I recently got the official Viz translation of Can't Fear Your Own World and am currently reading through part 1. Part 2 is set to come out around November and the final part 3 in March 2021. Seems like Bleach really has a thing for making fans wait months and years for their novels and anime to be released huh.
Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or Devil May Cry
These Bells Jingle, Jangle, Jingle
"Well here we are" Soi Fon told the snow haired teen beside her as they entered the large walled off courtyard through the main open gateway.
'So this is it. The place where the higher ups train'. Before them stood a large crowd of people. Some on whom Nero recognised from his previous visit to the Soul Society but many more remained unknown to him. In the centre of the crowd was a large square like structure which rose above the concrete by a few inches made of dirt and sand, a stark contrast to the pristine marble tiles of the floor that made the rest of the area. Nero hazard a guess assuming it was the training area that was utilised by the shinigami a guess which rang true given how currently two men were in the midst of a duel inside the square stage.
"Ha! That all you got! My grandma hits better than that!" erupted a bald man wiping away sweat on his shiny forehead.
"Talk all you want" his opponent was a man with black crew cut hair and sunglasses. In his hand was a falchion styled blade with pickaxe like protrusions jutting out of it "Words are one thing but can you follow up on them!".
Ikkaku grew more intoxicated by the second at the fight, he swung his own Zanpakuto around and aimed it at Tetsuzaemon "Extend. Hozukimaru!". The katana turned into a wooden spear or Kikuchi Yari as they were called in Japan. "Here's where things get interesting. Lets see how that Lieutenant title of yours holds up against a member of the 11th Division!". Both men sprang towards the other and began to clash while the crowd watched on.
Among the audience a woman sighed loudly to show her contempt "Honestly Captain. I don't understand why you made me come here. Today was supposed to be my day off" the orange haired woman pouted.
Beside her was the short white haired Captain Hitsugaya whom despite being much younger than his Lieutenant was far more mature in personality. "Well seeing as you didn't do any of the paper work I assigned to you yesterday I felt like this day off of yours was unearned". That made the woman groan even more but didn't say anything regarding her slacking knowing it all to true. "And besides. It's good to watch how the other squads fight. It may help you improve your own skills by watching and studying them. Now no more arguing or I'll put you on desk duty for the next week".
Rangiku pulled her head back looking up at the sky above feeling sorry for herself "Oh Captain you can be so mean at time you know. It was only a bit of paper work. And its not my fault it was so boring". Her Captain chose to ignore her words and remained silent watching the fight. So she instead tried another tactic. She put on her best damsel in distress face and pulled aside a lock of her orange hair twirling it in her fingers in a sensual fashion "Oh if only there was some strong handsome man who could help me with this. I'd be ever so grateful".
A few feet away a man heard the busty woman's words. His face lit up red like a stop sign and he took a much needed gulp "Never fear Rangiku I will-" he was stopped by the feeling a hand on his shoulder pulling him back.
"Don't fall for it again Shuhei" Izuru warned his friend who had fallen victim to the seductress of the 10th Division's whiles all too many times. "You know what happened the last time you did her work for her … and the five times before that as well". The raven haired Lieutenant drooped knowing his friend was right.
"Hmm" Shunsui mumbled as he studied the two fighters. "Well seems like Iba certainly has improved since I last saw him fight. And Madarame too".
Captain Komamura nodded no longer hiding his true face under that mask he had used before "Since the events of Aizen's betrayal Tetsuzaemon has been training day in day out to master his shikai. I assume those in the 11th Division such as Madarame are doing the same".
"Ha. When is the 11th Division not training for a fight" Shunsui scoffed. He looked over to the woman close to him "Aye Unohana".
Retsu chose not to be pulled in by the man's shrewd dig at her past. "Regardless of their reasons to train they should be commended for it. Especially in times like these with the inevitable fight we have in store for us in the future. Being over prepared is far better than under".
"Right as always Captain Unohana. I'll be sure to pass on your words of wisdom to my own squad members".
The Captains and Lieutenants all turned to look behind to see Soi Fon approaching them. A stone neutral face on her as always. Beside her was a man, or rather boy when compared to the ages of the shinigami, whom had been the talk of the Seireitei not that long ago. A teen's whose story of his origins had caused peoples very beliefs on what was fact and myth to be thrown out the window.
Shunsui was the first to greet the two of them with a tip of his straw hat "Captain Soi Fon. A rare thing to find you here for this. And Nero, didn't think we'd be seeing you here again so soon. What looking to cheat me out of another drinking wager" making light on how only after he had lost said game had the boy revealed his near immunity to alcohol.
"Captains" Soi Fon gave a respectful bow to her fellow captains, "Lieutenants" she gave another bow.
Nero opted for a simple incline of his chin and a "Hey". He caught the side eye the petite woman beside him sent his way at his lack of a formal greeting.
Captains Komamura and Unohana greeted the two as did Lieutenant Ise, all of whom Nero had met on his last visit. Though the other woman, the tallest woman among the crowd was new to him.
Nero acknowledged the lanky women "Hey. Don't think we've met before, names Nero" she already knew that from Shunsui saying it mere seconds ago but still it didn't hurt to be polite.
The woman smiled back and bowed lightly "I am Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu. A pleasure to meet you".
"If I may" Nanao coughed to get attention "What is the reason for your visit Captain Soi Fon. As good as it is to see you here its rare for you to ever come to one of the multi division training sessions".
Soi Fon looked to the Lieutenant, one of the few people she was somewhat close to thanks to their time in the Shinigami Females Association and due to them both having a no nonsense personality. "Omaeda mentioned it to me earlier, whether he takes the time to get up off his ass to come is another matter. Lady Yoruichi and Captain Ukitake are in a meeting so for now I'm to keep him busy" she gestured to Nero. "And I thought watching this would be good for him" there was another reason too 'Now I fulfil Lady Yoruichi's request without having to spend any time alone with him'. She looked around and noticed many missing faces "Where is everyone else. I thought only my own and the 12th Division usually didn't participate in these training sessions".
Unohana answered "The Head Captain has been busy having to take on many of Central 46's roles himself while they are rebuilding after Aizen's attack. Lieutenant Sasikabe is with him too. As for Lieutenant Hinamori she is still in my squads care and I believe Lieutenant Abarai is on a mission in the Human World. I'm not sure about Captains Kuchiki or Zaraki".
Isane then informed "And Rukia told me she's busy with some task she's been assigned too". Aside from that every other Captain and Lieutenant were present. Many of which had noticed the two new comers and were coming over to see what was going on.
"Captain Soi Fon. An unexpected surprise to see you here and …" Toshiro squinted his eyes to get a better look at the face he had seen once before "Wait … You're-".
"-Hey!" Rangiku interrupted her Captain as she ran up to the Devil hunter "Nero right? Good to see you again remember me?" she took his demonic hand and shook it smiling sweetly.
"Er, hey …" what was her name again, Ranji? Remiku, Ranguki? "… Rangiku right?" Nero slowly pulled free from the hand shake.
"You remembered me. How sweet" the orange haired woman batted her eye lashes at him. Moving herself closer to grasp his arm in hers she edged forwards to give him a better view of her cleavage "You know we could always get to know each other better if you want" her voice became more husky in her seductive yet teasing tone.
'Is she trying to flirt with me?' Nero slid his arm free from her hold, as attractive as she was Nero had built a near immunity to this from his time with Trish, Lady and as of recently Yoruichi. "Thanks for the offer but-".
"-Rangiku!" Toshiro's tone caused his Lieutenant to stiffen up and leap away from the devil hunters personal space "Will you please display yourself with some form of decency". Sometimes his 2nd in commands immature flirtatious behaviour could really grind his gears. "You are in the presence of your fellow Lieutenants and Captains. Try not to show up out squad for the love of Reio".
Rangiku herself held a somewhat award look, the type a child would have after being scolded by a parent but not fully understanding what if was the did wrong. Rather amusing given how the parent in this situation was someone who looked half her age and size. The female Captains and Lieutenants around either shook their heads, rolled their eyes or chuckled having grown used to the busty ginger woman's ways from their time they spent together.
Now the entire crowd of Captains and Lieutenants had gathered into one group leaving Nero with a bit of a problem. "So erm. Who is everyone?".
"Oh where are our manners. Allow me to introduce you" Rangiku took the initiative deciding to introduce him to those she knew he hadn't met yet. "This is my Captain. Capitan Hitsugaya".
"We've met before" Toshiro informed his underling.
Rangiku then pulled over a rather moppy looking blonde man with his hair covering his left eye and heavy bags under each "This here is Lieutenant Izuru Kira, say hi to the nice man Izuru".
The depressed blonde smiled, though even his smile seemed miserable no matter how hard he tried "Greetings sir" Izuru looked at the devilish teen. 'He's the ryoka that Captain Ichimaru tried to kill'.
"No need for any of that crap. Just Nero's fine" the snow haired demon let it be known.
"And here's Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi" Rangiku pointed at the black haired man with the line and number on his face.
'He's the man that defeated Captain Tosen in combat' Shuhei gave a light wave of his hand "Hello". He still was a little bitter at the last time they met when the teen mocked him for his facial tattoo and the sexual act it could be mistaken for.
'So there's Lieutenant Emo' Nero looked to Izuru 'And Lieutenant Edge Lord' he looked to Shuhei 'Got it. Gotei 13 trying to tick all the cliché stereotypes'.
Now that everybody was introduced to the other they all went back to their conversations. Rangiku continued to flirt with Nero who remained unaffected too her seduction. The Captains went back to watching the fight. And Soi Fon continued to ignore Nero. Soon enough the fight between Ikakku and Iba ended and they both left the arena and likewise greeted Nero.
"So you're the guy Ichigo was with" the cue balled 11th division member gave Nero a look. "From the sounds of it you're supposed to be pretty strong. Maybe you could show me some time".
Before Nero had a chance to respond out of nowhere a loud rumbling caught the ears of all those gathered. "What's that?" Shuhei queried aloud.
"I'm not sure" Izuru along with the others looked around for the cause of the rumbling.
"Look over there" Isane pointed to a large ever growing plume of dust which was coming towards their direction.
Rangiku hunched forwards for a better view "What on Earth could it be?".
Nero too was just as confused as to what was going on as the Lieutenants but it seemed like many others such as the Captains had some inside knowledge given how they didn't share the same look of bewilderment as the rest of them.
"Rangiku. I suggest you move away from the arena" Toshiro suggested.
"Huh" the well endowed woman cocked a brow "Why?".
"I'd do as Captain Hitsugaya says. That goes for you too Tetsuzaemon" the canine Captain said to his underling.
As the cloud of dust got closer another noise could be heard. One which sounded suspiciously like laughter. The laugher of a wild mad man.
Izuru's eyes widened as his brain began to make the links "Is that?" by now the rumbling become more like a stampede
Ikaku coughed into his hand "Well looks like he's coming after all" he looked almost pleased.
For some reason foreign to Nero the faces of everyone had changed to one of three expressions. Some most notably Soi Fon, Komamura, and to a degree Izuru gazed on with animosity. Other like Shusui, Unohana and Ikaku held a small smirk. And the rest looked on with indifference or even dare he say, fear. 'What's got them in a fit' the devil hunter had enough of being left out.
"What is it" Nero asked "What's going on?".
Soi Fon irked a side eye to the teen "He's coming" her voice held some displeasure in the words as if she was displeased.
"Okay" Nero drolled out "You want to give me a straight answer instead of trying to be vague to look cool".
"Don't wanna kill the build up" Ikkaku chuckled at the teen and simply stated "Seems like the Captains come to check out the party".
The dust trail had now gotten within a few yards of the area where the Captains and Lieutenant were training, the very ground beneath their feet vibrating from the oncoming charge. It was as if a mini earthquake was heading right at them. The sound of the laughter had now grown more dominants than the footfalls themselves.
"Ha Ha Ha Ha Aha Ha Aha!" the manic laughter rang out, it sounded almost psychotic and animalistic in nature like it belonged to an untamed wild beast. Which in many ways it did.
'This laughter' the more Nero heard it the more something seemed to spark in his memory. 'I feel like I heard this before'. His mind flickered back to the days after the rescue of Rukia. Specifically the moment when he had ran into Ichigo whom was in the midst of being chased by an unhinged captain, the very one he had battled prior to passing out. 'Wait. Is this …'.
"Haha Ha Ha Aha Ah Ha Ah Ha!" the man responsible for the ruckus and dust cloud burst through the locked south gate of the private training area shattering the doors apart like paper. Skidding to a halt on the opposite side of the arena the rest of the Gotei 13 members and the devil hunter were standing. It had the possibility to be one of the most intimidating arrivals anyone had seen, only the man managed to screw even that up as he was facing the opposite way with his back to them all scratching his head in confusion. "Huh? Hey what the hell is this. I thought everyone was supposed to be here. Yachiru did you get the directions wrong again?".
A small pink haired girl draped on the man's back plopped her head on his shoulder "No silly. Look. Turn around".
The man with long spiky hair that defied the laws of physics turned around with a grunt, his bells jangling as he did so. "Oh. So your directions were right for once after all".
Yachiru bobbed her head up and down with a cute grin "Of course. I told you I'd get us there".
On the opposite side of the arena all the Gotei members looked on at the new arrivals in silence forcing Nero to ask "Who is that guy again".
"That's Kenpachi Zaraki" Ikkaku spoke the name with pride for his captain. "The Captain of the 11th Division and the best damn warrior in the Soul Society".
"Best mad dog more like" Soi Fon whispered under her breathe so no one could hear. She had never been fond of the battle loving shinigami and his blatant disregard for any form of rules and order.
Kenpachi turned and jumped into the arena slowly walking closer to the gathered group, his eyes scanning them all as if searching for something, or someone particular. "Tch. Yachiru I thought you said you saw him coming here".
"Uhu, I did. He was with Fatso and then I saw him with Bumble who was bringing him here" the nicknames Yachiru gave were for Marechiyo and Soi Fon respectively.
"Then where is he?" Kenpachi grunted, he had hoped for a bit of fun for today but if he couldn't find the guy then his day would just be as bland and dull as ever.
Hearing the pairs words it began to dawn on many, particularly the ones who knew Zaraki best why he had come here. "Uh oh" Shunsui grimaced with unease "This cant be good".
"Surely he's not come all the way here just for that" Isane knew better than that though, but still she couldn't help but ask as concern built in her.
Unohana let out a heavy sigh accepting the inevitable "It was bound to happen sooner or later".
"Still isn't it up to us to stop him. At the end of the day Zaraki is still a member of the Gotei 13. we cant just let him up and fight anyone who enters the Seireitei. Its unbecoming of us to allow such brutish actions." Toshiro looked around but saw no other Captain shared his opinion.
Soi Fon clucked her tongue "Go ahead and try. But if you ask me I say we just let it happen. As Captain Unohana said it was going to eventually" her voice slipped into an almost amused tone at the end.
Shunsui looked over to the petite Captain and gave her a wry look "Is that the real reason. Or are you just hoping Zaraki kills him so he cant spend any more time with a certain noble kitty cat any more". Soi Fon tensed at his comment but didn't respond.
"Someone want to fill me in" Nero was beginning to suspect this had something to do with him.
Before anyone could answer him the tiny pink haired Lieutenant began pulling Zaraki's long spikes and pointed her finger over to a certain male amongst the crowd "Look Kenny! There he is. See I told you I saw him".
"Wha …" Kenpachi followed the direction Yachiru pointed too and there hidden in the crowd of his fellow Gotei 13 members was the very man he had set out to find after Yachiru had informed him this morning of his arrival in the Seireitei. "You?!" his face lit up.
Nero met the man's eyes "Me?".
"You have any idea how long I've been waiting for this. I was searching for you after I heard what you did to that blind bat of a Captain but you and Ichigo ran away from me. And then you both went and left for the World of the Living. I didn't know how long I was going to have to wait". Kenpachi's eyes, or rather eye since one was hidden by a patch, and smile grew wider and wider like a hungry beast "But now it's finally time. Ichigo might not be here but you are! And you and I never got a chance to go at it the last time! Well that end's here and now!".
Nero just gave the raving mad man a blank stare "What's this guy even talking about" his question was more rhetorical than directed at anyone beside him.
"We've already got an arena right here for us" Kenpachi grinned menacingly at the teen. "So how about it kid. You and me. Right here. Right now. Let's see which one of us is stronger!".
"It always ends up like this with Zaraki" Shuhei turned his head back and forth, he was worried for the white haired boy as he knew just how strong Kenpachi was. But he had seen the devil hunter survive Yamamoto's fire with his own eyes. Part of him was exited to witness these two clash, not that he would admit that, Nanao would never let him hear the end of it.
"Is this guy for real?" Nero had heard from Ichigo how crazed this Captain was and how according to Ichigo ever since their fight he'd been hounding after him day in day out wanting a rematch. But Nero had just assumed Ichigo to be over exaggerating 'Guess not, he really is just as mad as Ichigo made him out to be'.
"Well" Kenpachi rested his unsheathed jagged zanpakuto on his right shoulder "You just gonna stand there all day. Or fight me like a man".
No one in the crowd made any attempt at defusing the situation 'Kisuke did tell me to get more experience at fighting shinigami. Aw what the hell. It's either this or just sit around and wait for Yoruichi to get back'. Nero smirked with a cocky shrug of his shoulders "Sure why not. It will kill some time at least. That is if you last long enough". Some in the crowd of soul reapers stared at him like an idiot for accepting a challenge from Zaraki with such care free attitude. With whispers of "madman" and "fool" and "poor kid" being offered.
Nero jumped into the arena a few feet away from the spiky haired man "You know Ichigo called you a Demon when he described you" he slammed the tip of Red Queen into the ground and revved the exceed system "Lets see how you deal with the real thing".
Kenpachi just smiled more and more looking like an exited puppy, a mad ruthless psychotic puppy that is "This is gonna be fun". Yachiru hopped off Kenpachi's back as she always did when he was about to fight and made her way over towards the crowd of spectators.
From the sidelines the Captains, Lieutenants and other seated members watched on. "Looks like we're in for quite the show, a shame I forgot the popcorn" Shunsui chuckled at his own joke.
"I still think it's in our best interests to stop this" Toshiro protested "However it seems both of them share the same disregard for personal safety".
Soi Fon waved the ice users worries off "I think it will actually be good for them both. And besides I was tasked with showing him how a shinigami fights. What better way than for Zaraki to show him first hand". The look on her face made it clear she had more covert intension for allowing the fight.
"Remind me to never get on Captain Soi Fon's bad side" Isane mumbled to Rangiku quietly as to not let the captain in question hear. Even amongst her fellow members of the Females Association Soi Fon had a reputation of a bad temper and even worse retribution when that temper was pushed too far.
"Looks like the Captain's finally got a smile on his face. Ever since the ryoka left all he's been talking about is how Ichigo never gave him a rematch and the Nero guy, or Demon Bastard as the Captain called him, never even fought him at all" Ikkaku watched on in anticipation.
"Go Kenny!" Yachiru called out in support after she had taken her place beside the other shinigami outside the arena. She waved her arms and cheered him on "You can do it! Both of you do your best!".
Back in the arena the two men stared down one another. "Well. What are you waiting for" Kenpachi tilted his neck back, looking down his nose at the teen.
Nero just looked at him 'He wants me to attack first. Well why not'. The devil hunter Trickster dashed over, 'I'll keep my shinigami powers hidden for now. To give him a surprise if I need to', he brought down his blade which was stopped by the spiky haired man's own.
Zaraki raised his unnamed zanpakuto to stop the teens sword, the force at which pressed down on his blade letting him know the boy had some real strength behind him. "You're gonna have to try harder than that if you want to make me move from this spot. Let alone beat me". He pushed the teen back who managed to keep on his feet as he skidded away.
'Whoa. He pushed me back with one arm. Only Dante's ever managed to do that. Guy must be pretty strong'. Nero got ready for another attack and sped forward towards the brutish captain. He slashed at him repeatedly with Red Queen but his every attempt to land a hit was blocked.
For his part Kenpachi Zaraki was growing annoyed. Back during the ryoka's invasion once word reached him of how a white haired ryoka had defeated Captain Tosen and done enough damage to land even the 2nd Divisions Captain with a permanent stick up her ass in the hospital he had been desperate to find the teen. To learn that not only Ichigo but another of the ryoka was strong enough to fight on Captain level sent a wave of ecstasy in his bones. Then came the news of what had happened on Sokyoku Hill and the truth of his origins, all of which made him even more desperate to find and fight him. To test his own strength against a demons, or more accurately demon hybrids was a chance he refused to give up. But then he along with Ichigo had left the Soul Society. And who knew how long it would be before either one returned.
But here and now it seemed all that time he spent moping at missing out on fighting the devil was all for naught. While the devilish teens attacks had some strength to them Kenpachi was able to hold them off with minimal effort. 'Either he's holding back or those stories about him were exaggerated massively. Which ever it is it's pissing me off!'. The white haired teen tried again to land a hit but the 11th Captain continued to hold his sword back with his own. "Come on kid. That all you got. I've been waiting for this for weeks and you can't even land a single attaggrhhppp". Before he could finish his sentence his opponents used his free right demonic hand to land a solid uppercut to Zaraki's chin sending him flying several meters back and landing on the dirt floor.
"Hows that" Nero jovially called out "Thank Sensei's Ryu and Ken for that move".
Many of those watching the battle held looks of disbelief. "He actually knocked Captain Zaraki down with one punch" Nanao stuttered out.
"Whoa! I knew the guy was strong but come on. He must hit like a bulldozer to do that" Lieutenant Iba likewise gazed in awe.
"Incredible" Shuhei himself could scarcely believe it. "I wonder if I'll be able to write an article on this. 'The Battle of Demons' I could call it" once his drive for a good story took over there was no stopping it. He often wondered if he was more a journalist than shinigami at heart. Or perhaps both.
Rangiku leered up and down at the snow haired teen "I wonder what else he can do with such a strong body".
Izuru looked over to the downed Captain "Did … did he really beat Captain Zaraki with just one hit?".
"Whaaaat?" Yachiru squealed getting the attention of her fellow Lieutenants "What are you talking about. Kenny's not been beaten. He's just enjoying the moment" she said as if it were obvious.
"What do you mean by that Yachiru" Isane asked the tiny pink haired girl beside her.
"Just look" Ikkaku nodded over to his captain and frowned in promise "This is where the real battle begins".
Lying in the dirt his mind began to think 'That punch actually hurt' Kenpachi tested his jaw moving it back and forth and up and down, not broken but fractured at the very least. 'Huh, what's this. Feels like something warm and wet'. The inside of his mouth had a taste of iron to it now. And there was something else in there too. Not a taste but something hard. He reached into his mouth with his left hand to feel around for the hard object inside. When he got hold of it he brought it up to his eye's. 'Is that … my tooth'. It was. Not only that but his white tooth was now red, as were the tips of his fingers that had been in his mouth. He turned his head to the side and spat, his spit and saliva were traced with a viscous crimson liquid. Seeing what it was made his eye shoot open like saucers 'Is that? Did he? With just one hit?'.
Nero was beginning to think maybe he'd gone a bit to far, that maybe this Captain wasn't as strong as people made him out to be. 'I did put a lot into that punch. But with everything Ichigo and Yoruichi told me about this guy I thought he'd be able to take it. Ah shit hope I didn't cause any damage to him. The first time I'm allowed into the Seireitei and I knock the crap out of one of their Captains. Yoruichi's gonna love that. Maybe if I-'. His trail was interrupted by the sound of fanatical laughter.
"Ha ha ha hahha hah haha" Zaraki flipped himself up right as he faced the teen with a hungry look in his eye. "Well I'll be. You actually made me bleed. And you knocked one of my teeth out with just one punch. You know what this means. It means you and I are gonna have SO MUCH FUUUUN!" he roared like a monstrous animal.
The blood running down the Captains mouth made him look even more a raged beast 'Well. Guess he's okay after all' Nero surmised 'Physically at least. Can't say the same about his psyche'.
"Now then! Lets see if you can use that sword as good as you can your fists!" Kenpachi charged forward like a bull at the teen. He slashed at the hunter with his zanpakuto but his attack was halted by the teens larger blade. "You don't use a zanpakuto right. Good I prefer to fight my opponents when they don't rely on crappy parlour tricks to win their fights. No. When I fight I don't use any tricks. All I need is my own power and skill!".
The two clashed blades back and forth each one defending against the others attacks. 'There's my opening' Nero Trickster dashed behind the gruff captain just in time to dodge a swipe of his sword.
'He's trying to get me from behind'. Zaraki was a man who favoured the blade. It was his style. He had never attended the Shin'o Academy either. Due to that he had no training or skill in the likes of Hoho or Kido nor even Hakuda. His time on the streets of the Rukongai had given him all the training he needed. The only shinigami lessons he ever bothered to learn was that of Zanjutsu. It was a common misconception that to beat the strength of Kenpachi Zaraki all you needed to do was use shunpo as he would have no way of keeping up with you. But that was false as so many had the misfortune to find out for themselves.
True if you ever challenged Zaraki to a foot race you could beat him with shunpo, at least if you were as skilled with it as the Captains were. But a fight was so much different to a race. In a fight reaction speed and instinct counted just as much as movement speed. And Kenpachi Zaraki had instincts unrivalled by any and the reaction time to back it up. And said instincts were now ringing like sirens in his head to turn around and block.
In a blue blur the teen came to a stop behind the Captain. "I've got you now kid" Kenpachi spun 180 degree's around and rose his blade over his head with the goal of slicing the teen. Only that never happened. The devil hunter had been expecting this and planned for it accordingly. As soon as the jagged edged zanpakuto with no name came down upon him Nero raised his devil bringer up and caught the blade in his hand. Shocking the crowd and Captain alike "What the-".
"-My turn" with his opponent now unable to defend himself and momentarily in a daze at how his sword had been caught in Nero's bare hand, or should it be bare demonic claw. The grandson of Sparda used the window of opportunity to launch his attack. He swung Red Queen in an over shoulder arch trajectory or 'High Roller' as he called this move. The tip of the blade skimmed across the floor beneath ripping away at the ground before it made contact with the spiky haired man's waist causing a red line to form on his chest.
Kenpachi was rigid stiff, he took in what had just happened, a rather unusual turn of events he was used to. Kenpachi slowly moved back, one foot after the other, the devil hunter releasing his hold on his katana. Then he came to a stop with roughly two meters between the two men. Zaraki looked down to his chest. The red blood seeping out of his cut onto his clothes and dripping on the floor. His eye and lips began to twitch "You … You actually cut me. I'm bleeding. You made me bleed my own blood". Instead of anger or fear Kenpachi felt a flood of euphoria overwhelm him "This …" his voice began as light as a feather before morphing into a thunderous growl "… THIS IS WHAT I CALL FUN! GIVE ME MORE! MORE!". He raised his reaitsu as his buzz for battle grew with every drop of blood that ran out of him.
'Yep this guys total psycho. He makes even Dante look normal'. Nero used shunpo to get to the captain but the man's reflexes were enough to close the gap in speed.
The Captain and Demon slayer went at each other blow for blow sparks flying off their swords but neither cold get through the others defences. The sound of metal on metal reverberated the surroundings, the air grew thicker as they both increased their reaitsu's.
"This guy sure is something" Ikkaku had heard from others that the white haired ryoka was strong but seeing his power up close allowed him to realise just how he'd defeated Captain Tosen. "The Captain's focusing much more on defence than he normally does".
"Zaraki may be reckless" Komamura added "But he isn't a fool. He knows he can't allow Nero to cut him any more than he has already. Even he can suffer from blood loss. Something which Nero doesn't have to worry about". The tale of how the teen had taken Yamamoto's flames as well as a double skewering from Aizen and Tosen and came out unscathed had spread throughout the Seireitei. Some even questioned if the boy could be immortal.
Izuru had a look of doubt to his normal gloomy look "I don't know. I've seen Captain Zaraki shake off wounds that would kill a normal man like they were nothing".
"Their reaitsu's are incredible" Isane was beginning to feel as if she was being pushed down by how much spiritual power was being exerted by the two. Everyone knew Zaraki's was akin to a mountain but the demonic child's was a feat in its own right.
"But something seems different. I remember feeling Nero's power at Sokyoku Hill but now its not the same" Rangiku voiced her confusion.
Nanao pushed the rim of her glasses up her nose "True. Not only that but I could of sworn I saw him use shunpo a moment ago. Not that odd movement technique he normally uses with the blue colour to it" she said referring to Nero's Trickster abilities.
Unohana looked over to the petite female captain assuming she would have an answer "Would you care to elaborate on this Captain Soi Fon?".
"He's unlocked his spiritual power" Soi Fon revealed in an aloof manner. "Lady Yoruichi sent me word of it. According to her he unlocked it just over two weeks ago and that she alongside Kisuke Urahara and Tessai Tsukabishi have been training him in the ways of the shinigami. That's why I brought him here. To see how a true shinigami fights and for him to test his old and new skill set".
That was certainly worthy news to them. "You're saying he only awakened his reiryoku two weeks ago and he can already use our shunpo technique to that degree" Toshiro was clearly having a hard time believing it. The devil hunters shunpo may not be on the level of a Captains, nor anywhere near as developed as Captains Soi Fon and Kuchiki's. But the fact he could use it with only two weeks of training was unbelievable to the ice user.
Soi Fon nodded "Not just that. From what I was told he can use Kido as well. Though only the lower level spells at least".
That made even Unohana seemed rattled "Already using Kido with such little time to practice. Even if he can only use the low level spells it is still an unheard of achievement". Retsu looked back to the fight between the newest Kenpachi and Nero. 'If this was a few hundred years ago I think I'd be just as desperate to fight him as Zaraki is'.
"And to have such remarkable people teaching him as well" Kyoraku had known all of those three people personally and knew their skills put them all right at the upper echelon of Captains. "First the Kurosaki kid and now him. Seems the new generation really is putting us old timers to shame eh Unahana".
Unahana sent the man a sinister smile that made him shiver "Who are you calling old Captain Kyoraku". The man merely giggled and rubbed his neck in hope not to incur her wrath.
Back in the arena the two were still going at it. "You're fun after all" Kenpachi admitted to his younger opponent.
Their blades were dancing to a melody of metallic clangs and clinks as they beat against the other. "You're not so bad yourself" Nero ducked under a potentially harmful sword swipe. "And those bells in you've got add a nice jingle to the mix. A pity you don't have any cowbells, I know a song that would fit pretty well for a reaper like you".
"You talk just as much as Ichigo does. But at least you aren't as annoying". Zaraki slammed his sword down on the teen but his attack was yet again blocked, or so the teen thought. "I just realised something. You made me bleed twice now and I have yet to return the favour. Well that ends now!".
'What's he-' Nero's train of thought was halted when the Captain used his monstrous strength to push his sword down, caught off guard by the man's physical prowess it was enough to push Red Queen down almost out of Nero's hand allowing the Captain to slash at the devil hunters chest leaving a large gash in the middle "Gragh, shit".
Nero leapt back to get some distance between himself and the battle crazed gruff man. 'He actually pushed my sword down. This guys strength is incredible'. He might not be on the level of Dante but Zaraki's strength was enough to be trouble for Nero who himself was used to normally being the physically strongest fighter in a battle. Nero looked down at his chest wound which was already healing. 'This guy crazy or something. This cut was deep enough to slice some of my organs. If not for my healing he'd of killed me'.
Kenpachi too watched on his as the teens wounds healed themselves until the only trace that he'd even cut him to begin with was the blood on his shredded clothes. "And that's the second reason I was so looking forward to fighting you" the boy sent him a quizzical stare. "Every time I fight someone I always have to hold back in case I kill them. But I heard you can heal and now I saw with my own eyes I know its true. Which mean…". His lips curved up in smile that was all teeth "I CAN CUT YOU AS MUCH AS I LIKE WITHOUT HAVING TO HOLD BACK!". He reached up with his hand to his eye patch and ripped the fabric off freeing the power he held behind it. As soon as he did so a pillar of yellow reaitsu erupted from Kenpachi causing a mini hurricane of heavy wind to burst out so strong it would thrust any normal Human away as easy as paper.
"What the hells he doing?!" Shuhei used his arms to shield his face from the wind, even having to shout over the noise it made. But still like so may of the others he too was being pushed back by the sheer force of power Zaraki was releasing. Only the Captains seemed to be able to withstand the pressure and gale.
"The Captain really can't be planning on killing the kid can he!" Izuru was nearly pushed away by the wind but Captain Komamura grabbed onto the back on his shihakusho to keep him stable as well as his own Lieutenant.
Toshiro clicked his teeth "I told you from the beginning this was a bad idea!".
"Well nothing we can do now!" Shunsui held onto his straw hat less it fly away in the wind.
"Yeah Kenny!" Yachiru jumped with joy "He's having so much fun!".
"Maybe a little too much!" Isane had to squint her eyes as the gale force winds stung when she kept them open fully "When the Head Captain finds out we let this happen we're all so dead".
Soi Fon was more concerned with what someone else was going to think of this. 'I didn't think Zaraki would go this far. If anything happens to Nero Lady Yoruichi will be furious with me. Damn it why does she have to like this annoying brat so much'.
"HA HAH HAH HAHA HAHA!" Kenpachi still releasing an apparent never ending amount of reaitsu aimed the tip of his zanpakuto at Nero. "Well kid! You best get ready! Because here I … COME!". He charged towards the teen on the opposite side of the arena with such force the ground cracked beneath the heel of his feet.
"Yep, totally insane" the demon hunter mumbled with a dumbfound look before readying himself "Well if you like to play rough then I guess I will too". Nero considered his options and came to one conclusion 'So speed won't work on this guy. My Kido is to weak to effect someone as strong as him. Royalguard could work but if I miss time absorbing one of his attacks and take the full force of it I might just get cleaved in two, not exactly an experience I want. But no one here knows I can uses cero's. That might get him by surprise'. Choosing cero as the way to go Nero pooled his energy into his Devil Bringer and began to form a red orb in his palm 'Well here it goes' Nero began to run head first towards the Captain keeping his cero out of sight waiting to reveal it at the last second when Kenpachi would be unable to evade it.
The two opponents rushed forward towards the other, waves of reiatsu flooding out of Zaraki. With so much reaitsu in the air it felt as if gravity had increased several fold. The Captains and Lieutenants watching the fight were at least aware as to the reason for the commotion and strong enough to with stand the mass spiritual power pressing down on them. Those not in the vicinity had no such luck. Within a few miles radius screams of terror and confusion rang out from lower rank shinigami who had no idea what was happening but could feel the raw power crushing down on them could be heard over the heavy gust of wind and rumbling earth.
But the two fighters cared little for that. Nero and Kenpachi were now mere feet apart, the audience watching braced themselves for the impact when …
"Bakudo #81 Danku!".
"Wha-" both Nero and Kenpachi echoed in unison. The Captain and devil hunter skidded to a halt as to not slam into the wall that formed.
In front of them was a large rectangular transparent shield that spilt the arena in two and separated the two men from one another.
"What's this?" Nero released his cero, dispersing the energy and placed his now free right hand on the barrier giving it a tap with his index finger. As he did so a subtle wave spread across the shield wall similar the ripple of water that formed when throwing a rock in a lake. 'This is one of those Kido barriers Yoruichi told me about'.
"Hey" Kenpachi gave the shield a whack with his sword, if he hoped to crack or break it his intentions were met with failure as the barrier withstood the attack undamaged. "What's the big idea". He looked dead at Nero through the opaque window like barrier, the two were inches apart now but cut off from each other by the shield. Kenpachi could tell from the look in the kids blue eyes he had no part in this. "Damn Kido" he cursed, he always hated those annoying spells. After all what's the point in using magic when you can just cut your foe with a blade like a true warrior.
"I think that's quite enough entertainment for one day don't you" two figures flashed into existence with the use of shunpo, one male and one female. Jushiro walked over towards the barrier he had erected "Any more and you may well cause damage to nearby shinigami in the cross fire. Not to mention destroy the buildings we only just finished repairing".
Yoruichi followed alongside Ukitake shaking her head like an unimpressed parent "Honestly Nero. I leave you alone for a few hours and already you're trying to level the place". There was amusement in her tone.
"What do you guys think you're doing" Kenpachi complained, by now his reaitsu had died down and so had the wind. "They two of us were having fun".
"It seems you were the only ones" Ukitake indicated at the carnage their duel had caused. Nearby trees, benches and even some low rank shinigami were all on the floor.
'Guess we got a bit carried away after all' Nero rubbed the back of his neck "Well you did say I should get some training in right".
Yoruichi placed her hand on her forehead "Not exactly what I had in mind".
"So I take it you guys finished your little meeting" Nero questioned to which the purplenette nodded.
"Yep. So try not to get to comfortable here because we'll be heading back soon enough" Yoruichi made light of the situation.
Judging neither would attack the other again Jushiro released the Kido barrier with a swipe of his hand. "But before that we have some details we must discuss with the other Captains regarding what we have planned".
"First you break up our fight and now this". Sensing the fight was over Kenpachi swung his zanpakuto over his right shoulder and let out a huff "Tch, don't bother involving me in any of that crap. Yachiru come on".
"Coming" the pink haired little Lieutenant skipped over to her captain and hopped onto his left shoulder. "Hey Ukki, hey Boobies" she waved sweetly at Ukitake and Yoruichi both of whom gave their own pleasantries back at her. "Well Kenny. Did you have fun?".
Kenpachi looked to Yachiru, then to Nero then back to his Lieutenant with the same dull expression he normally wore "You could say that. It wasn't a waste of time I'll admit that much".
"See I told you so didn't I" Yachiru grinned.
"Whatever" Kenpachi turned and began to walk away from the others intent on returning to his barracks. At the edge of the arena he stopped to call out still keeping his back to them "Hey kid. Nero was it?".
Nero looked to the man "Yeah. What is it?".
"When we next fight I expect you to go all out from the beginning, I hate it when people hold back on me" with those final words he jumped off the stage and began to run out the area.
"Bye bye!" Yachiru waved to Nero "Thanks for playing with Kenny, he had a great time. See you again Snowy Locks".
"Well as mental as that guy and his loli Lieutenant are." Nero swung Red Queen onto his back straps "Gotta admit they certainly liven the place up".
Jushiro chuckled in a friendly manner "Captain Zaraki certainly has a one of a kind personality. As does his Lieutenant. But give it some time and now matter how hard you try they begin to grow on you".
"I'll take your word on that" Nero replied in a dry tone.
Nero, Jushiro and Yoruichi then made their way over to the crowd that had been watching the fight. As they did so Yoruichi leaned in close and whispered to Nero "You're lucky I showed up when I did. Being able to use a cero isn't something people will take lightly. The amount of suspicion and questions that would come flooding in will be more than you care to deal with. Not to mention the fact that Kisuke and myself are tangled up in this as well. So for now do me a favour and keep that whole Devil Arm and soul absorbing thing under wraps for me will you".
Nero gave her an odd look wondering why it would be such a bad thing to show his use of cero's but relented to her desire none the less "Sure thing. Sorry". She thanked him and soon found themselves back with the crowd of soul reapers.
Many of them went on to give Nero compliments on how he was able to go blow for blow against Zaraki. And many more expressed wonder at how he had managed to use shinigami techniques after only two weeks of learning.
"Good to see you up and about Jushiro" Shunsui said in regard to how fragile his friends health had been the week after the ryoka's invasion.
"Good to be up. I was starting to get sick of that bed, there's only so much of looking at the Koi pond I can take before even that gets old" Jushiro then snapped his fingers in remembering "Thinking of. I need to order some extra food for the fish. While I was bed ridden Lieutenant Yachiru was kind enough to bring me several new Koi fish for my pond. Not sure where she got them from though".
On the opposite side of the Seireitei Byakuya Kuchiki sneezed as he examined the pond in his families home. "When I find who is responsible for the disappearance of my fish I'll make them pay". Poor Byakuya was always the victim to the women of the Gotei, be it using his home as their private hang out for their get together and now this.
After speaking with Unahana reminiscing on old times when the two often ventured on joint missions together a century ago Yoruichi heard the noise of someone behind her, she turned to see the petite raven haired woman "Soi Fon". The shorter captains body language gave off a nervous feel but her face was more alive and upbeat than the normal gloomy expression she wore. She looked akin to when a fan came face to face with the celebrity they admired more than anyone else, which in many ways was an apt way to describe their relationship.
Soi Fon's cheeks began to grow rosy "La … Lady Yoruichi. Its nice to … to see you again". It had only been a few weeks since she had last seen her purple haired mentor but anyone watching the way she acted would think it had been much longer.
Yoruichi adopted a gentle look at her former apprentice "You too Soi Fon. And thanks for looking after Nero for me while I spoke with Ukitake". A sly smirk traced her lips "Though when I asked you to give him experience in fighting I didn't mean to take him to Kenpachi Zaraki of all people. You know some might think you did it on purpose. You weren't hoping to get rid of him were you" she playfully accused in a voice full of guile.
Soi Fon looked abashed, more so at being caught out "Wha- What! No of course not. I would never. You asked me for help and I did so" she pleaded not wanting to get on the bad side of her sisterly figure.
Yoruichi wasn't fully buying her defence but just rolled with it "Meh. Its done with now anyway. No sense in focusing on the past. Plus I think Nero leant something from this anyway. And made a new friend". Zaraki seemed pleased with his fight and the kid he had it with from what she had seen, and when Zaraki enjoyed fighting someone that earned you a spot on his friends list.
"Erm Lady Yoruichi" Soi Fon looked to her feet as her cheeks grew more red and voice became laced with timidness. "I was … well. I was wondering if you would like to come to my- I mean your, that is your old and my current barracks. At the 2nd Division". She began fidgeting with her fingers as her anxiety grew the way only Yoruichi could make it "We recently had them renovated and thought you'd like to see. Maybe even stay a few days".
Soi Fon hadn't had Omaeda pay for all that for nothing. 'Once Lady Yoruichi feels how amazing the heated floors and air-conditioning is for her cat form she'll want to stay there forever. It will be like old times. Maybe we could be Co-Captains of the squad. I'm sure the Head Captain would allow it … right. Oh we'd have so much fun'. A series of images flashed in her mind as she imagined how that would play out. The song Wouldn't It Be Nice by the Beach Boys would have fit perfectly for her day dreaming montage. Her mind was deluded enough that she didn't realise how ridiculous such a thought was. Sadly her day dream was cut short.
A guilty feeling overcame the Shihoin noble woman as she looked down to Soi Fon who seemed like a lost puppy waiting for a treat. "I'm sorry but I can't" Soi Fon's face fell in sorrow, not wanting to hurt the woman's feelings Yoruichi explained. "Something is happening in the Human World, in Karakura Town. A string of strange deaths related to odd fluxes in unusual reiatsu. That's why I came to speak with Ukitake. We're putting together a plan to find and stop the perpetrators. So until that's all sorted I'm afraid I'll be busy for the foreseeable future".
With her dreams shattered she wanted nothing more than to return to her barracks away from prying eyes. "O- Oh … Er … Well. Okay then. I understand. I have work I need to get to as well. Sorry I didn't mean to-" before she could leave Soi Fon felt a hand upon her shoulder halting her retreat.
"But speaking of" Yoruichi met the grey eyes of her sister in all but blood "I actually wanted you to come with me. I could use your help". That lit a fire of joy in Soi Fon's now sparkling eyes 'Aw, she can be so sweet when she wants. A shame she try's to hide that side so much'. She turned and called out "Nero. Come on. Its time to head back".
The next chapter will be out soon. I originally wrote this and what is now chapter 18 as one but it grew to over 20,000 words so decided to cut it in two. And it means you guys don't have to wait as long to read anything new. So chapter 18 will be out soon.
Thanks for all the comments. I really do listen to what you guys say and take it into account. I appreciate the support.
Don't worry about Nero becoming nothing more than a shinigami. The only reason I gave him shinigami powers is (1) so that his power can increase to take on stronger enemies. (2) so that he can sense reaitsu and fly which he couldn't do before learning shinigami powers and he really needs to be able to do in the Bleachverse. But first and foremost Nero is a demon hybrid with demonic powers. He can now just use kido and such. But a zanpakuto is more or less never going to happen for Nero.
I always wanted Nero to fight Kenpachi in the Soul Society arc but couldn't fit it in without seeming out of place. But thought this would be a great time since I imagine the second Kenpachi got word Nero was in the Seireitei he would seek him out for a fight like he does Ichigo.
Edit: I've fixed the mistake of mixing the 11th and 12th Divisions. Pulled a literal brain fart not gonna lie. Reread the chapter twice from beginning to end and never even noticed I wrote that. Whoopsie.