AN: Hey everyone, here with an update. I know for many of you school will be starting soon, even for me. Not sure how the school year will look with Covid-19 still around, but I'll do my best to keep up with the story.
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.
*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.
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 39
It was barely dawn outside when the approximate 200 members of the 3rd division gathered in the open field that was the barrack's training courtyard. It was the first time in a very long time that they gathered here all at once like this. Many of them yawned and rubbed their eyes wondering why Kira had brought them out here so early in the morning. Some of them leaned up against one another, sleep standing against each other's backs whilst some simply laid on the wet morning grass too tired to care about their clothes getting soiled.
Some light chatter could be heard permeating throughout the grounds as questions and complaints whispered out of the many division members.
"Haaaah...why are we out here so early?" One division member yawned and said whilst rubbing his eyes.
"I don't know. Lieutenant Kira said it was important." Another responded with half-lidded eyes.
As the seconds passed by more and more sleepy chattering echoed in the field.
"Can we go back to sleep?"
"Does the Captain know what's happening?"
"Hey, now that you mention it didn't you see the equipment and material being brought in from the 12th division just now?"
"Yeah, I wonder what's going on? They brought it over to the Captain's office."
"Where is the Captain anyways?"
"Who knows. I just want to sleep."
"Shhh, do you want Lieutenant Kira to scold you."
"Lieutenant Kira? Is this his idea of a joke? Or are we being punished for something?"
As the chatter continued to spread growing louder and louder Kira stood at the forefront of the crowd also wondering where Kishin was. He did as Kishin had instructed and gathered the division members in the training ground, but then again he wasn't sure what time he was supposed to carry out said task and that's why he decided to be safe and gathered everyone here early in the morning.
Maybe I should have double checked with the Captain…
He silently thought to himself, however it was then everyone was interrupted from their thoughts as Kishin's voice entered everyone's ears.
"Oh? So you're all gathered already huh? Not bad not bad. Glad to see you're all so enthused."
Immediately everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to greet him. "Good morning Captain!"
Kishin smirked and walked over to Kira.
Rukia yawned and stood beside them as well.
Kira titled his head in confusion at her presence and questioned, "Kuchiki-san? What are you doing here?"
Rukia awkwardly coughed and quietly replied, "I was around and happened to be near the 3rd division so I stopped by." Her voice was still somewhat hoarse and cracked, however it was slowly returning as yesterday she wasn't even able to make a sentence.
Kira just blinked in confusion but decided not to pursue the matter. He instead glanced over to Kishin and asked, "Captain, all 200 members of the division are here. We await your orders."
Kishin smiled and nodded. "Great." He took a quick glance scanning the crowd before handing Kira some documents.
"Eh? What's this?" Kira questioned bewilderedly.
"Those are the new training schedules and division of teams. I told you before right? That I'm restructuring the 3rd division's internal fighting force."
Kira blinked a few times as he flipped through the pages in his hands. It didn't take long before his eyes lit up with interest. Kishin smirked at Kira's reaction and motioned for him to start dividing up the division members into appropriate teams. It didn't take long before the 200 members were split into four groups of 50 people. As chatter began to rise amongst the crowd again wondering what was going on Kishin stepped forward and addressed them.
"Listen up!" His loud powerful and commanding tone of voice instantly caused the division members to go quiet. They could feel Kishin's powerful reiatsu permeating the very air creating a formless yet almost tangible pressure against their shoulders. After ensuring that he had everyone's attention Kishin then continued, "I'll be blunt. I'm disappointed at the lack of organization and ineffective mobilization of the Gotei 13 divisions in response to outside threats. There is no coordination or strategy when each division enters battle and there is no effective training system in the Gotei 13. You all learnt the basics in the Academy, but when you enter a division you all grow a bit too complacent in your training. I won't tolerate that kind of half-assed behavior in my division."
A chill ran down everyone's spine as they noted the coldness of Kishin's aura. They all instantly knew that Kishin wasn't lying.
He sighed, noting that he intimidated his division members enough. If he went too far in his intimidation he might actually end up psychologically destroying some of them so he retracted his aura and placed an amiable, but also somewhat devious smile on his face. Rukia took note and silently shook her head somewhat amused. Kishin then took a moment to glance at several people amongst the four divided teams.
There was a man who stood at the forefront of the second team with light blond hair tied back in a long ponytail braid with small eyebrows. They were slightly taller than Kira, standing at an approximate height of 176cm. This was the 3rd officer Togakushi Riku.
Standing at the forefront of the third team was Ran'Tao. In front of the fourth team stood Ichinose Maki, the new and current 5th seated officer of the 3rd division, and finally the obvious person standing at the forefront of the first team was Kira.
After finishing his observation Kishin pointed to the four of them. "Starting now the division will be split into these four teams of 50 people. Leading team 1 will be Lieutenant Kira. Leading team 2 will be 3rd officer Togakushi Riku. Leading team 3 will be 4th officer Ran'Tao. And leading team 4 will be 5th officer Ichinose Maki. Each team will be focused on training in one of the four Zankensoki principles. While you are under Lieutenant Kira's team you will focus your study on Kaido and reiatsu control. While under 3rd officer Togakushi's team you will focus on Hoho and Hakuda. Under 4th officer Ran'Tao's team you will focus on Kido and tactics, and under 5th officer Ichinose's team you will focus on Zanjutsu and Zanpakuto meditation."
Everyone stood in somewhat of a daze after hearing Kishin give out the details of the new training regimen. They were all somewhat bewildered as they let the information sink in. When Gin was the Captain he never organized the division in such a way before. Under his Captaincy the members of the 3rd division simply trained however and whenever they wanted and wished. There wasn't really any structure at all and so Kishin's new proposal was somewhat of a radical change for them. Furthermore when they heard that they would only be focusing on one particular skill under the team that they were assigned it caused many of them to panic inside as some of them were more skilled in one area than another. Some who were skilled in Zanjutsu were stuck in the team that was supposed to focus on Kaido and whatnot.
Kishin took note of the skeptical look in everyone's eyes but he ignored it and simply continued with his explanation. "Don't worry if you're assigned to a team that isn't your forte. That is exactly why the training is set up this way. You will rotate from one team to another and change your area of focus at the end of every week hence, if you were learning Kaido in Lieutenant Kira's team you will move to 3rd officer Togakushi's team and focus on Hakuda and Hoho. Those in Togakushi's team will move to Ran'Tao's team and focus on Kido and tactics and so on so forth. At the end of every month the entire division as a whole will come together and perform an extensive combat training exercise. Understood?"
...
For a moment everyone was silently stunned and needed a second to take in the changes that Kishin just issued, however soon after they all began to voice their agreement. After all, it's not like they could disagree. It was their Captain giving out the orders and while the structure was different than anything they have ever done before, it did spark curiosity in all of them in wanting to try out the new system. Without further delays Kishin motioned for them to begin training immediately. The members in Kira's team began focusing their study on Kaido sitting along the edge of the training grounds reading books that Kishin had personally picked out for them based on his own experience of what was useful when he had to learn Kaido. Furthermore Kira had some skill and knowledge in Kaido as well so while he wasn't an expert, he could definitely help guide the others along. And with continued practice he may even improve his skill.
Togakushi's team had set up a course to help improve their flexibility, mobility, agility, speed, reaction, and coordination which Kishin had designed based off of the training style that he learnt in the Onmitsukido.
Those in Ran'Tao's team began to focus on Kido as Ran'Tao herself was quite an expert in that field. Not only had she lived a long time and carried with her great experience and wisdom but she was intelligent and innovative as well. While her skill in Kido wasn't at the level of Kishin's or Kinji's she was masterful enough in her own right. Furthermore Kishin had written down and documented some of his own understandings of Kido to help accelerate the division member's understanding and use of spells.
And as for Ichinose's team, they began training in their Zanjutsu skills by warming up in the basics using a less intense version of the way Kishin trained Rukia. Rukia slightly shuddered at the sight as she recalled how tiring and grueling the training was under Kishin as she watched them begin performing 100 swings and strikes of each basic sword form. Aside from the division members practicing their Zanjutsu they would also focus on meditating and communicating with their Zanpakuto.
Kishin nodded his head in approval at the more organized training structure. In fact more than that he simply felt better that he heard any training happening at all. Before when he was a 3rd officer here years ago he found that other than him, the training field was barely used. Then again he could say that it was the same for many other divisions as well. He couldn't say that he knew what all divisions were like, but from the ones that he served under only the 2nd division had any semblance of a well rounded training regimen.
Rukia stood in silence for a while simply staring in awe at how organized the 3rd division seemed to have become in the span of a few hours after heeding Kishin's instructions. She took a moment and stared at his back with wonderment before slowly walking next to him and tugging on the sleeve of his Haori.
"Hm?" He turned and smiled looking into her eyes. "What is it senpai?"
She merely smiled and shook her head. "It's nothing. You're really suited to being a Captain you know."
He cocked his head to the side somewhat curious at her response. "What do you mean?"
"Hehe, nothing. I'm just proud of you."
He blinked, still somewhat confused. "Senpai, I don't really get what you mean but…" He inched closer and was just about to lace his hands with hers when a stoic and wary voice entered their ears.
"What do you think you are doing, Captain Chigetsu?"
"Eh?" Both Kishin and Rukia turned to their left to see Byakuya walking towards them.
"N-Nii-sama?!" Rukia exclaimed in shock.
Kishin merely raised an eyebrow. "Oh, Captain Kuchiki. This is an unexpected surprise. What are you doing here?"
Byakuya narrowed his eyes at how close Rukia and Kishin were standing ignoring the question and commented, "I could ask the same of you, Rukia." His eyes glancing at her with a look that silently said that she should keep at least 5 feet away from Kishin.
Byakuya continued to walk over to them with a slow steady stride whilst also taking note of the 200 division members training nearby. The more he watched the more his eyes widened in surprise at how well they seemed to be organized. He finally stopped and stood beside Rukia as he commented, "You did not return to the Kuchiki Manor."
Rukia awkwardly coughed before quickly responding, "My apologies Nii-sama. I wanted to get a better understanding of the current situation in Soul Society after the ordeal with the Bounts so I haven't returned home recently."
Byakuya furrowed his brow somewhat suspicious of her answer. He was especially confused at the somewhat hoarse and crackly sound of her voice. "Did something happen to your v-"
However, before he could finish his sentence and put Rukia in an awkward position Kishin interjected bringing the stoic 6th division Captain's attention to him. "So Captain Kuchiki, what brings you here to the 3rd division? Did you need to talk?"
Byakuya studied Kishin's expression for a moment before glancing once more at his division members training on the field. "It appears you have restructured your division's training curriculum."
"I wouldn't exactly say restructured as there really wasn't one in the first place, so I suppose you could say that I simply created one. Anyways I doubt you came here to discuss training systems. Want some tea?" Kishin asked towards the end, deciding that he'd try a different tactic to gain Byakuya's approval. After all, he couldn't butt heads with Byakuya all the time. He wanted to at least have a somewhat amicable relationship with him for Rukia's sake. And it's not as if he hated the Captain, but he did find that Byakuya was much too serious for his liking. He had once learnt from Ukitake that Byakuya used to be really childish and easily teased, but he had a really hard time imagining what that sort of Byakuya looked like in his head.
Before Byakuya could respond to Kishin's question they were interrupted by two Hell Butterflies that flew right to both of them. They both instantly knew that it was a message sent by Yamamoto. In perfect sync they both reached out their hands and let the Butterfly rest on their finger in order to read the message sent to them. Rukia glanced between them as she noted the somewhat serious look on both of their faces.
"What is it? Did something happen?" She curiously asked.
Kishin slightly waved his finger letting the Butterfly fly away before he answered. "We just received word that two Arrancars appeared in Karakura Town this morning."
"What?!" Rukia exclaimed in shock. "I thought the Hogyoku wasn't supposed to finish awakening for another 3 months? Why are the Arrancars on the move already?"
Kishin shook his head. "I'm not sure. Several tens of Humans had their souls absorbed by one of the Arrancars. Ichigo showed up before any more lives could be lost but…"
"But what?" Rukia nervously asked.
Kishin sighed somewhat disappointedly. "Well, he got his ass royally handed to him. What a shame. I thought he'd handle himself better but I guess I was being too optimis-ow!."
Rukia pinched his side and scolded, "Don't be so mean! Those were two Arrancars after all."
"Alright alright. Anyways it seems that Urahara and Yoruichi managed to show up in time to intervene before things could get any worse."
Rukia took a moment to absorb the information. "Then what now?"
Kishin glanced up at Byakuya before glancing back down to Rukia. "The Captain Commander has ordered me to oversee Karakura Town just in case more Arrancars appear, and it seems Ikkaku, Renji, and Rangiku are being assigned as well to increase our patrol."
"Eh? Ikkaku, Renji, and Rangiku? How did that happen?"
"Mmm...well, I'm not too sure myself. Guess I'll have to ask them when I see them." He noted the worried look in her eyes causing him to smile encouragingly. "Don't worry so much senpai. I'll be alright. Even if it's an Espada that shows up I'll be perfectly fine."
She slightly pouted and crossed her arms silently grumbling, "How come I wasn't assigned…"
Kishin just laughed and patted her head ignoring the glare Byakuya was giving him. "You still need to go see Captain Ukitake and figure out what's going on with the 13th division."
It was then Rukia recalled that she hadn't even stopped by there yet. "Ah, now that you mention i-"
However she was cut off from her sentence as Byakuya confusedly interjected, "What do you mean Rukia still has to see Captain Ukitake?" He then glanced at Rukia and suspiciously asked, "Didn't you leave the Manor to visit the 13th division two days ago?"
A nervous bead of sweat slowly rolled down the side of her head as she wracked her brain for an answer.
Oh no! Kishin and I totally messed up just now. What do I say?
Kishin grinned amusedly at the situation, but in the end he came up with an excuse for Rukia. "Captain Ukitake has been in the Rain Dried Hall recovering his strength."
Rukia immediately knew where Kishin was going with his lie so she quickly nodded in agreement. "Right! I didn't want to disturb the Captain so I haven't heard what he has planned for the 13th division yet now that Kishin is no longer the Lieutenant. So it's not that I haven't been to the division, but it's just that I haven't seen Captain Ukitake."
Byakuya had a feeling of doubt, but he knew that it was true that Ukitake seemed to be under the weather lately so he decided to let it go. Instead he shifted his attention back to Kishin. "You should prepare to leave...Captain Chigetsu." He struggled with the honorific title at the end.
Kishin nodded in agreement as a playful mischievous glint flashed in his eyes. "You're right. I should probably head over to the Senkaimon."
Rukia nodded in agreement. "Just be careful okay? I haven't forgotten what we talked about. I'll try and find some time to look into the archives and see what I can find."
He gave Rukia one last glance with a playful smile. "Mn. Then I'll see you soon, senpai." Before anyone could react he quickly pecked Rukia on the cheek before blurring off into the distance. Rukia immediately blushed tomato red whilst Byakuya stared wide eyed in shock. It wasn't until several seconds later when he registered what Kishin had just done.
BAM!
The entire 200 members of the 3rd division instantly felt fear when the surrounding area had suddenly become heavy with a dark murderous intent coming from Byakuya.
"So he's chosen death." Byakuya darkly growled out.
Rukia simply slapped her palm into her face not knowing how to handle the two polar opposites of Byakuya and Kishin.
888
It didn't take long for Kishin to reach the giant Senkaimon gate where Renji, Rangiku, and Ikkaku were already waiting for him.
"I see you all are early." He commented as he approached them.
Ikkaku gave an awkward look as he took a step forward and responded, "Tch. How is it that you've become a Captain already? What happened to the little kid who I sparred against way back in the day?"
Kishin simply shrugged his shoulders. "I've grown up." A dark light then passed by in his eyes as he continued, "But just let me know if you want to fight. I can always spare half a second."
A thick vein popped on Ikkaku's forehead as his burning fighting spirit was ignited. "Oh? I see you've gotten pretty bold after fighting Aizen and becoming Captain! Are you implying that it'd only take half a second to beat me?"
Kishin gave Ikkaku an innocent look in complete silence, however Ikkaku suddenly felt as if his entire body was being constricted in a paralyzing strangle. He suddenly had the same feeling that the Bount leader Kariya had when facing Kishin. The feeling of staring into an endless void of darkness being constantly hunted and tracked without a hint of knowing when death would come. It caused a bead of sweat to drip down his shiny bald head. Kishin then smirked and broke eye contact instantly removing the invisible pressure that weighed down on Ikkaku's mind before amiably patting him on the shoulder.
"Don't look so frightened, Ikkaku."
Ikkaku couldn't even give a response as he didn't know what to say. He had only felt that kind of unfathomable pressure before from Kenpachi and it made him wonder exactly how much stronger Kishin had really become. Kishin took a few steps forward noting the several Kido Corp members stationed on either side of the Senkaimon gate and nodding to them signaling for them to activate the portal.
"So, how did you all end up being assigned to Karakura Town?" Kishin asked as he waited for the two Worlds of the Soul Society and Karakura Town to connect.
Rangiku stretched her arms and back and replied, "Anything to get away from doing more work! You remember that not too long ago I had to help the Captain take on some of the 5th division's work right? I need a break and going to the World of the Living is much more interesting than hanging around here where I could be put to work at any time." She then slightly shuddered at the thought of seeing more documents.
Ikkaku sighed and crossed his arms as he replied, "Apparently these Arrancars mean business. I can't miss out on the opportunity of a good fight!"
Renji was the last to answer as a conflicting look waved deep in his eyes. He stared at the Captain's Haori that Kishin wore and clenched his hands into fists.
So he's a Captain now...he even saved Rukia...he fought Aizen too! I...have I really lost? He's already reached a level where he can speak on equal terms with Captain Kuchiki. He and Rukia are already publicly dating...is it even possible for me to cut in? What should I do from here on?
"Oi, Renji? Hello?" Rangiku questioned whilst waving her hand in front of his face.
"Eh? Hm? Ah?" He questioned out of sorts.
Rangiku just stared at him with an odd look in her eyes. "What's wrong with you? You're staring off into space."
Renji awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck apologetically. "Ah, s-sorry. I was just thinking about something."
Kishin brought everyone's attention back to focus as he interjected, "The gate's open. Let's go."
Without wasting anymore time he walked on through the giant Senkaimon with Renji, Rangiku, and Ikkaku in tow. Less than a few moments later they arrived standing in the middle of the sky over a park in Karakura Town. Kishin simply raised his eyebrow somewhat intrigued and silently mused to himself.
Always the same park.
"Now what?" Ikkaku asked as they all four slowly descended to the ground. There was a giant crater left nearby as a remnant from when the Arrancars arrived earlier in the day.
Kishin immediately started walking off with the others curiously following behind him.
"Where are we going Captain Chigetsu?" Rangiku asked.
Kishin continued on at a leisurely pace and commented, "We need some info first. Urahara's shop isn't too far away so we'll ask him about the attack that happened here in more detail first. After that we can check in on Ichigo."
Everyone simply nodded obediently agreeing with the plan and followed behind. It didn't take them long before they arrived at a familiar looking store centered on a plot of well paved dirt. There were currently two kids standing just outside the shop. One male and one female. They were obviously Jinta and Ururu. The moment that they saw Kishin they immediately tensed up.
"A-Ah?!" Jinta questioned out loud.
Ururu quickly bowed and politely greeted, "K-Kishin-kun. It's been awhile since we last saw you. Welcome back."
Rangiku, Ikkaku, and Renji gave Kishin an odd glance but he ignored it and simply replied, "Yo, Jinta, Ururu. I see that Urahara still has you both cleaning up shop. Is he here by any chance?"
The two kids merely pointed inside in silence.
"Thanks." Kishin commented as he headed for the door.
The moment he stepped foot inside the familiar sounding voice of a male cat echoed in everyone's ears. "Oh? I figured Soul Society would be sending reinforcements but to think that the Head Captain would be sending you, Kishin."
Kishin grinned and glanced down at the corner of the room spotting a black cat walking out from the shadows. "Yo, Yoruichi." It was then he also took note of the bandage cloths wrapped around one of her paws and one of her legs. "What happened to you?"
Yoruichi sighed and swayed her tail heading into a room with a round wooden table in it. "Come on in. I'll fill you in on the details."
As Kishin and the others took a seat around the small wooden table, seemingly out of nowhere Urahara popped in and joined them with Yoruichi on his lap. After everyone got comfortable Kishin continued, "So? What happened?"
Yoruichi sighed and licked her injured paw. "As I'm sure you know already two Arrancars arrived unannounced earlier in the day. Just one of them was strong enough to simply kill several dozens of Humans in the vicinity. Orihime and Sado would have been killed had Ichigo not arrived on time, but he wasn't able to stop them either. Urahara and I arrived just in time before things could get any worse, but I underestimated them. Their skin was incredibly tough. It was my mistake for not using my Shunko when fighting them."
"So you ended up hurting yourself?" Kishin rhetorically asked.
"Heh. Yeah, something like that." Yoruichi replied.
Urahara started to fan himself as he interjected into the conversation. "We suspect that the two who arrived here are what you called Espada."
"Eh? Did you see a number on them?" Kishin curiously asked.
"Nope, but even still their power was no laughing matter. One of them was even able to deflect the power of my Benihime with their bare hands. On top of having an incredibly tough hierro, the amount of reiatsu they gave off was definitely above the average Captain Class combatant."
Rangiku and the others frowned whilst Kishin gave a thoughtful look. "What did they look like?"
"One was large, tall, and burly with mostly a bald head and a skinny black ponytail down the middle. Their attire seemed to be a white colored jacket and white colored hakama. The second was much lankier in comparison, however the presence they exuded was much more dangerous. A broken horned mask aligned the left side of their head and they had quite distinctive green eyes. They called themselves Yammy and Ulquiorra."
Kishin's eyelid slightly twitched at the mention of Ulquiorra's name which Urahara didn't miss out on. "Oh? Does the name Ulquiorra mean something to you Captain Chigetsu? Ah, by the way congratulations on your promotion to Captain. I know that was an odd interjection but I figured I should throw that out there."
Everyone's mood was currently mixed between seriousness and awkwardness at Urahara's comment, but Kishin ignored it and replied, "Ulquiorra huh? Are you sure that's what he said?"
Yoruichi nodded. "That's right. I heard it as well."
Kishin yawned and nodded whilst leaning back relaxedly on his arms. "I see. Well, that's interesting. I did happen to meet this Ulquiorra fellow twice before. Both times I felt that his power was pretty incredible. So? What happened after the confrontation? Surely they didn't just leave?"
Urahara snapped his fan shut and shrugged his shoulders. "No, actually they did."
"Eh?" Everyone confusedly inquired.
Urahara just stared up at the ceiling, also somewhat confused. "It's as I said. After Yoruichi and I intervened they opened up a Garganta and left. They said something about coming to observe Ichigo before leaving and saying that they were unimpressed. Ahem, and if I were to use exact words then they said that Ichigo was trash that wasn't worthy of Aizen's attention."
Kishin simply raised his eyebrow questioningly. "And where is Ichigo?"
"Home…"
"Really?" Kishin replied noting the hint of unsureness in Urahara's tone of voice.
Urahara furrowed his brow in seriousness. "Probably…"
"Have they made contact?"
"Yes."
"I see. Then at least that saves me some trouble."
Everyone was completely lost at this point as they glanced back between Urahara and Kishin having no idea what they were talking about. Kishin sighed and then stood up heading for the door.
"Eh? Where are you going Captain?" Rangiku curiously asked.
Kishin opened the door and stepped outside. "For now you three are free to do what you want. Just don't cause any trouble and stay alert to any changes in the fluctuation of reiatsu in the atmosphere. Contact me if there's anything important to report and be on standby if I call for you." He glanced back over his shoulder and gave Urahara a curious look as he added, "I'll be back sometime later. There are some questions I have for you."
Fwoosh!
With one single step he dashed off into the distance leaving Renji, Ikkaku, and Rangiku somewhat baffled.
Urahara simply smirked and clapped his hands, gathering everyone's attention. "So...would any of you be interested in buying any products?"
888
Kishin stood just outside the Kurosaki Clinic as the sun began to disappear below the horizon. "Seems like he really is home." He mumbled to himself as he felt Ichigo's reiatsu inside the building. He reached into his chest pocket and pulled out a reigar lighting it a smoke before dashing up to Ichigo's window. As he stood on air watching from the outside in he noted Ichigo currently reading a book on his desk.
"Eh? So he reads too huh?" Without warning he gripped the side of the window and slid it open to the right letting a breeze flow into the room.
"E-EH?!" Ichigo questioned aloud in shock. He flung his head to the left where his window was just opened above his bed and stared in shock at who was now sitting on his bed.
"K-K-Kishin?!"
Kishin smirked and waved. "Yo, didn't imagine we'd meet again so soon huh?"
Ichigo simply blinked and rubbed his eyes several times to make sure that he wasn't seeing things. "You, but why?! How come?! And what are you do-"
"Oi! Nii-san? Are you alright?" The sound of Karin's voice echoed out from the hallway.
Ichigo slightly panicked and replied, "I-I'm fine!"
"Really? Then how come you were shouting?"
"It's nothing."
There was doubt and suspicion in Karin's voice but in the end she replied, "If you say so."
Ichigo breathed out a sigh of relief as he turned his attention back to an amused Kishin. "So? Why are you here?"
Kishin leaned back against the wall getting comfortable and replied, "Isn't it obvious? I heard you got your ass handed to you by a couple Arrancars."
Ichigo frowned and immediately felt his ego take a hit. "So you know about that…"
"Yeah, I know. How'd you get beat so easily?"
Ichigo clenched his hands into fists as he recalled what happened. "It was...something inside of me. This Hollow or whatever that you and Yoruichi called it. It interfered. It tried to take over my body and it messed up my ability to control myself."
Kishin simply raised a question, "Didn't I specifically tell you to ask Urahara about it? I thought you wanted to learn how to control its power?"
"I do!"
"Okay, but?"
"But Urahara-san didn't tell me much. He just said that he couldn't help me and that the time will come when I'll have a chance to learn more."
Kishin scratched the side of his head and sighed. "That's what he said?"
Ichigo nodded. "Yeah."
Kishin then recalled that Urahara had told him how they were already in contact with Ichigo prompting him to ask, "Have you met anyone recently by the name of Hirako Shinji?"
Ichigo's eyes immediately widened in shock. "H-How do you know that name?"
"Oh? Judging by your reaction it seems that you have."
"Oi, answer my question! How do you know that name?!"
"Why? Is it important that I know?"
"Yeah! Shinji is a transfer student at my school. We met a few weeks ago during the Bounts incident. He sits right next to me so why do YOU know that name?"
Kishin took a moment to take in that information before he couldn't help the laugh that escaped his lips. "P-Pffft...Ha! Hahahaha! Wai-Hahaha! So you're telling me that Shinji is a student at your school?! Hahaha! Hahaha!"
Ichigo nearly fell out of his chair at Kishin's current reaction as he was extremely confused as to what was so funny. "Errr...oi...Kishin, why are you laughing? Am I missing something here?"
Kishin laughed for another good minute before calming down and catching his breath. "Phew. I never imagined that an old guy like him would try to pass off as some high schooler."
"E-Eh? What are you talking about?"
Kishin smirked and said nonchalantly, "Haven't figured it out yet? Hirako Shinji. If you want to learn more about Hollowfication then go ask him yourself."
"E-Eh? I don't get it? Why would Shinji know anything about Hollowfication?"
Kishin sighed and felt himself losing brain cells the more he conversed with Ichigo. "Oi, can you take a moment to use your brain and piece together the information yourself? Honestly do you really need me to spell it out for you? What am I?"
Ichigo blinked and simply responded, "You're...a Shinigami."
"Exactly. And do Shinigami just announce who they are to Humans?"
"Err...no…"
"Right. And so if I, a Shinigami, happen to know who Shinji is, someone who you think is a Human, then obviously he probably can't be normal."
As if the gears were turning in Ichigo's head a look of sudden realization flashed in his eyes. "Ah?! Then...then you're saying that the person I need to talk to about controlling my Hollowfication is Shinji?"
Kishin flicked his almost dissolved reigar into the air as it completely turned into reishi particles. "You're a lot slower on the uptake than I originally thought. Well, no matter. I just came to see if you were still around and it seems that you are. I'll take my leave then."
Just as he was about to hop back out the window Ichigo quickly interjected, "Wait!"
"What?" Kishin questioned already halfway out.
"Is it just you here?"
"No. Renji, Rangiku, and Ikkaku are here as well. I believe you've met all three of them before in some way, shape, or form. We'll be here until...well until the Captain Commander says otherwise."
Ichigo's eyes turned serious. "I see. How's the p-?!"
Before Ichigo could finish his sentence he and Kishin sensed the presence of several powerful reiatsu signatures in the distance at nearly the same time.
"Don't tell me...they're back?!" Ichigo exclaimed concernedly.
Kishin gave a thoughtful look and stared off into the distance.
Hm? I sense three intruders. All seem to be Arrancars-EH?! These signatures all feel...somewhat familiar…
With an intrigued look on his face he hopped out of the window and was just about to make his way to the site of where he felt the intruders, but just then he felt a call on his denreishinki.
Click.
"Hello?" He answered.
Whoosh!
It was then a burst of wind flew by his side as his lips curled upward into an amused smile as he watched Ichigo in his Shinigami form dash off into the distance.
Well he was in a hurry.
Finally there was a response on the other side of the call.
"C-Captain! Did you feel that?" Rangiku asked.
Kishin began to leisurely walk off into the distance and nonchalantly replied, "Yeah. From the looks of it there are three intruders. I want you and Ikkaku to track one of them down and tell Renji to search for Ichigo's presence to provide him backup."
"Eh? Ichigo? Is he out fighting too?"
"Yeah. He's being as reckless as ever but this is his hometown. Anyways did you get that?"
"I did, but Captain, we currently have a Gentei Reien in place. Should I call R&D and have them remain on standby incase of an emergency for a Gentei Kaijo?"
Kishin simply shrugged, having a feeling that he wouldn't need it, but then again he couldn't say the same for Rangiku and the others. "Yeah, make the call and have them remain on standby. Move out."
Click.
He hung up the call and continued to casually make his way over to where he sensed the most powerful reiatsu signature coming from, however he paused in his step and glanced above him taking note of an Arrancar descending down to his location. They were seemingly male with a long face and grey eyes. They were approximately 190cm tall and had braided black hair with their remnant Hollow mask covering the top of their head. A portion of the left side of their face was also covered by their mask. The right side of their head had the mask extend outwards like a long pole. They wore the standard Arrancar outfit that consisted of a white jacket and white colored hakama. A sword that seemed to resemble a Zanpakuto was sheathed on their left side having an oval shaped guard and hollow corners.
Just as the two of them stood in the middle of the now night sky on a somewhat similar eye level Kishin curiously commented, "You seem familiar. Have we met before?"
With a smirk that Arrancar then introduced themselves. "I am Shawlong Koufang. Indeed I felt that your reiatsu was familiar and hence I decided to come over here first. I too wish to ask you whether or not we've met before, however I find it somewhat impossible. After all, you are a Shinigami and I, an Arrancar. There was only one instance in which a Shinigami that I've crossed paths with managed to sur-UH?!" It was then a horrifying thought occurred to him.
Wait! Could it be? But no...what are the chances that it's him?
Shawlong was brought out of his thoughts as Kishin also seemed to recall something. "Ah...Shawlong correct? I'm sure I've heard that name somewhere before. Where was it? Hmmm...OH! I remember now. I was out on an expedition with some other members of the 12th division in Hueco Mundo when a couple Adjuchas attacked our camp. If I remember correctly three of them fell to my sword and the other three ran like scared wild dogs."
Shawlong felt his blood pulsating in rage and fear at not only the memory, but at the nonchalant taunting tone that Kishin was currently monologuing. Just as he took a step back wondering what he should do now that he realized who Kishin was he paused and slightly panicked when he lost sight of the Shinigami.
"Something wrong?" Kishin's voice came from behind.
"UH?!" Shawlong immediately dashed to the side and turned around with fear in his eyes. He was no longer an Adjuchas and had gained power thanks to Aizen, however, even still he couldn't help but get the feeling that he was nothing but an ant before Kishin. He felt how strong Kishin's reiatsu was before when using his pesquisa, however sensing from a long distance and standing in Kishin's presence were two very different things.
Kishin smirked in amusement at Shawlong's jumpy reaction. "It seems your instincts are still working correctly."
"W-What are you talking about?" Shawlong replied with a nervous bead of sweat dripping down his back.
Kishin just laughed. "Hahaha! It's alright. You don't have to deny it or act tough. I can see it all over you in the way you move, act, and talk. Your hesitance, your trembling fingers, your doubt. Tell me, I sense that the other two intruders are familiar as well. Are they also the ones who ran away that day in Hueco Mundo alongside you? What were their names again? Yylfordt and...Grimmjow right?"
Shawlong became more and more nervous the longer he remained in Kishin's presence. He didn't know what to do because something was telling him that he couldn't run away even if he wanted to. "W-What if they are?" He hesitantly replied.
"Oh? So it is them huh? That yellow haired ox and nimble little kitty. I've got to say though, you sure have gotten an upgrade since then. Let me guess...Aizen right?"
"And if it is?"
"Nothing really. I figured as much. Why are you three here anyways? I can't see how Aizen sending you three here being beneficial to him in any way."
Shawlong hesitated to answer as it wasn't Aizen who sent them. After Ulquiorra gave his report to Aizen regarding Ichigo, Grimmjow decided to come check things out himself and that was why they were here. At first he was completely supportive of Grimmjow's decision, however after coming face to face with Kishin once more remembering how demonic his aura was, he was immediately regretting agreeing.
Kishin noted Shawlong's silence and cocked his head to the side. "Seems you don't want to tell. Alright, then how about this. You must know something about the Espada right? What can you tell me about them?"
With hesitance Shawlong replied, "And if I do? What then? Will you allow us to leave?"
"Sure."
"Eh?!" Shawlong was immediately thrown off as he was expecting Kishin to tell him no. "What do you mean by that?"
Kishin had a relaxed smile as he elaborated, "Just tell me everything I want to know and I'll let you and the others go."
"What?! Impossible…how do I know you are telling the truth?"
Kishin simply pointed to his Haori. "See this? Allow me to officially introduce myself since things have changed from when we first met. I'm Chigetsu Kishin, 3rd division Captain of the Gotei 13. I swear on my name that I'll let you go if you tell me everything."
Shawlong gritted his teeth feeling a pressure weigh down on his shoulders. He started to seriously consider whether or not he should take the deal, however it was then that he felt the fluctuation of chaotic reiatsu in the atmosphere noting that Yylfordt's power was starting to weaken. "Tell your men to stand down first, then I shall tell you what I know. The deal would be worthless if Yylfordt is already dead."
Kishin simply sighed and furrowed his brow when he noted that Ichigo's reiatsu was also weakening.
Seems he's being pressured. The enemy must be pretty strong then to fight against Ichigo's speed and power in Bankai.
He then turned his attention back to Shawlong and scratched the back of his head. "Ah, forget it."
"Eh?" Once more Shawlong was thrown off by Kishin's words. "W-What do you mean forget it?"
"I mean exactly that. Forget it. I'm not just going to tell Rangiku and the others not to kill that Yylfordt guy. Besides, if it's any consolation I was never going to let you guys go anyways. I just wanted you to tell me what you knew before I killed you."
Shawlong felt his nonexistent heart grow cold in despair as he realized that no matter what, he was going to die here today. With no other choice he unsheathed his Zanpakuto with somewhat shaky hands. "I-I see now...so that's how it is. You are quite cunning for a Captain. I had expected you to at least have some sort of honor. To swear by your name yet to go back on your word? Even if you were an Arrancar that would be seen as devious and underhanded."
Kishin smirked unperturbed by Shawlong's words. "Is that so? I don't think it's such a good idea for you to be lecturing me on things such as honor when your shaking hands can barely keep a grip on your sword. Besides, I swore on my name. It'd be different if I was making a promise on my title as Captain."
He then took a step forward causing Shawlong to take two steps back. An amused glint flashed in Kishin's eyes. "Hahaha! Are you that scared? Well, I don't blame you. Were you traumatized from when we first met all those years ago? Anyways I think we've wasted enough time chattering don't you think?"
Shawlong immediately felt like his life was in danger so he immediately shouted, "Snip! Tijereta!"
"Hm?" Kishin paused and stared at Shawlong's sword release with interest. "Eh? So your swords really are like a Zanpakuto. I had a feeling, but you can actually perform a sword release."
A cloud of smoke obscured the area surrounding Shawlong before clearing, letting Kishin take in the sight of Shawlong's transformation. There was now some sort of armor surrounding Shawlong's upper chest and arms while his hands grew into long sharp claws. His mask now covered his entire face with a claw tipped tail extending from behind his head.
"What is that? A Shikai release?"
Shawlong took up a combat stance and replied without lowering his guard, "Do not mistake our Zanpakuto's as being the same thing as that of a Shinigami's. This is not a Shikai release. This is a Resurreccion! Now reg-UH?!"
Shawlong instantly lost sight of Kishin, however when he caught wind of Kishin's voice once more it felt more like he was being greeted by the grim reaper itself. "So this is called a Resurreccion huh? Interesting."
Tap.
Kishin relaxedly placed his palm against the back of Shawlong's head. At this point his Haori was tied around his waist with the top half of his shihakusho undressed, also hanging down by his waist revealing his naked chiseled chest to the air. Before Shawlong could move to counter, Kishin nonchalantly said, "Shunko."
EAAARRR!
FWOOM!
A high pitched eerie sound like sharp grinding blades echoed from the blood red Kido that erupted out of Kishin's body. The Kido shooting out from his body was so sharp that everything within his vicinity was instantly ripped apart including Shawlong's entire being. Without even being able to voice any cries or screams he had been minced into tiny pieces of flesh from the sharp wave of Kishin's Shunko. As Kishin stood in the night sky watching the pool of blood that used to be Shawlong rain down onto the roof of a building he slowly took a deep breath and reined in his power, canceling the technique.
"Phew." He breathed out a sigh in relief. "Still can't control it that well yet. Yoruichi wasn't lying when she said that it was hard to master. If I'm not careful I could end up hurting myself." He then dashed off to where he sensed Ichigo and Renji were with their continuous decline of reiatsu. He already noted that Rangiku and Ikkaku seemed to be doing fine against their own opponent even with the Gentei Reien in effect.
It wasn't long before he came upon the view of Renji lying on the roof of a building already with his Bankai activated, however he looked worse for wear. Blood dripped down from his forehead and chest as his giant skeletal bamboo snake that was his Bankai laid strewn about across several buildings. Ichigo didn't seem to be in much better shape as he currently laid ingrained in a giant crater created on the street. He too was bleeding in multiple areas struggling to breathe to remain conscious. And the one responsible for putting them in such a sorry state was an Arrancar standing not too far away.
They were male, tall, fair skinned, and muscular with spiky blue hair and light blue eyes. There was a slight shade of green near the corner of their eyes and a jaw-like remnant mask was evident on the right side of their face. They wore the standard white hakama that all Arrancars seemed to wear and their white jacket had rolled up sleeves with the front portion opened exposing their well defined chest. A black sash was tied around their waist with a large Hollow hole present on their lower abdomen. A Zanpakuto was strapped to the left side of their waist. It had a blue colored hilt and an S shaped guard. The number 6 was tattooed on the right side of their lower back and blood currently dripped down the middle of their chest. If one looked past the fact that they were a Hollow then one could even say that they were quite handsome.
Kishin noted that the reiatsu coming from this particular Arrancar was several dozens of times more powerful than Shawlong's.
The number 6 huh? So this would be an Espada right?
Grimmjow was just laughing with joy after knocking Ichigo into the ground when he took note of Kishin's presence. "Hm? Who're you?"
Kishin leisurely walked over and rhetorically asked, "You're Grimmjow right?"
"Huh? You know who I am punk?"
Kishin smirked somewhat amused. "I'll take that as a yes. It sure has been a long while kitty cat."
Grimmjow was just about to make a snide retort when something triggered in his brain from hearing the words kitty cat. A memory from a long while ago surfaced to the forefront of his mind of a little Shinigami with blood red hair, crystal golden eyes, and demonic hostile reiatsu.
Flash Back Several Decades Ago In Hueco Mundo
"Eh? Nicely blocked little kitty."
...
"Not bad little kitty. You're definitely faster and stronger than the other bumpkins around you."
...
"Hahaha, wow little kitty. You got good reaction speed. Want to be my pet?"
...
"Mn. Not bad little panther. Not bad. Good move."
...
"Very good little kitty. Excellent choice. By your actions you just saved both of your subordinates from death. For now at least."
…
End of Flash Back
Grimmjow gritted his teeth and clenched his hands into fists as he recalled the humiliation he felt and received from that day long ago back when he was an Adjuchas. With a murderous look in his eyes he glared with hatred at Kishin and asked, "Are. You. THAT. Kid?"
Kishin smirked with a complacent look on his face and waved hello in greeting. "Yo, so you do remember me. It's been awhile, wouldn't you say? I see you've definitely gotten a lot stronger since that time."
Grimmjow couldn't hold back his rage any longer and instantly rushed in for the kill. "You fucking bastard! I'm going to rip you to shreds!"
Kishin narrowed his eyes in focus and tilted his head to the right avoiding one of Grimmjow's punches before dodging left, right, left, right, left, spin and backflip creating some distance between the two of them, however Grimmjow didn't let up and immediately performed a Sonido arriving behind Kishin and attacking once more.
Kishin raised his right arm up blocking a sweeping punch from Grimmjow before taking a step back and shouldering Grimmjow in the chest knocking him back a few meters away cutting off the hot headed Arrancar's rhythm. That however caused Kishin to rub the back of his sore shoulder in dismay.
An Arrancar's Hierro really isn't a joke. No wonder Yoruichi got hurt after exchanging a few blows with them. And with the Gentei Reien in effect it actually puts me in a bad spot against this guy. Guess I can't be too careless.
Grimmjow snickered in the distance and rolled back his shoulders with a mocking look. "Heh! What's wrong? Did that hurt your shoulder? Hahaha! Don't think that things will end up like they did back then! I'm going to grind you between my teeth and rip you apart limb by fucking limb!"
Kishin ignored Grimmjow's taunts and cracked his knuckles before lowering his stance and raising his hands beside him.
"Shunko."
EAAARR!
Once more a burst of piercing sharp blood red Kido erupted from his arms, back, shoulders, and legs wildly cutting and ripping the very air around him to shreds. Grimmjow couldn't help widening his eyes in a bit of shock, feeling how sharp the Kido coming off from Kishin's body was. Instinctively he knew that even his Hierro might be damaged if Kishin were to hit him with a concentrated attack from that technique.
Without giving Grimmjow time to contemplate more of what his options were Kishin dashed out and attacked striking with a palm thrust right at Grimmjow's head.
"Uh!" Grimmjow groaned and dodged, punching out with his left hand right at Kishin's throat. Kishin brought up his right hand to block, knocking away the fist before extending his blocking hand into a straight thrust into Grimmjow's chest.
Grimmjow raised his left knee and intercepted, knocking Kishin's hand away before spinning on his planted right foot to generate a torquing side-kick to Kishin's side. Just as his powerful kick came within 8 inches of Kishin's body it was blocked by Kishin raising his own knee in defense. They exchanged several tens of dozens of more hand to hand combat punching, striking, gouging, kicking, sweeping, thrusting, guarding, blocking, dodging, kneeing, twisting, gripping, and more. Finally the two of them temporarily separated standing several dozens of meters away from one another.
Grimmjow heavily breathed for air as blood began dripping down the left side of his arm and forehead. Kishin on the other hand had a cut on his left thigh and a cut on his right shoulder, however it wasn't because he was actually hit by Grimmjow, rather it was because his own mastery of Shunko wasn't perfect yet that he ended up injuring himself.
As I thought. I'm going to need more practice. Should I keep using Grimmjow as a training pet or should I just kill him? I'm only at 20% power right now so I won't be able to keep up my Shunko for too long. If I use my Shikai right now then killing him won't be a problem.
Just as Kishin deactivated his Shunko and placed his hand on the hilt of his Zanpakuto, a Garganta ripped out a hole in the sky revealing Tosen who stepped out from within.
"Hm?" Kishin curiously questioned.
Grimmjow was also surprised and shocked as the look on his face appeared as if he had just been caught in the act of doing something horribly wrong.
"That is enough, Grimmjow." Tosen indifferently remarked.
Kishin took note that Tosen had changed his look. His hair was now left hanging down in braids and he sported a similar outfit style to those of the Arrancars, though the white coat was sleeveless. He wore white boots, long gloves, and a visor over his eyes with an orange colored rope wrapped around his shoulder and across his chest. What really caught Kishin's attention though was that the left arm that he had cut off from Tosen seemed to have been replaced with another arm currently wrapped in white bandage wraps.
"Tosen. What are you doing here?" Grimmjow asked somewhat warily but also incredibly displeased.
Tosen walked over to the blue haired Arrancar and said somewhat scoldingly, "Don't you understand? Grimmjow. Infiltrating the World of the Living on your own, mobilizing two other Arrancars without permission, and most of all...losing. These are all against orders. Lord Aizen is quite upset. Grimmjow."
Grimmjow furrowed his brow and clenched his teeth unable to give a response, however Kishin interjected and greeted, "Yo! Tosen. It's been quite a while hasn't it? I see you've got your arm back, but personally I thought you looked better without it. What do you say? I can help remove it for you if you want."
Tosen slightly frowned at Kishin's taunting remarks, however in the end he chose to ignore him and walked back to the Garganta. "Let us go, Grimmjow. Your punishment awaits in Hueco Mundo."
Grimmjow clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Tch. Fine. Whatever." He then obediently followed behind Tosen, however before Tosen and Grimmjow could fully step into the Garganta Kishin clapped his hands together and chanted, "Bakudo #85: Roppo Fujin!"
ZING!
A large green three dimensional cross shaped barrier enveloped the two of them inside preventing them from reaching the portal.
"What the?" Grimmjow curiously remarked.
Tosen frowned and turned back to glance at Kishin. "What is the meaning of this, Chigetsu Kishin."
"Actually it's Captain Chigetsu now." He replied with a smirk.
Tosen's frown only became deeper. "So it would seem. Do you honestly believe that this barrier of yours will prevent us from leaving?"
Kishin just shrugged. "Why not? Isn't it already? You haven't left yet-eh?"
Clank!
A thin silver sword extended out from within the Garganta and pierced right into the barrier shattering it to pieces before the sword quickly retreated back inside out of sight.
Kishin merely scratched the back of his head in amusement. "I stand corrected." He kept his eyes focused on the portal as Gin slowly walked over to the edge to show himself. His style of clothing also changed as he wore a long white robe over a white colored hakama.
"Yaaa, it's been a long time eh? Chigetsu-kun."
Kishin smirked and amiably greeted back. "I see you're doing well, Gin."
"Eh? Are we on a first name basis now? Well, I suppose it would be strange if you addressed me as Captain Ichimaru after everything that happened." It was then that Gin took notice of the Captain's Haori tied around Kishin's waist piquing his curiosity. "Ah? You a Captain now?"
"Captain of the 3rd division to be exact." Kishin amusedly replied.
"Ehhh...so I was replaced that quickly huh?"
"What's wrong? Sad?"
"Hahaha, hardly, but it does make me feel like I wasn't all that valued now."
"Is that so? You're always welcomed to come back."
"Now what kind of joke is that?"
"I'm not joking."
"Hahaha, I see ya haven't lost your sense of humor, Captain Chigetsu."
A playful glint flashed in Kishin's eyes as he nonchalantly responded, "I'm being wholly serious here. What do you say? I'll even let you be my Lieutenant. Not a bad deal right?"
"Wow, how generous of ya." Gin then took notice of the wounds on Kishin's body and inwardly frowned. "Looks like ya got hurt, Captain Chigetsu. As someone who fought against Captain Aizen I'm somewhat surprised."
Kishin touched his shoulder collecting some blood on his fingertips. "Oh this? It's nothing to worry about. My skill in controlling my own technique is still a bit amateurish. I ended up cutting myself."
"Eh? And what technique are you practicing exactly?"
"Step out of that Garganta and I'll show you."
Gin gave a sly smile and shook his head. "No thanks. I have no intention of fighting with you...yet. By the way, how's Izuru doing?"
"Why? Curious? I thought you might have been curious about someone else instead."
Gin slightly frowned and was about to say something when his heart nearly skipped out of his chest as he felt Rangiku's presence nearby. He instantly decided to hurry up Tosen and Grimmjow. "Well we better get going. We shouldn't keep Captain Aizen waiting for too long y'know."
Tosen and Grimmjow simply walked inside the dark portal without saying a thing. Just then Rangiku and Ikkaku appeared on scene as they both took in what was happening. The moment that Rangiku made eye contact with Gin her heart felt like it nearly stopped.
As for Gin, it took everything in his willpower to turn away and disappear inside the dark void. Just before the Garganta finally closed Grimmjow got in one last word.
"This isn't over."
Fwip!
The normality of the night sky finally returned as Kishin, Rangiku, and Ikkaku stood next to each other in silence with different facial expressions. Ikkaku sported a serious look, Rangiku a pained look, and Kishin an amused look.
Gin sure broke through my Kido spell with ease. I wonder how powerful he is. Then again it was a barrier created without the incantation when I'm only at 20% strength. Guess I should have expected it.
With a somewhat intrigued look on his face he flipped open his denreishinki as he felt it buzz not too long ago and read the message sent to him.
From Unknown:
Aizen has temporarily awakened the Hogyoku. Aiming to make the Oken. Start taking countermeasures.
End of Message.
Kishin frowned as he read that and glanced back up at the spot where the Garganta was just a moment ago.
Gin? I suppose I did never change my number so it wouldn't be out of the question that he knows it. Did he change his mind about helping out against Aizen?
It was at this moment when Renji regained consciousness and slowly walked over to everyone. "C-Captain...ugh...are you all okay?"
Ichigo had also freed himself from the crater he was stuck in at the same time and trudged over. A defeated look evident on his face.
Kishin just shook his head and started walking off. "All of you go get your injuries treated. We can talk about what happened tomorrow. For now I'll give a report to Soul Society. Dismissed."
He then disappeared into the distance disinterested in what anyone else had to say.
MISC.
So the 3rd division is getting more organized under Kishin's watch. How far will they be able to go in such little time?
Will Rukia find any interesting information within the Kuchiki Clan archives? Will she be appointed as Lieutenant by Ukitake?
It seems Grimmjow remembers who Kishin is. What will happen between them? Will their relationship ever turn away from hostility? Or will Grimmjow's fate be death?
And what is Gin thinking in his head? Has he decided to put some trust in Kishin's abilities or is it something else?
Also, what about Amagai and his plans? How will they manifest themselves in this chaos?
Next chapter will have some more developments as more mysteries of the universe are unveiled.
KIDO (Demon Way): Original Spell/Incantation
-Bakudo #85: Roppo Fujin (Hexagon Seal Array)
*Zankensoki: A term referring to the 4 basic combat techniques of a Shinigami. Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hoho, and Kido.
*Gentei Reien (Soul Limiting Symbol): A seal placed on Shinigami that possess Lieutenant and above level of reiatsu while in the World of the Living to prevent them from adversely affecting the Living World. The seal locks away approximately 80% of the Shinigami's total reiatsu leaving them only at 20% strength.
*Gentei Kaijo (Limiter Release): Removes the seal of the Gentei Reien granting a Shinigami full access to their power.
CAPTAINS/LIEUTENANTS/3rd/4th/5th/6th/7th OFFICER (Last, First)
1. Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni/Sasakibe Chojiro
2. Soi Fon/Omaeda Marechiyo/Shihoin Yushiro
3. Chigetsu Kishin/Kira Izuru/Togakushi Riku/Ran'Tao/Ichinose Maki/Gori Takatsuna/Katakura Asuka
4. Unohana Retsu/Kotetsu Isane
5. Amagai Shusuke/Kibune Makoto
6. Kuchiki Byakuya/Abarai Renji
7. Komamura Sajin/Iba Tetsuzaemon
8. Kyoraku Shunsui/Ise Nanao
9. Tsunayashiro Kinji (Kido Commander)/Hisagi Shuhei
10. Hitsugaya Toshiro/Matsumoto Rangiku
11. Zaraki Kenpachi/Kusajishi Yachiru
12. Kurotsuchi Mayuri/Kurotsuchi Nemu
13. Ukitake Jushiro/?
APPROXIMATE TIMELINE: Hope this helps put things into a bit of perspective and hope I fit the timing of things to make sense...there may be slight nuances from this timeline and actual Canon timeline which I adjusted to fit my story.
-Yamamoto establishes Shinigami Academy (~2100 years ago)
-Gotei 13 established (~1000 years ago)
-Shinigami war with Quincys (~1000 years ago)
-The Great Hollow War/Captain Kasumioji Kanata's death (~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)
-Tokinada kills his wife Kakyo (~200-110 years ago)
-Assassins kill the main lineage of those in line for the Head of the Tsunayashiro Clan/Kinji's parent's death/Tokinada becomes new Head of the Clan (~110 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 (~4 days ago)
-Kishin/Kinji/Amagai become Captains (~3 day ago)
-Bounts Defeated (~3 days)
-Ran'Tao and Ichinose Maki join 3rd Division (2 day ago)
Time left until Hogyoku fully awakens = ~2 months and 4 weeks
Renji's Zanpakuto: Zabimaru
Shikai Release Command: Howl
Shikai Appearance: His Zanpakuto transforms into a large blade segmented into six different sections with the top half of the blade colored in black and the bottom edge of the blade colored in white. The beginning and the end of each segmented blade has two sharp and pointed protrusions extending from the edge. The guard is bronze in color with the handle a dark red.
Shikai Abilities:
1. Can extend and retract at the joints between the segmented points of the blade making it useful as a very long whip as well as a sword.
Bankai: Hihio Zabimaru (Baboon King Snake Tail)
Bankai Appearance: In this form his sword completely transforms into a large skeletal snake with many segments making up its body held together by Renji's reiatsu. These segments that have sharp bone spikes protruding form them can be detached and reattached at will. The end of the giant skeletal snake has a large snake bone skull with a red fur mane around the neck portion. Renji himself gains a fur cowl around his neck and shoulder with the skull of an ape shown on his left shoulder.
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 Shunko (Flash War Cry): Emits an ominous crimson blood energy off of his body that is dangerous to touch by those around him. His Kido effectively takes on the form of fluid hardened blood instead of an elemental form like that of Yoruichi's lightning Shunko. His blood energy in this form act as extremely sharp blades. It sharpens his aura to the extreme giving him maximum cutting and piercing power when fighting with Hakuda. He can easily cut through solid objects with a single finger. Those who do not have a proper defense against his Shunko can be minced into pieces should they approach too closely. It also bolsters his agility, reaction, and strength. (Due to his still amateurish control of this technique it is not yet fully developed and if he's not careful he can end up hurting himself)