Hello everyone, here's your precious Dakan69.
Hope you still enjoy my new story,
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, not even the soundtracks. Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo while the soundtracks and anything else copyrighted belongs each to their originator.
Vaizado no Ashido
Chapter 20: the Gotei 13's special assemble
(OPENING: Aimer – US feat. TK from Ling Tosite Sigure)
HIROSHI HIGH-RISE BUILDING - KAGAMINO CITY -MORTAL WORLD - AFTERNOON
After abolishing all traces of their presence in the school building, Ashido and Seireitou walked through the building complex secretly owned by Kenji, who uses it as their base of operations in Karakura for the Ankoite. Even though they also charter or lease it to mortal humans as well, Luckily for both, no one else was being present nearby when Seireitou and Ashido went for the elevator, which means that none of them could use it.
As for Seireitou, Ashido now noticed that in addition to his own Zanpakuto, he was carrying a second Katana, which also slightly seemed familiar to Ashido, who didn't think of it much since he has other, more critical questions to ask right now.
When they went out of the elevator, they went through the corridor before seeing the stairs again, which led to the upper area not connected with the elevator.
When they've reached that, they saw a door.
After stopping again, Seireitou took out the key before opening it, which turned out to be the building's penthouse.
PENTHOUSE OF THE HIROSHI HIGH-RISE BUILDING - KAGAMINO TOWN - MORTAL WORLD - AFTERNOON
"welcome, Kawahiru-sama, Ashido-sama." Noba, the mod-soul inside Ashido's gigai, greeted them both politely while bowing as well.
"ooh, so you're the mod-soul assigned to Ashido, I see ... " Seireitou confirmed while now looking more closely towards him.
"I must admit, Kisuke has done neat work indeed," Seireitou admitted while still keeping his gaze at Ashido's gigai.
"and the other two ?" Seireitou now asked Ashido,
"Hiyori's and Shinji's gigai are with them, each attached with their mod-souls as well. What are their names again ?" Ashido asked while now looking towards Noba in his Gigai.
"Kurodo and Ririn, sir," Noba answered, still bowing in front of his masters.
"Alright, Noba, you don't need to bow the whole time, but please bring us to our secret room." Seireitou requested happily before he took them through the central area.
Besides the usual furniture, the wooden floor, and the gridded glass windows expected to be seen inside a modern penthouse, the only unusual thing seen in Ashido's and Serieitou's eyes was a separated area being hidden behind distorted glass windows in the shape of Shoji-doors.
When they three passed these doors, which Noba has opened, they saw a Japanese 'Chabudai'-table, a pot with green-tea and two bowls on it, along with a small Zen-garden, which looked more like a larger version of a 'miniature zen garden' than an actual one, both of them in front of the glassy bare windows, which showed the whole panorama of Karakura-town and other visible areas far away thanks to the afternoon-sun, which luckily wasn't shining towards their windows.
After Ashido took on his gigai and put Noba's soul candy inside his pocket, both of them now sat in front of the table.
"How did you know it, Oyabun?About Isshin, I mean. " Ashido, his thoughts now on how he saw Karin and Isshin leaving the school, asked Seireitou about them while also making a slightly shocking expression, wondering how his Oyabun knows about it.
"Urahara and Saori told me they met him around 20 years ago. While we were in Hueco Mundo, they were here in the mortal world during the confrontation with the Bount. Telling to Saori that he had already left soul society at that time," he explained. At the same time, Ashido remembered that this was also the time he has met Harribel and her three adjucas, "but it's only today that Saori told me that he has his own children and that he took the name 'Kurosaki'. " Seireitou added while now remembering the last time he saw Isshin, along with his father Kondo, the back then Captain of the 10th Division.
"I'm still surprised that you immediately remembered him as well." Seireitou proclaimed rather proudly while remembering his old friend from the soul society.
"Even though his appearance seemed somehow different, I could still feel his unique reiatsu, which gives me now even more questions than the answers I was looking for, after all ... " Ashido stated while comparing Isshin's reiatsu from today with the last time he met him centuries ago. And he's now supposed to be the father of humans?
"Indeed, Shinigamis and Mortals can't produce children together under normal circumstances, but like with Naibu and Yukina, Urahara made it possible, but even though the details about his circumstances still remain unknown ... " Seireitou suddenly stated while looking up, also remembering how he saw Isshin running inside the building from afar.
" the way how his reiatsu reacted, suspecting that his daughter might be in danger, confirmed to me that he's indeed her father. Only true fathers react like that." Seireitou added while remembering how he was afraid for his children and grandchild Kaguya many times when doing missions.
Seireitou also wondered how Kondo would've reacted, knowing that his grandchildren were born mortals.
" ... Saori also told me about this. " Seireitou added, now making a more serious expression, before he put his left hand on Ashido's left chest, which activated Ashido's limit seal, starting to glow even out of his gigai. Apart from the symbol itself, which was an image of his hollow mask, there were three more symbols around the limit seal, each of which looked like a circle inside a triangle.
Ashido then looked down with rather great concern,
"I'm concerned for their wellbeings. After all, I don't believe that they'll be safe enough in the soul society if they would have reported about us." So Ashido stated while now looking with his eyes towards his own limit-seal. But for some reason, Seireitou could see that there's a much deeper meaning to Ashido's action regarding the additional sealings, and he had a good idea why.
"I know that you, in particular, don't like 'him', for understandable reasons, but remember that, as the current Kido-Corps-Commander, 'he' possibly might try to removing them if necessary. " Seireitou explained to Ashido, who felt somewhat restless if Fujimaru, Matsuri, and Shiyo would indeed meet that particular person in the soul society.
Ashido now remembered how he met that particular person, who did something horrible concerning Ashido, as both Seireitou and even Seigen confirmed, which was why Ashido despises him and calls him the 'most foolish person alive.
Ashido himself even believes that if Seigen, Bansui, or 'that person' would be tied up in front of him, unable to fight, and is allowed to kill only one of them, he knew that Seigen and Bansui would be the one to stay alive.
But then he felt slightly odd while thinking about that particular person again since something in their room reminded him of the Kido-Corps-Commander.
At this moment, Ashido again looked towards his Oyabun's second Zanpakuto more closely, only to remember it again, especially the 'disgusting' memories.
"is there also a particular reason you brought 'his' Zanpakuto here out of all other things ?" Ashido asked while remembering when he communicated with that Zanpakuto several times before 'hold it any longer as Ashido would describe it with one phrase.
"There is indeed," Seireitou stated while slightly making a playful expression,
"Tessai told me that he'll try to do anything to gain 'her' back." Seireitou explained while looking and referring to the second Zanpakuto, remembering how he also 'obtained' it,
"If that's true and that he hears about our involvement in having saved them, then he has no other choice than to keep his promise, thus to take care of Fujimaru, Matsuri, and Shiyo," Seireitou explained further.
So that was the reason why Seireitou has no concern over the three youngsters as Ashido realized, also remembering how his Oyabun 'obtained' that Zanpakuto.
"I'm still not convinced," Ashido stated promptly while his mind filled with anger.
"I know, but even you can't deny that he's a man who keeps his words, proven by the fact that he indeed receded freely from his previous position." Seireitou reminded him that Ashido knew he couldn't deny that fact.
"Anyway," Seireitou stated, changing the subject, "for the time being, you'll follow these two particular instructions: First, you'll make no contact to both Isshin and his children, for the time being." was Seireitou's first order to Ashido while looking again towards his left chest, "And second, because of your 'decision', I prohibit you from leaving your Gigai for the time being as well. You know how unstable your powers are because of the additional seals." was Seireitou's second order.
"of course," Ashido replied while this time bowing towards his Oyabun, apologizing for his hasty decisions, making Seireitou smile again for Ashido accepting his punishment,
"By the way, can we still ask Urahara kindly to modify your Gigai further," Seireitou added,
"modify ?" Ashido wondered in confusion, to which Seireitou suddenly started to grin devilishly.
DANGAI
Fujimaru, Matsuri, and Shiyo walked silently for a while along with Saido after parting ways with Ashido, Shinji, and the others.
While Shiyo was looking sadly down for some reason, the twins looked straight on.
"Saido-san? " Fujimaru asked the stealth shinigami, who turned towards her,
"can you tell us what has happened in the soul society during our absence? "
Saido looked towards her for a while,
"there were many things which happened in the last 200 years. So what do you want to know in particular."
"Please don't play dumb with us," Fujimaru stated, "of course, we want to know everything concerning our Family, especially Konoka-oba-s ... " Fujimaru said, only to be interrupted by his sister,
"Fuji-nii ..." Matsuri said while looking towards her twin-brother while pointing with her head towards Shiyo,
"I wish I could explain it to you, but your Visored-friends told me that they 'will haunt and get me from every corner no matter where I am' if I make you three somehow uncomfortable, so ... " Saido stated calmly that the Visoreds threatened him regarding the three youngsters, who also understood Saido's Situation.
"I don't mind ... " Shiyo suddenly said, making everyone look towards her while stopping their tracks.
"Shiyo ... " Matsuri said rather concerningly.
"sooner or later, we have to hear about it anyway, so please explain, Saido-san," Shiyo stated while looking towards the stealth-force Shinigami.
Saido then looked towards Matsuri, who pressed her forehead before calming down while looking back towards Saido before nodding.
(Soundtrack: Bleach OST Nothing can be explained)
As they continued walking, Saido started to explain,
"From all murder cases which happened in the soul society, the case of the Suzunami Family is considered to be one, if not THE most mysterious of all."
" " " most mysterious ?" " " all three youngsters asked curiously towards Saido.
"that's right," Saido confirmed, now becoming quite serious compared to his laid-back personality, "Even though both the stealth force and the Kido-Corps were in charge solving that case, not only the culprit has never been found, but important pieces of evidence have also disappeared as well during the investigation, only the corpse has been found," Saido explained, much to the youngster's shock.
"the corpse ... " Matsuri spoke shockingly, while all three realized that he was talking about Konoka's corpse.
"because of further missing evidence, the stealth-force stopped investigating any further, which is the reason that case became THE legendary unsolved mystery in the soul society ... " Saido explained while the three youngsters kept listening to him,
" ... until today," Saido added while now looking again towards them, all of their eyes opening wide slightly in surprise.
"Since you're back, maybe I could convince my superiors to continue the case regarding Konoka-dono since, with you, we have more witnesses after all," Saido explained.
"you could really arrange that?" Matsuri questioned with a surprised expression.
"well, of course." Saido stated warmly while also smiling, "with you three present. It should be convincing enough." he added before looking straight on.
After a while, they could now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
After passing it, they finally arrived in the soul society.
(end of the soundtrack)
SENKAIMON - SOUL SOCIETY - LATE MORNING - LATE MORNING
After the three Shinigami and one soul finally passed the Dangai, they appeared out of the Senkaimon gate of the soul society.
As for the three youngsters, they appeared to be relieved to see familiar surroundings again, the panorama of Seireitei itself, for instance, including other visible locations within it, the Sokyoku Hill and Repentance palace.
"I believe next we need to go to the Captain's assembly hall to explain ourselves, right ?" Fujimaru questioned Saido while the other two girls were also looking towards him if that's how it would go further.
"not quite ... " Saido stated while keeping his head low, his eyes not visible thanks to the shadow which has hidden his eyes thanks to the sun.
Then out of nowhere, dozens of black-clothed individuals suddenly appeared around the four visitors surrounding them.
The twins instinctively were about to draw their blades until they saw how Saido stretched his left hand out,
"That's the Patrol Corps of the Stealth force. They're no enemies," Saido spoke before he looked again straight on towards one of the black colored men, who came closer towards Saido.
"Eikichiro Saido, You haven't made any report for more than 24 hours, explain yourself," the one Patrol Cop demanded from Saido,
"Well, that's going to take a while to explain, but to make it short ... " Saido stated, this time more attentive, before turning his head towards the three youngsters,
"I've found these three, one soul and two Shinigamis, who were declared dead for around 200 years." Saido briefly explained to the black-clothed Patrol Cop, whose gaze then turned towards the three youngsters as well. By looking towards Fujimaru and Matsuri, the Patrol Cop immediately realized that they're Shinigami by their Zanpakutos and their relatively high Reiatsu. He then looked again towards Saido,
"and you've found them in the mortal world ?" he questioned suspiciously towards Saido, who then took out the data storage he got from the Visoreds,
"as I've already explained, it's quite a complicated situation, but the details are contained here," Saido explained further before giving the data storage towards the Patrol Cop, who took it carefully.
"Alright." the patrol cop spoke, now looking towards the three youngsters, "until we can verify your identity, we need to take you into custody for the time being, which is why we need to confiscate your both Zanpakutos, please." the Patrol Cop leader demanded before other patrol cops arrived near the twins.
After Matsuri and Fujimaru, the latter slightly reluctant, took out their whole Zanpakuto, including each their shealth, before giving it with both their hands to each patrol cop, whom each luckily took them very cautiously, much to the twin's relief.
DETENTION ROOM - 2ND DIVISION BARRACKS - SEIREITEI - SOUL SOCIETY - LATE MORNING
That the three youngsters were surprised was an understatement.
After being briefly examined for other weapons or possible dangers, they were brought inside the detention room.
Naturally, they didn't think about the room's interior that much at first since they were tired and immediately fell asleep after seeing the futon prepared for them.
DETENTION ROOM - 2ND DIVISION BARRACKS - TWO HOURS LATER
Which is the reason that they're still looking in disbelief at the interior's expensive-looking features, like the ornament's on the ceiling, the aesthetic wallpaper, and especially the 'prison bars', which stood in front of the windows where the sun rays entered the room, seemed to be gilded with real gold, making the sun rays give the impression that they were inside a 'golden cage'. The only 'normal' thing inside their room was a japanese chabudai-table.
"This prison is even fancier than our whole mansion, I admit," Fujimaru stated while gazing in amazement at the interior.
"I agree" Shiyo agreed to Fujimaru's statement.
Suddenly, the three heard how the door to their room was being opened, revealing four patrol-cop members, including Saido and the patrol-cop leader they've encountered. As for the other two, they were the ones carrying their confiscated Zanpakutos.
"I present you ... " the patrol-cop leader started announcing,
(soundtrack: Bleach OST: Burden of the past)
"The Captain of the 2nd Division of the Gotei 13, Sui-Feng-taichou, along with our special Visitors: the prominent member of the Shihoin-clan, Yoruichi Shihoin and Captain of the 13th Division, Jushiro Ukitake-taichou." the patrol-cop announced, making the three look in surprise after hearing the last name.
The first person entering was a relatively petite woman with gray eyes and short black hair, which she wears with two long braids bound in white cloth, each ending in a large golden ring, her age appearing like she was as old as the three youngsters.
The second one to enter was a dark-skinned woman with golden eyes, black hair, which is waist-length and kept in a ponytail with chin-length bangs framing the sides of her face. Her standard attire consists of a black, backless, sleeveless undershirt, an orange over-shirt with two white straps on each shoulder, a large beige sash around her waist. Knowing that the Shioin Noble family members are all dark-skinned, the three suggested that she must be Yoruichi Shioin.
The last man to enter was indeed the Jushiro Ukitake the three youngsters remember from 200 years ago. His Captain's Haori and his now long white hair were the only difference.
As for Ukitake himself, he made an astonishing expression while looking towards the three youngsters.
The three youngsters immediately bowed towards the three prominent people in authority.
"I'm the Captain of the 2nd Division, Sui-Feng. And you're the three ones presumably missing for 200 years, I suppose ?" the woman with the Haori introduced herself.
" " " yes! " " " the three youngsters stated, much to her surprise how in synch they did it. Fujimaru himself was about to ask a question himself, only to remember that this would be considered very rude right now, which was why he kept his mouth.
"now, Ukitake-taichou" Soifon spoke to the other Captain while also turning towards him,
"Can you verify that these three are indeed those we've been informed about ?" Sui-Feng asked the other Captain, making the dark-skinned woman look towards him as well.
"Yes," Ukitake spoke, "those three are indeed Fujimaru Kudo, Matsuri Kudo, and Shiyo Suzunami, the missing members of the Suzunami noble Family, and not only that ... " Ukitake confirmed the three youngster's identity,
" ... They didn't have aged one bit since I've seen them the last time," Ukitake added while still keeping his astonishment by looking towards them.
"If that's the case, then the Captain-Commander needs to judge further about them." Sui-Feng stated thoughtfully, "we must assemble all available Captains at once." she added.
"then I will inform the Captain-Commander in person while you inform the others if you don't mind Sui-Feng." Yoruichi proclaimed calmly towards the 2nd Division Captain, who then surprisingly blushed,
"of course, I don't mind, Yoruichi-sama," she answered, keeping her blushing expression before becoming serious again while now looking towards the Patrol-Cop leader,
"has the device been analyzed already? " Sui-Feng demanded from him,
"we're still analyzing it. The first results, however, are already written in the report awaiting on your desk, Taichou." the Patrol-Cop reported towards the 2nd Gotei Captain.
"If possible, I would like to talk further with the three, preparing and bringing them to the assembling personally." Ukitake explained
"And maybe they can get back their Zanpakutos as well if that's possible since they're obviously no threat," Ukitake asked as well towards Sui-Feng, who looked towards the three youngsters again briefly before nodding, giving the two patrol cops the green light to give them their confiscated Zanpakutos back, which they did before everyone else disappeared, except for Ukitake.
(end of soundtrack)
(soundtrack: Bleach Extra OST #2 BL_56)
"I believe I can't express how I'm surprised to see you three again, Fujimaru, Matsuri, and Shiyo. Two Centuries has it been since I saw you the last time."
"Well, for us, it has been only a week at most. But we're glad to see you again, Ukitake-Fukutaicho." Fujimaru explained, only to be hit slightly by his sister's elbow, who pressed her teeth.
At first, Fujimaru didn't understand, only to notice the Captain's Haori again,
"OH, I'm deeply sorry for my rudeness, Ukitake-TAICHOU !" Fujimaru stated while bowing in front of him.
"oh, don't worry about that. Since you just came back, it's natural to make such mistakes. But if possible, could you tell me briefly your Situation when we go outside ?" Ukitake asked the three youngsters, all of them agreed.
OUTSIDE AREA OF SEIREITEI - SOUL SOCIETY - NOON
As they started walking outside, Matsuri then started explaining their Situation.
Matsuri briefly explained how she and the other two have appeared in Hueco Mundo out of nowhere, only to be found by the Visoreds, who then brought them three to the Mortal World, where they've met Urahara Kisuke along with Tessai Tsukabishi, who in turn both arranged their return here in the soul society. Ukitake's mouth meanwhile gaped relatively wide while hearing Matsuri's brief report, especially the fact that they've woken up in Hueco Mundo.
What's more, Ukitake, for some reason, could also feel a small reiatsu-outburst from them, so small that only experienced Shinigamis could notice it as he believed.
After Matsuri finished her explanation, Fujimaru then asked why they don't see Shinigami only 'running around' instead of 'peacefully walking', considering the fact that they're on a usually 'smooth' part of Seireitei as Fujimaru remembered from the past.
Then Ukitake answered that an incident had happened recently, which set soul society on great alert, which is why most Shinigamis are working in various places.
At first, they wondered what might have happened before all three remembered what Urahara and Tessai told them about a certain Substitute-Shinigami.
"Is this situation perhaps related to Ichigo Kurosaki and Rukia Kuchiki ?" Fujimaru asked curiously towards Ukitake, whose mouth gaped in surprise,
"How much do you know ?" Ukitake asked surprisingly.
"Urahara-san and Tessai-san informed us about him, also that he has sent Ichigo Kurosaki along with three other individuals, among them a Quincy, to save Rukia Kuchiki from her unjust execution. And that three traitorous Captains are involved in this matter." Fujimaru explained while remembering that he himself lost his temper back then in the Urahara Shop.
"I'm even more surprised how well you've been informed. Anyway, what I want to ... " Ukitake was about to ask them further until he noticed that Shiyo, on the other hand, was instead looking away, presumably distracted.
While Ukitake kept wondering why she was distracted, Shiyo has noticed that someone around the area was presumably following them since they'd left the 2nd Division Barracks.
At first, she believed it to be Saido or someone else from the Stealth-force to look out for them, which would make sense, but when focusing further with her reiryaku, she immediately realized that this reiatsu felt different. What's more, it felt relatively strong, like that of a Captain-Level Shinigami, as Shiyo would describe.
(End of soundtrack)
"Shiyo ? " she heard Ukitake calling her, while Matsuri and Ukitake also looked towards her concerningly, the latter even more.
"W-What? " Shiyo surprisingly reacted before falling down rather clumsy, making Fujimaru immediately coming to her helping up again.
"Is everything alright? you seem to be distracted."Fujimaru asked rather concerningly,
"oh, don't worry, I was just wondering why I felt ... " Shiyo tried to explain why they were followed while turning her head again,
" ... nothing ?" she added while noticing that the reiatsu from seconds ago had disappeared.
At this moment, the twins had Question marks above their heads, wondering what was wrong with Shiyo.
Ukitake, on the other side, was about to question her further before he noticed how two familiar Shinigami appeared via Shunpo, bowing in front of him. While the first one seemed to be a petite woman with short, dark blond hair, the other was a man with short dark hair and a goatee, as the twins could see, even though they both were bowing.
" " Taichou " " both Shinigamis said.
"Ah, Kiyone and Sentaro. What brings you both here."
"We've been informed about the upcoming Captain's assemble and that as the Lieutenant, I must accompany you to the 1st Division Barracks." the dark blonde woman named Kiyone reported to her Captain, only for the other Shinigami to turn towards Kiyone, reacting rather upset for her statement,
"What nonsense are you talking about, Kiyone? I'm the Lieutenant of the 13th Division, which means that I will accompany Ukitake-taichou. It was the Stealth-Force who informed ME about the assemble. !" the other Shinigami named Sentaro shoutingly justified his claim of being the Lieutenant.
"only because YOU haven't much to do, compared to ME, who had to do the paperwork, to which the TRUE Lieutenant is responsible for. " Kiyone this time clarified why she's considered to be the actual Lieutenant.
Shiyo and the twins looked somewhat dumbfounded while watching Kiyone and Sentaro arguing with each other, slightly chuckling, especially Shiyo.
"What's there to laugh about? And who are you exactly ?" Sentaro demanded from the unknown three individuals.
At this moment, Ukitake explained to his two underlings about the Situation, making their eyes go wide since both Kiyone and Sentaro heard about the Suzunami-Family, or strictly speaking, the famous horror and mystery stories based them.
Ukitake then also explained to the youngsters how they needed to behave at the meeting. Finally, they agreed that they would leave Matsuri to talk for them.
Ukitake ordered them to come along with them before all of them started going faster, even using Shunpo a few times before arriving in front of the assembly hall's gate in the 1st Division's Barracks.
GOTEI 13 ASSEMBLY HALL - 1ST DIVISION BARRACKS - SEIREITEI - SOUL SOCIETY
"I can sense that everyone else has arrived. They must already expect us." Ukitake proclaimed before the hall's gate opened.
All the available captains stayed in two lines inside the hall, each body mirroring each other, except for the Captain-Commander, who stood in the middle.
While walking through the assembly room, Fujimaru, Matsuri, and Shiyo briefly looked around towards the other current Captains of the Gotei 13, whom all three would agree that they looked rather more strange than during their time.
'a tall musclehead with stringy hair, a crazy-looking 'black make-up face with golden cones', and even a white-haired child ?' Fujimaru himself wondered especially about the latter.
As for Matsuri and Shiyo, both were seen by Unohana-taichou, her appearance the same as they remembered, who in turn looked towards both girls back, making a warm smile.
The same with Fujimaru when he saw Kyoraku-taichou, who also smiled back towards him in relief. Fujimaru then remembered about the promise he had made with Lisa.
But the three also didn't miss the fact that three captains were missing, looking towards the spot where the Captain of the 5th Division was supposed to stay.
"Well, since Jusanbantai-taichou Ukitake finally arrived with our special guests, Let's start with today's assemble !" the Captain-Commander, Genryusai Shigekumi Yamamoto, announced before lifting his wooden cane until he hit the ground with it, causing a reverberation to be heard across the whole assemble hall. At the same time, he himself opened his eyes, looking towards the three youngsters immediately went into position. While Matsuri was in the middle, Fujimaru stood on her left while Shiyo at her right side.
"First, I want to express my relief to hear that you three, Fujimaru Kudo, Matsuri Kudo, and Shiyo Suzunami, who've been announced dead for more than 200 Years, have returned. It's quite a miracle to see that you three seem all well. How are you feeling right now ?" Yamamoto asked them.
"We're also happy to be back home, Sotaichou" Matsuri answered the Captain-Commander's Question.
"I'm very pleased to hear that, considering the hard times we're dealing with right now," Yamamoto stated before looking towards Sui-Feng, the 2nd Captain of the Gotei 13 they've already encountered.
"Now, Nibantai-taichou Sui-Feng, please explain to us about the information the Stealth-Force gained since they shall be compared to the statements of them three."
At this point, Sui-Feng explained that they'd been found in Hueco Mundo by the 'Visoreds', who then brought them to the mortal world while also having a meeting with the 'Ankoite', as well as with Urahara Kisuke, the previous Captain of the 12th Division who has been recently given a reprieve considering the recent events which have happened. Sui-Feng then added that during the youngsters delivery, the Stealth-force gained by the Visoreds a data device, which is still being analyzed.
"Excuse me, Sotaichou, for interrupting, but I would ask a question if possible ?" the white-haired 'child' captain asked.
"then please ask, Jubantai-taichou Hitsugaya," Yamamoto agreed his plea.
"Who exactly are the 'Visoreds' and 'Ankoite', because I'm convinced that most of us here never heard of these terms before." Hitsugaya asked calmly.
"Good question," Yamamoto replied before looking towards Matsuri, "maybe you shall answer that question, Matsuri Kudo," Yamamoto demanded from her. At the same time, she turned towards the other Captains in the room while she, Fujimaru, and Shiyo were slightly surprised that he didn't know about the Visoreds because Seireitou Ashido and Shinji claimed that they indeed made deals with the soul society.
Seeing Hitsugaya closely and his young age made the three youngsters conclude that he has to be the youngest Captain, which may be why he didn't hear of that Group.
"according to how they explained themselves: the 'Visoreds' consists of exiled Shinigamis who gained hollow powers, while the 'Ankoite' are Quincies who gained Shinigami powers by obtaining a stolen Zanpakuto. Both groups claimed towards us to be formed during the event referred to as the 'Quincy extermination' around 200 Years ago if I'm not mistaken." Matsuri shortly explained, much to the astonishment of the Captains, who not only looked towards her but also had their own opinion about her statement.
"I wish to ask a question as well if possible," the black-haired captain with the kenseiken-headpiece on his top now spoke.
"You may ask, Rokubantai-taichou Kuchiki. " Yamamoto agreed calmly while Captain Kuchiki now looked towards Matsuri,
"what can you tell about those two Group's number of troops and their troop's strengh? Do they also pose a threat? How would you estimate them compare to us since you've just claimed that the 'Visoreds' consists of exiled Shinigamis? "
"Considering the fact that they've arranged our returning here, I'm convinced that both groups don't pose any threat to the soul society. As for their strength, well, thinking subjectively, I believe it is comparable to that of a Lieutenant to a Captain. But compare to the Gotei 13, none of both Groups seem to possess any 'foot-soldiers', which is why I personally estimate that both groups each have dozens of 'Lieutenant to Captain' -strength members, and each a handfull of what I would describe as the strength of a 'very experienced Captain', who act as their leaders. " Matsuri explained as straightforward as possible for everyone in the hall to understand.
"since your explanation makes me very curious, I would like to ask a question as well if possible." the 'black-make-up'-Captain now asked with a rather creepy face proving his curiosity.
"I approve, Junibantai-taichou Kurotsuchi." Yamamoto agreed.
"considering your description of both groups, the Ankoite, for instance: can they use both Shinigami and Quincy powers equally? How exactly are they using the Zanpakuto?" Captain Kurotsuchi asked to Matsuri.
"well, since my dear brother was curious about that as well, he asked one of them for a challenge, which is why I believe he can explain further." Matsuri proclaimed while turning her face towards her twin brother, who then started explaining, who became slightly nervous because everyone was now looking towards him,
"w-well, my opponent was indeed capable of using both abilities equally. While he was still able to create Reishi-Bows and Reishi-arrows like the traditional Quincy, he was also proficient in the arts of Kido, even better than me, I admit, " Fujimaru now stated while putting his hand behind his head, making some of the captains are eighter smiling, like Shunsui and Ukitake, or grinning, like the 'tall musclehead' as Fujimaru noticed,
"A-As for their Zanpakutos, they use a different term, calling them 'Einhander' if I'm not mistaken, and compare to the traditional Zanpakuto, their blades were glowing, like their Reishi bows. Unfortunately, I don't know the mechanics behind these weapons, which is why I can't describe them any further."
"Well, that's a shame indeed about the latter, but nevertheless interesting enough." Captain Kurotsuchi stated while keeping his 'exciting expression' expression,
"Who else cares what or how their abilities are." the 'musclehead' suddenly spoke rather rudely towards Kurotsuchi before turning towards the three youngsters, now looking more excitingly as well while still grinning,
"The important part is obviously that they can use their strength in the first place, which means it won't be a bad idea to challenge them one day." the 'musclehead'-Captain proclaimed before looking towards Fujimaru with a wider grin,
"maybe you could ask me for a challenge as well." the 'musclehead'-Captain stated towards Fujimaru, who became slightly nervous by him.
"Zaraki-taichou ... " Unohana suddenly spoke with a smile while her eyes were closed.
It didn't take even a second for Shunsui, Ukitake, and even the Youngsters to know what this expression meant, becoming immediately terrified since the youngsters remembered Konoka using that kind of 'smile' towards them as well if they didn't behave home.
"It's good to ask about information and seek interest in our guests, but please remember that we're here in an official meeting, Zaraki-taichou." Unohana added, keeping her 'smile', which seemed to work since Captain Zaraki became much calmer, proven by his now more relaxed expression.
"If possible, I wish to speak, Sotaicho " the also tall Captain with the helmet, hiding his face, started to speak now.
"I approve, Nanabantai-taichou Komamura." Yamamoto agreed again.
"Since you've encountered the Visoreds in person, they surely must have introduced themselves with their true names. Could you please share them with us ?" Komamura asked them, to which they suddenly became somewhat nervous, making them remain silent for a while.
Meanwhile, Yamamoto, Unohana, Shunsui, and even Ukitake could feel something strange about their reiatsu.
After a moment, Matsuri dared an answer,
"For saving us, they asked us to keep their identities a secret, to which we agreed, I'm afraid," Matsuri stated, rather nervous and uncomfortably, as Komamura could see beyond his mask.
"With due respect, Sotaichou, I can't fully trust their statement." Captain Komamura announced, making most other Captains look towards him,
"Even though I'm relieved to see that these three missing persons from the soul society have safely returned, it's very suspicious that they don't want to share any closer information. It also makes me even question if the other information they've just shared is credible in the first place, as well as for the said device." Komamura expressed his doubt.
"I understand very well your mistrust, Nanabantai-taichou, which is the reason I asked for further attendance. " Yamamoto stated before he opened his eyes while his gaze was now focused on the door again,
"you may enter." the Captain-Commander announced before the gates of the assemble room were opening again,
This time it revealed a rather docile and gentle-looking man with narrowed eyes, long black hair, kept tied in a ponytail with a golden band that would belong to that of royalty, except for two long strands on opposite sides of his forehead that hang downwards. His clothes consist of a golden mantle with black markings around his neck and are attached to an ornate dark blue robe with a large upturned collar and a symbol at the edges, down to his midsection. His haori has long bell-sleeves, which each have slight cuts right above the elbows. Underneath his haori, he wears a black kosode and black hakama, along with a thick golden belt over the obi, closed at the front by four locks. On either side of this strange belt, there seem to be some unique depictions that would be typically seen in mythology books. He also carries a shakujo with his left hand.
Along with that man, there were two other individuals, both with white face-coverings, enveloping the entire head, excluding both their eyes.
After the three individuals entered the hall and the doors closed,
the Captain-Commander spoke again.
"Thank you for your consent to arrive today, Kido-Corps Commander Soya Azashiro," Yamamoto announced.
"The honor is mine, Sotaichou. " the Kido-Corps Commander finally spoke politely and calmly with a neutral expression.
As for the three youngsters and the other Captains were all shocked to see that the Kido-Corps Commander appeared in person. As for Unohana, Ukitake, and especially Shunsui, they three, in particular, were surprised to see Azashiro again, not to mention in this position.
"I assume that you've already been informed about the Situation and also heard Nanabantai-taichou's distrust about their statements just now. Are you able to clarify these issues to us ?" Yamamoto asked Azashiro
"I am," Azashiro spoke before his gaze changed from Yamamoto towards Komamura,
"The reason why those three avoid 'sharing close information', as you describe it, Captain Komamura, is because they simply 'can't', rather than ' won't ' " Azashiro announced towards him.
"how do you mean that? " Captain Kuchiki asked this time before both were looking towards each other until Azashiro looked towards the three youngsters again,
"their lips have been sealed, literally, by some kind of advanced encryption type 'Bakudo'- seals," Azashiro explained, much to Captain Komamura's further surprise.
"Then, can you remove it ?" Captain Mayuri asked curiously
"right here and now? The unique spells of Both the Visoreds and Ankoite are perfidious as I remember. By trying to remove it, not only the sealed objects might be killed or destroyed, but they can also release hollow baits, resulting in hordes of hollows appearing in front of our eyes, which means that I wouldn't recommend doing that, not here at least. " Azashiro explained, much to everyone's surprise and discomfort, the latter concerning especially the three youngsters. Would Hachi really try to give them that kind of dangerous seals on their necks? None of them could believe that.
"But in my opinion, I believe that isn't even necessary in the first place." Azashiro clarified, much to the other's further surprise.
"And why is that? " Komamura questioned.
"As someone who confronted the Visoreds and Ankoite in person, I'm convinced whatever the three there stated about them is most likely true."
"Then, do you perhaps know some of their identities you can share here with us ?" Yamamoto asked this time.
At this moment, Azashiro seemed to hesitate a bit before answering,
"they used aliases and carried hollow-like masks in front of my presence as I remember." Azashiro stated calmly before he looked towards the Captain-Commander again,
"The Visored's two leaders introduced themselves as 'Shiroyasha' and 'Hitokiri' in front of me," Azashiro added, making the Captain-Commander and Ukitake's, Shunsui's, and especially Unohana's eyes went wide open, something noticed by Mayuri and Zaraki.
Fujimaru, Matsuri and Shiyo suggested that Azashiro must be talking about Seireitou and Raian, considering that they're the two leaders of the Visoreds.
As for the remaining captains, they didn't think much about that statement, like Hitsugaya, who thought it was logical to use an alias if you want to operate in secret.
"Well, thank you for being present here and sharing your information with us, Kido-Corps-Commander," Yamamoto announced before Azashiro slowly nodded with his head.
"For now, I declare that no information shared by the Kido-Corp-Commander shall be shared outside of this room. Nibantai-taichou Sui-Feng, I hope that the data-device will be evaluated as soon as possible. As for you three ... " Yamamoto stated before he looked towards Fujimaru, Matsuri, and Shiyo,
"Yonbantai-Taichou Unohana, I order you to examine them fully, try to find out how concerning the Kido-Corp-Commander's statements about the Bakudo seals on them are. Maybe a health examination in general shall be done as well." Yamamoto ordered
" "Yes, sir," " both female Captains said loudly.
"I hereby declare this assemble as finished." was Yamamoto's final statement while lifting his cane before using it to hit the floor again, signalizing that the meeting is over.
(ENDING: The Anix – Fight the Future)