Bleach: The Afterlife Saga

*Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or any of its characters. All the characters mentioned in this story, with the exception of OCs, are the property of Kubo Tite.

*Thanks for everyone who sent in reviews for the previous chapter! I appreciate all the feedback!


Chapter 45 End of the Gotei 13

Ichigo, Rukia and Renji ran as fast they could, even though they were already in the safety of the Dangai, with the guidance of three Hell Butterflies.

"What's the plan after we arrive in the real world Ichigo?" asked Rukia.

"We meet up with Ishida, Inoue and Chad. Then we go after Aizen," said Ichigo. "I heard from the jailors that my old man helped Aizen escape from his cell. Most likely he's still with Aizen right now. If we can track down Aizen we can find my old man too."

"Oh yeah, I just remembered now," said Renji. He took out one of the Danreishinkis that his captain had given him. "Rukia and I have a pair of special Danreishinkis that are locked onto to Aizen's reiatsu. We should be able to get a rough bearing on his location once we're in the real world."

"Sounds good Renji. Now all we need to do is to gather the rest of our nakama."

"Um, Ichigo, what will happen to Nii-sama, Urahara-san and Yoruichi-san?" asked Rukia. For a moment Ichigo said nothing, knowing full well Rukia's feelings about her brother.

"I'm sure they'll be fine somehow."


Byakuya, Urahara and Yoruichi found themselves surrounded by more than fifty members of the Onimitsukidou, along with three Royal Guards, Kuchiki Ginrei, Shihouin Ranjana, and Hikifune Kirio. They could sense the spiritual pressures of four other Royal Guards heading their way.

"Geez talk about a hopeless situation," said Urahara.

"Are you prepared to die Kisuke?" asked Yoruichi with a smirk.

"Hmm, perhaps not yet. What about you Byakuya-san?" The nobleman gave him an arrogant stare.

"I have better things to do tonight than die," said Byakuya. He turned his attention to his grandfather, who was staring at him with eyes filled with disappointment.

"Urahara Kisuke, Kuchiki Byakuya and Shihouin Yoruichi, the three of you shall submit yourselves to the custody of the Central 46, or else we shall destroy you right here," said Hikifune Kirio.

"Oh, what's going to happen to us if we surrender Hifikune-san?" asked Urahara.

"Trying to flirt me with me Urahara Kisuke?" Hikifune sniggered. "You'll be most likely sentenced to death. Along with your friends here. The escaped criminal Kurosaki Ichigo and the two lieutenants who helped him escape will also be sentenced to death."

"If that is the fate that awaits us, then we decline your offer, Hikifune Kirio," said Yoruichi.

"Heh, so be it." Hikifune was about to motion the Executive Militia to strike when she was stopped by Ranjana.

"Let me deal with Yoruichi Kirio. A father must always discipline his daughter when she misbehaves," said Ranjana.

"What are you going to do to me father? Smack me on the ass?" asked Yoruichi.

"Your punishment will be far worse than that daughter of mine." Ranjana flared out his spiritual pressure and advanced towards Yoruichi. Yoruichi suddenly disappeared, causing her father and the Executive Militia to chase after her.

"I'll deal with Urahara Kisuke and Kuchiki Byakuya then," said Hikifune.

"Wait a second Kirio. Byakuya is my responsibility," said Ginrei. Hikifune gave him a withering look, as if expressing her disappointment at being denied another prey.

"Fine then, have it your way. Urahara Kisuke will be mine to punish alone." The former 12th Division captain drew her sword and advanced towards the current 12th division captain. Both figures flash stepped away, leaving Ginrei to face his grandson by himself.

"Why Byakuya? Why have you broken the laws of Soul Society?" asked Ginrei. "I thought you've long grown out of the reckless antics of your youth. It seems you haven't matured at all since I left for the King's Realm."

"I have Ojii-sama. I am well aware of everything you taught me. I understand that as the Head of the Kuchiki Clan I must set the example for everyone else in Soul Society," said Byakuya. "But I was taught an important lesson by the heir to the Shiba clan, Kurosaki Ichigo. He taught me that some of our laws are not upholding, if they somehow inflict great injustice upon the innocent." Ginrei was aghast at what he was hearing from his grandson. Anger built up in his heart and veins started growing around his forehead.

"You have disgraced the Kuchiki clan Byakuya. You have tarnished our traditions with the heretic ideas of the Shiba family," said Ginrei. The Royal Guard unsheathed his sword and advanced towards Byakuya. Byakuya placed his hand upon his sword's scabbard but he was reluctant to unsheathe it.

"I do not wish to fight you Ojii-sama," said Byakuya. "Is there any way I can atone for my sins?" Ginrei stopped and pondered his grandson's proposals.

"I suppose there is one way I could forgive your actions. Accept the ultimatum I gave you and marry your sister. Once the two of you are married you must produce an heir as soon as possible!"

"What will happen to Rukia once the son is born Ojii-sama?"

"She will be stripped of her status as a Shinigami and forever confined to the manor. A wife of a Kuchiki clan head has no need to work." Byakuya considered the implications of his grandfather's demands. Accepting them would result in Rukia forever losing her freedom and dignity. That was an outcome that was unacceptable for Byakuya. He had vowed to himself to never cause his sister suffer ever again.

"I am sorry Ojii-sama. I cannot accept your demands." Byakuya unsheathed his Zanpakuto and pointed it at his grandfather. "I would rather let Rukia choose her own destiny than forcing her to marry me. She is no longer simply a daughter of the Kuchiki clan."

"So, you have made your choice Byakuya," said Ginrei. His voice carried with it a tone of disappointment. The time for talk was over. The two Kuchikis, grandfather and grandson, faced each other off. After a few seconds of staring, the two men flash stepped towards each other. As soon as they crossed paths, Byakuya thrust his katana at his grandfather's back. Ginrei countered with the same action. Both blades clashed in midair, generating sparks and creating a shock wave of reiatsu that surrounded them.

"An excellent Senka," said Ginrei. "Your skills have really improved Byakuya."

"I'll show you my true strength Ojii-sama," said Byakuya. He jumped several feet back and held his Zanpakuto upright in front of him. "Scatter, Senbonzakura." His Zanpakuto disintegrated into a thousand blades shaped like cherry blossoms. Byakuya directed the mass of blades at his grandfather. Ginrei calmly observed the cherry blossom blades flying towards him, before shaking his head in disappointment.

"You still have a long way to go to surpass me." Ginrei held his Zanpakuto upright in front of him. "Glitter, Sendaikongoseki." In an instant his Zanpakuto disintegrated into millions of blue diamond gems that formed a shield around his body. The wave of pink cherry blossom blades crashed upon the shield, then fell to the ground. Ginrei then directed the swarm of diamond gems to fly at Byakuya. Byakuya tried desperately to raise his own shield of cherry blossom blades but the wave of diamonds flew past his body in a flash. It took Byakuya a few seconds to register what had happened. Then all of a sudden his haori was shredded to pieces. Byakuya collapsed onto the ground in total shock. Not only had he been defeated in an instant, his grandfather had actually been going easy upon him. He could have killed me at that moment. For the first time in his life, Byakuya felt despair in his heart. He looked up and saw his grandfather walked towards him, having already resealed his Zanpakuto.

"I am extremely disappointed Byakuya. I thought after all of these years you would have been able to surpass me," said Ginrei. "You have disgraced the honor of our family."

"You are right Ojii-sama, I've let you down terribly," said Byakuya. He stood up and held his sealed blade in his hands. Then, to the surprise of Ginrei, Byakuya used his sword to cut off the kenseikan headpieces that were on his head.

"What are you doing Byakuya? Those are our treasured family heirlooms!"

"I am abdicating my position as the Head of the Kuchiki clan Ojii-sama. I am also resigning as Captain of the 6th division. Both of these titles are yours your Ojii-sama." As the last of the kenseikan fell to the ground, Byakuya calmly walked away from his grandfather. Ginrei picked up the fallen headpieces on the ground. For a moment he thought about stopping his grandson, but something in his heart stopped him doing so. He could only watch as Byakuya left Seireitei through a small passage near the White Way gate.


Yoruichi flew across the rooftops with her father and the Executive Militia hot on her heels. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed a figure catch up to her in a flash.

"Hey there gorgeous," said Urahara.

"What's the matter Kisuke? Can't fight a girl?" teased Yoruichi. Urahara grinned.

"At least I don't have daddy issues." His quip earned him a slap on the face.

"Some help you are Kisuke. We've got two Royal Guards and half the Executive Militia chasing us."

"Couldn't you do something about the militia? They revere you as a goddess after all."

"Hmm that sounds like a good idea Kisuke. I'll try that." Yoruichi suddenly turned around and waited for her father and the Executive Militia to catch up to her. They quickly surrounded Yoruichi and Urahara. Hikifune landed beside Ranjana a second later.

"Have you finally decided to give yourself up my daughter?" asked Ranjana.

"Not yet father." Yoruichi stuck out her tongue. Ranjana shook his head.

"You need to be taught a lesson. Executive Militia, apprehend them!" The fifty or so militia hesitated at first, before they proceeded to charge at Yoruichi

"Heh heh, have you forgotten who am I?" asked Yoruichi with a smug grin. She disappeared from sight, then reappeared a moment later in the midst of the militia. Then, in a series of movements so fast that no one could see what she was doing, Yoruichi to incapacitate all fifty of the militia. When she appeared beside Urahara a few seconds later, all of the militia had collapsed unconscious.

"If you're going to punish me father should know better than sending Executive Militia against me," said Yoruichi. "I wonder why they're even accompanying you. I thought the Executive Militia was Sui Feng's to command alone."

"There has been a change in circumstances," said Ranjana bluntly. "I have taken over the captaincy of the 2nd Division and control over the Onimitsukidou. The one called Sui Feng has been demoted to an ordinary militia." Yoruichi couldn't believe what her father had said.

"You stripped Sui Feng of her rank? How could you?"

"It was a simple matter of getting the Central 46 to issue a decree. Be glad that she hasn't been sent to the Maggot's Nest for insubordination. You should be more worried about yourself." Before Yoruichi could react her father suddenly cast an unchanted Bakudo 63 Sajo Sabaku on her, binding her arms and legs.

"Yoruichi-san!" shouted Urahara. His moment of distraction was all that was needed for the Royal Guard Hikifune to hit him with a Rikujokorou spell.

"This is the end of the line Urahara Kisuke. I have researched into your past history," said Hikifune. "You were the one who created the Hougyoku and responsible for the hollowfication experiments 120 years ago weren't you?"

"How, how did you know that?" Urahara was stunned that Hikifune knew about his past history. His eyes widened in surprise when she showed him a parchment.

"Have you forgotten that the Central 46 maintain records of every trial and decision they hear? I only needed to flick through the past cases in order obtain information about you."

Urahara gnashed his teeth in frustration. He tried to break free of the Kido spell, but quickly senses it was hopeless when he detected five other enormous spiritual pressures coming rapidly towards them. Within a few seconds five more Royal Guards landed nearby, completely encircling Urahara and Yoruichi.

"Well done in apprehending them, Ranjana, Kirio," said the Commander of the Royal Guards Hideyoshi. His reiatsu was so great that both Urahara and Yoruichi started to wilt under the spiritual pressure he was exerting.

"Urahara Kisuke, Shihouin Yoruichi, you have both broken Soul Society's fundamental laws," said Hideyoshi. "You have two choices. Either submit yourselves to the custody of the Central 46 to await your trials or be executed by us now." Urahara and Yoruichi looked nervously around. Several of the Royal Guards were licking their lips, as if they were eager to perform the execution.

"Looks like this is the end for both of us," said Urahara.

"Shit, I don't want to die like this," said Yoruichi in despair.

"Your time is up. It appears that you have refused to surrender yourselves. Very well then, let the execution commence!" shouted Hideyoshi. Just as he gave the signal for his fellow Royal Guards to attack, two figures suddenly appeared beside Urahara and Yoruichi. The Royal Guards stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening in surprise when they realized who the two strangers were.

"Genryusai!" shouted Hideyoshi. The Commander of the Royal Guards glared at Yamamoto. The Captain Commander of the Gotei 13 was accompanied by Kido Corps Captain Tsukabishi Tessai.

"How are you doing Kisuke-san, Yoruichi-san?" asked Tessai.

"Other than being tied up, well I guess," said Yoruichi. The three of them stopped their chat when they noticed that Yamamoto was about to say something.

"I forbid you from harming any of my captains Kenryusai," said Yamamoto. "Everything they have done tonight has been done according to my orders."

"Your orders? So you are the mastermind behind Kurosaki Ichigo's escape from prison!" exclaimed Hideyoshi in rage. Yamamoto grinned smugly at Hideyoshi.

"I make no apology at all for being involved in the plot to break Kurosaki Ichigo from his incarceration. He did not deserve to be tried and punished in such a manner. That you would resort to manipulating the Central 46 into staging a sham trial like that shows how far you have fallen Kenryusai."

"Enough of your babble old man!" shouted Suzaku. The fiery red haired son of Yamamoto unsheathed his sword. "Why don't you just die now?"

"It is too soon for me to die yet, especially not to the likes of you, my son," said Yamamoto. "Tessai, activate the spell!"

"Yes Sotaicho!" The Kido Corps captain clapped his hands before slamming them upon the ground. A green magic circle appeared in the area around his body, large enough to encompass Yamamoto, Urahara and Yoruichi. One of the Royal Guards, a large man with a turtle shell on his back, realized what was happening.

"He's casting Kukanten'i! We must stop him at once!" The man began a chant for a powerful hado spell, but it was too late. Before any of the Royal Guards could react, a bright flash of light blinded them all. By the time their eyesight was restored, the four captain class individuals they had surrounded were gone.

"Darn you Genryusai!" Hideyoshi clenched his fists in anger.


The escape of Kurosaki Ichigo from the Underground Prison and defection of four of the Gotei 13 captains including the Captain Commander himself had enormous repercussions for the future of the Gotei 13 and Seireitei as a whole. The morning after the incident, the Central 46 passed a new decree that the Royal Guards were now the absolute authority over Seireitei. Within moments of gaining this authority the Commander of the Royal Guards Hideyoshi ordered a large plaque to be nailed to the front gate of every Gotei 13 division barracks. The plaque contained a whole new series of decrees that all members of the Gotei 13 had to follow, with the punishment for disobeying them automatic imprisonment, exile from Seireitei, or even summary execution. The most onerous commands related to the conduct of the remaining Gotei 13 captains. Each captain had to undergo a thorough interrogation by the Royal Guards to determine if they were suitable for their office. Those who refused to undergo the interrogation had to resign their positions at once.

It did not take long for many Shinigami among the Gotei 13 to feel angry about the new decrees, but the wiser heads of each division knew it was better not to protest openly. Instead, many of the captains and lieutenants decided to meet in secret. One such meeting involved Shunsui, Ukitake, Unohana and Hitsugaya. The four captains met in a private building well away from their own divisions.

"Did you guys read the new rules the Royal Guards imposed upon us captains?" asked Hitsugaya. The other three nodded.

"Shinji-san has already told me that he, Kensei, Love and Rose are planning to resign their positions and voluntarily place themselves in the Maggot's Nest," said Shunsui.

"What? They're choosing to resign their positions? Why?" Ukitake was astounded.

"I would imagine they fear the Royal Guards finding out about the hollowfication experiences they went through," said Unohana. "After all, the Central 46 once ordered them to be destroyed like hollows."

"So the Visoreds don't want their dark secrets to be found out," pondered Hitsugaya." Where does this leave us four then? If we resign our positions, then there will be no captains left to run the Gotei 13."

"We still have Kenpachi left," said Ukitake. Shunsui and Unohana shook their heads.

"I have a feeling Kenpachi-san will be kicked out of the Gotei 13 soon. Nanao-chan told me he destroyed the plaque of commands as soon as he saw them upon his division barracks."

"Ugh that's not good at all," said Hitsugaya. "Looks like we have no choice but to comply with the new rules. We can't let the Royal Guards run roughshod over Soul Society."

"Hitsugaya Taicho is right. The four of us have nothing to hide should we be subjected to interrogation," said Unohana. "We shall strive to maintain the unity of the Gotei 13 as much as we can, and hope that Yamamoto Sotaicho and the other captains return." Shunsui, Ukitake and Hitsugaya all agreed with Unohana's suggestion.


As Shunsui predicted, Kenpachi's act of defiance against the authority of the Royal Guards would have dire consequences for his division, and himself. A few hours after he destroyed the plaque of commands that had been posted upon the barracks' front gates, his division received another unwelcome visit from the Royal Guard known as Toujou Kenpachi.

"Captain, that other Kenpachi is back again!" exclaimed a frantic Ikkaku. He and Yumichika burst into the captain's office as soon as they spotted the Royal Guard.

"He looks really pissed off too!" added Yumichika.

"What beef does he have with me this time?" asked Kenpachi. "I already answered a whole lot of his pain in the ass questions." The 11th division captain dragged hauled himself up and grabbed his Zanpakuto.

"You're going to great that other Ken-chan, Ken-chan?" asked Yachiru. The short pink-haired girl jumped upon Kenpachi's shoulders as he went out of his office.

It did not take long for Kenpachi to confront Toujou Kenpachi. The Royal Guard was standing in the middle of the barracks' training ground, with a furious expression on his face. His spiritual pressure alone had caused many nearby 11th division members to collapse unconscious.

"You again, what is it this time?" asked Kenpachi as he saw the Royal Guard. Toujou Kenpachi held up the two broken pieces of the plaque that had been placed outside the 11th division barracks.

"Do you have any explanation for this Zaraki Kenpachi?" asked Toujou. "I found this plaque shattered into pieces when I came knocking on your division's front gate."

"What of it? That plaque was an eyesore so I decided to remove it," said Kenpachi.

"Do you realize what you have done? That plaque contains a list of commands that all captains of the Gotei 13 must follow. By breaking that plaque are you signaling to us that you disobey the orders of the Royal Guard?"
"Hell yeah! I don't take any stinking orders from you royal cocksuckers. The only man I respect and follow is old man Yamamoto." Toujou was not amused by Kenpachi's insult. The Royal Guard flexed his reiatsu in a display of power that scared the living daylights out of Ikkaku and Yumichika. Both of them cowered behind their captain.

"Zaraki Kenpachi, you are not fit to be a Shinigami of the Gotei 13, let alone captain of the 11th Division," declared Toujou. "I know about your past history and how you came to be captain. You were admitted into the Gotei 13 without going through the Academy or passing the entrance exams. You fought and killed your predecessor in front of 200 spectators, and by doing so you were awarded the rank of captain without knowing Bankai or even your own Zanpakuto's name." Kenpachi rolled his eyes at Toujou's Rank.

"I've heard all of that rubbish before. So what of it?"

"I have the authority to strip you of your rank in an instant, but I am a man of honour just like you. I shall give you a chance to prove that you are worthy to remain as a captain of the proud 11th division. How about we have a duel between the two of us. If you win you'll get to keep your rank. If you lose I shall not only strip your title as captain from you but you shall be expelled from the Gotei 13. Is that a fair deal?"

"How about if I win, you and your posse get to go back where you came from," said Kenpachi with a grin. Toujou laughed.

"Ha ha, very well then, I accept your condition." With that, preparations were quickly made to hold an official duel between the two Kenpachis in the middle of the 11th division barracks' main courtyard. The word was sent out across Seireitei, and soon more than 200 Shinigami arrived at the 11th division barracks to await the upcoming duel.

"Kenpachi Taicho! Kenpachi Taicho!" shouted the 11th division members as they saw their captain walk into the middle of the courtyard. His opponent, the Royal Guard Toujou Kenpachi, was already standing in the courtyard about fifteen metres away, facing him.

"Go Ken-chan, beat that silly looking copycat!" cheered Yachiru.

"Get off my back Yachiru. I can't fight seriously with you on it," said Kenpachi.

"Okay." Yachiru landed on the ground and ran to join Ikkaku and Yumichika. "I'll be cheering for you Ken-chan!" Ikkaku and Yumichika were less optimistic about their captain's chances of winning.

"Ikkaku, how strong do you think that other guy is?" asked Yumichika. "You've fought the captain before so you know how strong he is." Ikkaku pondered for a moment.

"He looks real tough. That flare of reiatsu he did earlier, I've never felt such pressure in my life before," admitted Ikkaku. "I don't know if our captain can match it."

Kenpachi bowed to Toujou as a show of respect. The Royal Guard returned the compliment. The 11th Division's 10th seat, Aramaki Makizo, gave the signal for the fight to begin. Kenpachi wasted no time in unsheathing his ragged Zanpakuto.

"Alright let's get this show started," said Kenpachi with a grin. Toujou surprised Kenpachi however by reaching into his haori and pulling out a Wazikashi instead of using the oversized nodachi that was strapped to his back.

"Hey, why the hell are you using that puny sword and not your Zanpakuto? Fight me fairly and squarely!"

"I want to test my strength against you first before I resort to my Zanpakuto," said Toujou calmly. "Do not worry about me being at a possible disadvantage. Such considerations will serve to handicap you fighting ability."

"Are you insulting my strength by implying that that puny sword of yours is a match for my katana?"

"Not at all. I want you to prove to me that you're strong enough to be worthy of facing my Zanpakuto," said Toujou. "Come on, attack me as if you intend to kill me. Do not hold back your strength."

"Hah, fine with me! Just don't cry about getting killed afterwards!" Kenpachi rushed at Toujou with his sword held high above his head. He slashed down hard at Toujou's head. To Kenpachi's surprise, the slash was blocked by the short sword. Thinking it was just a lucky coincidence, Kenpachi intensified his assault, unleashing a flurry of swings and thrusts at Toujou. The Royal Guard parried all of the attacks, and then proceeded to flash step past Kenpachi to appear behind the captain. It took several seconds for Kenpachi to realize that his opponent had gotten behind him.

"Is that all you've got?" asked Toujou. All of a sudden numerous cuts appeared across Kenpachi's chest and upon his face. Whilst the cuts weren't deep, they still caused blood to gush out of the wounds. What the hell? I didn't see him hand those hits upon me at all, Kenpachi thought.

"I thought I told you to fight me at full strength," said Toujou. "You are still suppressing your power. That eye patch drains a considerable portion of your reiatsu doesn't it?"

"Huh you know about my eye patch?" Kenpachi instinctively touched his right eye. Toujou pointed to the eye patch over his left eye.

"My eye patch also drains large portion of my reiatsu. I can tell that you and I think alike. We both want our battles to last longer and be more enjoyable. But there are times where restricting your own power merely serves to handicap yourself." The Royal Guard's advice was beginning to annoy Kenpachi. Tch, I don't want to take off my eye patch so soon, but if that guy shuts his trap up it will be worth it

"Fine, I'll show you the full extent of my power. Just don't be too overwhelmed by it!" yelled Kenpachi. He took off his eye patch and threw it onto the ground. In an instant his spiritual pressure skyrocketed, causing an immense column of reiatsu to rise up into the sky. The pressure he was exerting was so intense that many of the weaker 11th division members started to faint.

"The captain's taken off his eye patch already," commented Ikkaku.

"He'll surely win now right?" asked Yumichika.

"I don't know. That other guy doesn't look like he's fazed at all." Ikkaku was deeply troubled by how quickly his captain was pulling out his trump cards.

"Hey, now that I've taken off my eye patch, shouldn't you do the same?" asked Kenpachi. He pointed his sword at the Royal Guard.

"I do not need to remove it at the moment," said Toujou nonchalantly. "My current spiritual pressure will be sufficient."

"Oh yeah, we'll see about that!" Kenpachi raised his sword above his head again and slashed down at Toujou's head. The air pressure that was created from the swing was enough to cause a shockwave almost ten metres wide around the two combatants. To Kenpachi's utter shock, Toujou had blocked his attack with the palm of his left hand.

"That slash was weak," said Toujou. Before Kenpachi could react, the Royal Guard slashed across his chest with the short sword, causing a large amount of blood to spurt out. Kenpachi had to jump back several steps to recover. All of the 11th division members were astounded that their captain's swing had been blocked barehanded.

"I am greatly disappointed in you Zaraki Kenpachi," said Toujou. "I thought you would give me a most entertaining battle for the first time in a long while. I didn't expect to find your full unrestricted power to be lower than my suppressed level of strength. Before I finish you off, I shall give you one last chance to prove yourself. As a Kenpachi, you surely must know the way of the Bushido."

"Yeah I do. Old man Yamamoto taught it to me when I entered the Gotei 13. I don't really like using it though. But if that will make you shut your trap for good, then I'll show it to you," said Kenpachi. He shifted his stance, placing both his hands upon his sword, and gripping it tightly in the middle of his body. Then Kenpachi raised his sword above his head and slashed at Toujou with all of his weight. The slash was so powerful that it bisected a thirty metre long portion of the courtyard to a depth of over ten feet, and created a large amount of dust. When the dust cleared, Kenpachi gasped in disbelief. Toujou had dodged the slash by stepping to one side. The Royal Guard looked completely unharmed.

"Impossible, he dodged my Ryodan without a scratch…" stuttered Kenpachi.

"I must admit I am impressed by that slash. Had I blocked it with my short side I would have suffered a severe injury," said Toujou. "Still your Kendo skills are not enough to defeat me. To end this fight I will show you what true Kendo is." The Royal guard put the sword back into his haori and then released the scabbard that was holding his Zanpakuto to his back. He gripped the handle of his Zanpakuto and with one swing brought the giant nodachi in front of his body. Toujou then gripped the seven foot long sword's handle with both hands.

As he stared at his enemy's sword, Kenpachi felt an emotion he had never experienced in his life: fear. It was the fear of hopelessness and despair, that no matter how hard he fought he stood absolutely no chance of beating his opponent. I can't believe it. He's way stronger than I am. Kenpachi could only watch as Toujou brought his sword high above his head.

"Like your Zanpakuto, my Masamune is in a constant release state. It is so powerful that I have to keep it hidden at all times except when I'm fighting seriously," said Toujou. "Otherwise its blade could kill anyone close to me. So long Zaraki Kenpachi." Kenpachi saw the attack coming and tried to block it with his sword. It was hopeless. The moment Toujou brought down his nodachi it was over. Kenpachi was cut from his right shoulder all the way down to his waist. It was a miracle that he hadn't been instantly split in two. An enormous amount of his blood spilled on the ground around him.

"Blast…" said Kenpachi. With a sigh of despair he fell onto his back. The last thought before he lost consciousness was just how much control and precision his opponent had over his sword. Toujou's final attack had somehow avoided creating a huge shockwave or creating a massive hole in the ground. Damn it, why am I so weak?

"KEN-CHAN!" cried Yachiru. The pink haired lieutenant rushed to the side of her beloved captain. "Ken-chan, please don't die!"

"Do not worry small lady, I shall call for medical treatment at once," said Toujou. Within a few minutes the 4th Division Captain Unohana Retsu arrived at the scene.

"Oh my, you have really pushed yourself to the limit this time, Kenpachi-san," said Unohana.

"Big mother Unohana, is Ken-chan going to okay?" asked a sobbing Yachiru. Unohana gave her a warm and compassionate smile.

"Do not worry, I shall heal his wounds in no time."

A sullen Eleventh Division watched as Unohana summoned her Zanpakuto Minazuki and provided emergency treatment to Kenpachi. Within a few minutes the 11th division captain's injuries had closed up and most of the blood he had lost was restored.

"I'm still alive…?" asked a confused Kenpachi when he opened his eyes.

"You were lucky that Toujou-san here was gracious enough to spare your life, Kenpachi-san," smiled Unohana. "You are always too reckless with your body aren't you?"

Kenpachi said nothing as Unohana applied bandages around his chest area.

"Are you okay Ken-chan?" asked Yachiru. Kenpachi looked at his lieutenant and smiled.

"Yeah I'm fine," Kenpachi lied. In truth he was now an emotional wreck.


A few hours later the entire 11th eleventh division was dismayed to learn that their beloved captain had not only resigned his rank and title, but that he had also quit the Gotei 13. A large number of sullen division members gathered near their barracks' front gates to see a heavily bandaged Kenpachi exit the barracks. He was wearing a tattered set of rags similar to the ones he had first worn when he entered the Seireitei many long years ago. His hair was no longer spiked and the bells were gone. The only remnant of his past appearance was the eye patch over his right eye. After a glance back at his division's barracks, Kenpachi headed for Seireitei's White Way Gate.

A short while after leaving the 11th division, Kenpachi was annoyed to see Yachiru, Ikkaku and Yumichika chasing after him.

"Taicho!" exclaimed Ikkaku and Yumichika. "We're coming with you!"

"Get lost! I'm no longer your captain anymore!" shouted Kenpachi in frustration.

"I'm not leaving you Ken-chan," Yachiru hugged Kenpachi's right leg. "I'll follow you wherever you go."

"It's the same with us," grinned Ikkaku. "If you're leaving the Gotei 13 then we'll leave too. I swore that I would die serving you Kenpachi Taicho. I do not want to serve under any other captain but you." Kenpachi pondered for a moment the words of his loyal subordinates, and realized that having their company on his exile from Seireitei wouldn't be so bad after all.

"Heh, do what you like, but just remember that we're all outcasts now," said Kenpachi. With the resignation of Kenpachi, the Gotei 13 ceased to exist in all but name.


Comments

This chapter sees the first debuts of strength from the Royal Guards, and also some major character development for Byakuya and Kenpachi. I wanted both captains to suffer devastating defeats in order to provide them the motivation to get stronger. They'll both be back later in the story with power ups.

*Sendaikongoseki (千秋金剛石): Ginrei's Zanpakuto. It means "Millenium Diamond" in Japanese. I tried to give him a Zanpakuto that was similar to Byakuya's in name, design, and ability.

*Ryodan: Kenpachi's infamous 2-hand attack. It means 'Bisection' in Japanese. I found out its name from the Third Bleach Databook.

*Masamune: Toujou Kenpachi's Zanpakuto. Like Kenpachi's Zanpakuto and Ichigo's former Zanpakuto, it is always in its released form. It is named after the legendary Japanese swordsmith of the 13th century.