Walking through the pathways was a middle age man with a top knot, wearing a black uniform and a white haori flowing in the wind. The man was admiring the repairs that were happening to all the structures around him. "Sensei!" a voice cried out. "Hmm?" The man turned around a saw a shaggy haired boy run up to him. "What do you want Shunsui?" The man asked? "What lesson are we working on today, Yamaji?" Shunsui inquired. "We'll be working on your swordsmanship." Yamamoto replied. "Awesome!" Shunsui cheered. "Why are you roaming around? Shouldn't you be reading and practicing your Hakudo?" Yamamoto huffed. "I got bored with all that and went looking for you." Shunsui sighed. "You've got to learn patience if you hope to succeed in life. Your studies will help you learn this as well as a calm mind and self-control." Yamamoto informed him.
"He's right." A voiced giggled catching Shunsui off guard. Turning around he saw a slender woman with a large chest and round glasses standing in their midst. "Captain Katori!" Shunsui yelped. " Hello there little Shunsui, how's your day going?" Batsu'unsai asked. "It's alright." Shunsui smiled eyeing her chest as he received a whack on the head from Yamamoto. "Ouch! What was that for?" Shunsui pouted. "Don't act like you don't know." Yamamoto huffed. Always being mischievous." Said a voice from behind. Turning Shunsui saw a tall pale man leaning against the wall. "Hello Captain Shigyou." Shunsui stammered. The man nodded in response. "Nobutsuna, are you busy later on tonight?" Batsu'unsai wondered. "Not entirely. Is there something I could do for you?" Nobutsuna asked. "Wondering if you could help me with a dish I've been working on. Need to know if it's any good. Plus some Kido work." Batsu'unsai stated batting her eyes. "Um sure I guess I could sample it." Nobutsuna answered. "Excellent I'll see you in my quarters around 7:00." Batsu'unsai smiled walking away. "Nice job." Shunsui chuckled. "I don't know what you're talking about." Nobutsuna huffed as the three turned to keep on their way when they noticed a man leaning up against the wall. He was tall dressed in Captain Attire. He had olive skin, golden eyes, and shaggy white hair. He had a smirk on his face. "What's funny?" Nobutsuna grunted. He didn't respond and only continued smirking and nodding his head. "Well.." Yamamoto started. "Have fun." The olive skinned Captain stated. "Don't stay out too long now. You've got a Captain's Meeting to attend in the morning ." Yamamoto chuckled. "It's not like that at all." Nobutsuna insisted. "Right sure." Shunsui laughed. "Don't you have Kido to practice?" Nobutsuna growled glaring at Shunsui. "Yes Captain Shigyou I was just going to do that." Shunsui replied nervously running off. "I'll get you in an hour for your Zanjutsu lesson." Yamamoto hollered. "You didn't have to be so mean Nobutsuna." The olive skin Captain conveyed. "Yeah I did, Chika. He needs some discipline. And his Kido progress is slow as hell." Nobutsuna huffed. "Well maybe your expectations are too high. After all you created Kido, so you should know how difficult it can be." Chika pointed out. "Yeah whatever, how's his Hakudo?" Nobutsuna asked. "Steady." Chika said as the two joined Yamamoto in walking. "Sounds better than his Zanjutsu." Yamamoto sighed. " Get Yachiru to teach him." Nobutsuna chuckled. Chika and Yamamoto both gave him the side eye. "What?" Nobutsuna shrugged. "We want the boy the learn how to use a sword, not be traumatized and never want to be in a room with one." Chika scoffed. "Fear builds character. Plus Yachiru won't scare him too much. Now if he trained with Entetsu or Zenjoji…the boy would need therapy." Nobutsuna laughed.
On the other side of the Seireitei a burly man was working on something in a lab. He had makeup on his face with a U forming out of the red portion. There was a figure on the bed covered by a sheet. The man was running data on a computer and liking what he was seeing. As he was working a knock came from the door. "What?!" Huffed the burly man. The door opened and revealed a tall man with glasses and a well-defined jaw. "What do you want Kinroku?" Sighed the burly man. "Just seeing what you're working on, Zenjoji. You know anything about the random disappearances that's been happening?" Kinroku asked. "Not really. Though I have noticed some weird things in the Land of the Living and some investigating may be needed." Zenjoji replied. "I agree, we might be able to find some things out. It might have something to do with the Quincy that survived the war." Kinroku conveyed. "That's why we go undercover or rather you go undercover." Zenjoji smiled. "The hell are you talking about?" Kinroku wondered. "My new invention." Zenjoji chuckled removing the sheet and revealing a blank body. "What in Reio's name is that?" Kinroku questioned. "It's a Gigai, something that can allow us to interact with the humans once you enter it, your appearance will take over its frame. We can learn if something is happening before the disappearances and if they are noticing something." Zenjoji explained. "Hmm that is quite the plan. But why do I have to go undercover?" Kinroku inquired. "Well I believe a Captain should go for the strength, and quite frankly you're one of the more normal looking out of us all. For the region we're investigating Chika would stick out and women don't really have much authority." Zenjoji explained. "Hmm. You have valid points. But a woman could talk to the other women and get their point of view as well. Batsu'unsai would be best suited to come along. Two Captains are better than one after all." Kinroku stated. "Well yeah she's best suited Furoufushi is too loud and Yachiru is too blade happy. I'm going to need you two for some more test and development to make the Gigais match you." Zenjoji said. "Ok….wait….did you get approval from Genryusai about this?" Kinroku asked. "Not yet but I'm sure he'll say yes." Zenjoji smiled.
In the academy Shunsui was finishing his training alongside his friend Jushiro. "So what do you want to do now that we're free?" Shunsui asked with a grin. "I say we do a bit of studying." Jushiro answered. " You can't be serious. I say we do something fun." Shunsui retorted. "Your version of fun always involves us getting in trouble." Jushiro whined. "Oh come on we're only young for a little while." Shunsui protested. "True but someday we will be Captains of the Gotei." Jushiro declared proudly. "That's a ways away live in the now." Shunsui sighed. "Whatever." Jushiro huffed giving into Shunsui's demands. The two then ran off to play throughout the Seireitei. While they were playing they came across roof tops displaying decent usage of Shunpo they caught to eye of someone. While they were leaping around playing tag, Jushiro bumped into someone. "My my young lad, you should watch your surroundings more." Hissed a raspy voice. Looking up Jushiro saw the elderly Captain of the 13th Division. "I'm sorry Captain Sakahone, I promise to be more careful next time." Jushiro apologized. "Better be." Saizou hissed. "Man he's creepy." Shunsui whispered to Jushiro. "I heard that. Make sure you pace yourself with your steps. Gives you better control and allows you to move faster." Saizou commented as he vanished.
Elsewhere Furuoki and Furoufushi were discussing the day to day routines of the Seireitei. "So how is your division shaping up?" Furuoki pondered. "Ok I guess. It just things are so boring now. I need some action." Furoufushi wailed. "Well make your own activities. Heard Entetsu is giving his division a job or something." Furuoki sighed. " What about you?" Furoufushi pondered. "I'm thinking of something to do with history possibly. Maybe you could have your division deal with agriculture or something." Furuoki suggested. "As if!" Furoufushi cackled. "You laugh too loud." A deep voice said startling them both. In the shadows they saw a figure with spectacles and a gold mouth. "Shit Entetsu what the hell are you trying to do give me a heart attack!" Furoufushi growled. "No was just seeing what you two were up to this evening." Entetsu replied approaching them. "Just talking about our divisions and what purpose they may get." Furuoki responded. "I see. I'm giving mine the job of a police force. Making sure everyone follows the rules and acts as security for the Seireitei." Entetsu told them. "Sounds troubling." Furoufushi huffed. "Whatever you say. I'll see you two tomorrow at the Captain's Meeting. Goodnight." Entetsu said walking back into the shadows.
Going to Batsu'unsai's quarters Nobutsuna knocked on the door and waited for a response. "Oh come in!" Batsu'unsai called out cheerfully. "Good evening, how was your day?" He asked. "It was quite well and yours?" Batsu'unsai asked tenderly. "It was rough. Teaching can be a real hassle some days." Nobutsuna sighed. "Well hopefully this meal makes it better if not there's more to come afterwards." Batsu'unsai smiled. "Dessert sounds good as well." Nobutsuna chuckled. "If you want to call it that." Batsu'unsai snickered. After a couple of minutes dinner was ready. It was boiled ramen with grilled chicken, baked shrimp, and fried sausage pieces with pieces of onions and peppers for extra seasoning. "Looks quite well." Nobutsuna complimented. "Why thank you." Batsu'unsai giggled. The two ate and conversed about the daily functions of the Gotei. "I think we need to make sure majority of our forces should be Lieutenant level, that way we'd have a higher average of fighting power." Batsu'unsai suggested. "I was thinking the same we are warriors and we need all the power we can get in order to keep the hold we have. Plus some of those damn Quincy are still out there and we will have to take them all out one day." Nobutsuna grunted. "We'll need to increase the intensity of the training as well as the variety." Batsu'unsai commented. "That is true. Right now everyone is in classes they feel suited for we may have to make all of them mandatory." Nobutsuna stated. "What's the best way to go about using my offensive Kido?" Batsu'unsai asked. "Just let it flow through you like you would your own innate power. In some ways treat it like your Zanpakuto." Nobutsuna stated. "Thanks. Well that's enough of business talk. How about some relaxation?" Batsu'unsai said gesturing for Nobutsuna to follow her. "Here I'll light some candles." She said softly. "Um ok." Nobutsuna said unsure of where this was going. " So what do you do in your spare time?" Batsu'unsai asked. "Not much but train, meditate, and come up with new Kido spells. Sometimes I read and enjoy the night sky." Nobutsuna said. "Well we can enjoy the night together." Batsu'unsai giggled as she stroked Nobutsuna's goatee. "Oh…I see." Nobutsuna grinned. the two then embraced slowly but firmly. Batsu'unsai nibbled on Nobutsuna's ear. In response he kissed her on the neck and then lifted her in the air as her legs wrapped around his torso. The two were then entwined and made sweet passionate love. After half an hour the two were laying down on the bed. "That was excellent." Batsu'unsai gasped. "Yes it was. You're a phenomenal woman." Nobutsuna complimented. "Why thank you." Batsu'unsai blushed. "I hate to leave like this but." Nobutsuna started. "It's late you should be going." She finished. "I'd love to spend more free time together. Have a goodnight." Nobutsuna said as he kissed her on the cheek and left.
The next morning the Captains met in the 1st Division Hall. "So for today's antennary we'll be discussing the disappearances in the Land of the Living." Yamamoto started. "What has been happening is humans have been vanishing and some have become incredibly violent. We need to get to the bottom of this." Yamamoto declared. "I have a suggestion. We send two Captains to village were the most disappearances have happened and they investigate and question those there and see what they know." Zenjoji announced. "How the hell are we going to question people that can't see us?" Danjiro observed. "With this." Zenjoji replied revealing his new invention. "It's called a Gigai. We can use it to interact with the living." He informed everyone. "With this I believe we should have two Captains use them and stay in the Land of the Living for a while and gather intel. That way we can learn more and have two powerhouses there as well till we get more soldiers on the level." Zenjoji stated. "Interesting creation. I'd love to see how the Land of the Living is right now." Yachiru voiced. "Hmmm yeah I was thinking we send someone more subtle." Zenjoji muttered. "I can be subtle." Yachiru argued glaring at at him with piercing eyes. "Settle down you two. Are there any volunteers for such a mission?" Yamamoto inquired. "I'll go." Kinroku sighed knowing he'd most likely be chosen. "Can I tag along?!" Batsu'unsai chimed in. "Yes. You two won't draw too much attention and can blend in pretty well. When can they leave?" Yamamoto asked. " Pretty much immediately." Zenjoji replied. "Good. You will help them get prepped and leave with haste." Yamamoto ordered. " As you wish Commander." Zenjoji stated. As the Captain's Meeting was dismissed, Kinroku and Batsu'unsai followed Zenjoji to his lab to get set up.
Entering the lab, Zenjoji went over the procedure to enter the Gigai. "Alright you basically just resonate with it and you enter it. Once inside your connected and need a proper seal to release you. Thanks you to Nobutsuna we have one." Zenjoji explained handing them a glove with the seal on it. "Hmm this is revolutionary." Kinroku stated. "Thanks. Now get going you two." Zenjoji huffed. "Right lets go." Batsu'unsai said eagerly. "Don't forget to have limiters placed on you so you don't negatively affect the world." Zenjoji stated Going to the Land of the Living they entered their Gigais and experienced the feeling of being somewhat human. "Wow so this is what it feels like. Hmm. Interesting." Kinroku observed. "That it is. We don't have our powers per say but we are also of the living in a way." Batsu'unsai conveyed. "Let's go shall we. Make sure you take good notes." Kinroku stated. "I know how to do my job." Batsu'unsai scoffed.
Separating the two went to the village and began to chat with some of the residence. Batsu'unsai went to a small tea shop and began to talk to the ladies. "Hello, I'm Batsu. My husband and I are passing through. This is such a lovely shop." She expressed. "Thank you." Said a petite woman who handed her a cup of jasmine tea. "What brings you here?" Asked another woman. We are on our way to the city and made a detour to stop here and rest. We were going to stop at another village but heard odd things about it. Like random disappearances." Batsu'unsai stated seeing if she could bait them and get info. "I see…there have been weird things around here as well. Some people I know have been acting emotionally different and tense." Said a short round woman. "Oh my. Something must be going around." Batsu'unsai said keeping her cover and analyzing what might be going on.
Kinroku was going through the village and observing the people. Some were normal but there were those who seemed slightly off. They were either extremely angry or tumid. In certain parts of the village the temperature was extremely low. "This is most troubling." He said to himself. Doing more investigating, he came across a spirit that seemed weird. It was bloodied like it came in contact with something. Following the spirit, Kinroku then suddenly sensed an immense spiritual pressure. Instantly the spirit was hit hard and taken away through a portal. "Shit." Kinroku sighed.
Finding a guest house to stay in the two Captains discussed their findings. "Seems like hollows might be at work here." Kinroku stated. "Doubtful, while hollows are powerful this seems too organized to me." Batsu'unsai voiced. "There is that. Plus the reitsu I felt didn't seem exactly like a hollow. Well not fully that is." Kinroku stated. "What? Are you suggesting some sort of mutant hollow?" Batsu'unsai inquired. "Exactly, whatever is active here is different from an ordinary hollow." Kinroku grunted. Later that night while the two were resting a presence fell upon the village. "We got something." Kinroku stated. The two vacated their Gigais and dashed towards the center of the presence. There they found a man in a dark red suite and a long red trench coat. He had long black hair and a hole near his shoulder and remnants of mask around his neck. At his side was a sword. "My goodness a couple of Shinigami. Hmm it seems that you are Captains. This will be most interesting." Said the man with a sinister grin. "What the hell are you?" Kinroku questioned. " I'm somewhat of a new being." He replied licking his lips. " Well you're about to have a short lived existence." Batsu'unsai threatened drawing her sword. In an instant she engaged the man and they clashed with much fierceness while Kinroku observed the man's movements and abilities. Soon the man drew his blade and Batsu'unsai found herself briefly on the back foot. "Slice, Aiangādian." Batsu'unsai declared. Twirling her sword it shifted into a large spear like weapon. She then managed to catch him off guard. "Aianshotto!" She shouted pointed her Shikai at the man and releasing a powerful beam of iron and energy that sent the man into the woods. "That actually stung." The man snarled.
Recovering he released more reitsu and shot a burgundy Cero at Batsu'unsai. "Shred Kazarashi." Kinroku uttered as his katana transformed into a willow leaf sabre. Shooting a blast of wind towards the Cero he offset the blast. "I didn't need your help." Batsu'unsai growled. "Well you got it. This isn't an ordinary hollow." Kinroku huffed. The two Captains then dashed towards the man and double teamed him only for him to draw his sword and hold them both off for a brief while. Eventually he got overwhelmed. Batsu'unsai was about to bash his head in when a purple Cero hit her from the side and set her flying back. Sending a shredding tornado in that direction, Kinroku hit a blonde female with a broken mask and a whole in her shin. " Batsu! Are you ok?! Kinroku asked. "Yeah I'm peachy." She replied getting back on her feet. "Fighting two Captains at once isn't wise while holding back." The woman said going to her comrade. "Shut it Zylu." He grunted. "Who are you two?" Batsu'unsai inquired. "Belzor and I are Arrancar. Hollows that have broken their mask and obtained the powers of Shinigami." Zylu explained. Hearing this brought great shock to the Captains. "So what gives with all the taking of the humans?" Kinroku asked. " Source of fuel to create more of us." Belzor grinned. The Captains tried to rush to two but were halted by a Garganta. "Damn it." Batsu'unsai snarled as the two ascended into the sky back to Hueco Mundo. "Least we know a bit of something about what's going on." Kinroku sighed. The two then gathered their Gigais and left back for the Soul Society.
Going to Yamamoto the two went to give their report. " What did you find out?" Yamamoto asked. "We're dealing with creatures called Arrancar. They are Hollows that broke their mask and have obtained the powers of a Shinigami. We only saw a fraction of their power but they were able to go to toe with us even while we were limited. So these guys are definitely not something we should take lightly. We don't know what else they can do. I It is possible they can do something similar to Shikai and Bankai. They did have Zanpakuto." Kinroku stated. "They've also been abducting humans to fuel their numbers. Most likely by consuming them." Batsu'unsai added. "This is most troubling. Wish you got in a more heated fight with them but at least we found something out about them. Good work." Yamamoto said. "Thanks, is there anything else we can do for you?" Batsu'unsai asked. "No you're both dismissed." Yamamoto replied.
In Hueco Mundo Belzor and Zylu were regrouping with their fellow Arrancar. "How was the hunting?" A curvy female Arrancar inquired. "It was decent till some Shinigami Captains showed up." Belzor huffed. "Damn that's not good. This will make things more complicated." A buff male Arrancar spat. "So what are we going to do about this?" The curvy Arrancar sighed. "We will do whatever it takes to do be rid of the Shinigami and have all the humans we want." Zylu cackled. "Then we must prepare for an invasion. Right now there are only two dozen of us and a hundred powerful Menos. Soon we will slaughter them all and claim their land for our own!" Belzor belted causing all the Arrancar to cheer and raise their reitsu in response.