Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, its characters or any of the characters that are going to appear unless stated otherwise.

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Author's Note: Second chapter in and a new character will be introduced…sort of

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-----Soul Society, Seireitei, First Division HQ-----

Most of the captains looked surprised at this command from Captain Commander Yamamoto. Others, like Byakuya and Shunsui, remained calm and conversed. Either they knew of the order ahead of time or it posed little concern to them. Regardless, some of the other captains wanted to debate that command. Toshiro asked, "But, Commander Yamamoto, it is supposed to take several years for someone to achieve that kind of spiritual power, including the ability to perform Bankai."

Kenpachi looked down at Toshiro, saying, "Well, I killed the last captain to get my spot, and I don't even need to use your stupid Bankai." Kenpachi chuckled a bit to himself, wondering if having Bankai was even necessary.

Yamamoto ignored Kenpachi's remark, focusing back on the matter at hand. "True, Captian Hitsugaya, but it is a necessary step. During the Battle of Karakura Town, our forces were split in half thanks to Aizen's deception. We must be ready at full strength so that we will win the Winter War."

Sajin quickly asked, "But Commander, how are we supposed to find able candidates to fill those positions?"

"That is not the main problem," stated Mayuri. All the captains turned towards him, guessing that Mayuri has a plan in waiting. Mayuri then explained, "Before we left Karakura Town yesterday, I was meeting with an old acquaintance…"

-----Flashback: Karakura Town-----

In front of the shack known as Urahara Shop, Mayrui Kurosachi, along with his Lieutenant Nemu, met with Kitsuke Urahara, the former 12th Captain and founder of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. In a casual manner, Urahara said, "Well, it seems you haven't changed much in the last hundred years. Still experiment as usual?"

Somewhat annoyed, Mayuri stated, "Get to the point, Urahara. You said you wanted me to examine something. Well, where is it?"

"Oh, that. Alright, give me a second." Urahara whistled for Tessai Tsukabashi, former captain of the Kido Corp and great friend to Urahara, to bring out a white, human-sized doll. It was completely featureless and quite thin for its size. "Well, what do you think?"

Curious, Mayuri asked the question, "What is this…thing?"

Urahara answered, "Wouldn't you rather find out for yourself?"

-----Present Day: 1st Division HQ-----

Mayuri continued with, "It took me only a few minutes to discover its special purpose. It allows a Shinigami to bypass the standard Bankai training for a incredibly shorter route. By thrusting the sword into the dummy, the spirit of the Zanpakuto manifests itself, presenting a unique challenge to its wielder. If they complete the challenge in the allotted time, they will be able to perform Bankai as easily as any other Captain…Kenpachi excluded."

Kenpachi gave an annoyed chuckle to Mayuri. "Freaky Bastard."

Mayuri ignored Kenpachi and continued with, "If the wielder fails to complete the challenge, the punishment is quite…fatal."

Shunsui then remarked, "In other words, complete the challenge or you die. Kinda harsh, if you ask me."

Toshiro spoke up again with, "That's too dangerous. I will not see Shinigami sacrificed for a small chance to become Captian. We need to pick from the roster that can become Captain. What about Renji Abarai?"

Byakuya, finally speaking up in the entire meeting, stated, "While he possess the natural determination and power of a Captain, he lacks the ability to lead and plan accordingly. In short, he makes a better soldier than a tactician."

Yamamoto then stated, "But we will not waste the entire Gotei 13 for this task. We will limit the number of applicants based on their abilities, intelligence, and experience as a leader. Captain Ukitake, Captain Kyoraku, Captain Unohana: I leave it to you three to decide on the appropriate candidates to become Captains."

All three captains nodded in unison, but Ukitake then remembered, "Wait, does this mean I should find a new lieutenant as well?"

"That is your decision, Jushiro." Turning to the rest of the captains, Yamamoto asked, "Is there any other questions?"

Shunsui replied, "Yea. Shouldn't we have Urahara help us with the Captian Trials?"

Soi Fon, slightly embarrassed, answered Shunsui's question. "Well…I made a deal with one of the Vizard and…" Soi Fon smiled a bit as she said; "Urahara will be busy for the next month."

-----Karakura Town, Urahara Shop-----

After school ended, Ichigo and his friends thought it would be for the best to talk with Urahara about the upcoming Winter War. Unfortunately, they were blocked out from entering by a large barrier. Standing confused, Chad spoke up with, "Why does Urahara have a barrier up. Is he performing some kind of experiment?"

Uryu shook his head, stating, "No, and if he did, I doubt he'd need a barrier around his own shop."

Ichigo continued to stare at the barrier wall, feeling a vague sense of familiarity with it. "This barrier…is it the Vizard's doing?"

Orihime spoke up with, "Hachigen." Everyone turned to her, leaving Orihime embarrassed by her own statement. "Oh…heh,heh…sorry. Its just…I recognized the barrier. It think I know who did it?"

"Who?" asked Rukia.

"Hachigen Ushoda. One of the Vizards," answered Ichigo. "He's a former Kido Corps member. He designed the barrier that keeps the other Vizards hidden as well."

Uryu then pondered, "So, why did he put a barrier around Urahara's house?"

Ichigo simple shrugged and said, "Beats me. They're supposed to be on good terms with Urahara. Hey Rukia, what about-" Ichigo stopped as he saw Rukia was preoccupied. On the tip of her fingers was a Hell Butterfly, reporting to Rukia from Soul Society. "Uh…Rukia?"

Snapping back into reality, Rukia said, "Its from Soul Society. They're starting to look for new captains to fill the positions in the 3rd, 5th, and 9th divisions." Everyone took to this with great surprise, mostly cause they thought the positions would already be filled.

Uryu spoke first with, "All this time and you still haven't replaced them? How can you be so ignorant with that?"

Rukia retorted with, "We didn't have the time. Aizen struck too early for us to start finding new captains. At least now we can reinforce the command structure of the Gotei 13."

"Uryu, calm down," said Chad. Uryu just looked back at Chad, understanding the point Rukia was trying to get across.

"Anyway," said Rukia, " We won't know who will be the next captains, but we already have some of the senior captains looking through some possibilities."

Uryu, slightly disgruntled due to the recent knowledge, said, "Fine. Lets continue this tomorrow."

-----Few Hours Later: Kurosaki Residence-----

It was already night. The Kurosaki family finished dinner and are preparing for bed. Ichigo and Rukia were just relazing in Ichigo's room, much to Ichigio's chagrin. Ichigo relazed on his bed while Rukia stayed in his closet. "I still can't understand how you can just live in my closet, let alone my house."

Rukia confidently said, "Well, unlike you, they actually show some hospitality to their guests." Ichigo huffed a bit, trying to ignore the comment and sleep.

"Hey Ichigo, do you think they'll pick Renji to be a captain?"

"Na. He loves fighting too much. I doubt they'll even consider him." As he tried to fall asleep, Ichigo felt a spike in spirit energy far away. Turning to Rukia, he asked, "Did you-"

"Yea," answered Rukia. "There are at least 3 of them. Come on." Rukia popped a soul candy into her mouth while Ichigo used his soul badge to become Shinigami. Rukia then asked, "Why didn't you use Kon? Come to think of it, where is he?"

Ichigo replied, "I last saw him in Urahara's Shop. In all honesty, no real loss."

-----5 minutes later-----

Up several blocks, a small group of Hollows just arrived in Karakura Town. Two of them (resembling a snake/rhino hybrid and gorilla respectively) began searching for spirit energy to feed on while the third (spider body with a monkey face) roared into the night. In short time, Ichigo and Rukia both arrived on the scene. Ichigo casually unsheathed Zangetsu from its bandages, saying, "This shouldn't last long. I actually have school to attend tomorrow. " Ichigo charged towards the Spider Hollow, jumping up into the air and slashing downward against the Hollow's mask. After a few seconds, the Hollow literally splits in half, and then disappears in a wave of spirit particles.

The other two Hollows took notice to this and soon began their offensive. The Gorilla Hollow attempted to slam one of its hands onto Rukia, but she Flash-stepped to her right, dodging the blow entirely. She then rushed towards the Hollow's body, and then jumped up into the air like Ichigo. She then stabbed her Zanpakuto through the Hollow's body, keeping herself from falling to the ground. Aiming a free hand towards the Hollow's head, she chanted, "Hado 31. Shakkaho!" A bright flash of light engulfed the bottom half of the Hollow's face, blowing it apart instantly. The Hollow stoon collapsed from the attack, with Rukia quickly pulling her Zanpakuto out of the Hollow and avoid being crushed.

The remaining Hollow saw how the odds turned against it and started to flee. Ichigo told Rukia, "I'll take it." Rukia nodded okay as Ichigo gave chase. The Hollow was moving with all its might, while Ichigo was casually running behind it. He didn't seem to mind, thinking the Hollow would finally reach a dead end. Sure enough, the Hollow stopped at a three-way intersection, deciding on whether to take the left or right route. Ichigo stopped as well, saying, "Finally." The Hollow turned to Ichigo and roared in his face, attempting to scare the Shinigami off. Before Ichigo made his move, a bright red flash of light came out from the right side, engulfing the Hollow. Ichigo averted his eyes from the light, thinking, "What the…is that a cero?" Soon the flash stopped and the Hollow started to dissipate. Ignoring the dying Hollow, Ichigo went around the right corner to try and find out what cause that blast. Looking down the road, he spotted a dark, human figure dashing into an alleyway. Before disappearing, the figure looked straight towards Ichigo, revealing a thin red beam where the eyes should be. "Hey!" shouted Ichigo as he ran towards the figure. He ran to where the figure originally was, but couldn't find where the figure ran off. Confused, Ichigo thought, "Who the hell was that?"