I don't own Bleach
AN IMPORTANT: I would like to address this now. I remember saying something about allowing user-interaction with this story last chapter. I'm afraid that is cancelled as when I was looking the terms of use for the site I noticed it said reader-interaction stories were strictly prohibited. If you go back to the previous chapter you will take not that part has since been removed. While I will admit to have contributed to reader-OC characters in the past I had forgotten about that part of the terms of service. I won't be offensive to the authors by ratting them out or having my OC revoked but will no longer participate in similar things outside of reading them. If this in anyway inconvieniences you I'm sorry. I hope you will still read this story and I would also like to formally apologize for not updating this more. I recently lost the drive to write one of my stories so that should mean that this one will be updated more. Though I have to question who's actually reading this since last chapter got no reviews but whatever. That's all. I'll still do my best at this story.
Part 1 Axe
Why do we give things names? When you think about it there are truly no real use for the things. They are just words. Now, I'm not talking about the stereotypical "in order to tell things apart" argument. I mean names as in the word that you call your child, the nickname you give your best friend, etc. We could just as well get by with "my female friend with pink hair and an attitude" or "that idiot down the street with the orange fighting outfit, weird hair, and could be from another planet". It would be longer, yes, but still doable.
If you ask me we use names because it (for lack of a better term) helps us to quantify that which would be impossible any other way. Bringing forth the quintessence of a single person. With that name in all its many lairs it tells us all we need to know of that person. But here's the thing about that. Most people find it hard to get that from something like John or Mary. But, I can. By merely hearing someone's name, no matter how common, I can understand and unravel all those intricate lairs that make it up. A talent I am proud of if I do say so myself. Well, it's not like you care though. I mean what I just told you: it won't change your life. Not one bit. And that's alright. Isn't that most things these days? I digress though. You're here for a story. And I might as well tell it to you.
I first met Tenjiro when he was unconscious. I had simply been out of the house and in the upper-levels in order to get some errands when I noticed out of the corner of my eye a man collapsing in an alleyway. Curious, I turned and saw him lying there all bloody and beaten and I just felt like I needed to do SOMETHING for this man. Odd, really. I see stuff like this all the time and I find myself not caring that much. Oh well, I walked over to the man, picked him up, and took him to my home. Little did I know of what that one simple act would bring.
Part 2 Painted
I remember waking up to- somethin' weird. I wasn't passed out in an alleyway, I wasn't in a cell, and I definitely being primed for execution instead I was laying on a soft bed. "Don't get up," a new voice said. Startled I turned my head and found a man with a beard and a body frame that wasn't fat but most certainly wasn't skinny either. "Your wounds are still healing," he continued not paying attention to the surprised look on my face, "You were pretty banged up back there. Just wait. I've called a friend of mine over. She may have something more useful for you than the basic- make them as comfortable as possible and put a wet cloth on their forehead as if it would do anything- procedure I'm doing." I was a bit in shock. Was this man, a complete stranger, helping me?
"Why?" I asked. He simply grabbed the cloth of my head and turned around beginning the process of changing it out.
"Help you?" he asked, "Don't really know. I just saw you there and on a whim decided to help you. Usually when I see someone all bloody and tattered in an alley I don't give them a second thought and just walk away," he explained putting the cloth back on my forehead, "I'm guessing there was something about you that piqued my interest. Tell me, young man. What's your name?"
"Tenjiro Kirinji," I answered, "What's yours?"
He smiled, "Ichibe Hyosube. You're a kind man, Kirinji-san, not someone who should have the title of an Executioner."
My eyes widened in shock, "H-how do you- you KNOW THAT!"
He raised an eyebrow, "Know what?"
"That I am- was, an executioner. It's not like I'm famous or anything," I told him. Wait….. is he with-
"I know because you told me your name," he answered, "You'd be surprised by you can learn about someone through their name." I backed up. Well, as much as one could immobile on a bed against a wall. Ichibe just chuckled, "My my, you are quite the cautious one. Then again whatever situation you're in would probably call for it."
"Wait a minute," I said skeptically, "I thought my name told you everything about me."
"I never said that," he said, "all I said was that a name can tell you much about a person. I never said it would give me your life story. I can tell you're in trouble, most likely for doing something to upset some noble, but what it is I don't know nor care to know. I just want you to be aware that once you are hea-"
A loud banging came from outside the room. Ichibe turned his back towards the sound. "Open up, painter! You are currently in possession of a criminal wanted by the Grand Lord!" one of the soldiers said, "Turn him over and we will leave."
"Oh dear you are in really big trouble, aren't you?" Ichibe noted absent mindedly, "Wait here, ok." He got up and headed off exiting the small room, closing the door behind him and heading most certainly to his doom.
Part 3 Needle
I looked at the paper one more time. Then the house. Then the paper again. I nodded in confirmation. This was the house of Ichibei Hyosube. The spitting image of it if you didn't count the soldiers in front. Curious, I got closer to see if I could overhear anything "accidently". The door suddenly opened and there was our man. Deciding things would get heated up soon I decided to stand back and let it unfold. "Whatever is the matter, Gentlemen?" he asked.
"Hand over the man in your home over to us immediately painter and we will be on our way. He is a wanted fugitive of the Grand Lord, the holy ruler of Myrinon. It is your civil duty to do as he demands of you," the one in front said. First, there was a chuckle, but it grew and grew and grew until it became a fit of maniacal laughter which very much "gave me the chills" for lack of a better term.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" he stopped suddenly and looked at them, "You think I give a damn." Angered, the soldiers drew out their blades and begun to watch. Ichibei grabbed the closest soldier's arm ripped his sword from his grip and Ichibei grabbed it with his other hand stabbing the man in his face. The other 4 soldiers quickly backed up a good distance away from Ichibei. They tried looking resolute but were failing at it considerably. I decided now was the time to walk in.
"Are you, Ichibei Hyosube?" I asked.
He turned to me, "Why yes I am, ma'am. And to whom may I inquire you are?"
Ok, pretty sure that is the incorrect usage of "whom" but whatever. "I am Senjumaru Shutara. I wish to discuss-"
One of the guards grabbed my arm, "Out of the way, lady!" I turned my glance at him.
I let out a sigh of annoyance and grabbed out my sewing needle (the big one) and impaled the man for his impudence. I sighed and turned to them all. And we fought.
Part 4 Blade
I sat in my shop and wondered about that mysterious man, Alexander. What did he want to use the Zanpakto for? I couldn't just simply make them for anyone. That kind of power in the wrong hand *shiver* I dare not think of what would happen. But, on the other hand I know it could work but I just don't have the resources and he does. Uuuuuuuugh, I am SO conflicted here. Shaking my head I got up and walked out for some fresh air to think. I walked along considering the situation from every possible angle. Unfortunately, I was taken from my thoughts when a man crashed into the wall in front of me.
"WHOA," I yelled taking a few steps back and looking at the direction he came from. Standing there was a woman of a very powerful feeling presence and a guy with a small beard and a…. giant paint brush? The woman turned to me.
"Forgive me I did no-" she began to apologize but she became background noise when I noticed something far more interesting. I quickly pick up the soldier's sword and look it over excitedly. I couldn't believe it! The sword was a masterpiece. The craftsmanship, the angles were perfect, the groove done just right, the hilt so skillfully and lovingly created with every little sense of detail placed in it. Truly, it is a masterpiece!
"Uh, what?" the man said. Huh, must've said it out loud!
"This is a really good sword!" I tell him before going back to the sword. He ust shakes his head and turns to the woman.
"Now then, may I inquire what business you have with me Senjumaru-san?" he asked. She straightened up and coughed.
"Yes, my… acquaintance, one Alexander Alexandre wishes to speak with you on some pressing issue which I am not quite sure on the details on Ichibe Hyosube," she said, "I am merely repaying a debt to him by assisting him." That caught my attention.
"Who is this, Alexandre?" I asked. Senjumaru looked to me in surprise.
"You two have met!?" she said in surprise. I nodded my head and put my hands down, the blade still in my grip.
"Yes, he wished to fund a… special project of mine," I explained, "I do not know what he wishes to do with it so if you could help me-"
She cut me off there, "I am just the errand runner. I know not what Alexandre has planned. He saved my life so I am simply repaying that debt. I don't know what game he's trying to play here but whatever it is I think he's the only one who knows where all the pieces are, their purpose, etc." A new voice coming from a man in a nearby doorway spoke up.
"And that doesn't concern you at all?" said the man with an axe. Ichibe's eyes widened at him.
"Tenshiro you need to be back and rested! You are still heavily-" Ichibe began to say panically. Tenjiro just picked up the axe and started doing some impressive tricks with it.
"I heal fast," was all we got, "when I put my mind to it." Ichibe just nodded. Tenjiro turned his head towards Senjumaru. "Well? Does it worry you?" he asked again.
Senjumaru just chuckled, "Not particularly. As I said I am the errand girl and I owe a debt to him. I always repay my debts without question. Besides, he made me a promise I feel like I just cannot pass up."
The three of us raised our eyebrows. "What kind of promise?" Ichibe asked. Senjumaru smirked.
"You'll find out in due time, Hyosube. Now then," she said turning to Tenjiro, "You are Tenjiro Krinji and you are Oetsu Nimaya then?" Surprised we both nodded. She clapped her hand together, "Excellent, glad you are all here. It makes my life easier. Alexander wishes to speak with you three as well. Please, if you'd all follow me," she said giving off a foreboding smile.
"Now wait just a-" Krinji began but before we could do anything else we found ourselves surrounded by petals of some kind. Senjumaru let out a small chuckle.
"I never said any of you had a choice in the matter," she said. Then, it was all black.
Part 5 a few hours later/ Upon the Doorstep of Death
Outside the home of Alexander Alexandre Chang was in a foul mood when her two "clients" finally arrived. She pointed her thumb towards the door both of them gaining surprised looks on their faces.
"How-?" Shikeguni went. Wakiza's eyes widened as well before narrowing into a threatening glare.
Wakiza growled, "That little bastard had this all planned out. Next time I see him I'll tear him in two!" The door suddenly opened and out stepped one Senjumaru Shutara. "Chang-Fon, Shikeguni Yamamoto, and Wakiza, I believe. We've been expecting you. Please, come in. Alexander will be back in a little bit with you friends and the others are about to wake soon. We can begin our discussion then. And by the way- you don't have a choice in the matter so don't try to run away. Would you like some tea?" she told them. The three's eyes widened and looked at each other. And Wakiza growled.
"Yep, definitely gonna kill the bastard," he said. Chang couldn't have said it better herself.
Author's Notes: Well, it came out faster than the last chapter at least. Now then, this chapter was of course, the Zero Squad Chapter. As you guys can also see from this Senjumaru was kinda lying about the whole "errand girl" thing. I originally wanted Part 5 to be a fight featuring all 4 Zero Squad members together but I've decided it's a bit too early for that so we have this. Please review! I'll try to update this story more frequently! Also, no feeback means the story won't get any better. Now then, if you can't guess next chapter is going to be the Ran'Tao, Unohana, and Ahmad chapter and how THEY get there. Then we'll have the chapter after that be Alexander explaining what he wants.
As a side note I'm not too happy with last chapter myself as it ended waaaaaaaaaay too silly for my taste. I want this story to have comedy but I don't want it to be a focal point like my other fic Naruto Ichimaru which usually has one silly moment a chapter at least. I want this to be a fic that explores the original 13 Court Guards and how they came to become who they are by the canon in Bleach. How Yhwach became the leader of the Quincy, how Yamamoto became the Head-Captain, why Ran' Tao began experimenting with how to become immortal (thus creating the Bounts), what every character in the Gotei's relationship with the others is like, and even how all these characters you've never seen before shaped the story as we know it and we never realized. Please, I hope you all stay with this fic. Callian31, signing out!