AN: Hey everyone, thanks to everyone who read and reviewed!
As always, thanks for your continued support!
Vocabulary Terms:
*Baka (Bakamono) = Fool/Idiot
*Onii-sama = Big Brother
*Obasan = Aunt
*Chappy = Most popular soul candy with a cutesy personality and depicted as a bunny.
*Ryoka = Traveling Evil(s)/ outsiders not associated with the Seireitei
*Senzaikyu = Palace of Penitence/Repentance Palace
*Sekkiseki = Spirit reducing stone, a special mineral with properties that allows it to repel all reiryoku.
*Shakonmaku = Soul-Warding Membrane. A large spherical barrier surrounding the Seireitei that vaporizes any reishi that tries to pass through the barrier.
*Sokyoku = Twinned Punishment. A giant halberd currently sealed on the Sokyoku Hill and used to execute nefarious criminals of the Soul Society.
*Seijotokyorin = Tranquil Forest of Residential Towers. The living quarters of the Central 46 members that is completely forbidden to all except the members of the Central 46.
*Daireishokairo = Great Spirit Book Gallery. A repository of all the knowledge and history of the Soul Society with restricted access to very few. Even many Captains are unaware of its inner workings.
*Negacion (Negation): A pillar of yellow light that Menos use to envelope their comrades to save them. Within the light is a completely isolated space that cannot be interacted with from the outside.
*Auswahlen (Holy Selection): Forcibly steals the power of a Quincy and returns it to the Quincy King.
*Oken (Royal Key): The method in which one can open the path to the Royal Palace where the Soul King resides. The conditions needed to create one is an enriched spiritual zone of at least half a spirit-mile in radius (1 spirit-mile across) and the sacrifice of 100,000 souls.
*Wild Lands: Unexplored and undeveloped lands beyond the perimeter of the 80th districts of Rukongai.
*Tekai Kecchu (World Shifting Binding Posts): A variation of the Senkaimon on a much larger scale where four giant pillars are erected at four different corners replacing the space inside with the space of a different area.
*Garganta (Throat/Black Cavity): Void between worlds that is mainly used by Hollows to travel between the World of the Living, Hueco Mundo, and Soul Society.
Reading the story:
-Scene change: "888"
-Rated M Scene: "XXX"
-Hello, how are you? (Someone in their own thoughts)
-Hello how are you? (Zanpakuto Spirit speaking in a Shinigami's mind)
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach.
Chapter 36
Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.
The sound of Kishin's footsteps echoed loudly in the familiar giant cave that led down into the Nest of Maggots. The dimly lit lamps on the side of the walls. The earthy smell of a carved out cave. The quiet stillness that permeated the air. The memories of the time when he was the overseer of this place came flooding back to him. Nothing seemed to have changed since then.
"I wonder how everyone is doing?" He said to himself as he finally stood before the familiar giant wooden doors that led inside where the inmates were kept prisoner. Without hesitation he opened the door as a flood of light entered his eyes and walked inside. Once more the sight of a large cavern ceiling, some balconies hoisted on the sides of the walls, stairs that led down to the deepest part of the Nest, and an open area where the prisoners could roam about came into view.
"Heh. I see everything is still the same. Seems the assassins didn't make it this far in. That's good news."
He was interrupted from his own thoughts by the sound of someone's voice to his right. "Oi! Who're you? Have you come to let us out?"
Soon after the first inmate made a comment many others followed suit.
"Hahaha, seems like we're getting a lot of faces today. It was a woman this morning and now another greenhorn!"
"So, you a new prisoner? What are you in for?"
A woman inmate seemingly in her mid twenties licked her lips as she stared with desirous eyes at Kishin. "Mmmm, he's eye candy. Anyone who touches him dies. He's mine."
Another woman seemingly in her late teens shook her head and retorted, "Speak for yourself. It's first come first serve you old hag."
"Huh?! What did you call me?!"
"Hmpf! You heard me! It's been a long time since we got to see any handsome faces around here. He's mine!"
A large burly man pointed at Kishin and snickered, "Look at this! The overseer must be losing his mind because he let this guy inside carrying a Zanpakuto. It seems they aren't following the rules anymore."
Someone else then commented, "If that's the case then I guess we don't need to either right? Maybe it's our chance to get out!"
As it soon became noisy in the room with chattering all around someone finally called out in realization, "Wait? Isn't that...a Captain's Haori?"
"HUH?!" Everyone became silent and took another good look at Kishin. The familiar symbolic white Haori couldn't be mistaken. Everyone furrowed their brow wondering what was going on.
Kishin had already done a quick sweep of the place but he couldn't be sure which one of the inmates was supposed to be the person he was looking for. Noting everyone's silent mumbling he smirked and questioned, "Which one of you is named Ran'Tao?"
…
Complete silence.
No one answered his question as they carefully considered him for a moment. Finally an inmate walked up to him. They were tall. Taller than even Kishin as they stood at a height of 210cm. Their frame was muscular, almost too muscular as his body seemed to disproportionately bulge out in odd places. They had short black hair and a seemingly heavy presence. As they stood in front of Kishin casting their shadow over him they spoke with a deep and menacing tone of voice.
"So what? Who cares if he's a Captain. Just because he has a title doesn't mean shit. How about I take his weapon and his Haori and I become the Captain? Hahaha! Yeah! That sounds nice-UH?!" Before he could continue on his little rant he fell down on his hands and knees. His body shook everywhere as his heart raced and palpated in fear.
The reiatsu and aura emanating from Kishin's body had all of a sudden grew heavy and cold. His power was greater than the might of all of the inmates combined and his thirst to draw blood seemed thicker than even the most heinous of criminals. As he watched the inmate that brazenly walked up to him grovel on the ground in front of him he said with a complacent tone of voice, "I know I don't look the same as I did back then, but don't tell me that you all have forgotten me already?"
Everyone in the room gulped in nervousness as they clearly felt how strong Kishin was. It was then one of the inmates who was in a corner reading a book widened their eyes in realization. A memory resurfaced in their head as they recalled the familiarity of such a deadly reiatsu presence. With a hesitant and nervous voice they ventured to guess, "O-Overseer Chigetsu?"
Kishin whipped his head around and took in the sight of the person who called his name. It was a man of average height with mid-length brown hair. Kishin smirked as he recalled playing chess with this man a few times before during his appointment as overseer. "Your name is Nishima correct?"
Nishima widened his eyes in shock at the fact that Kishin remembered him. "Uh, I, uh y-yes. Yes I am. But are you truly overseer Chigetsu? You're…"
"All grown up?" Kishin amusedly interjected.
Everyone in the room immediately felt fear in their hearts as they now realized that Kishin was their previous overseer. The one before Yushiro. They recalled the days back from that time and remembered how tyrannically peaceful things were then. Well, aside from the occasional times when an inmate would lose their patience and attack Kishin, things were relatively nice. Kishin would sometimes bring them candy and share games and whatnot with them. That however, didn't mean they forgot what happened when he was annoyed or ticked off. He once beat an inmate so terribly that they were on the verge of death because they tried to escape. Kishin made an example out of him for the others to warn them not to try and do the same thing. They then watched as Kishin took his time healing that inmate before torturously beating them up again. He repeated the process several times before he let that inmate go. Ever since then no one ever tried to escape again under his watch hence the way they described those times as tyrannically peaceful. It was a mystery to them how they were the ones imprisoned while someone as violent and powerful as Kishin wasn't.
Once more Kishin asked, "Which one of you is named Ran'Tao. The faster we get this over with the better."
Everyone gulped down in nervousness and as if robotically programmed, they all pointed down the stairs that led to the deepest part of the Nest of Maggots. Kishin raised his eyebrow in curiosity and stared at the dark hallway that led to the isolated chambers in the Nest.
She's in there? That place is only meant to house the most troublesome and more powerful inmates. I thought Yushiro said that he gave her appropriate accommodations? Well, whatever. If she's there then she's there.
Without sparing another glance at the inmates in the room he walked off and waved his hand in the air. "It was good to see you all again."
Everyone felt a bead of nervous sweat and had the same exact thought.
Scary bastard…
As Kishin walked down the long dark hallway at the back of the Nest of Maggots he noted that the temperature was much cooler back here. There were caged prison cells lining the walls of the elongated room with a dim blue light spaced every several meters apart.
There weren't any prisoners back here back when I was the overseer.
Soon after he came upon the view of a woman seated inside one of the prison cells on a bed. She wore the all white garments that signified her being a prisoner of the Nest. She had a slender youthful appearance of average height with long brown hair tied up with a hairpin. She also had brown eyes and wore yellow colored glasses. She was currently sitting on her bed with a blanket wrapped around her reading a book.
From what Kishin could tell she seemed comfortable enough.
Maybe she asked Yushiro to be put in here? It's possible that she didn't want to mingle or be bothered with the other inmates.
The moment he stopped just outside her cell she turned up from her book and glanced at him. The expression in her eyes showed her startlement as she took note that he was a Captain of the Gotei 13. Kishin took a moment to gather his thoughts before asking, "You're Ran'Tao?"
Ran'Tao was a bit hesitant to answer at first, however she finally replied, "Yes. I am Ran'Tao. And you are a Captain of the Gotei 13?"
Kishin smirked. "That's right."
Ran'Tao fixed the glasses on her face and took a moment to take in Kishin's appearance before nodding her head. "I see. I'm aware of who the Captains of the Gotei 13 are but you I don't recognize. You must have been newly appointed. Given the fact with what happened recently it makes sense as well. Might I ask why a Captain of the Gotei 13 has come to see me?"
Kishin didn't directly answer as he replied with his own question. "Did you know that there were assassins outside sent to kill you?"
Ran'Tao's eyes wavered in shock before she showed a look of understanding.
Kishin tilted his head in curiosity. "It seems you didn't know that assassins were sent to kill you, but it also seems that you aren't surprised by this fact. I take it that you know the reason why they're after your life? Perhaps you even know who hired them to kill you?"
Ran'Tao sighed and shook her head. "I'm afraid I must disappoint you. I don't know who hired them. I find it strange that a Captain of the Gotei 13 would be interested in my matters anyways. Why are you truly here? And what should I address you by?"
Kishin nonchalantly shrugged his shoulders. "My name is Chigetsu Kishin."
"Oh? I see. Then it is Captain Chigetsu. And your reason for paying me a visit?"
Without beating around the bush anymore he answered straightforwardly, "The Bounts."
Ran'Tao's heart skipped a beat, but she had somewhat expected that to be the answer as well. "I see. The Bounts. What has become of them?"
Kishin shook his head unsure himself. "I hear that they've invaded Soul Society. Apparently they're hiding somewhere in Rukongai. The Gotei 13 has been mobilized to search for them and to kill them on sight. I was hoping you can give me some insight into the matter. And of course, my curiosity was piqued. Someone hired assassins skilled enough to infiltrate the Onmitsukido grounds just to kill you. Well, I only speculated that they were sent to kill you, but judging from your earlier reaction it seems my guess was correct. I figured there seemed to be more to the Bounts than meets the eye. I was wondering if you could shed some light on this for me."
Ran'Tao slightly furrowed her brow. "Since the Gotei 13 are currently hunting the Bounts then shouldn't you also be out there searching instead of spending time speaking to me?"
Kishin waved his hand dismissing her comment. "If the Gotei 13 couldn't handle something like this without me, a newly appointed Captain, then there really isn't any hope for the Soul Society in defeating Aizen. Something tells me that the knowledge you possess on this matter is valuable. Someone wanted to silence you the moment your whereabouts turned up. In fact, you were exiled. How did you return to the Soul Society?"
Ran'Tao sighed and closed the book in her hands. "I'm currently a prisoner. As you said, someone wants me dead. What would I gain from telling you what I know."
"Oh? Then you want to make a deal?"
Ran'Tao took a moment to study Kishin's expression trying to glean what kind of person he was, however the more she stared at him the more hesitant she was in speaking.
Kishin took note and leaned against the side of the prison bars. "No need to be so cautious. I assure you that your thinking is correct. I'm very dangerous and if I wanted to I could just torture you until I get the information I want, but seeing as I'm not annoyed by you then go ahead and state what you want."
Ran'Tao was internally stunned at Kishin's straightforwardness and admittance of his violent tactic, but at the same time his honesty in that regard made her feel a bit more at ease. She now had a sort of understanding as to what kind of character Kishin was. He was essentially someone that she decided best not to be on the bad side of.
"Ahem." She cleared her throat before saying, "Then...I would like to be released from the Nest of Maggots. That is my condition for telling you what I know."
Kishin raised his eyebrow at her. "You want to be released? Even knowing that someone wants you dead?"
Ran'Tao bit her lip. "Y-Yes...I must stop the Bounts. No. I must stop Jin Kariya."
"Oh? So you are aware of who the leader of the Bounts is. Care to share more?"
"If I do then will you release me?"
"Sure. I could. But you'll only be captured again. Is that what you want?"
Ran'Tao inwardly flinched at the realization that the condition she put forth was half-hearted and flawed. What she didn't understand was why Kishin even told her that since she felt that he was more cunning than that. He could have simply agreed and have her tell him everything before releasing her and having her recaptured by Yushiro, the Commander of the Punishment Force. Kishin took note of her confusion and reached into his Haori's chest pocket pulling out a reigar and lighting it a smoke.
"Tell me what you know about the Bounts and why someone wants you dead. Afterwards I'll make you a deal myself. Depending on how valuable I find your information will decide on what kind of offer I give you. How does that sound?"
"How can I trust your word that you won't just leave me in here afterwards?"
Kishin shrugged. "You don't. But I could have just agreed to your first terms and have you tell me what I want to know before having you recaptured."
Ran'Tao sighed in defeat. "I see. Were you trying to gain my trust with that by telling me the flaw in my condition?"
Kishin shook his head. "You're thinking too much into it. If you won't tell me then I really will just leave you here to rot. What other option do you have? Even if you don't tell me, the result will be that I leave and kill the Bount insurgents and that'll be the end of that matter."
Ran'Tao struggled internally thinking of what to do. In the end she leaned back against the wall of her prison cell and closed her eyes, sighing in defeat. "Very well. It appears you win. I'll tell you what I know and trust that you'll offer me a deal based on the value of information I hold."
Kishin grinned in triumph and took another whiff of his reigar before nodding in appreciation. "Great. So then, tell me about the Bounts and what your connection is with this attempted assassination."
"Haaah...very well. The Bounts...well. To know about the Bounts I suppose I should first tell you how this situation came about. This is a story that goes a long way back."
"Oh? How long?"
"Heh. Centuries. Tell me Captain Chigetsu, what do you know about the establishment of the Gotei 13 approximately 1000 years ago?"
Kishin furrowed his brow slightly intrigued. "I'll admit, even as a new Captain of the Gotei 13 I don't know much of the history of that time."
Ran'Tao nodded in understanding. "I see. Well, no matter. Then allow me to help broaden your horizons. When the Gotei 13 was first established 1000 years ago there had yet to be a proper system in which how divisions work and what each division's role was. In fact not even Rukongai was fully established at that time. The Seireitei had only recently been finished being built and only districts 1-40 of the four Rukon sectors had been created. Unlike today in which there are 80 total districts in the four cardinal provinces."
Kishin lit another reigar as the one he had been smoking dissipated into reishi particles. "Alright. You've painted a bleak image of what Soul Society looked like in my mind. Is this relevant?"
Ran'Tao huffed and shook her head. "Don't be so impatient. How can a story be interesting without the added details?" She noted the indifferent look in Kishin's eyes and sighed in defeat. "Haaah...alright never mind. Where was I?"
"The Gotei 13 being established 1000 years ago."
"Oh right. Perhaps you already know this but the Captain Commander is still the very first Captain Commander of 1000 years ago. No one has yet to replace him at its head ever since the founding of its members. And other than Captain Unohana, the rest of the Captains of the Gotei 13 are members that had succeeded the previous generation members."
Kishin furrowed his brow deep in thought at Ran'Tao's words. "So you're saying that Captain Unohana was a founding member of the Gotei 13? I figured she was wise and experienced, but to think she's been the head of the 4th division for such a long time."
Ran'Tao raised her eyebrow questioningly at Kishin. "Do you not know, Captain Chigetsu?"
"Hm? Know what?"
Ran'Tao took a moment to study his expression before a look of realization flashed in her eyes. "I see. It seems you truly didn't know. Well, I suppose that isn't too unexpected. With the passage of time not many know the details anymore."
"Care to share exactly what it is that I seem to be unaware of?"
"Haaah. Very well. You falsely assume that Captain Unohana was the very first Captain of the 4th division. That is wrong."
"Eh? Wrong you say? How so?"
"It's wrong because the very first Captain of the 4th division was Nakayama Hama."
Kishin was about to take another whiff of his reigar but stopped midway after hearing that Unohana wasn't the first Captain of the 4th division. A look of confusion flashed in his eyes causing Ran'Tao to smirk and shake her head. "I see that you are confused, Captain Chigetsu."
"Your words seem contradictory doesn't it? You stated that Captain Unohana was a founding member, yet you say that she wasn't the first Captain of the 4th division? Unless...you are suggesting that she was once the Captain of another division?"
Ran'Tao smiled and nodded. "You understand quickly, Captain Chigetsu. Correct. Captain Unohana was not the first Captain of the 4th division. That title belongs to Captain Nakayama. As for Captain Unohana, she was known as the very first ever Kenpachi."
A wave of shock flooded Kishin's body as he slightly furrowed his brow deep in thought. Ran'Tao noted the look of confusion in his eyes and once more knew what he was thinking. "I see that you are confused once more."
Kishin gave her a questioning look as he commented, "If what you say is true and Captain Unohana held the title as the very first ever Kenpachi then how is it that she is alive? To have that title taken from her would mean that she was defeated in combat, and as a member of the 11th division that would mean her death would it not?"
Ran'Tao nodded in agreement. "That is indeed how the 11th division works. In fact it was Captain Unohana herself who had established that rule in the first place. To be honest I am not sure what happened for her to relinquish her title as the 11th division Captain and the name Kenpachi. What I do know is what I just told you and that she was not the first 4th division Captain. She was most likely instead the 2nd. I can't be sure as I had been exiled before then."
Kishin took a moment to let the information sink in. "Alright. Continue. You brought this up for a reason correct?"
"Yes. I did. I brought it up not to talk about Captain Unohana, but rather to talk about Captain Nakayama. The truth is I served under her division during her later years as Captain. Now we got off topic by discussing Captain Unohana so let me pull back the reins a bit. After the establishment of the Gotei 13 approximately 1000 years ago about 230 years later there was a Great War that occurred."
"A Great War? Of what kind?"
Ran'Tao fixed her glasses and said, "The Great Hollow War."
"The Great Hollow War? And what kind of war was it?"
"A devastating one. When the Gotei 13 was first established 1000 years ago they had fought a fearsome foe. That foe was apparently the leader of the Quincys."
Kishin's ears perked up after hearing that as he recalled his discussion with Kukaku about Auswahlen and of Masaki's death.
"What do you know about the leader of the Quincys?" He ventured to ask, however Ran'Tao just shook her head. "I am not privy to that knowledge. I only know that an event in which the founding members of the Gotei 13 fought against the Quincys in a war had happened. I also know that Captain Nakayama, the very first 4th division Captain, had survived that war. The Gotei 13 was left in a mess after that. Then 230 years later, The Great Hollow War happened. A mass invasion by the command of several Vasto Lordes over an army of Menos fought a grueling and bloody war against the Shinigami. And at their head stood the Great Hollow Lord."
"And this War. It took place in the Soul Society?"
"Correct. Though the war took place not in what you know of as Rukongai, but beyond that past the 80th district in the Wild Lands in a place now known as the Canyon of Rift and Sorrow. It is quite far from the Seireitei. Well, I've never been there myself so I wouldn't be able to tell you about it. These are all things I've heard about from my late Captain, Nakayama. Anyways, that war was quite a struggle for the Gotei 13 at the time. Many of its powerful original members had died during the war with the Quincys and therefore they struggled against the Hollow invasion. It was the 8th division Captain, Kasumioji Kanata, another founding member of the Gotei 13 who also survived the Quincy War that had come up with an idea to help strengthen the members of the Gotei 13 divisions. You see, distribution of Zanpakutos back then are not what they are today. Back then it was somewhat harder to obtain an Asauchi."
"What do you mean? To my knowledge the Shinigami Academy was established even before the Gotei 13 approximately 2100 years ago by the Captain Commander. Surely they handed out Asauchi's back then."
"Yes. That's true, however there was a limit to the number of Asauchi's presented to the Academy. There wasn't a set system in how Asauchi's were passed down to members of the Academy. Nowadays if you enter the Academy you would be presented with an Asauchi on the spot, however back then only when you graduated from the Academy and entered the Gotei 13 as a member of a division were you presented an Asauchi. This greatly limited the learning capabilities of the division members in the Gotei 13 as they weren't given time to learn how to commune with their Zanpakutos in the Academy before entering the military."
A look of understanding flashed in Kishin's eyes. "I see. So you're saying that they had to learn from scratch after entering a division on how to communicate with their Zanpakuto and imprinting their spirit into the Asauchi."
Ran'Tao nodded. "Correct. I believe the reason why this system was put in place was because there had yet to be the establishment of the Punishment Force. There was the concept of an Onmitsukido, but not the Punishment Force within that branch of power."
Again Kishin nodded his head in understanding. "So the reason for not giving out an Asauchi to Academy students was to prevent someone from obtaining the ability to awaken their own Zanpakuto and then going rogue using that power against the Gotei 13. Without a Punishment Force to apprehend these potentially dangerous individuals the Gotei 13 instead decided to limit the number of potential threats by only giving out an Asauchi after someone swore to defend and serve under its military."
"That's right. And as you know, once you enter the Gotei 13 as a member it's extremely difficult to leave it. There are a few rare exceptions, however normally one would never be able to voluntarily withdraw from the Gotei 13 without good reason or incentive."
Kishin waved his hand motioning for Ran'Tao to continue so she did. "Now the reason why I brought this up. As you know it takes people of rare talent to awaken their powers within a Zanpakuto and even greater talent taking even a longer time to truly master its power. During The Great Hollow War the Gotei 13 were lacking in sufficient members with talent and power. That is why Captain Kasumioji put forth his time and effort to create a weapon that would help aid and strengthen the members of the Gotei 13 to fight in The Great Hollow War."
Kishin nodded and commented, "And his partner was your late Captain, Nakayama Hama."
"That's right. He and Captain Nakayama worked together on the project. The end results however...did not produce the effect that they wanted. They couldn't prevent the side effect of the weapons they created from draining the life force of the user and therefore the project was shelved. In the end The Great Hollow War entered its final stages. Without the special weapons that Captain Kasumioji and Captain Nakayama had designed to help aid in the War, the results ended with many Shinigami losing their lives including Captain Kasumioji himself. Once the War ended Captain Nakayama was left in a less than ideal state. Her experimentation with Captain Kasumioji had caused her to lose much of her life force in their joint project. With Captain Kasumioji dead she was left alone to solve the problem of regaining her lost life force. Fast forward in time to 270 years after The Great Hollow War, or 600 years prior from present day, that was when I joined under Captain Nakayama and the 4th division."
Kishin cocked his head to the side and doubtfully commented, "Even with Captain Nakayama's life force drained she survived for another 270 years? She must have been quite powerful or her life force must not have been drained all that much."
Ran'Tao glared at Kishin and angrily interjected, "Don't underestimate or mock Captain Nakayama. She survived both the Quincy War and The Great Hollow War! She was indeed extremely powerful! She was so powerful in fact that if she didn't have her life force drained from her experimentation with Captain Kasumioji in trying to create a new weapon, she would undoubtedly be alive to this very day just as the Captain Commander and Captain Unohana are."
Kishin put up his hand defensively and playfully remarked, "Alright alright, no need to get so defensive. So? Continue."
Ran'Tao sighed and reigned in her dissatisfaction before clearing her throat and picked up where she left off. "Ahem. Now back then there wasn't a concept of the Research and Development Department so the 4th division was doing its own thing performing research under Captain Nakayama. At this point and time she had become extremely old and weary. Anyone who saw her could tell that she didn't have much time left. She established a research group to help aid her in finding a way to regain her lost life force. I was part of that team." Ran'Tao's expression soon became saddened as she continued, "Unfortunately ten years after my joining under Captain Nakayama, she passed away. We were unable to help prolong her life nor were we able to help her regain her lost life force. This remains one of my greatest regrets in life. Even after she passed away I dedicated myself to continue on with the research wishing to honor this quest that my Captain had started."
Kishin closed his eyes piecing together what possibly happened afterwards and commented, "That was when you all stumbled upon the creation of the Bounts isn't it…"
Ran'Tao remained silent for a moment before nodding her head. "That's right. The position of the 4th division Captain remained vacant for quite a long time as there was no one suitable to take up the position or at least, whilst I was still a member of the 4th division there wasn't anyone newly appointed. Captain Unohana had still yet to relinquish her title as the first Kenpachi. That happened sometime after I left the division. Anyways, approximately 20 years after Captain Nakayama passed away we the research team established under her still couldn't find a way to retrieve one's loss of life force, however we did propose an idea that may allow one to achieve eternality. We created artificial souls by using our own souls as well as souls of other volunteer Shinigami to test our hypothesis and experiments."
Kishin narrowed his eyes and asked, "Were these artificial souls the Bounts?"
Ran'Tao smirked mockingly at herself and shook her head. "No...The creation of the Bounts was an accident. You see, during the experiment of creating these artificial souls something had gone very wrong in the process and a massive explosion occurred killing nearly everyone in the process. Only myself and a handful of others from the research team survived. As for the artificial souls that we created? They became fragmented and lost and ended up combining with Human souls in the World of the Living. That was how the Bounts came into being. They developed the ability to prolong and extend their own life force by consuming the life force of other living beings. A side effect and ability that came about from our research performed before the souls had fragmented."
Kishin frowned as he noticed the doubtful look in Ran'Tao's eyes when she told him about the explosion. "You seem to have misgivings about the accident that happened during your experimentation."
Ran'Tao clenched her hands into fists before nodding her head. "Everything was perfect. The conditions in which we were performing the experiments were right. There was no way that an explosion on the magnitude that it occurred happened accidentally."
"Oh? Then you are suggesting that someone wanted to stop you from continuing your research?"
"That's right."
Kishin narrowed his eyes and ventured to guess, "Then this has something to do with the assassination attempt on your life?"
Ran'Tao remained silent for a moment before nodding her head. "I was suspicious at first, but I confirmed my suspicion when I found out that the other members who had survived the explosion with me were all hunted down and killed not long after. I knew my life was in danger but I was powerless to do anything about it. I don't even know who is trying to take my life or for what reason. I do have a speculation on why my persecutor in the shadows wants me dead, but I can't confirm it."
Kishin was lost in thought for a good long minute before positing his own theory. "Let me guess...considering the fact that all your surviving fellow research members were hunted down and killed means that your persecutor wishes to kill you for your knowledge."
Ran'Tao simply nodded. "That is also my guess, Captain Chigetsu. You see...all of the information regarding the research on longevity and prolonging one's life force had been completely wiped clean and destroyed. Now I'm the only one left who has knowledge of what happened and of our project. Whoever is making an attempt on my life must have stolen the data and wants to silence me so that I won't cause any waves."
"I see. That makes sense. Eliminating any possible wildcards that could prove problematic down the line. Your enemy seems to be ruthless and quite cautious."
"That...would seem to be the case."
Kishin then gave her a questioning glance. "Then how did you end up here?"
Ran'Tao sighed and looked up at the dark metal roof of her prison cell. "It's a long story and I'm sure you prefer the shortened version."
Kishin nodded in appreciation. "If the details aren't important then the shorter the better."
"Heh. Are the details of my journey here that unappealing to you?"
Kishin simply shrugged his shoulders as he thought about how much time he already spent here and then of where Rukia might be.
I listened to her story long enough. It was indeed informative and interesting, but I miss senpai…
Ran'Tao raised her eyebrow questioningly at Kishin's silence, but she decided to simply get on with her tale. "Alright. The short version is that Bounts are Humans. Even if they were created by fragments of souls made from Shinigami by the explosion created from our experiment it remains a fact that their bodies are not created of pure reishi. They needed to convert their bodies into reishi before entering Soul Society. They were obviously successful since they arrived in Soul Society yesterday. I got word of this and attempted to meet with Jin Kariya, the leader. Forgive me for not revealing to you where I was hiding all this time. Anyways, instead of Kariya I found Kurosaki Ichigo, his Quincy friend Ishida Uryu, and a few others along with them. They informed me of how Kariya kidnapped Ichigo's sister named Karin forcing Uryu to bend to Kariya's will to use his Quincy powers to help the Bounts open a gate that would convert their bodies into Reishi so that they could enter the Soul Society. After meeting with them we split up to search for the Bounts. That's when I was discovered by the Onmitsukido and was arrested by Shihoin Yushiro and brought here."
Kishin rubbed the bottom of his chin deep in thought before asking, "And what exactly does Kariya plan to do now that he's made it into the Soul Society?"
Ran'Tao had a downcast look as she replied, "He's looking for something called the Jokaisho. Back when I was performing research we used a device by this name. It helps to greatly manipulate the generation of reishi to better stabilize our experiments. There were several of them planted around the Seireitei and each one contains massive amounts of energy within. After the accident that caused the explosion to occur in our lab, Central 46 had the Kido Corp seal them off. Kariya wants to obtain one and use its power to resonate with the others scattered throughout the Seireitei to destroy everyone in the Soul Society. It is his plan for revenge. You see, back when the Bounts were discovered by the Soul Society, Central 46 commanded to kill them off. Kariya is a survivor of that time and holds a deep seated grudge. And I was also sentenced to be exiled at that time."
Kishin nodded and simply turned around to leave. Ran'Tao widened her eyes at his actions and stood up herself clinging onto the bars of her prison cell. "Wait! Where are you going? Didn't you say that you would propose a deal based on the value of the information I gave you? Don't tell me you find what I told you worth that little?!"
Kishin paused in his step and waved his hand in the air. "Don't worry. I stand by my word. I'll make you a deal, but I'm going off to deal with the Bounts first. It'll be bad if Kariya actually manages to get his hands on this so-called Jokaisho. I'll return here after the matter is over with. Besides, the safest place for you right now is here. Don't forget that you still have a target painted on your back. With no one granting you shelter I reckon more assassins will be sent after your life."
Ran'Tao gritted her teeth as she mulled over what Kishin said. "There's no guarantee that I'll be safe here either. You said that the assassins were able to get past the Onmitsukido guards."
Kishin shrugged his shoulders and started walking off again. "I told Yushiro to fortify security around this place. And just for extra measure I'll have him personally watch over your well-being. How does that sound?"
Ran'Tao wanted to argue back, however she didn't have much reason to refuse either. "What about the Bounts? I can help."
Kishin lightly chuckled and shook his head. "I think I'll be fine. You've been helpful enough and interesting as well so you don't have to worry about me not returning. Until then. Ran'Tao." He said amusedly towards the end as he took his leave.
The moment he stepped foot back outside the Nest of Maggots he found that the sky had already turned into night and the dead assassins had been cleanly disposed of whilst Yushiro stood guard outside the entrance alongside several dozen members of the Onmitsukido. He also took note of Kasumi's familiar face who once directly served and shadowed him during his time as the Commander of the Punishment Force. She quickly took note of his growth and blushed fidgeting in place not knowing why she suddenly felt embarrassed and giddy inside.
Yushiro beamed when Kishin returned and questioned, "So? How did it go? Learn anything useful?"
Kishin nodded and started walking off. "Yushiro. I'm going to join the hunt for the Bounts now. Can you do me a favor?"
Yushiro pouted when he heard Kishin ask for a favor. "You never change. Hmpf."
Kishin smirked and continued, "I'll take that as a yes."
Yushiro sighed in defeat and crossed his arms. "Alright, what do you need?"
"I need you to remain here and watch over Ran'Tao. Apparently the assassins were really sent to kill her. She's important to somebody and I'm willing to bet it's someone of Nobility."
Yushiro narrowed his eyes in caution. "Nobility? You think someone from a Noble Clan is targeting her?"
"That's right. Only someone who has a lot of money and influence would be able to hire such skilled assassins where they even dared to infiltrate the heart of the Onmitsukido."
Yushiro frowned as he was also someone of Nobility. In fact he was someone who bore the name of one of the 4 most prestigious Houses in all of Soul Society. If the matter had to do with Nobility then he felt the matter was more serious than he had originally thought. Without missing a beat he immediately nodded in agreement. "Alright. I'll watch over Ran'Tao. Personally."
Kishin nodded in appreciation. "Thanks."
Fwish!
He disappeared immediately after with one powerful step of Shunpo shocking all of the members of the Onmitsukido present. As Kishin dashed towards Northern Rukongai he flipped open his denreishinki and started tracking Rukia's movements once more.
"Looks like she's up by Kusajishi, the 79th district of Northern Rukongai." He furrowed his brow as he slowly fell down towards the ground. "Guess I should pick up the pace." The second his foot touched the ground he contracted his muscles and kicked off the grassy floor speeding off into the distance at breakneck speeds. Most likely only two individuals in all of the Soul Society would be able to keep up with him. They were the Head Captain and Captain Soi Fon. As he drew nearer to Rukia's location he felt the air of a battle taking place from the strong fluctuations of reiatsu in the area causing him to frown.
This is Rukia's reiatsu...and Ichigo's as well?
He soon got close enough where he heard Rukia shout, "Tsugi No Mai, Hakuren!"
PSSSSHHH!
The loud sound of a white icy wave burst in the air as Kishin took note of the giant icy glacier peaking out above the trees just a few hundred feet away. It was then he also caught sight of a man who had dashed above in the air to avoid being hit by Rukia's attack. They were tall and well built with short white hair. They sported a brown colored trench coat with a gray dress shirt and red tie with matching black pants. A scar ran down the left side of their chin. Kishin immediately guessed that this person was Jin Kariya, the aforementioned leader of the Bounts.
"UWAAAAH!" The sound of Ichigo shouting in the distance echoed loudly in the air as Kishin took note that the strawberry headed Human had already entered his Bankai and was fighting Kariya midair. With a somewhat intrigued look on his face he elected to hide his presence and watch the outcome of the battle.
Just then Ichigo shouted, "Getsuga...TENSHO!"
Kariya narrowed his eyes in caution and placed his palm in front of him whilst shouting in counter, "Wind Licht Schneide!" A powerful blade of wind flew out from the Bount leader's hands and crashed into Ichigo's Getsuga Tensho neutralizing the attack. It was at this moment that Rukia had appeared from beneath Kariya's form whilst he was still in the air and performed a horizontal slash whilst saying, "Some No Mai, Tsukishiro!"
Zing!
A white colored circle lit up beneath Kariya as Rukia immediately Shunpo'd away after performing her technique. In less than a second later a giant column of ice rose to incredible heights in the air seemingly touching the heavens itself. Kariya however had been fast enough to move out of the range of the circle to avoid being trapped in the icy pillar. He appeared behind Rukia and thrust forth his palm as wind covered his hand, but Rukia was able to quickly twist her body to the right to avoid the attack. She then furrowed her brow in concentration and stabbed forth her Zanpakuto in a piercing strike to Kariya's chest.
"UH?!" Rukia exclaimed aloud as she felt her feet lift off of the ground before she could make it halfway through her attack.
Kariya smirked and commented, "My power is the wind itself. You may have dodged my palm strike but it is impossible for you to truly avoid my attacks. Die Shinigami!"
Whoosh!
A powerful wind force erupted by Rukia's chest thrusting her through the air at incredible speeds. She was heading straight on a collision course for a giant boulder nearby. Kishin felt his heart skip a beat and was just about to step in when he heard her shout, "Bakudo #37: Tsuriboshi!"
Fwish!
Psh! Psh! Psh!
The sound of a stretchy material attaching itself to several trees nearby echoed loudly in the forest whilst a large cushion appeared behind Rukia safely reducing her speed and preventing her crash. Kariya frowned when he noted his failure to kill Rukia, but he didn't have time to think more on it as Ichigo had immediately re-engaged him in battle.
Cling! Klang! Cling!
"Kariya! What have you done with my sister! Give Karin back!"
Kariya smirked and dodged to the left avoiding a piercing stab to his shoulder before dashing back with a backflip and chanted, "Windestanz!"
WHIIIR!
The wind immediately picked up in the area as several large tornadoes fell from the sky creating a powerful sucking force in the forest.
"Urrrgh!" Ichigo groaned as he fought to remain grounded.
Rukia felt her heart race in a bit of panic at the fearsome power that Kariya just displayed, however she quickly found her calm as she wracked her brain on how to overcome their current dilemma.
"Kariya!" Ichigo shouted whilst trying his best not to get sucked up in one of the tornadoes. "Answer me! Where is Karin?!"
Kariya stood complacently in the distance watching as the two Shinigami before him struggled to remain grounded. "Your little sister is with Koga. Worry not. She will not be harmed as long as you stay out of my way. What do you say? Kurosaki Ichigo?"
"You bastard! Don't drag Karin into this!" Ichigo shouted back in response.
"It's a bit too late for that, Kurosaki Ichigo. You've been a thorn in my side this past month. My fight is with Soul Society, not you. If I return your sister to you will you give me your word that you will not interfere with me again?"
"Damn you Kariya! Destroying the Soul Society isn't the answer!"
Kariya frowned and became slightly enraged at Ichigo's words. "Then what is the answer?! Kurosaki Ichigo! You speak of ideals and morals too easily when you have no answer yourself. My rage will not be contained. I will destroy the Soul Society. If you continue to stand in my way, then I will destroy you first, Kurosaki Ichigo."
The tornado in the surrounding area soon became even fiercer causing Rukia to grit her teeth in alarm. She was already having trouble staying grounded, but now she was slowly beginning to lose her footing. Just as a tornado approached within a meter of her she had an idea flash by in her head and so she slashed with her sword and shouted, "Some No Mai, Hakuren!"
Zing!
A white circle appeared at the base of the tornado and at the base of her feet. She quickly pointed to a tree in the distance and shouted, "Bakudo #4: Hainawa!"
Fwip!
A yellow rope extended from her hand and wrapped around the tree she pointed to before she quickly pulled and thrusted herself in that direction just in time escaping the range of her technique. The tornado that had approached her was instantly encased in a column of ice before the column shattered and broke into pieces along with the cessation of the Tornado.
It worked!
She thought to herself, however Kariya merely shook his head in the distance. "All that work to stop only one tornado out of five? I told you before didn't I? That my power is the wind itself. You CAN'T escape it."
FWOOSH!
Even though Rukia managed to destroy one tornado another one simply reformed. Ichigo grit his teeth in anger and grasped his Zanpakuto tightly whilst slashing out in a large horizontal arc shouting, "GETSUGA...TENSHO!"
ZING!
A giant black slashing strike of Getsuga erupted from Ichigo's Zanpakuto and crashed into all the tornadoes in the surrounding area cutting them all in half. Kariya furrowed his brow in dismay and immediately disappeared from his spot with great speed.
"UH?" Ichigo grunted in alarm as he was preoccupied with destroying the tornadoes to keep an eye on Kariya.
"Behind you Ichigo!" Rukia shouted in the distance.
"Die! Substitute Shinigami!" Kariya shouted in anger as he stabbed forth with his wind palm.
"Shit!" Ichigo cursed aloud as he turned around swinging his blade.
PSH!
"Guh!" Ichigo groaned as the right side of his chest was pierced through, however he also managed to run his blade through Kariya's stomach. For a moment the two of them remained in that position. Blood spurted out from both of their wounds as Ichigo commented with a confident undertone, "It's over, Kariya."
Kariya frowned and responded with his own voice of confidence. "Over you say? Only for you."
"What?!" Ichigo exclaimed as streams of blue reishi particles flew from all around the area to Kariya's wounded site beginning to heal his body. It was then the sound of Rukia's voice echoed on air as she quickly chanted out, "Carriage of thunder, bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six! Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro!"
Swish!
Kariya widened his eyes in shock as six yellow rods of light bound his waist paralyzing all his movements.
"Now Ichigo!" Rukia shouted.
"Yeah!" Ichigo shouted back in response, however Kariya gritted his teeth and generated a powerful wind barrier to erupt around him. In mere moments he successfully destroyed the six rods binding him in place just as Ichigo shouted, "Getsuga Tensho!"
Zing!
Crash!
A giant crater formed on the ground as Ichigo's attack had missed. Kariya stood in the middle of the air staring down at the two Shinigami. "I must admit. The two of you together make quite a team, however it's not enough to beat me. I told you. My power is the wind. So long as there is wind then I am invincible. Even your spells to bind me are futile against my power. Even if you paralyze my movements the wind is free flowing and all around us. Furthermore, you witnessed it just now didn't you? I can even absorb the reishi in the air to heal any injuries I sustain. You can't kill me. Just give up. It would be a pity for me to kill a couple such as the two of you here in the middle of nowhere. Don't you think?"
"C-C-Couple?!" Ichigo stammered aloud slightly flustered. He was unprepared for that comment as he never imagined that he and Rukia looked like a couple.
Rukia also didn't expect to hear something like that and scratched the side of her cheek whilst saying, "Errr...Ichigo and I are NOT a couple."
Kariya tilted his head to the side slightly amused. "Is that so? This past month you both have worked quite closely together to stop me. Your coordination in battle is also quite well-versed. And your hesitance just now. Ah, perhaps it is that you both have yet to come forward with your feelings. Then all the more reason for us not to fight."
Rukia shook her head in awkwardness. "That's not why I answered like that. It's just...ahem. If you want to die a decent death then you should never say something like that. Especially in front of Kishin."
At the mention of Kishin's name Ichigo immediately shuddered and quickly started waving his hand in the air defensively. "Y-Y-Yeah! Oi, Kairya you bastard! Don't say stuff that might make people confused. I-I-If he ever hears you and misunderstands and thinks that Rukia and I are close like that then-"
"Then what?" A dark sounding voice echoed from within the forest. For some odd reason everyone immediately felt a chill run down their spine. They all slowly turned to glance at the forest's edge where they took note of an individual walking out from the darkness.
Rukia immediately widened her eyes in pleasant surprise. "Kishin?"
Ichigo gulped down his saliva as he felt Kishin's murderous eyes staring down his soul. With a nervous hand he slowly waved and greeted, "Y-Yo, Kishin. Uh...when did you get here?"
Kishin glanced between Ichigo and Rukia before asking Ichigo, "You...didn't deny that you and Rukia were a couple right away."
Ichigo quickly coughed and looked away from Kishin's scary gaze. "I-uhhh, you know. I felt that there was no need to go out of my way to correct that guy's comment. Right? I mean, why bother about something like that. I-I know that you and Rukia are already together anyways. Right?"
Before Kishin could respond Kariya slowly floated back down to the ground with an amused expression on his face. "Oh? So this is the Kishin you two were speaking of? He indeed has quite a presence." Kariya gave Kishin a once over with his eyes before commenting, "I didn't even sense you approaching. Quite impressive."
Kishin narrowed his eyes with an unappreciative look at the Bount leader. "You said that Rukia and Ichigo were quite close when they investigated you in the World of the Living correct? How so?"
Ichigo immediately panicked feeling that Kariya would exaggerate the details, but Rukia sighed and mentally slapped her forehead. She quickly walked over to Kishin and stood in front of him staring him in the eyes with an angry look. "Do you not trust me?"
Kishin immediately snapped out of his momentary daze in anger and noted the hurtful look in her gaze. "Ah...no, I do." He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck apologetically. "I...didn't mean for it to sound like I didn't trust you senpai. It's just…"
"It's just what?"
Kishin sighed and looked away. "You're too cute. No one would be able to resist falling in love with you."
…
Everyone remained completely silent after hearing Kishin's reasoning for being so angry and jealous that it left them a bit speechless. Ichigo mentally felt like he was hit in the head with a rock at how simple and childish Kishin's answer was.
Kariya had lived a long long life but even he felt that Kishin's answer was waaay too cheesy.
As for Rukia, her cheeks lightly blushed at how straightforward Kishin could be with his words. Now she didn't know whether to stay mad at him for overreacting or to forgive him for his honest cuteness. In the end she couldn't help the laugh that escaped from her lips. "P-Pffft! Ha! Hahahaa!"
"Hey!" Kishin simply responded feeling slightly idiotic and embarrassed.
Rukia took a moment to catch her breath and wiped the tears away from her eyes. "You're...being silly." She lightly hugged him and rubbed her head into his chest. "I thought we covered this issue before I left for Karakura Town."
He hugged her back and softly grumbled, "Yeah well...it doesn't make me feel any better when a third party thinks that you're someone else's partner."
Standing nearby in awkwardness were both Ichigo and Kariya as they felt completely left out of the entire ordeal happening. Kariya smirked and turned around to leave, however before he could take more than two steps the sound of Kishin's commanding voice echoed in his ears.
"Halt."
Kariya turned back around and said amusedly, "What's the matter? It seems that you three have a lot to catch up on. I'll take my leave here." Without waiting for a response he immediately dashed off into the air with incredible speed, however before he could even get more than 10 meters away he quickly stopped midair and stared wide-eyed in shock at Kishin standing in front of him. A bead of sweat dripped down the Bount leader's face as he nervously commented, "You have quite the speed."
Kishin didn't bother responding as before Kariya could even act, he was slapped down into the ground.
BAM!
A giant crater formed from where he fell.
"I've been given the orders to kill on sight and I've learnt of what your master plan is from Ran'Tao." Kishin said emotionlessly as he slowly fell back down to the ground.
Kariya groaned and stood back up as he absorbed the reishi in the air to recover his wounds once more like he did against Ichigo whilst wiping away the blood seeping out from the corner of his mouth. "Who exactly are you? Your speed...your power…"
Kishin merely drew his Zanpakuto and said nonchalantly, "My name is Chigetsu Kishin. Captain of the 3rd division of the Gotei 13."
"WHA-?!" Ichigo and Rukia nearly exclaimed at the same time after hearing what Kishin said. It was then that Rukia realized exactly what Kishin was wearing. As it was currently dark out and in the middle of the forest she hadn't taken notice of it at first, but after hearing what Kishin said and taking in the design of the Haori that he was wearing she knew that it was true. He had somehow become a Captain during the time when she was absent from the Soul Society.
Meanwhile Kariya glared with caution at Kishin's slow approach. "So you are a Captain of the Gotei 13? I see. Your speed and power are greater than what I imagined. So this is the true strength of a Captain of the Soul Society."
Kishin stared indifferently at Kariya and said, "True strength you say? You're too quick to judge. All I did was move a little and stretch my hand. Hardly a show of strength."
Before Kariya could respond Kishin said with a complacent tone of voice, "Wash all things in a river of blood, Sekiken Zansatsu."
Shing!
His Zanpakuto quickly transformed into its Shikai release state causing Ichigo to widen his eyes with intrigue. He had only seen Kishin release his Shikai once, but that was when he was under the influence of his Hollow. As for Rukia, she knew about the true abilities of Kishin's Zanpakuto as he had told her about them before, but she had never seen them in actual use before. Obviously because his abilities were too deadly to simply be used around for show and tell.
Kariya could feel a palpable tangible tension in the air as he stared at the ominous blade in Kishin's hand. No. Even without the sword Kishin himself exuded a pressure that Kariya felt was like staring into a dark abyss not knowing what lay in the shadows. Not knowing if he would ever be able to see the light of day. It was a feeling that tortured the mind. The aura that Kishin gave off was like being constantly hunted day and night without rest with one wrong move leading to death. It was a feeling of living in constant fear of not knowing which breath would be the last. That was the type of pressure, the type of aura, the type of presence that Kariya felt from Kishin. And it terrified him. He never imagined that he could feel fear like this. Even back when he was a child watching his brethren hunted and killed by Shinigami.
No! I won't back down here! I won't lose!
Kariya gritted his teeth and mustered his courage as he got in a combat stance and shouted, "Don't underestimate me!"
SHING!
"UH?!" Kariya questioned in shock as he lost sight of Kishin. The noise of something being sliced and struck echoed in his ears. Then...
PSH!
"AHHHH!" He started shouting in agony a split second later as his right arm had been completely sliced off just now. Blood came spurting forth from his wound. As he knelt down to the ground trying to catch his breath he focused on gathering the reishi particles in the air to heal himself. It was at this moment that Kishin turned to Rukia and said with a soft and somewhat pleading gaze in his eyes, "Senpai. Please close your eyes and plug your ears."
Rukia felt her heart skip a beat not knowing why she felt slightly scared even though Kishin said those words with genuine sincerity. Without missing a beat and not even glancing at Kariya, Kishin spoke just one single word, "Guren."
"Wha-?!" The wound that had begun to close up around Kariya's arm due to his absorption of reishi particles had soon began to throb in pain. He frowned in confusion seeing that he had already closed up the injury and yet the pain was only getting worse.
"What's happening?!" He questioned aloud in alarm, however he soon realized that something was terribly wrong as he began to feel a stabbing pain from the site of where his arm was cut. "What did you to m-UH?!"
PSH!
Kariya couldn't finish his sentence as the wound he just finished healing had burst right back open, however this time blood didn't spew out. No. It seemed to have become a liquid crystal in the shape of a lotus flower! Yes. His blood was protruding out of his arm in the shape of a blood lotus. The petals of that blood lotus were as sharp as swords as it pierced and punctured his body in multiple places. That was only the beginning of Kariya's agonizing pain as after the first blood lotus appeared, it continued to grow as more and more blood lotuses began to blossom out from within his body.
"AHHHH! AAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGHHH! Help me! Ah! What is this?! What did you do to me?! AHHHHH!" Kariya screamed and fell to the ground in extreme agony as the large crimson lotuses made of his blood ripped open his skin and flesh from the site of his shoulder whilst the smaller blood lotuses that were aggregating to that site pierced and punctured the internal muscles, nerves, tendons, and organs of Kariya's body killing him from the inside out. And as those smaller ones began to grow in size by aggregating more of Kariya's blood, they too burst open the seams of the Bount leader's flesh ripping open his body more and more.
His blood curdling screams echoed into the night of the forest. It was a horrifying sound that sent chills down Ichigo and Rukia's very soul. They both stood completely still and silent too shocked at what they were seeing. It wasn't long before the forest returned to its quiet stillness. No. It was even quieter than before. No creature made a single sound as if the fear that death himself was still lingering nearby. The crescent moon shone brightly overhead as the cloud that had covered it before had moved away. It gave illumination to the tranquil forest and shined its silver light upon the beautiful crimson colored lotuses that protruded several meters up from the ground, however there was always a certain air of danger to things too beautiful. And that fact was never more true than in this moment as down below the base of the multiple towering beautiful crimson blood lotuses laid an unrecognizable corpse of mangled flesh and bones.
Kishin finally turned around and stared at the beauty of his work before he deactivated his Shikai and sheathed his Zanpakuto. He didn't dare face Rukia in this moment as he felt nervous and insecure. He didn't want Rukia to fear him or hate him or find him horrifying or something of that like. He had told her the abilities that his Zanpakuto possessed before, but hearing it and seeing it were two very different things. His heart began to throb in fear and pain not knowing what to say.
Still, no one spoke a word as it remained deathly quiet within the forest. Finally, Kishin mustered the courage to ask as the tone in his voice was heartbreakingly bitter. "Do you think...I'm a monster now...senpai…"
He felt his heart breaking a bit more as he waited for several minutes yet Rukia never replied. Just then his fingers twitched as he felt the familiar warmth of her smooth silky hands laced against his own. Without saying anything she brought his hand and placed it gently against her cheek.
Kishin slowly lifted his head and glanced at her pure violet eyes. They shone even more beautifully in the light of the moon. He wanted to say something but Rukia beat him to the punch as she gave him a hopelessly loving look. "Baka...did you seriously think I would think any less of you just because of your power? What am I going to do with you."
MISC.
Well, some interesting developments are underway. Karin's gotten involved? What will become of her now that she's been exposed to so much more of the Soul Society's existence and knowing what Ichigo is. Kariya died pretty painfully...What about Ran'Tao? What will become of her? And what is really the significance of the founding members of the Gotei 13? Especially Nakayama Hama and Kasumioji Kanata? What of the Great Hollow War and this place known as the Canyon of Rift and Sorrow?
For now Kishin has gained some answers and knowledge of some history behind the Gotei 13 and the Soul Society, but this also leads to more questions and curiosities.
Heights:
-Kishin = 185cm or 6ft and 0.8in
-Rukia = 144cm or 4ft and 8.6in
-Ichigo = 175cm or 5ft and 8.9in
-Inmate = 210cm or 6ft and 10.7in
APPROXIMATE TIMELINE: Hope this helps put things into a bit of perspective and hope I fit the timing of things to make sense...
-Yamamoto establishes Shinigami Academy (~2100 years ago)
-Gotei 13 established (~1000 years ago)
-Shinigami war with Quincys (~1000 years ago)
-The Great Hollow War (~870 years ago)
-Ran'Tao joins division 4 under Captain Nakayama (~600 years ago)
-Captain Nakayama dies (~590 years ago)
-Ran'Tao and other researchers experiment on eternality/immortality and creation of the Bounts (~570 years ago)
-Eradication of most Quincys (~200 years ago)
-Vanishing Souls Incident/Visored creation/Urahara and Yoruichi disappear (~110 years ago)
-Rukia is adopted into the Kuchiki Clan (~60-50 years ago)
-Kishin reincarnates (~50-40 years ago)
-Isshin is exiled (~25-20 years ago)
-Ichigo is born (~16-15 years ago)
-Masaki dies/Auswahlen (~10-9 years ago)
-Sokyoku Execution and Aizen/Gin/Tosen defects (~1-2 months ago)
-Bount insurgents enter Soul Society (~1-2 days ago)
-Kishin/Kinji/Amagai become Captains (Early this morning. Time left until Hogyoku fully awakens = ~3 months)
*Jokaisho (Emblem of Buddhaksetra): A powerful large spherical looking device that was used by Ran'Tao and her fellow scientists to control the generation of reishi for their experiments. They were sealed away by the Kido Corp under the command of the Central 46 Chamber all around the Seireitei.
*Canyon of Rift and Sorrow: A location somewhere far beyond the 80th districts of Rukongai in the Wild Lands of Soul Society where The Great Hollow War took place 870 years ago.
Bount Insurgents (Last, First):
1. Kariya Jin
2. Koga Go
3. Ichinose Maki (Defected Shinigami from 11th division)
Short History of the Gotei 13 Captains (Last, First): Currently active/Predecessors
1. Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni (Founding Member, Active)
2. Soi Fon (Active)/Shihoin Yoruichi (Alive)/Founding Member?
3. Chigetsu Kishin (Active)/Ichimaru Gin (Alive, Defected)/Otoribashi Rose (Alive, Visored)/Founding Member?
4. Unohana Retsu (Active, Sometime after Nakayama's death)/Nakayama Hama (Founding Member, Deceased)
5. Amagai Shusuke (Active)/Aizen Sosuke (Alive, Defected)/Hirako Shinji (Alive, Visored)/Founding Member?
6. Kuchiki Byakuya (Active)/Kuchiki Ginrei (Deceased)/Founding Member?
7. Sajin Komamura (Active)/Aikawa Love (Alive, Visored)/Founding Member?
8. Kyoraku Shunsui (Active)/Kasumioji Kanata (Founding Member)
9. Tsunayashiro Kinji (Active)/Tosen Kaname (Alive, Defected)/Muguruma Kensei (Alive, Visored)/Founding Member?
10. Hitsugaya Toshiro (Active)/Shiba Isshin (Alive, Exiled)/Founding Member?
11. Zaraki Kenpachi (Active)/Azashiro Soya (Alive, Muken, 8th Kenpachi)/Unohana Retsu (Alive, Founding Member, 1st Kenpachi)
12. Kurotsuchi Mayuri (Active)/Urahara Kisuke (Alive, Exiled)/Founding Member?
13. Ukitake Jushiro (Active)/Founding Member?
Not a comprehensive list as some names and some information has yet to be revealed in the story so far, but the important note is that Nakayama Hama was a founding member of the Gotei 13 as well as the first 4th division Captain and Kasumioji Kanata was a founding member and the first 8th division Captain.
KIDO (Demon Way): Original Spell/Incantation
-Bakudo #4: Hainawa (Crawling Rope)
-Bakudo #37: Tsuriboshi (Suspending Star)
-Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro (Six Rods of Light) Carriage of thunder, bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide this into six!
Rukia's Zanpakuto: Sode No Shirayuki (Sleeved White Snow)
Shikai Release Command: Dance
Shikai Appearance: Her Zanpakuto transforms into a color that is completely white. The blade, hilt, and guard included. The guard also transforms into a hollow snowflake-like pattern and a long white ribbon extends from the end of the pommel.
Shikai Abilities:
1. Some No Mai, Tsukishiro (First Dance, White Moon): Rukia slashes horizontally with her sword and creates a white circle on the ground beside her. That circle lights up with a white light and freezes everything in its influence including anything stationed above the circle creating a towering column of ice that reaches high into the sky.
2. Tsugi No Mai, Hakuren (Next dance, White Ripple): Rukia performs and vertical downward stabbing motion towards the ground 4 times creating ice particles to float in front of her and a large white circle to light up beneath her. She then points her blade in the direction of her intended target(s) and a burst of freezing ice fires out in that direction flash freezing everything in her line of attack.
Ichigo's Zanpakuto: Zangetsu (Slaying Moon)
Shikai Release Command: Always in Shikai Release state.
Shikai Appearance: It has no handle or guard and simply has white bandage cloths wrapped around the hilt. The blade itself is as tall as Ichigo himself. It somewhat represents that of an oversized khyber knife with the top half of the blade black in color and the bottom half white in color.
Shikai Abilities:
1. Getsuga Tensho (Moon Fang Heaven Piercer): Ichigo fuels his reiatsu into his Zanpakuto and fires it out creating a giant amplified swing of his sword. His Getsuga is blue in color.
Bankai: Tensa Zangetsu (Heaven Chain Slaying Moon)
Bankai Appearance: In this form Ichigo's shihakusho transforms into a black slim fitted long coat and his Zanpakuto shrinks into the form of a black colored katana. The guard takes on the shape of a manji and the handle has red colored diamond patterns on it.
Bankai Abilities:
1. All of Ichigo's physical abilities are enhanced by having his reiatsu condensed into the cloak and blade of his Bankai granting him greater speed, strength, reaction, jumping, throwing, etc.
2. Getsuga Tensho (Moon Fang Heaven Piercer): Ichigo fuels his reiatsu into his Zanpakuto and fires it out creating a giant amplified swing of his sword. His Getsuga is black in color with a red tint.
Kishin's Zanpakuto: Sekiken Zansatsu (Blade of Crimson Carnage)
Shikai Release Command: Wash all things in a river of blood.
Shikai Appearance: A completely black colored double edged katana with blood stain marks on the bottom portion of the sharpened edge up to the tip. The hilt of the blade is obsidian black in color with 5 blood red lotus flower patterns carved on both sides. The guard of the hilt takes the shape of four obsidian colored crescent shaped moons that sparkle with a hint of crimson red. The crescent shaped guard on the top and bottom have the concavity of the moon faced towards the center of the hilt and blade while on the left and on the right side of the hilt the crescent shaped moons have the concavity facing outwards and away from the hilt and blade. The blade itself is approximately 90cm long.
Shikai Abilities:
1. Saku (Cleave): Kishin channels some blood and reiatsu into his Zanpakuto and fires out a red crescent blade at his target. The more blood he infuses the harder, stronger, and sharper his attack becomes. The more reiatsu he infuses the faster and more aura and Kido-like his attack becomes. He has the ability to change the trajectory of this technique one time after it is fired.
2. Shitsuyona Shukketsu (Relentless Bleeding): When activated his blade glows a subtle hint of crimson red. Whatever he cuts, no matter how shallow the cut is, it will grow and spread until one end of the cut loops around and meets with the other end of the cut. The wound created by this ability will continue to cause the target to bleed profusely. It will not clot or slow down. With each passing second more and more blood bleeds out faster and faster until the target bleeds to death.
3. Guren (Crimson Lotus): When Kishin cuts his target with the bloodstained edge of his katana it creates an infected wound on their body. When he activates this technique the targets blood around the site of the infected wound clumps together and forms a dense and hardened sharp crimson colored blood lotus. That blood lotus grows by continuously aggregating more and more of the targets blood tearing and puncturing the target's internal organs and ripping open their flesh and body. The blood lotus only stops growing when the target has no more blood left to offer leaving them left as only a pile of tarnished flesh and bones.
4. Nomu (Drink): This ability is both passive and active. Every time Kishin's blade comes into contact with blood, some of that blood is absorbed into his Zanpakuto and stored inside the lotus flower patterns carved on the hilt of his sword. There are a total of 10 lotus flower patterns carved on the hilt of his katana. The more blood stored inside a lotus flower the more crimson red it shines. Kishin can use the blood stored in the lotus flowers to fuel his blood based abilities like Saku or he can convert it into compatible blood and absorb it into his body to replenish his own blood loss. As long as his blade is in contact with blood, he can actively force the blade to absorb the blood at a faster rate than its normal passive state does. An advantage granted by this ability is the fact that he can reabsorb the blood he used for his Saku technique as long as the attack has yet to dissipate.
Bankai: Akai Shi No Zencho (The Omen of Red Death)
Bankai Appearance: There is no difference in the appearance of Kishin's Zanpakuto except for the fact that there is a red blood mist that flows out from his blade. That blood mist does not stray more than 5 meters away from the blade. Kishin also gains a red crescent moon tattoo on the center of his forehead as well as lotus flower tattoos on the back of his hands, the top of his feet, and a large one on his back. Black colored shackles with short broken black chains also appear around his neck, his wrists, and his ankles.
Bankai Abilities:
1. The abilities of his Shikai are still able to be utilized in his Bankai form. The blood mist around Kishin's Zanpakuto can absorb the blood around him and fuel his Zanpakuto powers or siphon the blood back into his body.
2. Chi Nagare Kawa (Blood Flowing River): A river of blood erupts from Kishin's Zanpakuto 100 meters long, 10 meters wide, and 20 meters deep engulfing all within its violent wave. It washes all things it touches into blood before everything dissipates into a large cloud of red bloody mist. Other secrets of this ability are currently N/A.