Hollowfied

By: Finn Mertenz

AbyssDragonslayer777 - I see the point you're making, but I think canonical Bleach takes too long itself. Ignoring the manga, in the anime, it takes a good 20-25 episodes to get anything substantial.

They wasted time on dramatic hollow hunting and 'Hollow Phones' but they don't go anywhere with them. I removed those because I don't want to waste the reader's time.

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


Chapter 12: My Life; For His! Last Living Quincy.

Tuesday 6:27am, August 30th 2020 A.D.

"Hm?" Orochimaru hummed with disinterest.

An outburst of dry emotion; sensation soon followed as the air itself turned hot and heavy. Distorted by the tangible weight of Spiritual Pressure too vast for the vessel that exuded it.

"That shouldn't happen... Your limit has already been reached." Conclusion gave strength to words.

Draining Reiryoku from partially dilapidated walls of white, standing Sekkiseki crumbled to dust. Switched and swapped into particles of blue Reiatsu that hurriedly funneled towards Sasuke.

Scoffed and smudged from hours of jostled movement, once pristine and pure 0robes were dirtied. No longer the flawless fabric forever worn and adopted by so many Quincy's once past.

With an ever-present bow of blue perpetually buzzing with Reiatsu, its backdrop was hugged by the sun. Radiating from the Iron Quincy Cross draped around his right wrist, steam bellowed.

"I have no limits..." Sasuke secreted sweat with exhaustion.

Where blood had freely dripped from overused fingertips, bone now shone with repeated usage. Spurred onward as Rin's distant silhouette cowered with fear and dread of death and harm.

Met solely by reptilian teeth paired with a wicked grin, the Captain of Squad Twelve chuckled. Finding orgasmic euphoria amongst the budding discovery of talent from those in front.

"You just don't know when to stop! I wonder, what keeps you going?" Joy oozed like a child on holiday.

Popping knuckles as twin hands rung and reached high; Kagerō gawked with still and stiff limbs. Impaired by old beatings and severe wounds from the very same Captain she followed.

"I guess I'll have to take you apart, piece by piece until I find out." A forked tongue slithered before licking lips.

With pale skin and black eyes defined by hate; chin-length hair rustled beneath an artificial breeze. Torrents that poured from the last living example of every Quincy, brought to bear for revenge.

Loosing another arrow of azure with the swift draw from his bow, smug in front was turned to vapor. Sundering the entirety of adjacent air as its sparkling girth grew to eclipse the sun.

"Take a piece of this! You freak!" The pride of Sasuke's race burned alongside fury.

Outshone solely by the six-pronged black cross sewn across the back of his suit, Rin nestled behind. Shocked and surprised that some random boy from school would push himself this far.

Reacting with saucer-like eyes; even Orochimaru shifted still for momentary minutes, stuck in stupor. Remarks that soon turned to success for his foe after failing to move in time.

Witnessing this explosive detonation of sapphire, Shisui's student held firm in the face of fierce opposition. Oblivious and ignorant to clumps of numbered dirt bringing more stains to bare.

Relinquishing command of his bow for the first time since battle began, hands were raised to cover pupils. Straining to see and spot the desired outcome from his well-lodged barrage.


Meanwhile.

"Don't worry, we're almost there! My youth can feel it!" Guy sneered with grinning teeth.

Still searching for the sensed source of Reiryoku from days past; resolve was as hardened as steel. Now mindlessly wondering throughout the white-walled compound of Squad One.

Dashing beyond sight of a narrow alley as Moegi flailed and flapped on rout upon his muscular shoulders. Attendance was never given to the rising mass of a sewer grate from the corner.

"This feels like the exact same spot." Naruto spurred.

Gawking at the Sensaikyū, its towering silhouette rose high amongst a backdrop of blue and gold. Emboldened and enlightened by sparkling rays of warmth that sprang down from above.

"The Seireitei is a big and old place... Most of it looks familiar." Shibuki crawled free before standing up.

Trailed by Anko as feline limbs were brought to stretch, this ragtag team managed to traverse much land. Bypassing a dozen patrols and alarmed Soul Reapers by using Squad Four's network.

Traversing a straight path in the hours and day since past conflict against Tayuya herself. Location was given narrowly a stone's throw from an ascending staircase of marbled white.

"If we follow these stairs; We'll find Sakura before the day's end!" Explanations were given with passion.

Boldly yet blindly charging ahead, the upward spiral in front did nothing to deter its unwanted visitor. Fueled by the singular drive to rescue the same person that many strove to imprison.


Meanwhile.

Ryūzetsu, Ranmaru, Shikamaru, Dosu, Chōjūrō, Tenten and Karin; these were the souls in attendance. Some sleeping off old wounds and bruises while others dramatically yawned with boredom.

"Another meeting? How powerful can these Ryoka be?" Chōjūrō's azure scalp hung low.

Standing with several witnesses of those that invaded her home, the Lieutenant of Squad Ten schemed. Leaving her Captain in the dark as hushed ambushes were laid in secret.

"Strong enough to make me feel like I belong in Squad Four." Dosu's muffled response came with grim insults.

Never known for their respect or prowess, those that called Squad Four home were frequently teased. Forever belittled for their focus in healing; the same restoration that saved those who complained.

"Listen up! I dragged you all here for a specific purpose!" Karin beamed as glasses sparkled in sunlight.

Cutting through wasted time spent on chided conversations and crumbled discernment, plans were placed. Summoning almost every Soul Reaper with past experience fighting their new enemy.

"This type of mission is normally approved by a Captain..." Ranmaru twirled locks of violet between two fingers.

True to statement yet earning an unhindered reply, deference meant nothing to the red-haired harlot in front. At least, that was the implied assumption reached in conclusion by all on record.

Still sour from past defeat; Ryūzetsu grunted with mixed groans as arms were crossed in front of her chest. Defined by eyes of white that perfectly blended with piled walls of cemented Sekkiseki.

"Stop complaining and listen up!" Karin pressed twin lens while lips were wetted.

Laying her assembled plan upon the feet of all those who gathered round, chided snorts were earned. Elicited from Dosu's bandaged mouth as his ever-present hunch was clear as day.

"Group up? Doesn't that violate Protocall?" Tenten was the first to think of standard training.

Seeking to combine numbered Lieutenants and Reapers of skill, a confrontation was planned ahead. Hoping to overwhelm the invading Ryoka with leveraged strength and numbers.


Meanwhile.

Purpose and reason; those were two of just many traits that, until recently, characterized Tayuya. Now reduced to shattered shards of doubt and regret as she tossed and turned in bed.

Waking up in the famed infirmary of Squad Four, walls, floors and a ceiling of white were spread. Paired with drawn curtains of black that held the vibrant sun at bay and far from sight.

You're not a machine. A singular memory mentally rebounded.

Fed sensation from olden involvements with Sakura, white sheets were thrown loose with sped haste. Racing with eyes to spot her sheathed and linen wrapped Zanpakutō on a nearby counter.

Unravel: Akai Ito! Bygone bouts replayed themselves on repeat.

Once pushing herself above and beyond in vain attempts to subdue Naruto, every outcome was the same. Sent to the hospital after suffering wounds too severe to soundly stand or sleep.

Her blade which previously bent and snapped on command now rested still, narrowly in reach of its gawking owner. Draped in fanciful layers of crimson that clung to its slim and petite hilt.

That's right... I failed... Sitting up did nothing to hinder her resolve.

Ingrained with dual definitions, the weight of loss was magnified by her own failure to redeem her friend. Because while Sakura had always been there for her, Tayuya flailed to return the favor.

She's going to die because of you! Everything is your fault! Former blame was brought to bear on Naruto.

Effortlessly erased after remembering the answer she received, strands of scarlet fell in front of her face. That's why I have to keep going! Words of reassurance rang stiff and true.

Clenching a fistful of sheets as rage and disappointment swelled, hate bellowed and bulged. Not directed towards the invasive Ryoka; yet pivoted towards herself and everything she'd become.

Defined by a web of scarlet strings attached to the hilt of her Zanpakutō, its image burned clear for sight. Harkening back to her battle against Naruto; still fresh and firm from just the other day.

"I failed everyone..." Internal words were spoken aloud.

Secluded and secure from all harms of society, the protection and joy it brought were also withheld. Isolated from the same friend that gave her purpose and companionship once needed.

Soon disturbed by the visible throb of her far-off yet reachable blade; it appeared to sing and wail. Calling with vigor the very Soul Reaper that now gazed and stared with bated breath.

Further evolving to an obnoxious ring, heighted degrees of sound eventually obtained an unmatched pitch. Infusing Tayuya with the desire to rise before stammering as she shuffled forth.

Wheezing for air as each step brought proximity to her prized Zanpakutō; resting on a dresser in front. A sudden end came swift as both hands took hold of its sheathed mass while lifting high.

Narrowly a day since suffering deadly wounds from Naruto, speedy recovery was earned by Squad Four. A division regularly teased yet always respected by neighboring Soul Reapers.

That's why I have to save her! Words of old rang loud.

Enraged by these bygone thoughts; Tayuya's grip hardened as shoulders quivered in searching reprieve. Brought to anger instead of tears as even emotions burned inside of spirits.

Egged on by lingering auras of ruby, once shaking legs began to soothe beneath radiant Reiatsu. Reminded and reprimanded by memories too fond to forget yet rarely spoken in public.

Subjected to bellowing strands of unkempt hair after a gust of wind freely blew pass twin windows. The Sensaikyū stood out like an imposing marble as jutting blinds were blown to the side.

A centerpiece to this curtain-framed backdrop, what little tiles of roof were visible held the tone of red. Distinct and vibrantly magnified by the hour of day amongst rays of sunlight it brought.

Too distracted to hear the murmured words uttered by her still-sheathed Zanpakutō, eyes squinted. Instilled with vigorous loss along sensations of decay and disappointment too heavy to weigh.

"That's why... That's why I have to save her!" Will turned as rigid as diamonds.

With adjacent curtains of black still ajar from floundering currents of unsung wind and bellowing air. The path ahead was left clear as red strands dangled from the speedy exit of Tayuya.


Meanwhile.

"I can't feel my arms..." Torune lay still with violet skin.

A sickly tone that soon faded as flesh regained normal pigments and hues from the passage of exhaustion. It accompanied the scoffed silhouette and hilt of the Zanpakutō he called his own.

Laid waste amidst ruins of defeat inside the far outskirts of Squad Six's Compound, breath was caught. Beaten and sliced to a pulp from a combination of Gaara's blade and Hinata's fist.

"Those Ryoka... Aren't normal kids." Fū coughed blood with a slouched back.

Impaled and punctured by over a thousand needles of sand, grain slowly trickled free as he leaned for support. Propped up against a partially demolished wall of Sekkiseki, once clear now stained.

With a reserved grip upon the battered Zanpakutō in his right hand, muscles were unable to lift it high. Many strained and severed by the hollowfied onslaught delivered mere moments ago.

Each skilled Soul Reapers in their own right; the 4th and 3rd seats of Squad Nine were brought to shame. Failing in every attempt to capture or subdue the invasive forces that were Naruto's friends.

Mentally stuck upon this shivered defeat inflicted just seconds prior, the laugh of Gaara stung like memories. Strangely holding the Zanpakutō of a Soul Reaper yet defined by twisted features.

Able to bypass every olden defense pitted against him, this red-haired Ryoka quickly escaped with his friend. Led on a wild chase until sanity slowly leaked back to its perpetual place.

Pondering these forlorn thoughts while muscles refused to heed his call, Torune lay still as Fū passed out. Watching the blue sky with unfettered eyes too preoccupied with forgone conclusions.

"There they are!" Shion screamed as blood was spotted.

Composed with pale eyes of lavender alongside hung strands of light blond hair that reached her waist. Order was upheld solely from the aid of a red bow, keeping loose strands from flying free.

Just 15 years old at the time of her death, age meant little after decades of dwelling in the Seireitei. Especially once one attained the ranked title and prestige of becoming a Soul Reaper.

"Impossible... Who could've defeated them?!" Taruho choked on spit as he scurried to approach.

The 5th seat of Squad Four while his accompanying partner held the 4th seat, both wore a shihakushō. Restraining their sheathed Zanpakutō's in opposing slits via the white sash on their hips.

Dying at the ripe age of 22; loyalty to his priestess transcended even the shadowy veil of death. Following her to the afterlife before devoting every hour to safeguard and accompany her.

Glaring with navy blue eyes framed by rectangular glasses, clarity gave clean sight of the gore in front. Leaking like freshly spewed ichor of bodily crimson still gushing and warm from wounds.

Spurred and jostled beneath the hurried panic he employed, the black eboshi he wore was stretched. Saddled and spired atop his full-headed scalp of ruffled and ambered threads of hair.

"Hurry... You can still catch them." Torune slipped into the unconscious world with muttered phrases.

Knowing well the nearing signs of lethality even amongst this realm of the dead, those that gawked were still. Sharing a brief glance towards one another before dismissing all advice ahead.

Trained to heal instead of fighting; this duo of Squad Four did what their assigned group was taught too do. Applying quick medical care to the wounded Reapers in front while waiting for aid.


Meanwhile.

"E-...ah?! You're heavy!" Hinata's fiery will dwindled like her weight.

Carrying a slurred Gaara for what felt like the hundredth time, exhaustion came close with each second. Escaping conflict with narrowly a recollection over how it came to an end.

"Wha-... Happened? Is it... Over?" Red locks wavered as pale green eyes searched.

Able enough to see and speak, standing was an act too strained for this budding boy to overcome with ease. Instead, frail arms held him upright by the waist while pulling him close.

Lost in conscious thought as mucked memories meandered about, unable to deduce or determine what occurred. This mental lag held no sway over the blloming will that sprouted inside him.

"You saved the day!" Hinata smirked as she internally panicked.

Was Gaara another Soul Reaper, or something else; questions that spun in consecutive repetition. Because the defining weapon of a Zanpakutō continuously found itself in his tight grip.

Although other characteristics were anything but the orderly descriptions that usually held sway. Akin to hollowed eyes and twisted cries mixed alongside diluted howls of demonic origin.

"Bu-... How?" Slurred speech was chilled by the air.

More than just some act of defiance or the stalwart stance to stand for all those held close to heart. To this red-haired boy that limped far from home; a noble and courageous quest was at hand.

Caught off guard in the midst of thought, a beacon of white towered far beyond and even higher above. The center of the entire Seireitei, the Sensaikyū spiraled amongst the shining and early sun.

"There it is... Our purpose..." Hinata's pale stare ogled around.

Informed of Sakura's prison before hand from over spoken conversations between Soul Reapers. The destined path ahead was clear, to secure and save their friend before regrouping.

With foreign fists capable of burning like fire, the source of this power was unknown and unnamed. Facts that meant little to the heaving teenager who now brandished their might.

Because nothing was known, and everything was uncertain; much like average life inside of school. Only now, the risk was life or death instead of the causality of low-leveled grades.

"If we hurry, we'll reach it by tomorrow." Words went unheard by reapers in adjacent alleys.

"So-... Let's go! Naruto is waiting on us!" Guttural groans came afterward.

Still dressed for school; not the battlefield they now found themselves in, attire was stained and scoffed. Featured alongside partially exposed rips and spread tears from past engagements.

Holding her grey cloth skirt as wind flailed abound, Hinata's budding statement went cut off by anxiety. Freshly fed as privacy was scarcely secured as windy currents blew up from below.

Dropping Gaara to restrain stray fabric, his own face soon matched his hair after catching several peeks. Illiciting numbered moans of pain as he struck the floor before being hastily retrieved.

"Get up and get going!" Delay was demolished as distractions came to a halt.

Dragging her friend with quickened steps, safety was unknowingly found after evading nameless reapers. Continuing their trek to save the very same 'student' that Naruto rushed towards.


Meanwhile

Perceiving the audible jingle of alloy striking alloy, a silver cross hung amongst a bloodied and boned wrist. Coated beneath radiant rays of blue Reiatsu as particles drifted aloft.

Denied access to the most fabled of all Quincy techniques, exhaustion took hold as Sasuke's bow of old was gone. No longer sustainable after firing so many numbers in rapid succession.

Panting with exasperated breath as sweat freely dripped alongside uncountable droplets of saliva and gore. Pride burned true while strands of unkempt hair were tangled and slick with smug.

Once embellished with pristine gloves of white; only ashen dust sprinkled across charred skin was still visible. Ever defiant as the quivering silhouette of Rin cowered behind lines of smoke.

"Did I get him?!" Eyes of black frantically searched ruins of debris in front.

Hoping to secure sight upon anything that threatened his existence, silence was distilled alongside smoke. Lingering free from cobbled craters and seared cinders left over by slung arrows.

Only sunlight rang in reply for unnumbered seconds until a thick husk was trailed by reptilian hisses. Begotten from scales of white patched by a bubbling miasma of violet as stone slithered.

"You've got my attention again, but that's about it." Curved fangs bent to formation.

Woven from charred ash amongst heaped piles of soot; shape took hold as limbs grew to defining editions. Molding mass as bodily autonomy was mimicked and cocooned by a Captain's shihakushō.

"Too which I must ask... How are you still able to stand?" Orochimaru marveled at the specimen in front of him.

Recovering from wounds too severe for most, the shed release of Ryū No Kawarimi held sway. Forever curved as vapor with the tint of amethyst poured from its fang coated cross guard.

Impervious to harm as Reiatsu freely gushed in all directions, enabling strands of black softly flew high. Resembling a threaded web with unkempt designs as pupiled slits were brought to bear.

Audibly met with gritted and grinding teeth; sneer anguished was beguiled behind a facade of grins. Forked forth betwixt congealed ligaments as a slimed tongue suddenly draped ahead.

Immune to what vast heaps of devastation were abound, fabric and flesh felt no decay nor damnation. Regaining what little was lost like a snake growing new scales amidst maturity.

Shaken by this stirring sight, Rin herself was left to gag as hands rose and spread to cover her mouth. Spared from what narrowed glimpses were returned as Sasuke blockaded her.

Soon strained as effort was spent to cast another bow, ethereal light flickered then failed as Reiatsu peaked. Unable to sustain any further sensation of visible Reiryoku as exhaustion neared.

Reaching the highest pinnacle of risk, weight wavered as knees suddenly buckled below before falling fast. Cracking ornately lain bricks of tile as hands quickly propped themselves up.

Gaining comfort from the same girl he strove to protect; violet hair sprinkled over squatting shoulders. Followed by free forming arms that stretched to hold and hug her estranged friend.

"Don't push yourself too far!" Rin squirmed under pressure.

Stealthily shocked as towering shade teleported behind her; reptilian pupils were brought to hone and squint. Accompanied by guttural laughter and free flowing cloth beside amethyst rays.

Stretching stiff ligaments as fingers sought to spread, Orochimaru strained to catch and capture his heart's desire. Once just the violet-haired schoolgirl in front, yet now the doomed boy aside her.

"Get away!" Spit spewed as Sasuke snarled.

Intercepting the same hand that rushed towards Rin, Quincy pride was all that stood between its aimed targets. Unwilling to dwindle nor delay despite hours of arduous peril, defense and survival.

Paving the path for hurdled groans, scrambling halt was brought to rest as this defiant student was shoved back. Harrowingly close to the curved edge from Orochimaru's corrosive Zanpakutō.

Scarring Sasuke's left cheek as he tumbled behind, Rin became tangled in his fall as each steadily plummeted. Bridging a steep gap below before smacking dislodged crumbs of Sekkiseki.

Squashing the very companion that kept her safe amidst drifting threat, groans rang from battered groins. Shamed and faint of breath as the future of every Quincy was crushed by weight.

Inflicting this barrage of mass; the backside of Nohara bounced with reverberation before shortly settling. Hastily examining her close friend before gripping his wrist and rolling to the side.

Saving herself and Sasuke from Orochimaru's feet striking cobbled stone, stray pebbles rebounded loose. Spreading dusted particles akin to chalk as Kagerō lay still with lingering eyes.

"Stop squirming." The Captain of Squad 12 hissed.

While his right hand still retained grip upon the hilt of his Zanpakutō, the left suddenly popped its own knuckles. Surging with expansion until it grew the additional length of four new arms.

Taking hold of Rin's throat and lifting her aloft, time became pressed as a free-forming tongue slithered into sight. Licking the same cheek he now appraised, cries of satisfaction followed.

Allotted mere moments to study this new prize, Sasuke's stubborn nature instilled him to rise in opposition. Holding no strength to fight, his exception was rabid appliance of teeth in turmoil.

Biting and gnawing the sickly hand that upheld Rin, pale flesh bled purple ichor in unsung and unfelt reply. Inflicting nothing but irritation until Orochimaru shook him off while tossing Rin.

"I'll study you later, just give me one second!" Guttural groans leaked with annoyance.

Irritated and aggravated, the swung edge of a Zanpakutō was slashed out towards already bruised skin. Directed at the prized wrist that held Sasuke's sacred silver cross with lethal intent.

Sneering with contempt as this reaping blow neared its target, bare flesh suddenly caught its razored curve. Dispersing one weighted veil of Reiatsu into nine as adjacent terrain suffered.

Beyond the absorptive capacity of layered Sekkiseki; walls behind were dissolved and disintegrated to ash. Save the singular section that rested hind Rin's estranged and sprawled friend.

Unleashed alongside massing pressure instead of buoyant explosions, devastation was its single side effect. Paired only with blinding lights and diluted mixtures of violet and crimson.

Embroiled beneath such magnanimous degrees, Sasuke faltered fast as none were allowed clarity of sight. Slipping unconscious while Rin squinted and squirmed with wondering and worried eyes.


Meanwhile.

"Hurry up! We won't get another chance!" Naruto jokingly pled.

Running without pause upon the ascending incline of a marble staircase, the Sensaikyū was scaled high. Rising in altitude and gusts of wind on approach, every step brought greater effect.

"Not so fast... I haven't done this in years..." Shikbuki spoke with loose breath.

Crawling up numbered layers of stone as Naruto dashed upward, Anko's feline form was featured atop shoulders. Riding her whiskered apprentice while gifting vocal directions with lifted paws.

Charging forth with not a single wasted movement, strands of blond were left to waver and hang amidst speed. Well-carved windows flew by akin to quickened blurs too swift to follow.

Encountering an eclipse of white as tips of Sekkiseki stone soon neared arrival, the sun gleamed above. Exposing poorly dried blood and recent stains of bodily ichor from last night's battle.

"Now which way?!" Drawing air to speak as wild panting rang; shadowed clouds loomed.

"Round the corner and go straight ahead! We can reach Sakura in an hour if we're lucky!" Anko meowed with vigor.

Giving no pause or respite for Shibuki to recover, he instead fell against lain rock after inhaling nonstop. Scarcely able to crawl as the mountainous stairs below were just the beginning.

Opening his mouth to beg for just a single moment, requests fell flat as air slipped free to steadily breathe. Clapping exposed brick beneath, the steep and heavy sound of scuffed shoes reverberated.

Taking time to notice the fatally collapsed silhouette of his savior, Naruto stopped for the first time in minutes. Sullenly sighing with annoyance until instinctively offering a hand to help.

"Alright, alright... Quit fidgeting." Tugging loose cloth with empty hands, knuckles popped.

Squishing hung and leftover rags on advance, the hinderance of his shihakushō grew profound. Quickly tugged and teared until tattered remnants no longer clung to such prestigious attire.

Sprinkling these same threaded quills of fabric amongst the backside of Shibuki's faceplanting scalp. Muffled murmurs were encouraged to swell before plucked lips were pried from stone.

"I know I'm slowing you down but at least try to act serious! This area is the heart of the Seireitei." Spewed spit was flung in retort.

Scrambling upward to find bearing and balance; both were swiftly robbed as the air itself turned heavy. Akin to a sudden visage of down pouring rain too precipitous and abrupt to foretell.

Squishing layered Sekkiseki as stray pebbles broke off from towering roofs, weight grew like a summit. Bulged and budding in the midst of what once was just an average and sunny day.

"Idiots! You were both too loud!" Anko hissed as fur jutted.

Rolling from the spry shoulders that hosted her, pulverized dust quickly filled the fresh gap between them. Emanating from the swung slash of a ragged, rusted and war-torn Zanpakutō.

"Found them!" Moegi's extended echo rebounded off leaning skyscrapers.

Alarming to some yet joyful for her companion, the pearly white smile of Guy stretched in front and abroad. Cackling loud with vigorous fury and olympic renown as muscles popped fast.

Cleaving a towered structure in twine like the simplistic act of dividing bread, eyes of black refused to blink. Encircled by protruding veins each flooded with blood and the lust for combat.

Recognizing this new foe solely by his Reiryoku; Shibuki found himself too pressed to raise or even lift his face. Responding instead with beaded droplets of sweat as anxiety swelled.

"I thought I sensed a familiar presence... Are you training this boy, Captain?" Guy's final word slip free due to repetition.

Not directed from any pit of honor or respect, such a title was given verbally to those he saw as equal. Akin to Minato long ago and even Anko now; despite her formal visage as a furred feline.

"You already know why I'm here." Delay was never allotted for any reply to be met.

A savage barbarian to some yet a code-bound warrior to others, even Captain's feared his wrath. Likened to a deluge of devastation and demolition now brought to bear upon the Ryoka in front.