Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann X: So this is the Heavens.

Chapter 5: Thirteen captains…I could take 'em.

Brightness stung at bleary eyes. White was the only colour. A sterile smell filled the warm air. There were voices, faint and indistinct but growing clearer every second.

Kamina awoke from a deep sleep again, this time though he didn't feel light and carefree, he felt as though he had been punched in the face by a gunman. He looked around and saw that he was in some kind of hospital. His was the only bed in the room and no one else was present. The voices were coming from just the other side of the room's only door.

Dragging himself from the bed, Kamina wandered over to the door. His limbs felt like sacks of potatoes. The voices became clearer as he got closer. One was male, the other female. He stopped and listened.

"The Head Captain demands to see him. It is his express wish that he be taken to the Captains meeting hall." said the male voice.

"He is injured and must rest. I wont have my patients bustled around before they are healed. You can tell the Head Captain that." answered the woman with authority in every word.

The door opened and the two people entered. Both immediately looked to their left rather than toward the bed. They didn't seem in the least bit surprised to find Kamina leant against the wall behind the door.

"See, he looks able to meet with the Head Captain." pointed out the male. He had spiky black hair and a large array of scars and tattoos. He wore a white body warmer over his shinigami robes. Kamina took particular note of the 69 tattoo upon his cheek.

"He needs his rest, Captain Shuhei. Don't you, young man." said the woman in a soothing voice. Her shining black hair was braided down her front in a peculiar fashion. She wore a white obi over her shinigami uniform.

"I'm good." grinned Kamina. "I came here with the intention of seeing your leader so lead the way, scarface."

"You need your rest." said the woman again. Her voice remained soft but somehow it relayed imminent pain if her wish wasn't obeyed.

"Err, yes miss."

"You should lie back down."

Kamina complied.

"Rest for a few more hours while I carry out some tests and checks. If all is good then you can go to the Head Captain this evening. Until then, sleep."

"I'm really not tired, lady-"

The woman shoved a needle into his arm and he was out cold instantly.

Kamina's eyes shot open. He took in the room, half expecting to be attacked but it was identical to before. As if on cue to him waking, the door slid open and the woman walked in flanked by the captain.

"Good evening, young man. I'm glad to see you are awake and well. How do you feel?" asked the woman, a sweet smile upon her face.

Kamina was about to complain when he realised he felt pretty good. He flexed his muscles and barely felt any pain. "I'm fine. What happened?"

"You defeated one of our Gate Keepers, that's what happened." answered the male Captain. "That hasn't happened in quite a while. You did well, but that has attracted the attention of the Captains. They aren't sure whether to congratulate or kill you. The Head Captain wants to assess you. Is he ready, Captain Unohana?"

"You may take him with you. He checked out as an average soul, other than abnormally high reiatsu. If I didn't know differently, I would assess him to be a seated shiningami due to his power level and physical fitness." she informed.

"Really?" asked the man, a look of mild surprise on his face. "I can feel his reiatsu but I wouldn't call it anything special."

"It is wild and fluctuates dramatically. He doesn't know how to use his power."

"Hmm." Captain Shuhei looked over Kamina again with a critical eye. Finally he turned back toward the door. "Follow me, and don't try anything. I'm a Captain of the Thirteen Court Guards, the strongest shinigami in the Soul Society."

"So you're one of the leaders of this place? I suppose that it's you who I want to knock some sense into then, eh?" stated Kamina as he cracked his knuckles.

"That wouldn't achieve much. Violence never solves anything, least of all against someone who could kill you in a single move." sighed the captain. He had led Kamina out of the hospital and into the streets of the Seireitei.

"You sound confident. So did colossus."

"Comparing a Gate Keeper to a Captain is like a mouse to a dragon. Even, theoretically talking, if you could somehow defeat me, there are another twelve captains who are as strong or stronger than me. You'd never live long enough to enjoy your miracle gained victory."

"Thirteen captains…I could take 'em."

"You must have hit your head in that last fight." muttered the captain.

They climbed a huge flight of stairs as they spoke. Any shinigami that they passed saluted the captain but kept well clear of Kamina. They all looked the same, noted Kamina. Identical black robes, plain swords and similar looks of exhaustion.

"Have you even seen the outside world? Bandits are terrorising your people yet you guys don't seem to be doing anything. If you're so strong then a few punks should be child's play. What gives then?"

Shuhei slowed down. "It's not as easy as that. We're inundated with problems. Soul numbers are plummeting so recruitment isn't going well. Our men are dying and without new members our rank and file is diminishing. Bandit numbers are higher than ever as it is the most profitable lifestyle in the current circumstances and the hollows are attacking more and more. There's also a growing divide within the shinigami."

"Looks like you need my help then." grinned Kamina, clapping the captain on the back.

"That's for the Head Captain to decide. I'll admit though, things need to improve or both humans and souls will be wiped out." he stopped. "We're here."

They were outside a large building near to the top of the Seireitei. The huge door before them swung open as they approached. Shuhei entered the building and Kamina followed. They headed down a long corridor until they reached a door at the end. There was no sound within the building except for the two men's echoing footsteps.

"Prepare yourself. This could get tough for you." said Shuhei before sliding the door open. Without a backwards glance he strode into the room. Kamina followed without fear.

The room was a simple, bare space with nothing within it but for thirteen shinigami. Six stood to his left, six to his right. The Female doctor was stood within the line, somehow beating them to the room despite their head start. Opposite him sat a young man, the only shinigami that was seated. His hair was a careful mess of white spikes and his eyes were a dazzling ice blue. Like the others he wore the black shinigami robes with the white haori.

Kamina felt a chill go up his spine. The air was nearly painfully cold. His breath formed into a mist as he exhaled. Strangely, it wasn't particularly cold outside. As he made his way to the centre of the gathered shinigami, the room only seemed to grow colder.

"Why are you here? What do you hope to achieve by being here?" asked the white haired shinigami in a smooth, level tone. He looked to be only in his late teens.

"I'm here for the revolution. The people outside lead a miserable existence while you're locked away in your private city. You don't seem inclined to help so I'm here to beat you into action." announced Kamina.

"Oh really?" The white haired man nodded slightly to each side of the room.

A sudden pressure hit Kamina like a piano landing on his shoulders. The air grew unbearably heavy, seeping into his skin and making his muscles feel like lead. His bones felt like they would snap under the weight. He fell to his hands and knees.

"You sorely overestimate your own skill. When you can't even stand before us, how do you expect to fight us?"

Kamina raised his head, the strain making his body shake. "…Just who…" He straightened his back. "…the hell…" Slowly he forced himself onto only one knee as he planted his right foot onto the ground. "…do you think…?" With a final muscle wrecking push he managed to force himself into a standing position. He staggered forward. "…I AM!" He dashed forward with a burst of sudden speed, taking the captains by surprise. In one swift movement he punched the Head Captain square in the face.

The assembled captains stood in silent stillness. The white haired man's head was at an angle and his check was a harsh red colour. Kamina stumbled back clutching his arm. From his fingers to his elbow the limb was covered in deathly cold ice.

"You bastard." he hissed. He smashed his arm against his knee but the ice didn't even crack.

"We know who you are, Kamina. The Seireitei was set up to monitor the human world and ensure that hollows do not disrupt the natural flow of souls. After the war with the Anti-Spirals very little happened that we could influence. Your campaign to liberate the surface drew much attention among shinigami. People here consider you a miracle worker and many have stated that we should train you in order to best use your talents. Others see you as a danger to the little stability that we have retained. What do you think?"

"I think that this place needs to change and I'm gonna do it whether you all help me or if I have to fight each and every one of you."

The Head Captain looked upon Kamina critically. "You offered hope in the human world, and that is something that the Soul Society is currently lacking. I am willing to trust you if it offers a chance at healing our world. We will enrol you in the Shinigami Academy so that you can grow stronger on the condition that you do as we say. You will be under our control. Do you agree to our terms?"

"No." answered Kamina sternly. "I am my own man and cannot follow others if I don't agree with them. To promise to do whatever you order goes against my very essence. All I can promise is that I'll give my life for whatever I believe in, and at the moment that is making this place a land where souls can rest in peace."

"I guessed as much." sighed the Head Captain. "As you don't agree to our terms than I leave it to a vote. The captains have heard you and will determine your fate. All who vote to train Kamina under his own terms please raise your hands."

Eight hands were raised, two of them belonging to Captains Shuhei and Unohana. The Head Captain nodded his head at the decision. "It is decided then. You will be trained as a shinigami under your own terms but under our basic rules. Should you break any of our rules then your punishment will be swift. Do not betray our trust."

"No worries, whitey." grinned Kamina.

The man's eye twitched and a few of the captains shuffled their feet awkwardly. "Its Head Captain Hitsugaya to you." growled the young man. "Captain Shuhei, show our new student to the academy." He clicked his fingers and the ice that encased Kamina's arm shattered.

"Hey, thanks, whitey."

"I'll kill him." hissed Hitsugaya, rising from his chair. Two other captains, one with red hair the other with orange, held the Head Captain back while Shuhei quickly ushered Kamina from the room.

They walked back through the streets of the Seireitei. "What is this Academy then?" asked Kamina as he took in the scenery in detail for the first time. Every wall was the same pearly white but looked in a shabby state of disrepair, although nowhere near to the extent of the buildings that he had seen outside of the Seireitei.

"It's where we train new shinigami. Pupils will learn sword technique, kido and how to commune with their zanpakuto in order to best improve their skills." answered the captain.

"You mean these things talk?" exclaimed Kamina as he drew his sword. He began to shake it. "Hello? Hey, Gurren, speak to me." He shook it some more.

"It doesn't work quite like that." muttered Shuhei. "Anyway." he continued in a louder voice. "As well as being captain of squad Nine, I am also head of the Academy so I'll be your main contact point with the captains. You do as I say and you should be alright."

"So you're teaching me?"

"No. I'm just the guy who oversees everything. You'll have a different teacher for each aspect of your training but each will be competent and skilled in their chosen role so don't worry. You never know, I might show you a thing or two as well."

A few minutes later they arrived at a compound that contained several low buildings and wide training grounds surrounded by a thick wall that cut it off from the rest of the Seireitei.

Inside the compound was much like the rest of the city but the buildings were more sparse and the grounds more open. A few students wandered around them, their uniforms differing from the full fledged shinigami. Instead of the plain black robes the students wore white jackets and blue trousers for the male while the women wore red.

"I wont have to wear one of those will I?" grunted Kamina as he pointed at a passing student. Shuhei nodded. "Oh man. But they look so stupid."

The captain led Kamina to one of the student dormitories. "This is where you will be staying. Make yourself at home. Your roommates are in lessons at the moment but try to get on when they all return. Your training starts tomorrow. Any questions?"

Kamina thought for a moment. "Yeah. Whitey mentioned that you were all watching events on Earth. How do I see what's going on? I need to check on my bro, Simon."

Captain Shuhei sighed. "I'm not supposed to do this but if you head down to Twelfth Division headquarters after training tomorrow then I'll try and talk captain Kurotsuchi into letting you have a look. Don't hold your breath though. He's not the nicest of men. If he accepts, whatever you do, don't agree to anything he asks you, ever." He turned to leave. "Get some sleep. You'll need it. I'll see you around."

As Shuhei left, Kamina took in the room. It was a simple area with a single table and a few shelves. Off to the side was a basic kitchen. There were four doors excluding the one he had entered. One was labelled as bathroom while two others had names already upon them leaving one bare. Kamina guessed that this was his room. Inside were a bed role, desk, and a single shelf. It was more than he ever had back in Jiha village.

He didn't have anything to put away so he instantly headed to the kitchen and raided it for food. It wasn't his but he hadn't eaten all day so he justified the theft. There was no sake so instead he poured himself a glass of milk as he chewed on a full loaf of bread.

The rooms door swung open and two people stomped in, both wearing the students outfits. One was a man who looked slightly older than Kamina, with long black hair that he wore in a ponytail. He had a lean build and concise movements. There was a small Z shaped scar on his chin.

The other was a woman with silver hair and a very slender, frail looking body. Her skin was pale put her eyes were sharp points of sapphire. Each of her nails was painted a different colour.

They both walked past the gap which led to the kitchen, neither noticing Kamina. He stood leant against the counter gnawing on the bread as he watched them. Suddenly the girls head appeared through the door frame followed closely by a startled look and a scream.

"Aaaaaah! Pervert in the kitchen! Kya!" she fired off a few blue balls from her hands, forcing Kamina to roll out of the way as the counter behind him was decimated.

"What the hell are you doing!" shouted the man as he grabbed the woman's arms, preventing her from firing any more shots. "You're wrecking the kitchen."

"Hello? Forget the kitchen. What about me?" muttered Kamina as he picked himself up off the floor.

"And who are you exactly? Your answer better be good since you're drinking my damn milk." growled the man.

"Didn't scarface tell you?" This drew blank looks. "I am the mighty Kamina! Badass leader of the galaxy defying Team Dai-Gurren and overall hero of lost causes. Oh, and I'm also your new roommate. Lucky you two, eh?"

"The Kamina!" exclaimed the girl. "Liberator of humanity?" Kamina nodded proudly. The girl took a step forward then glomped him with surprising strength. "I'm a huge fan. My name is Myu Akani. Pleasure to meet you my lord." she purred.

"Err, you just tried to kill me."

"I thought you were a pervert. Kenpi told me that they would come in the night and take me away so I have to shoot all strange looking men…and bears."

"Strange looking!"

"I'm Kenpi Miamori. Don't mind Myu." said the man as he dragged the girl away. "You're the hero of all the stories around the academy, hell, all of the Seireitei. Those with weak minds will likely instantly worship you. I on the other hand, need to see to believe so don't expect my praise without merit."

"Are all the girls weak minded?" Kamina asked innocently.

"Mostly, why?"

"Score!" shouted Kamina, even though his heart wasn't in it. Yoko was still at the forefront of his mind but he had an image to keep after all…"

"Forget anything for now." advised Kenpi. "Just get some sleep; your first day of training is going to leave you completely mentally and physically exhorted. You are behind everyone else."

Kamina puffed out his chest. "No worries. After all the stuff I've gone through, this is gonna be a cake walk."

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AN/ Yay Bleach characters! Finally. Hope you all liked the first chapter within the Seireitei. From this point on I'll also be creating quite a few original characters so I hope that they all meet your approval.

Next chapter may be late…blame Pokemon, lol. That game is addictive. If though, I get five reviews for this chapter then I'll pledge not to touch Pokemon until the next chapter is done. Either way, I'll try to get it out on time.

Any comments, suggestions or questions then feel free to review or PM me.

-FWF