AN: Hey everyone, so if you couldn't tell the updates are slower now. I'm starting to get really really busy again so that means I have less and less time to work on the story. I'm not abandoning the story, but just know that updates will be at a much slower rate than before. I apologize in advance, but that's life I suppose. Writing isn't my actual job, it's just a hobby of mine so I'm unable to prioritize it over other aspects in my life.
There may be an update once every week, maybe once every 2 weeks? I'm not too sure yet. I don't want to write hastily just to update for update-sakes and not have the story flow well, so with that in consideration it will factor into a slower update speed, but hopefully in doing so I can still deliver on the quality of the story.
Thanks for everyone's understanding in advance!
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.
*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.
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 41
Kishin stood in the middle of the street staring up at the large plume of dark smoke rising into the air in the distance as Rurichiyo, Kenryu, and Enryu stood behind him. The four of them simply remained like that for several seconds each with their own thoughts and feelings about what they just witnessed. It was at this moment that several dozens of individuals came rushing towards their location at the same time. As they were near the 3rd division barracks, Kira, Ichinose, and Ran'Tao quickly arrived on scene. They also seemed confused as to what was happening and rushed out to see if they could learn anything when they sensed and spotted Kishin nearby.
"Captain! You're back? Are you alright? What's happening?" Kira confusedly asked, but before Kishin could reply several other people arrived in the vicinity. Rurichiyo instantly panicked as she recognized two of them.
"S-Shu!" She shouted in panic.
Kishin glanced where Rurichiyo's eyes were focused on at a nearby rooftop to their right. There he caught sight of several individuals. One had dark brown shoulder length hair tied near the ends behind their back and they had brown colored eyes. They were male and seemed to be approximately 175cm tall with a lean build. They had a light tan skin color and the kimono they wore was luxurious looking, having green, white, and some slight red patterns on it. While it had been a long time Kishin still recalled who this person was. They were none other than his old classmate, Kasumioji Takaki.
Held between Takaki's arms with a knife against their neck was Shu. Kishin took note that Shu was a young male who seemed to be somewhat around Rurichiyo's age and height. He had brown shaggy hair, grey eyes, and wore a luxurious looking white colored kimono with a blue vest over it.
Aside from them there were a host of others surrounding the area. Three of them Kishin recognized as Takaki's old bodyguards named Oda, Ita, and Haru. The other was a man with red brown hair slicked back on his head with glasses that stood at a height of approximately 177cm. They wore the standard Shinigami shihakusho with a light purple sweater underneath. Kishin didn't recognize who this was, however Kira did as he blurted out, "Lieutenant Kibune?!"
Kishin raised his eyebrow questioningly and commented, "You know who he is Kira?"
Kira simply nodded, still somewhat baffled. "Yes Captain. His name is Kibune Makoto. He was newly appointed as the 5th division Lieutenant by Captain Amagai. I only recently got to meet him myself the other day, but what's going on here?"
Kishin merely had an unfazed look about him as he amusedly pondered to himself. He recalled that Amagai did happen to mention something about finding a new Lieutenant by the name of Kibune Makoto during a brief encounter he and Toshiro had with him after the Captain's meeting a few days ago. Aside from them the rest of the enemies surrounding the area wore assassin-like clothing identical to the one Kishin had defeated not long ago in Karakura Town.
The silence in the atmosphere was finally broken as Takaki pressed the knife in his hand just a tad harder against Shu's throat and commanded, "Rurichiyo. Now that things have come to this it leaves me no choice but to go to the extreme. Come with me."
Rurichiyo immediately refused. "No! What do you think you're doing Takaki? Let Shu go!"
Shu's expression immediately turned worrisome as he shouted, "Just leave me Ruri-chan! Don't go with hi-"
"Shut it!" Takaki interrupted. He pressed the knife hard enough to draw a small amount of blood from Shu's neck before a crazed look flashed in his eyes. "Don't make me ask again Rurichiyo. I would have liked to do this with more civility, but now that the Gotei 13 have decided to involve themselves in this matter it has forced our hand. You. Will! Marry me. Or Shu dies!"
Rurichiyo felt her heart beating and pounding in panic inside her chest as she didn't know what to make of the situation. Her breathing started becoming rapid and shallow and before she knew it, she had passed out from hyperventilating. Kenryu and Enryu immediately caught her in their arms.
Takaki clicked his tongue in annoyance at the sight. "Tch. She fainted...Oi! Kenryu, Enryu, I command you to bring her over to me right this instant."
Before the two guards could respond however, Kishin stepped forward and interjected, "Still sitting on your high and mighty horse I see. You haven't changed at all, Takaki."
Takaki frowned and narrowed his eyes, taking a moment to observe who Kishin was. "You are a Captain of the Gotei 13 correct? I advise you to simply stay out of Noble affairs you plebeian."
Kishin merely blinked several times, completely baffled at how Takaki's mind worked and couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Aha! Ahahaha! Me? A plebeian?! Hahaha! Hahaha! Haaaaah…" He then wiped a tear away from the corner of his eye taking in a deep breath to return to normal. "You don't remember me?"
Takaki frowned again in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Kishin rubbed the bottom of his chin in understanding. "Well that's to be expected I guess. We did only attend the Academy together for a single year before I graduated and you did try to avoid me after I beat you into the ground that one time. Ah, and I guess I did grow more rapidly than you would have expected."
Takaki's facial expression only became more and more confused until a foreboding thought struck him. "W-Wait...are you saying that you're...you're Chigetsu Kishin?"
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Kishin grinned and nodded. "Well done, you get passing marks."
Takaki immediately felt his heart drop down into his stomach as he recalled the humiliating times that he received from trying to mess with Kishin back in the Academy. "H-How is it that YOU became a Captain? Impossible!"
Kishin just shrugged his shoulders. "I'd love to talk and catch up but might we be able to speed things along? Let's skip all the unnecessary details of your childhood and whatnot and get right to the part of what this whole thing is about shall we?"
"You-" Takaki started, but was cut off by Kishin. "Here, I'll tell you what I know and you can fill in the missing pieces. Kumoi is trying to take control over the Kasumioji Noble Clan and is creating illegal weapons called Bakkoto. Rurichiyo is being targeted by assassins sent by Kumoi, but you want to marry her? For what?"
Takaki widened his eyes in shock after hearing what Kishin said and hesitantly questioned, "Wait a moment. Did you just say that Rurichiyo is being targeted for assassination?"
Kishin raised a curious eyebrow and nodded. "What? Don't tell me you didn't know?"
Takaki immediately shook his head. "Impossible! That wasn't the deal! You're lying! Rurichiyo is supposed to marry me! She was only supposed to be captured. Alive!"
"Oh? Guess that Kumoi fellow didn't tell you everything huh? Then you're just one of his disposable pawns?"
Before the situation could turn any worse Kibune stepped forward and interjected, "Lord Takaki, there's no need to exchange words with this man any longer. He will only stall for time and twist your words."
Kishin glanced over to the new Lieutenant with a questioning look. "Lieutenant Kibune right? I don't see where you fit into all of this, but the fact is that you seem to be involved. Can I rightfully assume that Captain Amagai is also plotting something? Or are you acting independently?"
Kibune simply put on an indifferent facial expression and pulled out his Zanpakuto. "There's no need to concern yourself about Captain Amagai, Captain Chigetsu. You won't be leaving here alive anyways."
Kishin awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck not sure how to respond. "Wow...I'm...actually being looked down upon so much…"
Takaki finally lost his patience and shouted, "Kill them! But bring Rurichiyo to me alive!"
Kishin sighed and was just about to engage in combat when Kira, Ichinose, and Ran'Tao stepped out in front of him.
"Captain, please leave this to us!" Kira determinedly said with confidence.
"Yeah." Ichinose and Ran'Tao replied in agreement.
As if on cue all three of them unsheathed their Zanpakuto at the same time. Each of their swords seemed to be that of a regular katana, though there were some slight differences in each of their appearances. Kira's had a green colored hilt with a rectangular guard and the design of an omega symbol on the top and bottom half.
Ran'Tao's had a silver colored hilt with a white colored guard that was shaped with four triangles with one triangle pointing at the top, the bottom, the right, and the left sides around the handle.
As for Ichinose, his Zanpakuto had a grayish blue colored hilt with a rectangular guard designed with a circle pattern facing around the blade.
Kibune scoffed with disdain and said condescendingly, "Your efforts are futile. Rampage, Reppu!"
Fwoom!
A burst of blue reiatsu erupted from Kibune's body as his Zanpakuto transformed into its Shikai release state. It took on the form of a large three bladed weapon connected by a long handle in the center. The ends of the handle had large arrow shaped round edged blades pointing outwards whilst the center above the handle had a sharp blade extended out in a semi-circular fashion.
Kira, Ran'Tao, and Ichinose remained unfazed as they too released their Zanpakutos at the same time.
"Raise your head, Wabisuke!"
"Bend before my will, Ido-Ryoku!"
"Flicker with splendor, Nijigasumi!"
Kishin stood in silence and watched with great interest as he took in the sight of his Lieutenant, 4th seat, and 5th seated officer unleashing their powers right before him. Wabisuke's form remained mostly unchanged with the only difference being the blade which had straightened out with a square-like hook at the end of the tip.
Ran'Tao's blade had transformed to have an arrow pointed tip and the triangle guard had transformed into one arrow pointing up on the right side of the handle with an arrow pointing down on the left side of the handle.
As for Ichinose's Zanpakuto, his blade had disappeared completely, effectively becoming invisible to the naked eye.
The three of them then dashed out to confront the surrounding enemies. All the assassins in the vicinity instantly took out a similar looking Bakkoto to the one Kishin presented to Yamamoto and engaged Kira and the others in a death match. Ran'Tao widened her eyes in shock as she quickly dashed to the side to avoid being cut by an assassin before raising her sword to block against another.
"This is...these weapons...they look similar to the ones designed by Captain Nakayama and Captain Kasumioji! What's going on?"
Ichinose remained completely calm in the face of four assassins surrounding him and dodged to his left avoiding a slash before dashing in and stabbing out with his Zanpakuto.
FWIP!
He instantly pierced the heart of one of his attackers while replying to Ran'Tao, "Just focus on the enemy before you. We can find out the details later."
Just as Ichinose was about to create a blinding light with his Zanpakuto's powers Kishin quickly commented, "Their weapons reflect light that can momentarily stun you."
"Uh?" Ichinose questioned in alarm, quickly stopping himself from unleashing his Zanpakuto's powers before managing to barely avoid a cut to his face. He turned and slashed out defending against a strike to his chest before shifting his body to the right avoiding a strike to his shoulder from behind.
"I wish you told us earlier Captain." He grumbled before dashing to his right, successfully avoiding the three piercing sword thrusts from his surrounding attackers. He then took a deep breath and watched as three more assassins joined in to surround him causing him to furrow his brow in seriousness. "If generating light won't work then how about this?"
Whoosh.
"EH?!" The six assassins immediately became shocked and confused as Ichinose had suddenly disappeared right in front of their sight. Before they could react the sound of their necks being slit could be heard before they all dropped dead to the ground. Ichinose then reappeared standing in the center of the dead bodies with blood dripping down from his sword. He slashed out once to his right splashing the excess blood from his blade down onto the ground and said to no one in particular, "Instead of generating light to blind you all I'll just bend the light around me and turn invisible."
Seeing as Ichinose was doing fine Kishin then turned his attention to Ran'Tao and noted that she seemed to be handling her enemies without difficulty as well. She quickly ducked and dodged a slash before dashing back and shouting, "Bakudo #21: Sekienton!"
Puff!
A smokescreen of pink and red colored clouds erupted around her and her attackers obscuring everyone's vision. Ran'Tao smirked from within and started pointing and drawing with her blade in the air.
With this I'll take over and change the trajectory of their movements and attacks. That should put an end to things.
"Henka No Michi! Henka No Ya!"
Soon after Ran'Tao's voice was heard the screams of the eight assassins that had surrounded her were heard.
"What the-AH!"
"What's going on he-UH!"
"GAH!"
"Ugh!"
Schlick!
Fwip!
Psh!
Fwish!
Swords slashing, blades stabbing, and flesh being cut could be heard from within the cloud of Ran'Tao's Bakudo. After several moments passed on by the smokescreen finally disappeared revealing Ran'Tao perfectly fine, unmoved from her previous position whilst the assassins that had attacked her laid together in a pile with their own swords pierced and lodged through one another's body's. Kishin raised his eyebrow questioningly wondering exactly what Ran'Tao's ability was to let her pull something like that off, however the sound of Kibune shouting and screaming whilst engaged in combat with Kira drew his attention.
"UGH! What is this?" Kibune scowled as he dropped his weapon onto the ground no longer able to lift it up.
Kira stared indifferently and replied with an emotionless tone of voice, "Tell me Lieutenant Kibune. How many times did your Zanpakuto come into contact with my Wabisuke? I counted 6. You see, the power of my Zanpakuto doubles the weight of anything it comes into contact with every time. By now your Zanpakuto is too heavy to even lift up. It's over."
Kibune frowned and snarled at Kira with an angry look in his eyes. "Over? Over you say?! You think that your measly power is enough to defeat me?!" He quickly reached into his left pants pocket and pulled out a strange looking Bakkoto of his own. It was green in color and had a yellow eye near the base as long tendril-like tentacles wrapped themselves around his left arm and shoulder. There was a thin pole that extended out from the Bakkoto that curled in on itself at the tip like a swirling shell.
Ran'Tao furrowed her brow and commented, "So you have decided to use one of those as well? Don't tell me that the Kasumioji Clan has been delving into Captain Kasumioji and Captain Nakayama's research all this time?"
Kishin sighed and answered, "That would appear to be the case, Ran'Tao. That weapon is called a Bakkoto. I'm not keen on the specifics, but from what I've observed so far it seems to become more powerful the greater the user's reiatsu is." He then furrowed his brow and frowned as an eerie feeling was itching from inside him.
This feeling...it feels similar to that of when I felt that I was being watched in Hueco Mundo by Aizen's spy cam. Is Aizen watching all of this? No...it feels...even more inconspicuous and even more subtle. My Hollowfied reiatsu is starting swirl and churn like it's reacting to something.
Ran'Tao took another good moment to observe Kibune's Bakkoto before frowning and concurring with Kishin's assessment. "Yeah, just from fighting these assassins I agree with your judgement, however there seems to be more to it than that. From my knowledge coupled with what I observed it seems that these Bakkoto weapons draw a certain risk. Just look at how it fuses itself into the user's body."
"What do you mean?" Kira asked, still not taking his eyes off of Kibune.
Ran'Tao fixed the glasses on her head and stared at Kibune whilst saying, "That Bakkoto of yours. It incurs a risk doesn't it? From the looks of it that weapon will consume you should you lose control. Isn't that right? It's been modified from the original creation and design of Captain Kasumioji and doesn't consume your life force, however it instead poses a high chance of consuming you whole."
Kibune smirked with somewhat crazed eyes. "Heh! Hehehe-Hahaha! So you know about these Bakkoto's? Impressive. But don't compare me to the likes of those fodder assassins! Me? Be consumed by a weapon? Wrong! This is power! I will become more powerful than any Shinigami who has ever lived!"
Kira frowned and questioned, "Don't tell me that this is why you're doing all of this?"
Kibune grinned and raised his Bakkoto in the air causing his weighted Zanpakuto to rise up off of the tiled roof where he was standing.
"Uh? N-No way...impossible! His weapon should be too heavy to lift!" Kira exclaimed in shock.
Kishin remained unimpressed and scratched the side of his cheek still somewhat confused as to what Kibune's motives were. "Oi, let me get this straight. You joined with Kumoi to receive a Bakkoto so you can further advance your own power because you were too weak and impatient to train and master Kido, Zanjutsu, Hakuda, and Hoho? Did you at least master your Bankai first before turning to an alternative source of power?"
A thick vein popped on Kibune's forehead as Kishin had hit him in a sore spot. "Shut up!" Without warning he fueled his reiatsu into his Bakkoto allowing him to telekinetically control his Zanpakuto moving it around in the air. He then caused it to spin in a circle at incredible speeds making it appear like some sort of large bladed disc and fired it right at Kishin.
Kishin glanced at the attack still unimpressed and was about to unsheathe his Zanpakuto when Kira jumped out in front of him and blocked with Wabisuke.
CLANK!
"NGH!" Kira groaned as he struggled to keep Kibune's Zanpakuto at bay. Kishin raised an eyebrow and was about to raise a question, however Kira beat him to the punch as the Lieutenant struggled to let out his words. "C-Captain...ugh! There's no need for you to deal with this personally."
"Kira is right, Captain. You brought me into your division for a reason. You should at least let us handle small matters like these." Ran'Tao chimed in before pointing her blade right at Kibune's Zanpakuto. With a sly smirk she then said, "Henka No Ya!" She then traced in the air with her sword right back to Kibune's location. Instantly Kibune's weapon that was locked in a stalemate against Kira's Wabisuke flew back towards him causing him to widen his eyes in shock.
"What the?" Fueling more reiatsu into his Bakkoto he managed to regain control of his Reppu and stopped it before it could slice him in two.
Kishin glanced intriguingly at Ran'Tao's Zanpakuto and tilted his head in thought.
Huh. Does her Zanpakuto let her change the direction of anything she points at causing the object to travel along the path that she draws?
Before Kibune could make a second attack, Ichinose raised his Zanpakuto in the air and shouted, "Kokyu!" His reiatsu immediately flooded the blade of his sword causing a blinding light to illuminate the area before encapsulating everyone inside a sphere of golden light. Kibune instantly lost sight of his surroundings causing him to pause in his counter attack.
Ichinose then continued on without stopping and shouted, "Eiba!" In a matter of seconds dozens and dozens of shadow curved blades flew through the air and slashed Kibune in multiple areas.
"Wha-?! AHHHH!" Kibune shouted in pain as his body was ripped and cut in multiple places. His left arm that was fused with his Bakkoto was instantly sliced in half as well as both legs having been cut off. He fell from the roof he was standing on and down onto the ground with a thud. His blood pooled beneath him as he lay still on the floor slowly losing consciousness. It was then that Ichinose took a deep breath in and deactivated his technique, dissolving the golden sphere of light around everyone letting the natural dark night sky reappear. Ran'Tao had also taken that moment of opportunity to retrieve Shu from Takaki's clutches while Kira hooked his Wabisuke around Takaki's neck seemingly ready to execute the Noble at any time.
Kishin had to take a moment to silently praise how quick they were to act and how well the three of them worked and coordinated their tactics together. "Since when did you three learn how to work so familiarly with each other?"
Ran'Tao smirked and replied, "You're underestimating us Captain. You said it yourself didn't you? That we have the potential to become extraordinary one day in our own right? The three of us have the most fighting experience out of everyone in the entire 3rd division aside from you. Besides, with the new training regimen we've already gotten to observe each other's abilities."
It was then Takaki's nervous voice could be heard as he felt the cool edge of Kira's blade still hooked around his neck. "N-N-Now hold on just a moment." He glanced over at Kibune's dying body and gulped. "Let's...Let's not be rash here. Haha...we can talk about this."
Kira simply frowned and asked, "Captain, what should we do with him?"
Kishin sighed and thought about simply killing him to rid himself of a headache, but in the end he glanced at Shu and said, "He was your kidnapper. What do you wish to do with him?"
Shu furrowed his brow and glanced at Rurichiyo's still unconscious body before saying, "I...he threatened Ruri-chan...but at the end of the day he's still a member of the Kasumioji Clan. Lets imprison him for now. He might still have useful information on everything that is happening."
Kishin nodded and glanced back at Kira. "Well, there you have it."
Takaki breathed out a sigh of relief when he felt Kira remove Wabisuke from his throat, however his vision turned dark soon after as he lost consciousness from Kira knocking him out from behind.
"What now?" Ichinose asked as he sheathed his sword.
Kishin scratched the back of his head also wondering what they should do next. He glanced out in the direction of the Kasumioji Clan grounds and started making his way over.
"Captain?" Ran'Tao questioned.
Kishin just nonchalantly waved his hand by his shoulder. "Throw Takaki in the 3rd division prison cell and have someone keep an eye on him. Also, take Shu, Rurichiyo, Kenryu, and Enryu with you and guard them for now." Just as he walked 7 steps away he paused and smirked with a mocking look in his eyes. "Don't tell me you honestly thought that you could hide forever, Oda, Ita, Haru."
At the mention of their names the three guards panicked and dashed out from their hiding spot running with their fastest speed into the distance, however Kishin merely flexed his reiatsu into the air and instantly forced the three of them down on their hands and knees. And while he controlled most of his reiatsu to weigh down on the three guards, Ran'Tao, Kira, and Ichinose couldn't help but marvel and fear at the display of power that Kishin exhibited. It was their first time truly witnessing and feeling the force of Kishin's reiatsu and only one thought crossed their minds at that moment. They all concluded that their Captain was truly terrifying and more powerful than they had imagined.
To Kira, he noted that even Ichimaru didn't have a reiatsu as ferocious as Kishin's.
To Ichinose, he noted that even his respected previous Captain, Kiganjo Kenpachi didn't have as dense of a reiatsu as Kishin's.
And as for Ran'Tao, in her long years of experience even she had to admit that while Captain Nakayama was strong, Kishin's reiatsu was even stronger.
In a mere few seconds Oda, Ita, and Haru fully collapsed onto the ground frothing and foaming at the mouth having experienced the full weight of Kishin's overbearing pressure crushing their body and soul.
"Are they...dead?" Kira asked, somewhat dazed.
Ran'Tao shook her head and replied, "No. The Captain knocked them out, but they're having an involuntary or...rather induced seizure from having experienced the overbearing pressure of the Captain's reiatsu." She then walked over to them and sighed. "Honestly Captain, I think you went a little overboard."
Kishin just shrugged and continued on his way. "They'll be fine in a few minutes. I'll leave things here to you thre-"
Before he could finish his sentence a burst of wind breezed by everyone in the vicinity as the image of Amagai appearing in front of Kibune's dying body on the ground entered everyone's sight. No one spoke a word as they all curiously watched Amagai's next move. The 5th division Captain knelt down to the ground and spoke with a soft near inaudible voice.
"Kibune…"
Kishin cocked his head to the side somewhat confused as to what Amagai was doing here. "Are you mourning his death?"
…
A still silence hung in the air for several long seconds before what started as a soft chuckle turned into a loud boisterous laugh from Amagai's lips.
"Heh. Mourn? Hehehe...Hehehe! Hahahahaha! All of the battles that Kibune has been in up until this point was merely to fuel his Bakkoto with more energy." He then reached out and grasped the Bakkoto that Kibune was using. The pale yellow eye centered on that Bakkoto was then ripped out by Amagai's hands before he dropped the weapon back on the ground causing a clunking sound to echo out in the area.
Kishin furrowed his brow, still somewhat confused. "What are you planning to do with that eye?"
Ran'Tao frowned and quickly commented, "Captain, if I'm not wrong then those eyes are probably the nucleus of the Bakkoto weapons. Remember when I said that they drain the reiatsu of the user and that the risk was the user being consumed by the weapon? Well those eyes probably hold the energy that the weapons absorbed from the user."
"Is that so?" He then focused his attention back on Amagai and questioned, "What do you exactly plan on doing with that nucleus?"
Amagai smirked and turned around to face everyone as he pulled out the weapon sheathed on his right waist. It had a bandaged wrapped hilt with no guard and had a peculiar shaped blade in the form of a tuning fork. Amagai then relaxedly removed the end of the hilt revealing it to be nothing more than a concealment capsule exposing what was truly beneath.
Ran'Tao fixed the glasses on her head and commented, "As I thought. That weapon is also a Bakkoto. Captain, be careful."
Amagai merely took the nucleus he obtained from Kibune's Bakkoto and fed it to his own. "You're quite quick on the uptake, aren't you?" Amagai amusedly remarked. The mollusk-like tentacles protruding out from his tuning fork stretched and opened a mouth that ate the nucleus. It then proceeded to extend its tendrils fusing with Amagai's entire right arm transforming into what seemed to be a giant black armored gauntlet with a black sash embedded with multiple eyeballs wrapped around his chest. A powerful aura erupted from the weapon and ripped the top half of Amagai's clothes clean off leaving him bare chested.
Everyone furrowed their brow with caution while Kishin remained unfazed. Amagai had a look of triumph in his eyes as he stared at Kishin with disdain. "Captain Chigetsu. You're more difficult to deal with than I had expected. I knew I should have kept a better eye on your movements. You've forced me to exponentially move up my plans. In fact you could even say that you've forced me into an almost kamikaze-like move, however it matters not. I have gathered enough energy to fuel the power of my Bakkoto."
Kishin still remained unfazed as he continued his line of questioning, "So what will you do now that you have acquired enough energy for your Bakkoto? That explosion earlier in the Kasumioji grounds, that was your doing wasn't it?"
"Indeed. Because of you the Gotei 13 were allowed to search the Kasumioji Clan and were told to confiscate the Bakkoto weapons. Luckily I arrived first and managed to take the nucleus residing in Kumoi's Bakkoto. I needed the power and density stored within the original Bakkoto."
"Then can I assume that you killed him?"
Amagai merely smirked. "Do you think he would have willingly given me the nucleus of his most powerful weapon?"
Kishin nonchalantly took out a reigar and placed it between his lips somewhat irking Amagai at how relaxed he was. He let out a puff of smoke and commented, "I'll take it that he's dead then. I'm still confused. Why go through all of this in such a roundabout way? Your motive doesn't make any sense to me."
It was then that Yamamoto and Chojiro appeared on the scene as they had sensed the chaotic fluctuation of Amagai releasing his Bakkoto earlier. Amagai instantly frowned and didn't hide his killing intent as he answered, "My motive doesn't make sense to you? You wish to know why I've done all of this?" He then pointed at Yamamoto. "I've done all of this for one reason and one reason only. To kill you, Yamamoto Genryusai!"
Yamamoto remained indifferent in the face of Amagai's threat. "Captain Amagai. So you were deeply rooted at the heart of these incidents. Explain yourself."
Amagai glared at the old Captain with hatred. "Kisaragi Shin'etsu." Those were the only words he spoke in response.
"Hm?!" Yamamoto instantly faltered at the mention of that name.
Kishin glanced between the Head Captain and Amagai before scratching the back of his head. "Kisaragi Shin'etsu? Who's that?"
Amagai took a step forward and unsheathed his Zanpaktuo. "Kisaragi Shin'etsu is my father."
Yamamoto, who was in the middle of unsealing his Zanpakuto, paused after hearing that. "You are...Kisaragi's son?"
"That's right. Yamamoto Genryusai! You killed my father! Don't think that I wouldn't find out! He was once a subordinate of yours! After he died I joined the Gotei 13 a few years later under a different alias to search for the truth behind his death. After tracing the bits and pieces of information I gathered I realized the truth. He learnt that the Kasumioji Clan had stolen the sealed files of the manufacturing process for the Bakkoto as they started to experiment in their production again. You were working in collusion with the Kasumioji Clan in the creation of these illegal weapons weren't you? Yamamoto Genryusai! That was how the Kasumioji Clan were able to get their hands back on the sealed research files on the Bakkoto wasn't it?! My father infiltrated the Clan and traced back the evidence to you and that was why you killed him. To silence him!"
Kishin felt a headache coming on and motioned for Ran'Tao and the others to step off to the side along with Shu and Rurichiyo just in case a battle broke out. Amagai then continued, "Your sins do not stop there, Yamamoto Genryusai. After that, even though there were suspicious activities happening in the Kasumimoji Clan you refused to intervene until now claiming that the Noble Clan had immunity as an excuse! I swore revenge against you and trained and honed my skill with killing you as the only thought on my mind. I later approached the Kasumioji Clan and obtained a Bakkoto of my own. I distinguished myself by leading the Expedition Unit in the Wild Lands and returned, finally making it to Captain to better understand the inner framework of the Gotei 13. I've waited all this time to exact my revenge."
He then turned and glanced at Kishin. "The only thing that did not go as planned is your intervention, Captain Chigetsu. You acted more quickly than I had anticipated, but no matter. As I've said I've gained the power I needed. It's time to end this! Sever, Raika!"
Amagai's Zanpakuto immediately transformed into its Shikai release state taking on the form of a white long sword with a hook at the tip of the blade and a curved shell with pipes at the hilt of the blade.
Kishin awkwardly scratched the side of his cheek and glanced at Yamamoto. "Well...this seems to put me in an awkward position, Captain Commander. As things seem to be quite personal between the two of you exactly how would you like me to act?"
But before Yamamoto could respond Amagai slashed out with his Zanpakuto sending a giant blazing fireball at them. Kishin was about to act, however Ran'Tao quickly pointed and drew in the air with her Zanpakuto shouting, "Henka No Ya!"
Amagai merely smirked as a large green blade of energy extended out from his Bakkoto. He then slammed it into the ground causing green rippling waves to generate into the area. Ran'Tao widened her eyes in shock as she realized that her Zanpakuto ability wasn't working.
"What?!"
Kishin and Yamamoto remained unfazed. As the fireball arrived just several feet away from them Kishin slashed out with his own Zanpakuto with such speed and ferocity that the powerful wind and force behind his attack blew apart Amagai's attack into small fluttering harmless sparks.
"What?!" Amagai exclaimed in shock as his hair slightly fluttered in the wind from the breeze generated by Kishin's simple slash.
Ran'Tao, Kira, and Ichinose were about to rush out to Kishin's side when he extended a hand to stop them. "It's fine. You three just watch over the others."
"But Capt-" Ran'Tao started, but Kishin cut her off. "I let you three fight earlier already and you guys didn't let me down, but things seem like they've gotten a bit more complicated so just sit and watch."
The three of them took a moment to mull over their thoughts before nodding and backing down.
Ran'Tao sighed and fixed her glasses before adding, "Very well, but be careful Captain. Earlier I tried to utilize the power of my Zanpakuto, however it didn't work. Captain Amagai's Bakkoto seems to have some sort of special ability that removes our connection to our Zanpakuto spirits."
Amagai scoffed nearby. "Impressive. It appears you have acquired quite an intelligent division member, Captain Chigetsu. Indeed, one of the powers of my Bakkoto is to silence the connection that all Shinigami have with their Zanpakuto. Well, all except for mine." He then removed his energy blade from the ground and shouted, "Bankai! Raika Goen Kaku!"
FWOOM!
A burst of flaming energy erupted all around Amagai as his blade transformed into a large weapon as tall as himself. The hilt and guard transformed into a large white shell-like shield with the sword growing longer and thicker colored in red. The tip of the blade still remained curved and hooked as several jagged edges lined the inner portion of the blade.
Kishin once more glanced at Yamamoto wondering whether he should intervene or not. It was then that Amagai shouted and stabbed his giant weapon into the ground causing a large wave of fire to travel along the floor towards both Kishin and Yamamoto. Seeing as Yamamoto still wasn't saying anything Kishin stretched out as palm and chanted, "Hado #89: Hyoga Seiran!"
PSSSHHH!
Before the wave of fire could reach them a large wave of ice blasted out from Kishin's palm and instantly engulfed the flames while still rushing out towards Amagai. Everyone widened their eyes in pure shock at Kishin's display of Kido.
"Level 89 without the incantation and it's this powerful?!" Ran'Tao exclaimed in disbelief.
"N-No way?!" Kira voiced his own disbelief.
"To be this powerful even without the use of his Zanpakuto..." Ichinose mumbled whilst staring in awe.
However, the one who was most astonished was Amagai as he quickly Shunpo'd out of the way to avoid becoming encased in ice. He stood on a roof in the nearby distance and glanced at Kishin with shock. "Such power...even without the use of your Zanpakuto? Impossible! Aside from silencing the connection between a Shinigami and their Zanpakuto my Bakkoto should have also suppressed your reiatsu! ...I see that you are still incredibly dangerous. I suppose I should have expected this from the one who fought and survived against Aizen Sosuke. Why do you stand in my way, Captain Chigetsu?"
Kishin merely shrugged his shoulders. "Your reason for wanting revenge is understandable, however your story doesn't quite make sense."
Amagai scowled. "What are you talking about?"
Kishin sighed and glanced at Yamamoto. "You state that the Head Captain colluded with the Kasumioji Clan in creating the Bakkoto, however wasn't it the Head Captain who had the research regarding such weapons sealed away in the first place after Kasumioji Kanata shelved the project? Why go through all that trouble sealing the files and making them forbidden only to unseal them later and experiment on them from the shadows?"
Amagai simply scoffed. "How would I know? Why don't you ask Yamamoto Genryusai himself?"
Fwish! Fwish! Fwish! Fwish! Fwish!
It was at this moment that the other Captains of the Gotei 13 arrived on scene one after the other. In less than 5 seconds most of the Gotei 13 Captains were present. Ukitake, Kyoraku, Unohana, and Byakuya arrived at the same exact time followed by Kinji, Soi Fon, and Toshiro. While Toshiro received his orders from Yamamoto to leave for Karakura Town, with all the commotion happening just before his departure he decided to delay his trip. Lastly arriving on the scene was Komamura. Only Kenpachi and Mayuri didn't show up.
Kyoraku tilted up his straw hat and glanced at the surrounding atmosphere before questioning in his laid back tone of voice, "Well well well, exactly what is going on here?"
Ran'Tao stepped forward and quickly filled everyone in bringing them up to speed on the details. After they all got caught up Soi Fon stepped forward and commanded, "Enough, Amagai Shusuke! You've nowhere left to escape to. Lay down your weapon."
Amagai frowned. "I will have my revenge!" He raised up his giant Zanpakuto and started spinning it above his head as he shouted, "Raiendan!" Multiple giant balls of orange fire shot forth from the tip of his Zanpakuto in all directions aiming at everyone in the vicinity. Instantly everyone started to Shunpo in different directions in order to avoid being hit, however they all frowned as they continued to dash around. The speed of all of their Shunpo had drastically decreased due to them being within the range of Amagai's Bakkoto suppressing their reiatsu.
While all the other Captains continued running around in circles, Yamamoto and Kishin simply remained unmoving. Kishin stood in front of Ran'Tao and the others of his division deflecting the flaming balls of fire away with his Zanpakuto whilst Yamamoto simply let the balls of fire smash into his body. Although his clothes started burning away, he remained relatively unharmed from the fire. After a good minute of Amagai throwing around his technique he stopped and glared disbelievingly at both Kishin and Yamamoto.
"Why? How?!"
Kishin remained indifferent as he nonchalantly answered, "You put too much faith in the power of your Bakkoto. For the most part I've come to understand how it works. Aside from sealing away our Zanpakuto it can suppress one's reiatsu, however if your target has exceptionally powerful reiatsu then even under suppression they could still fight back. In other words it's somewhat similar to a more powerful version of a Gentei Reien. The level of strength your Bakkoto can exert depends on the amount of energy of all the nuclei you've collected. Unfortunately it seems that you didn't collect enough to completely suppress the reiatsu of the Head Captain or myself for that matter. Furthermore, let me guess. Even if you were to collect more nuclei you wouldn't be able to utilize them anyways else you run the risk of losing control of the Bakkoto, getting consumed by it before you get a chance to even fight back. So? How did I do?"
Amagai frowned, feeling somewhat anxious. Kishin had hit all points on the mark. Before the situation could escalate even further Unohana stepped forward and chimed in, "Captain Amagai. It appears that you have greatly misunderstood something."
Amagai narrowed his eyes and turned his attention over to her. "What are you talking about?"
Unohana sighed and glanced at Yamamoto commenting, "Head Captain, I believe you've remained silent on the matter long enough. I understand that you still feel guilt over Kisaragi's death, however now that things have come this far I believe that Amagai Shusuke has the right to know."
Amagai was immediately incensed and shouted, "Guilt? GUILT! You're saying that Yamamoto Genryusai feels guilt over my father's death? Ha! Hahahaha!"
Unohana once more let out a sigh and continued with her explanation. "Captain Amagai, you said that your father infiltrated the Kasumioji Clan because he discovered that they were experimenting on creating the Bakkoto, a project which was sealed away long ago. You were indeed correct that this was the case, however it was the Head Captain who asked Kisaragi to do so."
Amagai who was still in the middle of hysterically laughing paused and stared confusedly at Unohana. "What are you talking about? What do you mean my father was asked to investigate?"
"I mean that the Head Captain found out that the research data pertaining to Captain Kasumioji Kanata's research on the Bakkoto was stolen and that there were signs pointing to someone in the Kasumioji Clan being the culprit which we now know was Kumoi Gyokoaku. Before the Head Captain could begin his investigation of the Kasumioji Clan he was ordered by Central 46 to stop due to their high ranking status and immunity. As it was not possible to publicly investigate them the Head Captain asked your father, Kisaragi Shin'etsu, to secretly infiltrate the Clan to gain evidence of their misconduct."
Amagai widened his eyes in shock as he was having a hard time believing her story. "Wha-What do you mean? I-Impossible! But it was Yamamoto Genryusai who was colluding with the Kasumioji Clan!"
Unohana merely shook her head. "No. It was quite the opposite. You see, during the mission your father Kisaragi had been discovered and had a Bakkoto forced upon him. As the Bakkoto's are essentially defective weapons with negative side effects the Bakkoto that was forced on your father corrupted his mind. He was then given the order to kill the one who sent him. The Head Captain was forced to end the life of his subordinate due to the fact that these events could not be brought to light. The Kasumioji Clan could not bring forth the fact that Kisaragi had infiltrated their Clan due to the illegal weapons they harbored and the Head Captain could not reveal the truth of Kisaragi's death due to violating the command of Central 46."
The color immediately drained from Amagai's face as he took in everything that Unohana had said. He unconsciously lowered his Zanpakuto to his side seemingly in a daze as a look of disbelief shone in his eyes. Unohana then continued, "The truth of Kisaragi's death was kept hidden and the Head Captain seemingly repaired his relations with the Kasumioji Clan. These are probably the records that you saw."
"I-Impossible...then...my father...he was killed because…"
Yamamoto sighed with sorrow and finally spoke with grief. "I was unable to save your father, my subordinate, Kisaragi Shin'etsu. For that I am truly sorry. Indeed now that I see clearly, you truly resemble him a great deal."
Amagai turned to face Yamamoto with a devastated look in his eyes. "I...I...my hatred all this time. My desire for vengeance...how could I not discover the truth all this time…Uh?!" Amagai then had a look of realization as he seemed to recall a memory from a long time ago when he watched his father take his last few breaths. The Bakkoto that he was using to exact his vengeance was precisely the weapon that his father had warned him about in his memory. He was so lost in his emotions from his father's death that he had somehow obscured the most important part of what his father had said. To beware of the Bakkoto. Amagai immediately dropped to his knees in shame. "I've been a fool all this time...Yamamoto-dono…"
Yamamoto shook his head in sympathy. "Do not be ashamed. Instead it is I who should ask for forgiveness in being unable to save you and your father from this fate."
…
Everyone watched in silence at the exchange between Yamamoto and Amagai. They all felt a bit out of place now that the situation had developed this far, however in the next moment Amagai began to scream in agony causing confusion to appear on everyone's faces. A powerful burst of green energy began to swirl around Amagai with the origin coming from his Bakkoto.
"W-What's going on?!" Toshiro questioned aloud.
It was Ran'Tao who answered as she narrowed her eyes and explained, "It's the Bakkoto! Captain Amagai has gotten too emotional and has lost his control over it! It's starting to corrupt his mind and if nothing is done the Bakkoto will consume his entire being!"
"Hm?!" Yamamoto quickly unsheathed his Zanpakuto and blocked the sword strike that Amagai swung at him.
"Is there no way to stop it?!" Komamura quickly asked in alarm.
Just as Yamamoto and Amagai were in a current deadlocked position Kishin dashed out and slashed all 5 pale colored eyeballs that were on the sash wrapped around Amagai's chest.
FWOOM!
Near-instantly all the corrupted energy stored in the Bakkoto left Amagai's body returning him back to normal. His body slowly fell to the ground as he groaned in aching pain. His head throbbed, feeling like a terrible hangover after drinking too much alcohol.
Ran'Tao blinked in shock and asked, "C-Captain, how did you know that destroying the nuclei would stop the Bakkoto from consuming Captain Amagai?"
Kishin shrugged and simply sheathed his Zanpakuto back into its sheath. "I guessed. If the nucleus is the source of the Bakkoto's power then simply cut off the source. Shouldn't that do the trick?"
"Ugh." The sound of Amagai groaning and struggling to get up in a crawling position drew everyone's attention as the 5th division Captain took some deep and heavy breaths. Unohana slowly walked over and was just about to heal him when he stuck out his hand to stop her. "D-Don't...huff...huff...huff...I don't deserve to bear the title of Captain. I have caused even greater turmoil and unrest in the Soul Society when our focus should have been to prepare against the coming war with Aizen Sosuke. There is no need to waste your efforts in healing me."
He slowly stood back up on his own two feet. The Bakkoto on his right arm shattered and fell to the floor as he stabbed his Zanpakuto into the ground in front of him. A blazing fire erupted in a circle around him immediately alerting all the Captains as to what he was planning to do.
Kinji furrowed his brow and commented, "Captain Amagai, must you go this far?"
Amagai smiled ashamedly at himself. "It is the only thing I can do to repent for my sins. Please understand."
Everyone remained silent as they couldn't find a reason to object, however just as the flames surrounding Amagai began to enclose in on himself they stopped as Kishin interjected, "You still owe me one request within reasonable means, Captain Amagai."
Everyone glanced at Kishin before glancing back at Amagai. They had all already prepared themselves to witness Amagai's final moments in his last act to uphold his dignity and pride, however Kishin had effectively cut the tension and baffled everyone. Even Amagai didn't quite know how to respond as he had truly resolved himself to end his life, but he was immediately cut short by Kishin's comment. It put him in an awkward spot and so he replied with as much sincerity as he could. "Captain Chigetsu, my apologies. I'm afraid...that I will not be able to uphold that promise. I am tru-"
"I won't take no for an answer." Kishin interjected again, cutting Amagai off.
Now everyone's jaws dropped down towards the floor as they wondered if Kishin was unable to read the current mood in the area. Again Amagai was placed in an awkward spot. He was effectively speechless as he didn't know how he was supposed to respond. He tried to politely turn down Kishin's reminder of their promise so he could end his life and be over with everything but the look in Kishin's eyes, the tone in Kishin's voice, and the smirk on Kishin's face told him that Kishin wasn't going to let this matter go.
With a serious look Amagai gave his full attention to Kishin and nodded. "Very well. Before I repent I shall fulfill the one request I owe you."
Kishin nodded his head in appreciation. "Great! Then my one request is for you to continue living."
Everyone felt that their jaws couldn't drop any lower in shock, but they were wrong. They all glanced at Kishin with incredulous looks in their eyes wondering if he cared at all about Amagai's feelings of dignity and pride. Amagai had a hesitant look in his eyes which Kishin didn't miss out on so he smirked and continued, "If you truly wish to repent then you will remain as the 5th division Captain. You will uphold your dignity and pride with honor befitting that of a Captain of the Gotei 13. After all, you rightfully earned your title with your own skill. You will pay the consequences of causing chaos with your life, but what good is it if your life is dead to us? Therefore I request that you live with dignity and pride starting now, Amagai Shusuke. This is a debt that you owe not just to yourself, but to your late father, Kisaragi Shin'etsu. Don't you think?"
The mood in the atmosphere quickly became more hopeful as many of the other Captains started to voice their own thoughts and approval at Kishin's request.
"Kishin is right, Amagai. You are still a Captain of the Gotei 13. I can see it from the way that you carry yourself that you still bear the pride of a Shinigami." Jushiro commented from the side.
Unohana nodded and also commented, "Indeed. I was one of the Captains who oversaw your exam and you earned your title as Captain with your own skill and power. There were no shortcomings in your capabilities."
"Captain Amagai, ending your life now may preserve some of your dignity and pride, however don't you think that it would be a dishonor to your late father, Kisaragi, if you end it all right here and now?" Kyoraku chimed in.
Even Byakuya added to the comments as the stoic Captain said, "If it is your pride and dignity that you wish to uphold by ending your life then what of your father, Kisaragi Shin'etsu? He died with dignity performing his duty. And as his son are you not his pride? Sacrificing yourself in this way may seem quite noble, however you should ask yourself instead that in death, should you one day meet with your father again, would you be able to greet him with your pride and dignity intact?"
…
Silence.
Everyone stood in the ruined streets of the Seireitei from the aftermath of the battle that took place just outside the 3rd division grounds with no one saying another word. The giant flames encircling Amagai soon began to die down until they became completely extinguished. His Bankai soon regressed back into its sealed state form as his eyes were closed deep in thought. It was so quiet that Ran'Tao, Kira, Ichinose, Kenryu, Enryu, and Shu who were all still standing nearby were too nervous to even breathe.
Finally Amagai opened his eyes and knelt to the ground before Yamamoto. He bowed his head in shame. "Yamamoto-dono, I…"
Yamamoto shut his eyes and nodded. "Fear not. In light of the situation, while chaos still ensued within the Seireitei it remains that things were resolved fairly quickly with little casualties. Thanks to Captain Chigetsu's quick actions we were able to uncover the illegal activities surrounding Kumoi Gyokaku within the residence of the Kasumioji Noble Clan. Amagai Shusuke, I declare that you shall remain a Captain of the Gotei 13."
Everyone's mood relaxed after hearing that as Yamamoto continued, "However, with that declaration, while you are still a Captain of the Gotei 13 I hope you understand that while I deeply regret being unable to save your father, you must still receive some form of punishment for the chaos that has ensued thus far."
Amagai immediately raised his head feeling relieved that he was allowed to remain a Captain and that he would be receiving some form of punishment for his actions. He would feel uncomfortable otherwise if Yamamoto didn't take some sort of disciplinary action against him. Without question he readily accepted. "Thank you, Yamamoto-dono! I am willing to receive any punishment you give."
Yamamoto grunted in response. "No, I am undeserving of your gratitude. I was unable to save your father or you from a cruel fate. It was instead Captain Chigetsu who has allowed you a second chance to carve out a new path for yourself. Well then, for now let us end things here. It is late into the night and the break of dawn will rise in a few hours. We will discuss these matters further at the next Captain's meeting. Captain Soi Fon, Captain Kyoraku, Captain Ukitake, continue your search into the illegal affairs within the Kasumioji Manor. Captain Chigetsu, for now you are to continue watching over Kasumioji Rurichiyo until everything has been settled and her safety is assured. And Captain Hitsugaya, you are to depart for Karakura Town immediately to oversee the situation there. Dismissed."
"Yes!" Everyone obediently responded as Yamamoto walked away, seemingly lost in thought. Chojiro followed closely behind. All the rest of the Captains then began to disappear one after another. Before Amagai left he walked over to Kishin and deeply bowed in gratitude. "Captain Chigetsu. I...have shown you all quite an unsightly side of me. I have no words to express my shame, however I-"
Kishin just waved his hand cutting him off. "It's fine, Captain Amagai. There is no need for flowery words or explanations with deep philosophical reasonings behind them. Your actions henceforth will be more than enough proof of your character."
Amagai smiled and nodded in appreciation. "I understand. Once more...thank you." He then left, leaving only two Captains behind aside from Kishin. They were Toshiro and Kinji. The two of them walked over with an odd look on their face as Toshiro questioned, "Kishin, the things you said to Amagai. The request you made of him. What exactly are you planning?"
Kishin just smirked and raised his hands by his shoulders innocently. "Not sure what you mean."
Kinji raised an eyebrow and added, "We've known you for a long time now Kishin, but this was a bit out of character for you. I get it if you were trying to talk Toshiro, Yushiro, or I out of committing suicide but you don't even know Captain Amagai that well. The words you said to him sounded nice and it made sense, but did you really mean them?"
Kishin sighed and lowered his hands by his side in defeat. "Haaah, you both really do know me well. You're right, I didn't say those things for Amagai's benefit."
Toshiro and Kinji figured as much and simply waited for Kishin to continue his explanation prompting him to shake his head at his two friends. "Amagai is a Captain. His death would be a loss in the chain of command amongst the Gotei 13, plus as a Captain level combatant his power will be important for us in the war against Aizen. Furthermore I'm guessing that he hasn't been exposed to Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu. While I'm not sure if this would help it can't hurt to have someone other than myself who possesses Captain level reiatsu on our side when the fight begins right?"
Both Kinji and Toshiro sighed and shook their head in amusement as this was the friend that they knew. The cunning and mischievous Kishin.
"What?" Kishin questioned as he noted the reaction that Toshiro and Kinji gave him.
They just sighed and glanced at Kishin in wonderment. "It's nothing." They both replied at the same time.
It was then that Kinji asked, "Ahem...by the way...say that it was me in Amagai's position. Would your words to me be si-"
Kishin immediately cut Kinji off and rested his hand on both of his friends shoulders. "If you want revenge then just let me know. I'll help you kill the bastards."
While his words were crude and somewhat dark it made Kinji and Toshiro smile as they understood that it was Kishin expressing how he deeply cared for them. Kishin smirked and then added, "Oh, and if you happen to walk down the wrong path like Amagai was, chasing after some false form of justice because you were badly misinformed then I'll gladly slap you on the head a few times. Just leave it to me."
Kinji and Toshiro couldn't help smiling even larger as they all lightly laughed at Kishin's way of trying to lighten the mood. They exchanged a few more words before he watched Kinji and Toshiro leave. His brows then furrowed as he glanced down at his hand deep in thought.
That was dangerous...my Hollowfied reiatsu was starting to become unstable. I wonder how the other Captains of the Gotei 13 would react if they discov-Eh? Wait, does Captain Unohana know? How much of my fight against Aizen did she witness?
He turned his head and stared off into the distance in the direction that Unohana had left from with a somewhat curious look on his face.
Why hasn't she said anything after all this time?
It was at this moment that Rurichiyo finally regained her consciousness, though she was still in a slightly disoriented state as she groaned in Kenryu's arms. "W-What happened?"
Everyone simply gave her an awkward look unsure of what to exactly say. Kishin sighed and decided it wasn't worth spending his time thinking about whether or not Unohana knew about his Hollowfication. Instead he walked back towards the 3rd division grounds and motioned for everyone to follow. "Alright you guys stop loitering and move out." He then silently grumbled about the fact that all the damage happened just outside his division and knew that he was going to have to fill out some paperwork tomorrow, but aside from all of that there was one particular feeling that kept gnawing away at him.
Bakkoto huh? Exactly how did Kasumioji Kanata stumble upon something like that? I know that Kumoi probably made some modifications but the base was most likely the same.
He frowned as the image of the pale yellow eyes of the Bakkoto flashed in his mind over and over again and again with each time making him more and more unsettled.
It felt like we were being watched. There's something not right about this...but what exactly?
888
Deep and far away in a place with no light around. The sky here was always perpetuated in darkness. No stars or moon to light the way. The ground was barren filled only with dark black soil and the trees, while numerous in some areas and sparse in others, were leafless and seemingly lifeless. They too were dark black in color and their branches seemed more like tendrils if anything. And in this seemingly dark deserted wasteland stood a castle of a great and grand magnitude. Its walls were made of some purple colored stone as torches of green fire gave the only illumination available in this cold and dreary place.
An eerie wind blew by the entrance of the castle as standing by the giant metal gate that barred the passage was a large horrid creature with a black liquid form. It moved like an amoebic slime as multiple tendrils protruded from its body. Hundreds of mouths appeared on this creature with thousands of pale yellow eyes littering its body. Simply seeing this creature would not be enough to give way of what it was, however no matter how odd this creature's form seemed to be its reiatsu could not hide its true nature. No doubt this creature was a Adjuhcas, however strange it seemed.
With a telepathic voice it glanced far above at the tallest tower within the castle and spoke with great servility, fear, and respect. "Lord Athotep. I bring news."
A minute of silence echoed on air before an amused and creepy dark sounding voice replied from within the tower. "Oh? Have you seen something interesting with those eyes of yours? Shogo. Or has Barragan Louisenbairn decided to join us? No, rather it'd be excellent news if Musabori Kuu Hito has been freed. Ah! Silly me. What is it that the Royal Guard call him nowadays? Ikomikidomoe was it? Hahahaha, I can only imagine how terribly bored he must be being stuck in the Royal Palace."
That black liquid Hollow with innumerable eyes shifted around in place for a moment as if attempting to gesture a shake of the head. "Apologies my Lord. I'm afraid I've not heard nor seen any news regarding Barragan or Ikomikidomoe. Rather, I have a matter to report on those Bakkotos which Kasumioji Kanata had developed many centuries years ago. It seems that they have finally been properly disposed of by the Shinigami. Furthermore it appears that Yamamoto Genryusai and Unohana Kenpachi are still alive."
"Oh? So the old geezer and the battle-crazed maniac haven't kicked the bucket yet eh? Hehehe-Hahaha! Well I suppose it's to be expected. They were quite troublesome to deal with back in the day. Is there anything else you'd like to report?"
"...my apologies Lord Athotep. I was unable to gather any more useful information...ah, well it may not be of much concern but there was one Shinigami amongst them that seemed to have noticed that I may have been watching."
Another moment of long silence filled the air before another reply came from within the castle walls. "Hm. I see. Well, after Kasumioji Kanata died the plans I had for the Bakkotos died with him. Since you say that there was someone keen enough to sense your presence then perhaps this is for the best. Shogo, you are to sever your connection to the eyes embedded in the Bakkotos. It is not yet time for us to reveal ourselves."
"As you command my Lord." Shogo turned around and slowly disappeared into the distance whilst the one who Shogo addressed as Lord Athotep continued speaking to himself as his voice echoed in the dark of night.
"The Shinigami huh? Hehehe! Hahahaha! Well now, I wonder if I'll eventually see some old faces. Yamamoto Genryusai. Unohana Kenpachi. How amusing. You both were so helpful back then-Hehehe! Hahaha! Those clueless fools."
MISC.
Ichinose doesn't really call out any of the names of his Zanpakuto's powers during the Bount Filler Arc except for like his final move against Kenpachi and so I decided to give them names to the best of my ability.
Anyways, once again updates will be slower now as I get busier and busier. I'll still work on the story, don't worry. There are so many more things left to explore.
How will the ordeal with Aizen and his Arrancars go down?
Amagai ended up living.
Ichinose, Kira, and Ran'Tao had there moment to shine. More from them in the future.
What is this eerie feeling that Kishin is getting? Who is Athotep? How does he know Yamamoto and Unohana? (After all the hints in the story thus far I'm sure you all already can guess who Athotep is)
What is the connection with Ikomikidomoe and the Royal Guards? And Ikomikidomoe used to be called Musabori Kuu Hito?
KIDO (Demon Way): Original Spell/Incantation
-Hado #89: Hyoga Seiran (Glacial Vapor Storm)
-Bakudo #21: Sekienton (Red Smoke Escape)
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/?
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/?
POINTS OF INTEREST:
-Aizen and his Arrancars/Gin and his message to Kishin
-Kishin's level 100 Kido Spells/Kishin's Bankai
-Kishin's Division/Kira Izuru, Ran'Tao, Ichinose Maki/Kishin's Relationship with Rukia and the Kuchiki Clan
-Kinji's Shikai and Bankai/Kido Corp and the 9th Division
-The Bakkoto and the Kasumioji Clan
-Azashiro Soya, the 8th Kenpachi locked down in Muken/Unohana Retsu, the 1st Kenpachi
-The assassination attempt on Ran'Tao's life
-Tokinada and his killing of Kakyo/The shady way he became Head of the Tsunayashiro Clan/Tsunayashiro Clan Hidden Archives
-Karin's growing involvement with the Shinigami/Awareness of the Soul Society
-The stolen prototype of Urahara's Tenkai Kecchu
-The Five Great Noble Clans and their Ancestral Weapons.
-The Dark World Mirror
-The truth of the Soul King/Origin of the World
-The Beast Realm/The Beast King, Shukenja Amo/Bi'an Kingdom/3 Alpha Clans/Jujin Race
-The First Gotei 13 Captains
-War with the Quincy's 1000 years ago/The Quincy King Yhwach/Kaiser Gesang
-The Great Hollow War/The Wild Lands/The Canyon of Rift and Sorrow/The Great Hollow Lord
-Amagai remains 5th division Captain
-Athotep/Shogo/This new dark eerie unknown land and dark castle
-Ikomikidomoe/Musabori Kuu Hito/Royal Guard
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.
More Than 2100 Years Ago (Jujin Race sealed away into Beast Realm)
More Than 2100 Years Ago (5 Great Noble Clans Established)
~2100 Years Ago (Yamamoto establishes Shinigami Academy)
~1000 Years Ago (Gotei 13 established)
~1000 Years Ago (Shinigami war with Quincys)
~870 Years Ago (Athotep Appears/The Great Hollow War/Captain Kasumioji Kanata's death)
~600 Years Ago (Ran'Tao joins division 4 under Captain Nakayama)
~590 Years Ago (Captain Nakayama dies)
~570 Years Ago (Ran'Tao and other researchers experiment on eternality/immortality and creation of the Bounts)
~200 Years Ago (Eradication of most Quincys)
~200-110 Years Ago (Tokinada kills his wife Kakyo)
~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)
~60-50 Years Ago (Rukia is adopted into the Kuchiki Clan)
~50-40 Years Ago (Kishin reincarnates)
~25-20 Years Ago (Isshin is exiled)
~16-15 Years Ago (Ichigo is born)
~10-9 Years Ago (Kurosaki Masaki and Katagiri Kanae dies/Auswahlen)
~1-2 Months Ago (Sokyoku Execution and Aizen/Gin/Tosen defects)
~1 Week Ago (Bount insurgents enter Soul Society/Kishin, Kinji, Amagai become Captains/Bounts Defeated/Ran'Tao and Ichinose Maki join 3rd Division)
Present Time (Kasumioji Conspiracy/Amagai's betrayal and truth/Reveal of Athotep's Character into the story)
Time left until Hogyoku fully awakens = ~2 months and 4-3 weeks
Kira Izuru's Zanpakuto: Wabisuke (The Penitent One)
Shikai Release Command: Raise your head.
Shikai Appearance: The blade straightens out with a square-like hook at the end of the tip. It has a green colored hilt with a rectangular guard and the design of an omega symbol on the top and bottom half.
Shikai Abilities:
1. Wabisuke doubles the weight of anything it touches every single time having a stacking effect.
Ran'Tao's Zanpakuto: Ido-Ryoku (Moving Force)
Shikai Release Command: Bend before my will.
Shikai Appearance: The blade transforms with the point of the blade in the shape of an arrow head. The silver triangles on the guard transform to have one curved arrow extending on the right side pointing up and the curved arrow on the left side pointing down. It has a silver colored hilt and white diamond patterns on the side.
Shikai Abilities:
1. Henka No Ya (Arrow of Change): Ran'Tao can change the direction of anything she points her sword at. For instance, if a cero is fired at her, she can point at it and change the direction of the attack. She can draw in the air the path that the attack will take and make it fly in loops, circle around, dash up or down, turn around, etc. Once the object completes the path that Ran'Tao created the path ends unless Ran'Tao continues to draw more paths.
2. Henka No Michi (Path of Change): Ran'Tao can draw paths on the ground or on air as well that mark out a path which will cause those who come into contact with her vectors to move in that direction. They are invisible to the eye, but to those keen enough to sense reiatsu they can avoid her traps by sensing her reiatsu signature and markings left by her Zanpakuto in those areas.
Ichinose Maki's Zanpakuto: Nijigasumi (Rainbow Mist)
Shikai Release Command: Flicker with splendor.
Shikai Appearance: Has a grayish blue colored hilt with a rectangular guard designed with a circle pattern facing around the blade. The blade itself becomes invisible.
Shikai Abilities:
1. Magatta Hikari (Bent Light): Ichinose curves and bends the light around himself making him appear invisible to those around him.
2. Kokyu (Light Sphere): Generates a sphere of golden light to surround all targets in a certain radius enclosing them off from the outside.
3. Eiba (Shadow Blade): After Ichinose creates a powerful illumination of light he can control the shadows to form crescent shaped blades that attack his enemies from a distance.
Kibune Makoto's Zanpakuto: Reppu (Gale)
Shikai Release Command: Rampage.
Shikai Appearance: Takes on the form of a large three bladed weapon connected by a long handle in the center. The ends of the handle had large arrow shaped round edged blades pointing outwards whilst the center above the handle had a sharp blade extended out in a semi-circular fashion.
Shikai Abilities:
1. Kibune can throw his large weapon out causing it to fly through the air and attack his enemies from a distance.
Amagai Shusuke's Zanpakuto: Raika (Lightning Flash)
Shikai Release Command: Sever.
Shikai Appearance: Takes on the form of a white long sword with a hook at the tip of the blade and a curved shell with pipes at the hilt of the blade.
Shikai Abilities:
1. Can generate swings of slashing fire from the curved tip of his blade.
Bankai: Raika Goen Kaku (Lightning Flash: Karmic Flame Shell)
Bankai Appearance: His blade transforms into a large weapon as tall as himself. The hilt and guard transforms into a large white shell-like shield with the sword growing longer and thicker colored in red. The tip of the blade still remains curved and hooked as several jagged edges lined the inner portion of the blade.
Bankai Abilities:
1. By stabbing his blade into the ground he can cause an eruption of fire in the form of a wave to rush out at his enemy.
2. Raiendan (Lightning Fireballs): He can launch rapid balls of flaming fire at his enemies in quick succession.