Circle Time Chapter 2: You guys know the drill. Haven't really got much to say, but I've got a couple of questions down the bottom if you are interested.
Also, I'd just like to let you know that I've introduced 2 chapters this time instead of one. I would like to move on from these characters and begin exploring the other's and their strange quirks (we know they have them).
As always I would appreciate if any one has any ideas for the fanfiction, or to notify me if I have gotten anything wrong. if the latter is the case I will fix it as soon as possible. if the former is the case, I will take it into consideration.
Of Solemn Pride and Tamed Bloodlust Part 2
The 1st Division doors opened quietly, and with them ushered a strong presence forward.
The shadows of 4 notable individuals marched forward from the doors, and make their way down the path and down the stairway. From one glance at their physical forms, plus how uncannily they were controlling their Reiatsu, you could instantly tell just who these people were. Shinigami flocked to the Streets heralded on their path, to witness this perhaps almost exclusive event. Something was happening, they could all feel it.
Unseated Officers and Seated Members alike stood in awe of a sight that passes by, a sight rarely seen since the turbulent times of the threat of Aizen. Three Captains being led by the Head captain himself, arguably the 3 most Famous Captains in the Seireitei at the moment (or perhaps infamous in one case, take a guess at which) strolling towards the gates that lead outside the Seireitei itself. Across the masses of shinigami baring witness, hushed whispers and barely constrained arguments were held.
"Guys, do you realize what's happening at the moment right?" said one Shinigami, to no one in particular.
"Ok, so there's the Head Captain and Captain Unohana, Plus Captain Kuchiki and Captain Zaraki? I think I know what's going on" replied another Shinigami.
"Do you think they heard about the bet?"
"I doubt Captain Kuchiki would have anything to do with it, much less heard of it".
"Guys, look at them. Kenpachi looks…happy…I guess? I don't even know, but Captain Kuchiki looks seriously pissed. I think they are finally going to settle it".
"Settle what?"
"They are settling their rivalry you idiot! It's going to be rags versus riches!"
"How many times do these guys have to fight?"
"Shut up man, the rest never countered".
"Oh really? Tell that to the Hollows who got in the way!"
"I seriously hope they end up killing each other".
"Not going to happen, Captain Unohana is there remember? What is your problem with them anyway?"
The Arguments continued to escalate quickly, and soon broke into an all-out fight in one particular area. Most members in the fight belonged to 11th division members naturally. As soon as Kenpachi heard the noise, he turned his head; grin plastered half across his face, and laughed heartily. Today was just getting better and better.
Captain Kuchiki found himself in an incredible state of annoyance, to the point where facial expressions and icy glares worthy of Hyronimaru alone could not explain the anger stewing within him at the moment. Backtrack 100 years ago, and he would have snapped by this point, but he was better than this. He was better than all of this.
At least this is what he told himself, the blood boiling in his veins told himself otherwise, and thus he found himself conflicted. In an act to internalize his emotions, he closed his eyes and followed by the side of Kenpachi Zaraki, who of course could not believe his luck.
Captain Unohana however, would feel much better if the streets weren't so rowdy. She uttered a quick excusal, which Yamamoto nodded curtly without looking back. She broke line, and quietly walked towards the brawl, hopefully before Zanpackuto's were released.
"Ahem, Excuse me gentlemen?" she asked politely.
Everyone short of Captain Status froze, even those not within the fight. It is a widely accepted (perhaps unwritten, but you never know) that you do NOT want to talk over Unohana or attempt to cross her in any shape or form. Anyone who willing did so was inviting excruciating pain or even their own death at the hands of the Squad 4 Captain.
"I'm sure you all have duties to attend to. So, I would ask that you all-"
"Yes Captain! Sorry Captain!" yelped The Shinigami, before turning on their heels and escaping as fast as they could.
As soon as everyone left, Retsu Unohana flash stepped back towards her spot, walking briskly to keep up with the Head Captain's uncharacteristic pace. Behind her, she could hear the almost silent grumble of Captain Kuchiki, and the ever so pleased Captain Zaraki, yapping on about how this fight was going to be awesome.
"Come on Kuchiki, lighten up! It's not every day you get to fight-"
"If we had it your way we would fight every day" countered Byakuya, feeling somewhat comforted now he had relieved himself a small amount of tension.
"Ok, fair point. But what I was going to say is it's not every day that the Head Captain sanctions the fight himself! How could you not be excited?" asked Kenpachi, dumbfounded why Byakuya wouldn't accept this with open arms.
"By having a cultural background and not acting like a psychopathic man-child"
"Smooth, Princess, smooth".
"I didn't ask for your opinion"
"But you're going to get it anyway! Well unless you plan on doing something about it?"
"Like what pray tell?"
"Oh I don't know, let me think about it. Oh hey, I know! You could fight me!"
"Ridiculous, calling it a fight is laughable. Labelling a duel between us 'fighting' is implying that it would actually take some effort to defeat you".
'Hah, he we go. The prissy idiot is finally slipping' thought Kenpachi.
Kenpachi laughed loudly and merrily. "You think I'm a Pushover? I was hardly a pushover for you back in Hueco Mundo, and I find it laughable that you are going to kill me with that fluttery pink Bankai of yours!"
To this, Byakuya arched his eyes downward, and glared frozen daggers at Kenpachi.
"You talk as if you've already seen the full potential of my Bankai. Keep in mind that you don't even have a Shikai, let alone a Bankai. Also keep in mind that I have extensive knowledge of both Shunpo and Kido Techniques, neither of which are skills that you possess".
"I don't need Bankai to beat you"
"And that is your way of saying that the Power of Bankai is beyond your capabilities. I hardly think there is anything more to you than a simple minded desire to fight and the brawn to carry out that desire".
"Now that's just bullshit".
"Prove me wrong"
"Enough of this you two; save your trash talking for the battlefield" spoke Yamamoto. Bearing in mind the power of the Head Captain the two Rivals decided it was in their best interests to keep their mouths shut, at least for now.
As the Seireitei's gate crashed closed behind them, Byakuya took the time to ponder just how exactly he was roped into on this process…
Flashback – 5 minutes ago
"I have decided, since Captain Kuchiki's efforts have been futile in this effort to establish relations, it is my decree that we will now go through Captain Zaraki's methods, to see if they reap results".
"YES! YES!" yelled Kenpachi, A powerful fist thrusted into the air. "It's time for us to fight now Princess! Let's go right now, diplomacy is now in session!" Kenpachi was halfway through drawing his sword before Yamamoto silenced his awe-stricken glee.
"ENOUGH! You cannot expect me to let you fight in the Seireitei! I have decided that your battle will take place on the outskirts of the southern Rukongai districts, where they will be ample space and time for you two to settle your decade's long blood feud" spoke the Head Captain.
"Head Captain, if I may-"
"Silence Captain Kuchiki, this decision is irreversible".
"Here that Kuchiki? That's the sound of your pride falling through the cracks!" mocked Kenpachi.
Byakuya responded by closing his eyes once more, to await further instructions. Zaraki Kenpachi, too happy to let the 6th Captain spoil his fun; turned to the Head Captain to ask a question of his own.
"So, Head Captain Yamamoto, when does this fight start?"
"The fight will begin once we get there, we shall start our journey immediately. This is why I brought Captain Unohana to this meeting, as her healing techniques will be of service once you two are done fighting. I want the both of you to notify your squads that their captains will be indisposed as of the moment".
"I have informed Renji to pass on the message, as he already knows of my business here with the 11th Division Captain" informed Byakuya.
"To my squad, my disappearance simply means that the order of the day is to train. I'm not there all the time so my departure really doesn't mean anything to them" followed Kenpachi.
"I hardly find that comforting, but we will address that issue at another time. Come, we have a rivalry to finalise" finished Yamamoto, walking forward to take the lead, opening the doors and thus beginning the journey.
End Flashback
As Byakuya continues to contemplate how absurd he thinks this situation is, Kenpachi's thoughts are perhaps considered the mirror opposite of the proud noble's opinionated musings.
'After all this time, after all of my asking and it's finally paid off' thought Kenpachi, the classic grin of his returning to form once more. Conveniently forgetting that the Head Captain had no other options than to settle things from the other side, Kenpachi is already playing certain scenarios inside his head, tactics that each other would use and how to counter and attack from there. With such a diverse opponent like Captain Kuchiki, he could keep guessing what his first move is, but the end result would always be Bankai.
'Captain Byakuya Kuchiki, today you dance the dance of death, and neither of us will walk away unscathed'.
It was kind of a pity Yachiru wouldn't be able to see this, it looks like she likes the prissy noble quite a bi….wait, where is she?
Kenpachi looked at Byakuya's left shoulder, the last known location of his devious pink hellion. Naturally, Yachiru wasn't there anymore. This new revelation somewhat annoyed him, and Byakuya looked like he didn't even notice she was gone.
"Eh, Kuchiki, where is Yachiru?" asked Kenpachi.
"Yachiru?" he replied, opening his eyes. It is just then that he notices that the tiny weight upon his shoulder is gone. "I do not know, perhaps she left before we entered the hall?" he offered.
"Yeah probably, it's like her to take off like that, but I wonder where she went off to?" Kenpachi wondered.
"Probably to stir up some more trouble with the Shinigami Women's Association" Byakuya replied nonchalantly.
Meanwhile…
The Shinigami Women's Association, in all their presumed glory, had once again set up office in the secret rooms of the Kuchiki household, of course without his knowledge or permission. But since he is indisposed as of the moment, then what's the harm?
The only members not present are Rukia Kuchiki and Retsu Unohana, whom are away on official business. Yoruichi was asked to fill their spots (by someone other than Soi Fon no less! Although she did support the argument) and naturally she had attended. The other normal members barring exceptions were there as well, Isane, Nanao, Kiyone, Nemu, Soi Fon, Rangiku and of course the current President Yachiru.
"Alright everyone, Kenny and Byakushi are out of town! So, what should we do?" yelled Yachiru.
"President Yachiru, with all due respect that doesn't really affect anything with us or the Seireitei" said Ise Nanao
"Now that's where you are wrong" countered Rangiku. "The rivalry between Captain Kuchiki and Captain Zaraki is without a doubt legendary with the lower ranks in the Seireitei. A lot of people derive entertainment value from things like that".
"Rangiku is right" added Isane "I've heard members of the Fourth Division discuss and even come to me about who would win in a fight. Most of them tend to be biased towards Captain Kuchiki though, since he is far more compliant towards the healers when he is injured".
"Does he say anything?" asked Kiyone.
"Not usually, but he lets the healers pretty much do anything within their services designate, but for some reason he prefers to be handled by Captain Unohana himself, or male healers if she isn't available".
"How odd" said Yoruichi, not talking to anyone in particular.
"Do you think perhaps he might be-" wondered Rangiku.
"Perish the thought, he was married once you know" retorted Nanao.
"Actually, I've heard some rumours regarding some of the unseated female members" said Isane.
"You heard some rumours? Come on, you can tell us!" said Rangiku, moving towards Isane in excitement, eyes sparkling in anticipation.
"Yes, see remember the poll we took for the Seireitei's most eligible bachelor? And how Byakuya topped the list? Well, it seems some of the more confident female healers decided… well that it was a good idea to…um"
Isane seemed to slur her speech, as if it were a subject she'd rather not finish.
"They decided to what? Come on Isane! It's not like they molested him or something" complained Rangiku.
"Actually, it's just that. Well they tried anyway; but they choked on his Reiatsu once he figured their intentions" she finished.
"Heh, Reiatsu you say" muttered Yoruichi before sniggering to herself.
"And do you believe these rumours?" asked Nanao.
"Not really, but it does explain some of his mannerisms".
"Or, he could just be..." started Rangiku again
"Don't say it" muttered Nanao. For some reason, people questioning Captain Kuchiki's sexuality seems to strike a nerve with her.
"But, remember what Rukia told us about what he said to her and Renji about staying with Kenpachi in Hueco Mundo?"
Flashback, a few months ago:
As Captains Byakuya and Kenpachi walked their own paths, behind them Rukia and Renji along with other nameless shinigami, Renji had to admire the absolute timing his captain had sometimes. And today, he felt like voicing his admiration, whether the captain admitted it or not.
"Captain Kuchiki, your timing was flawless; it was almost as if you waited with Kenpachi for our arrival" said Renji, in perhaps a sad attempt to brown nose.
"Renji!" yelled Rukia, accented her rage with a fist to the back of the head "Don't say things like that about my Brother!"
"It's as he says"
Renji and Rukia looked at him, horrified expressions on their faces, gasping escaping the maws of their mouths.
"For us, Brother, you…"
"It's fine" Said Byakuya as he turned to speak. "Time flew quickly whilst I was alone with Captain Zaraki".
It was at that moment that Captain Zaraki Kenpachi turned to face them, and gave them an almost Perverted Grin, followed by a short amused laugh.
End Flashback
"Come on guys! It's Byakushi and Kenny we are talking about!" said Yachiru, clearly disapproving about whatever they were talking about, whether she knew the true implications of what they were saying is left to interpretation.
"She does have a point, I logically doubt either of them are inclined to engage in such activities, given their histories" said Nemu.
"One was married and the other fought his way to the Position, I think I can see your point. I don't see Kenpachi being interested in a man or woman in that sort of way, unless they could challenge him on the battlefield" said Rangiku with a sigh and a shrug.
"I honestly don't think Kenpachi is Byakuya's type" said Isane.
"And what would be his type exactly?" asked Nanao, adjusting her glasses.
"Logically speaking, i believe someone of noble status would suit him" said Nemu.
"Someone like Soi Fon?" asked Yoruichi.
"Yoruichi! W-what are you saying?" asked a somewhat flustered Soi Fon.
"Nothing really, I'm just teasing you!" replied Yoruichi, a cheesy smirk gracing her face.
"Didn't Captain Kuchiki marry a peasant anyway? I don't think he cares for nobility as much as he says he does" said Kiyone, remaining somewhat withdrawn from the conversation. To her, it really didn't feel right talking about the two most respected and feared Captains so freely. She could just imagine their reactions, or really anyone's reactions outside the Shinigami Women's Association.
"Aren't we getting a little side-tracked here? We were supposed to be figuring out what to do whilst 4 Captains are away!" said Nanao.
"We could send someone to get pictures of the two fighting! That would sell pretty well if you ask me, considering we haven't gotten a proper photo of Captain Kuchiki so far" offered Isane.
"We could get an interview with all the captains regarding their fight! Something like that is only the thing the Seireitei Weekly wishes they could do!" said Rangiku.
"They've probably done it already" muttered Nanao.
A silence suddenly swept over the room, pierced only by Yachiru munching on some snacks absentmindedly. The women looked at each other, inclining for the other to say something. Crushing the silence with crude efficiency, Nemu asked a question.
"Who should we send?" asked Nemu.
"Someone who won't be crushed by their Reiatsu, also someone who could get in and out quickly" said Nanao.
"I think Soi Fon should do it, she sounds perfect!" said Rangiku.
"Me? I suppose so, what do you think Yoruichi?"
"If you do it, I'll come with you. I haven't seen Byakuya in a while now" replied Yoruichi.
"It's settled then! Operation: get photos of Byakushi and Kenny is in motion!" finalised Yachiru.
As Soi Fon and Yoruichi departed through the secret tunnels to get the cameras and other materials they need, the remaining women available decided to pass pleasant small talk and eat small snacks; that is until the room itself dropped several degrees. Feeling a certain someone's Reiatsu outside the secret door (well not so secret anymore obviously) Rangiku excused herself to the remaining women and went to open up the door.
As she opened the door, she found no one outside the door, how odd. She could have sworn that her Captain was….and then she looked down.
And oh my, pissed was an understatement.
"Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto" growled Captain Hitsugaya. "I hope you have a good explanation for being in the Kuchiki Household on your 'supposed' break, which I might add I didn't give permission for, AND the fact that it would have been over 15 minutes ago".
"Oh! That?! Um…well… yeah you see" she pointed towards the rest of the women. "The Shinigami Women's Association kind of…"
"Rhetorical statement" he spat curtly.
"Well…erm…yeah, so…um…you aren't mad?"
"No, no, not at all" he said whilst rolling his eyes "This is what I expected. I expected that you would leave without your superior's permission, refuse to come back and have me to come after you, and to top it off you are trespassing in the Mansion of the Sixth Division Captain?!"
"Well you are trespassing too you know" she pointed a lazy, yet accusing finger at Toshiro.
"Yes, yes I am, and I am ashamed of myself. But I'll get over it, and once I explain things to the Good Captain, I'm sure he will understand the circumstances".
"But Captain, I-"
"MATSUMOTO!"
"Captain! Please understand!"
"No, I will have none of this, not today. You will come with me right now, or so help me I will…" Captain Hitsugaya's speech eventually drivelled down to muttering, beckoning Rangiku's presence his right hand as he walks away.
Rangiku groaned a childish groan, sighed a dramatic sigh and said farewell to her female compatriots, before Toshiro snapped and dragged her by the ear. 'Oh well, back to lying down on the coach I suppose'.
"And you WILL be doing your paperwork this time Matsumoto" added Toshiro.
Childish groan, dramatic sigh.
Rinse and repeat.
Half an hour later – Outskirts, Southern Rukongai District
Desolate hills ran wildly across the southern landscape, bouncing over each other consistently, until reaching ridges peaks at the far back, and over the dirt ridden rocky inclines elevations lays the overbearing sun. In the mid hours of today's hot weather, one could argue whether the conditions for a duel between two powerful swordsmen and warriors were either perfect or appalling, governed by one's own opinion.
Standing on top of these musty hills, were the Captains of Squads 1 and 4, Captain Yamamoto and Captain Unohana respectively. It is here, perched upon these elevations of tactical importance, where they would govern and set the match that befalls their watchful gaze. In their sight stood two warriors, clad in black and white, owners of long black raven hair, and a rivalry a legend throughout Soul Society itself.
Standing on opposite ends of a dusty plateau, drained of all life by the rising sun, were the participants of what was to be an incredible match. On the left of their vision stands Byakuya Kuchiki, Captain of Squad 6, Head of the noble Kuchiki clan, and proclaimed strongest clan head in their history. It is said that among the 13 Gotei Captains, Byakuya Kuchiki stands as the most famous, and in this position, he prides himself on setting an example for all Shinigami. He is well versed in all forms of Shinigami combat, and is a tactical genius when it comes to the lines of warfare. On the right, stands the Kenpachi of Zaraki, Captain of Squad 11. The name Kenpachi is passed down the generations as a title, a name feared and respected throughout the Soul Society, given to the supposed mightiest Shinigami. His position was granted to him after he defeated the previous Kenpachi in a one on one battle for the 11th Division. Despite not being knowledgeable in most forms of Shinigami combat, Kenpachi more than makes up for it in his sheer strength, endurance, willpower, his sheer power and tenacity and his own skill with his blade, rumoured to be one of the best swordsmen in all of Seireitei.
It seems this was a match set for the ages, a destined duel between those of different backgrounds, yet when dragged to their cores; do not share that many differences. Byakuya Kuchiki and Kenpachi Zaraki both lead divisions, they both wield exceptional power, they both enjoy fighting (although Byakuya is loath to admit it) and they both have a sense of duty to protect the ones they care for, one being a sister-in-law, the other being an adopted daughter.
It was these thoughts that passed through Captain Unohana's head as she watched the two Shinigami Captain's stare each other down. She was fond of both of them, for both their differences and their similarities, and despite what they thought of each other she knew they respected each other, even if it was only a little bit. If they hadn't, they would have surely killed each other by this point. Her musings were interrupted by an old and powerful voice standing beside her.
"Captain Kuchiki, Captain Zaraki" started Yamamoto.
The two men ventured to let one eye sharply turn towards their Head Captain, neither man daring to let the other out of their sight. "Yes Head Captain" they both replied simultaneously.
"Your fated duel, to settle the differences between yourselves, shall now…."
A pregnant silence filled the air, as the sound of the howling wind echoed throughout the mountain ranges and beyond. Waving trees and fluttering shrubs moving in sync with the gasp of the gust that befell them.
"Commence!"
And there you have it ladies and gentlemen, the second chapter to circle time. I was originally planning on putting these two chapters as one but I felt it would flow better if I were to separate them. plus it keeps things a little more organized.
If anyone has any ideas, thoughts, feelings or mannerisms of any reasonable disposition towards this chapter/story, I must ask you to let me know. I know I can improve and I may need a couple of pointers from readers and writers. feedback if you will.
Sayonara
- The Necropolis