Summary:

Kazuto and Asuna both dies in the real world, in 2026 due to the Maximum Acceleration, instantly once it started. Informed about the future collapse of this world by the 'Author' due to the Soul King's death. They are given a chance to save the world, and come back to 2026. The chance was simple: Return back in time, to 1897, within the Soul Society… With only tidbits of warnings about Aizen and Yhwach… And the key to defeating these all, they return back.

Here's the following things you'll need to know:

This = Zanpakuto speaking This means speaking in monologue or to Zanpakuto.

I don't own bleach, Tite Kubo does. Reki Kawahara also owns SAO, because if I did EugeoxTiese would be a thing.

Rated T until any sort of fluff scene occurs.

XXXXX

Chapter 5: A New Journey Begins

As the Griffin Adjucas growled in annoyance, it heard a female voice, as she said to it: "You're the Adjucas, Griffy, ne?"

The Griffin Adjucas looked at her, as it growled at her. "So what if I am, Shinigami?! You have no hope of bringing me down!"

It was surely ignored by the female voice, as the said female turned her attention onto the couple. The duty of Shinigami isn't just to slay hollows. It's to protect souls as well.

Asuna ignored the initial situation, as she quickly used flash step to reach her lover, holding him in her arms.

No… Please no Kirito-kun! Please don't… Don't leave me alone here.

Her eyes dripped crystal clear tears onto his face, as Asuna cried out helplessly: "Kirito-kun! Please… Wake up!"

She heard a voice, a feminine one from where the light was casted and was thrown at the Griffin Adjucas.

"He'll be alright. I might not be a 4th division medic, but I can still tell you, he's only unconscious because of spiritual exhaustion."

Asuna looked up at the woman, who had strange green hair, messed up and short. Her outfit was a black outfit, with a short dress, different to all the others who had stocky pants or that one man with the haori. On her face was a serious expression, with a square red framed glasses and tortoise emerald eyes.

However, different from them again, she also had a brown badge on her shoulder, with the word 九, 'Nine' in Chinese on it. And behind her, was a man emanating even higher levels of spirit energy. He had bright white hair, and the aura he gave off was that of a drill sergeant. His face looked stern and his body was muscular, just like that you'd expect of military.

The woman smiled at her, as she said to Asuna: "Don't worry. He'll be awake soon enough and come back to you."

Asuna's tears ceased as she looked at the woman, and smiled. "Thank… Thank you for telling me."

The woman gave a slight smile, as she murmured: "Besides the fact that you'd make a nice eroge with him…"

Asuna couldn't hear anything, and looked in confusion as the men behind the woman sighed. The woman coughed as she said out louder. "Besides that… you've already-"

As the woman said that, she was rudely interrupted as the Griffin Adjucas bellowed: "How dare you ignore me, Shinigami scum!"

The woman looked at the Shinigami with the white haori behind her, as she asked him: "Kensei-kun?"

He gave a nod of approval, as she grinned playfully.

It fired a Cero at the woman, who said to the men behind her. "Stand back. I'll take him alone."

The men obeyed as they all replied in a uniformed, disciplined reply to the woman. "Hai, Lieutenant!"

Asuna stared at the woman for a second, as she blinked. Lieutenant…? Weren't those… One of the strongest Shinigami? No, that couldn't be right, they wouldn't waste such powerful Shinigami out here.

The woman slashed down the Cero without effort, as Griffy cursed. "Why, why is that filthy Shinigami are able to block my Cero today?!"

The man growled as he said to Griffy. "You aren't dealing with any normal Shinigami. We've been sent here specifically to hunt you down. The SRDI has already provided us with the necessary tools to. The Gotei 13 has ranked you as a high threat… And as such, I, Captain of the 9th, Kensei Muragama and the rest

Asuna gasped as she looked at the woman and man. A Captain?! That's the highest level there is! No way…

And as Mashiro put out her unimaginable level of spiritual pressure, Asuna looked in amazement. Whilst she hadn't choked, it was close. This intense pressure, compared to the Adjucas, it was like the difference between heaven and earth.

Mashiro charged towards Griffy, who attempted to claw her, only for his entire arm to get chopped off, as Mashiro also chopped off his legs.

He growled as he attempted to climb away, whilst Mashiro sighed. "Uwah! You're not getting away!"

Griffy used sonido, as he charged a cero, only for Mashiro to follow him with incredible speeds and even slash off his tail.

Griffy growled in pain, but continued to charge his cero. And as Mashiro kicked him towards a house, causing him to growl in pain once more, Griffy opened his mouth.

The Cero charged in point blank range, he fired at Mashiro, who easily dodged the Cero. "You missed Griffy-chan."

Griffy grinned, as it said to Mashiro: "Think again." As Mashiro looked towards where the Cero was headed, Kensei cursed. "No… Dammit! She was too god damn careless!"

Mashiro groaned, as Kensei shouted at her for priorities: "Prioritise saving lives first! We can catch the god damn hollow later!"

Asuna stared at the bright red flash headed towards her and Kazuto, as she gave a soft whisper. "Is this goodbye… Kirito-kun?"

Obeying her Captain's orders, Mashiro sweated as she used her fastest flash step to reach in between the beam and the pair of lovers. As she did so, she slashed down on it, but caused a huge explosion.

As Mashiro attempted to wave the dust away, by the time she did, the hollow was long gone. No trace of it was left, even when she attempted to sense it's relatsu. She grimaced. Whilst she was able to save two potential recruits for the 9th, a hollow was now loose again.

Kensei sighed as he ordered her officers. "All of you pair up. 6th seat Kaname Tousen, you're with me. For the two other pairs, head out and eliminate the hollow!"

The response was a clear from her officers. "Yes sir!". With a flash, leaving only dust, her subordinates had disappeared to the winds, searching for the dangerous Adjucas 'Griffy'.

Kensei looked at Asuna and bowed in apology. "I'm sorry for not reaching here earlier. You both could've been killed… And judging from what I sensed before here, several others also died. I, on behalf of the 9th Division, I apologise."

Asuna smiled sadly and shook her head. "No, Lieutenant-san. I should say thank you… I… And Kirito-kun will be always grateful for you saving our lives."

Kensei sighed as he shook his head. "There'll always be people we can't save. I hate to say it but… We were incredibly lucky when we found you here. Earlier on, we sensed a 3rd seat level spiritual pressure. I guess that hollow just now was the victor between the two hollows. But, it's strange that he was weakened that much."

Asuna bit her lip, not wanting to tell Kensei that Kazuto had been the enormous source of spiritual pressure. Shinigami's jobs are to kill hollows… If they thought Kirito-kun was a hollow, wouldn't they kill him too?

Pondering among her thoughts, Asuna came to the conclusion: She wouldn't tell. As Kensei was about to speak, a faint cough was heard from Kazuto, as his eyes opened.

He felt his head resting on something, soft. What the hell is this…? It's so soft and smooth. It's like a pil- Oh no… Oh no. Is this… Is this the legendary lap pillow?

As Kazuto stared up at Asuna, he felt a slight blush creep up his cheeks as he said to Asuna: "Uh…"

Mashiro herself looked down at the position and giggled, as she said to Asuna: "That's cute! Are you both in a relationship? Did you both have sex yet?"

The two instantly flushed slightly red at the curious lieutenant as the two stayed silent and looked at each other, not speaking.

Mashiro giggled as she said to them: "It's nothing to be embarrassed of, it's just that it's been so long since I saw such a powerful couple."

"Cut it out, Mashiro. Stop fooling around, let's go to work."

Kazuto sat up as he and Asuna both stared at Kensei as they looked at him, confused and not knowing what he was talking about.

Kensei's face grew serious as he elaborated for them, after seeing their confusion on their faces: "Earlier on, our original mission here was to apprehend former 11th division 7th seat, Takashi Fijiwara, since the newly established SRDI (SRDI was established 7 years ago in Soul Society, however in Shinigami time, 7 years is nothing.) had just located his reiatsu. Therefore, we were originally rushed here to bring him to justice, as throughout the years it had been identified that his spiritual energy had skyrocketed to that of a 4th seat, but as we came we felt his reiatsu fighting with a pair of anonymous ones… And for souls from the Rukongai, you both put up a magnificent fight, heck you're probably even at the level of a 6th seat or more without the academy… And that's without Shikai, judging from your weapons. You both should definitely attend the academy."

Kazuto and Asuna both stared up at Kensei, considering the prospect. Both knew the ups and downs of being a Shinigami. They both already could control their spiritual pressure - But they didn't have the power to protect.

Kensei sighed as he began walking away. "Just head over to the Academy during fall when class starts, and tell them you're there under the recommendation for the entrance exam of Captain Kensei Muragama of the 9th… I see that you both have huge potential, and it would be good if it could be used to protect. Today, I suspect you couldn't protect something, I won't ask you about it… However, if you enter the academy and become a Shinigami… There's nothing you can't protect. We'll give you the power to kill hollows, and in return you slay the hollows and protect. I'll see you soon."

As Kensei said that, he flashed stepped away, followed by the 6th seated officer and his lieutenant, leaving both Kazuto and Asuna alone to think of what their potential future might be.

Kazuto sighed, as he shook his head and then said to Asuna in a sad tone. "Let's… Let's first make proper graves for Basch, Yuto and Yuka."

Asuna gave a nod, as she could feel some tears flowing down her cheeks. "Yeah… Let's go make the graves for them and send them off one last journey."

The two moved with a quick flash step, headed towards a mountain edge cliff, appearing and disappearing until they made it to the edge of the district. What they left behind was a ruined area of the district, one which would remain ruined as the poor environment of the district persisted.

XXXXX

On the Cliff of a certain mountain nearby the district, stood a dark haired swordsman and chestnut haired swordswoman. On the autumn skies of dawn, with the sun's light creating a yellowish sky, they stood - grieving.

Three tombstones were made, and on them, carvings. Written out, there was: Basch, Yuna, Yuto. 'The most adorable children'.

The girl leaned towards the boy, as she began to cry out tears of sadness and guilt. "It's my fault… Kirito-kun. It's my fault that Basch, Yuna, Yuto died… We could've saved them… If I wasn't unconscious…"

Her tears dripped towards the clothing of Kazuto, who extended his arms around her body, allowing her to cry in his chest. He held back his tears. He couldn't afford to cry now, not when Asuna was, he had to comfort her. Because this whole thing was his fault.

Kazuto attempted to comfort her, as he told her: "It's my fault, don't blame it on yourself. You were unconscious and managed to beat Fijiwara. Iff I was stronger, I could've stopped the hollow instead of screaming unnecessarily. It's my fault Asuna… It's my lack of strength… If you want to blame anyone… Please blame me!"

Asuna looked up at him, her tears stopping as she looked at him. "Kirito-kun…"

Kazuto looked at Asuna as he said to her: "Us standing here won't change anything… From what I remember from what they told us, unless we kill the Hollow, their souls won't enter the cycle of reincarnation. And the only way to defeat 'Griffy' is to…"

"So… We're going to…"

Kazuto stared at her straight and nodded. "We're going to become Shinigami, so we can have the power to protect. I promise you Asuna. No matter what, I won't fail to protect you again."

Some tears came down Asuna's cheeks, as she nodded in response. "I'll become a Shinigami too. I made a promise to stay together with you till the very end… And I'm going to keep it."

Kazuto looked at Asuna, as she smiled. He said to her in surprise. "Asuna… Are you…"

She put her finger on his mouth, silencing him. "Yes. I don't want to be powerless, and alone without Kirito-kun. I made a promise to protect you… But there's one more promise I want to make."

"And what's that, Asuna?"

She looked down at the graves, as she swore to it. "I, Asuna Yuuki swear that I'll one day hunt down the hollow 'Griffy', to free the souls of you three to allow you all to enter the cycle of reincarnation, and also to become stronger as a Shinigami to protect my friends and the ones I love."

Kazuto smiled at her, as he walked forward as well, swearing his own oath at the grave. "I, Kazuto Kirigaya swear that I'll hunt down Griffy and free your souls. I promise to gain the power to protect those who I love and never let go of them ever again."

They both unsheathed the swords, as Kazuto pointed out his Katana, with Asuna point hers on top of his, forming and X shape.

"We swear on who we are… To return your souls."

XXXXX

It had been dawn by the time they had left, as the sun went up they found themselves at their ruined home. A home full of happiness and memories they had, despite the brief moments found there, they would treasure it. Just as they had treasured the cabin on floor 22.

Asuna took one last look at the house as she said to Kazuto: "I… I really wish we didn't have to leave… I really wanted us to be a family. A real one, like me, you and Yui."

Kazuto sighed as he took her hand, and replied to her. "Asuna… I'm sorry. I was too weak to protect our life back then, just as how I was too weak to fight off Gabriel."

Asuna gave a slight shake of her head as she said to him: "It's not your fault, Kirito-kun. It's mine for not being strong enough too. I could've saved you from him…"

Kazuto shook his head, and said to Asuna. "Either way Asuna, I promised you and them. We'll go find their souls and retrieve them back together."

Asuna gave a slight smile and nodded. "Mhm! Hai, Kirito-kun!"

As the duo were chatting, a figure appeared in the distance, as she greeted the pair of lovers. "Kirigaya-sama, Yuuki-sama!"

Kazuto and Asuna both looked around, as they saw a raven haired girl running towards them in a somewhat broken blue dress, as she waved towards them.

They both instantly recognised her: She was Hisana.

Hisana ran towards them as she asked them both: "So where are they? I really wanted to meet 3 children you were talking about?"

Asuna and Kazuto both, showed signs of regret instantly, as Hisana stared at them, acting blankly, as if she didn't know what was going on.

I'm sorry… But if it weren't for that question, I'm not sure if you'd go with me. I'm sorry for manipulating your emotions to protect. I'm very sorry for making you guys lose your families, but it's for the best you know?

Asuna sighed as she replied to Hisana: "They died… A hollow got them."

Hisana put a hand over her mouth as she gasped: "No… I'm sorry."

Kazuto smiled sadly towards her, as he replied to Hisana: "It's fine, Hisana-san. It's our fault, not yours."

Asuna then put up the best smile she could, despite feeling the sadness and tears gathering inside her, as she asked Hisana: "So are we going to leave now?"

Hisana nodded, as she asked the couple: "Have you taken everything you needed?"

Kazuto and Asuna both nodded, as Hisana gave a bright smile. Happy she was finally able to leave this hellhole, she said to the duo. "Follow me then!"

Kazuto and Asuna looked at each other and nodded, as their journey began, towards the first district.

XXXXX

As the months passed, Kazuto, Hisana and Asuna travelled through the vast distances of the Soul Society, occasionally encountering hollows and gangs.

It wasn't anything Kazuto and Asuna couldn't handle, and as they killed the hollows, the better they became at the art of being a Shinigami, meanwhile gangs were just no longer a threat to them. Being souls which had Reiryoku, they didn't have to be afraid of souls without it. Souls which did in the gang were no where near their power, hence they didn't have to worry about that either.

By the time they reached the 50th district, the conditions had improved dramatically. The streets weren't filled with murderers, traffickers, etc. There were proper housings, businesses; albeit low quality.

When they reached the 10th district, they would be able to find a good inn to stay in, in exchange for the Kan Kazuto and Asuna had made from robbing the gangs they had beat up. Added on that, there were even shinigami wondering around in districts after the 10th, allowing guaranteed safety for the group.

XXXXX

3rd District

As they approached the 3rd district, Hisana huffed, exhausted. "It's tiring! The districts are so far apart! Geez, how do they even expect us to find these districts?!"

Kazuto chuckled as he said to her: "Well, Soul Society isn't very developed, and we probably just got lost."

Asuna looked around the 3rd district, as she observed: "It's so clean though, compared to the 76th."

Hisana nodded, as she replied to Asuna: "Yeah… The difference in quality of life is staggering.

The third district was similar to the 'cities' within old movies which showed the sprawling 18th century Japan's metropolises.

Filled with shops all around the area, with the outskirts of the district filled with older houses, and some occasional shops and businesses, people were walking around, properly outfitted in 18th century civilian clothing, just browsing around - Something that wouldn't ever happen in the 77th district.

As they walked towards the town centre, Kazuto asked Hisana: "So what're you going to do here from now?"

She shrugged, as she smiled cheerfully: "Whatever I do, it can't be possibly worse than now, can it?"

Kazuto sighed as he shook his head in disapproval, whilst Asuna placed her hand on his shoulder: "If this is what she wants, we can't stop her. We should support her, and she's right too… She's right too, cause a life in the 3rd district is most definitely better than the ones beyond ours."

Kazuto nodded, as Asuna stepped forward and said to Hisana. "Hisana-san, thanks for guiding us here… Without you me and Kirito-kun wouldn't have made it this far… I promise, when we're done with the academy… We'll come back here and visit you."

Kazuto nodded, as he grinned: "Yeah, I bet we'll be done in a year or two, if it's anything like the Swordcraft academy, right Asuna?"

Asuna looked at him, slightly confused. "Swordcraft?"

Kazuto then stared at her, bewildered for a moment as he finally realised. I never even explained what I did in the underworld to Asuna.

"Ehhh… It's the swords school I went to."

Asuna then looked at him, with a smile as she replied instantly as if something had popped in her brain: "Ohhh! The one where you snuck out to buy pies?"

Kazuto chuckled nervously at that, as Hisana giggled: "You should watch out, Asuna-san, he might do that here too, and leave you alone…"

Asuna smiled evilly as she stared at Kazuto as she held his hand. "Nah… He wouldn't dare, would you, Kirito-kun?"

Kazuto gulped as he nodded: "Yes ma'am!"

Hisana and Asuna both giggled, as Hisana sighed: "I'm going to miss you two…"

Asuna and Kazuto nodded, as Kazuto replied to her: "We'll miss you too, Hisana-san."

Asuna ran over towards Hisana, who displayed a confused face as Asuna hugged her. "Meet back here, in 2 years at the central area of district 3, alright Hisana-san? I promise… Kirito-kun and I will be there as Shinigami to meet you."

Hisana flashed a bright smile as she nodded. "Hai! I'll meet you guys there, in two years. I promise by then, I'll have a better life."

Hisana began walking towards the central area of the district, as Kazuto and Asuna stood still, watching as Hisana slowly walked away.

Kazuto smiled and waved, as he saw the petite, short, raven haired girl walk away, as Asuna held onto his arms. "We should get going, shouldn't we?"

Kazuto nodded. "Yeah… let's go."

The two of them disappeared in a flash of shunpo, as they raced towards the Seireitei.

XXXXX

1st District, 3 days later.

As they walked through the 1st district, both Kazuto and Asuna could see the lights shimmering atop of the lanterns placed in front of the shops, restaurants and bars, lighting up the district and removing the darkness of night.

It was akin to those traditional Japanese festivals you'd go to, where rarely any electricity was used to light up lights, instead the natural beauty of more ancient methods would shine brightly.

As they approached an inn which they were to stay in for the duration of the night, they saw several Shinigami appear, walking towards the inn.

"So ya' finally made 8th seat, Izumo?" A dark haired Shinigami had asked the Shinigami at the front of their group."

Said mentioned person gave a grin as he replied. "Yeah, Cap Kenpachi let me battle the former 8th seat for a spot. Pff, it was too easy. He surrendered within minutes, and begged for his life!"

The group of Shinigami laughed as the person continued: "Did ya' kill former 8th seat, Nagoi?"

Izumo grinned as he took out his Zanpakuto in front of everyone. "I killed him with the flaming blade of Rhitta, whilst his tears dropped on the ground. The cap'n was so happy he gave me a free raise, said I was savage enough."

Kazuto and Asuna sighed collectively as they unavoidably listened to that conversation. Asuna just shook her head at the story of the savageness of the shinigami.

I hope there were more like those which we met of the other day…

As they were about to walk into the bar, Asuna felt a tug on her shoulder as she stopped. Kazuto, noticing his partner had stopped, asked her. "What's wrong?"

A brown masculine figure spoke, and at his back, the same group of 5 Shinigami from earlier. Gripping onto Asuna's shoulder, he said to her. "Hey girl, ya' seem cute, let's go inside and have some fun, how bout' it? I bet you won't be able to resist my co-."

As he was about to finish, Asuna turned around and smiled, whilst Kazuto merely turned his attention to the group of five.

"Sorry, but I really have to go now, Kirito-kun and I have to go soon…"

Another figure, the man known as Izumo came as he knocked away his comrade's hand. The masculine, ripped and tall man, a head taller than Agil himself, spoke to Asuna as he placed his hand with an iron strong grip onto her shoulders: "That wasn't a request girl, you're coming with us. don't worry though, you'll have lots of fun, more fun then you'll ever have with that scrawny boy there."

Asuna's reiatsu flared, as her face darkened whilst the other men laughed. "What's she gonna do? Try to bitch-slap Izumo-sama?"

"Hahahaha! Tsunderes!"

"Nah, she'll give in like this girls in Hentais, this one's Izumo's. He sure made a fine catch."

Kazuto gave a small grin, as he waited patiently for Asuna's next action.

Gathering reishi on her fist as the shinigami laughed among one another, she seized the moment Izumo was distracted and pushed her fist into his crotch, instigating incredible pain as the man yelled in pain as he stumbled back.

The rest of the four Shinigami drew their swords as they cursed at Asuna: "You whore!"

"How dare you!"

"Hurt Izumo-sama!"

"You'll pay!"

As the four drew their Zanpakuto's and rushed towards Asuna, they suddenly saw a faint afterimage of Asuna, causing them to be distracted as they looked around for Asuna.

"Now! Kirito-kun!"

Behind the afterimage was Kazuto, with his Katana unsheathed. Using flashstep, Kazuto executes the movement behind the skill of his mentor, Sorlet.

"Whirlwind Current."

Flash stepping into the centre of the formation of the four Shinigami protecting Izumo, he danced like a whirlwind as he swung his blade three hundred and sixty degrees, striking all four Shinigami around him's exposed backs two times, causing them to fall.

Izumo cursed as he saw his henchmen drop down, and as he cried out in a fit of rage, he drew his Zanpakuto and flash stepped towards Kazuto, attempting to attack with a heavy downward slash.

"Switch."

As he reappeared close to Kazuto, Izumo saw another figure in front of him.

"Rapier, six hit skill…"

Launching six simultaneous attacks at Izumo, causing to go on the defensive despite his offensive posture, caused his balance to begin to waver.

Dammit! These Rukongai filth are good… I might have to use it after-all.

"Crixification."

The last hit managed to get through, piercing through Izumo's defensive blocks, giving him a small scratch on the cheek, as he attempted to counter attack Asuna, who was over extended with her last hit.

"Switch."

As Izumo attempted to use a downward slash on Asuna, he felt something was up. Something was wrong, and he was right to feel so.

Kazuto had flash stepped behind him, and was about to deal the finishing blow, using the skill 'sonic leap', albeit without the effect. But being backed with his spiritual pressure and flash step, the skill still had it's merits.

Izumo flash stepped away, the moment he felt the blade contacting his back, forcing him to pull away his slash which had barely reached Asuna's hair

Despite his reflexes, a deep wound was carved onto his back, whilst Asuna used flash step to regroup with Kazuto, the duo standing shoulder to shoulder, being ready to face Izumo.

Kazuto pointed his katana at Izumo, as he said to him: "I'm giving you a chance, Shinigami. Leave and pretend nothing happened, or pay the price."

Izumo scoffed, as he coughed out blood whilst replying: "On the pride of the eleventh, I won't give up!"

Kazuto sighed as he shook his head. "Very well then."

As he and Asuna both went into the stance for the skill [Sonic leap], Izumo called out on his Zanpakuto.

"Strike, Rhi-"

XXXXX

A/N

That cliffhanger though. Thanks for all the follows and favourites, and I'm sorry for the slow updates, but I have a life too. Its summer now so chapters might start popping out faster, who knows?

Notes: Edited the chapter slightly, sorry for some mistakes here.

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Nagisa TR: A villain from the second part of Alicization, you'll know after fall.

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