Chapter 3: First Taste of the Wider World

Thrusting his sword as if he was doing Sonic Leap, Kazuto nimbly dodged the spear thrust and Halberd vertical slash from two other thugs by leaning his body forward, with the two attacks only narrowly missing his back. Whilst Asuna uses Shunpo to appear behind said thugs, and does multiple nimble strikes with her Katana, using the tip to pierce their ribs and arms to remove their capability to fight.

As more thugs approached, Kazuto and Asuna used shunpo and went on the counter offence. They appeared behind the thugs, then made a swing of their weapons. All whilst this, the 20 thugs originally charging at them stopped their forward motion to look back at Kazuto and Asuna.

"What the…?"

"So str…"

"AHHH"

Slashes and pierce hole appeared on their bodies, as crimson blood flew out to the air. Said thugs fell to the ground, their weapons falling down as their bodies disintegrated into ashes.

The remaining thugs surrounded Kazuto in a circle, whilst Kazuto and Asuna were back to back, defending each other's flanks from any possible attack.

He grinned confidently, as he said to Asuna: "Just like in SAO, the 27th floor boss." Asuna nodded, as she didn't smile but still responded with her serious expression: "Yeah."

He then went into the position for the sword skill 'Vertical Square', as Asuna went into the position for the rapier sword skill 'Crucifixion', the 6 rapier hit sword skill which the Administrator had used against Kazuto.

Both had bent down on their knees. Kazuto had his sword ready to make a uppercut, whilst Asuna was pointing her Rapier as if it was an Arrow, ready for release from a bow.

A thug laughed at their sword wielding position, taunting them: "Ha! Look at them. Don't even know how to hold swords."

Another further taunted them: "What's wrong kids, want to run back to your mommy?"

"Oh wait, they're dead! They ain't got one!"

"HAHAHAHA"

The leader of said group, Takashi observes closely, as he glimpses for their capabilities. He knew his men was no much, especially after they had displayed Flash step, and used it as effectively as a seated officer.

Sure, it was a novice flash step, but it was still a flash step.

XXXXX

The thugs began charging in, as the circle around Kazuto and Asuna grew smaller and smaller. Kazuto turned his head and gave a nod, with Asuna giving a nod to reply back.

No verbal communication, just the pure knowledge of what each other was thinking from the days of Aincrad, of SAO. Those years of partnerships, now all being used in one moment.

As the first swords began to reach both Kazuto and Asuna, a thug yelled: "DIE!"

"Huh?"

That was the Thug's first response, as he saw the empty air he slashed at, then at the blood coming out from his back.

All around the horde of men encircling Kazuto and Asuna originally, blood came out from various areas of their bodies.

Be it slashes or holes, be it on the face, the torso, the back, the leg, the arm. Cut arms, dead people, cut legs.

All were present, as a blood bath was shown in the scene. Kazuto and Asuna both stared at the men, as the two were next to each other, not exactly shoulder to shoulder, however still close.

The horde of surviving men now were afraid, like Takashi had expected.

This is what happens, when a soul, faces it's harvester. For this very reason, the Soul Society has remained as it is. The more power you have, the stronger you are. There is no right and wrong, right and wrong is determined… By the strongest.

And I am powerless to change it, the order of the Soul Society. Perhaps in a hundred or so years, the Gotei 13 may finally change it's ways. However, until the Captain Commander is changed, I'm afraid this is impossible.

Which is why, I, an opportunist escaped to the deepest parts of the Rukongai to escape the Omnitsukido, and decided to live out my life as a warlord.

You children should've became warlords too, but you had to mess with me. I'll show you, the power of a true Shinigami.

The men began backing off as they began scaring themselves more and more with their own words.

"They're monsters!"

"They're Shinigami! That's flash step… Run!"

"I don't wanna die!"

As Takashi's own men begin to attempt to escape from the other direction, prompting Kazuto and Asuna to both Sheathe their weapons, Takashi used flash step in front of them, catching Kazuto and Asuna's attention.

"Where're ya' goin' boys?"

The men stopped dead in their tracks, as they faced their leader. "They're too strong, and they're Shinigami!"

"Oh, and you're afraid of that? A mere boy and girl?"

The man in the front replied: "No, we're not Takashi-sama… I swe-"

He was brutally cut in half, without a blink by Takashi, as the men proceeded to run another side away from both Kazuto, Asuna and Takashi.

Kazuto and Asuna could only watch, speechless as Takashi killed his men like pigs for slaughter. Crimson red pools of blood remained on the floor, as a memorial to the men just killed for their disobedience to Takashi.

Takashi then turned his attention Kazuto and Asuna, as he pointed his Zanpakuto at them. "I'm an educated person…"

Kazuto spat out at him, with a serious face. "You… You're not educated. You're a monster, killing your own subordinates like that."

Takashi laughed, as he replied: "They all were cowards. And in my former division, cowards died first."

Bastard… They were your subordinates!

Kazuto screamed at Takashi, angered by the lack of emotion show, as he gripped his blade harder. "Bastard! They were subordinates! Who are you to do decide their fate?!"

Takashi grinned, as he replied: "I was about to tell you. Now… Before we start this fight, my name is Takashi Fijiwara, ex 7th seat of the 11th Division, and top crime lord of the 77th district."

Kazuto introduced himself, giving his standard greetings: "Kazuto Kirigaya, Swordsmen."

Asuna did the same as well for herself. "Asuna Yuuki, Swordswoman."

Takashi sighed at the two children, as he said to them: "A shame, Kirigaya, Yuuki. You both would've made fine additions to my empire. My right and left hands. The most capable assassins and power projectors."

Kazuto spat at Takashi once more, as he said to him: "We've got no interest in abusing the poor people of district 77. We're here to make sure scum like you don't abuse them."

Takashi gave an evil grin, as he said to Kazuto, clearly taunting him: "Then please by all means, be my guest."

Kazuto without hesitation, used flash step to get the first move on his opponent, as his lover yelled out: "Kirito-kun!"

Sorry Asuna, but if I've learnt anything from the Underworld, it's that striking first will always bring higher chances of a win. Your survival is my top priority. And this guy, there's something different about him.

Takashi unsheathed his own Zanpakuto, and as Kazuto reappeared in real space, he blocked Kazuto's dash with the motion of drawing out his sword.

Kazuto had previously fought many opponents, and had defeated them in one strike using shunpo. However, this… This was the first time an opponent was truly capable of blocking his attack.

"What…?!"

It can't be… Who is he? How is he able to?!

His forward slash was completely blocked by Takashi, who grinned as his Zanpakuto easily blocked off Kazuto's, without even exerting any strength behind his block.

Kazuto leapt back, as he was taunted by Takashi. "If your blade had more strength, perhaps you may've won. However, I see that you aren't one with it. Nor is that girl over there one with hers. You both were foolish to come challenge me, a former seated officer without proper blades of souls."

Kazuto smirked at him, as he looked up from the ground where he was knelt down. His sword was stabbed onto the ground to provide him support as he stood back up.

"Cut the crap. I don't need any blade of souls to fight you, and neither does Asuna."

Asuna nodded in agreement with her lover, as she continued on for him. "We won't lose to you, not today… Not tomorrow, not ever. Someone like you… You don't deserve the power you have!"

Takashi fakely smiled, as he went into his Zanjutsu stance, his blade facing the skies and ready to do a downward slash, similar to the starting Kendo stance. "Bravo, bravo. Brilliant lovers speech, now I wonder what you both would do once I… Slashed one of you apart?"

Kazuto charged at him once more, yelling out: "Not going to happen!" That stance… It's Kendo!

Takashi too charges towards Kazuto with a forward leap, as both clashed. Sparks of their swords slashing went towards the sky, as the pressure was felt by many souls with spirit energy, which didn't have any training - yet.

As the two were locked in combat, Kazuto yelled out: "Asuna! Now! Switch!" Asuna, absorbed in the fight, took a second too late to hear her lover's voice.

"Right!" Asuna used flash step to charge towards Takashi. Who, as she executed her flash step, grinned.

"Playtime's over …Have a taste of what a true Shinigami is like! Agitowari!"

Takashi uses his brute strength and begun forcing more power each millisecond towards Kazuto's sword, executing a Shinigami sword technique, Agitowari.

"…Have a taste of what a true Shinigami is like! Agitowari!"

Kazuto stared at him for a second, as he then began to feel that his opponents sword was heavier. "What?!" Agitow-?"

Takashi's Zanpakuto easily forced itself down on Kazuto, as Kazuto for the first time felt… A presence stronger than himself. It was like a tide moving towards him, and Takashi was that tide, with the pressure, being his energy being emanated.

Kazuto was knocked back by the sheer force, towards an abandoned shack, as a hole was made from the impact, Kazuto's body resting in it.

As Takashi took his stance to charge towards Kazuto, Asuna slashed him on his torso, forcing Takashi on the defensive.

Takashi cursed for keeping his guard down, as Asuna delivered a flurry of thrusts towards him, forcing Takashi back, as he dodged them, or blocked them using his Zanpakuto.

Read the god damn bitch's movements. Thrust after thrust, it's fast, but linear. I can block this! And then deliver a counterstrike!

Takashi grinned, as Asuna continued her flurry of thrusts, not noticing his grin. Predicting where one of her thrusts would go, Takashi quickly saw through her pattern and predicted a thrust going towards his chest.

"There it is, the key to the win."

As Asuna thrusted her sword towards his chest, Takashi having enough time to prepare, was able to execute a powerful uppercut, knocking out Asuna's katana towards the ground, flinging it away.

Shit! I got careless… I used the same pattern like I always did. What… What should I do?!

Takashi then swung his blade down towards her as he grinned maniacally: "DEAD TIME, BITCH!"

"Switch!"

Switch?! But where…? I couldn't possibly dodge his blade. Wait… You're planning on doing that?! Doesn't that depend on his compliance… And if you miss…

Kazuto yelled out to Asuna, to ensure her, this was the right thing to do. "Trust me!"

Asuna said to Kazuto: "I'll trust you… Kirito-kun!" as she leapt back before the blade slashed her. However, Takashi followed her by using flash step, and continued his motion of a thrust, as Asuna touched the dirt filled ground.

"You don't escape the Yamikaze, bitch. No one does, especially not some weak as shit girl like you!"

She closed her eyes and braced for the end, only to hear "Clang!". As she opened them, she saw Kazuto holding back Takashi's blade, forcing Takashi to leap back, allowing Kazuto the distance to gain the distance for a powerful downward slash.

Kazuto looked behind him, and saw Asuna, as he said to her: "Grab your Katana, Asuna!"

She nodded and replied firmly: "Hai!" as she flash stepped towards her Katana, whilst Kazuto began his offensive.

A single downward slash was made towards Takashi, who easily blocked it, as the two swords were locked in battle once more.

"You honestly think I'd fall for the same trick again? Fat chance!"

Kazuto gave a grin, as he quickly yelled out: "Switch!" Takashi quickly cursed, as he attempted to parry Kazuto, who quickly discovered his attempt and blocked it.

"Fuck… Am I really going to…"

Takashi then attempted to deliver a slash onto Kazuto, only to have it be blocked by Kazuto again, as at his back, a silhouette appeared.

"Haaaa!"

Asuna struck with a quick thrust at Takashi, aimed towards his chest. However, Takashi by miracle was able to rely avoid it from his chest, instead forcing it to pierce his abdomen.

Takashi cursed as he spitted out blood onto the ground, using one hand to grasp onto Asuna's katana. "Dammit… Dammit it all!"

He fell to the ground as Asuna withdrew her Katana from his abdomen, as Kazuto used flash step to arrive at the front of the kneeling Takashi.

Kazuto pointed his sword at Takashi's neck, as he said to him: "I'm not a fan of killing, so just… Just promise to stop what you've been doing, and leave."

Takashi looked up at Kazuto, as tears came out of his eyes. "I… I… I'll leave… and I promise to…"

Kazuto stared at him, as Takashi began to grip his Zanpakuto harder.

What's he doing? It doesn't matter if he tries to slash me, I'll still kill him first, so why's he trying to?

"FUCK IT! Damn you both…! Now you've pissed me off, and I'll show you, my true power! Shake and Erupt, …Tera no Batsu" [Terra's Punishment]

XXXXX

Takashi's Zanpakuto changed into a mace with a blinding flash of light. His mace was now a entirely brown mace, with it's hilt being white.

He then began asserting more power onto the mace on the ground, pushing it deeper as he said: "Tera no Batsu, Kami no goshi keimusho [Divine Five Finger Prison]"

His mace radiated on the ground, shaking the ground, as all of a sudden the ground began changing around both Kazuto and Asuna.

Kazuto cursed as he leapt back from Takashi to not be caught by the cage, DAMMIT! I should've finished him right there and then. This is going to be tough.

Asuna quickly dodged the five finger cage, as she too was barely able to escape the cage.

As the two attempted to regain their ground, Takashi arrogantly said to them: "My Zanpakuto's name means the punishment of the very earth itself! Unless you grow wings and fly, nothing is safe from my sword!"

Kazuto smirked, as he used flash step to leap towards Takashi at incredible speeds, with his sword pointed towards Takashi's heart.

Takashi gave an arrogant grin, as he stood up, then swung his mace upwards, causing a segment of the earth to follow, creating a stone wall. "Arrogant fool, a soul without a sword of his own, will never beat me. Kowarenai kabe. [Unbreakable Wall]

Kazuto's blade impacted with the stone wall, as he yelled: "Switch!"

Asuna nodded, as she quickly used flash step as well to reach Takashi, only for Takashi to bash his mace on the ground, without even looking at Asuna.

"Foolish, I told you. The moment I became serious, this was all for naught. You both have last. Hōfuku no chikei [Retribution Terrain]"

A bunch of spikes appeared, piercing Asuna's left shoulder, as she leapt back in pain, her gripped loosened on her Katana, due to the pain from her shoulder. She used her right hand to hold her shoulder in place, to help ease the pain, as she fell towards the ground.

This is nothing… Nothing like the pain I experienced in the Underworld. I can still fight!

Kazuto yelled out, as he got ready for an attack on Takashi. "Are you alright, Asuna?!"

Asuna slowly stood up, as she gave a weak smile and nod. "I'm alright Kirito-kun…"

You'll pay for this. For hurting Asuna, for hurting the kids. For everyone you've hurt! I'll make sure you pay!

Kazuto gritted his teeth, as he stared at Takashi with hatred in his eyes, hatred of him hurting his friends, and his lover.

"You bastard!"

Kazuto impulsively and recklessly leapt towards Takashi, who easily sidestepped the predictable attack from Kazuto.

So, he's angry now. That simply means sloppiness, losing one's cool in the battle means death. And death shall come to him.

Kazuto attempted to unleash a flurry of slashes onto Takashi, as Takashi simply dodged yet again all of his attacks, further irritating Kazuto, as his face clearly grew more and more impatient each time he missed.

Good, good. I'll keep him like this. As soon as he loses his patience. I'll strike.

Kazuto growled as he grew more irritated, his slashes growing less and less accurate each time… And finally, an opening appeared… For Takashi as Kazuto over swung his slash.

"And now you die."

With great power, Takashi flung his mace, knocking away Kazuto's sword from Kazuto's hand, as Kazuto cursed. "Dammit… I was careless!"

Shit! I'm finished…

Takashi yelled out as he charged to smash Kazuto's head: "DIE!"

"Kirito-kun!"

A sudden burst of dark velvet energy erupted from Asuna, as spirit particles flew into her body. Her face was that of anger, her hand gripping her sword like no tomorrow. Her wounds were healed instantly as a white liquid washed over her, flowing into her skin. Her eyes had now a dark yellow iris, with black replacing the former white outsides, instead of her normal Chestnut-White combination.

A flash of flash step, and with the tip of her rapier, she blocked Takashi's mace. "I won't… I won't let you hurt Kirito-kun anymore! That day, I made a promise to protect him, and I'll keep it!"

Kazuto yelled out: "Asuna! Don't overstretch!" As he saw Asuna block Takashi's maze with ease, his mind originally filled with thoughts of hope, was now filled with thoughts of confusion.

What the hell happened?! How did Asuna suddenly get this powerful? Is it the laws of this world? To protect? means power? And what… What the hell is with this dark feeling I feel from her?!

Asuna knocked back Takashi's mace, as Takashi cursed "How the fuck?!" How the fuck did she get this strong?! This makes no sense! When you're angrier, you lose momentum! This isn't normal, shit! She's too close too! I can't use my offensive techniques or I'll be caught in the crossfire, and give her an opening. I'll just have to use [Unbreakable Wall] to divert her attention then distance myself. Yeah, that's what I'll do.

Takashi leapt back, prompting Asuna to follow him with a thrust of her own, similar to Sonic Thrust, the Rapier version of Sonic Leap. Landing first thanks to the distance originally made between him and Asuna with the initial knockback she had made, Takashi swung his Mace upwards, as his Mace met Asuna's rapier thrust.

She fell for it. The rage truly did consume her.

Takashi gave a confident grin, as he said to Asuna: "It's over. Kowarenai kabe [Unbreakable Wall]"

Kazuto noticed the cracks on the ground, as he yelled out to Asuna: "ASUNA! WATCH OUT!"

It was all for naught, for it was too late to evade this. Even a Lieutenant would have trouble evading this set up attack.

The ground sprung up, causing Asuna to lose her balance, as Takashi yelled out: "You're finished, bitch!"

He slammed his mace onto the ground, as he proudly yelled out his swords name: "Tera no Batsu, Hōfuku no chikei [Retribution Terrain]."

Asuna growled slightly in pain only for a moment as she landed one the spikes, thankfully piercing none of her vitals.

However, once again, as she stood up, the wounds instantly healed with a white liquid. The dark spiritual energy within her increased, as she charged towards Takashi once again.

She's a fuckin' monster! I'll have to use this… My last resort. Tera no karada, ken!

[Body of Terra, Fists!]

Takashi pointed his mace towards Asuna, as he called out: "Tera no Batsu, Tera no karada, ken!

[Body of Terra, Fists!]"

Two fists appeared from the ground, side by side from Takashi and rushed towards Asuna at high speeds.

Asuna yelled out as her spiritual energy began to grow even larger, with her Katana pointed at Takashi, as the fists approached.

Kazuto watched, dumbfounded at the level of power Asuna possessed. That's… That's just amazing, Asuna!

Asuna's sword, within seconds of the power struggle as it impacted the arms began to generate more power. Slowly, cracks began to show in the hand, as a dark light from the inside out slowly came out, cracking the fists.

Takashi was stunned as Asuna charged towards him, cracking his ultimate technique. This is impossible! How?! She's just a lowly Rukongai resident, how could she have won that?!

As he saw the light charging towards him, he submitted himself to possible death for the first time. Guess, my reign is over… No… I can still dodge this…!

He leapt left, hoping to dodge the blow. However, it was too late. His right arm had been completely cut off clean. Takashi cursed as he screamed in pain: "DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT!"

The cost of a new arm was immense, and he'd have to take the trouble to travel to District one. Crimson red blood flowed out of his wound, as Takashi hurriedly wrapped cloth around his wound whilst his arm had dropped to the floor, completely cut off clean as if a butcher had done it.

He cursed heavily, screaming. However, as he did, Asuna paid no heed. She fell down as her eyes returned to normal, her dark energy and aura now gone.

Kazuto cursed and used flash step to get to Asuna as soon as possible, taking up his own Katana to defend her with his life.

I won't let her be taken away from me, not again!

Takashi looked over as he laughed when he saw Asuna laying on the ground: "Stupid girl. You thought you could beat me?! The devil of this district? You're a hundred years too early to challenge me… And you boy… You couldn't even touch me."

Kazuto looked at him defiantly, holding onto his Katana, as he said back to Takashi: "Even if I'm weaker… I'll defend Asuna to the last second, until I die!"

Takashi smirked as he used a quick flash step, lifting his mace with his one good arm and smashing it towards Kazuto, who blocked it with his Katana. However, Kazuto was already too exhausted, and he was easily blown away.

I can't let this end like this… Please, give me power to protect the ones I love. Let me be the glided hero again…

Kazuto helplessly with his katana blown away from him, now lying on the ground as well cursed. "Damn you, bastard!"

Takashi grinned horrendously, evilly. "You're going to be the ones who I kill to replace the arm I lost! You both aren't worth the price of keeping… So I'll kill you both, starting with the girl."

Kazuto yelled out as he saw Takashi heard towards Asuna, his sword contracting with the ground, creating sparkles.

However, it was of no use. The life-less Asuna currently unconscious was unable to do anything, and so was Kazuto.

Even the kids yelled out her name: "Asuna Onee-chan! Please get up!"

"Onee-Chan! We still have so much to do!"

"Asuna!"

It wasn't of any use, as Takashi began to lower his sword towards her throat, he announced: "This is for all the troubles you've caused so far, girl. I'll make sure to dispose of you properly as a sign of respect."

XXXXX

All of a sudden, both Kazuto and Takashi could hear a high pitched growl and a dark energy approaching. Kazuto sweated at the amount of Spirit Energy it was giving off. Is it… A hollow?!"

Takashi backed off Asuna as he looked towards the area where this energy had been given off in. No… It couldn't be… Those are rare as shit! Curse my luck…!

Takashi cursed, as the creature began to emerge from the houses to reveal itself. It was a large creature, resembling a griffin standing on two legs.

It had wings behind it's back, dark wings, with a standard hollow mask and hole. However, it's size was average sized for it's type of hollow. From it's back, there was a griffin like tail and it's feet were of entirely griffin origin.

It's face was like that of a lion, as the Adjucas let out a massive howl, leaving Takashi to swear. "Shit… What the fuck did we get ourselves into?!"

This Adjucas looked at Takashi, as it said in simple speech: "High energy… Yummy."

Takashi froze in fear, sweat flowing down as his grin turned to that of a frown. And from the shadows of the buildings approached a hollow, or to be specific…

"You… You're an Adjucas!"

The Adjucas's face gave no expression change, but was clearly impressed. "Haha! You've managed to know what I am… However, that won't help you as I feast on your corpses. Shinigami, you seem tasty, and with your injuries I doubt you can fight…

Takashi cursed, as he stood up defiantly and mustered what strength he left towards his Zanpakuto. If only we didn't have that battle! I could've mustered the strength to fight… I'll have to use this for now then.

As Takashi gripped his mace, a small red outline surrounded him as he radiated his spiritual pressure to the maximum.

"I, Takashi Fijiwara, former seventh seat of the 11th division, and now the Yamikaze of Tokugawa, will not lose to some mere hollow! Let's go, partner! Tera no Batsu! Let's show this piece of shit the punishment the earth will give it for disobeying us!"

The hollow laughed darkly, taunting Takashi: "A mere Shinigami couldn't possibly hope to defeat me!"

XXXXX

A/N:

Thanks for the favourites and stuff everyone. Please go to the poll in my profile and vote which squad you want Kirito and Asuna to join, as it will have an massive effect on the story.

Please leave a review, it's heavily appreciated and helpful to know what you liked and also what additional thoughts you have to the story, it's really helpful!

As for the lack of updates, I'm starting to get busy due to IB, I'll be slowly uploading chapters. Nevertheless, don't worry! Bleach: Alternate Future will be updated soon!

Next Chapter Preview: A Grudge is Made

The Adjucas wrapped it's tail around the children, as Kazuto yelled weakly with Asuna still unconscious: "No! Stop! Don't do it, please!"

Crystal blue tears streamed down his eyes as he shouted, however to the creature with no emotion but hunger, this was no use.

The children screamed, but were quickly silenced, as the Adjucas laughed and said to them: "No worries now… I'll treat you well in my belly! Once you become apart of me!"

They were eaten whole, as Kazuto screamed at the Adjucas. "Damn you…! Damn you! Fuck you! You bastard! I…I will… I WILL AVENGE THEM!"

The Adjucas used sonido and instantly arrived in front of Kazuto as it said to him, bored: "I'll have some fun with this one before I eat him."

He threw Kazuto towards Asuna, as Kazuto crawled towards Asuna, his entire body on the ground, blood seeping through everywhere. His hand reached for hers… However his body was too heavy, and he soon blacked out with his own thoughts now taking over.

Why… Why was I this useless? Why can't I have more power? How, how can I put fourth my rage?

Is power what you want then? If it is, all you have to do… is say yes to yourself.

Yes… Give me power. Give me the power to defeat the Adjucas… So I can at least protect Asuna, and defend the children.

Then so it shall be… Like Asuna, once you activate me… There is no going back, do you understand?

Yes.

You have one minute to use my power, then… It will be up to you. This is all I can do for you, Kazuto Kirigaya. Do you accept?

For Asuna, for the cries of the children. I accept.