Author Note: Normal classification in tiers below Master rank is basically starting at Low-tier, Mid, then finally High-tier. It marks the achievement of someone in mastery: Low-tier means they just entered the mastery rank, Mid-tier means they're around average, High-tier means they've reached the highest level possible before transitioning into a higher mastery rank.
Peak-tier is only for Master rank, one stage above High-tier in said rank. Absolute mastery over control, technique, power and execution. Tiering only helps to give people some idea how high one's achievement in the four combat techniques. Referring to only their ranks is acceptable if you find tiering to muddle the existing power scaling.
Chapter 7: Behind The Scenes
The First Division's HQ Barracks. Inside the Captains' Assembly Hall.
Just before Shugo's tenure in the academy started.
Today's meeting was most unusual, since only a few were called upon by the Captain-Commander to participate in the gathering for the day. Their silhouette reflected by the smooth wooden floor. The red walls surrounded the interior of the hall.
At the opposite end of the entrance to the hall, right in front of a somewhat enshrined long scroll that was rolled open from the border between the center wall and ceiling to just barely above the height of a person, with two lanterns placed at the center near the enshrined position to light up the room, sat the big man himself on a wooden chair with a very long backrest.
Holding his "staff" with his two hands in front of himself and resting one foot above his knee, Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni carried himself with the aura and presence that commands respect. While certainly looking like a very kind grandfather, the man is certainly far from that when push comes to shove.
Meanwhile, the invited captains, who only numbered four people, were split between his left and right side at a distance from each other. To his left were Kyoraku Shunsui and Ukitake Jushiro, captains of the Eighth and Thirteenth. To his right were Unohana Retsu and Sui-Feng, captains of the Fourth and the Second, respectively.
Normally, Shunsui would be sitting at the same side as Unohana and Sui-Feng. However, in this particular case, he's sitting next to Ukitake, since they're the only ones invited for the meeting. The two sides represented perhaps quite interestingly, for they will help in deciding the way to handle the aftermath of recruiting the ryoka known as Shugo Kurenai. The two on his left represents the remaining Gotei 13, while the two on his right represents those that came into contact personally with the ryoka.
That is not to say that Kyoraku and Ukitake does not know of the ryoka, it was rather about them having yet to interact with said ryoka. In comparison, both Sui-Feng and Unohana had interacted with the young man, especially Unohana since she was the one that operated his surgery and subsequently housed him.
THUD!
Without glancing at his subordinate captains in the hall, Yamamoto tapped the floor with his staff, signifying the start of the meeting.
"We shall now begin discussions regarding the matter of the former ryoka, Shugo Kurenai." Yamamoto said with a dignified, audible voice.
He then glanced at Unohana who nodded at him, to which he responds with another nod to her.
"As we all know, former ryoka Shugo Kurenai arrival into Soul Society in a rather less-than-subtle manner. We found him in the center of the crater, battered and injured while still holding the remnant of a sword." Unohana began to explain.
Ukitake and Kyoraku both nodded at that. They arrived not too long after the surgery started, so they were able to hazard a guess based on the blood trail that dripped from the stretcher.
"The former ryoka's body is not dissimilar to a human body. But it was simply in the general sense. The deciding element that makes him different than a normal human is the presence of a previously-undiscovered energy, that he called as "Aether"." She explained.
"According to the words of the ryoka, this "aether" is, in essence, what we consider reishi as. However, in his opinion, it differs in that it may have adverse effects if it shifts extremely to one of the six polarities he called "elements" that may become permanent in prolonged exposure with severe adverse effects." She gave the summary of his words.
Both Ukitake and Kyoraku raised their brows at that.
"Getting back to the topic in hand, following his explanation of "Aether", Shugo Kurenai had also explained of his origins and whence he came from, sufficiently proving that he was not from our World of the Living, simply due to the biological and other aspects of him." She ended as Yamamoto glanced at her and she nodded, before sitting down.
"To that end, after much deliberation, I concluded that the former ryoka has no ill-designs on Soul Society or the World of the Living, and it would be more beneficial to recruit him into our ranks. Thus, I persuaded him to enroll into the Shin'o Academy before joining one of our divisions." Yamamoto said.
Ukitake was surprised, while Kyoraku looked like he was pondering on what he had just heard. Being his personal students, they knew that the old man would not make that decision lightly, or out of a mere whim. While cunning to a degree, Yamamoto is known to make decisions that is always for the good of the Gotei 13 and Soul Society as a whole.
"Sensei… This matter shouldn't be discussed with only us four. It would've been better to have all the other captains present as well." Ukitake said, confused with his master's decision on hosting the meeting.
"I understand your doubt, Ukitake. However, both you and Kyoraku are my personal students, hence I trust you two more and would rather have only the few here to discuss." Yamamoto shook his head.
"I see…" Ukitake nodded before musing.
Yamamoto smiled at his student. The white-haired captain, even with his sickly body, was still engaged in his duty as a Captain of the Gotei 13 and worried for the Seireitei and Soul Society.
"In regards on what approach we should give in teaching him of our ways, I believe that it would be best if he is to be dedicated to one of the four combat forms for one year each, in addition to the general education, reiatsu control and usage classes." Yamamoto then said.
"Yama-jii, do we even know if he could use reiatsu?" Kyoraku tilted his straw jingasa a bit and asked.
"On that topic, we don't have to worry." Unohana spoke up.
"Please elaborate, Captain Unohana." Ukitake nodded and politely requested.
Unohana nodded, before she stepped up and said, "Just two weeks ago, I have instructed him in the basics of reiatsu and reiryoku, also witnessed by my Lieutenant. And just from his perception of reiatsu alone, he was very sensitive to it, to the point that he was on his knees due to the amount he was sensing for the first time."
Yamamoto only nodded, while Sui-Feng remained silent. Both Ukitake and Kyoraku look invested in her explanation. The room was silent as Unohana continued her testimony.
"After a week, he managed to learn to not only sense reishi proper, but also sensing his own reiatsu, and releasing it. The incident a week ago pertaining to the reiatsu spike that occurred in the Fourth's barracks was him releasing his reiatsu for the first time." Unohana continued.
Kyoraku looked like he was very interested in the young man now. Sui-Feng kept her silence, though she twitched a bit after Unohana's remark.
"T-that ungodly amount of reiatsu… Was him?" Ukitake stutteringly asked, guffawed at what he just heard.
Even when he was still bedridden at that time, he could feel that reiatsu spike.
"Yes, it was, Captain Ukitake. When I asked him about why his soul state seemed rather bizarre, he told me something pertaining to the nature of his soul." Unohana nodded and began recounting Shugo's words.
Ukitake and Kyoraku looked at each other, as if it was a ridiculous and utterly preposterous story. But coming from Unohana, and with the confirmation from both Sui-Feng and the old man himself, they could not help but be stupefied at hearing the story. Unohana understood their reprehensive reaction at it, but she continued with her recounting.
"After six shards rejoined to his world, referred to as the Source due to it being the shard that was the original, his soul and the inhabitants had partially been restored to half of what it used to be. Prior to his arrival, his soul that had eight of the fourteen parts had been empowered by what he calls "The Mother Crystal", making him the only person to be fully whole." She faithfully recounted.
The room was silent once more. Putting aside him being empowered by something that could be considered as a deity, the question becomes what necessitates him to do such a thing? That was the question that was swirling inside Ukitake's mind. Kyoraku kept his silence.
"If the two of you have any other questions, the time to ask is now." Yamamoto said as he tapped the floor with his staff once more.
TAP!
His voice and the sound of his staff tapping the floor dispelled the silence in the hall.
"Then, I would like to ask…" Ukitake stepped forward.
"Please ask away." Unohana nodded with a smile.
Clearing his throat, Ukitake asked, "So we've established that he's originally a mortal from his world. But what is he now?".
"To keep it short, he is akin to us. His species, which he simply refers to as the "Ancients" were masters of aether manipulation, capable of creating things by simply manipulating aether or using aspected crystals using "magic" known as "creation magic", according to his words." Unohana explained.
"This isn't even mentioning his ability, the so-called "Echo" that his species innately has. Although he stated that his current incarnation awakened it within the recent decade prior to his arrival here, his original species had it as part of their innate ability." Sui-Feng interjected.
"So… What does this "Echo" do?" Kyoraku asked.
"That ability allows him to peer into the soul of a person, seeing into their memories of the past. Granted, that's one of the more known abilities. Other things it could do includes universal language translation and understanding, and immunity to what he refers to as "tempering"." Unohana answered.
"Tempering?" Ukitake raised his brow.
"In his words, tempering meant absolute domination and enthrallment of a person to a certain will, or command." Sui-Feng explained succinctly.
"So… Brainwashing?" Kyoraku tilted his head.
"Were it so simple…" She shook her head.
"Tempering is far worse than brainwashing, Captain Kyoraku. If his words are correct, then tempering literally means the affected person becomes an absolute slave, totally subordinate to whatever will that imposed the tempering upon them." Unohana explained.
That caused Kyoraku to sigh in reprehension, while Ukitake looked pale. Such a ghastly thing…
"However, it is not impossible to treat those who became "tempered". According to him, the cure was found only recently prior to his arrival here. But to explain it would require more time, hence we will table it for the time being. For now, let us go back to the topic on hand." She clapped her hands.
Ukitake reluctantly nodded, since they were straying a bit much from the topic he asked.
"Calling him mortal would be a…disservice. The Ancients, according to him, might very well be immortal thanks to the aforementioned "Echo" ability. In short, the Echo allows their souls to travel through the rift between life and death and maintain their souls' sense of self. Not to mention, the powerful ones can possess living people to interact with the physical world, while the lesser ones can only use dead bodies and can't go through said rift." She explained once more.
"I see, so that's why you say he's not so different to us." Ukitake nodded in understanding.
"So… He could, say, go through the Dangai or Garganta without any problem, and able to possess living people?" Kyoraku asked.
"According to Kurenai-san, yes, in theory. However, he had yet to try so since just before he departed his soul became whole, and his abilities were fully unlocked." Unohana confirmed.
"Heh…" Kyoraku said in amusement.
"However, like us, he is not invincible. He could still be killed, albeit it's complicated, to say the least." Sui-Feng added.
"Please elaborate, Captain Sui-Feng." Ukitake gestured.
"In summary of his words, it would require an object to trap one in the mortal plane and a pure blast of "aether" to kill one. For our case, it would be reishi instead of aether." She elaborated succinctly.
"At the very least we know we have a way to deal with him." Ukitake sighed in relief.
"But he could lie, you know? It could all be just some lie and instead we could boost him." Kyoraku pointed that out.
"I don't think he's one to lie." Unohana stated.
"Oh?" Kyoraku raised his brow in interest.
"He simply has no reason to. He's a stranger to Soul Society, and he has no real motive to harm us." Unohana reasoned.
"Heh… Are you sure it's not because of other reasons, Unohana-san?" Kyoraku said with a teasing note.
In return, she simply smiled at him. That sent shivers down his spine.
"Okay, okay, took it too far…" He raised his hand in surrender.
"While I admit I sympathize with his struggles, however, it's not merely because of that. He simply lacks much that binds him to have any reason or motive to harm us. But that also applies to that he doesn't have any reason to help us either. Simply put, he has done his duty to the world, as far as he's concerned." She explained blankly.
That stumped the people in the room, though Yamamoto was unperturbed. After a few moment of silence to digest everything so far, Ukitake stepped forward.
"But… Isn't he being too honest?" Ukitake frowned.
"As I've said before, Captain Ukitake. He simply has no ill will towards us." Unohana shook her head.
"Be that as it may, by joining us, he shall have that which will bind him to our cause." Yamamoto immediately ended the conversation.
"Understood, Head Captain." The four captains replied in unison.
Yamamoto nodded in satisfaction. Unlike some discussions that had taken place, this time it was genuinely productive. And without much issue between the participating captains during the discussion. A rare occasion, but certainly a welcome one.
"Now, we shall properly discuss on how to impart our education to him…" He declared as they began discussions on how to arrange Shugo's education overall.
By the end of the meeting, supposedly around the evening, the contents were all agreed upon and were put into the recommendation letters by all three captains. Kyoraku and Ukitake were excluded.
Nijisei Anya was one of those female students in the academy that doesn't really follow any particular trend that was popular in the academy. She was never one aiming for the top, despite able to be one of the top 5.
What she wanted was simplicity; becoming a Shinigami to get paid, have a place to live in, and eat decent food. Living in the District 59 was not exactly forgiving, though she was lucky enough to have a household that was more than capable to keep the family sheltered, clothed and fed. However, due to the lack of any possible extras, she wishes to seek it herself, since she wasn't about to burden it on her family.
To that end, she entered the Shin'o Academy. Accepted with decent entrance grades, kept up with decent marks in classes, and even managing to get some jobs from the Gotei 13. Being a commoner wouldn't exactly have helped her circumstance. Hence, the only reason that others didn't pay much attention to her is because of the top ranker, and she was rather thankful for the guy. If not, some people would certainly pay more attention to her exploits.
"Nobility or not, at least he's not making things harder." She wondered aloofly.
This thought proved to be right when she heard of what transpired during the students' visit to the World of the Living. Pretty much a repeat of what happened several decades ago, twenty people died in the latest excursion. Most notable, however, of how one group, or rather one person, managed to stem the Hollow tide that were threatening to overwhelm the group and instead slaughtered the Hollows.
She wasn't fazed as much, though it does prove her point of him. She never really bothered him, though every once in a while, she would pass by and see him training or whatnot during practical classes. She would only glance at him for a moment before going on with whatever she was going to do at the time.
"Not really what you'd expect from a noble." Was what she said when someone asked her opinion on him after the incident.
That being said, she never interacted with the guy in person. Most of the time, she only saw him whenever she passed by the practical classes or during inter-class subjects. However, that streak would be broken on a certain day.
The schedule for classes within Shin'o Academy is a bit unique. Between theory and practical classes, there's always this break time prior to the start of the next class. And aside from the four combat style classes, there's also the general education classes.
General Education classes are usually taught within the first year. Although they're compulsory, compared to the combat classes however, they're not strict in passing grade. At the very least, one should have grades at the 50% or above. As to the subjects within the General Education classes, they typically teach things like arithmetic, biology, history, physics, economics, geography, and such.
If you're asking how Shugo did in General Education, then this should give a simple image: 80%. He was well versed especially in arts and calligraphy, mainly due to his pre-existing skills and/or education from his childhood. Economics and arithmetic go together due to his own financial management, though the theories still helped in reinforcing what he already knew.
His interest in history is mainly due to his nature when he was still Azem, since it also teaches and discuss about the past sociopolitical and cultural phases of the two separate worlds, which was his main interest when he wants to learn about a civilization and their culture.
Especially the parts regarding the history of both the Human World and Soul Society. He was rather disturbed on several parts of the taught history, such as the World Wars in the Human World and the more recent Vanishing Souls and Hollowfication incidents in Soul Society. More so of the fact that the Central 46 seemingly handed down the verdict without any fair trial in process to the supposed perpetrators and victims.
This was not even mentioning the Quincy Massacre by the Shinigami in recent history. That certainly gave him quite the perspective on how Soul Society (or rather the Seireitei) reacts to threats to what they consider as the "Balance".
His prowess in biology mainly stemmed from his experience as a White Mage, having seen and experienced numerous wounds on his (and his party members) body before treating them with healing spells like a simple Cure or Regen.
Overall, he did rather well.
Now, if we go back to the main topic here, is that Nijisei Anya will encounter him since apparently, the classes on general education may allow for mixing between students from different classes. As fate would have her be in the same class as him for economics and history.
Said subjects in which it's usually held on Tuesday and Thursday respectively, at around 3 PM and lasts for two hours or so. Thus, it's one of the main reasons why it's considered to be one of the more time-consuming classes. Hence, it's quite the effort for others that Shugo even managed to finish them in two years, while having to tend with the combat classes to boot.
In the class arrangement for the two subjects, Shugo usually sits somewhere near the middle. It makes it easier for himself. Meanwhile, Anya tends to sit on the far upper left row, and more often than not keeps to herself. Because of the combination of both her nature and her seating, she never interacted with him directly, despite she could clearly spot him amongst the many students in the class.
However, one incident would be her first interaction with the man.
That Thursday, they were having the history class. In it, the teacher was lecturing about the subject that Shugo was not exactly fond of in regards of Soul Society: The Vanishing Souls and Hollowfication Incident. Said tragedy occurred well around a hundred years or so ago, in which it involved souls that lived in a certain Rukongai district began to literally vanish, unable to maintain their human form.
It's one thing if they simply upped and left, that was not an uncommon thing to happen. It's another when they literally vanish due to being unable to keep their human form. Even according to some reports, these poor souls were said to die violent deaths at that.
Soon after, the Gotei 13 sent Captain of the Ninth Division at the time, Muguruma Kensei, along with his Lieutenant, Kuna Mashiro, and three others of the Ninth Division to investigate. However, they too dropped off the radar of the Gotei, their reiatsu signatures disappear.
"Following that, Head Captain Yamamoto sent for several Captains and Captain-class Shinigami towards the last known location of the missing Ninth Division members. Members including Captains Aikawa, Hirako and Otoribashi, Lieutenants Ushoda of the Kido Corps and Yadomaru of the Eighth Division." The teacher said.
"Lieutenant Hiyori of the Twelfth Division had been sent ahead to help the Ninth initially, but she would be found later by the Task Force to be in combat against a Hollowfied Captain Muguruma. Details were sketchy of the battle that occurred, but it is confirmed that the Task Force and Lieutenant Hiyori succumbed to whatever infection that caused them to become Hollowfied." He continued.
"After an anonymous source tipped off the Central 46, the committee immediately mobilized to capture the supposed perpetrators, former Captain Urahara Kisuke of the Twelfth and former Kido Corps Chief Tsukabishi Tessai." The teacher went on, though the anonymous tip part caught Shugo's attention.
'How awfully convenient. An anonymous tip, not to mention conveniently having it present in the supposed perpetrators workspace.' Shugo squinted his eyes in suspicion.
"In the end, the two were convicted guilty of committing the crime of conducting Hollowfication experiments, with Urahara Kisuke to be stripped of his powers and banished to the Human World, while Tsukabishi Tessai to be imprisoned in the Underground Prison 3, 'Shugō', though not before they were broken out by an unknown party, later revealed to be the former Captain of the Second Division and Onmitsukido, Shioin Yoruichi. At this point, they're no longer in Soul Society and are suspected to be in the Human World, alongside the victims of the Hollowfication that were supposed to be executed." The teacher concluded.
Some of the students raised their brows when they heard 'Shugō' as the prison and turned towards Shugo.
"My family did not operate such a facility. And it is but a mere coincidence that my name is similar to that of such a prison." Shugo shrugged.
Seeing the rather awkward situation, the teacher cleared his throat audibly and opened the discussion for the topic.
"So, what do you think?" The teacher posed the question.
"Sensei." Shugo said as he raised his hand.
The teacher nodded at Shugo, who prompted to begin his argument: "Sensei, I believe that there is something suspicious of the anonymous source that spoke to Central 46."
"Oh? Do tell, Kurenai." The teacher tilted his head and gestured for him to continue.
"Yes, Sensei. I believe that it is far too much of a coincidence that this…source appeared just not long after the incident occurred. Not to mention, how it is awfully convenient that the supposed evidence was discovered in the workspace of the unfortunate ex-Captain." Shugo said
"It bids the question of the objective that this…source is trying to achieve. Is it simply to report what is undoubtably a heinous crime worthy of such ruling, or is it because that the source had other, more…nefarious intent?" Shugo argued.
Those words got the students murmuring.
"Are you doubting the ruling of Central 46, son? You're playing a dangerous game here…" The teacher wasn't pleased with Shugo's words.
"I doubt not Central 46, Sensei, for their ruling was simply based off the known facts at the time. I only doubt the source that presented said facts to Central 46." Shugo shook his head and clarified.
Nijisei, in the meantime, was interested in the man. He was perhaps one of the sole people that posed the question that was perhaps otherwise ignored. She never really bothered the first time around, since she was more intent on just passing through the class and eventually get a passing grade.
"He's not wrong, in a way…" She murmured.
Now she was interested. And she plans to ask him after the class is over.
"Sigh… Fine, Kurenai, I'll let it slide. Just don't say it out loud in the public." The teacher sighed helplessly.
Other students simply felt it was not their place to question history, and with that, the teacher concluded the lecture for the day. As students left the classroom, Shugo was one of the last few to leave. Before he exited the door, however, he was approached by Nijisei.
"Hey, nobleman." She greeted.
"I'm at a disadvantage here, miss…?" He tilted his head.
"Just call me Nijisei." She nonchalantly said.
"Miss Nijisei. Kurenai, pleased to make your acquaintance." He bowed lightly and greeted her.
"Okay then, Kurenai-kun. Tell me: Why'd you say that?" She asked.
"Why? I simply stated a rather obvious thing. Anyone with a modicum of intellect could tell from piecing the crumbles together and form a logical, objective conclusion." He answered curtly.
"Heeh… Izzat so?" She smirked.
"That, and I find the ruling to execute the victims to be rather… Distasteful, since it was not as if they voluntarily agreed to undergo Hollowfication." He shrugged.
"Interesting… Be seeing you later, Kurenai-kun." She bid farewell and left.
Shugo sighed at the sight of the woman who came to him, asked several questions and just left afterwards. It was certainly a bizarre encounter, perhaps the most that he had yet since his arrival into this reality.
The following is the known data of the former-Ryoka, Kurenai Shugo, compiled by the Twelfth Division, under the supervision of Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri as the Captain of the Twelfth, authority of Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni of the Gotei 13.
Name: Kurenai, Shugo
Alternate Name: Josua Kurenai; Azem.
Mortal Age: 27
Soul Age: 12000+
Reiatsu Level: Unknown, bare minimum High-tier Seated Officer-class to Mid-tier Lieutenant-class.
Combat Classification:
Master Swordsman, Peak-tier
Kido Master, Mid-tier
Expert Hakuda Combatant, Low-tier
Shunpo Expert, Mid-tier
Additional Abilities:
Echo
Zanpakuto
Name: Gurenbana (Crimson Lotus Flower)
Sealed Form: A katana with its guard gained a tint of red, giving its original white appearance some motif.
Release Command: Defy fate
Release Form:
A katana with its blade being blood red. The hilt in its entirety became completely different: The Orchid guard was no longer streaks of white and red, instead its petals became fully red, with only the outline of the guard having white in color. The grip also changed, with the white being the color of the grip that's wrapped in black leather in a criss-cross pattern. The pommel had a chain that's only around 20 centimeters in length, with the other end of the chain being his constellation symbol as Azem.
Its scabbard gained three swirling lines of red, white, and black, overlapping the scabbard's original brown color. The tip of the scabbard had the head of a golden dragon on it.
Shikai Ability: Unknown
Currently, this data is stored within the personal chamber of the Captain-Commander, under numerous security measures. Data will be updated after confirmation from either academy record or future personal debriefs by Captains Kurotsuchi Mayuri, Unohana Retsu, or Sui-Feng.
Deliberate spread of this data without the explicit permission of the Captain-Commander will result in immediate charge of perpetrators with highest treason and will be summarily executed under the permission and authority of Captain-Commander Yamamoto Genryusai Shigekuni.