Chapter 3

The Greatest Disciples

Prologue: It has been many years since the imprisonment of Yamamoto Genryusai. The emperor Ryougi Souske still holds the elite position in soul societies tyrannical government. The years of

constant suffering in the shrine of penitence has depleted much of Yami's spiritual power. It seems as though all hope is lost for the once stable society of Rukongai. Among the vast followers who

have conformed to the power of the emperor, there are a select few that have demanded change. The ones that have not been executed, are running helplessly, living a life of seclusion and fear. What

Ryougi did not realize is that he had not eliminated all of the possible threats against him. Two young warriors were present at the battle on guillotine hill thirty years ago, watching in fear as the fate of

soul society had come to a conclusion.

The cascade of the sunlight reflected upon the clouds, capturing the elemental glaze of a mid summer morning. The days preceding did not harness tranquility as elegently as this one

moment where time seemed non existant. Behind this facade of nirvana, a man was left suffering. One who had lost all pride within himself as a fallen vigilante. Instead of dying an honorable

death for his sins, he was sent to rot within lethiaty stone for all eternity. All hope seemed depleted until a miracle landed on his doorstep. Yamamoto could hear footsteps running up to his

prison cell, as he lifted himself from the ground almost unable to stand on his own. He realized how frail his body had become, but there was no time to worry about that.

There could be guards

coming up to his room to kill him now and finish the job that Ryougi started. Thoughts raced through his head as he backed against the farthest side of the wall. He could hear the footsteps more

clearly now as they drew closer by the second. Just then he heard a loud banging on the door as if someone was trying to break in. After the door had been rammed several times it gave way and

collapsed. Standing there were two young men, with determined looks on their faces. one of them spoke almost immediately.

"Genryusai-sama! we need to get out of here quickly, theres not enough time for me to explain."

The other warrior, whose hair was pure white and drapped down over his back, picked up Yamamoto and carried him down the steps as they raced through the shrine of penitence desperately trying to escape.

"Put me down you fool," protested yami.

As they exited the main entrance, they spotted an open tunnel that held an escape route. The three shinigami jumped in, not leaving a trace of their disappearance.

"You fools! I want an explanation as to why your doing this! who do you think you are?"

One of the warriors was wearing a hat and a colorful cloak, carrying a unreleased soul slayer at his waist.

"Allow me to introduce myself. Kyouraku Shunsui at your service sir!"

The other warrior stepped forward and met yamamotos eyes.

"I am Ukitake Juushiro, and there are matters that we wish to discuss with you."

Reluctantly Yami turned to both of them and replied, "very well explain your behavior."

Ukitake jumped up to the plate this time and explained the situation. "Sir, we need your help. Ryougi has decieved everyone into thinking they are living this wonderful life, while they are blind

to his tyranny. He needs to be stopped and you're the only one that can help us."

"You fools, hes too powerful!" Yami screamed.

Shunsui stepped in this time with a smile on his face.

"Thats why we need your help. We need to assemble a squad of elite warriors, only then will we be able to overcome his colossal power."

Genryusai stood there for a moment, and pondered the thought before replying.

"Very well gentlemen. Far too long have I wanted to eliminate this evil bastard who rules over us like a king."

And so with that declaration the three warriors set out on a journey to recruit members for their squad. They traveled through the desolate tunnel and arrived at an almost endless valley. In the distance Yami

could see a group of shinigami severly harassing someone. As they drew closer they could see a man that was also part animal. He had the large body of a full grown man, with a fox head.

Yami suddenly sprang up quickly ignoring his immense loss in spiritual power. "Where are you going?" asked Shunsui, puzzled. "I can never stand to see someone ridiculed. You must protect

the weak or youre no better than Ryougi himself." Yami raced toward the man, and unsheathed his sword preparing to defend him at all costs. TO BE CONTINUED...