Soken stood with his Reishi bow primed, aimed at Mayuri who seemed curious more than anything about Soken's power. Soken then loosed his arrow, the arrow flying straight towards Mayuri's head but Mayuri merely cocked his head to one side, the arrow missing him my mere inches. Soken wasn't surprised by this however.
"Hmm. A question if I may, Quincy. I noticed that your cross possesses a green stone upon it. Is that Reishi-gig?" Mayuri asked.
"It is. It effectively turns my bow and arrows into a Zanpakuto made entirely of Reishi. Effective, especially as I've been told that, without the stone's inclusion, it could have disastrous consequences." Soken explained.
"That is correct, Quincy. Now let us continue with the experiment." Mayuri said as Soken narrowed his gaze.
"Very well." He said, reaching around behind him and drawing his Zanpakuto before throwing it into the air, the Zanpakuto immediately releasing into its Shikai without a word form Soken before flying towards Mayuri. Mayuri quickly drew his Zanpakuto blocking the attack, the force of the impact carrying Mayuri back some distance on his feet.
"Impressive, Quincy. You do indeed possess the powers of a Soul Reaper in conjunction with those of a Quincy. But I am curious as to what this weapon is before me." Mayuri commented, still pushing back against the airborne Zanpakuto.
"It is my Zanpakuto, Chuujitsu Taka. As I have Soul Reaper blood, I am in possession of a Zanpakuto. However my Zanpakuto reacts differently than those of average Soul Reapers. For instance, I can release its Shikai by sheer force of will. I do not need to speak its release command although in most instances I do speak it out of courtesy. I refrained from doing so in this instance to grant you a greater understanding of my powers." Soken said as his Zanpakuto turned and flew back towards him only to stop and turn back towards Mayuri, hovering in the air.
"Fascinating, Quincy. You appear to have been studying your capabilities for quite a while. From mere observation I can deduce that your Zanpakuto is capable of more than simply being released by sheer force of will, but is also capable of reacting to your commands telepathically. Most impressive, Quincy. Such impressive power surely should grant you an advantage over most opponents." Mayuri commented.
"That's correct." Soken replied.
"Since you're displaying your power for me, then perhaps you wish to see my power for your own edification." Mayuri said but Soken's eyes narrowed.
"That won't be necessary. Your Zanpakuto's name is Ashisogi Jizo. Its special ability paralyzes its victims while still allowing them to feel pain. Your Bankai is known as Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo and releases a poisonous gas that is infrequently changed that is lethal to those who lack the antidote to the specific poison. There are several other abilities only they aren't quite as important as the ones I mentioned." Soken explained.
"You are well informed. You know a lot about me, Quincy. I am curious as to how." Mayuri said as Soken calmly lowered his bow while raising his arm up, Chuujitsu Taka flying backwards and fitting over his hand.
"I know this because of a single fact. I am Soken Ishida, the son of Uryu Ishida and Nemu Kurotsuchi. I am your grandson." Soken stated. Mayuri stared at him blankly.
"Yes. And?" He asked, taking Soken by surprise.
"Wait, you knew?!" Soken asked.
"You don't expect Nemu to have birthed a child and my not know about it. I am fully aware of our familial connections, Quincy. That is why I have not released my Zanpakuto against you. My curiosity regarding your unique abilities outweighs my sense of duty as Captain of the 12th Division. So then, now that we are both aware of each other's identities, shall we continue this experiment?" Mayuri asked as Soken's bow disappeared.
"Actually, seeing as how we are both aware of our familial connections, I would like to postpone our current experiment for now and propose a new one." Soken said, earning a curious look from Mayuri.
"Oh? What sort of experiment would you like to propose?" Mayuri asked.
"The experiment I am proposing is more pressing, more urgent, and directly related to the recent events both here and in the World of the Living." Soken explained.
"Go on." Mayuri replied.
"Before I continue, I should make it clear right now that some of the information I possess comes from your former Captain, Kisuke Urahara." Soken said as Mayuri scowled slightly in annoyance.
"Tsh. Him. What is the information he sent with you?" Mayuri asked.
"The experiment I propose is to find the root of the cause behind Karin Kurosaki's recent loss of control. Urahara is convinced that her brief Hollowfication was due to a third party influence here in the Soul Society." Soken explained as Mayuri arched a curious eyebrow.
"You mean Captain Kurosaki's migraines? I have not analyzed the data regarding that yet. Perhaps you would like to analyze it together?" Mayuri asked, this time causing Soken to arch a curious eyebrow.
"You would allow me the privilege?" Soken asked.
"You seem to have a keen scientific interest, and as much as I loathe to admit it, but Urahara's information might prove useful. I have no interest in handing you over at the present since it would deny me the opportunity to study you and your abilities. Therefore, I choose to allow you the honor of assisting me in the analysis of this data." Mayuri said as Soken's Zanpakuto returned to its sealed state as he sheathed it.
"Very well." Soken replied as he and Mayuri started towards the Soul Reaper Institute of Research and Development.
Meanwhile…
Kaien leapt back as he evaded a swing from Kenpachi, the blade smashing into the ground and sending up a small burst of debris. The towering 11th Division Captain was grinning as he continued to try and cut into the young Kurosaki. Kaien spun towards him but Kenpachi had spun back around with a powerful swing. Kaien barely had a chance to block the blow, the impact of Kenpachi's blade sending him flying but Kaien managed to slide to a stop before he could hit a wall. Before he could blink, Zaraki was right on top of him with his Zanpakuto raised.
"You're not even trying!" Kenpachi said before bringing his blade down, Kaien quickly blocking with both blades crossed in an X. Kenpachi was scowling now as Kaien struggled to keep his defense up. He managed to force Kenpachi's blade to one side but before he could react, Kaien had been dealt a vicious wound up and across his chest by Kenpachi's blade. There was a light spray of blood from his wound but Kaien powered through it, flash stepping out and around Kenpachi. Kenpachi turned just in time for Kaien to swing, only for Kenpachi to block with ease.
"What are you doing? This ain't even fair! You're the human that Yachiru gave powers to? Pathetic." Kenpachi grumbled, effortlessly swinging upward and forcing Kaien into a slide across to the other side of the area.
"You're strong, I can tell, but you're slow." Kenpachi said as Kaien rose to his feet.
"I'll admit, I've never faced an opponent like you before." Kaien said as Kenpachi scowled.
"It shows. When facing an opponent with equal or lesser strength, two swords can help you but when facing a stronger and faster opponent, they become a liability. With enough force, a stronger opponent can power through your defense." Kenpachi said as Kaien raised his right blade.
"Then let's try this. Blow away, Tsuki, Nobara Heimaku." Kaien said as his right blade disintegrated into the mass of red rose petals which started flying towards Kenpachi.
"What is this?" Kenpachi asked, mildly surprised by the move. One of the rose petals then brushed against his cheek, cutting it and allowing some blood to ooze from it. Kenpachi noticed this and his grin returned.
"Well this is interesting. Should've known from those rolls in your hair. Looking to imitate Kuchiki right down to his Zanpakuto." Kenpachi said as several lacerations appeared all across him from the rose petals but he was still standing, not even flinching from his injuries. Kaien was alarmed by his resilience.
"He's not even flinching! This guy's a Captain for sure. More importantly, he was Yachiru's Captain!" Kaien said mentally. Kenpachi then reached for his eyepatch. Kaien was unsure of what he was doing.
"Looks like I may have to go all out on you after all. Good." Kenpachi said before ripping off his eyepatch, causing a massive eruption of electrical, yellow spirit energy around him, the sheer force blowing away the rose petals.
"What the hell?!" Kaien exclaimed in alarm, struggling to withstand the torrent of Kenpachi's spiritual pressure as Kenpachi stood within a pillar of his own spirit energy.
"Not bad kid! You got me to use my full power!" Kenpachi said as Kaien took a step back.
"Listen, Kenpachi, I don't want to fight you!" Kaien said but Kenpachi's grin only tightened.
"Should've thought of that before you showed your face here, human. But I'm a sporting kinda guy. I'm giving you a chance to show me the power that Yachiru gave you. Prove to me she didn't just give it to some undeserving weakling! FIGHT ME!" Kenpachi yelled as Kaien crossed both of his blades over his chest, starting to glow with his own crimson red spirit energy, a scowl firmly planted on his face.
"You should really have more faith in your Lieutenant! She didn't just give me her power at random! She gave me her power so I could protect her and everyone I care for at a time I needed to the most!" Kaien replied as Kenpachi continued to grin.
"Heh! Looks like you've been holding out on me, human! You've got a lot more energy than I thought! Come on! Show me what you've got! Show me the power of those twin blades of yours!" Kenpachi yelled.
"You're right about one thing, Kenpachi Zaraki! I can't beat you with two blades! They're heavy and they slow me down! But one should be more than enough! I will beat you, Kenpachi Zaraki! I'll beat you and finish what I set out to do!" Kaien said as his spirit energy took the form of a large wolf's head behind him.
"Merge, Ametsuchi, Tenjoukai Kenbu!" Kaien yelled as his blades merged into the double edged broadsword. Kenpachi was starting to laugh menacingly yet excitedly.
"Yes! This is it! Show me what you've got, human!" Kenpachi declared before Kaien launched forward, both hands on his Zanpakuto. Kenpachi swung at him but missed as Kaien sidestepped the attack but came back around to slash Kenpachi across the chest, blood spraying from his wound. Kenpachi merely started laughing manically.
"Now THIS is FUN!" Kenpachi declared as his and Kaien's blades clashed, a powerful shockwave erupting upon impact but both warriors stood firm. Kaien was still on the defensive but he was now able to match Kenpachi blow for blow, the increased speed and strength he gained from the single blade allowing him to keep up. He then ducked another swing from Kenpachi, delivering a swipe up the chest, causing Kenpachi to bleed more.
"This is the most fun I've had in over twenty years!" Kenpachi exclaimed, laughing while swinging his blade. Kaien quickly sidestepped a downward swing but was caught off guard when Kenpachi turned his blade and swung towards him. He managed to block but Kenpachi's blade had already cut into his right arm, blood starting to run from where the blade was lodged.
"Damn!" Kaien hissed, flash stepping clear and grasping his wound. He then saw Kenpachi rapidly approaching him. Kaien could barely lift his arm in time to block his next attack, certain he wasn't going to be able to in time.
"Reign over the frosted heavens, Hyorinmaru!"
Suddenly a large dragon made of ice crashed into the ground between Kenpachi and Kaien, causing Kenpachi to slide to a halt.
"What the hell is this?" Kenpachi asked impatiently.
"Captain Zaraki, stand down!" a voice yelled. Kaien's eyes widened in surprise.
"I know that voice! Uncle Toshiro!" Kaien called out just seconds before Toshiro and Rangiku flash stepped into the area. Kenpachi scowled, annoyed that his fight had been interrupted.
"What is this, Hitsugaya? What gives?" Kenpachi asked as Toshiro approached.
"The Ryoka before you is none other than Kaien Kurosaki, the son of Ichigo Kurosaki." Toshiro said as Kenpachi's eyes widened in surprise.
"Kurosaki? You're Ichigo's kid?" Kenpachi asked in surprise, looking at Kaien.
"You say that like it's a big deal." Kaien said, staggering to his feet.
"Rangiku, treat his wounds." Toshiro ordered, Rangiku giving a nod.
"Yes, Captain." Rangiku replied, producing a Soul Reaper variant of a first aid kit.
"You never said that you were Ichigo's kid." Kenpachi said as Kaien shrugged.
"I never had the chance." Kaien replied as Rangiku wrapped bandages around his arm.
"This doesn't really change things though. You still got Yachiru locked up." Kenpachi said, reaffixing his eyepatch over his eye.
"Listen, she gave me her powers so I could save the life of my sister from a Hollow. The Hollow took her by surprise. There was some kind of field blinding her senses and the senses of all the Soul Reapers in Karakura. It was on top of us before we even knew it. She gave me her power so I could save my family's life." Kaien explained, causing Kenpachi to back down slightly.
"Then why the hell are you here?" Kenpachi asked.
"I'm curious to know that answer as well." Toshiro said with his arms crossed.
"I'm here to stop Yachiru's execution. Am I going to have to fight you too Toshiro?" Kaien asked, Toshiro's eye twitching slightly.
"It's Captain Hitsugaya to you, and it depends." Toshiro replied.
"Depends on what?" Kaien asked.
"On whether or not I like your answers to my questions." Toshiro replied.
Elsewhere in the Seireitei…
"Bankai." Gin said while glowing with silver spirit energy. Yamashi was stunned by the fact that Gin was even able to use Bankai and his spirit energy clearly demonstrated that it was no trick.
"Kamishini no Yari." Gin said calmly. He then swung his Zanpakuto out to the side and behind him, immediately slicing the walls to his right and the Squad 9 barracks behind him in half in a flash.
"Ya surprised? Wonderin' how I can still use my Bankai? I'll admit it's kinda dangerous what Kisuke did. Took him a few years but he found a way to temporarily break the seal on my power. Unfortunately for me, it's a onetime thing. Only allowed to use Bankai once so once my blade seals back up, I'm sealed off from my Bankai again. But by then it won't matter. I'll have done what I came here to do. So then…" Gin said before swinging his Zanpakuto around towards Yamashi but the startled Yamashi quickly blocked the blow with his own Zanpakuto. It was a simple katana with a faded green colored hilt and a guard in the shape of a swirl. The impact of the blow carried Yamashi across the grounds and smashing into the debris of one of the destroyed side-buildings. Gin then retracted his Zanpakuto, the blade appearing like it did as Shinso, waiting for Yamashi to emerge from the debris. Gin kept his smile planted on his face especially as Yamashi began to emerge, light bruises and scratches on his body from the attack.
"I see I should've been more cautious, Gin Ichimaru." Yamashi said as he raised his blade towards him.
"Rage, Makaze!" Yamashi ordered as the wind around him suddenly picked up, swirling around him into a compressed sphere visible only from some of the dust caught up in it. The blade had taken the form of a scimitar with the black with white edge coloration of most Zanpakuto.
"Makaze is a wind type Zanpakuto. While it's more suited for offence, I believe you'll find it provides a just as suitable defense." Yamashi explained as Gin raised Kamishini no Yari towards him.
"Oh?" Gin asked. Suddenly a flurry of sparks started flying from the edge of the wind sphere around Yamashi, briefly startling him before Gin pulled back his Zanpakuto.
"Hmm…ya weren't lyin'. I just tried to pierce it roughly a thousand times just now. Nice try attemptin' to pass it off as a wind type though." Gin said, startling Yamashi.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Ya Zanpakuto ain't just wind. It's a wind and Kido type. It appears to use solidified reishi particles hidden in the wind to form a more solid defense." Gin replied as Yamashi scowled.
"You were able to figure that out just by attacking me?" Yamashi asked.
"Not at all. Ya see, that ain't the first time I saw Makaze or its Shikai if ya get my meanin'." Gin said as Yamashi's eyes widened in alarm, his offhand reaching into his kimono for something just as Gin started rapidly extending and retracting Kamishini no Yari so fast it was invisible to the naked eye, each strike sending off sparks as it impacted the invisible barrier, a crack starting to form from the repeated strikes. Yamashi then whispered something, causing a brief neon green glow to appear from inside his kimono just as the barrier shattered. Yamashi suddenly saw the tip of Kamishini no Yari's blade mere inches from his face. Gin's smile immediately vanished in confusion.
"Hmm?" Gin asked, confused, especially as his blade returned to normal size.
"That was nearly too close. I'll admit you had the advantage of me, ex-Captain Ichimaru, but now you'll find the advantage is now mine." Yamashi said as Gin looked at his blade curiously before his foxlike smile returned to his face.
"So it seems ya have a Zanpakuto that isn't what it seems at all. It would explain why ya only used ya Zanpakuto's Shikai to defend against my Bankai. Ya really are a sneaky bastard ain't ya?" Gin asked as Yamashi smiled.
"As I said, I believe the advantage is now mine." Yamashi said as Gin raised his blade in a defensive posture.
"Anytime ya want to make a move, I'm waitin'." Gin said as Yamashi pointed Makaze towards him.
"Gladly." Yamashi said before noticing a red light coming from his left.
"He wasn't talking to you." Grimmjow said as he stood at the entrance to the barracks grounds with his fist raised towards him and a sphere of red energy forming. Yamashi's eyes widened in alarm at the sight of the Sexta Espada, especially when he saw the Cero charging in front of his fist. The Cero then fired off, sending a massive beam of red energy towards the 9th Division Captain.
Meanwhile…
At the Kurosaki Estate, Masaki Kurosaki was walking around the estate grounds, carrying the slumbering Mai Kurosaki in her arms. She was privately worried about the surges of Spiritual Pressure she'd been feeling in the Seireitei. As she walked about the grounds, she paused to glance at the pair of large wooden doors of the Kurosaki Clan Senkaimon. She could then sense the spiritual pressure of someone familiar near her.
"Mrs. Kurosaki, sorry to disturb you but I wanted to make sure you were alright." Captain Renji Abarai said as Masaki gave a sweet and thankful smile.
"I'm fine, Captain Abarai. I'm merely tending to Mai." Masaki replied.
"Good. Captain Unohana also wanted me to relay a message. Apparently our Ryoka aren't being gentle. Wounded are starting to arrive at the Squad 4 Med Centers so she needs you to report in as soon as possible. I know you're taking care of your granddaughter but-." Renji said but Masaki shook her head.
"No, my duty is important. This is one of the hazards of having Captains for parents I suppose. Something she'll need to adapt to, eventually." Masaki said as Renji cleared his throat.
"With your permission, I'll take care of her." Renji said but Masaki shook her head again.
"Thank you Captain, but I can manage. But you can hold her for a moment." Masaki said as she handed Mai off to Renji for a moment, Mai opening a pair of sleepy eyes and looking at Renji curiously for a moment before giggling.
"Re-Re!" Mai giggled.
"She says this every time she sees me." Renji commented as Masaki wrapped a large blue cloth around her, making a onbuhimo (Japanese baby sling), before turning her back towards Renji, smiling at him over her shoulder.
"We like to think it's her trying to say your name, Captain Abarai." Masaki commented as Renji smirked at the young girl.
"Already being insubordinate eh? Alright let's get this straight. The name's Renji Abarai. Captain Renji Abarai." Renji said with a smile as he helped secure Mai into the back of the sling. Mai merely giggled.
"Re-Re!" she giggled before suddenly stopping and looking away. Renji noticed her gaze and followed it towards the Senkaimon just as the doors to it started to swing open, a white light emanating from within.
"Get behind me, Mrs. Kurosaki." Renji said, placing a hand on his Zanpakuto as the doors to the Senkaimon fully opened. They waited for a brief moment before five Hell Butterflies fluttered out of the Senkaimon along with five figures, their identities obscured by the light behind them.
"Alright, we all know what to do. Move out!" one of them ordered.
"Right!" the other four replied in unison before they disappeared in a flash step, leaving the first figure behind as the doors to the Senkaimon closed behind them. Renji's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the sole remaining figure. A face he'd recognize anywhere…
"Rukia?"
End Chapter 46
Life on the Other Side
"Okay, this one is another housekeeping request from my brother.
Today's topic: Gigai Storage.
On occasion, some of us may get the opportunity to go to the World of the Living to combat Hollows. While there it's required that we wear a Gigai so that even the spiritually aware humans don't see us as we truly are. This isn't a problem for us since whenever a Hollow appears, we just pop a soul candy and go after the hollow while the mod-soul takes care of our body. The problem that arises with Gigai is when we leave the World of the Living to return to the Soul Society. Naturally we can't bring them with us to the Soul Society so the question arises as to what we do with them.
Let me first remind everyone of the established protocol for dealing with Gigai. When returning to the Soul Society, we are to send a message to Kisuke Urahara or to Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki of your departure. Your soul pagers time and date your message with your present coordinates so leave your Gigai where you sent the message before leaving. Someone from the Karakura Defense Squad or from Urahara Shop will come along to retrieve it for you. Similarly if you're not in a big rush to get back, you can return your Gigai in person to Kisuke Urahara at the Urahara Shop. Please don't return it to the Kurosaki Clinic. We really don't have any place to store it there short of Ichigo's closet and he doesn't really like it when we leave them there.
It IS NOT acceptable to just leave your Gigai there without telling anyone! My brother sent me a few examples of what some of the more 'creative' amongst us have decided to do with their Gigai when returning from an off duty dalliance to the World of the Living without notifying anyone.
Leaving your Gigai as a display dummy in a funeral home. Somehow I suspect Yumichika was responsible for this.
Setting up your Gigai outside of a taxidermist's office. Still not sure if this was an accident but geez! Captain Komamura please be more careful!
Propping your Gigai outside of a McDonalds while making it look like a freaky version of their mascot. Whoever thought letting Captain Kurotsuchi visit the World of the Living was a good idea needs to pay for officially killing any desire I had of visiting a McDonalds in the next decade. Yikes that was creepy!
Setting up yours and your friends' Gigai up as a public art display. Gotta admit, this one made me laugh especially when Ichigo sent me the pictures. Ikkaku, Yumichika, Shuhei, Izuru, Tetsuzaimon, you guys make an impressive human pyramid! I still get a giggle when I think about it. I'm 99% positive that a certain 11th Division Lieutenant is responsible for that one.
Dressing your Gigai up like Santa Claus at the mall. Head Captain, I've never seen this side of you! By the way, still waiting on that scooter I asked for when I was nine.
Leaving your Gigai in the anatomy lab at the local university. Captain Kyoraku, you've gotta cut down on the booze. Ichigo found your Gigai the following morning when he had anatomy class!
Leaving your Gigai in a clothing store as mannequins. Rangiku! You've been a terrible influence on Momo and Isane! I know you're responsible because we found yours dressed up in the same store!
And if I ever find out who's responsible for this last one, I will kill 'em.
Using someone else's Gigai to produce blackmail photos of said person. When I find the person responsible for dressing my body up in a frilly dress with a freaking bow in my hair and with makeup on my face, they're dead!
Signed Lt. Karin Kurosaki, 6th Division."
In Karakura, Ichigo finished reading Karin's article with Yuzu sitting over his shoulder before both started snickering, quietly bumping fists.