Chapter 3: Is That a Challenge?
Squad 14 became quite successful in its year and half tenor. Especially after their squad reportedly defeated over 20,000 Hollows while being locked in North America during the Mod Soul incident with Kageroza Inaba, though Baldo won't talk about the specifics of that time.
Despite their success however, their ranks had never grown. Apparently Shinigami were hesitant about joining a squad of animals. So they continued living in the Squad 7th barracks.
Often times they ran support for the other squads of the Seireitei mostly with Squads 4, 2, and even the gatekeepers per Baldo's request. He felt it gave his squad the experience learning to fight plus use and perfect medical Kido, although he still had trouble remembering the incantations.
One day a member of Squad 2's Stealth Force referred to Squad 14 as the "Beast Squad" when Garland's tracking skills proved invaluable finding a traitor known for vanishing without leaving a trace within a minute of being put on the case and when Rotondo and Baldo in his dragon body lifted the Seireitei gates on separate occasions without any help. The nickname spread like wild fire across the Soul Society.
Baldo didn't mind though. He felt it was important that someone be able to open the gates during a crisis if the gatekeepers were incapable of it. It took awhile for that request to come through but eventually it did.
Baldo appeared sufficient at persuading Head Captain Yamamoto and rumor had it officially got the Head Captain's permission to rescind his position of Rotondo and Garland wearing uniforms after scoring a point against Yamamoto in a kendo match.
During that match Baldo unlocked a new part of Draco's breathing technique when he reflexively breathed in a small amount of Yamamoto's Shikai's flame Ryujin Jakka. Baldo ended up in the Squad 4 barracks for a week.
When they weren't running support operations, Baldo used his soul link ability to train Garland and Rotondo by entering their "inner worlds" where they continued to develop their own personal strengths and roles within the squad.
Garland's speed and tracking abilities proved invaluable at eliminating Hollows with little collateral impact. Baldo always viewed the wolf as a second lieutenant and the only article of clothing he wore was a collar that hid beneath his fur.
He quickly became the Kido expert of the team capable of performing hi-level techniques like Danku, a barrier that blocks up to level 89 spells and Hiryugekizokushintenraiho, an electrical blast of spiritual energy that results in devastating explosion without incantations.
Rotondo took his duties as Lieutenant very seriously and rather enjoyed doing the paperwork associated with his responsibility and often volunteered to do Baldo's reports as well. Though the bear became proficient at some Kido, he still required the incantation for them to be of any real impact.
However, Rotondo's greatest attributes were his raw strength and endurance. Lifting the Seireitei gates were a testimonial to his strength but his body was capable of withstanding tremendous amounts of punishment before requiring even a fraction of medical attention. Baldo admired how Rotondo would use his body as a shield rather than have his captain waste his spiritual energy making one.
Sometimes while walking the streets of the Rukongai normally with his lieutenant by his side, Baldo would search hoping maybe to come across some of his family members but never has.
"Well the Rukongai district is enormous they could be anywhere," Rotondo would say hopefully.
"Maybe you're right," Baldo smiled but he knew otherwise.
Though Hollows cleansed by Soul Reapers would be transported to the Soul Society, Baldo wasn't a Soul Reaper when he defeated them which meant his family didn't make the journey. The only time he'll find them would be when he revisits the memories inside his head.
"How don't they get under your skin," Rotondo asked drawing Baldo from inside his head. The bear stared pained by the insults thrown his way from the people of the Rukongai district.
"Giving them a reaction is what they want," Baldo replied.
"No, it's that they don't say anything about you," Rotondo countered.
"They say plenty about me, about my father, and about my best friends," Baldo looked away, "They call me a monster but it doesn't matter because I got all of you."
"Humph… Don't be corny," Rotondo huffed, "Don't you take pride in your squad?"
"Of course I do."
"Then fight the next guy that insults our squad," Rotondo said.
"Alright, fine. I'll fight the next person that insults our squad," Baldo barely finished when he heard a bloodlust voice.
"Hey yo, where's this so called beast squad," the voice called from behind.
Shooting Rotondo a look, Baldo turned to a spiky haired man with bells and an eye patch. His body was covered in scars.
"Hello Captain Zaraki," Baldo smiled, "Is Yachiru with you?"
"Hey Baldy-bald," a pink haired kid shouted appearing over the captain's shoulder.
"Enough with the pleasantries," Zaraki waived, "I've been looking for you, kid."
"Really," Baldo replied innocently.
"I've heard you're strong. The story of defeating thousands of Hollows at once, I wanted to know if it was true," Zaraki brandished his sword, "That's why I voted for you to be a captain but I don't sense any spiritual talent whatsoever. Was I mistaken?"
"I'm afraid you were. That story about the Hollows was exaggerated," Baldo shrugged, "My entire squad aided me during that fight."
Captain Zaraki looked at Rotondo then at Baldo, "You mean them dogs?"
Baldo's eyes narrowed as a crowd gathered.
"Those four legged fur balls? I thought it was normal for pets to protect their masters," Zaraki taunted, "So who's the alpha of your pack? Who dominates you or your old man?"
"That's enough," Rotondo stepped forward.
Baldo stopped him. "My father, Rotondo, and Garland are kind hearted and strong noble people. Please don't insult them."
"Strong, I already put down your old man once before," the captain laughed.
"That's because my father always holds back," Baldo said, "He's aware of his destructive power. He holds back regardless of his opponent."
"Ha ha. I don't care. What good is a dog that's afraid to bite," Zaraki asked laughing, "They're all just mutts to me. What are you going to do about it?"
"I see," Baldo sighed, "I accept your challenge. If all you wanted to do was spar."
"About time," Zaraki grinned.
"Where do you want to do this," Baldo barely finished.
"Here's good," Zaraki came down with his sword. Baldo defended making the captain stagger backward, "There's that spiritual pressure of lore. Yachiru get back." The pink haired girl appeared on Rotondo's shoulders as Zaraki rushed with a flurry of thrusts.
"Wait! Captain Zaraki," Baldo said defending.
"Captain," Rotondo yelled.
"Stay there," Baldo ordered defending another wave of attacks. He threw formalities aside, "Kenpaichi, STOP!"
"Never! This is what I've been waiting for," Zaraki laughed leveling a building.
A wave of spirit energy spread across the area making several spectators collapse. In a fit of pure ecstasy, Zaraki released an uncontrolled wave of energy into a building.
Baldo tossed Draco in the air and ran into the path of the wave. A cloud of dust and debris erupted.
"That's no fun. When are you going to get serious," Zaraki placed his sword on his shoulder.
"Why are you so serious," Baldo said in his dragon form. His wings wrapped around him like a cloak.
"B- Bankai," Rotondo stuttered, "He's done a Bankai without announcing it."
"Oh wow," Yachiru yelled stun before smiling, "Kenny's still going to knock you out."
'Thanks Draco but why' Baldo thought realizing his transformation.
'Why did you toss me aside,' Draco asked.
'I didn't want you to get hurt.'
'Fool. We are one in the same. If you're hurt, I'm hurt regardless if I'm tossed aside or not.'
'Sorry Draco,' Baldo thought, 'You're a true friend always looking out for me. Thank you.'
"You're Bankai, huh," Zaraki smiled, "Looks like this is going to be fun after all."
"What's wrong with you," Baldo shouted.
"What," Zaraki became dumbfounded.
"Look around you," Baldo elaborated, "These people are poor. Why are you destroying their homes?"
"This is a fight between you and me. If you're worried about damages I'll pay for it. The old man can take it from my pay," Zaraki settled down when Baldo opened his wings.
"Not all things can be easily replaced," Baldo held a fainted boy. He rubbed the kid's abdomen gently causing the boy to stir, "Are you okay? I'm sorry we got you involved in our quarrel."
The boy stared in fear at Baldo's dragooned face.
"Is your family around," Baldo asked gently. The boy spotted a frighten woman in the crowd. "Go to her," Baldo whispered releasing the boy.
The boy ran over and hugged the woman. She pushed the child behind her and stared angrily at Baldo.
"How about that," Zaraki said "I'm the one who put that kid in danger. You saved him and you're still looked at like the monster."
"I am a monster," Baldo stood, "But it doesn't matter. I won't let you hurt the innocent."
"Sounds like something a Komamura would say," Zaraki turned.
"Where are you going?"
"Home. This is boring," the captain said over his shoulder, "I'm done with you."
"Oh," Baldo's wings flapped as he grabs Zaraki's shoulders, "Who says I'm done with you? Come on Yachiru!"
"Oh goody, goody," Yachiru hopped on Baldo's back when he lifted into the air.
"Not without me," Rotondo latched on Baldo's leg as they flew high into the air.
"Wee, Wee" Yachiru cheered as the wind passed through her hair.
After flying several miles from the Rukongai area, Baldo landed in a field void of trees, homes, and people. Baldo dropped Zaraki and Rotondo but let Yachiru slide off.
"Thanks, Draggy."
"Anytime," Baldo smiled transforming into a human.
"What did you bring me all the way out here for," Zaraki looked around.
"Now we're free to fight until we pass out," Baldo said, "That's unless you don't think you can beat me."
"Ha, ha, ha. That's the spirit. I'll even let you make the first strike," Zaraki opened the top of his black robe.
"I'm a pretty all over the place fighter," Baldo said.
"You can come at me anyway you want," Zaraki laughed, "Not that it matters-."
Multiple ice shards whizzed past the captain's head.
"What was that? You missed," Zaraki asked.
"Did I," Baldo responded as he rushed Zaraki. He swung Draco taking off Zaraki's eye patch. A tremendous amount of spiritual energy escaped into the air.
"Kenny, your bells," Yachiru yelled excitedly.
"I didn't want to hold back," Baldo released his own dramatic level of spirit energy. He smiled, "Kenny."
Zaraki looked seriously then smiled, "This is going to be fun!"
Running at one another caused a tremendous shockwave that rippled throughout the Soul Society. Baldo used his flash step and interchanged between the various Shikai's of Draco at will. Every so often they traded cuts.
"Ha, ha, ha. This is what I live for," Zaraki roared in excitement.
"Yeah, yeah. Kenny's having fun Ton-Ton," Yachiru said knocking Rotondo off balance patting his arm.
"I don't believe it. Baldo's powers as furious as Captain Zaraki," Rotondo tried not being blown off his feet by the clashes of spirit pressures, "No wonder Baldo never fought when people insulted our squad. He'd kill them."
"This match is almost over," Garland appeared.
"Garland," Rotondo looked around noticing that all of Squad 11 and the other captains came to watch, "How'd you find us?"
"Bankai," Baldo transformed into Draco Dragoon.
"Their spirit pressure could be felt all the way at the Head Captain's office," Captain Komamura said, "It's been going on all day."
"Don't the Sekkiseki walls block their spiritual pressure," Rotondo gasped.
The wolf captain responded, "Yes. They do."
Zaraki raised his sword, "This is it!"
Baldo caught the sword with his clawed hand, "This is it." Baldo released his grasp. When Zaraki slashed downward again, Baldo ended his Bankai and absorbed the full impact of the sword but he wasn't cut. "You can't cut me," he said loud enough for only him and Zaraki to hear.
"Plenty of men made that claim but none are alive today," Zaraki yelled slashing a second time but Baldo still wasn't cut. "What? What did you do?"
"I made a deal with your zanpakuto."
"A deal," the smile on Zaraki's face vanished in an instant.
"I'll accept your challenges to listen to your sword's stories," Baldo replied keeping his voice low, "In exchange it won't cut me until you learn its name."
"Impossible. My zanpakuto doesn't have a name!"
"It does Captain Zaraki. You just have to learn to hear it."
The captain raised his sword over his head. Baldo swung a sleeping Draco from over his head. Both Zaraki and Baldo struck each other and fell to the ground breathing heavily.
"What's the name of my zanpakuto," Zaraki asked.
"That's something you'll have to figure out on your own," Baldo said as Yachiru appeared with a giant grin.
"Thank you for playing with Kenny, Draggy," she bowed.
Sitting up, Baldo smiled back, "Until next time, Kenny."
"I don't know if there will be a next time," Zaraki mumbled, "You're a dirty fighter and call me, Kenny again I'll cut you twice as deep."
"Don't be a baby, Kenny," she lifted the captain on her back and was gone.
"Baldo," Komamura reached his hand down with a smile of relief, "What were you thinking?"
"I'll tell you back at the captain's quarters," Baldo accepted the hand being lifted to his feet in one motion. Baldo winced grabbing his shoulder.
"Captain," Garland and Rotondo ran over. Rotondo added, "Are you okay?"
"Just a little sore," Baldo said, "Let's go home."