A/N: This is the second, and last, turn back arc. I hardly need to tell you that I really enjoy doing them. I hope you notice that I number them like Tite does. Also please notice that I use the first names of many characters that I would otherwise refer to in narration by their surnames. The reason is twofold, it's less formal, which brings across the idea that they are younger. Also it should make it easier for the reader to view them in a different way.

Side note, all hail the return of Ukitake, who has been dead since the prologue. Now alive again, thanks to the turning back of time. Lol. This time he actually has a part to play.

On the storyline, remember that it was Yoruichi who fused the 2nd division and the Onmitsukido; the special forces. So during this period both exist as separate entities. Also the twelfth division has nothing to do with technological advancements, since Urahara would later bring that it. The fourth has no emphasis yet on healing and medicine, divisions take care of their own wounded.

Mini-arc name: The Quincy Crisis

x

The Heir Apparent
Chapter -150: New Captain Unohana

Thus the Pendulum swings back again, this time 200 hundred years. As before giving but a glimpse into the past; the reason why things are the way they are in the present.

'-To protect and serve is my oath, as a shinigami and captain of Gotei thirteen.'

The speaker was the newest addition to the elite team of captains who led Gotei thirteen. She was a pretty woman with large eyes and hair tied back in a samurai knot.

'You may rise, Unohana Retsu, captain of the fourth division,' said Yamamoto, 'Please come forward and receive your haori.' His voice was strained, plainly he still suffered from his recent loss.

Shunsui knew her only by reputation. Up until yesterday she had been the eleventh division lieutenant, the first woman to ever reach such a high rank in that division. Rumour had it that she had never been defeated in battle, certainly she bore no visible scars. She was Nagai Kenpachi's protégé, just as he'd been Shiraken Daiichi's. So she would almost certainly be a strong supporter of the movement to exterminate the Quincy's. And if she was anything like the rest of the eleventh, extremely strong and gung ho.

Retsu had been promoted by taking the captain's examination, since not enough captains had been willing to vouch for her. That she had won with apparent ease, but what was surprising was that she'd held back from even using her Shikai; she had used only her sealed blade and Kido. That was unusual, and made Shunsui suspicious. No captain hid their Shikai, it just wasn't done. Bankai of course was another matter entirely, being their secret weapon and all.

Much had happened in the last two centuries. Shunsui had become the youngest captain in Soul Societies history, taking over the eighth division after his captain Shiba Maiyuki had committed sepaku. He'd taken Ukitake Jushiro as his lieutenant, since he'd been so supportive over the difficult when he'd had to act as captain while the real captain grew constantly more distracted. The two had become friends over the decades, united by their common purpose of keeping the peace between the Shinigami and Quincy's; and running a division. Naturally working so close together had meant that they saw a bit much of each other and grated on each others nerves. They'd gotten a lot closer since Jushiro had moved out and become captain of the brand new thirteenth division a century ago.

Shiraken Daiichi, Daiken, had been busy as well. A mere decade after Shunsui's promotion, the captain of the second division had died under suspicious circumstances, and Daiken had been promoted to the rank. Then, since the prevailing opinion amongst the captains of the time was to remain in peace with the Quincy's, he'd set out to sway it. At the same time he'd started recruiting strong people in Rukongai into his division, personally training them. So far he'd raised two captains, the current Kenpachi and the captain of the tenth division; Nagai Izumi. She had married Kenpachi shortly before her promotion. From today, with Retsu, it would be three; though she was a second generation.

Four definite votes towards war, their voice was getting louder. They were known as the exterminationists.

Yamamoto had been briefing Retsu on choosing her lieutenant, since the old lieutenant had been lost in the material world at the same time as the fourth division captain. Shunsui felt it to be too convenient, it was the second time something like that had happened just when circumstances were favourable for Daiken to promote one of his own. Was there no level his former friend wouldn't sink to? He thought the lowest he would ever see was when Daiken organised Nagai to challenge for the leadership of the eleventh division, around ninety years ago. That had been one of the most brutal challenge matches in Gotei's history.

Retsu chose the third seat of the second division, Daiken's division, for her lieutenant. If she had strong links with him then she was definitely a war monger. Not that there was much doubt at this stage. When it came time to vote for allowance, Daiken's group vote all but secured it, since a lieutenant vote needed far less than a captain.

The meeting didn't last much longer, and soon the captains were making their way out the door. As expected, the eleventh division captain came to him to gloat. Nagai Kenpachi was slightly shorter than him, but his Mohawk of flame-red hair stood higher even than Shunsui's hat. It flowed down his back, like a horses mane. His black Maori-styled geometric tattoos on his face gave him a demonic appearance, which suited his personality. Most ranking officers called him Ken -sword-, it was a form of disrespect. Due to his aversion to being wounded many felt he didn't deserve the name Kenpachi. There no denying his power though.

'I've promoted my lieutenant,' Ken stated.

'Good for you, Ken-chan,' said Shunsui, 'Let's go get drunk tonight!'

Ken's eye twitched dangerously at the feminine suffix, 'How long has it been for you, baka, Ukitake is still your only one.'

'Come on, don't be like that. I mean, Retsu is your first.'

'You saying that there won't be any more, eh?'

They continued in that vein for some time, Shunsui's continued attempts to defuse the situation only serving to annoy him even more. It was difficult to judge how much was actually him and how much was Daiken's poisoned touch. Regardless, Ken seemed determined to find reason to force an honour duel against him. Shunsui was confident that he would win, but such a fight would damage his reputation, weakening the peace effort that he headed. Which was exactly what Daiken would be aiming for.

They were interrupted by Shihoin Eiroshi, captain of the Onmitsukido; the special forces. 'Captain Kyoraku, may I have a word?'

'Sure, Eiro-kun, we were just finishing up,' said Shunsui, 'See you later, Ken-chan.'

Ken gave him a black look. 'This is not over,' he promised.

'It never was,' he said sadly when the man was out of hearing distance.

'Was he trying to pick a fight again?' said Eiro, thumbing in Ken's direction.

Shunsui didn't answer, he didn't need to. He motioned for Eiro to follow him, and set off in the direction of his division. He was the only captain besides himself and Jushiro who was openly opposed to war with the Quincy's. Shunsui was fortunate to have this man's support, doubly so since the special forces were the ones who kept tabs on the Quincy's. Although Eiro was a lot older than him they'd been captains for a similar length of time.

'So, how's my daughter doing?' said Eiro. She was Shunsui's third seat.

'Oh, she's doing well. I almost wish I had my lieutenant's position available for her. Yori-chan will be a great captain someday.'

'She still having problems with her zanpakutou?'

Shunsui sighed, 'I think she hates its abilities, I went through a phase like that myself. Sometimes I think it would be easier if we could choose our own powers.'

'Imagine,' said Eiro with a smile, 'All the men in Gotei thirteen would have perverted abilities. And the woman would be stuffing themselves with copious amounts of chocolate their zanpakutou created.'

He chucked, 'Imagine indeed.'

x

Unohana Retsu walked into her new divisional office, flanked by her lieutenant and her allies. The seated officers inside bowed as she entered, she nodded in acknowledgement. Finally, she was a captain. It felt good to have achieved her goal.

Now she had a debt that she had accumulated to pay, a debt of loyalty.

'We'll leave you to get settled in,' said Daiken, the leader of their faction. 'But first, there is something I need for you to do.'

'What is it you require,' she said in her sweet voice. She'd grown a reputation for using it right before drawing her sword, a few words from her could have grown men cowering in terror.

Daiken though didn't even blink. He reached inside his robes and pulled out three glass tubes with a strange green liquid inside. 'These are samples of a Quincy poison that they've been developing to use against us. So far it's incomplete, but I need you to perform a full analysis on it. I want to know exactly how dangerous it is, how they could use it to infect us, and how to cure it.'

She knew why he hadn't asked his other two captains. Ken was a hot-headed fighter with little understanding or patience for laboratory work. And Izumi was always trying to keep up with the latest gossip, or out drinking. Daiken himself was probably too busy cajoling others to their cause. But that didn't explain why he didn't ask any of the other thirteen captains.

'Where did you get this?' she said.

'I raided a Quincy lab, of course.'

That explained it, he couldn't be seen to be taking direct action against them. So he needed someone he could trust. Retsu knew she could do it, but she wouldn't enjoy it. Considering though that she had him to thank for being in this lofty position she had little choice in the matter.

'There's someone I want you to meet,' said Daiken. He went outside, and when he came back he was ushering in a young woman.

Retsu took her in for a moment, then her eyes widened. 'You're a Shiba!'

'I am, Unohana-taicho. I'm Shiba Kukaku. An honour to meet you.'

'Kukaku is a new addition to my division,' Daiken explained, 'She's very powerful. Already she's risen to fourth seat in my division, and since you took my third seat from today she'll be taking his place. I believe we can expect great things from her.'

Retsu knew all about what had happened to the Shibas thanks to those accursed Quincy, who didn't? They had nearly lost their status as a great noble family as a result, and even now were battling to hold onto it. Surprisingly the one current captain of the Shiba family refused to take sides in the debate. Perhaps with Kukaku on their side he could be swayed.

At worst she'd be another captain on their side in a few decades.

x

Shunsui sat under a tree just outside his home in the first district, watching the beginning of the sunset. He'd just seen off his wife, she wouldn't be back for a week at least. She was going to meet with the Quincy high council. It was a secret meeting that they'd taken great pains not to let the other captains in on, Daiken would certainly have tried to stop them. They'd used Eiro's Senkaimon gate to avoid detection, since as one of the great noble families the Shihoin's had one for their personal use located on their property.

Shiori had been his lieutenant first, they'd grown closer over the years and finally tied the knot five years ago. Now they were a family, and thanks to their ranks they were already recognised among the higher nobles. All they needed was children and a legacy, and it would only be a matter of time before the Kyoraku family was one of the great nobles; like the Shiba's and Shihoin's.

Ukitake Jushiro walked up behind him. 'I knew I'd find you here.'

He looked up, raising his straw hat, 'Hey handsome. Come and join me.'

Jushiro did so, and Shunsui offered him his sake bottle and cup. When his friend declined he shrugged and poured for himself.

'It's hard to believe that Raikawa is really gone,' said Jushiro after a silent moment.

Shunsui had never known the man as anything more than a fellow captain, but since they'd been promoted to captaincy around the same time Jushiro had been a lot closer. Yamamoto Raikawa had gone missing in the material world two months before. Since no one had seen or heard from him again, he was now presumed dead. If he was, it was only the Quincy's that could have done it. That had been a huge blow for the peace effort, they'd just been beginning to make some progress in their talks with the sensible leaders amongst the mortals.

'It is a terrible thing,' said Shunsui gravely, taking a sip. It could hardly have happened at a worse time, they'd been three weeks away from signing a treaty that would have stopped all Quincy hollow hunting activities for five years.

'Captain-commander Yamamoto's taking it hard.'

Shunsui had to agree. Raikawa had been Captain-commander Yamamoto's only son, naturally his loss had antagonised the old man. Even though he was famous for upholding the law and looking to the best for both the mortal and spiritual realms, he was undeniably being swaying towards the exterminationists. Also, since Raikawa had been the captain of the 4th division, his death had opened the way for Unohana Retsu's promotion.

It was all too convenient. He sensed Daiken's manipulation behind it all. But maybe he was just being oversensitive in his frustration. They'd been so close to lasting peace. The situation wasn't unsalvageable, hence the reason why he'd sent Shiori to the mortal realm. She was an expert negotiator, and had a knack for explaining to the stubborn Quincy why they had to stop killing hollows. But even if her diplomatic mission achieved everything they hoped for they still would have taken many steps back.

'Its getting bad,' said Shunsui, changing the subject. 'All the research we've done into the balance of souls points to a general destabilizing in about six years, if things continue as they are now.'

'I heard the latest report said that by four and a half, even if they stopped entirely we would be past the point of no return.'

'Either way, we're nearly out of time. We have to persuade them to put away their bows, or we really will have to kill them.'

'Why won't they just listen and leave the slaying of hollows to us?' Jushiro vented, 'They're so thick-headed.'

'Hey, we're supposed to be the good guys here,' said Shunsui lightly, 'We can hardly listen to their grievances if that's our attitude, can we?'

Jushiro grimaced. 'Sorry, I know I shouldn't be taking it out on you. I'm just so frustrated, we were so close. Now the only thing we seem to be close to is war.'

'It doesn't help that some Shinigami watching the material world have taken it upon themselves to commit random acts of violence on them,' said Shunsui evenly, 'Or that the Quincy are killing off their own guardians in retaliation.'

'Or that a whole section of them were found slaughtered last week.'

'No, that didn't help either.'

The two men sat in silence, the weight of their worries drying up further conversation. It felt like they were sitting on a whole pile of gunpowder kegs. All that was needed was one tiny spark and the whole mass would explode.

'So that's where you went.' A familiar voice cut though his thoughts.

Shunsui turned to see his third seat, young Shihoin Yoruichi, come sauntering towards him. In mortal years she looked about fifteen or sixteen, she had recently grown curves and learned how to use them. Shunsui had watched the awkward change in her during the last decade, and smirked as he noticed Jushiro turn away in embarrassment.

'Ah, Yori-chan. Were you looking for me.'

'You know damn well that I was, it's time for my training,' She flicked her long purple ponytail back, trying to emulate a feminine grace that her hard tone had already destroyed.

'We'd best get to it then,' Shunsui said, getting up. It would be a good distraction for his worries.

x

Shiba Kukaku flash-stepped through the streets of Seireitei, stopping abruptly at the second division headquarters. Quickly she smoothed down her billowed front, got her breathing under control, and stepped inside. She made her way quickly through the passages, ignoring the Shinigami and seated officers who greeted her. Reaching the captain's office, she pulled open the door.

Shiraken Daiichi, her captain, raised his white haired head from his work. 'You're back,' he noted.

'Thank you for your hard work,' said Chizu happily.

Shiraken Chizu was Daiken's lieutenant and wife. She was a short woman (which was a good thing since her husband wasn't a particularly tall man) with dark hair and eyes. She wasn't a noted beauty, but had a pretty smile and wore it often. The two of them had only tied the knot last year, but theirs had been a budding romance that had run a good half-century previous. Really, thought Kukaku, they should have gotten around to it decades ago.

'I've finished my reconnaissance of captain Kyoraku Shunsui, sir,' she reported.

'Good,' said Daiken, flicking his teal eyes back down at his paperwork, 'And?'

'He entered the Shihoin manor two hours ago, with his wife. He left an hour later without her, since then she has not emerged.'

'Aah, Shunsui. A good plan, but too predictable.'

'Sir?'

Daiken ignored her and stood up, shaking with excitement. 'This is it, he's played right into my hand. Tonight all his ridiculous peace-mongering ends. Tonight the extermination begins.'

'Sir, what are you talking about? I just told you that Kyoraku Shiori is with the Shihoins.'

'You'll soon see. Everyone will see.'

x

A/N: Whew, I'm writing a lot of notes. Hope I'm not boring you too much, you don't have to read them to enjoy the story, I promise! But it might help make things clearer.

In most stories the descriptions of characters are limited, to allow for greater imagination amongst the readers. In fan fiction though, especially for movies and anime, one already has a clear picture of the characters represented. Thus to introduce another character with minimal descriptions is like placing a child's sketch alongside an established painting. You need a heck of a lot of imagination to make it work. So, to make things easier, I've provided a more detailed explanation for the various characters; represented in alphabetical order.

(RC)=Returning character (PL)= Previous life character (OC) = Original character

Main characters:

Shiba Kukaku - (RC) Mid-teen years, much the same otherwise. Has both arms, and smaller breasts.
Shihoin Yoruichi - (RC) Same as Kukaku.
Shiraken Daiichi (Daiken) - (PL) Late twenties Hitsugaya, around 1,65m tall. Long hair, spiked back.
Shunsui Kyoraku - (RC) Same, except no stubble and younger. Shorter hair but still long and platted; straw hat but no kimono.
Ukitake Jushiro - (RC) Same, but with short hair. And less pale, since he isn't sickly at this point.
Unohana Retsu - (RC) Early twenties, shorter hair in samurai knot. Harder eyes more like Soifon.

Side characters.

Kyoraku Shiori - (PL) Nanao with no glasses.
Nagai Izumi - (PL) Matsumoto with shorter hair tied back in a ponytail, which doesn't quite work for her.
Nagai Kenpachi - (PL) Slightly older Renji with geometric Maori tatoos covering his face only. The rest untattooed. Hair shaved in a long Mohawk.
Shihoin Eiroshi (Eiro) - (OC) The only new character. Same colouring as his daughter Yoruichi, around 1,8m tall. Mid-thirties, short hair with slight owl tufts.
Shiraken Chizu - (PL) Hinamori with longer hair and a bowtie.
Yamamoto - (RC) Same but with a touch of grey in his white beard and brows. Only a few scars on his body, and none on his head.