Chapter 2: Blind History

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its relating material. All rights go to Tite Kubo and other official holders

It all happened so fast that recalling every detail is literally impossible for the young child. He was playing with his two friends until a massive hollow appeared. It killed others before setting it sights on them, stomping on the clothes it just devoured. He tried to fight it off with a stick, but the monster was just too strong. He thought he was about to die, but was liberated at the last minute. It was shocking to the child, unable to believe his eyes as he saw this platoon of seven individuals rescue him and kill this beast. And the leader, a cool but hardened individual made sure he was okay and even asked for his name. And after telling him he was Shuhei Hisagi, the leader subsequently left with just two of his men, the others disappearing to do something as instructed by him.

He was mesmerized by the leader's power, and that sixty-nine tattoo caught his imagination. What did it mean? It was so cool to see that on his body that he wondered if it would just be as nice on him as well? It was beautiful.

Seeing the three slowly disappear in the distance, Shuhei's legs started to move on their own, running towards them. It like all the intense fear he had before took a backseat as his heart raced for answers. Corners of his eyes were still stinging with tears, he nearly tripped before he caught up.

"Please wait up."

All three stopped, looking at the child intently. Halting before them while panting, Shuhei tried to catch his breath.

"What is it kid?" Asked the leader, folding his arms before Shuhei. He thought he told him to go back home and to stay safe. He has other things on his mind, like finding out if a pathogen is truly responsible for killing his advance guard that consisted of ten skilled shinigami. He no longer has time to babysit.

"I….I."

Shuhei tried to form the words, but just couldn't bring them out for some reason. He didn't fully understood why even he ran to them, but he had a subconscious question his mind wanted to ask. It was worthy enough to catch up to them despite his weakened state.

"Shuhei, what is it?" Spat the leader, still remembering the kids name and reiterated his question again, though with a bit more force to it. He was growing impatient on the matter.

"What….your….name…sir?"

Shuhei was visibly shaking, but his mind desperately wanted to know the name of his newfound hero.

Lifting an eyebrow, the leader now understood the boy's true intentions. He made sure to have his eyes lock in with Shuhei Hisagi's own.

"I am Kensei Muguruma, captain of the ninth division."

The impression of stars swam through Shuhei's vision, immortalizing this moment in his memory banks. He would never forget Kensei's name or his appearance.

Mashiro Kuna, lieutenant of the ninth division simply watched the two with a rather bored expression. Se simply just wanted to eat, lounge around in her underwear, and sleep. Dummy Kenny was obliged to do this mission, thus was forced to tag along. Man would she rather do anything else than this.

"Captain, you and Lieutenant Kuna go without me and set up camp. I will take care of the young one. It won't take me long."

The one spoke was a dark skinned man whom hairstyle looked like a five-point star. He was wearing the standard shinigami garb in addition to a unique jacket that consisted of a high collar and gloves covering the entire arm. The kanji of 'Muguruma's Ninth Division' was printed proudly on the back, exposed for all to see. The interior of his jacket was pink, a direct contrast to the olive green coloration Kensei had in his haori. Lastly his entire face was obscured, wearing a mask and goggles that perfectly hid his features.

Looking at his fifth seat that was a formidable soldier in his 'Muguruma Commando Unit', Kensei was fine with the request. Granted he had to deal with his pain in the ass lieutenant by himself, but he could manage.

"Granted. But be back in one hour. We have work to do and we cannot afford to have you all scattered around since we still don't know what we are truly facing."

"Affirmative."

Listening to the conversation, Shuhei saw Captain Muguruma look at him one more time before turning around and walking away. Mashiro did likewise, leaving Shuhei to stare at the captain's kanji proudly sketched on his haori. He was now alone with one of the men in Kensei's entourage.

"Tell me, where do you live at?"

Shuhei blinked, staring at the soldier with great interest. He saw him and the other three fighting in unison to take down that hollow. Each one was fearless, not afraid to risk their lives to save him for certain death. This man won his respect.

"Umm….not to far sir. About a thirty minute walk that way."

Seeing Shuhei point south from their current coordinates, the fifth seat nodded before readjusting his mask. Walking before the boy, the soldier bent down and spread his arms to make a series of steps.

"Get on. I shall carry you."

Not one to turn down such an offer, Shuhei nodded before gulping. Making sure to not get the dirtiest part of his feet to leave prints on the man's body, he stepped on both hands before latching onto his back. Feeling the weight, the fifth seat locked his arms over his back to secure the package. Lifting up, he could feel the child clinging to him almost for dear life. It was obvious he was exhausted and scared. Such a poor, innocent child should never experience such horrors. But with him, he is safe.

With that thought the fifth seat started to walk. Using his gift of Reiraku that been adapted only for him to visualize thanks to his eye condition, he located the village instantly and headed for that direction. Due to the distance, he could meet his deadline at his current pace. Running or shunpo is not necessary.

Feeling the sun over his head along with the latest breeze the wind brought, Shuhei dug his head in the fifth seats shoulder blades. This man smelled nice and could tell he was very powerful based on how toned his muscles were. He felt safe and knew he would reach his destination in one piece.

"Thank you."

"Your welcome young one."

"Tell me, what your name?"

Continuing his walk, the fifth seat slightly turned his head around so that the child could see his masked face.

"It Kaname Tosen."

"Kaname….Tosen. I like it."

"Thank you. And like how I heard earlier, your name Shuhei Hisagi right?"

"Yeah, it is."

"The captain is right. That is a strong sounding name. I feel that great things await you Shuhei. Make sure to never falter and always keep your head up."

"Yes sir."

Relaxing his body, Shuhei closed his eyes and enjoyed the ride for what it was worth. Hearing crickets chirping in the distance along with cicada's, Shuhei was slowly entering in a state of peace. He knew that many minutes have passed but didn't mind it. He was in paradise.

"We are here."

Opening his eyes, Shuhei moved his head over Kaname's shoulder and saw his village. They made the journey.

Getting on his knees, Tosen allowed the boy to climb off him. Back on his feet, Shuhei could see multiple insects flying over the village's main pond. It consisted of butterflies, dragonflies, and even fireflies, creating this dazzling spectacle that rare for this time of the year.

Standing back up, Tosen looked at the child and felt out the energy signatures in this village. He could feel that people were on edge, likely informed by the two children who left before Hisagi that a major hollow attacked and killed others. And nobody here has the power to combat it, afraid for the worst to come. Luckily his unit arrived and took it out, or perhaps more casualties would have taken place. It a darn shame this occurs naturally and understands the people's fears since for many years he too was just like them. Powerless and subjected to the whims of shinigami reinforcements. But after that fateful day, he took up arms to change this world's failing political and criminal system.

Briefly touching the hilt of Suzumushi, his zanpakuto, Tosen patted Shuhei's head.

"Go back to your family and informed them that the shinigami took out the hollow. They can rest easy now."

"Yes, I will. Again, thank you Mr. Tosen. I promise to do so."

"That good to know. Take care."

Letting go of Shuhei's scalp, Tosen started to walk back from where he came from. He will definitely make the deadline his captain enforced.

"Wait sir."

Stopping, Tosen turned around to look at the same child he just assisted.

"Yes."

"Please, before you go, what does your face look like? I wanna know."

"Heh, such an innocent question. Fine, look and see."

Watching him use both hands to remove his mask and goggles, Shuhei saw Tosen's true face. And he silently gasped, seeing Tosen's eyes were open yet was pure white. Could it be?

"Mister, are you…"

"Blind, yes. I see nothing with these organs in my skull, but still I learned to live like this. Then again, I was born like this, so it not an issue since I adapted to what I can use."

"Whoa."

Shuhei was impressed that a warrior like Tosen could be so powerful despite having such a drawback. It made him appear even more badass. He and Captain Muguruma were on a whole different level.

Smiling, Tosen could feel the boy was not judging him and thought he probably looked cool despite his handicap. Reequipping his mask and goggles back on, Tosen turned back around, showcasing his jacket's kanji to the young Shuhei once more.

"Goodbye Shuhei. Perhaps we will see each other once again in the future."

Shuhei smiled, imagining such an encounter in his destiny.

"Yeah. I so agree. Take care Mister Tosen."

Giving a thumbs up, Tosen began his march forward to the camp his captain was setting up. And Shuhei watched every step before Tosen disappeared in the forest with the sun still hanging up high. And after standing at his spot for several minutes, he ran to his home to inform his family at what just happened.

It was over. Everything they can do will all be for naught in this hellhole. A simple konso and dummy exercise became the stuff of nightmares since countless hollows with the unique ability to hide their spiritual pressure ambushed them. Only so many of their class remains, the rest brutally killed or even eaten by the hollows. This was the case of Kanisawa and Aoga, two good friends who prematurely had their lives taken from them.

Panting heavily with his asauchi tightly gripped, the senior classmate and drill sergeant Shuhei Hisagi was close to collapsing. He could no longer see from his right eye, nearly gouged out from a hollow's attack. All his training at the Shinōreijutsuin to master the Zankensoki arts were useless in this situation. He was ill prepared for this invasion and would already be dead if it wasn't for Renji Abarai, Izuru Kira, and Momo Hinamori protecting him. He felt like a shitty senior adviser, realizing just how far he was from his idols Kensei Muguruma and Kaname Tosen. They would be able to handle this without difficulty, yet here he is struggling to make it out alive. Fear was starting to grip him, exaggerated when Izuru Kira started to scream for dear life.

Having his entire life flash before his eyes, Shuhei damned his luck and inability to move forward. Seeing the hollows advancing, he openly cursed and prayed for a miracle. The hollow that nearly took his eye was upon them, ready to devour him on the spot.

But to his shock, the blow never came. Instead a figure clad in a white haori appeared, proudly showering him the ninth division kanji. His hand was extended, catching the fist of the hollow before releasing a reiryoku blast to propel the beast away. All of the hollows roared, interested in the new but powerful arrival.

"It seems we meet again, Shuhei Hisagi. I wish the encounter was under more favorable terms, but it cannot be helped."

"Captain….Tosen. Is that you?"

Recognizing the voice, Shuhei was aware that Tosen replaced Captain Muguruma several years ago before he joined the academy. Despite being relatively famous in the academy and even doing a few joint operations with the Gotei 13, he not once had the chance to meet Captain Tosen and speak to him. In his heart, joining the ninth division and perhaps becoming Tosen's right hand man was his new dream since Kensei was dishonorably discharged from illegal hollowfication crimes.

"Yes, it is me."

Turning around, Shuhei did his best to absorb the captain's impressive image. He was wearing the standard gear associated with a captain, but a unique orange scarf wrapped around his neck. His googles were replaced with a more seamless version as he discarded his mouth mask entirely. And his hair was pulled back in a fluffy, afro inspired ponytail, having no stands over his forehead. He was the real deal.

Seeing the captain using a black gloved hand to grab the hilt of his zanpakuto, he slowly started to pull it out. When fully unsheathed, he addressed the four before him.

"You young ones fought fiercely on the front lines. But Seireitei cannot afford to lose anymore youthful talents in needless violence. Step back and watch as I slay these beasts and save their souls. Cover your ears this instant."

Before anyone could voice their cooperation, all the hollows got impatient and roared. Rushing in to claim the delicious meat that was clinging to Tosen, all four gasped and covered their ears. Without skipping a beat, Tosen positioned his blade before him.

"Cry, Suzumushi."

Allowing his sword to vibrate at unreadable speeds, a high-pitched tone manifested that rushed out over a large area that can easily cross over a mile radius. All the hollows instantly stopped, paralyzed as their fields of vision became inverted like a negative filter was placed. Some even became unconscious, toppling over into a coma like state.

All according to Tosen's plan.

Focusing his power into his sandals, Tosen jumped high in the air before creating an invisible reishi platform to stand. Looking down on all the hollows like he was about to pass judgement. Tosen twisted his wrist to prepare his final attack.

"Suzumushi Nishiki: Benihiko."

Once again vibrating while Tosen swung his hand in a semi-circle, a trail of blades materialized. When in position, Tosen gave the command for the blades to rain down, multiplying into hundreds of identical projectiles. Aimed at vital spots, each one struct a hollow during the onslaught. All cried out, killed instantly before their bodies decomposed into pure reishi particles. Knowing that not even one remained, Tosen sheathed his sword before gliding back down to the surface. Sandals impacting the floor, his haori swayed once from the passing breeze before all became still again.

Letting go of his ears, Shuhei remained transfixed on Tosen's back. He appeared regal, almost invincible in Shuhei's mind. He was blessed to see this man again in his life. Twice now he has saved his life. A true hero.

At that instant, a senkaimon opened next to Tosen, having four Hell Butterflies coming out. Each one encircled the four students, guaranteeing safe passage through the dangai.

"I want you four to go back to Soul Society and immediately report to the fourth division for immediate checkup. They have been notified of the tragedy and have beds ready to assist you. My own division along with members of the fourth will be here shortly to assist the cripple and carry the deceased. Now go."

Having no objections, Momo, Renji, and Izuru went into the senkaimon and thanked Tosen for the save. They were indebted to him. But when Shuhei came before it, he had difficulty entering, something Tosen was quick to catch.

"Don't allow this to plague your mind. This is the price we must pay to serve our country. We live or die in the line of duty. You know this all too well, Shuhei Hisagi."

Shuhei started to clench his fists, staring at the immeasurable white light the senkaimon projected before him.

"Captain Tosen, this is the second time you saved me. I was….so powerle-"

"Stop this instant."

Cut off from Tosen, Shuhei gulped as blood leaked down from his chin like he was crying the substance out from his useless eye.

"You're a proud son of Soul Society and is blessed to live and fight another day. Luckily I was already in the living realm doing security surveillance and came here the moment I sensed the danger. Seireitei will never abandon her children. So, like I told you so many decades ago, keep your head up high no matter what. You will get stronger, but always make that first step even if it is agonizing slow. Stagnation must never be accepted, so train and burn this scene in your mind to prevent this tragedy from occurring ever again."

Soaking up each word while nodding, Shuhei clenched his fists even harder but accepted the wisdom. He is still a weak, scared child in a more grown up body. He has much to learn before he could even have the pleasure to stand by Tosen's side. This cannot be the end of him.

"Thank you, Captain Tosen."

Strengthening his conviction, Shuhei walked through the Senkaimon to carry out the orders Tosen gave him. When it closed, Tosen smiled at the heart Shuhei wielded. He vowed that if Shuhei graduates from the academy, he will try to recruit him in his division. He will become a great soldier in his entourage and will be willing to groom him.

Blinking his blind eyes, Tosen used shunpo to start collecting the injured for processing. There was much to fix in this scene full of death.

Deep in the Rukon Forest, Kaname Tosen stood before his seated officer. It was no other than Shuhei Hisagi, sweating profusely with his body caked with light wounds. His clothing, identical to the long sleeve garb shinigami wear was slightly tattered in some locations. Shuhei was on a knee, using a zanpakuto to maintain composure. He was close to collapsing and falling unconscious.

"Stand up Shuhei. You're not finished yet. Remember that fear is necessary for a warrior, but fortitude is just as important. Arise to your feet and raise your sword."

Hearing his captain's words and remembering their talk by the cliff when he wanted to give up his seated position, Shuhei struggled to stand back up. Shaking, he lifted his blade, feeling like he is about to collapse.

Looking at Tosen, he was immaculate as always. Funny enough he looks almost identical to when he saved him from those hollows. But the difference is his hair, looking strikingly similar to when he saved him as a child, being a somewhat spiky afro while also sporting a small mullet with it.

Seeing Shuhei back on his feet, Tosen started to walk towards him. His blade was ready to cut.

"We've have been training diligently for weeks and still you haven't achieved shikai. Most seated officers already have this since it is a requirement most captains look for. But something is preventing you from reaching that milestone. So, I will chip away whatever bogging you down so that we can see you progress further."

Using shunpo, Tosen appeared before Shuhei and made a simple thrust. Panicking, Shuhei brought his sword up to parry it, knowing that Captain Tosen threw his attack purposefully slow. But unable to see the following kick, he was struct dead center and flew several feet back. Feet making tire tracks on the ground, Shuhei lost his balance before he himself started to slide on his back. He lost his zanpakuto in the process, skidding until Tosen stomped on the hilt.

"Hmm, it appears you're truly at your limit, Shuhei. I suppose we can end training for today."

Making the necessary motions to sheath Suzumushi, Tosen's head perked up when he heard a "not yet" from a very tired voice. It was Shuhei, doing the impossible by trying to stand back up. Watching his subordinate stand with his blind eyes, Tosen felt proud as Shuhei was once again back on his soles. But something was off, realizing that he was no longer moving afterwards.

"I see. You became unconscious to show your worth. You got heart, Shuhei Hisagi."

Stomping on the pummel of Shuhei's zanpakuto so that he could grab it mid-air from the propulsion, he walked to his subordinate before holstering him over his shoulder. Briefly remembering the time when he held him so many decades ago, Tosen smiled before using shunpo to go back into the deeper reservoirs of Seiretei for true recuperation. He could tell that Shuhei was even closer to unlocking shikai, and a few more lessons will make him reach it.

After all, it was within Shuhei's blood to become something great down the road.

Opening his eyes, Shuhei wasn't greeted by the sensation of pain, sores, or any kind of discomfort. In fact, he felt pretty good. Rubbing the crust from his eyes, Shuhei was in a room that was quite scarce with decorations. Feeling the haze slowly drifting away from his mind, he realized he was in his room. But when did he get healed? And why doesn't he remember anything after fighting Tosen?

Then it all hit him like a ton of bricks.

Everything he had just experienced, was all a dream. Flashbacks from his past that played like it was current tense. It was so raw, nearly remembering every detail like he just experienced it. The only thing from those dreams that was fabricated was the hollow attack. It was Aizen and Ichimaru that saved him from certain death in actuality. But recent events made his mind replace them with his captain instead.

How could he ever forget? Not too long ago his captain defected from Soul Society alongside Aizen and Ichimaru over some perceived form of justice. He was powerless to stop him, witnessing him flying into Hueco Mundo while tossing aside Captain Komamura's objections. It was a tragic sight for the lieutenant of such a powerful man.

Glancing at the wall where his zanpakuto lay, Kazeshini was resting in the shadows. Thanks to Tosen, he eventually achieved shikai and mastered it enough to eventually become the lieutenant of squad nine. That was his proudest moment yet, knowing he sacrificed blood, sweat, and tears for such a promotion. Captain Tosen groomed him into the man he is today, knowing he would be way worse off if he never came into his life. All of his powers stems from Captain Tosen's mentoring. Was his betrayal caused by some form of mind manipulation from Aizen? It must be for such a holy man to fall into the dark side. No other answer could be made about it.

Getting up from his bed, Shuhei stared at the full moon looming over Soul Society. It was eerie and ominous, partially hidden by clouds. Captivated by its beauty, Shuhei stared at it for several minutes. He swore that he will save his captain, no matter how perilous the fight may be. It was his obligation to do so or fail the man who revolutionized his own life.

Clenching his fists, Shuhei missed Kazeshini materializing behind him, wishing to secretly fulfill it masters desires. Or most importantly of all, have the chance to reap life itself. Soon war will occur and grant it vast opportunities to taste blood on the battlefield. That alone was worth the mental strife it master was undergoing. Licking it lips, its body shimmered before once again disappearing, like how darkness does when light is shone upon it. It was time to wait.

Hueco Mundo – Forest of Menos

Dozens of gillians roared with frightening fury in a pit that consisted of dismembered hollows. It was a scene fitting for a horror movie since blood, detached organs, and rotting flesh was scattered across the terrain. However three of the menos grande were standing in a circle formation in the very center of the chaos, firing yellow beams through the dark ceiling. They were trained by the arrancars in the upper world to obey their commands, and they had to summon these entities to their dark lair for gluttons.

Quickly the sky cracked, showing three powerful entities whom can be mistaken for gods to descend upon their world.

Between the Septima Espada and Privaron Espada, Tosen showed no emotion as he and the two arrancars had their feet touch the ground. When the negacion light vanished from them, the gillians roared before walking away. Even if they weren't domesticated, instinct told them that these three were too dangerous to approach, like how spiders crawl away from brush fires.

"I swear man, this place never changes with time dog."

"It because it is a primordial sight for us hollows. This is the birthing grounds where hollows ascend to those giants before us. We used to take their shape and form, Gantenbainne."

"True that. I vividly remember my days behind the mask"

Gantenbainne folded his arms over his chest as Zommari folded his behind his back. Both were staring at the back of their supreme commander.

"It is nearby. My sense of reiraku is telling me that the vasto lorde is lying deep to the west of us. About five miles from our current position. Zommari, can your pesquisa read the signature as well?"

Zommari closed his eyes to concentrate. When he opened them, his eyes were more focused and harden.

"Yes, Commander Tosen. Its coordinates are exactly as you described. He a strong little fellow. Even as adjuchas-class arrancars, me and Gantenbainne might have a fight on our hands."

"It to be expected, which is why I am here for damage control. In a few hours it will be coming with us back to Las Noches. No exceptions since Lord Aizen desires this the most."

Tosen then started to walk towards the signature, something Zommari and Gantebenbainne mirrored. But when Tosen used shunpo, both of the arrancars used sonido to keep up with the ex-captain.

The fight to capture the vasto lorde was soon to commence.

Author's Notes: As a heads up, the look Tosen had while fighting against the hollows is seen in chapter 146 (fight against Kenpachi) and episode 77 (Bount arc). This occurred in canon while observing Zaraki killing the previous Kenpachi in a duel to the death. This AU's book cover is such a scene to make it easy to envision. As for his other appearances, each one should be more recognizable since they are shown in prominent scenes.

Next chapter will deal with the vasto lorde that been discovered in Hueco Mundo? Will Tosen and co. be able to prevail, or will this thing be too much for them? Find out during the next edition!