This Power of Mine part 2

The Seireitei has four gates each in a principal direction and each gate has a guardian of massive size. Squad Eleven is closest to the Eastern gate during the watch of Kaiwan the gatekeeper.

But the Soul Reapers do their part and help keep guard as well, though their business lies on the inside of the wall. And these were the tasks that Fujimaru Kudo found increasingly boring.

He had joined the Eleventh Division for swashbuckling adventure and danger not boring guard duty. He sat with his back to the wall and butt on the ground as he reached into to his belt for the canteen next to his zanpaktou. He undid the cap of drank from it. After a few cold sips he ran the water over his face.

"Did you hear the news?" he heard Yumichicka ask a few feet away from him. " The Head-Captain's been arrested by the Royal Guard." Fujimaru quickly turned around and looked at Yumichicka surprised. Although he had never met the Head-Captain personally he had heard from his sister than he was a just, noble, and honorable man. If that was the case then what could have happened to make this transpire?

"Arrest? What for?" asked Ikakku.

"They say he stole from the royal family."

"Did he do it?" Fujimaru asked jumping to his feet. The two superior officers turned their heads and looked at him." What are they doing with him? Did he do it?"

"Who knows." Ikkaku responded with a shake of his head. Fujimaru turned to Yumichicka hoping for an answer.

"Yumichicka." He said to him." What does this mean then? What will we do if the Head-Captain isn't there?"

"We'll keep doing our duty, don't ask such stupid questions."

Just then a chilled wind picked up and blew around the group. But it was no normal wind as it was hard, fast and unnaturally cold for this time of year. The next thing they heard was a strong rumbling sound. And the next thing they knew Kaiwan the gatekeeper was sent through the very gate he was to protect.

"What the hell?!" Ikkaku said turning to the sight. And now the cold winds began stronger than ever as they blew through the gate the giant was just knocked through.

And standing between the wreckage of the gate was a lone man. He had the standard uniform of the Soul Reapers with long black hair and violet eyes. And it didn't take any of them to know there was malice on his mind.

"What the hell?" Ikkaku questioned. He stood at the head of the trio while Yumichicka stayed to his left and Fujimaru on his right.

"Apologizes gentlemen." The man said." But I couldn't get through with the gate blocked."

"Who are you?" demanded Ikakku. He wore the uniform of the Soul Reapers but Ikkaku had never seen him before." What Squad are you from?"

"I am a former member of the Gotei 13, like yourselves. My name is Kugo Ginjo. Now I have a question for you gentlemen." He pointed his sword to each one of them individually." Do any of you possess Bankai?" The trio looked to each other confused. And there silence was the answer he needed." Very well then." He rested his sword against his shoulder." Then you're not worth my time." And if there's anything any member of the Eleventh Division never wanted to be told it's that they weren't a worthy opponent.

"Hold on!" Ikkaku said." You think you can just walk away!" But the man continued to ignore them and continued walking." Extended hozukimaru!" Then Ikkaku led the charge, jumping into the air and stabbing at the man. Fujimaru and Yumichicka stayed behind letting this fight be one on one.

But he simply turned around and blocked. His sword was an average kitana but there was no mistaking it's type. It was Hyorinmaru the Zanpaktou of the Head Captain. Ikkaku's feet touched the ground and he continued to block his attack. Then he raised his sword and swung it down clashing it with Hozukimaru's blade, and it was now that they saw it's ability.

The trio watched as a dragon made of ice grew from the blade's tip, shot out of it and slammed right into Ikkaku. The third seat was sent flying back and landed into the stone wall just beside his two comrades. And needless to say they were surprised.

"Was that?" Yumichicka questioned.

"This is truly strange." Ichibei said." Your zanpaktou has told me everything. If that is true then how could Hyorinmaru's ice be at the scene of the crime?"

"Could it be possible there are two?" Toshiro asked.

"Impossible." Ichibei answered." Such a thing is considered illegal and shouldn't exist in the first place."

"That is the only answer I can think of." And from the stern look on the young Head-Captain's face Ichibei knew it had to be true. He ran a hand over his bald head and through his thick beard.

"There's only one man who can know for sure." So he and Toshiro left his home and instead went to another together. But while the Royal Guards all lived on their own private city this one was nothing but a dessert. And the only building on it was a small, wooden shack.

"What is this place?" Toshiro asked.

"The home of the creator of the zanpaktou." Ichibei answered." If there's anyone who can answer our questions it's him." Toshiro took a glance around as Ichibei knocked on the shack's wooden door. He expected more from a member of the Royal Guard, especially the one who created such an important item.

Ichibei knocked and then opened the shack's door.

"Hello?" He said poking his head inside.

"Hello!" answered a number of smiling cheerful women inside the small room.

"Ladies good afternoon." Ichibei said as he opened the door and they greeted him. Toshiro however stood behind him with a calm but confused look.

"What the hell is this?" He said extending his arms out.

"These my lad." Ichibei said turning to him." Are the spirits of the zanpaktou." Toshiro only raised an eyebrow in response." Ladies this is the Captain Commander of the Soul Society, Toshiro Hitsuguya." Now all the ladies turned to him with a smile.

"Oh please no." He moaned.

"I must be in rare company tonight." A man's voice said from amongst the sea of women. They began to step aside as a small dark skinned man, with sunglasses, an afro and a sleeveless green vest walking towards him." The Leader of the Royal Guard." He said stopping before Ichibei." And the Leader of the Gotei 13." There was a toothpick in his mouth and when he looked at Toshiro he rolled it around in his mouth." What can I do for you both?"

"Oetsu." Ichibei said." We've come to you concerning the Oin."

"What of it? I thought Tenjiro was conducting the search and-"

"He is. But the Head-Captain has some startling information." Oetsu turned and looked at Toshiro once more, his glasses falling down the bridge of his nose. Toshiro moved deeper into the hut moving past all the women.

"Get out of my way." He said forcing himself past them.

"And what's that?"

"Could there be more than two of the same zanpaktou?" Oetsu looked at the sword at Toshiro's waist. As the creator of the zanpaktou he has the ability to know the history of every zanpaktou anywhere at any time.

"Such a thing is completely unheard of." Oetsu told as he sat down with Ichibei and Toshiro inside his home."I know every sword ever made and could never make the same thing twice. "

"Is it possible." Toshiro said getting the attention of both men." That with the power of the Oin whoever this is could change that." Ichibei turned to Toshiro now realizing that fear.

"It is." Oetsu answered." Which is why it's very important we find out who this is sooner rather than later."

And it was that very villain who assaulted the Gotei 13 even now. He had made short work of the Squad Eleven trio. Their melee weapons were no good against the power of Hyorinmaru.

And now only Ikkaku remained standing to fight him although his zanpaktou had been shattered in half. Yumichicka lay defeated behind him while Fujimaru seemed unable to stand.

"I do hope your about done." Said Kugo." I can't keep wasting my time on you." Ikkaku glanced around, the only people nearby were the four of them and one of them was unconscious.

"I really don't want to do this." Ikkaku said. He glanced over his shoulder to see Yumichicka on the ground defeated and unconscious. But Fujimaru in a similar condition but fully conscious, but there was no way of helping that." Hey Kid!" Ikkaku called to him. Fujimaru turned his head and faced his superior." Don't tell anyone you saw this, alright?!" Fujimaru nodded although he was not entirely aware of what he was agreeing to. Without another word Ikkaku held the battered pieces of his zanpaktou out before him." BANKAI!"

But that only seemed to make Kugo smiled. He watched as Ikkaku's weapon reformed itself with a huge blade in each hand along with the clever hovering behind his back. Fujimaru was amazed. He knew Ikkaku was a great swordsman and a powerful fighter but he never would have expected this. His spiritual pressure was as great as any Lieutenants and almost on Captain level.

"Are you ready?!" Ikkaku asked pointed both blades at him. Kugo smiled and held his own blade out. Without another word Ikkaku jumped forward raising both his giant blades and preparing to slash down. Kugo smiled as the blades came at him and when Ikkaku swung down at him he pulled a small item from his pocket and held it, hoping to block the blade.

Whatever it was it was small enough to fit in his hand but was surprisingly strong as it held back the power of Ikkaku's swing.

"Thank you." Kugo said. And Ikkaku watched as the object in his hand glowed brightly and surrounded his body.

When he first acquired the Oin he used it's reality altering powers to turn his regular zanpaktou into Hyorinmaru. That way not only was he more powerful but they would be going after the Head-Captain thus removing the most dangerous obstacle from his path. But now with the help of Ikkaku his power was at it's maximum.

Hyorinmaru, The Head-Captain, The Zero Squad, all the Gotei 13. None could stand against him and his quest for Ultimate Power.

Ikkaku watched as the light continued to surround Kugo. The light turned into a pillar and shot high up into the sky soon alerting everyone of it. But the third seat of Squad Eleven would not give him the chance to do anything further.

He jumped forward and bearing both blades swung down on Kugo. But from simply touching the light the blade on his sword began to crumble away. Ikkaku would have jumped back on his own at this point but Kugo helped him by punching him. And his punch was so powerful he managed to punch a hole right through Ikkaku's stomach, sending him back and flying through the walls.

"Ikkaku!" Fujimaru yelled.

"Haha!" Kugo laughed. "It's stronger than I thought." In his right hand was his zanpaktou but in his left was what once was the Oin. Now his hand had become the Oin but soon it would be his entire body. But now there was nothing holding him back.

"What's all the noise?" questioned a voice. Fujimaru looked up and Kugo looked around to see Kenpachi Zaraki of Squad Eleven standing there.

"Captain." Fujimaru said. Kenpachi glanced around with his one eye to see three of his best subordinates laying on the ground and one stranger standing amongst them.

"Hey you." Kenpachi said pointing his sword at him." Did you do this to my men?"

"Guilty as charged." Kugo admitted with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Uh oh." Said a familiar voice. Fujimaru looked up to see Lieutenant Yachiru standing on the perch nearby." He shouldn't have done that. Now he's gonna get it."

"Is that so?" Kenpachi said dragging the tip of his blade along the ground." If that's the case then it's me you'll answer too!" Kenpachi quickly jumped into the air with his sword already raised high.

"Go Kenny!" Yachiru cheered.

Kugo was delighted. What better way to test his new powers than against the Captain of the Eleventh Division? As Kenpachi came down Kugo raised his glowing hand up and with nothing more than a gesture managed to break Kenpachi's sword arm.

The pain was sudden and unbearable but Kenpachi did not cry out, he was just confused. So much so that he delayed his attack and landed on the ground some feet away from Kugo. But he was not done yet.

Kugo touched the ground and caused the ground beneath Kenpachi to form into quick sand. And Kenpachi quickly found himself thigh deep in it.

"Captain!" Fujimaru yelled as he tried to push himself to his feet. Kenpachi couldn't move his right arm and found himself struggling to free the rest of his body.

"Is that the best the Captain of the Eleventh Division has to offer?" Kugo questioned. And like his subordinates Kenpachi did not like to be mocked.

"Now he's really in for it." Yachiru commented.

Kenpachi brought his other arm up to his head and ripped off his eyepatch. The overwhelming spiritual pressure was like a violent hurricane was suddenly upon them. With the same hand Kenpachi gripped his sword from the sand and raised it up high. Then he swung it down and sent what seemed like a blast of spiritual pressure at Kugo. This new strength the result of his recent training.

"Told you so." Yachiru commented. Fujimaru could feel nothing but awe and pride. In what other Division would you find a third seat with Captain Capabilities, and a Captain without even shikai able to defeat a reality warping foe with a single blast. Squad Eleven certainly was the best.

The sand had disappeared and Kenpachi now held his sword in his left hand as the other dangled at his side. And standing several feet before him was Kugo crouched down onto one knee a sword mark running up his body.

"You are powerful Kenpachi. "He said rising back to his feet. And as he did the wound began to heal." But I have transcended beyond your primitive means. I am-" He was suddenly silenced as a giant armored fist squashed down on him.

Looking up everyone could see Captain of Squad Seven Sajin Kommamura standing there his sword out and his fist extended.

"Captain Zaraki." He said." Would you mind explaining what's going on?"

"I was just about to continue my fight until you stepped in." He pointed to Sajin. But before anything else could be said a cold breeze picked up and a layer of ice suddenly surrounded the armor fist and shattered it. Lucky for Sajin the effect of wounds was not the same for his shikai as it was for bankai.

He and Kenpachi watched as Kugo stood back up.

"Who is this?" Sajin asked Kenpachi. He simply shrugged.

"I didn't bother to ask his name."

"My name is Kugo Ginjo." He said." And soon you will all bow to me." And he raised his sword causing a large ice dragon to shot out from it.

"It can't be." Sajin said recognizing Hyorinmaru's shikai. Before he could do anymore the dragon turned and flew towards him. Sajin held his sword forward and a giant sword appeared before him, just in time as the dragon's mouth closed in on him. Instead closing down on the sword.

Kenpachi meanwhile lunged forward and swung his sword down at Kugo who held up his own and blocked. The bigger man advanced swinging his sword once more. This time Kugo stepped aside and with his free hand swung a punch forward and managed to punch nearly half of Kenpachi's side off. But even that didn't seem to slow him down. With a quick pivot on his foot he turned around and assaulted Kugo once more. The blades grinded together and Kenpachi's immense strength was enough to force even a demi-god Kugo onto one knee.

With a force of his own Sajin swung forward and shattered the ice dragon with his shikai blade. He then turned and saw Kenpachi struggling against the foe. Kugo glanced out the corner of his eye to see the giant coming down at him.

Kugo closed his eyes and with a thought managed to disappear from their sight causing the blades of both Captains to swing down and slam onto the ground. Confused the two looked at the ground where Kugo had been. Then Sajin looked left as Kenpachi looked right, then the opposite.

"Up there!" Sajin pointed. He and Kenpachi looked up to see Kugo standing on the rooftop nearby. The two watched as Kugo swung his sword shooting out a blast of highly concentrated spirit energy.

And before the two Captains could even fathom it the blast went right into them. Together they fell onto their knees with only with their swords and their strengths to steady them. A large gash running almost completely through them.

"Two for the price of one." Kugo said charging up for another attack." This must be my lucky day." But before he could do anything a foot flew down and his blast swung off and destroyed a nearby building.

Captain Soifon stomped down on his head, twirling around in the air before landing on her feet before her defeated companions.

"Ha!" Kenpachi said upon seeing her." Sticked the landing."

"SHUT UP!" she yelled at him.

"Bakudo #62!" shouted a voice from the sky. Kugo looked up and saw Captain Hisagi coming down at him." Hyapprankan!" With a wave of his hands the pillars flew down and surrounded Kugo.

With him seeming in place Soifon prepared for her second strike.

"Shunko!" she said abandoning her Captain's cloak and charging forward surrounded in pure white energy, like wind. She managed to disappear before all of them and reappear before Kugo and kicked him in the face a second time, sending him into the air.

But as he flew Kugo decided to change his tactics. He ran his hand across his sword, changing it from Hyorinmaru to Ryujin Jakka. And when Soifon came at him he swung the blade down, engulfing her in fire.

"Now Ryujin Jakka?" Sajin said confused. "What power does he have?"

Shuhei appeared above Kugo and swung down with both his scythes. But Kugo turned and blocked. Their blades grinded together as they plummeted to the ground until Kugo managed to swing his completely down, shooting out the same blast of fire to Shuhei as he did for Soifon.

And he fell to the ground as black and crispy as she was.

Together Sajin and Kenpachi lunged at him. Despite their wounds they would fight on. Kugo ducked under Kenpachi's blade and blocked Sajin's. He raised his hand and blasted Kenpachi to the ground with a spiritual blast. Then he turned and punched Sajin in the chest, caving it in. Then with an added kick he sent Sajin down to the ground beside Kenpachi.

And it seemed the 4 Captains had fallen before his might.

Kugo raised his sword and prepared to deliver the finishing strike on these two foes. He swung his blade and prepared to see them evaporate under his spiritual pressure. But instead a pillar of ice and a cloud of ash blocked his path.

Kugo suddenly feared the worst. That Toshiro had returned and his plans would soon be up. But instead he was Lieutenant of Squad One Rangiku Matusmoto and Lieutenant of Squad 13 Rukia Kuchiki.

"Insects." He said. He raised his hand and fired a blast from it. The two Lieutenants jumped out of the way causing the blast to fly past them. Ripping up and destroying everything in it's path until it exploded.

But this battle had caused a lot of commotion. And slowly all the Captains started to come out of their barracks and view the cause of this destruction.

As light filled the air Kugo blocked the giant sword from Sajin Kommamura and with a push of his now godly strength sent it back. Just in time as he turned around to block an incoming kick from Soifon. He grabbed her by the ankle and threw her into the ground. Byakuya came up from the side and swung his sword but Kugo blocked. Kugo took his sword in both hands and swung and seemingly cut Byakuya in two, but it was only his Captain's coat.

The Kuchiki reappeared behind Kugo and cut him across the back. Kugo quickly turned around and swung his sword this time Byakuya disappeared from his sight completely.

And then a blast he hadn't seen coming hit him in the shoulder. Looking down he saw Matsuri Kudo Captain of Squad Five standing there.

"Hado #33 Shakkaho!" she yelled. And another blast shot from her hand. Kugo thought to give a similar attack. He turned and shot another blast from his hand. This time overwhelming Matsuri's and still coming down before her. But she managed to disappear before the blast could destroy her.

But while the battle raged on Yushiro Shihouin was running around on the ground, trying to help whoever he could.

"C'mon!" Yoruichi shouted. He looked up to see his sister fly over his head and into battle. She jumped up and swung a kick at Kugo, managing to knock Kugo in the back and sending him flying into the ground.

As he lay there in the rubble he looked up to see the pink pedals of Zenbonzakura. They took him on all sides, cutting him left and right. And were too numerous to be swatted away.

But by simply concentrating the energies of the Oin Kugo could make a shield to protect himself, and that's what he did. Soon enough the pedals could not touch him allowing him to heal.

"Swath Kotomaru!" Matsuri commanded. She raised her sword and swung it down, taking the shape of a Guandao with a small ax-blade just above the hilt. She raised her sword to the sky and with one slash sent a gust of wind flying through the air and at Kugo.

The blast was enough to knock him off his feet and into the air. But as Kugo was ready to retaliate both Soion and Yoruichi appeared above him. Together they raised their legs and sent him crashing down into the streets below.

All was quiet after that. And it seemed as if the battle might be over.

"I have had enough!" Kugo shouted as he moved into the air. His body began to glow like the sun, surging with all the energy of the Oin. And with all the power he had he was ready to wipe everyone and everything off the map. And he might have done it too.

But then a figure appeared in the sky. It was Toshiro returning from his imprisonment. But he was not alone. Right beside him was Ichibei, Oetsu and all the Royal Guard.

Toshiro and Ichibei flew down on both sides of Kugo and together pointed their open hands at Kugo.

"Kin!" Toshiro commanded.

"Bankin!" Ichibei said. And together the two called down the most powerful of the bakudo binding spells. Kugo was instantly wrapped up and tied in place as the group came crashing down to the ground.

Toshiro looked down to see Matsuri before him.

"Head-Captain." She smiled." I'm so happy you've returned." Toshiro reached down and put both his hands on her shoulders to help her to her feet.

"Captain Kudo, report." He commanded. Rangiku grimaced as he saw the way he held her.

"This man Kugo has some strange power." She told." We all arrived on the scene to bring him down, but he won't submit." Toshiro turned around to see Kugo slowly breaking free of his bindings.

"Is that the power of the Oin?" Toshiro asked.

"Indeed it is." Ichibei replied." The power to change reality at will. It is too much for any man to handle. Stand back Head-Captain, we shall handle this." He pulled a giant brush from his back." Blacken Ichimonji!" And he led the charge jumping forward with his brush and splattering black ink all over Kugo.

"These are my streets." Toshiro said." This is my home." He reached down at his belt and gripped the true Hyorinmaru from his belt and wielded it for all to see. The Captains and Lieutenants rallied behind him and prepared for his command.

"Attack!" Toshiro commanded. Everyone quickly jumped past him and lunged into battle. And Yushiro Shihouin did as the Head-Captain commanded. He had hoped to run and blind the foe with Nijigasumi thus giving everyone else a chance to attack. But when he was running he tripped over the sheath of his sword right as he raised his sword. But the attack was already called by the time he began and he fired it was he landed face-first in the dirt. And the light caused his shadow to shot out from under Yushiro slicing across the ground and right past the Head-Captain.

Toshiro jolted in his place before turning around and viewing the origin of the move.

"HIM!" He pointed a finger at Kugo." You idiot!"

"Bankai!" Sajin commanded. And the giant took fill form, rising high into the sky." Kokujo Tengen Myo." Byakuya let go of his sword and it dropped to the ground.

"Bankai Senbonzakura Kageroshi." The pedals were as numerous as the stars and massive as a wave. With a wave of his hand they flew up into the air and at Kugo.

He was preoccupied with the Zero Squad, locking swords against Ichibei. The monk swung his brush, managing to cover Kugo's left arm in black ink. But now sooner had he done that then he had disappeared, along with the other Elite Body guards. But then the Five Elite Guards disappeared as Kugo was consumed in the wave of pink.

It was here that Fujimaru saw firsthand the power of the Captains and the full power of the zanpaktou. And he liked it.

With a slash of his sword Kugo dispersed the flowers away from him just in time to see Zabimaru coming at him. Renji Abarai swung out Zabimaru but Kugo easily snatched it in his hands and broke it in two. Byakuya pointed his finger up and fire Byakurai but Kugo easily dodged and sent a similar blast down, destroying the street as Byakuya fled.

Captain Hisagi meanwhile jumped back into battle managing to stab both his blades into Kugo's back. Then as he jumped to the ground he pulled Kugo down with him, turning and swinging him into nearby buildings and against the ground. But Kugo swung his blade and cut Kazeshini by it's chains. Kugo then disappeared from their sight and only reappeared to shot Shuhei pointed blank in the chest. At such a close range he was unable to dodge.

But when the smoke cleared Toshiro himself appeared before Kugo. He raised his sword and came bearing down with all his power. Narrowly Kugo managed to put up his own sword and blocked.

But he knew he could not fight the Head-Captain in swordsmanship so he raised his hand and blasted him. But even at point blank Toshiro managed to dodge him. Using shunpo to instead appear from behind him and slash Kugo along the back.

Kenpachi jumped at him swinging his blade. But Kugo managed to block and with a punch to the chest sent him flying back to the ground. Even against the best of the Gotei 13 they were putting up a good fight. But even still it wasn't enough. They were falling before his might, none could stand against him.

Kugo then quickly turned and blasted Toshiro right in the chest with all his power, sending him back into the ground, collapsing him under a building.

"Toshiro!" Rangiku yelled.

"Head-Captain!" Matsuri called. Toshiro stood in the rubble with nothing more than a burn on his chest. He put his hand to the wound and quickly began putting Unohana's teachings to work.

Kugo turned just in time for Ichibei to appear before him against and with another swung of his brush covered his entire chest in ink. As an added distraction the giant sword of Tenken came bearing down at them. Ichibei disappeared once more as Kugo reached up and caught the blade.

Then he turned his attention to it's master. He pointed a finger at Sajin and blasted him right through his chest. Coming at him from the front now was the combined might of Rangiku and Rukia.

The ash came at Kugo with by simply raised his hand he made a wall to protect himself. He clashed his blade against Rukia and then with one punch send her flying to the ground.

But it was now that Ichibei appeared again.

"Do you not understand the power of my Ichimonji?" he asked. Kugo turned to see the Leader of the Royal Guard standing several feet behind him." My brush does not cut flesh but words. It's Black Ink causes whatever it covers to lose it's powers. And I see much black on you." He smiled. But Kugo was not prepared to believe him. He had become a God and nothing would deny him that power. Ichibei continued to smile noticing something from behind Kugo." Now Head-Captain!" He quickly darted out of the way as Kugo turned around to see Toshiro coming at him.

With a single slash of his sword Toshiro managed to cut Kugo's left hand, the hand that held the Oin and all it's power off his body. The object fell onto the floor. And not a moment later Ichibei tore his white coat off his back and onto the object covering it.

Kugo's power all at once left him. His body was still covered in ink and his sword changed back to it's original form, a big claymore. He dropped the weapon to the ground and fell to his knees. But if that wasn't enough he was stopped in place by Bakudo #61 Rikujokoro.

"Is it over?" Toshiro asked over his shoulder to Ichibei. The big man leaned down and held the artifact in his hands.

"Now it is." He said.

"Good." Toshiro said. He turned and looked at Kugo before him, bound in place." Captain Soifon." He said over his shoulder.

"Yes, sir!" she appeared beside him.

"Take him away and lock him up."

"Right away, sir." But it seemed Kugo had one last trick up his sleeve. The power of the Oin had not entirely left him yet. With a yell he managed to emit a bright light. Blinding to all those looking on and hot enough to burn him from his bindings. When everyone looked back Kugo was gone. And Toshiro's face grew red as a cherry and a vein appeared on his forehead.

"All of you go!" He commanded turning around." Find him! Search everywhere!" Every Soul Reaper present quickly began running and moving past Toshiro. Even the wounded Kenpachi and Sajin prepared to go." Not you!" Toshiro yelled putting a hand on both their shoulders and forcing them to sit down.

"Ahem." Ichibei said."We'll be going now." He said calmly over Toshiro's shoulder.

"As you wish. "Toshiro replied trying but failing to take the grumpiness out of his voice. Ichibei nodded and began leading the way as his fellow Royal Guard members followed him.

"Be cool, kid." Oetsu said as he left.

Toshiro rubbed his eyes and when he stopped he noticed Captain Unohana had come on the scene.

"Captain." He addressed her." Captains Kommamura and Zaraki need your immediate attention." She nodded her understanding and quickly placed a healing barrier around them." I swear." Toshiro grumbled." Of all the no good fucking-OW" He yelled a Unohana reached up and smacked him in the back of the head." What was that for?!"

"You shouldn't use foul language." She said with a smile." There are children present."

"What?" He questioned. He looked over and saw Hanataro pulling Fujimaru Kudo out of the nearby rubble. He turned away with a grimace and a grumble.

"Captain!" Rangiku said as she ran across the battlefield. She jumped forward and put both her arms around him. Toshiro seemed to forget where he was allowing a small smile to appear on his lips as she rested her face against his chest.

"Rangiku!" He growled. She let out and stepped back a few feet away from him, standing next to Rukia.

"We're happy to have you back Master." Rukia said." Does this mean it's over?"

"Yes." Toshiro answered with a sigh. He turned his head and looked at the destruction around them." For now." He turned back to the two women before him." Lieutenants get a clean-up crew ready. I want all this gone by Morning."

"What?" questioned Rangiku." Haven't we done enough already?"

"The short answer is No."

"We tried to free you!" Rangiku let out.

"You left the order almost leaderless at a time when they needed one the most. And as you can see the problem eventually came here." He motioned to the destruction around them.

"We couldn't have known that!" Rangiku argued." Would you have wanted we to wait around like Chojiro?!"

"Chojiro." Toshiro said as he prepared to start walking away." Now there's a man with his priorities straight."

"What?!" exclaimed Rangiku. But Toshiro turned, he stopped before Yushiro Shihouin. His shadow draping over the young boy.

"And you!" he said with an inhaled breath. Yushiro shifted his eyes upward and at him, but shook when their eyes met." Learn to use that thing properly." He exhaled. Without another word he turned and began walking away.

It had been a long day for all of them. Fighting Gods and the Destruction of nearly half the Soul Society was enough to put anyone to bed early.

But Toshiro had one last conversation to deal with that night. Surrounding him in his office was Captains Unohana, Ukitake, and Kyoraku along with his own Lieutenants.

"Well that seemed refreshing." Shunsui commented. Toshiro rubbed his forehead annoyed. The news had already come in that Kugo had already evaded capture. Soifon had already dispatched teams all throughout the Soul Society. But if they didn't find him now Toshiro feared they might never." Look on the bright side, Shiro. Everyone's okay…more or less."

"Yea he's right Captain." Rangiku agreed. Toshiro let out a groan.

"Next time we might not be so lucky." Ukitake commented as he stepped up." I don't like to think this way but perhaps you should choose a substitute." He said looking at the sitting Head-Captain." Something to take your place if the worst should happen."

"Nothing will happen." Toshiro said. He rose from his chair and walked over to the balcony. But Ukitake would not relent he followed after Toshiro.

"You were missing for less than a day." Ukitake said." And look what it's done." He pointed down to the streets and buildings below. Or rather where the streets and buildings used to be until they were destroyed in the most recent battle." If something should ever happen we need the right commander." Toshiro could not believe this. Had he not been tested enough? Did Ukitake not train Toshiro himself? Had he not seen the power he possessed, he was more powerful than Yamamoto ever was. How could they doubt him?

"Head-Captain." Unohana said as she stepped up." You know it would be the smart thing to do." Toshiro let in a deep breath and exhaled just a deeply. They were right and it hated to admit it.

He was hoping he'd have to make this choice later in his career. But after Yamamoto's passing and his recent incarceration the idea of a leaderless Gotei 13 was a frightening one. So he would do what needed to be done.

Naturally the best candidates stood before him. Ukitake who recommended the idea, Unohanna who could both heal and fight, Loyal Chojiro or even Rangiku. He scanned everyone one of them.

"Captain Kyoraku." He finally called out.

"Hmh?" Shunsui replied. Toshiro crossed the distance between them and laid his hand on Shunsui's shoulder.

"If one day I should fail to lead, you shall me friend."

"I'm uh I'm flattered." Shunsui answered. He was shocked at first clearly but then his usual smile returned." Heh just don't go getting yourself killed now." He patted Toshiro on the shoulder.

That was the way it was meant to be. Perhaps had Toshiro not accepted the offer all those years ago Shunsui might have ended up being the Head-Captain now. And he might still get his chance in the future.