haired rebel approached Ichigo with a dark-skinned woman. Ichigo stood, awaiting an answer and Renji gave a gentle shove to push her in front of him. "She claims to have knowledge on Kuchiki's army, saying it's half-a-days march from these walls"
"How large the force?" Ichigo asked.
Before the poor woman could answer, Renji interrupted. "Larger than fucking city from her words!" He informed the orange-haired leader. Unohana sighed and gave a fold of her arms and a rolling of her eyes.
"Why stay still when gripping such knowledge?"
Kenpachi scoffed. "He but grips his own cock if he believes we-"
The former Doctore was interrupted by a cry and a large amount of screams. Ichigo's eyes turned to the entrance as the term 'Fucking Seireitei!' was bellowed by a rebel. Ichigo's hand snapped to his sword and it was unsheathed immediately as he ordered Ikkaku and Yumichika to seal the gate.
Ichigo now joined by Kugo quickly pushed their way past the slaves running into them as they fled in the other direction, away from the exit and deeper into the city, thankfully Ichigo only saw a handful of attacking men and was now free of the fleeing slaves, apart from Kugo who was snapping at them to 'Clear fucking way'.
Ichigo was immediately on them, parrying a strike from his right before ducking under a swing from his left then kicking another way at his centre. Grabbing an attacking Seireiteian, all hid in cloaks and hoods, he delivered a head-butt before pivoting his sword to fend off another strike, then swinging it back to slice across the person's chest, then kneeing the grappled soldier he had in his arms. Grabbing both by their necks with the joint of his elbow, he lifted them all up with a roar and slammed them both on their heads before spinning to parry another strike off a soldier, who was then tackled to the ground by an unknown dark-haired slave, as Ichigo slashed the other attacker's throat he turned to see the same shaggy and bearded dark-haired slave straddling the attacker and continuously stabbing him in the torso.
"Fucking shits turned upon us when asked to show brand!" Ebern informed.
Ichigo turned to the shaggy-haired slave. "Gratitude for your assistance" He said. The man turned to Ichigo, with a smirk as he flipped his small knife over, now holding the tip of the blade, offering the handle to Ichigo.
"There is no greater glory, than death of your enemy" The unknown slave-now-rebel said. He was garbed in a yellow cloak with a small dirty robe under it, with a pair of brown leather sandals.
Ichigo took the blade suspiciously and looked as the slave tried to retreat, Soi-fon halted him and Ichigo looked at him questionably. "I would like to see your brand, friend" Ichigo told him.
"That presents some difficulties" He grinned, but a blade to the throat by Kenpachi halted him. "Very well!" He sighed. "My Dominus branded all slaves close to cock and cunt, to admire and assault on drunken nights" He said. "With the very knife I took his life" He confessed, pulling up his robe to reveal a wound on his inner thigh.
"Very well, you may go" Ichigo said, moving him along. He turned to the deceased attackers. "Sever their heads and put them on pike, as warning to those who attempt another attack." Ichigo ordered Ikkaku and Yumichika. "Kugo, Renji, Grimmjow" he said. "Come, I would have much needed words"
As the four left, the shaggy dark-haired slave sighed in relief that Ichigo did not ask his name or his purpose for joining the rebellion. Of course if the legend himself did ask such a question, he would have given a very believable and well thought out lie to the man.
Of course it wasn't his fault that he had to lie, he would have been killed if he told the truthful words 'I'm Kaien Shiba and I'm here to spy on all of you at Byakuya Kuchiki's request, how are you?'
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A days march away, stood a large militant city filled with thousands and thousands of tents with a small ditch just outside it's walls branded the 'Followers camp' which was filled with slaves and whores. In a tent inside the 'honourable' part of the force sat a naked Izuru, with a cloth over his private area as the medicus, Aoga he was called, an old friend of Izuru's and now a centurion was hovering over his wound to stitch it up, a small needle cutting through the skin and sowing up the cut once more after being reopened and being dabbed with water and other herbs to fix the gash. Izuru shut his eyes and gripped the table as the wound was being tended to. Rose entered, cup in hand.
"It seizes heart to see you in such a state" Rose said.
It may have only been a few weeks since they first met, but Izuru adored and admired Rose and the feelings were requited by the Quaestor, the man was a good friend and a good counsel, giving aid and being the teacher Byakuya seemed to be lacking in these days.
"Deeper wound stands removed from our sight" Izuru sighed, meaning Byakuya.
"He has not yet visited you?"
"I remember his grim visit just after our failure at Senzaikyu beach as we arrived at the encampment" Izuru sighed. "I have yet to laid eyes upon him ever since" He frowned, annoyed with his Praetor's disappointment.
"Place no worries in the absence" Rose said. "Praetor's mind is filled with thoughts on the upcoming battle with Ichigo"
"We move to retake the city?" Izuru asked.
"I have yet to receive such orders or information" Rose told the young Tribune. "But a large number of men have been dispatched North, towards an unknown purpose that your Praetor has yet to speak to me off as I do not hold his confidence in such matters"
"We stand as one in that regard" Izuru chuckled. "What of Kaien?" Izuru asked. "Does he circle me to strip my fading corpse of title as Word and Will of the Praetor?" He asked.
"He is no longer among us" Rose told him.
"He has fallen?" Izuru asked.
"He but follows command" A voice said. They turned to see Byakuya standing there in his Seireiteian legionnaire armour, glare as deadly as ever. He turned to Rose. "Leave us" With that, the blonde artistic Quaestor left the room and Izuru alone with possibly the scariest man he knew. As Izuru asked what Kaien was up to, Byakuya answered. "He secrets himself among the rebels to hasten their fall"
Izuru realized. "The reason you commanded he remain unshaven, to assume guise as errant slave" The blonde-haired Tribune nodded. "I see now"
"He must appear as wolf" Byakuya said. "To be welcomed by the pack"
"A plan well considered" Izuru nodded in admiration. "I would stand by your side when it bares deadly fruit" He vowed as he then took a sip of his cup of water, Byakuya sighed.
"That day has not yet arrived" He told Izuru. "Rest and allow wound to properly heal, I would not have you hurt or wounded when we march upon the city in the days to come" Byakuya said. Izuru grunted as he stood, naked except for the small rag around his wound.
"I am your Word and your will Byakuya, a position not earned nor commanded from laying upon my back" He said painfully, the wound at his side aching and pulsing with each word he spoke. Byakuya looked at him and gave a small, gentle nod.
"Very well" Byakuya said. "See yourself to uniform after days meal and we shall discuss your men's punishment for foolish attempt and flee against Ichigo" The Praetor commanded, at this Izuru paled...he had forgotten the punishment.
Gulping, he laid down as Byakuya left...maybe he should rest a moment.
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Stabbing the bloody knife Kaien gave him on the wooden table in his villa, Ichigo paced around the table as Grimmjow leaned on the balcony outside and Kugo beside Renji stood opposite him. "Mystery of Kuchiki holding advance falls to discovery!" Ichigo said, bringing attention to the map.
"The fucking cock on him, believing a few men could end rebellion" Renji spat.
"Byakuya Kuchiki, does not move as the others we have faced" Ichigo noted. "He adopts our strategies in effort to twist them against us" Looking to Renji and Kugo, awaiting a reply, thankfully Kugo had one.
"We should practice caution and see gates closed!" Kugo said.
"I would not deny entry to those who have risked life to escape from their masters" Ichigo replied.
"A thing born late in any regard" Renji said. "Many unknown have already passed through gate to join cause, if our form is not concealed, darker intent-"
"If one stands among our rank we must see them exposed" Ichigo urged.
"If you should scale a mountain, then I shall add to the peak" Grimmjow said. "If you are struck down by the errant flock...then how shall they fair absent guidance?" He asked. Ichigo's very answer entered the room in the form of Kenpachi, whilst being a violent man, the people loved him and he was a natural leader.
"Kenpachi would see them upon proper path" Ichigo said. "With wise and trusted counsel" He said, motioning to Kugo, Renji and of course Grimmjow. Kenpachi walked over and took the knife out of the table.
"A day I would never wish to see coming brother" He said, flicking the blade around and offering the handle to Ichigo. "Yet by his sole command, I would move swiftly against Kuchiki" Kenpachi said.
"On this we agree" Grimmjow said, sipping a cup.
"We are men, of blood and battle!" Kenpachi urged. "And the streets grow restless with idle purpose-"
"We must stay on the course we agreed upon" Ichigo said. "We hold advantage of city walls, Kuchiki's legions will suffer on open plains" He continued. "Yet we have walls and lookouts to protect us while we train our weakened men to soar higher in skill than any legionnaire they have"
Grimmjow looked up. "Would that Ggio was still alive to forge more weapons"
Kenpachi rolled his eyes. "You would see traitor live and Unohana with brains upon fucking floor?" He asked. "Let Ggio stand as proper warning to those who would see Seireiteian prisoner unshackled-"
"Gauge prowess of those that join us beside Rukia-"
Kenpachi looked at Ichigo astonished "Escaped prisoners and Kuchiki at our gate, yet you would have me play as fucking Doctore?!"
"I would have you observe with watchful eye that any that measure beyond expectation, then they reveal themselves more than they appear" Ichigo added, wetting his whistle a bit, making him feel like what he was doing was relevant. Accepting it, Kenpachi nodded and Ichigo turned to Grimmjow. "Join your brother" The teal-haired rebel nodded and followed the long-haired barbarian out and Renji sighed.
"A lifetime ago we used to look at the man with fear" Renji told Ichigo, regarding Kenpachi. "Now you kick him in balls and tell him to beg for more" He chuckled. "What an ass-"
"If it did fall to Kenpachi-"
"You are yet among the living" Renji said. "And I would see it remain so. Until threat is known and dealt with, I shall be as your fucking shadow, lurking behind heel" He said. Ichigo couldn't help but smile, patting his friend on the shoulder.
"Then darken my heel and know the mind of our enemy" He smiled.
As Ichigo conducted business around the city, talking with all the smaller, less relevant rebel leaders, in the courtyard Rukia was training a rebel in front of the rest, ducking under a sweep and slapping the man's bare back with her wooden blade, she hissed. "If I stood Seireiteian I would have your life! Try again!"
Grimmjow beside her had already sent a new-comer to his feet with as much as ease as one could get. Sighing in boredom as he pulled the man to his feet, he noticed Soi-fon mocking the man he had defeated and chuckled. Turning to the watching crowd, he saw the shaggy dark-haired one, unknowingly to him named Kaien. "You!" He said to Kaien. "Step forward" Kaien walked up, wearing nothing but a short blue tunic that was knee-high with the torso opened revealing his chest, he had a brown-leather belt over his hips and brown sandals. "I have seen your skill with knife upon the unsuspecting, let us see how you fair against sword and the more aware eye" With that, Grimmjow scooped his foot up under the gladius and flicked it at Kaien.
Astonishing Grimmjow, Kaien caught the blade easily and quickly brought his sword up to meet all his strikes, each swings that Grimmjow swung clashed of Kaien's blade before the latter attacked, forcing Grimmjow to duck. The teal-haired rebel laughed in approval, most would be on the floor by now. Attacking again, five strikes were all parried and blocked, Grimmjow thrusted his sword but Kaien pushed his arm away and managed to back off a bit.
"We're wasting our time" Unohana said. "If there is a Seireiteian among them would they not feign ignorance in the ways of fighting men?"
"An animal cannot hide true intent, it's in its nature to bare teeth when pressed against corner" Kenpachi muttered slightly poetically, he then smirked. "And snap jaw, tasting blood" He said, watching as Grimmjow and Kaien we're seemingly sparring on equal-footing, if not Grimmjow being slightly superior. This...shaggy slave, he was on par with a gladiator, perhaps even a champion one at that!
Grimmjow couldn't help but grin. "You are no stranger to the clashing of steel"
"All shepherds are versed in sound, many wish to claim a masters stock when lacking in such regard, I stopped such a thing" Kaien lied and boasted at the same time. Grimmjow was smirking haughtily at this, admiring his bravado. Quickly upping his game, Grimmjow attacked heavier and quicker on the unexpecting Kaien, before he knew it Grimmjow's sword was at his neck.
"And what did your Dominus call his defender of goats before he slipped from his grasp?"
"Ganju" Kaien said, Grimmjow's eyebrows risen and in the confusion Kaien knocked Grimmjow's sword away once more and then pressed on the offence, swinging heavier and more deadly swings of his blade that made Grimmjow's recoil, however the gladiator had found an opening and quickly grabbed his sword with two-hands, then swung his fist up and crashed the fist against Kaien, or 'Ganju's' mouth, sending him onto the floor.
Kaien looked to the blood pouring from his lip, before giving a smirk and a small vow to kill this cunt once Byakuya invades. Standing and turning, Kaien promised the rebel. "I shall have rematch, upon a day" He smirked.
Grimmjow laughed, as did Soi-fon and most of the rebels that were similar to one another, Kaien new it was not a mocking laugh, more of a 'We-like-you' laugh. As Kaien left, moving towards the small barrel of water, Ebern followed on his heel and stood beside the unknowing Kaien, who was removing a tooth. "They take interest in you" Ebern told the dark-haired Seireiteian. Kaien turned to see Kenpachi looking at him, his eyes then drifted to the sword on Kenpachi's hip, which had the words 'Leg. IV' inscribed on the blade, he had Izuru's sword? The look on the little shit's face when Kaien reclaimed it would be fucking hysterical.
"Do they take it in you as well?" Kaien asked. "That you are spiriting coin from those seeking refuge within these walls?"
Ebern dangerously moved closer. "Break such words again" He began. "And I shall relieve you of something far more valuable"
"You mistake intent" Kaien said. "I mentioned it only because I have thoughts similar to yours" He said. "City such as this...holds great opportunity! For those brave enough to seize it" He said, flattering Ebern, who's grin just got bigger.
As the two conspired, Ichigo walked past the two ignorant to their plans with Renji as he moved towards Kirio and the stables. The woman quickly closed the hatch that hid her people beneath the stable as the two rebels came near. All she heard was Renji murmur. "The mind of a woman, a foreign thing"
"Give us a moment" Ichigo said. "And I shall see it deciphered"
Renji looked to Kirio and back to Ichigo. "I shall wait at the entrance, with sword clutched to my hand!" He said loudly, as if a warning to Kirio who scoffed. Ichigo looked to her and once more she made a sly snarky comment.
"I did not believe the undefeated Karakuran required a protector" She mocked.
"Unfortunate attack this morning leads to annoying tether" he said, shooting a smirk to the scowling Renji's direction.
"News carries to my ear"
"Does it also carry that Byakuya Kuchiki commanded it?" Ichigo asked.
"Byakuya Kuchiki..." Kirio muttered.
"You're pleased with the man Seireitei has sent to kill me?" Ichigo asked rhetorically.
"Kuchiki does not stand as all who have been sent to defeat you" Kirio said. "He will not stop until you are dead"
Ichigo walked around, so much that he stood atop the hatch that hid all the prisoners. "He is not the first Seireiteian to believe himself capable of killing me" Ichigo said. "I can show him that he is wrong to think we will be defeated so easily"
"They did not hold wealth that would make a God envious"
"Coin holds little worth on the field of battle" Ichigo said.
"What about a mind keen enough to amass it?" Kirio asked. Ichigo looked to her and he rose an eyebrow as she then snapped her mouth shut. Ichigo wandered closer and then asked the woman.
"On our first meeting, you spoke of dealings with Kuchiki"He said. "I would know of any dealings that have caught your ear"
"Such dealings will not reverse time" Kirio said, rolling her eyes. "Nor alter the course of rivers fate" She said almost threateningly.
"Then there stands no reason to deny request"
Kirio glared. "Our business with Kuchiki concerned only grain and shipment, nothing more" She said, before pausing. "Yet...my husband told me a tale, shared by Aedile of Inuzuri towards future dealings, the man was thick in negotiations with Kuchiki. When he intercepted message from a competitor he offered to bring more favorable terms to Kuchiki, while seeing both profit and client soon to vanish. The Aedile burnt the message in fear that any one would see it, swiftly agreeing to his demands and giving Byakuya better and more favouring terms that suited Kuchiki, only to discover months later that Kuchiki himself sent that letter, intending the Aedile to lay hand upon it and move in direction desired" She said. "He even burnt the letter for Kuchiki so that no proof was left"
"I too intercepted message from Kuchiki" Ichigo realized. "I was used to clear his path, to make all the accommodations so that he was given sole command" He realized. Byakuya used him, he manipulated him! This man was no ordinary Seireiteian...
"You have struck fear into the very heart of the Republic" Kirio said. "Imagine the glory that awaits...the man who defeats you" She said.
Ichigo's eyes squinted. "Findorr arrives with less than expected" He said. "Rations must be shortened"
"We will make do" Kirio answered. "It's only until Kuchiki reclaims the city"
"He does not stand the only one capable of the unexpected" Ichigo said. "I once defeated an entire legion with but one-hundred men, women and children who were all cold, hungry and tired and we still defeated two Praetor's and two Tribunes in the act of it" Remembering dear old Aizen and Hitsugaya. "The scale of this rebellion itself has shocked you Seireiteian's has it not?" With that he left, with parting words. "Let us find Findorr and seek glorious future that even the mighty Kuchiki will not see coming"
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In his tent, Byakuya was clad in his armour as he spoke to a soldier, possibly a centurion, giving him a command. As Izuru entered he heard the Centurion nodding with a slightly submissive 'Praetor' and leaving the room just as he himself entered.
Izuru gulped as Byakuya barely even looked at him, all he knew was that this would be a very scary ordeal. Byakuya looking over a few parchments, before saying authoritatively and questionably. "My Word and my Will" He said to Izuru, Izuru half-expected for Byakuya to turn his head creaked to the left and ook at Izuru with a dull lgaze, but Byakuya continued to read his parchment. "Do you understand what that means?" he asked the blonde.
Izuru gulped as he stood a few metres away at the entrance of the luxurious red tent, Byakuya standing behind a war-table. His hands behind his back, holding onto his wrist and his posture straight and with no signs of slouching. "Yes Byakuya"
Byakuya's gaze turned to him, eyes looking at him accusingly but otherwise Byakuya seemed emotionless. "Do you?" Byakuya then walked slowly towards him, his eyes angry but his facial appearance still blank. He now stood a foot away from Izuru, who felt that Byakuya was towering over him now when only he was a few inches taller. "The first battle in my campaign, forever etched in history, as a victory for Ichigo"
"Byakuya-" Izuru began.
"He was not to be engaged before I arrived with proper force" Byakuya said authoritatively, not a shot or a simple word, just loud enough to make Izuru's heart pound faster. "Was command not fucking clear?!" He asked rhetorically, it was a rare sight to see Byakuya use profanity or be angry, but Izuru had now witnessed both for the first time and he could tell you this, it was frightening!
"It was" Izuru repeated calmly, yet his hands behind his back were shaking. "Yet opportunity presented when Ichigo left city walls, I thought it greater offence not to seize moment" He explained. Byakuya looked at him, glaring at the man who now felt like a boy as if an angry father. Byakuya seemed to calm at this, admiring Izuru's calm response. "Apologies for disobeying your command"
Byakuya looked at him, accepting the apology. "A thing that could be forgiven, in light of youth...yet I am close to diminishing such a thing considering you stand a year older than Ichigo himself, who I consider an equal" Byakuya muttered slightly. "It holds no matter, your men falling to retreat does not so easily slip from concern"
"I ordered them to stand ground-"
"Yet they fled! Because they fear the enemy more than their commanders" Byakuya informed. "A false assumption, which we must see erected" Byakuya told him. Izuru nodded and asked.
"What punishment would you have me inflict?"
Byakuya thought for a moment, a few seconds for Byakuya but a few hours for Izuru. He then came up with an answer. "One to stand warning, that death at the hands of Ichigo pales against the wrath of the house of Kuchiki" He said, scarily.
As Izuru's eyes widened at the punishment Byakuya had told him to inflict, the Kuchiki sent him out to his tent and told him to arrive outside the main tent at dusk in order to witness the punishment, which would include Rose and Izuru's old friend Aoga, who had recently been promoted to the position of centurion. The rough-faced pal of Izuru's had been a familiar face since he was a child, not a best friend and not an acquaintance, just a person who seemed to always be there and has always ended up in the area with Izuru, the same class in school and the same class in militant training.
"Decimation?" Rose asked. "A punishment that has not been used since Seireitei was a Monarch five-hundred years ago" He asked. "Why is such a savage ritual being commanded?"
Izuru sighed, dipping the stones into the wet paint. Decimation was simple, all the remaining men from the dishonoured legion or cohort would stand in front of the commander, in groups of ten. So, in this case there is fifty remaining, so five groups. Fifty stones were painted, forty-five black and five white. Ten stones with one white stone among them would be given to one group and the person who drew the white stone in the group...was clubbed to death by the remaining nine.
And Rose alongside Aoga had to take part.
Friends had to beat friends! A brother could be forced to beat his own brother to death and if he denied it, then he also would be killed, a cruel and savage punishment that seemed to be more a forced discipline than an earned one, but Izuru had to admit, it gave results. If this truly happened...Izuru knew the Seireiteian soldiers would fear Byakuya more than Ichigo, resulting in a force that never fled in battle, preferring death at Ichigo's hands that Byakuya's punishment...
"It would make example"Aoga muttered. "That those who turn heel against Ichigo will perish"
"The fault is mine" Rose whispered, his eyes wet with guilt. "Had I obeyed your order to stand ground-"
"Our men broke rank and fled! You were left absent choice!" Izuru told Rose. "As Byakuya now leaves me" He sighed. He loved Byakuya as a father...but he just kept pushing his luck, didn't he? Izuru looked at the white stone that he was holding in his hand, recently dipped in the paint. "Fifty men...fifty stones" He murmured. As Rose watched on, his eyes still wet and his heart filled with nothing but guilt and torment, Izuru continued his gloomy lament. "Five...stained with the promise of death." He sighed once more. "Draw well and live, draw poorly..." Izuru didn't finish, he turned to his two friends. "You stayed at my side when others ran. I remain in this world because you you" He directed at Rose and Aoga, Rose for saving him and Aoga for fixing his wound.
"Place it from mind" Aoga murmured.
"And pray we draw well" Rose sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"You do not deserve to be placed at risk among cowards!" he said as he wiped his fingers. "I will talk to Byakuya and beg your removal from decimation" Izuru vowed.
Rose did not have any of it, he walked to Izuru and placed a hand on his shoulder. "The act would only diminish you in his eyes" He said, a tear slid down his cheek and he continued. "A thing I would not allow"
"You stand the most honourable in all his legions and this...is fucking reward!" In a fit of fury, Izuru felt a fire in his gut turn into a blazing inferno and all his repressed anger from all the years he had lived come out to reign havoc. Yoruichi's beating of him, Kaien's constant mockery of him, Byakuya's treatment of him as if a child, Ichigo's victories over him and now his friends condemned to unfair punishment for saving his life. Izuru threw the table that he leaned on with all the painted stones the the floor with a violent roar, forcing Rose to jump out of the way. He looked at Izuru.
"I will do as commanded" Rose muttered.
Izuru bit his lip. "As all soldiers must"
Pulling the blonde elder into a hug, Izuru felt himself begin to cry.
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Ichigo rolled his eyes as he walked into a room that was in too high-spirits for his liking, reminding him of a Seireiteian noble party as some women danced and others offered themselves to perverted drunken men, a couple in the corner already partaking in lewd acts. As Renji lurked behind him, Ichigo pushed through a crowd and found Starrk at a table playing a game of dice.
"Starrk" Ichigo called. "Where is Findorr?"
"Heavy with drink and whores most likely" Starrk slurred tiredly. As he said these words, a woman came up to Renji attempting to kiss him, but the red-haired rebel pushed her away, his face worried and very freaked out. As the same woman wandered to Ichigo, the latter pulled his face away and did the same as Renji, who grabbed her once more shoving her further away. "Share cup" Starrk offered, holding out a cup of wine.
Ichigo declined. "We're moved by pressing business" Ichigo replied. "Another time" As he said this, he left passing Kaien and Ebern who leaned at the window of the place. The red-haired man noticed Kaien's constant staring at the pirates and then turned to him and signalled to Starrk.
"You wish to become his lover? Present self and present cock" Ebern grinned. Kaien rolled his eyes.
"I would sooner caress shit and call it lover" Kaien said. "Pirates cannot be trusted"
"You are familiar with their kind?" Ebern asked.
No, he was only kidnapped by them five-years ago and they demanded two-hundred gold as ransom, which insulted the Shiba heavily. Did they know who he was?! He had, of-course told them and the ransom was boosted to a thousand. Kaien smirked at the memory, he often recited his own poetry and when they told him they didn't like it, he'd threaten to hang them and insulted their every move as he lay prisoner.
"I've had the displeasure of their company for more than a few days" Kaien said as he sipped his wine. "Many moons passed"
As Ichigo and Renji walked passed the window, Ebern rolled his eyes. "Choose words with care, Ichigo calls them fucking ally and friend" He informed the mole. Kaien rose an eyebrow, seemingly finding a spark that could be lit.
"You do not share opinion?"
Ebern looked at him. "It would hold no fucking matter" He said. "I am but a humble servant to the will of our glorious leader" He smirked, chuckling icily as he sipped the cup once more.
"I've heard rumour that Ichigo stands a God among his people" Kaien mentioned.
Ebern sighed, looking blankly at no-where. "I've imperilled life for his cause, many times. At the mountain in Izuru, where we fought Aizen and his legion and at Sokyoku where we fought Ginrei, then at the battle of the Rukongai border where we fought the Amagai's...then of course the taking of this very fucking city, all too numerous in the counting! Only to witness remainder of enemy spared within it's walls and coin fairly earned stripped of me to pay the fucking pirates themselves!" Ebern ranted while Kaien watched, secretly amused and plotting a scheme.
"Not a small wonder you relieved what you gained from those entering gate" Kaien lied.
"A fraction of what is owed to me" Ebern spat.
Kaien nodded, pulling a hand down and then pulling out a small sack of coins in front of Ebern. "It is all I have" He said. "Consider it yours!" He offered. "Towards our continued friendship"
"Too small a sum to purchase so rare an item" Ebern moaned as he gazed to the women, pushing the coins away. "I would not take coin of the deserving"
"Then perhaps together, we can see it grow" Kaien said. "And take from the undeserving, to see both our fortunes rise" The undercover Tribune said. Ebern didn't have to be told twice!
Just outside of the small room was Kirio was she walked down the narrow path, gasping as she bumped into a drunken man, but sighing as he ignored her. She carried a sack of bread in her arms, stolen bread of course. As she paced down once more, she bumped into yet another person, Yachiru which knocked all the food out of her hands and onto the floor.
"Apologies" Yachiru said.
"I would not have you speak of this!" Kirio hissed.
Yachiru looked at her, visibly startled. "Yes Domina"
Kirio looked at her, also startled by the girl and realizing how messed up this was. "I-I no longer stand as such, you may call me Kirio Hikifune" The buxom woman said.
"I often dreamed of being of your house" Yachiru told her.
"You were of the Omaeda household where you not?" Kirio asked.
"I dreamed that it was not so" Yachiru confessed.
"Yes but the entire fucking city didn't have to fall for such a day to arrive now did it?" Kirio muttered icily to the young slave. "Embrace what you have!" Kirio told the girl. "It can often change in sudden moment" Kirio advised, with that she stood and left quickly, leaving the young girl pondering.
Around the corner, Marejirosaburo Omaeda was bloody and beaten as the rebel in front of him continued his assault. As he punched and punched, Grimmjow arrived with Soi-fon. "Ichigo gave strict orders, no hands are to be laid upon these people!"
The rebel, bald and bearded turned to Grimmjow. "What if he lays hands upon me? Putting hands upon me as I passed!"
Marejirosaburo cried out. "I but entreated for words of my sister!"
"Fuck your sister!" The bald rebel hissed, as he retracted his fist, Grimmjow pushed him away from the rare-breed of Omaeda forcing the rebel onto his back as the force of the shove sent him down the steps. He stood, his blade about to be unsheathed.
"Unleash cock and see it severed" Grimmjow threatened casually.
The bald rebel growled. "Their fucking heads should be set upon pike!"
Down behind him, Marejirosaburo smiled shakingly as half his face was covered in his own blood. "Gratitude" He said. Grimmjow looked to him and rolled his eyes.
"Hold it to Ichigo, I tend to agree about the pikes" Grimmjow told him.
Marejirosaburo stretched his arm out. "Wait!" He cried. "My sister, Maremi. Complexion of hair similar to hers" He said pointing to Soi-fon. "I beg of you I must know if she lives!" He cried.
Soi-fon rolled her eyes and unsheathed her dagger, pointing it to him. "Many of your people dead, you join sister perhaps?" She offered. Soi-fon hated the Omaeda family, one of them being a Dominus at one point, of course he barely recognized her...but they were just so fat, stupid and arrogant for her to bare. "You will if you set upon us again"
Grimmjow watched Soi-fon's retreating form and turned to the Omaeda. "I have yet to see her" He said. He caught up with Soi-fon and strolled beside her, the woman muttering in her native language. He turned to her with an eyebrow raised and she laughed.
"Why does Ichigo let them live?"
Grimmjow shrugged his shoulders. "I have no understanding towards it but we shall honor desire" The teal-haired rebel said. As they walked around a corner, Yachiru appeared from another direction and bumped into them, Soi-fon smirking slightly.
"Grimmjow I must have words" Yachiru asked.
Soi-fon joked. "No words little girl, no drinking nor fucking"
Grimmjow turned to Soi-fon and the Yachiru, motioning to his lover. "She makes a valid argument." he said.
Yachiru sighed. "You must listen!" She said. "I have laid eyes upon something that creates worry"
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"You know I stand sympathetic towards your plight!" Findorr said to Ichigo as he alongside Renji walked beside the pirate. Ichigo shook his head in annoyance as he turned to Findorr.
"You know our numbers have unexpectedly swelled" Ichigo told him.
"My men and I can only provide with what we can lay hand upon!" He said.
"It is not enough!" Ichigo snapped.
Findorr looked at Ichigo, readying himself to speak the fucking obvious. "Perhaps it would be, if resources were not drained by undeserving mouths!" He said, turning to the prisoners and spitting. Ichigo watched with a raised eyebrow and looked to him.
"You stray from subject" Ichigo told him.
"And you from sanity!" He replied. "Do you think they would treat you any better than you have treated them?" Findorr asked. Ichigo's answer was immediate and unwavering.
"We are not Seireiteian" Ichigo said. "Nor shall we become them by acts of unnecessary cruelty"
Findorr couldn't help but give a chuckle, looking around him he began laughing. "T-This fucking man!" He laughed, as he saw Ichigo and Renji were unamused he stopped laughing and nodded slightly. "I will provide you with what I can, to feed you and your lofty ideals" He said, before patting Ichigo's chek and pointing at him. "Only because you make me smile so much" He then grew slightly solemn. "Yet I fear I shall fall short of desired mark"
Ichigo nodded. "Perhaps we should see target adjusted and see it struck with shore purpose"
Findorr looked. "You wish to alter our agreement?"
"I would but add to it" Ichigo replied. "And see your ships filled with more promising cargo" He smirked.
In the whorehouse where Ebern and Kaien placed themselves, an annoyed Kenpachi and Unohana entered the scene as they looked around for Ebern. Entering the room with a fire to rival the sun, they walked to Ebern. "Ebern!" He snapped. "I would have words"
Ebern looked and scoffed. "And I would finish fucking drink!" He replied cockily, he turned to Kaien and shook his head. "These fucking people-" As Kaien chuckled with him, Kenpachi gripped him by the scruff and pulled him to the door. "I am not fucking deaf!" he spat as he was slammed against the door, his face crashing against the wood.
As two men walked up, Unohana was a barrier. "Turn to drink and whores or part form this world" She said plainly. "Choose!"
Simply put, the men went back to their seats.
Ebern gave a laugh. "You did not need to be so rough in demonstration"
"We both must play our part" Kenpachi spat "Now speak about what you have discovered" Kenpachi demanded. Ebern took a breath, shrugged menially and spoke.
"The man holds no love for Seireitei, that much is clear" He told them. "His loyalties mirror my own, yet I shall set a final test to prove if he stands spy, traitor or whatever the fuck you wish to brand it"
"If he stands threat, he stands a dead man walking" Kenpachi told him. "See it done, then return with answer and report" Before pushing him off the wall and stomping away with his woman. Ebern growled slightly before turning to Kaien and walking up to the mole, taking a seat.
"Common thing?" Kaien asked. "To be so rudely handled by a 'brother'"
"He stands no brother to me" Ebern told him plainly. "Nor any man that has not earned by trust"
Kaien grinned. "I fear mood has taken sour turn! Come and let us sweeten it with drink!"
"I would set desire towards greater spoils" Ebern told the mole. "And in the revealing off them, set true nature to light."
Kaien did not know what Ebern meant, but as he pondered the red-haired rebel grabbed him by the wrist and trailed him around the city. Through narrow paths, up steps and into a hidden alleyway with a windowless storage department, with a steel door. Kaien looked at the door and rose an eyebrow.
"I fear I prefer women"
"Shut it Ganju" Ebern told Kaien with a smirk. "Your preference towards women will be truly tested this night" He told him. "As will your loyalties to the cause and the measure of your hatred towards Seireitei!"
With this, Ebern equipped a key and placed it in the lock, twisting and opening the lock before slinging a hand around the handle and opening the steel door. As the dark room was illuminated by the fire on the outside and the retreating soon, Kaien's eyes widened with what he saw.
A naked pretty woman, beaten bloody with a gag in her mouth, with wrists bound and her dark hair ragged. Kaien looked to Ebern, who was smirking almost viciously. "This precious jewel stood Domina to many within the city" He told Kaien, who's nails were digging into his palm. "The slaves attended her every need" Ebern knelt, setting a lantern on the ground. "She now attends ours"
Kaien was horrified and sickened by Ebern. If the latter was paying attention to Kaien's tone or body language, he would have knew Kaien was fuming. "Ichigo allows this?" He asked disgustedly.
Ebern smirked. "Fuck the Gods, no" He said. "Rumour has it the same happened of his Mother, if he found out my head would be upon pike" The Quincy looked at the woman, wiping a strand of hair from her forehead. "He took away my fucking coin, I return favour" He said, before spitting on his fingers. Kaien didn't watch but he assumed what had happened, especially with the beast sniffing his fingers with a delighted grin. "Prove yourself no friend of these people, use this woman, for untold pleasures" His hand turned to his hip and unsheathed a knife. "And when you are finished, leave a fresh mark upon her, as we have so often done"
Kaien took the knife, his face blank. "Leave us"
Ebern left and Kaien heard the woman's breaths getting more desperate. Kaien quickly knelt beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Calm yourself!" He said. "I stand a man of Seireitei, just as you stand a woman of it" He told her. Her eyes widened and he gave her a sad smile, taking the gag from her mouth. "My name is Kaien Shiba, Military Tribune and once Praetor" He smiled "I come in the name of Byakuya Kuchiki, his legions are gathering in the north, we shall take this city and see all those who have done this to you suffer" He vowed.
"Free me" She whispered.
Kaien nodded. "When Kuchiki comes, we shall-"
She shook her head, tearfully as her hands drifted to his hand, he looked down to see her two first finger tips bloodied as if her nails had been ripped out. Kaien gulped, his emotions were overcoming him and his hands began shaking. As he hands went closer to his hand, she found the blade he held. She pulled his hand closer, in turn the blade's tip coming to her neck. "Free me" She urged.
Kaien realized what she meant and now he felt his heart being gripped tighter than any fist or vice could. His eyes grew wet and two tears came down his cheek. He gazed at her, eyes wide and sympathy alongside pity soaring high. Kaien held her hand, rubbing it tenderly as he silently wept for the poor woman. "What is your name?" Kaien asked.
The woman gave out a ragged. "Maremi...Maremi Omaeda"
"Maremi" He repeated. He breathed slightly heavier. "Know that it shall not be forgotten. Nor the men who set you upon this fate" Kaien promised her, vowing to himself that Ebern would be especially dealt with. Kaien leant closer, giving her a small kiss on her forehead, Maremi's breaths calmed as his gentle kiss silenced her nerves, as she calmed herself, Kaien's hand pushed forward, halting her breaths.
And so, he returned to Ebern.
"What have you done you mad fuck?!" Ebern roared to Kaien.
The very man stood in front of him, Maremi's body in his arms. "I set her free" He replied to the glaring rebel. "As I would all Seireiteian's held by Ichigo" The dark-haired man spat. Ebern looked at him, glaring and thinking of a reply. When he found one, he laughed.
"You truly do stand one of us" He grinned. "Let us see it done, let's see them, as you put it so poetically...'free'" He said. Kaien smirked. Thank you Maremi, your death will not be vain, as you will be the catalyst of a civil war between the rebels.
Now, time to put the plan in motion.
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Byakuya overlooked the fifty soldiers with Izuru at his sight, with two Aquilifiers at each side wielding the military eagle standard with pelts over their shoulders and the bear caps over their scalps. All the soldiers wore nothing but tunics with a belt and a pair of leather sandals. Byakuya glared at them, intimidating the soldiers as they stood in front of the entire army that Byakuya had amassed, all watching as their commander was going to make an example out of five, unfortunate men. Byakuya let a few minutes pass, before deciding to speak up to the fifty 'cowards' he and Izuru branded them, of course the latter excluded two of the fifty soldiers from such a title.
"There stands no stronger bond between men, than that one that is forged in war" Byakuya bellowed to his men. "Nor greater glory, to fall in defence of Mother Seireitei and her glorious children. Each of you swore sacramentum; To obey order given, to refrain from theft or breach of common law, to protect the legionary standard and never to break rank nor flee from enemy, those who stand before me turned from field of battle retreated from the rebel Ichigo and his army of slaves fearing them more than their own commander...an error, this night I shall seek erected" He told them. The fifty men were shaking as Byakuya blankly watched on. "And in the lesson, lay fear upon proper name of Byakuya Kuchiki" He orated.
As this was said, five soldiers arrived each will a small sack filled with painted stones. One white one in each bag. Five more arrived and appeared in front of the men, dropping nine wooden clubs before each group as the stone-carriers (Which were less stones more pebbles) and then took position in front of each group.
"Those who survive decimation, shall be banished to followers camp to live amongst slaves and whores, until such a day I deem you worthy proper company" Izuru looked to Byakuya confused with the decision, Rose was far more deserving than a fucking camp filled with slaves and whores. He turned to Byakuya, poking his shoulder and whispering.
"Byakuya-" Izuru whispered.
"I am not Byakuya, I am your fucking Praetor" Byakuya snapped. The Kuchiki patriarch then sighed. "I have too long considered you a child Izuru, apologies...you stand a soldier now and deserve to be treated as any other" He said. "Join your men" Byakuya sounded rather hurt in his next sentence. "Fall to command" He choked.
Izuru halted a few seconds to take in the words Byakuya had told him, letting them sink in and absorbing them like a sponge. Byakuya was like a father to him, yet here the man stood putting him into a fatal punishment...
Izuru nodded, biting his lip before putting on a strong face and turned to rejoin his men, the ones who forced him to this. The only worthy ones were Aoga and Rose, but Izuru would gladly risk death just to see them live another day. With this decision confirmed, Izuru put on his best 'Fuck-this-shit' face, unclipped his expensive torso armor, throwing it to the floor alongside his wealthy cloak and wrist-guards, now clad in just his red tunic, taking a position beside Rose and Aoga.
"Draw lots" Byakuya commanded.
The soldiers put their hands into the small bags, gripping their stones and holding it tightly, the non-white stones were also painted in a black colour so that they couldn't pick-and-choose by the surface of the stone, Izuru put his hand in and gripped the stone as did Rose, Aoga and all the other soldiers. Izuru's chested heaved as did everyone elses as everyone prepared themselves for the vicious fate.
"Let this night be forever remembered and cause never repeated" Byakuya spoke loudly once more, his face emotionless, Izuru had never thought Byakuya was this...ruthless. "Present your fate"
Izuru gulped, his chest heaving and his legs wobbling as did most of the men hear, even Rose seemed frightened, of course even Ichigo himself would fear being beaten to death by nine other men while others watched, no escape or chance of survival. Izuru's fingers loosened and he looked down to see what his fate was...
Black.
He looked to Rose as well.
Black.
To Aoga, he looked as well and was now smiling happily and was calmed so much. He turned to his older friend, awaiting to see what he received but only had his heart shattered at what he saw.
White.
With that, Aoga alongside the four other soldiers were dragged off, the poor friend of Izuru's shaking as he was pulled by the arms to be prepared to be beaten by his life-long friend.
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Kirio quickly hooked a finger around the hatch door and opened it, looking down at Ryusei with a smile, handing down the sack full of bread and then frowning. "Apologies, there is so little food left, it grows scarce" She told the man.
"You risk life for us, there is nothing left to ask of you" He said.
Kirio smiled. "See heart lifted with welcomed news. Kuchiki and his legions are but a days march away, they shall retake the city and with it, end all the suffering-"
"I fear it has just begun" A voice spat.
Kirio whipped her head around, seeing Grimmjow and Soi-fon, with Yachiru at their side. Kirio looked betrayed as Yachiru stood beside Grimmjow with a nervous expression. "Apologies Kirio I had to tell them what I saw"
Kirio bit her lip. "The fault is mine, for laying trust in a rebellious slave!" She hissed, but a slap from Grimmjow with the back of his head sent her down, Soi-fon kneeling and digging her dagger into Kirio's cheek. Grimmjow growled, ripping Soi-fon's hand away and in the act taking away the knife.
"This man" He said, pointing to Ryusei. "He is the one Ggio helped free" Grimmjow realized. Kirio looked to the ground in annoyance.
"The blacksmith held no knowledge of it"
Soi-fon spoke. "You're friend is dead" She said. "Because of her!"
As the dagger went towards Kirio, Grimmjow pressed an arm against Soi-fon created a wall between the two, his eyes wide and angry. "See them bound and brought to Ichigo, they're his concern" He said solenly, before walking away from them.
"Where do you go?!" Soi-fon called.
"To see memory of Ggio well fucking honoured!"
Grimmjow stormed to the courtyard where Kenpachi was currently looking over the few recruits that stood with them. He paced up and down the yard, looking at the people trying to find an abnormality, yet he could find none. He stomped to Ruders. "None give rise to suspicion!"
"They are eager for enemies blood. As any that are true to our cause" The Quincy nodded. As they spoke in hushed whispers on what to say to Ichigo, a familiar voice cried out, forcing their attention.
"Maremi!"
The rebels turned to see Ebern standing with the corpse in his arms. "Ebern? Break fucking words and knowledge of what you carry!" He spat to the red-haired rebel.
"One of the missing Seireiteians!" He cried. "She came at me out of the shadows half-dead from attempted escape! If it had not been for Ganju! I would have been as she is right now!" The rebel lied, pulling Kaien into a one-armed embrace.
"You spare their lives and this is fucking gratitude?!" The Seireiteian Tribune cried out. The rebels cheered in agreement with Kaien, all falling into the palm of his hand. Before the leaders knew it, the rebels were chanting familiar cries of 'Kill' not dissimilar to the ones the Seireiteians cried when the gladiator rebels were about to finish off an enemy in the arena.
"They should be struck from this world" Unohana commented.
"As you struck Ggio from it?!" A voice spat, Grimmjow entered the room throwing his cloak to the ground now bare-chested and ready for action, pushing rebels away from his path. Unohana and Kenpachi looked at him, Kugo also as he wandered up.
"Subject has been laid to rest" Kugo said.
"Along with fucking truth!" Grimmjow hissed to his old friend.
"He aided the prisoners in escape" Unohana lied. "And made attempt on my life-"
"The AEDILE'S WIFE saw them free!" Grimmjow roared to the woman.
"How do you come upon this?" Kenpachi asked.
"Kirio hid them beneath the floor of her husbands stable, Soi-fon carries them and her to Ichigo" Grimmjow told the two, both of them realizing their mistake and suddenly, Grimmjow noticed how they seemed like teenagers in trouble with their frightening father.
Of course, teenagers rebelled. "It holds no matter!" Unohana replied. "Ggio, was a Seireiteian! He fell to deserved fate" She spat, pushing past him, Grimmjow grabbed her arm and pushed her back, enraged.
"He was my friend you mad bitch!" Grimmjow spat.
Grabbing his wrist to stop Grimmjow from doing anything stupid, Kugo intervened while calling out the words. "Seize tongue Brother!" As he did this, Grimmjow grabbed Kugo by the back of the neck and dragged him down, feeling Kugo's intervention as an act of aggression. Kugo attempted to stand and move back, avoiding a fight with his friend, but as he did Grimmjow's foot shot out and kicked him in the gut, winding him.
Growling in anger, Kugo roared and charged at Grimmjow shooting his shoulder into the teal-haired rebel's gut and lifting him high-off the ground, then slamming him on the floor and straddling him, retracting his arm and giving a powerful punch to Grimmjow's jaw, who retaliated and stretched his arm up to punch Kugo as well, busting his nose. Using his disorientation to his advantage, Grimmjow rolled to straddle Kugo, but was delivered with a head-butt as they were in mid-roll.
The two now had their hands at each-others throats, suffocating each other in anger as Grimmjow glared at Kugo, as the other glared back. Another punch by Kugo sent him off the brawny man and onto his back.
In the middle of all the fighting, Marejirosaburo had crawled behind Ebern who was now down a level, leaning against a wall. The Omaeda hissed, wrapping his chains around the rebel's neck and pulling him, Ebern's back hitting the wall as he felt his throat being constricted. Ebern's eyes drifted to Kaien who caught sight of this, before his eyes drifted back to Kugo and Grimmjow rolling across the ground, punching and kicking one another. Looking back to Ebern, Kaien's hands slipped to his belt, equipping a knife as if ready to throw. Ebern's eyes widened as Kaien glared right at him, knife in hand and retracting his fist back, as the fight pressed on and everyone's attentions else-where, Kaien threw the knife, snapping passed Ebern and hitting poor Marejirosaburo, just at the exact same time as Kugo and Grimmjow stood.
The two stood, glaring at one another, before charging again and grappling, arm-locks and head-locks were in abundance as the two fought to a tie, but the fight could not be concluded.
As Unohana had appeared with a large rock, crashing the hard stone against both their skulls, knocking them unconscious and clean to the floor, both laying there as if sleeping. Unohana looked to Kenpachi "They left me no choice"
"They protect the Seireiteians...as does our mighty fucking leader!" Ebern yelled roughly, his voice raspy from the recent murder attempt. Kaien appeared beside him, his eyes wide.
"Is this all we have sacrificed all for in joining cause?!" He demanded, forcing agreement and cheers from the rebels.
"Ichigo gives command!" Kenpachi yelled.
"And I would give my life for enemies blood hot upon cheek!" Kaien retaliated, motioning to his cheek in an undeterred passion, of course he never mentioned who the enemy was. The rebels were now roaring in agreement, so much that Unohana walked up to Kenpachi.
"We owe Ichigo...everything...our entire lives" She said. "But he is wrong in this" Unohana confessed, Kenpachi looked at her, her eyes were fierce and unwavering. He nodded and silently agreed.
Kaien watched as Kenpachi walked to the next level, up to the top of the steps before them and began an oration. "For every chain around neck! For every lash upon back! For every loved one ripped from grasp...take Seireiteian blood as payment, then see this city, truly ours!" He roared to the rebels, who all roared in agreement, grasping for swords and axes, all leaving the courtyard and leaving Kugo and Grimmjow laying there, unconscious.
All while this was happening, back in Byakuya's legions Izuru stood in front of Aoga, who was clad in but a clean white rag around his hips, in the middle of a circle of nine men, brandishing wooden and stone clubs. "I will not do this" Izuru told Aoga. Rose looked to him as did Byakuya, but Aoga simply replied shakingly.
"You shall do as commanded" He said shaking with fear. "As all soldiers must"
Izuru felt hot, salty tears run down his cheek as Byakuya snapped the words. "Let it be done!" Without a second thought, Aoga was hit in the back of the skull by a club, before being bombarded with many, hard strikes by everyone but Rose and Izuru, who stood eyes wide. Rose turned to Izuru, eyes slightly disturbed as the latter winced with every strike Aoga was hit with.
"What shall you do?" He asked the young master.
Izuru looked to the sky, eyes filled with tears and anger, before gritting his teeth and hssing. "I shall end close friends suffering" He said quietly, Before striking Aoga, Rose following in pursuit as they alongside the other seven beat the soldier.
In Senzaikyu, a similar venture begun as Kenpachi and his followers rampaged across the city, cutting down all the defenceless citizens in a bloodthirsty rampage. Ebern, Kenpachi, Unohana, Ruders, Azashiro, Kuruyashiki and Kiganjo and all men similar to them slaughtered the prisoners mercilessly as they attempted to wipe out all of them before Ichigo realized what was going on. The citizens were so weak that they couldn't even move back let alone fight back against the marauding men and women.
It was a sad day for Seireitei, men being decimated all the while their citizens were being cut down for no apparent reason. Izuru swung the club, hitting one of Aoga's ribs forcing it to break, right through the skin while Rose hit his shin, another bone breaking. Aoga fell to his knees, face distorted and his bones broken, Izuru looked traumatic as his eyes were heavy-lidded with anguish, blood soaking his neck and shoulders, some on his cheek. With a final goodbye to his friend, Izuru swung the club as hard as he could, trying to block out the image of Aoga's destroyed facial features but he couldn't, the club hitting the poor man right across the skull, ending his life once and for all, the white stone dropping from his hand.
The decimation had ended, Izuru had caught sight of one crawling away to flee, but he had been dragged back. Byakuya looked at Izuru, the bastard seeming sympathetic to the young Tribune. Izuru walked up to Byakuya, nothing but disdain and hate in his eyes. "Lesson well learned" Izuru murmured. "Praetor" He finished icily.
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Kaien watched as blood soaked the walls and the ground as he walked through the many corpses that he had forced, guilt filled him but it...it was necessary. He looked up, metres and yards away was Ichigo's villa where the very man himself sat at a table with Renji, Rukia, Findorr and Starrk discussing a very secret and almost impossible goal.
"Is it impossible, what I seek to do?" Ichigo asked.
Findorr shrugged. "All dreams are possible" He muttered "It is but effort and cost that keeps it from our grasp" He said.
"See this last thing come to fruition and I will fill your ship with all the riches this city yet holds" Ichigo vowed. Findorr stood, extending his hand with a grin as Ichigo smirked at his response.
"Let us see it done then brother-"
"Ichigo!" Chad called as he ran into the room, out of breath and seemingly been sprinting. "Kenpachi and the others have gone mad! Their killing the Seireiteians for no apparent reason!"
Ichigo alongside Rukia stood without hesitation, grabbing his and her sword and leaving the room immediately. Renji followed and turned to Chad. "Keep watch over the pirates" He ordered. "You seem to favour their fucking company" He spat jealously. Chad rose an eyebrow and Starrk rolled his eyes at this.
Down in the war-zone, a handful of rebels walked passed a doorway, without looking inside. As they passed it, Soi-fon poked her head out and turned to the prisoners. "Come, hurry it up!" She snapped.
"We will not make it to the villa!" Kirio said worriedly.
"No you will not" Ruders said as he arrived with a smirk.
Soi-fon glared. "These are for Ichigo! Take from fucking path!" Soi-fon hissed to the two rebels, Ruders and a bald-one Grimmjow had beaten earlier on. Ruders smirked and shrugged.
"I do not see Grimmjow among you, nor cause to heed his bitch!"
Before they could realize what happened, Soi-fon had already killed the bald-rebel and had Ruders against the wall by the throat. "I give cause, bitch!" She spat viciously, the blade at Ruders' throat. As Soi-fon was busy with Ruders, Ebern arrived and roared.
"More Seireiteians!"
With a laugh his sword pierced Ryusei and Kirio grabbed his scruff, attempting to tear him off the poor man, but Kenpachi had already tore her off the red-haired rebel before she could realize what happened. "The Aedile's wife!" Kenpachi yelled to the score of vicious, cruel rebels that he commanded, throwing her to her knees. Kenpachi turned to Unohana, waiting for her command as if she was his leader, his Domina. With a slight, terrifying nod of the head, Unohana gave permission.
Kenpachi grabbed his sword, Izuru's old sword and raised it high with both hands, readying to decapitate Kirio. As his arms raised, he took a deep breath and swung the blade down.
But a purple and orange blur appeared and shoved him out of the way before the kill could be completed, Kenpachi regained his footing and span around, meeting swords with his attacker, eyes widening as he realized it was Ichigo, eyes glaring and filled with an enraged anger that made Kenpachi do a double-take."You will regain sense" Ichigo growled viciously, just waiting for Kenpachi to make a wrong move. "Or I'll kill you where you stand!" Ichigo threatened, Kenpachi searched Ichigo for any signs of lies or bluffs; There was none, Ichigo was shaking breathing and shaking heavily with rage, furious with the man he called a father-figure.
"It is you who has lost sense!" Kenpachi hissed, Ichigo missed Kaien's smirk. "And the Aedile's wife, who will see you toppled from perch!" He spat. Rukia's gaze turned to Kirio, who looked back nervously, a pang of jealousy striking her.
Unohana's blade pointing to Kirio. "She is the one who helped these Seireiteian shits slip bond! And smiled at you through fucking lies!" The woman hissed to Kirio, Ichigo turned to her.
"A thing of truth" A voice said, Ichigo turned to see Kugo and Grimmjow arriving. "Ggio held no part in it, 'twas but the lies of a mad woman" Grimmjow spat at Unohana. "He did not deserve the end that he was given"
Ichigo turned to Kirio, slowly walking to her and his hand slowly slipped around her throat, blade pointing to her face. "This is return...for the mercy I granted you" Ichigo told her, scowling at her.
"Mercy?" She asked Ichigo. "Mercy?! You robbed me of my husband! Your people slaughtered thousands within my city and now I stand condemned to save but a handful from such cruelty!"
"Which we learned at the hand of our Seireiteian masters!" Unohana spat back.
"Take her life brother" Kenpachi advised Ichigo. "And in the act, let us become as one again!"
Ichigo thought for a moment, looking at Kirio as he pondered her fate. "A thing deserved" Ichigo murmured to himself loudly, raising his sword. "But I will not see us become the very thing we fight against, the way you did this very night" Ichigo growled at Kenpachi lowly, releasing Kirio from his grasp.
Kenpachi was getting very vexed. "There are many who question your mind in this!" He growled angrily, Ichigo saw that his eyes seemed wet whether it be the emotions overflowing or they were just that way from the combat, Ichigo didn't care nor spare him sympathy.
"I question my mind as well" Ichigo retorted "To place faith in you...as a leader" Ichigo said calmly, trying to calm his anger. It seemed Kenpachi was not calmed as he immediately pounced for Ichigo, but Rukia and Renji quickly leapt in front of him, blocking him from Ichigo who didn't even flinch from the behemoth's attempted attack. Grimmjow smirked at this as did Kugo, justice was done this day it seemed, even if it was a mere flicker. "See all the Seireiteians that yet live in my villa" Ichigo ordered the rebels, who seemed to be all rule-abiding now that Ichigo was here, ready to serve their leader unlike they were five minutes ago. "Make further attempt against my will, then you will follow those you have struck down this night!" Ichigo snapped to them, glaring at Kenpachi when he said the words, as if a warning, who sneered back. Ichigo then turned to leave, all the remaining prisoners behind him with Kugo, Renji, Grimmjow and Rukia. Kenpachi glared at the retreating form and Unohana stood beside him, cupping his chin.
"The man has helped us more than anyone" She said. "But now I doubt the path he follows" Unohana admitted, Kenpachi looking at her.
"Then perhaps it is time, we forge our own one" Kenpachi sneered, glaring at Ichigo's retreating form. With that, he left with all his followers such as Ebern, Ruders and all the other blood-thirsty warmongering rebels.
Kaien looked at the both of them, then smirked at his fine work.
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I told you Kenpachi and Byakuya were assholes.
Any way, exciting chapter next week! Biggest thing I've done so far, super secret mission and not even Kenpachi or Ichigo's generals know about it, only the pirates! Till then! Now if you'll excuse me, I have a job to apply for! Wish me luck!