Chapter 3 - Chaos in the Worlds
Hours ago, the soul reapers of squad six had engaged the enemy. A man with an enormous amount of spiritual pressure and holding a blade with abnormal powers to draw in and kill it's target. Before Vice Captain, Renji Abarai, could be killed in combat after engaging with the enemy known as Iruma. Substitute Soul Reaper, Ichigo Kurosaki and squad 13 soul reaper, Rukia Kuchiki, arrived to the scene and engaged. Briefly while they helped Renji to escape. However, during the two's fight against him, a mysterious group of Hollows were called upon by the sword's command. Iruma then using them as a distraction so he could escape. But as he managed to retreat, the Soul Reapers now know the name of their enemy but what he is after still remains a mystery.
With no sign of Iruma around, Ichigo and Rukia grabbed Renji and head back to the Soul Society so Renji could be treated and they could report in the current situation. The two were currently in the 4th squad division of the Seireitei as they were taking care of the injured and deceased Soul Reapers from the previous attacks. The one being in charge of the analysis and treatment was the 4th squad captain Retsu Unohana. She was knelt over and looking at Renji Abarai as he was laying on the ground while she continued healing him, Rukia and Ichigo standing near the back of the room, staying out of the way as she did her work.
During the process, Unohana remained completely silent but as she saw the extent of Renji's injuries, she was slighty curious and a little confused. But him being healed would come first and as the process finished, she let out a small sigh and smile. She then informed Renji, "There, that should be enough to restore most of your strength."
Renji then opened his eyes as he felt better than he had before. Unohana then offered him a hand as he sat up, herself then asking, "How are you feeling?"
While putting his robe over his bandages, Renji looked over to the captain and softly told her, "Not a hundred percent yet, but much better. Thank you captain."
She nodded in recognizition as she gladly told him in response, "There's no need to thank me." Backing away from Renji, she informed him and Rukia and Ichigo, "It was as you all had described, there were small wounds and physical injuries on lieutenant Abarai, but not enough to leave him completely weakened as he was."
Curious, Rukia asked the captain as she wondered, "What about the other soul reapers?"
Turning to her, Unohana answered as she said, "The same symptoms but the enemy seemed to completely incapacite them physically and the sword's power left them completely drained and lifeless." She then turned to Ichigo as she wanted confirmation as she asked, "What exactly kind of sword what kind of sword was the opponent using."
Thinking about it himself, Ichigo answered saying, "I don't know but from both the look of it and the amount of power it contained, it definitely wasn't a regular zanpakuto."
"Indeed." Unohana thought as she slightly looked away for a moment, she then informed them all, "Whatever sword it was, it's purpose wasn't meant to be a physical attack. It was more of a way to asborb more than just spiritual energy."
"Whatever it is, it's powerful and dangerous. No human should be able to have that kind of power." Rukia said in determination. This situation couldn't be allowed to get out of hand. Though they were still unsure of Iruma's intentions or why exactly a human like him would hold a grudge against the Soul Reapers.
"A word of caution next time is to attempt to strike out of the enemy's reach." Unohana said offering a suggestion for when Iruma returns and plans another strike. Suddenly, there was a sound of someone coming in as Unohana already informed him, "Come him."
It was another soul reaper from the 1st squad division, he then apologized as he said, "Forgive the intrusion Captain Unohana." He then directly turned his head towards Rukia as he directly instructed to her, "The other captain's are ready and Head Captain Yamamoto is ready for your report."
Seeing as it was time, Rukia turned back to him as she firmly replied, "I understand." She then began making her way to the door as she slightly turned to Ichigo as she told him, "This shouldn't take too long. After I've given the report, we'll know what to do next. Wait for me before you run off and do something stupid."
Slightly raising an eyebrow and giving a look of confusion and snarkiness, "I'm not stupid and I wasn't gonna do anything. Besides, since when am I gonna let you tell me what to do."
Rukia merely let out a small grin and response. Before leaving, Rukia turned around and bowed down as she said, "Forgive me Captain Unohana and thank you."
"It's alright but you better get going. Yamamoto sometimes hate waiting and is known to be quite impatient." Unohana replied.
"Understood." Rukia replied in conclusion. She then turned to the outer side as she began following the other soul reaper as she could report in.
Ichigo watched her leave, not able to get his mind off their fight against Iruma earlier. His style didn't seem as experienced to someone who was properly trained or good experience in fighting but he was still strong with a grave intent to kill. Looking over to the captain, Ichigo requested and asked, "Hey, Unohana, can you give Renji and I a minute?"
Looking at him, she didn't seem to require a reason to know why as she nodded in recognition as she answered to him, "Of course, I'm all done here and I have business to attend to elsewhere." As she headed towards the door, "You won't be able to fight again for a little while but after some rest you'll be better than ever. Though if there's any sudden bits of pain, I'll have a soul reaper to help you until Isane and I arrive."
Understanding his instructions, Renji didn't seem to be too kind of staying away from the current conflict but he wouldn't have much choice. He then merely replied, "Alright, I got it."
Unohana kept her seem unassuming grin as she bowed to Ichigo before turning around and leaving the room. As the two saw that she was gone and closed the door behind her, Renji then turned to Ichigo and asked him curiously, "Alright, what exactly did you need to talk me about inprivate for?"
With a determined and serious look on his face, Ichigo explained his thought to Renji as he said, "I'm trying to figure out what this guy's deal is with the sword. It's not like a normal human to hold a grudge against soul reapers. You ever heard or seen this guy before today?"
Taking a second to think about it, Renji then looked back to Ichigo as he responded as he said, "No, never heard of him in my life neither that stupid sword he has."
"Well whoever he is, he's dealing with power he's definitely dealing with power he shouldn't have his hand on." Ichigo figured with a slight sigh. "And there's no way in hell we can just let him continue going around killing people. And there's more than that."
Confused for a second, Renji asked in question, "What do you mean there's more?"
Ichigo then looked at Renji as he explained to him, "When Rukia and I were fighting him earlier, his sword had some kind of weird energy that lured Hollows him. It was like he was controlling them and ordered the Hollows to attack us."
Renji was slightly surprised as he thought, "How is that even possible?"
"Don't know, once he's beaten and captured. The captain's can see what the hell it is?" Ichigo concluded, ending the conversation. He then walked towards the door and opened it, preparing to leave.
Looking over at him, Renji asked, "And where do you think you're going?"
Ichigo then let out a small humph as he replied with no surpise and with the same confidence and snarkiness that Renji would expect as Ichigo said, "No way I'm just gonna sit on my ass and wait for the orders of what to do. I'm gonna go figure out where this Iruma guy is hiding and get some answer."
He then headed off to get back to the world of the living, still in his uniform and holding his sword while it was still concealed in it's shief. The threat was growing greater and the soul society was on full alert, now aware of the enemy.
Inside the 1st squad division, Rukia was sat down in the center of the room as the available captains at the moment were standing at the sides. And at the back of the room, sat the old head captain Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Rukia had finished her report of the current situation, informing the head captain and the others that while performing normal patrols in Karakura town, they had seen a sudden anamoly of the moon suddenly turning red causing an abnormal spiritual pressure all throughout the town. The possible cause was the man named Iruma. Multiple soul reapers, including Renji Abarai had engaged the enemy, however, they were injured or killed. Renji and another soul reaper being the only survivors." And not only that, the sword he has can summon Hollows to his will.
Concluding the report, Rukia looked at the head captain with a straight face as she informed him, "That is all that we know about the soul reaper hunter known as Iruma. After he disappeared, his whearabouts are currently unknown."
Looking s;ightly downward, the head captain remained silent for a moment as he groaned and took in the information. As his eyes returned to her face as he replied saying, "Rukia Kuchiki, you have done well in reporting."
She slightly bowed her head to give thanks to his words. Yamamoto then continued as he thought, "Whoever this enemy is, his skills are far beyond expectations. It is not a simple task to take out an entire squad and even injure a vice captain like lieutenant Renji Abarai. He must be stopped immediately. And so, we will dispatch captains to the world of the living and find them."
Stopping his cane on the ground, he made his selection as he announced, "10th squad division captain, Toshiro Hitsugaya!" As instructed, the white haired captain stepped forward. He was determined that he and his squad would not fail as he said, "Understood."
The next one to be called was, "12th squad division captain, Zaraki Kenpachi!" The scared captain merely chuckled with a smirk on his face as he stepped forward, excited for the challenge and ready to begin his next kill.
And lastly, the last captain to be killed was, "6th squad division captain, Byakuya Kuchiki!" As he stepped forward, Byakuya, Rukia's elder brother by law and marriage of his wife Hisana, merely remained silent and kept the same stern look of pride he always had.
Facing the head captain, the three captains bowed before the head captain as Yamamoto gave his orders, "Toshiro Hitsugaya, you'll be in command of the Iruma subjugation force."
Keeping himself bowed, Toshiro replied in a calm and stern voice, "Understood."
Yamamoto continued his instructions as he turned towards the other captain and informed him, "Byakuya Kuchiki, you shall join in the investigation of the Red Moon in place of your lieutenant Renji Abarai. Kenpachi Zaraki shall assist you, including if you ran into any enemy activity."
While in silence, Captain Kuchiki leaned down and bowed, understanding his orders. Kenpachi doing the same while commenting, "Not exactly what I had in mind, but as long as I can get my hands bloody then as you say head captain." Yamamoto merely groaned and glared at the captain, choosing to ignore the comment.
Rukia gave her elder brother and law as she had a slight suspision as she requested to the head captain, "With all due respect captain-commander…"
Turning his attention back towards her, Yamamoto asked, "What is it."
Looking up at him and then back over to her older brother, Rukia went on to explain, "I believe that the 6th division will need a support party."
This caught his attention as he slightly looked towards Rukia for a second, before turning back towards the head captain and told him, "That will not be necessary."
Having seen what the enemy was capable of, Rukia turned towards Byakuya and encouraged him as he said, "But, in the earlier investigation, the 6th division had taken severe-"
Byakuya cut her words short as he informed her, in a louder tone, "Do not estimate my troops capabilties because a few weaker soul reapers fell in battle. We will be able to locate the cause of this mystery. Do you understand, Rukia?"
Bowing her head, Rukia replied, "Yes." She then moved herself back, realizing she was out of line to speak that way towards him.
All of a sudden, the meeting had been interrupted as a voice announced, "Captain-Commander!"
Wondering as to what could be the reason to interrupt the meeting, Yamamoto asked, "Who is it?"
The guard then announced, "You have two individuals who would like to speak with you." He then introduced them as he said, "Captain of the 13th division, Juushiro Ukitake. Captain of the 8th division, Shunsui Kyoraku. Coming in."
The two captains then entered the room in a casual manner and upon reaching the center of the room, Shunsui then said, "Sorry to interrupt."
Yamamoto then demanded to know, "Captain Kyoraku, Captain Ukitake, what do you two want in this urgent matter."
Junshiro addressed the head captain as he explained and requested, "Our deepest apologies. We were wondering if we could be included as a special force in the investigation."
Curious for their inclusion, Yamamoto then asked, "Why?"
Shunsui then asked the head captain, "Well you could say we're a bit curious about the sword the enemy, Iruma has. So we were wondering if we could have a look at it ourselves."
Junshiro then concluded to the head captain, "I assure you, our presence will not in any way hinder this mission. We merely hope to be an observer and hope to understand the enemy's power and if possible, find a weakness."
Taking a minute to think about their request, Yamamoto informed them, "Very well. I will leave it to you two to investigate the katana."
"Thank you, captain-commander." Junshiro responded.
Finishing the meeting, Yamamoto informed all of the soul reapers in the room, "Make haste, the sooner we find the enemy and put a stop to him, the less of a chance he has to execute his plans on the human world. Good luck to all of you." The others bowed as Yamamoto left the room and allowed them to get started.
Once he was gone, Rukia turned towards her brother, wanting to apologize for her actions and words before. However, before she could say anything, Byakuya stood up and turned towards her and wondered, "Rukia, those remarks you said beforehand, did you mean to disrespect or disgrace me?"
Shaking her head to mean 'no', Rukia responded, "No, of course not."
He then told her, "Do not let it happen again."
She understood his request as she told him, "I apologize, Byakuya."
Curious about what the two were discussing about, Shunsui wondered, "What is all this? This isn't a best time to have a bit of sibling rivalry."
As that was not the case, Rukia tried to explain, "No, it's not… I mean… My brother didn't…"
He then comfortably put a hand on her head as Shunsui told her, "Don't worry about it, if you're brother is being a cruel tyrant to you, I can always kindly take you in to my division." He was then getting in close to her as Byakuya glarred at him for the insult.
Catching his attention, Junshiro let out a bit of sarcastic cough and told his friend, "Shunsui, could you kindly not that way around her. He then broke the two apart as he added, "Besides, Rukia Kuchiki is a important member of my division, I wouldn't want her to be handed over to someone like you."
Backing away, Shunsui chuckled and told them, "Alright, alright, I was just teasing. Sheesh, you all can be way too tense."
Curious, Kenpachi then went ahead and asked, "Getting down to business, Kyoraku, Ukitake, the hell were you going on about? What's so special about the enemy's sword?"
Junshiro then turned toward the other captain and informed him, "We have heard the medical report from captain Unohana and from what both she and Rukia have told us, the enemy's sword has the power to manipulate the hollows and lure an opponent into a trap."
"Whatever the sword does, we'll need to incapitate Iruma before he can bloody his sword with the bodies of any more soul reapers." Toshiro commented with his arms crossed. "He's a fool if he believes a mere human can make a mockery out of us."
Both captains nodded as Junshiro replied, "That I couldn't agree more." He then turned to Rukia and told her, "Kuchiki, I am counting on you and, preferably Kurosaki as well, to help put a stop to Iruma."
Understanding her orders, Rukia nodded and replied, "Yes, captain."
Shunsui went over to Toshiro and asked him, "Alright then, Hitsugaya, care to share a drink once this is all over."
Toshiro slightly glaring at him as he replied, "Don't count on it."
Byakuya then informed them all, "We've wasted enough time here. The enemy will not wait for us to find him. Let's go."
The other soul reapers agreed as they headed out to the human world.
Before heading towards the world of the living, Rukia seperated herself from the others in order to check in on Ichigo and Renji. The evening sun setting, dusk soon turning into night. As she arrived back at Renji's quarters, she looked around and was caught by surprised as Ichigo was nowhere to be found.
She then announced, "Renji, wake up!"
Opening his eyes, "What are you yelling about? I'm trying to rest here, captain's order." He then sat up and looked towards her as he asked, "So what's going on?"
She then requestioned, "Where's Ichigo?"
Renji then responded and explained, "He said he wasn't just gonna wait all day and headed back to search for the enemy."
She then wondered in confusion, "And you just let him go with that idea?"
Renji then replied, "Well even if I could have stopped him, I'm physically not in the shape to and you more than anyone should know that he's too damn stubborn to listen."
Rukia knew that Ichigo wouldn't be able to defeat Iruma on his own, but Renji wasn't entirely wrong either. Thus she told him, "Alright, well I'm going after him. Orders have been given for squads 4, 6, 8, 10 and 13 to go after Iruma, find out what he's planning and stop him."
Renji then telling her, "Well then looks like you got a job to do. Go on, get going." Rukia nodded and approval as she dashed off. While running to get to the human world, she couldn't help but think to herself, 'Dammit, Ichigo. What the hell are you thinking?' However, she did not have time to contemplate that, she had to hurry if she was gonna have any chance of catching up to him or the other captains.
