Welcome once more, After a two-week break the story is ready to march again, Hopefully by this summer I should be a bit faster in getting updates done.

The hiatus also gave me some time on how to plan future events,

Please forgive for all my re-editing, I happen to be a bit of a perfectionist at times and I'm just a little anxious since this is my first story.

So without further ado.

Disclamier: Does not own Bleach

Chapter 4:

Love, Life, Death

December 24, 1582, Byakurai.

By morning the blizzard had lifted leaving behind a landscape wrapped by a white blanket of snow. In the sky the outlines of two white herons could be seen.

On a normal day this would have been a rather beautiful morning, but peace and serenity was far from the minds of those who inhabit this castle.

The sun began peeking through the windows, its rays hitting upon two figures lying amongst a mutual futon prompting a reaction of movement.

Yawning as he stirred, Isshin slowly opened his eyes, promptly rising from his bed he decided to take a look atop the keep's balcony, the scene that layed before him, the snow-covered mountains, the slowly rising sun brought if but for a moment, peace.

Beyond the castle wall a far different scenario was taking place, on the plains surronding Byakurai, the main army was mustering, Kenpachi's booming voice could be heard temporaily breaking the silence.

"It's quite beautiful isn't it"

Isshin turned to the origin of the voice, Masaki was standing a few feet from him, bearing a small smile "Sometimes I think, if someone could just stop and see this for a moment, perhaps they could cure the chaos that exhists in one's heart."

"You know, I think your quite right"

A sad look appeared on Masaki's face, a single tear falling on her cheek "Will, will I see you again, in this world or the next?" she spoke, staring at Isshin closely

"Masaki, I want you to give our son this" Isshin handed out wrapped in silk a dagger "I had this made for Ichigo, it was his to have once he came of age, I want him to have this, so he won't forget"

Taking the dagger Masaki unwrapped the silk, on the blade their was an inscription etched onto it "Honor, Duty, Love,"

"Don't worry, I'll make sure he keeps this"

Time stood still, as the samurai and his wife just looked upon each other, all expression of feeling seen upon the eyes

Isshin's hand lifted Masaki's chin closer to him, "Whatever may become of me, my love shall remain with you, always" he then locked his lips with Masaki's in a soft kiss.

After parting his lips Isshin quietly walked to Ichigo's room, the child was sleeping peacefully, oblivious to all around him, Isshin slowly knelt down to lay the dagger upon Ichigo's bedside, before parting he touched his son's hair for a moment than gave a quick kiss on his forehead.

Finished with all that was needed Isshin walked toward the stairway, before leaving he spoke to Masaki

"Take care, I'll be home soon"

As Masaki saw her husband leaving, tears falling unchecked from her eyes, she silently whispered a prayer

"May the Kamui and the Great Spirts bless my love, may they grant him victory, so that he may return."

"If he is to fall though, then I plead, watch over my children."

"Form ranks you dogs! Form ranks!" Kenpachi barked

"Oi, Kenpachi, can you keep it down, my eyes are still trying to get awake" Tessai yawned sleepily

"Maybe if you didn't sleep in so much I would" he retorted

"Quiet you two, our Lord shall arrive soon" snapped Unohana as a clatter of hoofs could be heard.

Right on cue, Isshin was riding toward the front of the army, soldiers clearing a path for him, he found Urahara and Shinji waiting for him.

"Urahara, are we ready?"

"Just waiting for your call, my Lord"

In one quick motion Isshin thrusted his sword forward, light radiating from the blade

"Let us march!"

December 29, 1582, Heijigara, Kurosaki Main Camp, 7:00 A.M.

A slight frost covered the rocky grasslands of Heijigara, at the head of the pass leading to the Omi mountains, it was here the Kurosaki army had gathered for the decisive engagement.

The war council would begin in an hour which left some samurai to prepare themselves for the coming battle.

Atop one of the steep ridges were Kensei and Rose, the ridge's elevation made it a good post for observing the enemy.

"Judging by the size of that camp, I'd say we're facing at least 20,000 men" Rose remarked

"Fortunatly for us we have the advantage of terrain here, their numbers won't mean squat here"

"Speaking of numbers, I have some bad news, that huge blizzard we just had has blocked the main routes out of Gifu, Lord Kuchiki's reinforcement will be delayed"

"And Kariya's men have yet to show up, so it looks were on our own for this battle, I'm still uneasy about what the hell Kariya's been up to"

"That is what makes betrayl dangerous, you never what someone maybe thinking, it sure worked for Aizen's favor" Rose explained, his hand then loosened a flute which was tied to his armor.

"To be honest, I really didn't know you played a flute"

"My mother taught me how to play this flute, It helps me relax before a battle, and to keep my yin and yang at peace"

"I'd like to hear how you play it" said Kensei

Rose brought the flute to his lips and then, began playing a slow, soft, peaceful tune that could be heard throughout the camp.

"AHHH!!" cried Hiyori, her hands rubbing her forehead in frustation "Who is playing a flute at a time like this?!"

"I don't know, but it feels rather calming, don't you think Hiyori-chan, Lisa-chan?" Mashiro remarked happily

"Yes, I actually feel, more relaxed right now, I can feel my spirits lifting." Lisa replied

After a moment Hiyori let out a sigh and began to calm down

"Ya know, your actually right, I uh, don't feel so tense anymore"

Mashiro was just about to say something but Lisa blocked her mouth with her hand

"Don't push it, please."

Zaraki Kenpachi was known to be a man of simple tastes, he was not one for culture, poetry, or even women for that matter.

This rustic samurai already had one love, Combat.

Today was no different, all morning Kenpachi had rigoriously practiced his sword techniques, thrust, parry, block, cut, stab, a warrior's poetry in motion

He noticed someone coming, without halting his kata he spoke to the individual

"What is it Unohana? I'm busy"

"I was just passing by, forgive me, I didn't mean to interrupt your training"

"Whatever" Kenpachi snorted, continuing his kata without missing a beat,

"Very well than, I'll meet you at the council"

"Unohana your a terrible liar, I know your here because your worried about me" he stopped his sword kata and turned to face her "Look, it doesn't matter whatever I die in combat, sickness, or just because I'm old, but I'm not a man that needs to be worried upon, in battle, the only concern should be getting yourself alive, got it?"

Unohana took a few seconds to think of her reply, than she spoke

"If that's what you think, but Kenpachi, samurai shouldn't always be afraid to admit their fears, that's just what makes us human" she walked off for the council tent leaving Kenpachi alone

He pondered for a moment the things she said, then his mind returned to the task at hand and continued his kata

"Women, are they really worth the trouble?"

8:00 A.M.

All eight Kurosaki generals had seated themselves at the council table, on the table stretched a map of the area, along with colored blocks to mark troop formations, blue for allies, red for the enemy.

"Ohayo," Isshin greeted his men "Let us begin this war council, Love, have your scouts picked up anything?"

"Isshin-sama, the enemy has encamped on the low grounds below, they will have to advance uphill to reach our position"

"So we've got the terrain advantage than, that's good news" Tessai remarked

"Urahara, do you have any prediction on the enemy's movements?"

"Well, with the hills covering our flanks they can only advance in one direction, knowing Aizen he'll probably try to break our frontline with a huge cavalry charge, I suggest we place our arquebusiers at this ridge here" he pointed to its postion "I would suggest Shinji to lead our riflemen, Kensei and Rose can back up his rear flank, and Unohana to guard our south flank. Kariya and his reinforcements are advancing from the Nishiki road and should be here soon, finally Tessai's men will act as a reserve force to back up the main army." he finished

"Well that's my strategy, you people have any other ideas?" None answered to object, all answered to approve

"A truly magnificent strategy as always Urahara-san" "Why, Thank you for your patronage Rose"

"Guess no one is objecting then, alright we go with Urahara's plan" Isshin concluded "Our council is over! Prepare the men for battle!"

"HAI!"

Aizen Main Camp

"Gentlemen, let us review our strategy one more time"

"My Lord," said Tousen "According to your instructions, Zomari and Luppi will lead the cavarly and attempt to break the enemy's frontline with a full-scale charge, as soon as they have exploited a breakthrough Ichimaru along with Stark and Ulquiorra will lead the main force and advance accordingly, at the same time Nnoitra and Arroniero will circle around the enemy's south flank and launch a surprise attack on the main camp, Barragan will stay and guard the camp."

"It would appear there is no counter-proposal, very well let us-"

"Aizen-sama," a blue haired samurai with feral-looking features spoke up "I request to take part in the first assault"

"Grimmjow, You have just recently joined our army, I'm afraid you have yet to prove yourself worthy of leading the attack" said Ulquiorra

"Now wait just a damn minute!" Grimmjow shouted as he banged his fist on the table "Its been a month since I've offered my spear to Aizen-sama's army, and I've yet to show my skill with this clan in battle, who are you to tell me when or not I can fight?!" Ulquiorra gazed at the samurai's outburst in contempt "You are an outsider, only those who've shown their full alligience to Aizen can fight, you have yet to accomplish this"

"Are you fucking kidding me you stuck up bastard?!"

"The honor to shed first blood is not permitted to an outsider, especially to a dirt commoner samurai as yourself."

"Fuck you Ulquiorra! You expect me to stay behind and clean horse litter while you go advance and find glory?!"

"A man who talks trash, and fights like trash, is trash."

"That's it! I'm gonna-" he was interrupted by Aizen unsheating his blade.

"Both of you, enough" Aizen's voice sounded so cold some of the generals swore that the air had gotten cooler.

"My lord, I apoligize deeply for my behavior" "Same here"

"Just make sure this doesn't happen again. Grimmjow, since your eager to prove yourself, I approve of your request."

"Thank you, Aizen-sama" he bowed in respect

"Very well than, now let the games begin, sound the horns"

"Ossu!"

8:30 A.M.

At the top of the ridge Isshin faced down upon the advancing Sosuke army

"Aizen, we shall settle this here and now!" he then rode in front of his troops, directing their attention

"Men of Karakura! Our greatest battle awaits us this day! Ahead of me is the armies of the traitor Sosuke Aizen! We know they outnumber us, and that they seek to wipe us from the Earth, but today! We show our strength to the Heavens as the gods look down, whether this ends in victory or defeat, know this, know that I will fight aside you, that your generals fight aside you, that your allies, your brothers, sisters, your friends fight aside you! As I shall do the same!" "OH!!"

Isshin stopped and, thrusting his sword forward, light reflecting from the blade, the order was given

"TO BATTLE!"

Post Battle Report:

Well the first battle of many shall now begin, though I'm sure you probably have figured out the outcome, I'll try to make the battle scene as exciting as my amatuer writing skill will take me.

And as always reviews are welcome

The Shogun shall take his leave for today