Chapter 4

Healing wounds, a fight for justice!

Genryusai charged at the group of men, angrily gripping his katana so tightly that it almost snapped in half from the immense pressure. With one quick swipe to the ground, an aurora of flames surged

from the blade of his sword propelling the delinquents into the atmosphere. As they came crashing down, most were knocked out by the impact of the blow. As quick as he had dispatched the men, he

sheathed his sword in a fluid motion, landing on one knee gracefully. Yamamoto turned to the fox headed man and made sure he was alright. The creature seemed to be moved by this display of heroism,

and it unexpectedly began to speak.

"No one has ever shown me such gratitude, my friend. People look at me and assume that im some sort of a killer and for this I am taunted and ridiculed. I am deeply

honored that you would save my life with no concern for your own safety."

Yami spoke to the beast gently.

"You could have easily taken care of them, why didnt you defend yourself?" The beast looked puzzled

as if he didnt know how to respond to the answer.

"If I react like an animal, then I'll surely be feared by even more people. You see, I have no alternative. I am forever in your debt, kind sir." Yami put one hand on the

beasts shoulder and started to reassure him. "Come with us and you'll never have to be ridiculed by your looks, just by your strength. We are all different in our own ways, but all of us share a common goal."

"And that would be..."asked the beast gently. "To overthrow the emperor of soul society." The creature was not stunned by this notion. "If this is what you wish then, I, Komomaru Sajin am at your service!"

After their brief introduction, the group continued on their seemingly endless exodus, searching for the final member in the fight for freedom. The village they stumbled upon was scarcely populated as though it

were a desolate wasteland filled with an indeliable past of sorrow. The buildings were poorly structured as the town square was illuminated with the smiling faces of children at play. It was astounding how they

lived through these hard times with such optimism. A rather frail, middle aged man welcomed the shinigami openly. Shunsui looked at the poor man and hesistantly asked him a question. "We are in search

of one more member of our military squad to fill the void as the fourth member. Is there anybody in your village who is skilled with a sword." The old man looked confused for a second, then replied sadly. "Im afraid

theres only one man that could fit that description sir. However, his wife just died a few days ago. She was killed by a renegade shinigami that swept through this town and nearly massacred everyone."

"Where can we find this man?" asked Yami gently.

The old man sighed and pointed north. "You'll be able to find him at the town cemetery, paying his respects to his beloved wife."

They gently thanked the man and headed toward the cemetery. In the distance they could identify a figure standing by a large tombstone. The man appeared to be crying as he turned to face Yamamoto.

"What do you people want with me?" he replied sadly. "We are looking for a strong warrior that will help us overthrow the emperor of soul society," Yami exclaimed.

"Right, a strong warrior. one that can not

even protect his own wife! A warrior who is so pathetic that he lays awake at night wondering what he did wrong and why he couldnt save her! A warrior who's skill is so limited that he can not overcome one

man in the eyes of danger."

Ukitake jumped in immediately. "You are not alone my friend. We all have made mistakes and regret something in life. Your wife may be dead but she is still with you in spirit.

I beg of you, come with us and we will show you the path that you desire. The path to justice. While it may not bring your wife back, you can honor her with your sacrifice of upholding the peace." The man

stared into the distance entranced in deep thought. The silence had subsided as he spoke, this time triumphantly.

"You speak wise words. If I can not control justice, then I will become justice itself. I will

protect those who I care for and eliminate any threats that stand in my way." "I, Tousen Kaname will help you on you journey. If I may die in battle, let it be for the cause of my loved one and we shall be

reunited once again.

With the fourth member of the squad recruited, the shinigami headed back to soul society and raced to the central hall. Yamamoto broke down the door to the emperors room, only to find

him sitting there in his throne as if he were expecting them. Yamamoto stared straight at Ryougi and pulled out his soul slayer. "Your outnumbered Ryougi! on my honor, I will kill you!"

"Impudent fool, four against one is nothing for me. You should have stayed in the hell I created for you! But now you will suffer beyond your wildest dreams! TO BE CONTINUED...