Hollowfied

By: Finn Mertenz

Disclaimer: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR BLEACH. I DO NOT CLAIM TO OWN THEM.


Chapter 7: The Thirteen Divisions! Who Are You?

Monday 8:47am, August 29th 2020 A.D.

"hmphhmphhmph…" Laughing with a hypnotic tone, Orochimaru's yellow eyes pierced a dark abyss.

Resembling the same narrow slit as a snake, Orochimaru's pupils were twitching with delight. Working inside his darkened lab, Orochimaru was the Captain for Squad Twelve.

Replacing the previous Captain, after his strange disappearance, Orochimaru inherited this rank twelve years ago. Covered in a black shihakushō with a white haori, this fabric was draped over his snowy skin.

Proof of his rank, the black kanji for 'twelve' was sewn across the back of Orochimaru's haori. Jutting out from between his legs, the violet-hilt of a Zanpakutō rested against his waist.

"This is why I love our relationship." Using a needle, Orochimaru was drawing blood from Itachi, seated on a metal counter.

Usually, the souls of the dead didn't age, because Soul Reapers were immortal guardians between worlds. But, Quincy and other mortals continued to age, even inside the Soul Society.

"You're just an excuse, nothing more." Itachi spat, lunging to his feet.

"Yes... If anyone asks about your aging, just say it's one of my experiments." Orochimaru chuckled in reply.

Startled by a banging alarm, this warning echoed through Orochimaru's underground compound. Signaling an invasion, Orochimaru groaned with anticipation, dreaming of new experiments.


Meanwhile.

Muffed by the iconic snap of a mallet striking a gong, Soul Reapers rushed to their positions. Adorned with black shihakushō's and their Zanpakutō, these Shinigami were ready for battle.

Rushing through cobbles streets of the Seireitei, these Soul Reapers were soon veiled by Guy. Charging across the orange-tiled roof of an ornate wall, Guy's haori wavered against the wind.

"Alert! Alert! Intruders have entered the Seireitei!" A Shinigami spoke over an intercom.

"This is not a drill! All squads report to your designated area!" Encouraged by this voice, Guy chuckled.

Leaping from an overhanging house, the eight year old outline of Moegi was highlighted by the sun. The Lieutenant of Squad Eleven, Moegi was the right hand of Guy, never leaving his side.

Landing on Guy's left shoulder, this underaged Soul Reaper clung to his rustling outfit. Dressed in a child-size black shihakushō' with a green-hilted Zanpakutō, Moegi's spiky orange hair was battered by wind.

Framed by protruding pillars of hair, Moegi's tangerine strands were engulfed by streaming wind. Riding on Guy's back, Moegi's Division Badge was pinned to her upper left arm, painted with the black kanji for 'Eleven'.

"Are you gonna go fight?" Revealing her pale-skinned face, Moegi spoke with slurred words.

"Yea... I can feel it, I can feel a powerful Reiatsu." Guy laughed.

Startled by glimmering starlight in the morning sky, Guy's sandaled feet slid across the tiled roof. Frozen with suspense, Guy glanced over his shoulder, basked by sparkling rays.


Meanwhile.

"Intruders?! Here!" Obito gasped.

Standing inside an exterior walkway, Obito was accompanied by his thirteen year old Lieutenant. A fair-skinned Shinigami with grey eyes and dark brown hair, these strands were tied into Chinese-style buns.

Known as Tenten, this underaged Soul Reaper wore a black shihakushō with a brown-hilted Zanpakutō. Denoting her rank, the Division Badge for Squad Five was tied against her upper right arm.

"That explosive light-...?! It broke through the Shakonmaku?!" Tenten stuttered.


Meanwhile.

"Captain!" Tayuya shrieked, stomping her foot against a crimson railing.

Positioned inside the iconic compound of Squad Six, Tayuya and Kimimaro were gazing at the sky. As her red hair jolted in the artificial breeze, Tayuya's face was fueled by pure shock.

A stark contrast to his speechless Lieutenant, Kimimaro's vivid green eyes were hazy and narrow. Feeding off a familiar sense of Reiatsu, Kimimaro eventually hummed with interest.

"What is that?!" Grasping for answers, Tayuya was blinded by light.


Meanwhile.

Isolated and alone inside the Senzaikyū, Sakura was seated in front of a slatted window, carved into the stone wall. Known as the Repentance Palace, Sakura had a prefect view of the Sōkyoku.

The future tool for Sakura's execution, this halberd of Reiatsu was held in place by thick coils of rope. Used exclusively to execute Soul Reapers, the Sōkyoku had absorbed thousands of traitorous souls.

Pulled from her thoughts by vibrant light in the sky, Sakura spotted four blazing comets. Developing saucer-like eyes, Sakura's hands began to tremble, recognizing the Reiryoku in the air.

"It couldn't be..." Sakura doubted her own senses.


Meanwhile.

Stomping down an interior hallway, a fifty-eight year old Homura ran with panting breath. The Lieutenant for Squad One, Homura was actually one of the thirteen original Captains.

Inheriting his special rank after the promotion of Hashirama and Tobirama, Homura was the right hand of Hiruzen. Wearing a black shihakushō with a grey-hilted Zanpakutō, this matched Homura's short hair.

Unlike all other Lieutenants, Homura didn't wear a Division Badge, instead, he wore a white haori. Sewn with the black kanji for 'one' across the back, Homura wore this cloth with pride.

Approaching a massive door, Homura kicked this surface open, highlighting his grey beard and tan skin. Rushing inside, Homura was briefly stunned by Hiruzen, gazing out an opened window.

"Head Captain...?!" Homura choked for air.

"Hm." Hiruzen hummed in response.

A sixty-eight year old man, Hiruzen was originally the Captain for Squad Two, before Hashirama's promotion. Defined by withered skin with aged liver spots, Hiruzen had crows feet around his eyes.

Draped in a black shihakushō with a white sash around his waist, Hiruzen's pristine haori was thrashed by wind. Revealing the red-hilt of an wooden cane, Hiruzen used this rod to walk.

"I can feel it... Just like twelve years ago." Exposing his jagged grey hair and short goatee, Hiruzen was swollen with concern.


Meanwhile.

"Damnit! They split into four!" Guy spat.

Engulfed by fiery Reiatsu, Naruto, Gaara, Sasuke, Hinata and Rin were flung through the air. Separated from each other, these friends were launched in different directions.

"Which one is the strongest...?" Speaking aloud, Guy narrowed both eyes.

Glancing over the panicked outline of Gaara and Hinata, these screaming students were adrift together. Shrugging with annoyance, Guy glanced upon Rin and Sasuke, scoffing under his breath.

Hesitantly gazing at Anko, Guy's attention quickly shifted to Naruto, trapped in a blazing comet. Giggling like a flirtatious school girl, Guy charged at this bustling comet, eager for a fight.

"That Reiryoku… I've felt it before!" Laughing with glee, Guy ran off scene.


Meanwhile.

"What's happening?!" Hinata stammered, struggling to hold her skirt.

Propelled across the sky, Gaara and Hinata were consumed by orange Reiatsu, throbbing without end. Surging towards the Seireitei below, these young students swallowed a wad of spit.

"Hang on!" Gaara shouted with twitching eyes.

Reaching for the ground, Gaara's hand pierced the surrounding veil of Reiatsu, scorching his skin. Gnawed to the bone, Gaara's charred fingertips stretched for safety, yearning to find his place.

Colliding against the white-rocked streets of the Seireitei, Gaara and Hinata were swallow by debris. As this swirling cloud polluted the adjacent alleyways, a coughing Hinata was heard.

Taking several minutes to dissipate, this fading dust revealed the huddled outline of Hinata. Sitting on Gaara's lap, this gagging school girl was choking on a mouthful of smoke.

Resting in a cushioned crater of soft sand, these students were blanketed by floating grains. Awed by this display, Hinata sat up on Gaara's lap, feeling a sandy draft up her skirt.

"How did you do that?!" Hinata asked, glancing at Gaara's bony fingertips.

Hewed together from hovering blobs of sand, these grains morphed into flesh, healing Gaara's hand. Clenching this revitalized muscle, Gaara popped various joints and tendons.

"I don't know..." Gaara murmured.

If you don't believe in yourself, how can you believe in others? Minato's laugh rung through Gaara's ears.


Meanwhile.

Clinging to Sasuke with frantic hands, Rin's skirt violently rustled in a Reiatsu-filled breeze. Blinded by Rin's hair, Sasuke squirmed for control, causing his silver cross to glow blue.

"We're gonna crash!" Rin screamed, burying her face against Sasuke's neck.

Quivering a volley of arrows, these radiant projectiles were launched from Sasuke's bow. Bombarding the street below, chunks of dislodged stone and rock were spewed out.

Landing on disheveled debris, Sasuke jumped from stone to stone, rushing to the ground. Forced to hold Rin with one hand, Sasuke's palm flew beneath her skirt, grabbing her bare butt.

Swollen with embarrassment, Sasuke tripped on a loose roof tile, faceplanting the orange surface. Dropped to her side, Rin strained to shake the steep blush from her painted cheeks.

"Th-... Thanks..." Speaking with a fluttered chest, Rin crawled to her feet.

"We should find some place to hide, and search for the others." Sasuke stuttered, changing the conversation.


Meanwhile.

Enclosed in a capsule of pulsating Reiatsu, the fuzzy silhouette of Anko was suspended in the air. Scowling with a whiskered face, Anko's feline eyes were squinted and enraged.

Minato... Your kid is a real handful. Cursing her rotten luck, Anko surged down a barren street.


Meanwhile.

Spinning without control, Naruto twisted, twirled and flipped through harsh currents of wind. Holding both arms over sky blue eyes, Naruto strained to study his surroundings.

Grabbing the red-hilt of his Zanpakutō, Naruto tore this massive blade from its sheath. Slicing towards the ground, Naruto launched a red arrow of Reiatsu, emanating from his Zanpakutō.

Softening his collision with the earth, Naruto crashed through several dozens walls, staining his shihakushō. Briefly paralyzed from this chaotic impact, Naruto laid on his back, gasping for air.

That hurt more than I thought it would... Holding his sides, Naruto slowly sat up.

Shaking the cobbled dirt from his hair, Naruto's Zanpakutō protruded from a nearby wall. Partially collapsed and caved in, this surface once belonged to a well-hewn storage shed.

Sundering the tile of a neighboring roof, the sandals of Dosu stomped into sight, obscured by pebbles. The third seat for Squad Twelve, Dosu directly served under Orochimaru himself.

"Well, well..." Moaning with a muffled voice, Dosu's entire face was wrapped in linen bandages.

Revealing his visible left eye, a small portion of Dosu's fair skin was displayed for all too see. Running underneath the collar of his attire, this outfit was held in place by a white sash around his waist.

A black shihakushō that was twice his size, Dosu's arms were swallowed by the extended sleeves. Shrouding the bandaged outline of his Zanpakutō, Dosu's hilt was layered in linen.

Resembling the same appearance of a mummy, loose strands dangled and hung from Dosu's hilt. Strapped against his hip, this Shinigami stood with a hunched back, forced to lean over.

"What's your seat and squad number?!" Snapping his neck to the side, Dosu groaned.

"Squad number?" Slurring in confusion, Naruto scratched his whiskers.

Leaping to the street, Dosu's sandals clapped the stone floor, veiled by an oversized shihakushō. A freshly promoted Soul Reaper, Dosu was too young to remember the former Captain of Squad Twelve.

"The Seireitei is in lockdown... All squads should be in their positions." Dosu grumbled.

"If you don't belong here, you should leave." Rubbing his bandaged chin, Dosu narrowed his left eye.

Crawling onto one knee, Naruto gripped the hilt of his Zanpakutō, using this weapon to prop himself up. Basked by vibrant rays from the sun, Naruto's crimson sheath glowed like blood.

"I can't leave! I'm looking for Sakura Haruno! Lieutenant of Squad Thirteen!" Waving one arm in protest, Naruto bared his teeth.

Twisting his neck in an unhuman angle, Dosu's sleeved right hand yanked the hilt on his Zanpakutō. Brandishing this blade, it resembled a short wakizashi, wrapped in white linen.

"You don't belong here." Dosu snarled.


Meanwhile.

Charging down a wall-lined alleyway, a fourteen year old Kankuro led a group of Shinigami. Each dressed in a black shihakushō with their unique Zanpakutō's, these Soul Reapers belonged to Squad Three.

Glimmering under the sun, Kankuro's Division Badge came into sight, pinned to his upper left arm. Matching his shihakushō, Kankuro's hair was obscured by the pointy-eared black hat he wore.

"Here it comes!" Kankuro shouted, freezing mid-step.

Unsheathing the wooden hilt of his Zanpakutō, Kankuro's pale skin and purple face paint was put on display. Accompanied by a small group of allies, Kankuro was confronting the Reiatsu comet of Anko.

As this meteor surged towards the ground, it instantly dispersed into a dazzling shockwave. Blinded by this fluorescent light, Kankuro and his allies all closed their eyes, unable to see.

"What?! It disappeared?!" Shaking his head from to side-to-side, Kankuro regained his composure.

While these panicked Shinigami searched for the intruder, a twelve year old Karin poked into sight. The Lieutenant of Squad Ten, Karin had fair-skin with a petite figure and a small chest.

Defined by blood-red eyes, these pupils were the same tone as Karin's chest-length and spiky hair. Lavished in a black shihakushō, Karin's sash was untied and opened, revealing her naked stomach.

"Intruders?!" Haku cut in.

The Captain of Squad Ten, Haku was a fifteen year old spirit with pale-skin and a feminine face. Framed by a pristine pair of black bangs, Haku's hair was messy and unkempt, drenched in sweat.

Despite his status as a Captain, Haku scrambled to put some clothes on, barely dressed at all. Wearing the lower half of his black shihakushō, Haku's bare neck was exposed, covered in bite marks.

"This had to happen at the worst time." Karin complained, tying her white sash.

Similar to her Captain, Karin's tiny body was bruised with dozens of bite marks, still wet with saliva. Combing several fingers through her hair, Karin just rolled out of Haku's bed.


Meanwhile.

Lounging on an orange tiled roof, a fifty-eight year old Jiraiya held the back of his scalp. Ignoring the distant eruptions of battle, Jiraiya was taking a nap under the sun, smacking his lips.

The Captain of Squad Eight, Jiraiya was one of the thirteen original Captains, reigning for a thousand years. A lazy and carefree man, Jiraiya's black shihakushō was cloaked in a white haori.

Over this pristine cloth, a cherry-blossom blanket was draped across Jiraiya's shoulders. Using his bamboo hat as a shield from the sun, Jiraiya licked his chapped and cracked lips.

"Shouldn't we investigate that sound?" Yugito sighed.

The twenty-nine year old Lieutenant of Squad Eight, Yugito had pale-skin with ruby red lips and black eyes. Woven into a loose ponytail in the back, her waist-length blond hair was pale.

Holding both arms against her cloth-covered chest, Yugito's Division Badge was pinned to her small breasts. Discreetly peering at his Lieutenant's chest, Jiraiya chuckled with blushing cheeks.

"I'd rather investigate something else..." Jiraiya snickered.

Sundered by Yugito's right heel, this foot was lodged into Jiraiya's squishy stomach. Forced to dramatically gasp, this elite Captain was kicked off the roof, falling to the stone street.


Meanwhile.

Because of its sheer size, it took ten days to walk from one side of the Seireitei to the other. Separated by this vast distance, Naruto was no where near his endangered friends.

Instead, Naruto was positioned inside the exterior compound of Squad Twelve, confronted by Dosu. Enthralled with tense anxiety, Naruto's sandals slid across cobbled rock, basked by sunlight.

"If you won't leave, I'll have to kill you." Dosu spat.

Charging towards his opponent, Dosu's movements were unhindered by his hunched and crooked back. Scurrying to respond, Naruto parried Dosu's Zanpakutō with his own, unleashing a spray of sparks.

Instilled by agile limbs, Dosu leapt and twirled over a horizontal slash, dodging Naruto's blade. Battered by thrashing currents from this failed attack, linen threads hung from Dosu.

Kicking Naruto's whiskered face, this evasive Ryoka was launched backwards, dislodging the rock below. Colliding against a towering wall, the tile above fell on top of him, breaking against his skull.

As this shattered porcelain showered down, the advancing clap of Dosu's feet could be heard. Sweeping his large blade in reply, Naruto missed his attack for a second time, accidently striking the wall.

"I don't know who your teacher was... But they did a terrible job." Holding his blade upright, Dosu leered.

"Rupture - Kyōmei!" Emanating with purple Reiatsu, pebbles were flung out.

Calling the name of his Zanpakutō, Dosu released his fabled shikai, a metallic hilt with tattered linen. Attached to his wrist via an iron latch, Dosu's grip was solidified to his transformed weapon.

Skewered by neatly carved holes, these circles decorated the girth of Dosu's Zanpakutō. The same size and shape as his fingers, Dosu's tips were elegantly fitted to rest in place.

A name? Just like before... Naruto pondered his past lesson with Minato.

Straining to keep his eyes open, Naruto's whiskers began to waver under swirling clouds and currents. The center of attention, Naruto tightened the grip on his Zanpakutō, filled with trepidation.

Tapping the hollow circles across his blade, a piercing soundwave rippled from Dosu's Zanpakutō. Reaching Naruto, his eardrums abruptly ruptured, spewing blood down his neck.

Groaning, moaning and panting, Naruto fell to his knees before wildly convulsing. Struggling to hold his blade, Naruto's senses were hazed, blurred and distorted, unable to hear.

"Your first mistake was invading the Soul Society... Your second was asking questions." Speaking aloud, Dosu stroked his bandaged chin.

Leaking blood atop his wrinkled shihakushō, Naruto couldn't perceive Dosu's jumbled voice. Instead, his mind was spiraling through a collection of memories, cooping with the pain.

Your problem is your lack of patience. Minato's memory spoke.

Disturbed by shuddering agony, pain swarmed the membrane in Naruto's mind, a writhing tremor. Dropping his large blade, Naruto's hands sprang to his ears, clasping the bloody holes shut.

You keep trying to find value from others, but you can't even find the value in yourself. Naruto howled at these thoughts.

Leisurely strolling forward. Dosu's hunched back allowed his shihakushō to drag across the ground. Wielding his mechanical Zanpakutō, Dosu propped this carved tip on his right shoulder.

"You don't even know the name of your Zanpakutō…" Dosu snarled.

Shivering and gagging for air, Naruto's nails dug into the strands of his scalp, clawing the skin. Bulging eyes that throbbed and twitched, these pupils were fueled by blood-filled veins.

If you can't protect yourself, how can you protect others? Minato asked.

If you blindly attack like a rabid animal, you have no control. Scrabbling to his feet, Naruto used his Zanpakutō as a walking stick.

Breathing a sigh of relief, bellowing steam poured from Naruto's mouth, exposing his razor sharp teeth. With prominent whiskers and slatted red eyes, Naruto was enveloped by a crimson aura.

Staggering backwards at this revelation, Dosu's eye resembled a bulging saucer, widened. Uprooting chunks of rock and stone, this white debris swirled into a flailing vortex, obscuring Naruto.

He shouldn't be able to move... Let alone stand up. Dosu internally slurred.

Jumping from the twisting tornado, Naruto heaved his lumbering Zanpakutō with one hand. Cleaving the air, this massive blade was plunged into the ground, narrowly missing Dosu.

If you don't understand yourself, you'll never understand others. Irradiated by glowing red eyes, Naruto's feet sundered the earth.

Lashing out, Naruto slashed his Zanpakutō in various angles and directions, frantically parried by Dosu. With each strike, a Reiatsu-filled soundwave polluted the air, bombarding Naruto.

Pouring blood from his ears, Naruto didn't even notice this crippling pain, too occupied with rage. Fighting only with his sense of sight, Naruto was unaffected by this static sound.

Overwhelmed by sheer ferocity, Dosu was hurled through a stone wall, collapsing the Sekkiseki. Advancing without pause, Naruto struck at this dislodged pile of stone, forcing Dosu to roll for safety.

Waving his layered Wakizashi, Dosu's Zanpakutō collided against Naruto's, cracking the ground. Spraying a dense mixture of red and violet Reiatsu, these merging auras created a gigantic explosion.


Twenty minutes later.

Gargling and grumbling under his breath, Dosu was sprawled atop his crooked back, laying in the road. With rays of sunlight upon him, a slanted gash was cut across Dosu's bare chest.

A distinct slice through the fabric of his shihakushō, Dosu's stained uniform was tattered and worn. A limp Soul Reaper with hazy vision, Dosu struggled to recognize his surroundings.

I'm still alive...? Glancing from side-to-side, Dosu searched for his weapon.

"I got it, don't worry." Naruto sighed, seated on a shattered boulder.

Holding the sheathed silhouette of Dosu's sealed Zanpakutō, Naruto's own Zanpakutō was strapped to his back. Using a wet thumb, Naruto wiped the dry blood from his face, peeling off like flakes of mold.

Poorly healed of his ruptured eardrums, Naruto could barely hear the sound of chirping birds. Stained and bruised with lingering scoffs of dirt, Naruto's shadow stretched over the ground.

"If you tell me where Sakura is, you can have it back." Leaning to his feet, Naruto loomed over Dosu.

"Zanpakutō revert to their sealed state when their owner falls unconscious, that's good to know." Wrinkling his nose, Naruto sighed.

"You don't belong here..." The Lieutenant of Squad Twelve was adamant.

"But, Haruno is being kept inside that tower." Pointing at the Senzaikyū, this tower was a pinnacle on the horizon.

Like all Sekkiseki, the stone walls of the Senzaikyū were snow white, like glimmering pearls. A sprawling bastion of great height, this towering build was matched only by the Sōkyoku's hill.

Hastily charging towards the Senzaikyū, Naruto was stopped at the last moment by Dosu. Tossing the bandaged outline of his Zanpakutō to the floor, Dosu was unable to reach this blade.

"I should tell you, that tower is guarded by Shinigami far stronger than me... You won't get far." Choking on blood, Dosu sat his back against the wall.

"I don't know what she did for you... But Sakura isn't worth the trouble." Baked by sunlight, Dosu's arms fell numb.

A statement that would usually drain the sensible, these words instilled vigor and strength in Naruto. Tightening the red beads around his torso, Naruto brushed the filth from his attire.

Taking one final glance at his defeated opponent, Naruto surged through disheveled streets. As this whiskered Ryoka ran behind a stone corner, Dosu was isolated with his thoughts.

Maybe his teacher wasn't so bad... Closing his visible eye, Dosu fell unconscious for a second time.


Meanwhile.

Walking down an exterior hall, the fifteen year old outline of Shibuki came into sight. Wearing the same black shihakushō as all Shinigami, a prominent medical bag was strapped to his back.

The third seat for Squad Four, Shibuki originally served in Squad Twelve, under the previous Captain. A youthful spirit with fair-skin and ink black eyes, brown hair draped to his shoulders.

Strolling into the prison compound for Squad Six, a gauze-wrapped Zanpakutō rested on his hip. Devoted to a squad that specialized in healing, Shibuki was the medical caretaker for Sakura.

"Is Haruno here? I'm supposed to look after her." Stumbling upon an empty cell, Shibuki was met with silence.

"Didn't you hear? Ryoka have invaded the Seireitei." Kidōmaru replied.

"All squads need to get into their positions." Paralyzed by this statement, Shibuki nodded in agreement.


Meanwhile.

"Group 2, take the south sector." Shikamaru's voice spoke over an intercom.

The twelve year old Lieutenant of Squad Seven, Shikamaru was dressed in a black shihakushō. Wearing the Division Badge for Squad Seven as a belt, Shikamaru had fair-skin with narrow brown eyes.

Wearing his jet black hair in a spiky topknot, Shikamaru's Zanpakutō was a short-bladed tantō. Strapped to the upper right side of his arm, this sheathed blade was held upside down.

"Group 3 and 4, take the east sector." Cleaning his ear with one finger, Shikamaru yawned.

"That leaves Group 5 and 6, for the western and northern sectors." Pinching the bridge of his nose, Shikamaru was exhausted.

Leaning back in a wooden chair, Shikamaru had both feet propped on a mechanical counter. Situated in an isolated tower, Shikamaru was on lookout duty, guarding the compound for Squad Seven.

"This is such a drag..." Closing his eyes, Shikamaru prepared to nap.

Startled by the clapping patter of feet, this Lieutenant glanced out an opened window. Gazing upon Gaara and Hinata, these Ryoka were huddle next to a cobbled wall, seeking shelter.

Yawning in response, Shikamaru struggled onto his feet, barely able to keep his eyes open. A casual spirit, Shikamaru had always been a go-with-the-flow type of child, and now was no different.

"Do you think Naruto is close by?" Hinata stammered.

Contrasting the feudal environment, these invading students wore nothing but their school outfits. Searching for their friends, this pair had no one except for each other.

"They can't be too far... How big can this place be?" Gaara rhetorically asked.

"Oh geez... What now?" Shikamaru sighed.

Seated on the overhanging edge of an orange tiled roof, Shikamaru's feet dangled off the side. Suspended in place with slanted posture, holding his chin with one hand, this Soul Reaper scowled.

Clinging to Gaara, Hinata cowered with quaking knees, partially hidden by the grey cloth of her skirt. Baring his naked teeth in panic, Gaara clenched each of his pale-skinned fists.

"I hope you guys don't wanna fight, because that would be a drag." Rubbing his eyes, Shikamaru was half asleep.

Gritting his teeth, Gaara plunged a hardened fist into the wall, crushing the Sekkiseki into white sand. Yawning with boredom, Shikamaru casually leapt from this tumbling surface.

Rolling across the tremoring ground, Shikamaru evaded a barrage of kicks and punches from Gaara. Tripping over her own feet, Hinata faceplanted the ground during this confrontation.

Displaying their difference of skill, Shikamaru didn't have a care in the world, dwelling on his thoughts. Dodging Gaara without trying, this Lieutenant eventually held the back of his scalp.

Sweeping his legs out, Gaara tried to trip his opponent, who easily jumped over this attack. Hovering in the air, Shikamaru picked his nose before kicking Gaara's chest, flinging him backwards.

Skidding down the street, Gaara flipped and twirled before smashing into a stone wall, cracking on impact. However, this dense rock was crumbled into shifting sand, cushioning Gaara's blow.

Taping a dislodged pebble with his sandals, Shikamaru lifted this stone into his right hand. Chunking this rock through the air, the Lieutenant of Squad Seven hummed with interest.

As this piece of Sekkiseki approached Gaara, the outer layers were eroded and dissolved. Quickly crushed into white sand, these grains were sprinkled through Gaara's crimson hair.

Groaning with annoyance, Shikamaru gripped the hilt of his Zanpakutō, unsheathing the short-blade. Wielding this tantō with one hand, Shikamaru lazily rolled both eyes, picking at his ears.

"Extend In All Directions - Kage." Crying aloud, shadows swirled around Shikamaru.

Veiled by flicking blobs of darkness, these shady outlines mirrored off the Lieutenant of Squad Seven. Casting a shadow in every angle and direction, Shikamaru used the overcast sun to his advantage.

Caught by these shadows, a squealing Hinata stood to her feet, standing with jagged movements. Emboldened by the tip of Shikamaru's Zanpakutō, Hinata lumbered forward, wildly striking at Gaara.

Scrambling to avoid these attacks, Gaara didn't fight back out of fear, worried for Hinata's health. Preoccupied by these thoughts, Gaara didn't notice Shikamaru, soaring through the air.

Traumatized by this rushing blade, a short Zanpakutō reflected off Gaara's pale green eyes. Gushing a geyser of blood across the stone ground, this battle had only just begun.