I added Yoruichi's name in the character list on the story title card alongside Nero and Ichigo. Thought it was high time since she is one of the main characters of this story. When Yoruichi and Nero do get into a relationship I'll pair their names together too.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or Devil May Cry


Sons and Daughters Of Anarchy

The milky white rays of the moonlit night sky illuminated the otherwise dark city. The Seireitei remained on high alert, the invaders with the exception of one still remained at large. Owing to the late hour only a small token force was still searching for the Bounts. The rest of the Shinigami forces either resting for the night or in the care of the 4th Division. Needless to say the heavy casualties inflicted upon the Gotei 13 by but a single Bount was causing quite the stir among Seireitei higher ups. The cause of all this commotion, namely the Bounts themselves were with the exception of one member safely tucked away in an empty home bunking down for the night.

"A pity Mabashi is dead, though I must commend his results" Jin Kariya spoke in the most neutral tone not even bothering to act like he was disheartened at losing another of his kin. "Mabashi's work has now made it far easier for us to go about out own. A sizeable chunk of the Shinigami are no longer able to fight. The 2nd Division is essentially out of commission, the 4th Division is busy with the wounded and the 12th Division is trying to figure out how to safely extract the demonic power Ritz poisoned the Shiningami with. All in all I'd say Mabashi exceeded my expectations".

"I hear Captains Unohana and Kurotsuchi are busy with their respective work, Captain Soi Fon unfit for combat in her condition" Ichinose relayed what info he'd picked up. "Meaning only six Captains remain to stop us. This is all going just as you said Master Kariya".

"I wouldn't go that far" Kariya humbly brushed off the praise from the suck up former Shinigami. "By the way Ichinose. Have you heard anything of Sharp. I tried to find him but it seems he's hidden his reishi completely, even from me".

"I heard rumours but nothing concrete". Ichinose's face scrunched "What does it matter anyway. Sharp's never followed your ideals of justice nor does he care about anyone other than himself. If he wants to go off on his own and get killed then let him I say".

Ichinose had never liked Hugo Sharp. Nor did he ever make any attempt to pretend otherwise. Kariya smirked darkly "Perhaps you're right Ichinose. I'll grant it to Sharp we wouldn't have gotten this far or strong without him. Though as you say he has no intention of aiding us in our endeavour". He noted a twitch in the other occupant of the room "What's say you Koga".

Koga was caught off guard not expecting to be called out like that but but kept his composure "Sharp has always been a megalomaniac, his fixation on the occult and gaining more power have been his only ever drive. Even long ago when I first met him I could see the darkness in his eyes, in his soul. I warned you of him even back then".

Teaching the younger Bounts as he did meant Koga had developed the uncanny ability to get a feel for someone in just a short meeting. What he could feel from Sharp was pure unbridled lust for power. Ever since then Koga knew Arkham or Hugo Sharp as they called him now was in his opinion the most dangerous man he had ever met.

"Speaking of Sharp and his power I've been meaning to ask. When we all drank that little concoction of his and gained demonic power I've noticed a change in all those who did so. As if the power infected and corrupted them. Even I myself have felt a strain, though thankfully I've been able to suppress it". Kariya fixed his gaze on Koga, he could tell the man was growing more uncomfortable with the topic "Have you suffered any side effects so far?".

Keeping his cool Koga merely shook his head "Not per say".

Even a fool could tell Koga was trying to keep his answer as vague and ambiguous as possible. For whatever reason the topic of demonic power remained a sore spot for him.

"You think Sharp tried to poison you all". Ichinose spat "That bastard. I knew he was up to something from the start".

"It hardly matters now regardless". Kariya walked over to one of the windows peering out over the night time skyline of the city "Soon the Jokai Crest will be mine and when it is the power I shall receive will be far greater than that of the demonic power in me. And once I have the Crest revenge will be ours, and the Seireitei shall fall".

"So you're really going to go through with it?" Koga asked.

"Of course" Kariya replied "Why would I not. The retribution we shall deliver upon the Shinigami is long overdue".

"But what's the point" Koga sighed, sounding like a teacher trying to get a student to see reason. "There are so few of us left now. The Jokai Crest is said to be the source of us Bounts. Perhaps if used correctly we can use it to create more of our people". His mind drifted back to what the orange haired teen had said when he and Kariya had fought "Besides. How may people that participated in the genocide of our tribe even remain in the Seireitei, less than a handful? To most we Bounts were nothing but ancient history and if we continue on this path we shall become history".

Angered by the man's lack of conviction Ichinose jumped in "So what?! You want to just let the Gotei 13 get away with all their crimes. There needs to be some form of justice to-".

"-That's enough Ichinose". Kariya turned from the window to directly face Koga "I would love nothing more than for the Bounts to flourish again. But even if more of our kin were born from the Crest we would just be hunted down by the Shinigami". Shaking his head he was unswayed by Koga's naive hopes "No my friend. The only course of action open to us now is to bring an end to the Shinigami once and for all. Then and only then can the Bounts exist in peace".

His peace was a lie Koga knew. Much like he had with Sharp Koga had always known there to be darkness in Kariya. However he had remained loyal to the man out of belief that above all else Kariya desired the Bounts to live in peace. As of late that belief began to wane, just how many Bounts had Kariya sacrificed like pawns. Now the Jokai Crest was within his reach and he wanted to use that power that was sacred to the Bounts to further increase his own personal power.

It was at this moment Koga realised just how much a fool he and the other Bounts had been. Yoshino was right all along. Kariya and Sharp were no different, both cared only for themselves and their own lust for power. Only Sharp never tried to act like he cared for the Bounts while Kariya did. But in the end they were just two sides of the same coin. And each one equally capable of and willing to eradicate their own kin if it brought them more power.

The Bounts truly were done for. Though it wasn't the Shinigami that had killed them. It was Sharp and Kariya. And the Bounts had followed willingly like lambs walking into the slaughter house.


It was early morning now, dawn was on the horizon as evident by the flaming orange hue that dominated the retreating black sky. Much of the Seireitei had been evacuated as due to the cities enormous size it was nigh impossible for a force as small as the Gotei 13 to realistically cover every square inch. Meaning the Bounts had countless places to hide where the Shinigami might otherwise not think to look. One person knew this all to well. Weeks prior when Chad along with the others had broke into the Seireitei to rescue Rukia he had used this to his advantage. And so since splitting up with the others Chad had been searching areas of the Seireitei where he himself may have hidden if he were the one being hunted.

So far Chad had come up empty handed. After hours of searching the night before with no result he'd bunked down for some much needed sleep. Then less than twenty minutes ago he'd been woken up by Noba who had felt some Bount reishi in the vicinity and so Chad along with his Mod Soul were now on the prowl for said reishi.

"You sure this is where the reishi was?" Chad asked for reassurance.

Noba who was perched atop the muscular Mexican teens shoulder nodded "Yes. The Bount should be at least within a half mile radius of us. I can also detect another trace of reishi along with the Bounts. Though I'm not sure who it belongs to".

After some more running and getting stuck in too many dead ends to count. Honestly whoever the lead architect of the Seireitei was must have been a sadist with how confusing and maze like the layout had been designed. What did they hire the same guy that built the Resident Evil mansions. They reached a long alley way.

"What's the meaning of this. You wish to abandon our cause after everything Master Kariya has done for the Bounts".

"What I said was that if Kariya continues along this path his vision of a world where we Bounts live free won't exist as there'll be no Bounts left to live in it. All he wants now is needless death and destruction".

"Master Kariya has only ever worked to bring peace and justice to the Bounts. To put an end to the hypocrisy and tyranny of the Seireitei. He only has the betterment of others in mind".

"Keep telling yourself that Ichinose, if you repeat it enough times in your head you may start to fool yourself into believing it just as I did".

Intrigued to hear more of what these two mysterious male voices were on about Chad hugged a wall and shimmied along getting to the end of the alley way which opened up into a large wide space. Keeping his back against the alley wall Chad peeked into the open courtyard. He could see two men in the midst of an argument. One man looked like a typical Shinigami with his black Shihakusho, the other was far larger with bulging muscles and an orange mohawk.

"What are saying?" Ichinose asked accusingly.

"That maybe we've all been played for idiots this entire time" Koga admitted to himself more so than to Ichinose. "I'll stop anyone that is a threat to the Bounts. Even if that threat is Kariya himself".

A look of fury over came Ichinose "Why you! After everything Master Kariya has-".

Out of his peripheral vision Koga glimpsed something, he held up a hand to silence the whining Shinigami "-Quiet Ichinose, we have company. You can come out now boy".

Busted Chad saw no reason to hide any more, coming around the corner into full view "You're a Bount aren't you, and you" he looked to Ichinose "you're the Shinigami that Ichigo fought".

"My name is Go Koga" said man crossed his impressive arms over his toned chest. "You must be one of the Humans that have been causing us so much trouble of late".

Since the Bount had been pleasant enough to introduce himself Chad reciprocated "I'm Yasutora Sado, but people call me Chad".

"He's one of the Substitute Shinigami's friends". Ichinose focused on the plush teddy atop the teens shoulder "Another one of those Mod Souls I see, so that's how you found us. Unfortunate for you. While you may not be part of the Goeti 13 you are allied with them, I can't let you leave and risk you leading them back to us. Not when Master Kariya is so close to his dream".

Chad watched as the ex-Shinigami drew his Zanpakuto from his sheath getting into a fighting stance, the buff tanned skinned Bount made no move to attack but neither did he attempt to stop his companion. This was bad. From what Ichigo had told them this Shinigami was on the level of a Lieutenant akin to Renji. For as much pride Chad placed in his strength and power he was also realistic. He knew he wasn't at that level yet. But even by some miracle he won there was still the Bount to deal with. A miracle really would come in handy about now.

Luckily for Chad, or unluckily depending on your views, the Soul King itself threw him a bone.

Just as Ichinose was about to make his move he along with the two other men present were hit by an overwhelming sense of foreboding that froze them all in their tracks. The world itself seemed to lose all colour with gravity increasing by the second so much so it took great effort from ex-Shinigami, Bount and Fullbringer alike to not collapse to the floor from the ever increasing weight.

"W-What is this?" even with his great strength Koga could feel his body failing under the pressure.

Holding onto the teens shoulder Noba could tell Chad was having a hard time keeping his posture under such immense strain. "This reiatsu is incredible. I've never felt anything like it before" Noba reached out to get a better read "This isn't a Bount. This reiatsu belongs to a … Shinigami".

Struggling hard feeling his knees jitter Ichinose clenched his fists, rage seething into him. He knew this reiatsu all to well. "It's him".

The telltale noise of jangling bells made it clear to anyone with some knowledge as to who had arrived on the scene.

"Well well, looks like your wrong directions worked in our favour for once Yachiru" sure he'd wanted her to direct him to his Division barracks and somehow ended up on the opposite side of the Seireitei but hey he found the one's he'd been looking for so it was all fine.

"What do you mean for once Kenny. My directions always work out". The little pink haired woman climbed onto Zaraki's shoulder, looking at the three males struggling to keep to their feet scrunching her brow. "Huh. What's wrong with them. Oh I know. Kenny you've let your power slip out again".

"Tch" Kenpachi clicked his teeth "Not my fault these weaklings can't handle it". Yachiru sent a pout his way "Fine whatever". Brining his reiryoku back under control he groaned "There you happy".

Bobbing her little head Yachiru did a quick scan of the people in the courtyard "Oh look we found Maki just like I said we would, see I knew where were going" Kenpachi mumbled something about how he'd asked her to direct him to the barracks not Ichinose and that it was just a fluke. "Don't know who the one with the funny mohawk is. And huh" she squinted her eyes for a better look at the muscular teen "Hey! It's you. Icchi's friend, Muscles right?".

With the heavy reiatsu no longer weighing him down Chad was able to freely move again, he looked over to the roof where Kenpachi Zaraki was standing with Yachiru on his shoulder just as Noba was on his "Yeah".

Chad didn't bother to correct her on his name. Yachiru never used or remembered anyone's normal name anyway.

"Ichigo? Is he around here. He still owes me a fight, that white haired demon punk as well" even at a time like this Kenpachi's mind was focused on having a good clash.

"Just as deplorable as I remember" Ichinose directed all his ire at the Captain. "I didn't think it possible but you've gotten worse with time".

Tilting his head to the side Kenpachi grouched "Huh. What are you even talking about?".

"Hi Maki!" Yachiru unable to read the situation beamed a smile and waved at the former member of her Division. "Whatcha been up to since you left? Made some new friends I see, that's nice".

"He's with the Bounts" Chad said. "He fought Ichigo and helped the Bounts escape. The other ones a Bount too but I've never seen him before".

"Fought Ichigo? Well guess you've improved since the last time I saw you" Kenpachi grinned. "Maybe we should put your new skills to the test".

"I'm not some animal that takes pleasure in slaughter like you. However …" Ichinose tightened his grip on his blade, brow furrowing at Kenpachi. "… on this instance I'm willing so sully myself to your level. All to take you down once and for all and bring justice to all the innocents you've killed".

Rolling his eyes, well eye since one was covered with a patch, Kenpachi yawned "Man you sure talk a lot. I stopped listening half way through but it sounds like you're challenging me. You've grown some balls after all". Jumping down off the building and onto the floor Kenpachi arched his neck towards the Human teen "Hey you. Ichigo's friend. We've never met before but I'm gonna have to ask you to leave". He pointed at Ichinose "He and I have some private business to attend too".

"You've met him before silly" Yachiru pulled at Zaraki's spiky hair. "Back when everyone was focused on the execution thingy".

"Have I" Kenpachi focused on Chad trying to place him in memory. "Don't remember. Wait aren't you the one that uses bows".

"That's Uryu" Chad felt like Ichigo's description of Zaraki being a brick wall was true in both physical and mental descriptives. "I'm Chad, you broke me and the others out of our cell to help Rukia".

"Eh whatever" Kenpachi grunted unable to care less about whose who of Ichigo's friends. "Just hurry up and get out of here kid. If you stay I can't promise you won't get caught up in the battle".

Keeping his eyes on Zaraki Ichinose like wise warned his companion "That goes for you too Koga. I've been waiting decades for this moment and I won't let anyone stop me from delivering the penance Zaraki deserves".

While Koga knew judging ones abilities based on who had more reiatsu than the other wasn't a guarantee for victory the sheer difference in scale between the ex-Shinigami's and the Captains held little doubt in the Bounts mind as to what the outcome would be. "You can't possibly be considering fighting him. You must know if you do you'll surely die".

"You underestimate me Koga. I know Zaraki's moves and have been training for this very moment meticulously. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win no matter the cost". Ichinose knew he was disobeying an order, Kariya had asked him to watch over Koga fearing he may betray them but no matter how much he looked up to Kariya he couldn't keep to that order. Not when Zaraki was in front of him. 'Forgive me for disobeying you Master Kariya. I hope you can understand'. On the topic of disobeying Kariya Ichinose glanced at Koga from the corner of his eyes "Don't think I've forgot what we just spoke of. Next we meet I'll see what you have to say for yourself".

"That's where you're wrong" Koga took a brief moment to focus on Ichinose, then the Captain, then back to Ichinose. With sombre realism he muttered "I don't think we'll be seeing each other again".

Koga proceeded to leave the area slowly walking away before giving one final look at Ichinose and sighed. For as much of a pain as Ichinose was Koga couldn't help but feel empathy for the young Shinigami. He, like the rest of the Bounts, was just a mere pawn for Kariya to play with and use as he pleased. Now the fool was going head long into a fight even a blind man could see he had no hope of winning. 'What a waste of a life so young'. If there was one thing Koga hated it was seeing young lives with so much potential being cut down sooner than should.

Watching as the Bount turned a corner and vanished from sight Chad waited for Zaraki to take action but the bestial Captain didn't even so much as look in the Bounts direction. "We can't let the Bount get away. He might have information about what his boss it up too".

"So what. I couldn't care less about these Bounts and what games they're up too. All I want is a good fight and a bunch of weaklings that use toy dolls to do their fighting doesn't interest me at all". Kenpachi had never been one to take much interest in the orders of the Gotei 13, all he cared about was battle and who could provide him with some modicum of fun. "If you're so hell bent of stopping them then you go after him. Unless those muscles of yours are just for show".

Knowing he wouldn't be able to sway the Captain Chad opted to take Kenpachi's suggestion and chase after the Bount himself. "Noba can you still track the Bount?" the Mod Soul nodded "Alright then lets go".

Taking off Chad ran in the directions he was guided by Noba hunting the fleeing Bount down. After what little he had over heard of the conversation between the Bount and the former Shinigami Chad's mind wondered the possibility of perhaps being able to talk the Bount to their side. From what he had said it sounded like the Bount named Koga wasn't seeing things eye to eye with his leader Kariya. Maybe, just maybe Chad could convince the Bount to stand down and turn on Kariya without need of a fight.

But that was a big maybe. For as much as Chad hoped to end this without a fight he was no coward. If the Bount wanted a fight then he'd give him one. No way would he run. That's not what Ichigo would do. Not what his abuelo would do. He would do them both proud. After all Chad owed it to the Bounts. The last two times he'd battled them had he'd ended up needing to be saved both times. He swore to himself this time would be different.

Yachiru waved bye to the Mexican teen as he made his way after Koga "Bye bye Muscles. Hope you and your friend have fun".

Whether she was being humorous or she just straight up couldn't read the room Yachiru always did bring rays of light to gloomy sceneries.

"Finally now it's just us" Kenpachi locked eyes with Ichinose allowing a smile to stretch across his lips. "So you willing to put your money where your mouth is. You talked a big game when your friend was with you. Think you can live up to your own hype". Ichinose clicked his teeth, tightening his grip of his sword ready for battle, which got the blood flowing in Kenpachi "Well. What are you waiting for. Let the games begin!".


Chad was still running in the directions Noba guided him like the Mod Soul was his personal GPS and Chad was the Uber.

"Wait something is wrong" Noba suddenly exclaimed. "The Bount seems to have come to a complete stop and is no longer trying to outrun us, nor is he trying to mask his reishi. Almost like he wants to be found. I suggest caution Chad, this may be a trap".

A trap was a possibility, however Chad believed it to be something else "Not a trap. An invitation".

After a few more turns in the road Chad came upon a street which going from the decent size homes and shops must have been a civilian district where the more lower and middle class members of the Seireitei lived. Just like everywhere else in the area the street and buildings were all vacant, their occupants evacuated to the more secure areas of the Seireitei.

The only people in the street was Chad himself with Noba and the large hulking tanned skinned Bount who stood motionless in the middle of the street with his back to Chad.

"You're rather persistent boy. I had hoped you'd give up this meaningless chase. There is someone I need to speak with urgently". Spinning round to face the well built Human teen Koga held a steadfast demeanour "And I won't allow anyone to get in my way before that can happen. So I shall tell you this once. Leave me to my own business, this is doesn't concern you".

Chad shook his head "Sorry but I can't do that. The moment you Bounts attacked and killed innocent people you made it our business".

"A pity" Koga sighed but had expected such a reply. "I had hoped to end this without a fight but if that's how it must be then so be it". Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a spherical orb of metal.

As soon as he saw the metal ball Chad knew things were about to get intense so tried one last ditch effort "Wait. It doesn't have to be this way. I heard you talking about your leader Kariya" the Bount hesitated. "You don't agree with what he's doing do you. That's where you're going isn't it, to stop him. If that's the case then we're on the same side. We don't have to fight".

The young man's words hit home for Koga, it was just as he'd said. Koga knew Kariya had gone too far and was about to go ever further. Only now did he realise what a power hungry mad man he was. That all this time the greatest threat to the Bount wasn't the Shinigami but Kariya himself. A proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing if there ever was. But even still Koga couldn't take the young man up on his offer. Koga had helped Kariya and thus doomed the Bounts and so felt it was his reasonability to end him, or at least try.

After a long moment of pause Koga let out a heavy breath "For such a young man you are far wiser than one your age should be. However it is that very youth that doesn't let you see just how insulting of an offer that is. Perhaps when you're older you'll realise. Sometimes a man has to clean up his own mess". The metal ball in his hand began to levitate in mid air, a strange symbol illuminating from its surface "Zieg Dich Dalk".

Dozens of more small metal orbs appeared all around the Bount then almost as if drawn in by a gravitational pull the orbs flew towards and connected with the original orb Koga had wielded. Merging together like some amalgamated jigsaw puzzle. Once all the orbs connected they began to morph shape until the end result created what looked like an insect like body with a woman's torso and head all made of metal, even her hair which resembled the buns Princess Leia wore were metal.

"Well look what we have here. Such a fine strong and strapping young man". The metallic insectoid woman cupped her hands, or rather pincers, together and turned her head to the side as if embarrassed acting with false shyness "Oh see how he stares at me Koga, what can you expect from a boy going through puberty. Can't keep his eyes of a woman such as myself".

Koga ignored his Doll's sarcastic mockery at the Humans expense who was staring at his Doll in surprise and awe rather than anything remotely resembling lust. "This is my Doll and partner Dalk". Koga crossed his arms, intentionally making the veins in his imposing muscles bulge "Given how you've faced us Bounts before I assume you know what comes next after a Bount draws their Doll".

For as much as he wanted to end this without a fight Chad knew this wouldn't play out like some kids story. Right now Chad wasn't dealing with a Bount. He was dealing with a man. A man in the midst of moral conflict. Going off the Bounts muscles he much like Chad himself must be a gym rat. And as any fellow gym rat knows the best way to get through to another isn't by talking with words. But by talking with fists.

"Stay back Noba, I'll handle this myself" Chad reached up and took the Mod Soul off his shoulder placing him on the ground. Cracking the bones in his neck Chad coated his right arm in his telltale black, red and white armour. Raising his right arm out straight in the direction of the Bount he clenched his fist "I was always told to never raise my fists unless left with no choice. Right now it's the only choice you've given me".


This very moment served as a reminder as to why Ichinose despised Kenpachi Zaraki so intently. The former Shinigami stumbled back, his body aching from his injuries, huffing and puffing from exerting himself too much. While the bloodthirsty Captain had yet to even release one single bead of sweat.

"What, don't tell me that's all you've got" Kenpachi had high hopes this battle may provide him with some modicum of entertainment yet as it was going now that proved a fallacy. "You mean to tell me after all these years of training to fight me on my level this is the best you can do. What were just polishing the shoes of the Bounts like a good little errand boy or were you just lying to me about getting stronger".

"Bastard" the ex-Shinigami gripped. Ichinose could feel his muscles and bones aching, beginning to show the signs of fatigue. In a straight up fight this battle was wholey lopsided on Zaraki's favour and Ichinose's time was running out, soon he would exhaust all his strength. There was only one option left to him now.

"Aw what's with that face. Run out of tricks already" Zaraki's opponent had already tried to use invisibly to take him unaware and even tried to use the shadows to his advantage. All of which were nothing but parlour tricks easily thwarted by a warrior as experienced as himself. As he was about to make his move Zaraki noted a cluster of twinkling lights surrounding him "What the?".

"Your cruel life ends here Zaraki. Once and for all. My Captain will be avenged!" primed and ready Ichinose activated his trump card "Saigyoku Nijigasumi!".

The twinkling lights around Zaraki expanded outward, merging together forming a pure white dome with the perplexed looking Captain trapped inside.

"There's no escape for you now Zaraki!". Letting out a breath Ichinose put away his Zanpakuto "It's over. You're life is now avenged Captain". He watched as the dome of light began to compress crushing all matter inside and knew Zaraki was done for. The battle now won Maki began to walk away "Now to go see where Koga headed off to and-".

A tremendous surge of raw power erupted like a volcano so great it knocked Ichinose off his feet onto the cold hard floor "What. No that's not possible!".

The dome of light Nijigasumi created was abruptly torn asunder and shattered like glass. In the centre of the carnage was Kenpachi, an aura of yellow reiatsu coating him like a violent blanket. "Don't tell me that's your best move. Did you actually think you could take me down with that. Honestly that insult hurts me more than any of your attacks ever could".

Ichinose could only state in horror. His ultimate attack had been blown aside by Zaraki's ungodly reiatsu like it was nothing but a fart in the wind. "No. No. No!" he screamed like a child "It's not fair. How can someone as wretched as you be gifted with such power! You who cut down my Captain with no remorse! What is even your reason for fighting!?".

"My reason for fighting. Simple. I fight … because I like it!" Kenpachi resembled a wild animal as he admitted with not even a hint of shame.

"You have no honour. You're nothing but a brute! How the Gotei 13 ever let a beast like you become a Captain proves how far they've fallen. It's for that reason why I aide Master Kariya now. You are everything my old Captain was against. A man that fights for pleasure not a noble cause should never be allowed to lift a sword! You have tarnished the legacy my old Captain set out to achieve!" Ichnose's eyes widened as in a blink of an eye Zaraki stood right in front of him, his jagged sword pointed right at his face.

"How pathetic. To think I thought you might have grown since you left all those years ago. But you're just the same as you were back then. A whining bratty immature child". Kenpachi grunted in guttural honesty "You talk about your old Captain like you knew him but the truth is you have no idea what kind of man he was".

Maki frowned "What do you mean?".

"You disrespect your old Captain making him out to be some shy old maid that shivered at the idea of fighting. News flash he was a Kenpachi just as I am. And just as I took that title from him how do you think he took it from the man before him. With his sword! If your Captain could see you now he'd be disgusted in just how little you understand what makes a warrior a warrior. What makes a Kenpachi a Kenpachi".

"N-No. You … You're wrong" angered by the implication Ichinose rose to his feet, pulling out his Zanpakuto and slashed it against Zaraki's "My Captain was nothing like you!".

As their swords clashed Ichinose continued to yell.

"He was a great man!".

*Clang*

"A wise man!".

*Clang*

"An honourable just man!".

*Clang*

"A-".

"-A Kenpachi!" having enough of the disrespect he was showing for the former wielder of the title he himself now held Zaraki broke through the ex-Shinigami's guard and slashed him across the chest. "So you should treat him with the dignity he earned as a warrior".

Collapsing to the ground Ichinose dropped hold of his Zanpakuto putting his hand over the light gash on his chest, thankfully Zaraki had pulled his punches as the wound wasn't fatal but still hurt like hell. "… Stop - … Stop talking like you know him".

"You're right I don't know him. Not personally at least. But I know if he saw what you've become he'd be disgusted". The wounded man looked up at Zaraki with curious confusion "You were in the 11th Division yet you know nothing on what being a warrior is about. You spent years, not training to defeat me but serving the Bounts at their beckon call. You're unable to think for yourself. You just do as you're told. There's a difference between being loyal and being a slave. A warrior chooses their own destiny and picks their own fights. A slave obeys".

"S-Shut up … you … you know nothing" the stammering in Ichinose's words proved there was doubt in his voice.

"It's time you make up your own mind for once and decide. Just who are you Ichinose? Are you a warrior of the 11th Division that will put his life on the line to achieve his goal. Or a cowardly slave to the Bounts that will turn tail and run when the chips are stacked against him". Kenpachi's gaze was as sharp as steel "Your old Captain or your new Master. Who do you truly hold above all else?".

'I have to help Master Kariya. He needs me. After all he's done for me I should be there for him. But …'. An image flashed in Maki's mind of a time long since gone. The image of his old Captain helping train him in the ways of the sword. '… Forgive me Kariya. But I must follow my heart'.

Kenpachi watched as Ichinose rose from the ground gritting his teeth through the pain of his wound, holding a tight grip of his Zanpakuto wearing a determined face. "Now that's more like it".

Knowing this would be his final stand Maki Ichinose released all his power which had enough force to push Zaraki back several feet leaving a gap between the two fighters, his reiatsu took visible form around his body. "Kenpachi Zaraki! Face me!".

Letting out a raucous laughter Zaraki's grizzeled face contorted in excitement "Gladly. Now then". Taking off his eye patch an aura of yellow violent uncontrolled energy showered his body as his reiryoku was let free from the chains he kept it under "Show me you are a warrior worthy of having been in the 11th Division! Maki Ichinose!".

From the sidelines Yachiru played the role of audience as she took in the two warriors show. The amount of power being unleashed by the two caused a torrent of wind that made Yachiru feel like she was standing behind a jet engine. She watched on as the two warriors charged at the other like wild bulls. Then they met in the middle and clashed their bladed against the others will all their might.

For as skilled as Maki Ichinose was when faced with a man like Kenpachi Zaraki he might as well have been trying to climb a mountain with his hands and feet tied behind his back. Nijigasumi was split in two by the jagged nameless blade Zaraki wielded, now defenceless Ichinose could only stare as said blade went on to slice into his already wounded chest. This time the attack cut far more and far deeper than the last. It was clear Zaraki did not hold back. Was it out of cold anger or was it Zaraki's way honouring him like a true warrior?

"Garrgh" blood spat out from Ichinose's mouth, though it was nothing compared to the amounts of crimson that leaked from his chest as a result of the diagonal shaped gash. He collapsed to the floor on his back looking up at the morning sky, his voice a shallow whisper "… S-So … I failed after all … f-forgive me … Captain …".

Zaraki walked over to the downed man, seeing the light begin to fade in his eyes "Losing and failing aren't the same things. Not in the 11th Division anyway. You might have made some piss poor choices in your life but all that matters is in the end you went out like a true warrior. Any man who holds the mantle of Kenpachi both present and past can't deny you that".

It felt odd to be put at ease by the man he'd hated for so long but somehow what Zaraki was saying made Ichinose more accepting of his fate. 'Captain. Not long now. I'll be seeing you sooner than I thought'.


He had no idea just what type of metal this Doll was made of but Chad knew it must have been some special material not found on Earth. The Doll's strength alone was hard enough to deal with, every time Chad blocked one of her attacks he could feel the vibrations running along his arm, but the metal body she possessed also made it so none of his attacks made any significant damage. It was like punching … well what you would expect when you punched solid metal. Even his hands had begun to ache from the hits.

With a witch like cackle Dalk shot off dozens of spikes from her body like some needle gun aimed in Chad's direction. In response the Mexican teen slammed his fist into a nearby house tearing off the wooden door using it as an impromptu shield. Once Dalk ended her shots Chad hurled the wooden door at the Doll, Dalk simply shattered the door to splinters when it got close. Unknown to the Doll this was a ruse to catch her off guard by making the Doll focus on the incoming door thus taking her eyes of the Human.

Seizing his moment Chad fired off a blast of his spiritual power at Koga, after all if the Doll was proving too difficult to stop then taking out the one who held her leash was the next best thing. Things didn't go Chads way however, while Koga did seem taken by surprise by the move he quickly composed himself and formed an 'X' with his arms to shield himself from the attack.

Once the smoke cleared from Koga it was clear the attack had done some damage, albeit however minor, but the damage was voided when Koga simply absorbed the reishi nearby to heal his injuries. "A sensible idea going after me and not Dalk. But just because I'm made of flesh and blood unlike Dalk doesn't mean I'm frail. An attack like that isn't enough to harm me".

Not one to give up Chad turned his focus back on the Doll that was running up to him. Rearing back his arm he took a swing. For whatever reason the Doll didn't even both to try and deflect his punch, instead just smirked which put Chad on edge. As his fist came in close the Doll's body split apart into a multitude of metal balls.

"Yohoo. Up here" Dalk cooed out in a haughty manner, her head floating above. Controlling her body parts mentally she used each part of herself to surround the teen on all sides before barraging him with the literal sum of her parts.

Chad recoiled from the impacts but surrounded as he was he had no way out. He could only stand there as the multiple orbs of metal slammed into his legs, chest, arms and even head over and over. It felt like being walloped by an orgy of hammers. He was sure to be covered in bruises in the morning. If he survived that long that is.

Luckily for Chad he was soon saved from the ordeal when a red miasma of energy surrounded his body and teleported him outside the prison of metal, if only by a few feet.

Rubbing the back of his head where one of the metal balls hit Chad thanked his saviour "Thanks Noba".

"You're welcome" the Mod Soul wished he had his true body so he could teleport Chad miles away to safety, not just a few meters like he was limited to in this form. "But I feel I must implore you to leave. This battle is proving too dangerous".

"I'd listen to your friend if I were you boy" Koga called out as Dalk reformed her body standing beside her Master. "Face it, you can't win. None of your attacks are strong enough to harm either myself or Dalk. And from what I can sense of your decreasing reiatsu you're not far from running out of power. Your only option is to run, if you keep fighting you will die".

"I won't run" Chad said with conviction in his deep voice. "Everyone else is giving it their all so I have to do my part too". He held out his armoured arm "This arm. This power. It gives me strength. Strength I promised myself and my abuelo to only ever use to protect others. Even against overwhelming odds I refuse to give in".

"I admire your determination boy. I really do". Koga hardened his eyes on the teen "But I can sense the fear in you. No matter how brave you act I know you're afraid".

Instead of pretending otherwise Chad merely grunted in agreement "Of course I'm afraid. I'm not ashamed to admit. But just as my abuelo told me long ago. 'The only time a man can be brave is when he's afraid'. Anyone who acts otherwise is either a fool or too prideful for their own good".

'For such a young lad he truly is wise beyond his years. His convictions are stronger than any Bount I've met before. If only I'd had half as much of his strength of will in me I might have been able to wake up and see Kariya for whom he truly is earlier'. An ever so small smile could be seen on Koga "Your grandfather raised a fine young man. That being said I have a personal matter to attend to. So forgive me but I have to cut this short".

"You won't" Chad's bluntness made the Bount peek up in question "Kill me that is. I've noticed from the beginning of this fight you and your Doll have had several opportunities to kill me but you never took them. Instead you just keep trying to get me to quit. Then there's the fact you haven't once used any demonic power like the other Bounts. At first I thought it was because you you felt I wasn't strong enough to require your full power but the more I thought about I realised the truth". A brush of wind swept aside Chad's fringe revealing his eyes which bore right into the Bounts "It's because you don't have any do you".

Koga could hardly believe that of all the people to first discover this was some random Human kid. He'd managed to hide the truth from even Kariya, Sharp and the others but somehow this kid had seen through him. 'Maybe I should be more careful to mask my power in a fight'.

Yet it was true. Unlike all the other Bounts that had taken a sip of Sharp's magical concoction Koga had only pretended to do so. Pouring the contents of his cup away when no eyes were on him during the ceremony when Sharp had gathered them all to drink the blood and gain demonic power. Which is why unlike the others he had suffered no personality change from the demonic power corrupting him. Because he had no demonic power to be corrupted by.

'I never trusted Sharp with anything. The moment he offered us the chance to drink blood of all things to gain more power I knew there was a catch. No way would I sully myself in such an act'. Sure the chance of increasing his power had garnered some interest off Koga but what he had to do to get that power. No. He refused to sink to that level. A fact that seemed to have worked in his favour judging from the negative side effects the other Bounts which did drink the blood suffered.

"What of it" Koga challenged the Mexican Human. "Even if I don't have demonic power it still doesn't change the fact that you have no hope of winning. I'm done with this fight and I'm done going easy on you. I have an old friend that needs some sense beat into him. So if you're so determined to stand in my way then as much as I wish otherwise you leave me no choice but to end you here and now".

He was serious. You could feel the reiatsu build up around the Doll as she prepared to put an end to the young teenagers life if necessary.

"Chad" Noba spoke up unsettled "I know you want to reason with the Bount but I think he's through playing around. You need to leave bef-".

"-No. I started this so I have to finish it". Chad wasn't the best at sensing the more intricate elements of reiatsu but even he could tell there indeed was no trace of demonic power in the Bounts proving his assumption correct. "It's what my abuelo taught me".

"So the boy intends to fight even still. Unfortunate. I never liked hurting the young, much less killing them. But I have been left with no choice". Giving the command to his Doll Koga said "Dalk. End this now. But be quick. Don't make him suffer".

"You're always too soft on the kids Koga" Dalk absorbed nearby reishi into herself enhancing her powers. "Fine whatever. It'll be over before you can blink".

Both Chad and Dalk slowly got into their places, each one several meters away from the other starring their opponent down like some old fashioned Mexican stand-off. Then they were off. They sprinted forth getting closer and closer to the other on course to smash into one another. Once she was close enough Dalk let loose, separating her body into piece again only this time instead of smooth balls her body parts were now sharp spikes, each one hurling towards the Mexican about to turn him into a pin cushion.

In spite of the oncoming tirade of spikes Chad remained as cool as a cucumber. Only when the spikes were less than a meter from him did he spring his trap. He fired off another blast of spiritual power only he aimed his attack not at the Doll but at the ground. The result was a large cluster of asphalt and smoke that both acted as a shield to stop many of the spikes in their tracks while also blinding Dalk from seeing anything.

But by far the most noteworthy effect of Chad's attack was that the blast had catapulted him into the air, having used his own move as a pogo stick to get him up over the Doll. Now with his path clear he ran right up to the Bount who stood in awe at Chad's unusual but effective strategy.

Skidding to a stop in front of the Bount Chad pulled his right arm back as he poured every last ounce of power he had in what he knew would be his last attack. Koga like before readied for the attack using his arms as a shield.

This attack had to work. If Chad failed to stop the Bount here and now he would just escape. Sure he didn't seem like an evil guy the same way the other Bounts did but if push came to shove he would kill any Shinigami that tried to stop him. Chad hated needless bloodshed. He would do whatever was in his power to stop that. He had failed before and required saving but not this time. This time he would prove his worth. He would do his abuelo proud, live up the expectations Chad set for himself.

Out of nowhere something stirred inside Chad, a power he never knew he had and a voice that sounded like his abuelo. Unknown to Chad the armour on his arm changed just a slight, the shoulder extended outwards and the red colour patterns became more intricate while the white disappeared all together.

Letting this new sensation guide him Chad repeated what the voice was saying with a might roar.

"El Directo!".

The blast of reiryoku Chad fired off this time was different to the others. It was far more powerful and deadly in every sense of the word. It let off a three pronged burst where as his normal attack only had one, before reconvening in the centre erupting out in a violent explosion. The blast hit Koga head on point blank, at such close range Koga's defence was proven useless having been blown back from the blast and smashing into a concrete wall so hard a dent in the shape of Koga's body was left behind in the same fashion of the old cartoons.

"Koga!" Dalk reformed her body and ran over to her Master. Due to how they were linked Dalk could feel the pain Koga was in. It was not good, her Master was out of fighting commission. Had the kid been hiding this power all along or was he just as surprised by the force of his attack as they were. Going from the shocked look Chad was giving his own fist it was most likely the latter.

Once at her Masters side Dalk kneeled down to get closer, unlike other Masters and Doll's these two shared a bond of affection. "Koga" she whispered in woe, his body littered with nasty bruises, cuts and burns "Please Koga you can't let this-".

"-I'll be alright Dalk" Koga managed to utter softly, even just talking hurt. Thankfully the teen hadn't done enough damage to outright kill him. Though his body sure felt like it. "I … just need to rest …". Unable to focus his power in his banged up state Koga couldn't keep Dalk materialised any longer, his Doll reverting back to her sealed state. 'The boy sure did a real number on me. I can't even focus properly to absorb reishi and heal myself like this'.

Walking along the trail of destruction Chad stood over the defeated Bount, after using all his power in that one attack the armour of his Fullbring relinquished itself. "I've never enjoyed fighting. Least of all against someone who's as conflicted as you. I know you held back against me and I know there's something going on between you and your allies. Is that why you don't have demonic power, you fell out with them?".

"Not entirely". His voice was as meek as a mouse but he felt the Human had earned the truth "Truth is I'm not sure why I rejected Sharp's offer. I just knew there had to be a catch. As the saying goes if something sounds to good to be true it usually is. Especially when it comes to Sharp". On his back as he was Koga stared up at the sky "I've been a fool for far too long now. I just wanted to do something useful with my life before we Bounts come to an end. I owe you an apology Yasutora Sado, I called you a boy before but in truth you're a man. A far better man than I've been".

Noba made his way toward Chad taking in all the destroyed environment Chad's attack had caused "I'm impressed Chad. I had no idea you were capable of such a thing".

"Neither was I" Chad had no clue how he'd managed to unleash such power against the Bount but one thing was for certain. 'I need to train when I get back home. If I can unlock and master the power I just used I'd be able to help Ichigo and the others far better than I can currently'.

"Well regardless we need to get the Bount in the custody of the Shinigami before anyone else-" Noba swung his head to the side in alert "Someone's coming".

"A Bount?" if that was the case they were out of luck, Chad had used all his power.

"No I think it's a Shinigami" Noba said.

"Former Shinigami. I've been retired for a rather long while now" from out the corner came a woman. She wore a black Shihakusho with a lab coat over it. She had brown eyes with yellow rimmed glasses over them and light brown hair hung up with a hair pin. "You must be the ones I was told about. The Human, Mod Soul and Bount. Lady Shihoin's intel was correct after all".

As soon as he saw her Koga could scarcely believe what he was seeing "It can't be. Yoshino?".

"I have no idea whom this Yoshino is" the woman replied "My name is Ran'Tao".


"Hurry, we're getting close".

"You sure. The last time turned out to be a dud".

"That was one time!" Ririn was sick of Ichigo keep brining that up, she was sure he did it just to annoy her. "This time is for real, I know it. What I'm picking up is without a doubt the reishi of the Bounts leader".

"Good. I've got a score to settle with that guy".

Following Ririn's directions Ichigo sprinted up and down the Seireitei until eventually reaching their destination. "This is where Kariya is?" Ichigo asked to which Ririn hummed nodding her head "But this is the 12th Divisions barracks. Why would he come here".

From the look of the barracks it was clear Kariya had already arrived and with a bang I might add. Segments of walls were torn down and dozens of Shinigami lay on the floor. Some dead others more lucky being only unconscious.

Following the trail of chaos Ichigo made his way into the barracks main work station getting a lay of the land, the place looked more like a lab home to scientists than it did the home of soldieries and honour bound warriors like the other barracks he'd visited. As it was now though the room was a trashed mess, no doubt due to Kariya's assault. Each step Ichigo took caused the broken glass strewn on the floor to crack, snapped cables were spitting electrical sparks and the room was aglow in red light from the emergency alarm. It looked straight out of a sci-fi horror flick. All across the place were even more Shinigami either knocked out or dead.

Ichigo heard a soft mumble as someone began to stir, getting over to the one making the noise he crouched to his knees beside the woman placing a gentle hand on her shoulder to ever so slightly rock her awake. "Hey. Take it easy" now he was close to her he could make out her features, he hadn't really interacted with her before himself but he did know who she was. "You're the Lieutenant here right, Nemu was it?".

Nemu's eyelids fluttered as she slowly awoke "… Y-You're … the Substitute Shinigami".

"Yeah it's me. Call me Ichigo" he put an arm around her back to assist when she tried to sit up right "What happened here?".

"It was the Bount. He came here not long after Captain Kurotsuchi left to gather materials from the 4th Divisions morgue. He said he came here for …" Nemu spun her head and gazed at the broken vault door which beyond lay all her Divisions top secret research both past and present "… Oh no".

"Oh yes".

Immediately Ichigo felt the hairs on his neck stand up. Following where Nemu'e eyes were aimed Ichigo saw just who she was looking at. Jin Kariya was bathed in the red hue of the lights adding to his eerie vibe. He looked exactly the same as the last time Ichigo saw him, same red eyes, same silver hair, same pompous tilted smile on his face that made it seem he was always smugly looking down on all those around him. Yet there was one difference. He had taken off his shirt revealing his well toned chest. The most noticeable feature of his chest was an oddly shaped tribal tattoo.

"Kariya" Ichigo spat, still helping keep the female Lieutenant up right.

"Oh look it's the Substitute lap dog. A pleasant surprise to see you so soon" fixing his attention to the plush teddy on the gingers shoulder Kariya groaned "Those Mod Souls really are bothersome, my reishi must have unmasked itself during the transfer process allowing it to track me".

"Transfer process?" Ichigo cocked a brow "What are you talking about?".

"This" Kariya placed a hand on the tribal tattoo "Is the Jokaisho, also called the Jokai Crest, which birthed us Bounts into existence. It is a source of immense power and now it's mine. I have absorbed this great power into myself and with it I will finally be able to destroy the Seireitei".

"You-You can't be serious" Ichigo said hoping he must be kiding but knew better. "You're still hung up on that insane plan".

"Oh I'm very serious. Long have I waited for this day and nothing will stop me now. Not you nor anyone else". With this power Kariya would not only destroy the Seireitei and the Shinigami but he'd finally be able to put an end to Sharp once and for all. 'You may have been useful for a time Sharp but I think I've let you play your games for long enough. First I'll take out the Shinigami then I'll come for you. With the power of the Crest not even your demonic power can save you now'. Hardening his expression and tone Kariya announced "Savour your last moments with your friends and allies Ichigo Kurosaki. For today marks the end of the Shinigami".

In a flash Kariya was gone, using his speed technique to flee the area. Now hiding his reishi making it impossible for any Mod Soul to track him.


Well last night certainly went well. Never did Nero dream that he and Soi Fon would actually get along as they did. When she wasn't always wearing that strict hard ass persona she usually did she was actually pretty decent company. She also seemed to be taking to him far better than he anticipated too. Hell she even laughed at one of his jokes. Oh she pretended otherwise but Nero knew.

When dawn broke Yoruichi had arrived at Soi Fon's room when news had reached her of the woman's injuries she sustained at the Bounts hands. So concerned was Yoruichi for her former protege that at first she didn't even notice Nero was in the room. Yoruichi was more than elated when she heard of how two of the closest people in her life had now put aside their differences and were on the path to become friends.

And so it was that Nero, Yoruichi and Soi Fon spent the morning in the hospital room together talking over many topics. Yoruichi informed then that during the night she'd gone to visit Ran'Tao requesting any assistance she could offer and that the former Shinigami had agreed, albeit after much deliberating and refusals but if Yoruichi was one thing she was persistent. No one not even Ran'Tao could resist her reasoning and charm.

While Soi Fon was no longer against Nero's company the devil hunter knew she wanted to have some alone time with Yoruichi. So Nero being the gentlemen that he was excused himself from the room so the two sisters in all but blood could have their private girls time. With no real destination in mind on a quest to kill time Nero found himself in a nearby empty park, it was a small place, more a patch of grass with two tress than a true park, being the size of most peoples back gardens. But there was a little fish pond with Koi swimming around that would serve to kill his boredom while he waited to return to his two female friends. So he took a seat on the only bench in the 'park' and just sat back watching the fish go about their lives.

It was a nice change of pace from all the hustle recently. Just a nice relaxing break in the park.

Disappointingly for Nero this peace was interrupted by the noise of …

"Is that a motorbike?" the Seireitei was perpetually stuck in the Edo period and for all the time Nero had been here he'd never seen an auto-mobile before. Which made the sound of a booming engine all the more peculiar. Craning his neck behind he went into alert mode when he saw the motorbike speed up an elevated patch of grass using it like a ramp, it's trajectory coming straight at him "Oh shit".

Getting up off the bench just in time Nero narrowly avoided the bike's wheels from slamming into his head as would have been the case if he'd remained seated. Wiping the dirt the tires kicked up off his coat he looked over at the bikes driver, they had their back to him but he could tell from her figure it was a woman. "What the hell lady, go play Evil Knievel somewhere else".

"I can sense it" the woman said, her voice full of bitter loathing. A voice that struck a cord with Nero thought he couldn't put his finger on why. "That filth that you call power. You have it just like he does. Those that would lower themselves to demons are nothing but foul scum".

"Ouch. Stick and stones and all but that's just mean" Nero couldn't see her face with her back to him but he could tell from her body language she was not pleased with his playful banter. "Anyway in this modern politicly correct time we live in I personally feel attacked by the phrase 'Demon'. I prefer the term 'Mortally Challenged'. Much less offensive don't you think".

"Tch" the mystery woman clicked her teeth "Just as arrogant as he is. I hope losing your Humanity was worth it you son of a bitch. You want to be like the demons well then let me send you too them!".

With that outburst the woman spun her bike 180 degrees digging tire marks into the ground as she did. Now aimed face to face with Nero giving him his first good look at her scowling face.

To Nero it felt like his sense of reality had just been torn asunder. Words couldn't describe just how he felt in this moment. It was a good job Nero didn't need to breath air to live because as soon as he saw her face his throat closed up. Eyes ballooning like saucers and lips trembling as his words caught on his tongue. Not that he would even know what to say. Nero had been living in this universe now for several weeks and in that time he felt he'd come to understand everything it had to offer. That misguided belief was shattered into a thousand tiny pieces when he laid eyes on the woman's face. She may have looked a little younger than when Nero had last seen her but he knew that face all to well.

"… Lady?" Nero's voice was but a whisper and sounded more like he was questioning himself than the woman.

With his mind in such inner turmoil Nero failed to notice the cocked magnum in Lady's? hand.

"The names Mary, I'll carve it into your tombstone".

*Bang*

The bullet ripped right through Nero's skull causing him to fall to the floor from the blowback, a pool of blood forming around his body as it leaked from his cranium.

The part Bount Mary put her gun away taking one last look at the presumably dead snow haired male without a hint of remorse. 'Going from his reiatsu he wasn't a Bount. I don't actually know what he was. But all that matters was he dared to let himself sink to the level of the demons. I'll make sure anyone who does pays with their life'. Revving the throttle on her bike she accelerated kicking up some of the soil on the grass and sped off leaving the teen she assumed dead behind "Now it's your turn father".

Nero's head was on fire. And not because of the bullet lodged in his brain, he couldn't even feel that. He was locked inside his own thoughts trying to explain to himself what had just happened to no avail, so enthralled his body felt numb and senses paused to the outside world. He didn't even notice when his healing factor spat the bullet out and healed all the damage.

So caught up in feeling like he was living some M. Night Shyamalan twist movie, the good ones not the recent crappy ones, that Nero didn't even notice his name being called out in his dazed state. It was only until the person yelling his name was kneeling beside him with her hand on his chest did he notice her presence.

"NERO!" Yoruichi called out his name for the dozenth time, a look of worry maring her beautiful face. Finding the man she had grown so fond of lying on his back in a pool of his own blood wasn't usually a cause for concern given how he could heal from practically any injury. But this time was different. She could almost sense the emotional and mental turmoil he was in. He blinked repeatedly like he was testing if this was real or a dream before rising to a sitting position. "I sensed some kind of Bounts reiatsu here and heard a gunshot. What happened?".

"What happened?" Nero repeated in a mummer, accepting Yoruichi's hand as she helped pull him back to his feet. "… I … I erm …. She …". Surveying the area Nero saw no hide of hair of the woman that looked, sounded and acted so much like the Lady he knew, yet didn't recognise him. With a look on his face that accentuated his inner strife he said "I honestly have no idea".


Within a pristine study room laden with books of all sorts a man sat cross legged by a lit fire. The crackling of the logs and sparking embers providing a tranquil ambience. Which stood in stark contrast to the dead bodies in the room the man currently sitting was responsible for.

Arkham or as most knew him now Hugo Sharp flipped the page of his book he was reading when he felt some disturbance rattle the air. His lips curled in a devious manner "So my darling daughter has finally arrived. I was beginning to think she'd never show up. Then again just like her mother she was always one to be fashionably late to the party".

Rising from his chair Sharp walked over to one of the windows looking out at the Seireitei, stepping over the bodies of the homes owners. Pulling out the one half of the Amulet he stroked his thumb over the red jewel "How long I have waited for this moment. Now the time has come I can scarcely believe it. I feel as though I must be dreaming". Dangling the Amulet in front of his face mere inches away his visage reflected off the ruby gemstone "This day shall forever be etched into the history books for aeons to come. Tonight marks the dawn of a new era. For this is the day the Demons shall return and Temen-ni-gru shall rise once more".


This chapter was not my best work I admit. I had major writers block for the first half of it. While I wanted to give Chad time to shine and while I do enjoy his character, man he is a pain to write as the main character for a segment. Even harder when the characters he's with are Koga and Ichinose both of whom are, lets be honest not all that interesting. But I felt I owed Chad as the last two fights he's had (against Yoshi and Gessel) he got his ass kicked and had to be saved both times.

So Chad fought Koga and Dalk and won, good for him. I felt like giving Chad something to do as he gets shafted a lot in canon. I literally don't even remember what he did during the TYBW unless I read the wiki and remind myself. Hell even the Fullbring arc an arc in which Chad should of been at the forefront of he becomes a background character. So thought he deserved a win here. Plus Koga didn't take Nero's blood so he has no demonic power so would of got slaughtered against any Captain he faced (I really didn't like how in the actual Bount arc the Bounts can go up against the Captains in a one on one. I get Kariya and all but Koga taking on Hitsugaya, Yoshi taking on Byakuya, you get the picture. It made no sense).

I know there wasn't much of a 'fight' between Ichinose and Kenpachi but I mean come on this is Kenpachi Zaraki, he (and any Captain for that matter) would make mince meat of Ichinose who is at best Lieutenant level. The only reason Kenpachi let the fight go on and didn't just one shot Ichinose like he did Giriko (Fullbringer clock man) is because Kenpachi does actually feel pity for people and felt a little guilty about Ichinose.

So Nero and Mary/Alt Lady's first meeting didn't go to well, go figure. I mean the one of the first times Lady and Dante spoke she shot him in the head without so much as a hello. Suffice to say Nero is a little shocked at seeing a younger Lady from the Bleachverse.

Next chapter will be the big one. A tower shall rise and all hell will break loose. Can't wait. See you then.