Hello every one, here's your precious Dakan69. For everyone who's reading, you're lucky since now I've uploaded a chapter after 2 weeks, since it usually takes 4 weeks for such a long chapter, what's more, THIS chapter is much longer than the usual length I've arranged.

Hope you enjoy my new chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, not even the soundtracks. Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo while the soundtracks and anything else copyrighted does belong each to their originator.

Vaizado no Ashido

Chapter 3: Good and Bad Days of the Past

(OPENING: Leader – Warrior Inside)

FLASHBACKS – SEIREITOU'S POINT OF VIEW – 200 YEARS AGO

Seireitou was the first one to explain himself. He told the three youngsters that around 200 years ago after they three disappeared, the soul society has been informed that the Quincy's activity has suddenly increased.

So the soul society sent several Divisions to investigate that matter, including the 8th Division, among them Seireitou himself, his Lieutenant Shunsui Kyoraku; the 5th Division, among them Seigen-taichou and Shinji-Fukutaicho; the 13th Division with Raian-taichou and his lieutenant Jushiro Ukitake and the 12th Divison, among them Kirio Hikifune-taicho and her Lieutenant, Bansui Amatsuki, who, by the way, was the one who confirmed the situation in the first place.

They were sent to certain locations in the human world with known Quincy population to exterminate them, especially around 'Grat', a city in the Country of 'Switzerland', which is located in the Continent of Europe in the Human world.

The word 'Grat' rang a bell in Matsuri's, Fujimaru's, and Shiyo's mind since this city is located atop of the 'Jureichi' (holy spiritual ground), an irregularly changing location in the human world where most of the spiritual beings are concentrated. What's more, 'Grat' is also a well known strategic important point for both, the Shinigami and the Quincy, since most Quincies are located in the continent of Europe.

During their investigation, they've found out that a new Organisation of Quincies has been established, calling themselves the 'Imawashi'.

The 'Imawashi' has been gaining influence much faster than the Gotei 13 has expected, which was also the reason why Seireitou and all the other Captains who were assigned to the mission, agreed that it's necessary to act as fast as possible.

If it's about fighting and killing Quincy men, Seireitou and Raian didn't have any reason to hold back as they did a thousand years prior.

But during an official meeting, after the Captains made their reports about the Quincy situation in the Human world and a long debate with the Central 46, they gave orders to exterminate not only the 'Imawashi' but also all the Quincies, including vulnerable women and children as well, so that another Quincy-formation could be avoided in the long run.

This made the three youngsters look shockingly towards Shinji, who looked away in shame because he regretted what has happened back then. This expression made the three youngsters realize that what Seireitou has said is the truth, even about their dear Seigen-taichou.

Later, after that particular order has been given, Seireitou talked with all the Captains and Lieutenants, who were assigned to the Quincy investigation. But most of them said that they don't mind because, after all, they're following orders. Only Bansui Amatsuki, Fukutaicho of the 12th Division showed his protest as well.

This was the point where Seiretou, in his deepest thoughts, couldn't agree with.

So he came up with a plan on his own, which was to make the soul society believe that they have killed the vulnerable Quincy-women and their Quincy-Children. So Seireitou, Raian, and many other Shinigamis, who were old friends of Seireitou before they became part of the Gotei 13, and Bansui Amatsuki-Fukutaicho, created a special place to hide the vulnerable Quincy-women and their children. They confiscated all available Quincy weapons for safety purposes.

Of course, Seireitou knew that he didn't, and couldn't, protect all vulnerable Quincy women and their children from that fate, but those who've been found by them were luckily saved and brought out of danger.

So they've fought.

But then something unexpected happened, something Seireitou and Raian didn't saw coming.

The Lieutenant of the 12th Division, Bansui Amatsuki betrayed them, revealing that he has allied himself with Dastan Hiroshi, not only the leader of the famous Hiroshi Echt-Quincy clan but also the leader of the 'Imawashi'.

Seireitou explained this part of the story while remembering how Bansui, Dastan, and a third man were staying in front of him.

While being captured and brought to a secret hideout of the 'Imawashi', Bansui explained to Seireitou and Raian that both, the Shinigami and the Quincy, refused the progress they could have made and that Dastan Hiroshi shares this Vision of him, since Dastan is helping him with his 'Hollowfication' research, which the soul society refused to fund him, while in return Bansui himself has to help for Dastan Hiroshi's interests as well, which was to capture as many Shinigami's as possible, which both then shared for each their interests.

Bansui then explained to Seireitou his 'scientific' point of view about the Hollows, like claiming that the hollows are in fact a misunderstood species. Bansui revealed furthermore that by capturing Seireitou, he made a 'big haul' since with Seireitou's help, his research to 'truly understand the Hollows' will make bigger improvements than before, what's more even Dastan himself will benefit from that.

Seireitou and Raian then painfully found out, that Bansui performed so-called 'hollowifcation' experiments on few captured Shinigami he already captured in the past, but none of them survived this process before, leaving Bansui no other choice than to kill them since he considered them too weak.

But this all changed when Seireitou became Bansui's new guinea pig, what's more, Bansui also took some examples of Seireitou's blood. And for some reason, as Seireitou explained to the youngsters, he was able to suppress Bansui's Hollowfication experiment.

This fact would later help him, Raian, and many other captured Shinigami to break out of Bansui's secret hideout. This event marked the 'birth of the Visoreds.'

Seireitou explained furthermore that, while he was able to suppress the Hollofication, he had unintentionally infected his other mates with the hollofication, but that most of them also could for some reason survive it.

It was at this point that Seireitou and Raian have encountered another strange group of Quincies, called the 'Hajime Group', lead by a guy named Makaze Hajime. He offered Seireitou, Raian, and the others medicine against the hollowfication, but also sought assistance against Dastan Hiroshi in return.

Seireitou immediately agreed, much to Raian's protest since he wasn't fully convinced about this Makaze guy. But Seireitou saw the honesty in Makaze's eyes, knowing that he could be trusted.

Makaze Hajime also expressed his gratitude for Seireitou and Raian for saving the many vulnerable Quincy children and women. Furthermore, when Seireitou asked where they are right now, Makaze revealed to the 'Visoreds' that their current location is in Grat, Switzerland.

HEISEKAI - BACK TO THE PRESENT

Seireitou then said to the three youngsters that the story between the Visoreds and the 'Hajime Group' and how they defeated the 'Imawashi' and their time in 'Grat' is a story of its own, which is the reason he'll make a time skip.

FLASHBACK - 150 YEARS AGO - SEIREITOU'S POINT OF VIEW

After the Visoreds and the 'Hajime Group' defeated the 'Imawashi', not only Bansui has escaped from them, but it didn't take long for him to send a message to the Visoreds years later.

As if that wasn't worse enough, Bansui revealed that he recently had made another 'big haul while sending a picture, which is revealed to be their long for dead declared comrade Ashido Kano.

This made the youngsters look shockingly towards Ashido, who looked down for a moment before he looked again towards the youngsters. While the three could understand that it might be uncomfortable for Ashido to remember, Ashido himself actually tried to not think of a certain important detail of this event which he didn't want to reveal to the youngsters for now, since it concerns them.

After the Visoreds were able to locate Bansui, who held Ashido hostage, he then revealed that since Ashido has disappeared, Ashido himself has been fighting menos class hollows in the forest of menos in Hueco Mundo for around 100 years.

Bansui even praised Ashido for surviving so long in the world of hollows, also calling him a true survivor. And for that, a special 'hollowfication experiment' has been made for Ashido.

BACK TO PRESENT

From this point on, Ashido continued telling his story.

FLASHBACKS – ASHIDO'S POINT OF VIEW – 150 YEARS AGO

Ashido explained that after being found, he also has been taken hostage while Bansui was praising him as Seireitou explained. But before he saw Seireitou and Raian again, he has received a strange injection on his neck, claiming that Ashido might benefit from that for what is about to happen to him.

Then Ashido has been brought, also heavily fettered, into a strange room. There Ashido saw something like a Pentagram on the floor before being put in the middle of the drawing. Even Ashido's gazelle hollow mask has been put on a certain field of the pentagram.

Then soon something happened what Ashido refers to as one of his most painful experiences: he had been 'hollowfied'.

But it wasn't the same kind of 'hollowfication' Bansui did to Seireitou and Raian. This time the Gazelle hollow mask has been used as a 'catalysator' since with an available hollow mask it's presumably much easier to undergo hollofication as it has been told to Ashido.

While Ashido didn't remember what happened during his hollofication, Seireitou revealed that he, Raian, and the others had fought against the hollowfied Ashido, while Bansui used this opportunity to escape again.

It was a long and hard fight as Seireitou remembered, so hard that he thought that he has no other choice but to kill his previous comrade.

But then a miracle happened: Ashido also was able to suppress the hollowfication, taking controll of his body again.

When Ashido has woken up from a long sleep, he couldn't describe the feeling he had when he saw Seireitou and Raian when he woke up, since the word 'happiness' is understated in this case.

Ashido also was able to experience the wonderful swiss country and city of 'Grat' for a decade. He also has received the medicine all the Visoreds were taking to suppress their hollowfication.

But despite the medicine, which really helped them at first for the next 25 years, it couldn't help them get rid of the hollowfication at all, so the Visores had to make a decision:

At first, they thought about to make contact with the soul society again, maybe when they reveal that they're alive they might receive help, but all of them dismissed this idea since they've received 'from a reliable source' that not only all of them have been declared dead, but also that they'll be most likely be considered hollows themselves, which is an obvious reason to become a target.

This and many other facts made Seireitou come to one conclusion:

So that they won't cause their new allies and other innocent humans and souls any issues, the Visoreds, to which Ashido officially joined them, decided to move into Hueco Mundo.

Not too long after that arrival, they've reached Ashido's hideout he used in the forest of Menos, who also revealed to them that he's been truly hunting hollows there since his disappearance, confirming Bansui's reason for praising Ashido as the truth.

Sometimes later, the Visoreds developed their own HQ there. It was depressing at first, but then, after a lot of trials and efforts, they finally reached the 'completeness', thus becoming 'true Visoreds', as Seireiotu explained, where they were able to gain full control of their hollow powers.

But despite being partly hollows themselves, since then, they still fought and killed hollows in the name of the soul society and the Shinigami, despite the fact that the 'true' Shinigami wouldn't welcome them.

BACK TO PRESENT

After Fujimaru, Matsuri and Shiyo listened to Seiretou's story, they remained speechless again. How could the Soul Society decide to exterminate the Quincy? Of course, they knew that Quincies were a threat to the balance of the world, and when they start to organize themselves again, it's acceptable to act as fast as possible, but to exterminate vulnerable Women and Children as well? , and that their dear Seigen-taichou would agree to this?

Now that she remembered, Shiyo wanted to ask a certain question.

"lies … " Fujimaru said, suddenly making a serious and angry expression towards Seireitou.

"you're lying … Yofu*** would never agree to harm vulnerable women and children. It's true that I can't assess what you, Raian-dono and Ashido-dono have been through, but how can you claim to be the only one who opposed this extermination order? It's hard to believe. " Fujimaru angrily demanded while Matsuri and Shiyo tried to hold him back.

"I'm not." Seireitou suddenly spoke again, "Actually when I talked with Seigen, Shinji, Raian, as most of my previous comrades in private, they told me that they were against that, but since I am one of the founding members of the Gotei 13, I was the only one who could openly criticize this order back then. But even I couldn't do anything as to how the soul society declared war again." Seireitou explained.

"Maybe this was also the reason why both, Seigen and Konoka, have resigned." Shinji added while also somehow regretting his current statement, but also mentally cursing Seireitou and Ashido for not telling each other an very important detail during their explanation.

"what do you mean by 'resigned' ?" Fujimaru asked in disbelief, which made Mastsuri and Shiyo also look in disbelief.

Seireitou, who guessed what Shinji thought about him, meanwhile also cursed himself for not explaining that certain detail while looking towards Shinji, who still had an expression of regret on his face. Fujimaru, Matsuri, and Shiyo faced him as well.

Fujimaru, Matsuri, and Shiyo then remained looking towards Shinji as well, expecting that he'll tell them his point of view, to which Shinji did.

FLASHBACK – SHINJI'S POINT OF VIEW – 175 YEARS AGO

Shinji told further that Seigen-taichou, who was the last one coming back from the human world to the soul society after they killed most of the Quincy, ended up with heavy depressions after reporting that after a long search that Seireitou-taichou, Raian-taichou, and Amatsuki-Fukutaicho died in Combat while facing Dastan Hiroshi, the leader of the famous Hiroshi Quincy-clan and also the leader of the 'Imawashi'.

Knowing that they all were in a case of emergency, Kirio Hikifune-taicho decided that, in order to defeat the 'Imawashi' as well, she has to use a secret 'Anti-Quincy'- bioweapon created by the 12th Division a long time ago, referred to as the 'Wolffluch'.

With that bioweapon, as Shinji explained, the newly formed Shinigami army under the command of Kirio Hikifune-taicho, went into the human world on her own, were able to destroy the 'Imawashi'-Organisation once and for all.

BACK TO PRESENT

Shinji explained that after the soul society declared the 'Quincy extermination' as fulfilled, he became the new Captain of the 5th Division after Seigen Suzunami's resignation and that both Seigen and Konoka retired from the public in the aftermath, Fujimaru couldn't bear the overload of information he heard, which made him run away by using shunpo, which resulted in few shoji doors to be damaged.

NEARYBY FORREST OF HEISEKAI - LATER

After Fujimaru stopped, he realized he has arrived in front of a tree, which seemed familiar.

"there you are" Fujimaru heard Shinji calling him from behind.

When he turned around, he saw Shinji, Matsuri, and Ashido coming along.

The three also saw the still sad expression on Fujimaru after what Shinji told them about Seigen-taichou.

While Matsuri stood beside Fujimaru, Shinji on the other hand went further until he stood in front of the tree where Fujimaru was already standing.

"That tree … " Shinji suddenly started talking, "it really looks similar to the one when I and taichou first met you two, remember." Shinji commented, still looking at the tree.

Fujimaru and Matsuri also started to look at the tree while remembering.

(Soundtrack: Bleach OST a requiem)

NORTHEASTERN RUKONGAI – SOUL SOCIETY – 315 YEARS AGO

It was during the time when Shinji has climbed the position of the fukutaicho of the 5th Division under Gobantai-taichou Seigen Suzunami.

During an assault by the, back then, famous Hollow named 'Mad Eater', many Rukongai citizens were devoured by that Hollow.

It was Gobantai taichou Suzunami and Shinji himself who looked for 'Mad Eater' so that they could finish him.

When they were able to locate the hollow inside a forest somewhere in northeastern Rukongai, Shinji and his taichou saw how 'Mad Eater' was attacking two young children.

While Suzunami taichou fought against Mad Eater, Shinji brought the twins to safety.

Sometime later after Seigen-taichou killed Mad Eater, the twins have been brought to the Suzunami household, where they've met Seigen-taichou's older sister Konoka and her daughter Shiyo, who is also as young as the twins.

Because the twins felt very hungry back then, Seigen and Konoka realized that they have the great potential for becoming Shinigami, which was the reason they've been adopted. And as graceful, as Matsuri and Fujimaru are, they've even accepted Seigen-taichou's request to become Shinigami some decades later when they're old enough.

When they both graduated after six years in the Shino Academy, Seigen has given them seats among the 5th Division.

While they succeeded in most missions assigned to them both, making the 'Kudo-twins' quite popular, there was some case where they've caused too much collateral damage (Fujimaru in particular).

And as punishment for a very special case, not only for the collateral damage but also because of Fujimaru's laziness, Seigen decided to temporarily relocate the twins to the 11th Division under Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, who has been known to turn even the most delinquent Shinigami into the most obedient ones.

Because of that, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki was feared by most young men outside of the 11th Division, especially Fujimaru. Seigen and Hirako found out about this by coincidence, which they then used as a punishment for Fujimaru and Matsuri.

11th DIVISION'S BARRACKS – SOUL SOCIETY – 265 YEARS AGO

When the twins, along with Seigen-taichou and Hirako-Fukutaichou, arrived at the Barracks of the 11th Division, the twins met the Division's Fukutaicho, Ashido Kano, along with Kenpachi Kuruyashiki-taichou for the first time.

When Seigen, who obviously accompanied them so that they 'don't disappear by chance', announced to Kuruyashiki that the twins, especially Fujimaru, need to learn 'some discipline', Kuruyashiki grinned with an evil expression, knowing what Seigen is implying.

Fujimaru, who ultimately had to remain for 10 years compare to his sister who only needed 5 years, used to call their time in the 11th Division the 'true Hell', but each for different reasons.

It was only after the twins were resigned again in the 5th Division, that Ashido went missing and has bee declared dead.

(end of soundtrack)

BACK TO PRESENT

"The training at dawn was the most exhausting one I ever had, oh god the push-ups, the sit-ups… "

"so you don't like push- and sit-ups? " Ashido asked Fujimaru as if he just insulted Ashido and his Division.

"I didn't like to be stared by Kuruyashiki-taichou the whole time just because he claimed I didn't make push-ups the right way" Fujimaru explained his viewpoint.

"you're the one to talk" Matsuri angrily said, "at least everyone there didn't watched YOU with leering eyes, after all, I was the only female there." Matsuri explained while remembering how not only the other men from the 11th Division but also most men from the other Divisions stared at her. What's more, there were even some men from different Noble families who 'looked towards her with great interest.' After all, Matsuri was considered to be one of the most beautiful young Shinigamis back then.

Usually, Matsuri wouldn't mind, what's more, being praised as 'beautiful' is a compliment after all and she also received 'much help' from many other male Shinigami peers, but what's too much is too much, and this was the case as well since most men were openly 'glaring at her in interest', instead of doing it furtively, which would have made it much more bearable. And about the jealous female peers back then she doesn't want to think about.

"oh come one, Kuruyashiki-taichou considered you to be the most disciplined of everyone, what's more you even could command us around for one day. And didn't the situation changed when you told Ashido-fukutaicho about those 'leering stares'? "

"still it didn't change that much, knowing that I was the only girl … " Matsuri commented, to which Fujimaru laughed, which again resulted in him being punched by his twin sister.

"but what's more, we were actually supposed to remain only for 5 years, but then I had to remain for more 5 years, making it 10 in total."

"well it's your fault for insulting the Captain-Commander and Unohana-taichou."

At this point, not only Shinji but even Ashido started to laugh since he clearly remembered what Matsuri is talking about.

(Bleach OST 1: Comical world)

"But I have to admit, it wasn't always bad in the 11th Barracks" Fujimaru surprisingly admitted, "especially those jokes that everyone made about Ashido" Fujimaru added.

At this point, Ashido himself made a bored expression, knowing what subject is about to be discussed.

"oh you mean THOSE jokes about Ashido ?" Shiyo asked excitingly, remembering some of those jokes.

"not jokes, 'facts' " Fujimaru corrected him.

"please not … " Ashido begged them not to start this subject while putting his left hand in front of his face, making a rather embarrassed expression underneath.

"ooh I remember one: when Ashido Kano goes to a tea house, he orders sushi and gets the double portion"

"or: Ashido Kano can teach a dog how to meow"

"oh oh I know one too: Ashido Kano counted to infinity. Twice. First time forward, the second time backward."

(end of soundtrack)

Ashido himself listened to how his friends said more jokes, or rather 'facts', as many called them too.

"How the hell did those jokes started anyway, geez." Ashido complained.

"Actually I know." Fujimaru proclaimed happily.

" " "Really ? " " " all other three said in unison

"Yeah, it even all started when we still were in the 11th Division Barracks."

11th DIVISION'S BARRACKS – SOUL SOCIETY – 259 YEARS AGO - EVENING

Fujimaru explained that during the ' 1500 years anniversary Gotei 13'-Day, which has been celebrated around Seireitei and even parts of Rukongai, Fujimaru has been ordered by Kuruyashiki-taichou to help around, so that the upcoming Shiningami can drink and celebrate together here in the Barracks with certain other adult Shinigami, like the Captain of the 8th Division Seireitou Kawahiru and his lieutenant Shunsui Kyoraku, The Captain of the 10th Division Kondo Katsurogo Shiba and his Lieutenant Shutetsu Nagakiso, the Captain of the 13th Division Raian Getsueikirite and his lieutenant Jushiro Ukitake, even along with other prominent Shinigamis from other Divisions, like Robu Aikawa, Rojuro Otoribasho and Kensei Muguruma.

The most prominent guests, however, as Fujimaru heard, were two other members of the famous Shiba Family, namely the famous prodigy Kaien Shiba, who's Kondo's grandchild and at the same age as Fujimaru; and Kondo Shiba's youngest son Isshin, who not only is basically Kaien's uncle but also was on the same class as Ashido-fukutaicho in the Shin'o Academy.

When both of them arrived at the 11th Barracks, Kondo explained that since Kaien has caused some misfortune, he has been brought by Isshin tonight so that Kaien won't run away from punishment, which made everyone laugh since they had two young men to punish. Kawahiru-taichou even added that it's no wonder for Kaien since he looks and behaves quite identical to Kondo in his younger days. A comment, which made Kondo upset at first, only for him to surprisingly agree and laugh along, adding that his oldest son and Kaien's father, Ichiei, also say the same as well.

Nearly all of them, except Isshin, have met the Kudo Twins during some Missions they had to participate in while being in the 11th Division, even Kaien.

While Fujimaru took a liking for Kaien, Robu, and Rojuro because they were laid-back and easy-going like Fujimaru himself, he was rather afraid of Kensei, because not only he's as strict as Ashido and Kuruyashiki-taichou, but also has a 'creepy smile' as Fujimaru would tell.

During one mission in southern Rukongai, Robu told Fujimaru that the most creepy about Kensei is, that Kensei can't make a 'usual' smile. Hearing this, Kensei got rather angry towards Robu, who then said that this is just a joke, which somehow calmed him down.

For the 11th Division, however, there was one more reason to celebrate.

It was because they succeeded completely in a mission, which was to protect the Kasumioji Noble Family from an armed robbery. What's more, Fujimaru himself even became, quite accidentally, a key role for this mission's success, which somehow made him being treated like a hero among the Gotei 13.

Because of that, Kuruyashiki decided for Fujimaru to remain in the barracks to swagg around how the 11th Division gave rise to a 'brave and discipline hero', which Fujimaru currently was.

But when Fujimaru reminded Kuruyashiki-taicho about Ashido-fukutaicho's absence, since he should be also here as this Division's Fukutaicho, Kuruyashiki-taichou admitted that he doesn't know and that Fujimaru has no other choice than to ask around. Seeing that his father is enjoying drinking, Isshin Shiba then also told his nephew Kaien to help the 'new hero' as his 'sidekick' before he and the others started laughing, which made Kaien gave an angry look towards his uncle.

As Fujimaru and Kaien went around Sereitei, he slightly complained about why they have to look around for Ashido-fukutaicho, while all the people around him could celebrate.

Luckily for both, they only had to ask a few times around to find out, that Ashido has been seen along with the 12th Division Captain, Kirio Hikifune.

With that, both concluded that Ashido then must be in the 12th Division's Barracks right now, to which he immediately went.

12th DIVISION'S BARRACKS – SOUL SOCIETY – 259 YEARS AGO - EVENING

When they arrived at the 12th Division Barracks, both noticed that no one was there, probably because they all were celebrating.

Slightly Complaining again because he couldn't ask anyone, Fujimaru and Kaien had to go look for Ashido on their own.

But as soon as both entered the 12th Barracks, a cold shiver ran down their back, because he realized that the 12th Barracks were TRULY empty, what's more, it's late in the evening, which made the corridors scarier in the dark.

The more Fujimaru and Kaien have to go around the dark Corridors of the Barrack, the more fear surrounded their minds as if hollows were lurking around every corner there.

Then suddenly, he heard someone yell loud. Which obviously increased their heart racing.

They heard it again. This time both realized it's a female voice.

Their minds turning alert, Fujimaru and Kaien held their right hand on their Zanpakutos, ready to face whatever kind of Danger might lurk there.

As they followed those strange yellings which also got louder, both finally reached a closed door.

Holding their Zanpakuto even tighter, both were about to bounce the door, until Fujimaru realized that he has been stopped by someone, who held his whole body, even his Zanpakuto.

"Kaien-san, why are you holding me, " Fujimaru asked rather upset.

"What are you talking about ?" Kaien wondered.

Both their heart beatings became even faster, wondering what's holding Fujimaru's body back if it wasn't Kaien.

As both slowly turned their heads, they had one of the most shocking moments in their lives: a tall, dark silhouette with rather pointy ears is looking down with a strict expression on Fujimaru.

Before Kaien and Fujimaru could let out a scream on their own, the dark silhouette closed their mouths with its own hands while also holding them tighter on themselves.

After successfully letting go of the silhouette, the two young Shinigami realized that they are outside of the Barracks again.

"so" an older man's voice started speaking behind Fujimaru "mind telling me why two young men like you are entering our Barracks without our authorization ?" the man asked.

As Fujimaru and Kaien themselves turned around, they saw that it's the same man who held his mouth, also still looking with a scary look on that face. But thanks to the moonlight, both immediately realized who that man is in the first place.

This made Fujimaru and Kaien immediately salute.

" Junibantai-Amatsuku-Fukitaichou, We didn't saw anyone from this Division outside at the entrance, and since we've been given a strict order, we went inside on our own, we're deeply sorry for my rude act. " Kaien explained to Bansui Amatsuki, the Lieutenant of the 12th Division.

"oohh I remember you both" Bansui suddenly declared "you're Kaien Shiba, the famous prodigy of the Shiba Noble Family and you're one of the Kudo-twins, from Seigen-taichou, Fujimaru, right? , who has been offset to the 11th Division for some punishment. And because you also insulted our Captain-Commander, you have to endure even more years, right? "Bansui's scary face immediately disappeared while starting to laugh himself.

Fujimaru started to get beet red, remembering those shameful actions Bansui just mentioned

"And, what order have you been given, young men ?" Bansui asked, now with a rather warm smile.

"w-well, Kuruyashiki taichou told me that Ashido-fukutaicho has been absent for a while, ordering me to find him so that they all can celebrate at the 11th Barracks. Then I've been told by some fellow Shinigamis that he's been seen with Hikifune-taicho, to which I concluded he has to be her in the 12th Division's barracks, but when I entered here, I didn't saw anyone, and well the last part I've just explained first. " Fujimaru explained as politely as possible.

"Do you perhaps know, where Ashido-fukutaicho is at the moment, Amatsuki-Fukutaicho ?" Kaien asked sincerely.

"well …" Bansui then held his left hand behind his head, wondering how he could explain this to these, obviously immature, young men, "I do know where he is, but I'm afraid I can't bring you to him until tomorrow, because as much as I know, he and Hikifune-taicho are very … " Amatsuki paused for a moment, trying to find the right word " … busy right now."

" busy with what? " Fujimaru asked further since he knew that he and Kaien can't go back to the 11th Barracks without clear information about Ashido's whereabouts.

Then he saw Bansui moved his left hand, signalizing Fujimaru and Kaien to come along. He realized that they've been going outside the Barracks.

"Tell Kuruyashiki-taichou that Ashido-fukutaicho and Hikifune-taicho are very busy and deeply involved right now. "

"you said that already, but I …" Kaien also still wasn't satisfied with that explanation.

" Just tell him, trust me, he and the other guests will understand the moment you both explain everything you've experienced there and heard what I've said, now if you both excuse me, I need to go somewhere else, have a nice evening, Kudo-san and Shiba-san " were Bansui's last words before he disappeared by using Shunpo.

Still feeling somehow not satisfied with the current amount of information, Fujimaru decided to return to the 11th Barracks.

11th DIVISION'S BARRACKS – SOUL SOCIETY – 259 YEARS AGO - EVENING

When Fujimaru returned from his 'mission' to the 11th Barracks, he saw that besides Kuruyashiki-taichou and the other members of the Division, a white-haired man, a man with a pink Kimono, another white-haired man and a black-haired man, along with many other male Shinigamis from different Divisions who seemed to have arrived while Fujimaru and Kaien were gone, were sitting near each other while celebrating rather loud and drinking sake, as Fujimaru presumed.

"Aaahhh, there you are Fuji-chan and Kai-chan" Kuruyashiki-taichou called Fujimaru and Kaien, who immediately realized that he's already slightly drunk. "soo, did you both find Ashido? "

"well about that … " Kaien said unconfidently.

Fujimaru started to explain everything that has happened while looking for Ashido. But as more Ashido explained, the more of the guests were coming closer, listening to his 'strange' story, especially about the female scream and yelling. But when he told about how Amatsuki-Fukutaicho discovered him, they started to laugh at him, before Kuruyashiki-taichou ordered everyone to be silent so that Fujimaru could finish.

But what came next from Fujimaru's mouth was rather unexpected for the drinking guests:

" Amatsuki-Fukutaicho said that he can't bring me to Ashido-fukutaicho because he's for some reason busy and deeply involved with Hikifune-taicho."

Then, both Fujimaru and Kaien realized that suddenly, it was silent inside the 11th Barracks.

As Fujimaru looked around, he realized that everyone is looking towards him with stunned expressions, many of the guest's mouths gaping wide, Robu, and Rojuro included. Some of their mouths even reaching the floor, like Kensei's.

Kuruyashiki-taichou, who also had a stunned expression, then turned towards the bottle of sake he's holding right now before looking towards the pink Kimono guy:

"wow, Shunsui, you didn't mention that this is one of the good ones. " Kuruyashiki commented on Shunsui's apparently good sake.

"well, I didn't, and this isn't one of the good stuff" Shunsui, his pink kimono on the wooden floor, also with a stunned expression, corrected Kuruyashiki who still looked towards Shunsui, confirming that no one is THAT drunk at the moment.

Kuruyashiki then immediately looked again towards Kaien.

"Kaien, could you please repeat what Fujimaru had said. " Kuruyashiki said.

Kaien, who somehow understood the perplexed expressions on the guest's faces, since he himself is perplexed as well because he didn't understand it either, started to repeat his story.

When Kaien finished repeating Fujimaru's explanation, all the present guests had even more perplexed expressions, as if realizing that they've been never drunk at all and had listened to both identical stories loud and clear.

Then something happened what he didn't saw coming:

The guests in the 11th Barracks started celebrating again, what's more, they seemed to start getting to cheer much louder.

"NOW WE HAVE A SECOND HERO OF THIS DIVISION, THIS HAS TO BE CELEBRATED, EVERYONE !" Kuruyashiki screamed in happiness, well the 'manly'-version of happiness, as Fujimaru realized.

"THIS INCLUDES OUR DEAR KAI-CHAN AS WELL" Isshin Shiba added happily.

"NOW WE CAN BRING THE GOOD STUFF, SHUNSUI !" Seireitou-taichou added, also in this version of happiness.

"YES TAICHOU ! " Shunsui screamed out while holding another large bottle of sake before he added some of the liquid each to a cup of one to the guests, except for Fujimaru and Kaien, since even Shunsui could see that they are still underage, thus no sake for him. He gave Fujimaru a cup of the grape-juice, which Shunsui also brought along.

"here, for you. little hero" Shunsui said while giving Fujimaru his cup.

"t-thank you, sir, " Fujimaru said, taking the cup while wondering what's going on since he still doesn't understand why they're suddenly happy right now.

After everyone has some liquid on their cups, Kuruyashiki started talking.

"now everyone: to the one man who has been able to reach the impossible and whom I can proudly call my lieutenant: TO ASHIDO "

"""""""""""! TO ASHIDO !"""""""""""""

Everyone said in unison as much as possible before the Cups have been drunk.

After that, Kuruyashiki came closer to Fujimaru, who still is confused.

"you both have done a great mission tonight, Fuji-chan and Kai-chan, and in return for that, you can go for now, and I'll even give you a free week, starting at tomorrow."

Despite still not understanding why everyone is happy for Ashido, Fujimaru and Kaien got a happy expression on themselves for their free week, "y-yes, thank you, Kuruyashiki-taichou " both happily replied before they bowed in front of him, then leaving the Barracks.

BACK TO PRESENT

Shinji suddenly had the same speechless expression as Kuruyashiki-taichou did back then, as Fujimaru realized after telling his strange story again. What's more, Shinji even looked towards Ashido, who for some reason held his left hand in front of his face.

"I remember when you told this story to us back home, it's really strange." Matsuri said.

"and what's even more strange is, that when I told the same story to Konoka-dono and Seigen-taichou, they reacted the complete opposite, Seigen-taichou even hit me on the head because, as he claimed, I 'shouldn't talk like an irresponsible adult ', and he never explained what I did wrong, not even Konoka-dono said anything, only that I shouldn't tell this story to anyone else anymore. But Kuruyashiki-taichou and the other did tell and added some other 'facts' as well, that's how those strange 'Ashido Kano facts' started." Fujimaru explained

"Anyway, As you remember, when we met for the first time, Kaasan brought me and Shiyo along to the 12th Division where I met Hikifune-taicho for the first time, she explained to us that she's about to create artificial souls she has called 'Gikongan'. " Matsuri explained while making a concerned expression, "I mean don't get me wrong, Hikifune-taicho is a nice person, and her delicious food tastes as divine as the rumors say, but to research on 'artificial souls' does sound somehow scary to me to be honest, especially since she wanted a hair sample of me "

" I agree with you, Matsu-nee, and because of that, my theory is, that Hikifune-taicho has created some kind of dangerous monster from her 'Gikongan' experiments, and that's why she needed Ashido to contain it, am I right? " Fujimaru asked curiously while now looking towards Ashido.

"wha-, oh yes, it was an experiment." Ashido said nervously, hoping that he doesn't have to explain more. He also wanted to add that Hikifune-taichou also received a hair sample of him as well, but ultimately remained silent.

'it can't be more obvious, now can't it ?' Shinji thought with a slightly shocked expression at Ashido, 'I'll have to pray to the soul king that Hiyori will never find out'

"Somehow I'm even happy that Amatsuki-Fukutaicho stopped you going further, who knows what scary thing was beneath that door. Which also the reason I can't believe that he's a traitor." Shiyo added.

"I can't believe that Seigen-taichou and Konoka-okasamma resigned" Fujimaru commented while making a sad expression.

Of course, the twins and Shiyo knew that Konoka was the Captain of the Kido-Corps, something that is supposed to be top-secret information only a few knew about, like Seigen-taichou and Hirako-Fukutaichou. The three have been enlightened about that when they graduated from the Shino Academy, "I also can't believe that Amatsuki-Fukutaicho is a traitor, what's more, the things he did to you all" Fujimaru commented while remembering the Fukutaicho.

He then looked towards Shinji, "and what's more, you never explained why you are in exile, Shinji-sempai" Fujimaru said while remembering that Shinji explained that he didn't join Seireitou from the beginning, implying that Shinji himself became a Visoreds later on.

"Well that's something we would like to explain later if possible, but what we can tell you is that everyone here who carries a blade is declared dead by the soul society, myself included. " Ashido said while he and Shinji looked away, signalizing that they both have to tell stories of their own.

(ENDING: Aqua Timez – 1mm)

Sei-san no Kyōshitsu (Sei-san's classroom)

" 'Minasian, Konnichiwa' today we're going to talk about my 'Zanku' " Seireitou introduced after the stage curtain has been moved each on the left and right.

Firstly, Seireitou put out his Katana including its scabbard. Then it suddenly turned its appearance into a more Vasto Lorde-like shape along with white kimono-like style clothes. It then put off the 'Hannya'-like hollow mask, revealing a white-haired man with red marks on his both cheeks.

" 'Konnichiwa', the name's 'Hanullim', I'm this old dude's Zanpakuto's Spirit, I like to scare people when the situation allows it, as you've read the chapter before." Hanullim introduced himself while also showing the 'Hannya'-like hollow mask on his left hand.

"oh come on" Seireitou suddenly complained, making Hanullim wonder, why his master suddenty gets offended to be called 'old dude',

"I told you that you are referred to as a 'Zanku' ", 'oh, so that's what he's complaining about, but that is even less reason to complain' Hanullim thought.

" 'Oh come on' my a**, as if Raian, Ashido, Shinji and the others ever use that term when you're not around. " Hanullim commented mockingly.

" Hey, I TOLD YOU ALREADY, NO FOUL LANGUAGE, I want the readers to acquire important knowledge, not some immoral swear words." Seireitou complained.

'who on Earth believes that' Hanullim wondered while openly pressing his teeth in annoyance.

"Anyway, thank you for reading today's chapter and I'm apologizing for Hanullim's rude behavior today, to be honest, it's my fault since I'm not using him as much as I'm using my Hakuda skills, I hope everyone can see over his behavior."

"so you really want to make your own cheap Version of 'Shinigami Illustrated Picture Book '? you didn't even explain my abili... " Hanullim wanted to finish his statement, but he has been turned back into his sealed Katana form by Seireitou who gave it back to his left torso.

"Anyway, I wish everyone a nice day and until next time." Seireitou finished today's sketch before the stage curtain closed again.

*** According to google translator, Yofu is the term used by the Japanese to adress their adoptive Father. (Correct me if I'm wrong).