Author's note: I don't own any of the characters. They belong to Tite Kubo. The original characters belong to me.
Chapter 11: Der Untergang 1
Inside Squad 5's barracks, the Sereitei, Soul Society
After the fiasco of the meeting between the 13 Court Guard Squads and the Imperio de Hierro, the Shinigamis had immediately returned to the Sereitei, hoping to prepare their defenses while repairing the buildings that had been reduced to rubbles during the Wandenreich's previous invasion. Because of the summit's failure, the majority of the Shinigamis knew that they were now forced to contend with two empires, although it was the Quincies who at the moment appeared to be their most imminent threat.
Even now, reconstruction happened all across the Sereitei, and people were rebuilding things while covered in bandages. Many had yet to recover from their injuries. But sadly, many lives had been lost to the invasion.
It also did not help the situation any further when the relationship between the Court Guard and the Royal Guard was strained. Sooner or later, Squad 0 would've been notified of their Court Guard's independent action, but Head-Captain Shunsui Kyoraku did not seem to care about how they would respond. He had rather encouraged his fellow captains to focus on the threat before them than being thrown under the bus by their "upper peers".
In Squad 5's barracks, Captain Shinji Hirako had called together a meeting for all members of his squad, with his lieutenant: Momo Hinamori at his side. Since returning to Squad 5, many members still recognized him back from the days he was the captain, and Sosuke Aizen was his lieutenant. None of them had any qualms about how he was one of the Vizards that could use Hollowfication. In fact, Shinji's return had somehow boosted the morale in the squad.
"Listen up, folks! I'm glad that all of you could show up to this gathering. Because believe it or not, I have some tragic news to share with ya. So for your own safety, shut up and listen carefully!" the blonde-haired man told them with little enthusiasm and gentleness. "Our negotiations with the Imperio de Hierro failed miserably, all thanks to somebody's stupid actions! But even though that failed, we ain't gonna give up defending the Sereitei, are we!?" he asked out loud and all the members whispered amongst themselves. Shinji knew that he would have to passionate. "Don't forget that we as members of Squad 5 still have a job to do as long as we're standing here on our feet! When those Quincies come back, we're gonna stand tall and whoop their asses until they're squealing like piglets! Cause we are Squad 5! That's how we do things around here!" he told them loudly and all the members shouted praises to him in return.
"CAPTAIN! CAPTAIN! CAPTAIN!" they could be heard shouting in support of Shinji's leadership.
Shinji grinned with satisfaction. "That's the spirit! So glad to hear your enthusiasm! Now get your asses back to your posts! And remember: we are Squad 5. We fight together or die alone!" he ordered them and the vast crowd of squad members returned to their posts.
The captain faced his lieutenants, who nodded at him with respect and formality. "Your speech was inspiring, Captain Hirako. I am glad that there is at least some of us whose fighting spirits are not dead yet" Momo praised him.
Shinji only shrugged his shoulders. "Tch, no big deal! It's part of my duties as a captain of the 13 Court Guard Squads" he told her smugly.
"Captain Hirako!" a familiar voice called out to Shinji, and he turned around to see two familiar members of Squad 5. The first one was a young girl with light blonde hair kept in a ponytail on top of her head, as well as a headband with a flower attached to it. The second was a young boy looking similar to the girl, only that he had dark blonde hair while having two hairpieces and a red ribbon resting on his left shoulder. Shinji and Momo smiled by seeing them. They were the Kudo-twins: Matsuri and Fujimaru. "What a terrific speech you had, captain! Heck, you managed to lift my spirits!" the girl named Matsuri added with admiration of their captain.
The captain only chuckled smugly in return. "Easy there, Matsuri. I am already flattered by the comment Momo just gave me" he said, causing Momo to giggle in return.
Matsuri Kudo was currently the 3rd seat of Squad 5, having rose up the ranks while serving under him, Aizen and the captain before Shinji, Seigen Suzunami. She was actually good friends with Momo and Toshiro, considering that she along with Fujimaru grew up on the same district as them. This even made them attend the class together at the Shin'o Academy, where the twins along with Momo were inducted into Squad 5. Fujimaru Kudo was now serving as 4th seat, and while he wanted to surpass his twin sister so badly, he accepted the position nonetheless. Like Momo, he and Matsuri used to admire Aizen as a captain, but their opinions changed after his defection. In their eyes, Shinji was the perfect captain of the squad since Captain Sugunami.
"Captain, is it true what you're saying, did the summit fail?" Matsuri suddenly asked his superior, who sighed deeply in return.
"It is as he said" Momo spoke up while facing the floor with shame. "We failed to secure a non-aggression pact and the Arrancars rejected our offer" she told the twins.
Fujimaru only shrugged his shoulders. "Tch, I told you guys it was a bad idea, didn't I?" he asked his captain. "I mean, how could you possibly except demented Hollows to become our allies?" he then asked him smugly.
"Fujimaru, what are you…." Matsuri was stopped by Shinji raising his palm at her.
The Captain of Squad 5 only faced the young Shinigami with a deep frown. "No need to get so damn cocky, junior. And to correct your statement, we never wanted to seek out an alliance with the Imperio de Hierro. No, we only desired a non-aggression pact with them. And we failed, all because of Sui-Feng's fucked up antics" he answered with a sneer at the mentioning of his fellow captain.
"But there is something you haven't told us yet, Captain Hirako" Momo said and Shinji fixed his eyes upon her. She seemed very worried. "Back in the Human World, why did you, Captain Mugurama and Captain Otoribashi attack the Dechado holding Captain Sui-Feng hostage?" she then asked him while her superior could tell that she wanted an answer.
Shinji could also see that the Kudo-twins were keen knowing it as well. Sighing deeply, he decided to be as honest as he could. "We tried to save her so that we wouldn't lose a valuable asset in the Court Guard. Yes, she is a reckless leader, and her actions clearly proves it. But still, the Soul Society will need her talents in the upcoming battle against the Quincies. Truth be told…we need everyone we can get our hands on. However, the only Shinigami I would NEVER use in a time like this…is Sosuke" he answered while mentioning his former lieutenant at the end, thus shocking his three subordinates.
Momo had perhaps been the one most traumatized by Aizen's actions, especially during the final battle, when he switched places with her by using his Shikai. This had resulted in Toshiro stabbing her instead, and she had almost died by that attack. In the aftermath of the battle and her recovery, Momo had struggled with paranoia and depression because of that moment.
Even now, the young lieutenant felt uncomfortable by even hearing Aizen being mentioned by her superior and Shinji could see that. But he never blamed her for behaving this way, considering that he too, once considered Aizen a valued friend and comrade, especially when they served under Captain Seigen Suzunami together.
Matsuri tried her best to comfort Momo while Fujimaru slammed his fist onto the floor. "That son of a bitch! He ruined everything our squad stood for!" the young Shinigami cursed. He then faced his superior. "Why the hell did Central 46 so much as let him stay alive in prison!? We all know what he has done makes him irredeemable!" he then demanded an answer.
"Calm yourself, Fujimaru!" Shinji commanded him, forcing the young Shinigami to stop his anger. Truth be told, he, Matsuri and Momo were surprised by seeing their captain acting so strict. The blonde-haired man sighed deeply before speaking. "Look, all of us, and I mean all of us, have suffered many fucked-up things thanks to Sosuke" he said while suddenly moving his right hand across his face, thus activating his Hollowfication. His subordinates were stunned as they saw their captain's face hidden behind the Hollow-mask. "Hell, I myself was a victim. And I wanted revenge almost as much as those who had suffered because of Sosuke's actions. But in the end, I realized that vengeance was no good motivation. All that I wanted was justice for the crimes he committed. And that's what he ended up being. Therefore, I am fine with that" Shinji concluded as his Hollow-mask disappeared, showing everyone his smug-looking face.
His subordinates could not help but to accept his opinion, as they realized that there was truth in his words. For Momo, she had finally seen her spirits lifted, when she could see how similar Shinji was to Aizen in terms of compassion as a captain, although Shinji was known to be more laid-back and easygoing. However, she was slowly starting to acknowledge him as the better captain than Aizen, as he had actually helped her getting over Aizen's betrayal.
In the gardens of the Kuchiki clan's manor, Soul Society
Byakuya Kuchiki had since his return to the Soul Society spent most of his time at the Kuchiki clan's mansion. While he had been training there, he suddenly felt the need to be in the manor's gardens. It was in these gardens where the graves belonging to his parents were located, as the gardens also served as a cemetery for the deceased Kuchikis.
The black-haired captain was currently standing before the one belonging to his late father, Sojun Kuchiki. For some reason, Byakuya felt sadness fill inside him, as he began to lament how little he knew of his father. He still recalled the day when his grandfather Ginrei Kuchiki had appeared, and told him about the devastating news that his parents had been killed. That day had left him a black hole. And because of Sojun's death, Byakuya was trained by Ginrei to succeed him as the head of the Kuchiki clan.
"Father…...I know that it is too late for me to be saying this…...but I have a confession" Byakuya said lowly before looking up at the memorial. "I…...I spent most of my time with grandfather because he had deemed you too frail and soft to be training me…...and I allowed myself to be taken control by him. But being trained by grandfather….only lead me to commit something as atrocious" he admitted while speaking over his father's grave.
For some reason, Byakuya began gritted his teeth in frustration, as he struggled to compose himself. This was very unusual of the infamous Captain of Squad 6, who was considered to be among the strongest of them all. Feelings of regret were slowly starting to take hold on Byakuya, who had always considered feelings to have no value.
"I…...I only sought to follow the law…serve the law…but in the end…I ended up hurting myself " Byakuya said while his eyes shut tightly. "Since I recently lost my Bankai…I've been plagued by nightmares…...nightmares about those terrible mistakes I committed, since I believed they were justifiable in the name of the law" he admitted, suddenly falling onto his knees.
The law-abiding Shinigami captain had indeed been plagued by nightmares about the mistakes he had done, but not just about his failure to uphold his promise to his late wife Hisana. No, those mistakes stretched many years back, at the time when Byakuya was made the Lieutenant of Squad 6 by his grandfather. During his days as a lieutenant, the Kuhciki clan was the strongest proponent for the elimination of the Interminables living in the Human World. Both Ginrei and Byakuya had led squadrons to the remaining communities of Interminables and exterminated them, one by one. After Byakuya succeeded Ginrei as both Captain of Squad 6 and head of the Kuchiki clan, the elimination had continued under his leadership.
"You disappoint me, my son" Byakuya's eyes suddenly opened, as he quickly recognized that voice. Looking beside him, he could see a young man with shoulder-length black hair while wearing a single kenseikan on the left side of his head. He also wore a standard Shinigami-outfit. Byakuya's eyes widened, as the man before him crossed his arms in disappointment. "I am sad to see of what has become of you" the man then said.
Byakuya could not believe it, but that man was his own father: Sojun Kuchiki. "Father…." Byakuya said lowly as his usually stern eyes looked right into those of his father's. "How…how are you…" he was interrupted by the voice of his father.
"Do not speak to me as if I am alive to you!" the man suddenly snapped at him. "I stopped being that when you willingly submitted yourself to your grandfather's teachings, long before me and your mother's deaths! Because of that, I was never allowed near you!" he said while looking away.
But the young captain as not backing down. "Tell me everything! Why did you die? Who killed you and mother!?" he demanded an answer.
This caused Sojun to look at him with a raised eyebrow. "Hmm.…...why are you asking me that? Don't you believe in what your grandfather told you? Did you not always favor him above me?" he asked surprised. Sojun sighed deeply in return. "Truth is, only you can find the answer, since you are a Kuchiki after all" he answered, surprisingly forming a slight smile directed at his son.
"Father…what are you saying…" Byakuya was out of words while staring at his father.
Sojun smiled at his son. "Byakuya…me and your mother feel ashamed for not being there at your wedding. Because I want you to know that had I been the head of the Kuchiki clan at that time…...I would've happily blessed your marriage to Hisana, unlike your grandfather. Marrying someone you deeply care about is not breaking the law" he then admitted to Byakuya, who was only stunned to hear this. "Byakuya…whatever you do…never let the law control your emotions, like it did with Ginrei…...follow what your heart desires. That is all that can make your own father proud" he then told him, before chuckling lightly. "And say hello to Kisuke, Yoruichi and Tessai for me. Tell them that I still remember those happy days when they were kids. Farewell, my son" Sojun said and light began enclosing Byakuya's eyes.
The black-haired man suddenly found himself awake at the grass in the gardens. Byakuya rose up and noticed that he had been lying near his parents' graves. All this only made him realize something.
"What was that?" he wondered and began facing his father's grave "Was all of this just a dream, father?" he then thought, while walking slowly towards the memorial.
Byakuya was beginning to see the picture. His father had only been able to speak with him, when Byakuya had made this confession before his grave. He still remembered the time after Hisana's death that he would never break the law again. He even swore it upon the graves of his parents. But after speaking to his father's spirit, Byakuya could now realize that Sojun never cared about him breaking the law. It was only about doing what his own heart told him.
Fixing a slight smile, Byakuya bowed his head before the memorial. "Thank you…...father" he said lowly.
As the Captain of Squad 6 walked away, the nearby trees felt winds blowing, and some of the leaves fell down on the memorials. Byakuya knew that the spirits of his parents would always be with him, both his father Sojin and his mother: Miyazu.
Inside Squad 13's barracks, Soul Society
Captain Jushiro Ukitake was now having visitors in the form of Toshiro Histugaya, Rangiku Matsumoto, Kensei Mugurama, Shuhei Hisagi, Rose Otoribashi, Izuru Kira, Sajin Komamura and Tetsuzaemon Iba. The many visitors were stunning to the members of Squad 13, but Ukitake agreed to having them over at the barracks. In fact, his fellow captains had been frequently talking with him since the failed summit in the Royal Realm.
Komamura was wearing a strange and unfamiliar helmet, which covered his entire face. When asked about this, the captain would simply reply that the helmet was a gift. As such, he refused to take it off.
"We are sorry that we could not accompany you to the summit in the World of the Living" Komamura said through his helmet while speaking to his fellow captains. "I had to deal with some unfinished business with my family, so I needed Tetsuzaemon at my side" the tall Shinigami said while facing his lieutenant.
Ukitake smiled at them in return. "You did what you had to do, Komamura. We only agreed to join Shunsui as his protectors during the meeting with these Arrancars" the white-haired man assured them.
"Tch, the summit was only a waste of our time" Kensei sneered while crossing his arms. "An worse, I was left humiliated by those Dechados" he added with dissatisfaction.
Rose chuckled by hearing this. "It would seem that we underestimated their abilities" he remarked smugly before facing Izuru. "And I almost forgot to tell you this, Izuru. But I salute your calmness during the commotion at the summit" the blonde-haired captain commended his lieutenant.
Izuru only nodded without hesitation. "Right…...thank you, captain" he said in return.
Kensei shrugged his shoulders by seeing this and faced Shuhei sternly. "Our next lesson will be how to restrain your anger" the grey-haired Shinigami said to him.
Shuhei only nodded his head in return, knowing better than to speak out against his strict captain, as Kensei was someone who could be dangerous if pissed off. "Whatever you say…...Captain Mugurama" Shuhei thought with little reluctance inside of him.
Suddenly, a coughing sound was made by Toshiro, as he caught everyone's attention. They fixed their eyes upon the young captain. "Let us not forget about the reason we came to Squad 13's barracks" he told them while facing Ukitake with his blue eyes. " Ukitake, ever since you told us about this "Lord Mimihagi", each of us cannot help but to be plagued by hidden voices in our heads. I do not know if it revolves around the loss of my Bankai in my case, but all of us have heard them" the white-haired boy said.
Ukitake's green eyes widened in surprise. "You don't say. But how can this happen?" the white-haired captain wondered.
"That's what we would like to ask you" Kensei spoke up while facing his fellow captain. "We thought that sine you know so much about it, then perhaps you would've had some answers" he added.
"Just a minute, Kensei. There is no need to be in such a rush" Rose told his fellow Vizard before facing Ukitake. "Tell me, Ukitake. Besides from us sitting here, have you told anyone else about this Lord Mimihagi?" the elegant Captain of Squad 3 asked him cunningly.
Ukitake knew that he had no reason to hold anything hidden from his fellow captains, so he decided to tell them. "The only ones who I have spoken with about this are Sentaro and Kiyone. But I have yet to tell Rukia. However, Shunsui knows about it as well" he told him in return and then realized something. "However, I am certain that both Captain Kurotsuchi and Urahara possesses some knowledge about Mimihagi, as does Aizen, considering that it involves around the Soul King" the white-haired captain added to his answer.
Rangiku could not help but to face the floor as they heard what Ukitake said, as did Izuru and Shuhei. They still thought about their fellow lieutenant, as Rukia was training in the Royal Realm alongside Renji. Izuru went in the same class as those two, so he had been thinking about them for a time. But each of the lieutenants were careful not to let it control their thoughts.
"But do you have any clue as to why these voices still invades our heads?" Toshiro asked his fellow white-haired captain.
Ukitake took his moment to think about that question. "I am not entirely sure. But I do remember how I told you a little too much about Lord Mimihagi and his connection to the Soul King. Maybe the answer lies somewhere there" he expressed his opinions.
"That figures" Rose remarked while facing the white-haired man. "Anyway, do you suppose that this Lord Mimihagi knows the truth of this world? I mean, has he the answer for everything" he then questioned Ukitake.
This time, Komamura spoke up, feeling kind of sidelines in this conversation. "It's not that he has the answers for everything" he told Rose and all the captains faced and lieutenants faced him. "It's like….it is trying to tell us something. I sometimes feel like that deity knows about us…about our lives…...and about our feelings" the tall Shinigami spoke through his helmet.
Tetsuzaemon faced his captain. "But do you really think that we can trust whatever this thing tells us?" the man with sunglasses asked his captain.
"I don't know, Tetsuzaemon. Lately, I have been more focused on the upcoming battle rather than to worry about hidden voices" Komamura told his lieutenant.
All of a sudden, Ukitake rose up to his feet and faced everyone with determined eyes. His fellow captains and their lieutenants faced him with confusion, as they did not know his reason for standing up.
"I am afraid that we will have to end this visit a little earlier" he told them, much to their surprises. But the white-haired captain fixed a reassuring smile upon his mouth. "I know that it sounds very unusual of me to do so, but I am needed outside the Sereitei for an errand. I want to find the answer to your questions, so I will have to go to Lord Mimihagi's shrine personally and then seek his guidance. Only then can you know the reason for hearing these voices" Uktiake told them and eventually, the captains understood his words. But Ukitake was not finished speaking. "Until then, I advise you to return to your barracks and wait for further instructions from the head-captain. I fear that the upcoming battle will determine the fate of the Soul Society itself" he suggested to them, while feeling wary about this whole situation. But he was not alone, as even his comrades felt the same way.
All of them exited the barracks and Ukitake waved farewell to them all, greatly appreciating their visit. But beside the entrance to the barracks stood Sentaro and Kiyone, each looking very concerned about what their captain was planning. As soon as the visiting captains and lieutenants were out of his sight, Ukitake turned around to face them with a smile.
"Ah, Sentaro. Kiyone. Let us take a walk in the forest for a while. I need to reflect on our strategy with regards to the upcoming invasion" he told the two stalwart members of Squad 13.
They both seemed uncertain if this was a good idea. "But captain, isn't it risky to leave the barracks at a time when the Quincies could strike at any moment?" Sentaro asked while feeling insecure.
But Ukitake faced both reassuringly. "I can assure you that this trip will not take long. And besides, it would be very beneficial to seek advice from Lord Mimihagi in light of the upcoming battle against the Wandenreich. The head-captain himself also agreed to let me do that" he told them as honest as he could.
Knowing better than to question the wisdom of their captain, Sentaro and Kiyone reluctantly agreed to accompany him. However, they still felt worried about his intentions, as they had concerns about his health. Neither of them wanted to lose either him nor Rukia, as they were probably the strongest members of Squad 13.
At the entrance of Squad 2's barracks, Soul Society
After recovering from his concussion and returning to the Soul Society, Lieutenant Marechiyo Omaeda had noticed that his captain had once again disappeared from sight. With nothing else to do than to prepare for the upcoming battle, Marechiyo had decided to bring along his youngest sister, Mareyo Omaeda, to the Squad 2 Barracks. They were currently standing before the entrance, which was a long stairway towards the barracks, which was located on the top.
The chubby man sighed deeply, as he still remembered what happened in the World of the Living. "Damn it! How could I've allowed myself to be so easily beaten!?" he wondered in his thoughts. "My captain's life was on the line, and I tried my best to save her as Squad 2's lieutenant. But those Arrancar-bastards humiliated me!" Marechiyo thought bitterly, still recalling the humiliation he had to endure.
But Sui-Feng had herself felt even more humiliated after being held at Diablo Gallante's mercy and the scolding from Yoruichi had not helped smooth things either. Her confidence as a captain was starting to fade. But Sui-Feng was not a quitter. In fact, after returning to the Soul Society, she had immediately left the Sereitei to undergo some immense and physical training. Being humiliated two times was enough to drive her into increasing her strength.
"Captain…" Marechiyo thought about Sui-Feng while looking up towards the sky. "Wherever you are, please come back soon. You know that I'm not the best guy to rally the Stealth Force" he added to his thought.
"Why are you so calm, big brother?" Marechiyo snapped out of his thoughts, as he could hear his sister ask him out of curiosity. He faced her cute and innocent look. Of all his siblings, Mareyo was perhaps to one who differed most in terms of appearance, as she was not overweighed, nor did she possess the typical Omaeda facial expression. Her appearance was just…...unique by her family's standards. "You haven't said much since we entered the Sereitei" she told him.
Hearing this caused Marechiyo to immediately chuckle while scratching his neck, pretending that he was not worried and that everything was fine. "Oh yeah, sorry about that, Mareyo. I was just thinking about something important. You know, in relation to my squad" he told her with an assuring smile. "Being the Lieutenant of Squad 2 and the Patrol Commander of the Patrol Corp in the Stealth Force sure comes with many responsibilities" he told her.
While confused at first, little Mareyo quickly smiled gleefully at her dull-headed brother. "Wow! You're so cool, big brother! I bet that you are one of the strongest lieutenants of the Court Guard" she told him with so much enthusiasm.
Marechiyo continued to take in the praise with pride, happy to know that there was at least someone who looked up to him as a Shinigami. But he snapped back into reality as he could see both Toshiro and Rangiku walking on the road he and his sister were currently standing on. Soon, Mareyo also got a glimpse of the Captain of Squad 10 and his lieutenant.
The chubby lieutenant did his best to look dignified and cool in front of not just Tohsiro, but his younger sister as well. "Captain Hitsugaya! What a coincidence in running into you here" Marechiyo told him with a smile while saluting him.
Toshiro only glanced at him with no enthusiasm, as did Rangiku. "Omaeda, I see you have recuperated from your concussion" the white-haired boy remarked lowly. He then looked around. "And I see that your reckless captain is not here as we speak" he added.
Marechiyo snapped by hearing this and pointed his finger towards the young captain. "Hey! You take back what you just said, you little twit!" he hit back, not caring who he was speaking to. "Captain Sui-Feng almost died back in the Human World, remember!?" he added.
Toshiro narrowed his blue eyes. "And whose fault is that? Herself, of course! She had been advised not to do anything foolish since she lost her Bankai, yet she completely disregarded Kyoraku's warning!" he replied.
Rangiku stepped up. "And by the way, what were you thinking, attacking the Dechados when you haven't even achieved a Bankai yet? I mean, that's insane, Omeada!" the busty strawberry-haired woman scolded him.
While Marechiyo felt being backed into a corner, he refused to back down. Therefore, he stepped up his attack. "And who are you to judge me!? You haven't achieved a Bankai either!" he snapped at Rangiku while pointing a finger towards her. "So at the end of the day, you have no reason to throw me under the bus, you whore!" he added.
Rangiku could not stand being spoken to like that, so she reached for her Zanpakutou, only for Toshiro to hold her hand, thus stopping her. Rangiku faced his captain, as he only shook his head to make her cease whatever she was planning on doing. Realizing her rash mistake, Rangiku nodded her head in respect for Toshiro.
"We best return to the Squad 10 Barracks, Rangiku. There remains much to be addressed with regards to the preparations" the white-haired captain said, but as they both walked past the Omeada-siblings, they stopped. Toshiro even looked over his shoulder to face the chubby lieutenant sternly. "Listen, Omaeda. If you have doubts about your own confidence in your abilities as a lieutenant, then you might as well go back to your family's mansion along with your sister and stay there during the battle. Like your captain, you are nothing but an incompetent fool in our ranks who inspires no one, only focusing on expanding his own personal wealth. You will do well to remember that fact" he concluded his analysis of Marechiyo, and he and his lieutenant continued their walk towards the barracks.
As he saw them walking, Marechiyo almost lost his cool, but decided not to let his temper get the best of him, for his younger sister's sake. But the chubby Shinigami could not help but to reflect on the words he heard from both Toshiro and Rangiku. Mareyo saw this and became concerned for his older brother.
"Big brother…...you look so sad" the little girl told him.
But Marechiyo eventually faced his youngest sister with his usual flashy smile, although it lacked a shine. "Don't worry about it, Mareyo. It's all part of being a member of the 13 Court Guard Squads" he told her.
Inside the Squad 1 Barracks, Soul Society
Shunsui Kyoraku was having a meeting with both Ganju Shiba and Hanataro Yamada. He had brought them back to the Soul Society, where they could reveal certain things, including what the two friends saw in El Dorado. And of course, Shunui was joined by his two lieutenants.
"So, I take it that you were safe from any harm" Shunsui noted while resting his hands underneath his chin. "But what strike me the most was the fact that there was water in that city. Intriguing" he then admitted with a smug smile.
Ganju nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, you should've seen it yourself. There were fountains, canals, even a colosseum. We never expected to run into something like that in Hueco Mundo" the Soul admitted while scratching the back of his head. "Hell, these Arrancars even have their own currency in that city, considering all the shopkeepers we encountered" he added with amusement in his voice.
Hanataro sighed deeply before speaking up. "But even though what he saw was fascinating, there were also some things that gave me the chills" the timid Shinigami admitted. "The emperor of the Imperio de Hierro…...his Spiritual Pressure…...is enormous!" he remarked, still shivering by speaking of this.
Shunsui only eye was filled with surprise, as he got interested in what Hanataro was speaking of. "You don't say. At the meeting in the Human World, both the Dechados and the Legionarios held him in high regard. Now tell me, did any of you get what his name was?" he then asked both Ganju and Hanataro.
Ganju nodded his head in return. "We did, but I don't think that you've heard of him. I mean, that guy must be like…ancient or something" the long-haired man admitted.
The head-captain started to find this more interesting. "Ancient, you say?" he wondered in his head. Shunsui then faced his visitors seriously. "Tell me: what is his name?" the flamboyant Shinigami asked them.
"His name is…...Augustus Zod Allowin: the Skyfather" Hanataro spoke up lowly.
When hearing that name, Shunsui's only eye snapped in outrage, as he could not believe what just came out of Hanataro's mouth. He started to feel an immense uneasy grow within him. "No….it can't be…...how can…...how can that man still be alive!?" he wondered in his thoughts.
Nanao could see the unease within her superior. "Captain, does that name sound familiar to you?" the four-eyed lieutenant asked, wanting to know an answer.
"Actually…it does" Shunsui admitted to the young woman and then began facing his desk. "Old Man Yama had faced and defeated many dangerous foes in his past. However, before he even faced Yhwach and Aizen….there was only one man that Old Man Yama almost lost his life to, as that man was indeed his strongest adversary to date. It was the former ruler of Hueco Mundo in a lifetime: Augustus Zod Allowin" he then went on explaining to those around him.
Ganju only raised an eyebrow. "Hey, how come you know this? I mean, didn't Central 46 declare that all literature seen as a threat to the code of the Shinigami was to be burned?" Ganju asked the head-captain. "I mean, all literature about the Soul Society's earliest history was burned to ashes" he added with an explanation.
Shunsui nodded his head in return. "I know. But Old Man Yama was willing to share his truth with those he felt like he could trust the most. As a result, he told this to two young rookies at the Shin'o Academy, two newbies who would later go on to become captains of the Court Guard" he revealed.
Ganju, Hanataro and all those around the head-captain gasped, as they were beginning to see the bigger picture. "Hold on. You were one of those students, weren't you head-captain?" Hanataro asked.
The man with the eyepatch simply nodded as a yes to his answer. "That's right. Only me and Captain Ukitake were trusted with this story by Yamamoto himself. But others like Urahara for example, learned the story from Bansui Amatsuki, former Captain of Squad 3" the head-captain replied to his question. "However, I never expected Allowin to be still alive after the War of the Three Souls. Even Old Man Yama had assumed he was dead" he admitted to those around him.
"Anyway" Ganju interrupted Shunsui. "Shouldn't the Sereitei be more concentrated on the Quincies? You heard what they said, the Imperio de Hierro has no interest in involving itself in the battle" he spoke up.
The head-captain nodded in agreement. "Yes. But still, I can't shake off the feeling that with Allowin still alive, he will seek revenge against the Soul Society for its involvement of the previous Arrancar-empire's downfall. Or worse, he will come for us when he discovers that Aizen is still alive" Shunsui tried to paint a picture of what a threat Allowin could become.
Both Ganju and Hanataro were confused. "What do you mean by that?" Ganju asked.
"Let's not dwell more onto Allowin. I've heard enough about him. Now what else did you two learn while staying in El Dorado?" the head-captain asked them.
Hanataro realized that it was now time to give his superiors some other newly discovered information. "Oh, we almost forgot telling you this. It involves one of Ichigo Kurosaki's friends: Orihime Inoue" he spoke up.
Shunsui became surprised, and fixed a smile by hearing this, as he felt like he could always trust Ichigo and his friends from Karakura Town. "Well, what is it about her?" he asked friendly.
The timid Shinigami scratching the back of his head before speaking. "Well, over the years, many Shinigamis, including us medics from Squad 4 has always been awfully curious about Orihime's ability" Hanataro spoke up. "Because you see, these Arrancars apparently knew what kind of Human she really was, and it really astounded us. From what one of the Dechados said, Orihime was an Interminable. Do you have any idea of what that is?" he asked his superior.
The moment Shunsui heard the word Interminable, his only eye was filled with shock. Both Ganju and Hanataro could see that even Nanao and Genshiro were stunned as well. "Umm…...did Hanataro say something wrong?" Ganju suddenly asked them with a raised eyebrow.
"Oh no! Absolutely not! But to be frank, I have never heard anything about what you call an Interminable" Shunsui insisted while waving his hand whimsically. Nanao and Genshiro also came back to their senses. The head-captain then fixed a serious glance upon his visitors. "Anyway, you both did a terrific job serving as observes from the Soul Society to the Imperio de Hierro. I commend you for it" he complimented them. "Hanataro, you may return to the Squad 4 Barracks. Lieutenant Kotatsu could have some use for your talents in healing. And you Ganju may return to the Shiba-manor. You both deserve some time off. Leave the preparations for the attack to us" he told them.
Both Ganju and Hanataro smiled by hearing this, so they both bowed to him formally before being escorted out of Shunsui's office. With no visitors in his office, the head-captain were free to speak with his lieutenants on more pressing matters.
"Captain Kyoraku" Nanao spoke up lowly. "Back then…...you did not tell them the truth, did you?" the four-eyed woman asked while adjusting her glasses.
Shunsui faced his desk, his thoughts drifting to the past, especially back at the time when the Interminables were declared a threat to the Soul Society. "True. I did lie. But it was for a good reason, Lil' Nanao" the head-captain told them. He even pressed his palm against his eyepatch. "Our enemies may have committed great atrocities. However, we of the 13 Court Guard Squads are not perfect either. While the extermination of the Quincies was sad but necessary…...the extermination of the Interminables was…totally unnecessary" he spoke up.
"But head-captain. You know the reason why it had to be done. It was all for the sake of preserving peace in the…." Genshiro slowly spoke up.
Surprisingly, his superior faced him with a surprisingly stern glance, indicating that he did not welcome Genshiro's words. "You think committing a genocide against a people that had not killed a single Shinigami was necessary? Do you, Okkiba?" he asked while facing Genshiro, who backed down from what he just said. Shunsui's expression softened, yet he was still feeling not happy. "Orihime Inoue….I always believed that your own ability was unique….but I never expected you to be an Interminable. I expect you to find out about the truth sooner or later" he thought in his head while recalling the kind-hearted woman who would not do anything to harm someone.
Nanao adjusted her glasses while facing the head-captain. "Captain, if Ichigo and his friends found out about this….do you think they will still help us?" she asked his superior.
Shunsui faced his desk while being lost in thoughts, but he decided to reply to his lieutenant's' question. "I don't know, Nanao. Maybe they will, or maybe they won't. But one thing's certain. The 13 Court Guard Squads owes them an explanation to its participation of this genocide when the time comes" he the admitted to his subordinates.
Inside the Department of Research and Development, Soul Society
The Soul Society's Department of Research and Development had seen some of its structures repaired, having previously been destroyed by the invading Quincies. With that taken care of, as well as some of the researchers recovered from their injuries, the Department's president, as well as Captain of Squad 12 Mayuri Kurotsuchi had ordered them to begin researching anything related to the Quincies.
Mayuri and his lieutenant Nemu had already gone to begin an experiment of their own, thus leaving Vice-President Akon in charge of getting the labs operational. Mayuri had strictly told his subordinates not to interrupt him and Nemu on their work.
Akon was working on the computers while having his head covered in bandages. While doing so, he could not help but to recall a meeting he had with his superior and it still bothered him, even though it happened the day after the invasion.
"Akon, you imbecile! How could you have acted on your own without my permission!?" Mayuri had questioned him impatiently.
"It could not be helped, Captain Kurotsuchi! You were out in the battlefield and only we could contact Ichigo Kurosaki! There was no other way!" Akon had fought back while defending his independent action.
But his superior was not pleased with that answer. "Remember that I am the President of the Department, not you! As such, I decide what to do, especially when making a call to Urahara!" the captain had warily reminded him, but Akon did not back down from this conversation.
"You may be the president, but that sure as hell doesn't mean you can do anything as you please!" Akon had then snapped back.
Saying this had caused anger to brew inside Mayuri and he went as far as to draw out his Zanpakutou. "Another treasonous word from you and I will put you in your place, Akon! And by that, I mean a graveyard!" the captain had threatened him, and Akon was forced to withdraw what he had just said.
Akon was still thinking about how terrible that meeting ended, and it only ended up causing strain in the relationship between him and Mayuri. But for what reason? Those two were always on the same page before the Quincy invasion. Was it perhaps due to the fact that he and his associates felt themselves being sidelined by Mayuri? That could perhaps be the case.
"The Sereitei has the need for us both, so I won't make any problems for the Department nor the squad" Akon thought to himself while remembering what he had said to Mayuri before he was off to start his own experiment.
Suddenly, he and his colleagues could hear a large bam and they turned around to see the clumsy and meek Chief Operator named Rin Tsubokura loose a box with candies and energy drinks. He chuckled nervously while facing his comrades.
"Oops, I'm sorry about that, guys! I'll pick it up!" he told them.
"For the love of God, Rin! Do you really have to goof off with your…..."Akon was already expressing his dissatisfaction, until he could see the cans of energy drinks rolling out of the box. This caused him and the others to raise eyebrows. "Hold on…since when did you get hooked up on energy drinks? I mean look at them! Akaushi, Moyasu and even Alien Energy" the vice-president exclaimed in surprise while picking up the cans.
Other prominent researchers like Hiyosu, Kuna and Torue helped Rin with picking up his stuff, while Rin sincerely apologized to his superior. "Sorry about that, sir. But in light of what's been happening, I feel like these energy drinks will help me stay awake and focused during day and night" he then explained his reasons for having those cans.
Akon only moped his mouth, as he could not believe what he was just hearing. "Keep him awake and focused? More like keeping him paranoid and insane" he thought, feeling doubtful about Rin's intentions. But the vice-president got back to his serious persona. "Whatever. Just get rid of that box and return to your place, Rin. I'll need everyone one of us standing here doing some work if we are to find out more about the Wandenreich and their agendas" he then strictly told Rin who saluted in return.
"Yessir!" Rin said before doing as he was told.
Hiyosu, who was also the Primary Giga Expert, was beginning to read the radars while slowly reflecting on what had happened. "First the Department gets attacked by Jidanbo, then for some particular reason, Rin stabs me with a knife!" the weird-looking researcher thought while recalling on what had happened in the previous invasion. Hiyosu sighed deeply. "This can't possibly get any worse" he added to his thoughts.
But the eccentric researcher was interrupted in his thoughts, as he could read something on the radars before him. It caught him completely by surprise, and he looked closer to see what it was.
"Hey Akon! Come take a look!" Hiyosu called out to his superior and Akon was standing right beside him. "Look at these disturbances on the radars. They are telling us something!" he added with slight unease.
Akon was beginning to feel the same way, as did the other researchers who got to his side. "This is no disturbance! The Sereitei…IT'S VANISHING!" the vice-president exclaimed with shock while seeing how all the buildings inside the Sereitei was being consumed by something hidden. "Damn it! Just what the hell is happening!?" Akon wondered in his thoughts in distress.
To be continued…..
Author's note: This chapter was focusing solely on the Soul Society. It is also the first part of the Der Untergang chapters. The second part will take us back to Hueco Mundo and tell us how Urahara and the others are doing. And as told, this story will feature both canon and non-canon elements. Fujimaru and Matsuri are from a Bleach: The 3rd Phantom, by the way. Hoped you liked this chapter.
