So, FF is still not sending me any alerts for anything, so naturally I've taken the next logical step and created a discord server. Its purpose is largely feedback and discussion around my stories and their canon material, but also to discuss things more generally (and off-topic) and a direct way for me to provide advice to other people who may need it and of course, memes.
The other benefit is I will check that more often than I check my FF inbox and will also help all of you discuss things with each other. It is pretty bare bones at the moment but has space for things to be added in later.
Link to server is dis cord .gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG
Trolls and rude people will be booted and banned as this is supposed to be a fun place so let's keep it that way.
Briefing his parents on the current situation with the Zanpakutou and Blanks, Ichigo and the rest of the Kurosaki family, with Senna included, would go to an amusement park. Ichigo and Senna would run into Shinji and Lisa who asked Ichigo for help with their Inner hollows, with Ichigo agreeing to meet with them soon. The other Kurosaki's enjoyed their time and while heading home, were attacked by the Ryoudoji Clan, calling themselves the Dark Ones. Isshin and Masaki would drive them back with ease, with Ichigo and Isshin going to discuss things with Kisuke, who would connect several dots and reveal the truth of Senna's nature. Before going to sleep, Ichigo would pass on the message from Zangetsu regarding the eventual attack of the Zanpakutou to Nemu, who had taken residence in his closet.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Bleach anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou talking'
"Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 20 – First blood
In Soul Society the next morning, the Shinigami were on guard, preparing for a prophesied ambush attack. Sweeping orders applying to everyone including the captains consisted of only travelling in pairs and if possible, to remain close to others who covered their weaknesses. It was for this reason, most of the Eleventh Division had been dispersed amongst the other divisions, taking advantage of their skill in Zanjutsu. It was also for this reason, some rather odd combinations had been put together, perhaps none more so than Ikkaku and Yumichika manning the main guard of the Fourth Division.
'We aren't going to see any action here.' Sighed Ikkaku.
'Don't be so sure, if those Zanpakutou use their brains, it is obvious that attacking the Fourth Division is the most prudent tactical move.' Said Yumichika.
'So we should get the strongest of them then, right?' Asked Ikkaku, perking up at the thought.
'Of course.' Said Yumichika, as Ikkaku preceding to start doing a dance.
'So who are we going to get then?' Asked Ikkaku after some thought.
'If I had to guess, one of the Captains' Zanpakutou. I wouldn't be surprised to see either the Zanpakutou of the Sixth or Tenth Division come here.' Said Yumichika, only for a strange butterfly-child hybrid to float over to them.
'What is that thing?' Asked Ikkaku.
'I'm not sure, it has such an odd sense of style though, my best guess would be that it must belong to the only other person in Soul Society with such a strange style.' Said Yumichika.
'So does this mean we can fight now?' Asked Ikkaku, only for the strange creature to give a strangled cry and eject a plume of poison smoke from its mouth.
'That's not going to work on me.' Said Ikkaku, unsheathing his sword and placing it end to end with his sheath, before spinning them, causing a vortex of air to catch the plume of noxious chemicals and redirect it into the air where it was harmlessly dispersed.
'Come!' Said Ikkaku, rushing the creature with his blade poised to stab, only for a multitude of blades to erupt out of the insectoid creature, clashing with Ikkaku.
'Oh, now that's a lucky skill, but I can get around that.' Said Ikkaku, keeping his sheath and sword held together and switching his grip so it appeared he was holding a staff instead of a blade and sheath.
'Let's go!' Said Ikkaku, thrusting his makeshift weapon at the small creature, which bobbed and weaved like an actual butterfly out of the way of the attacks, occasionally darting forward to attack, but was blocked handily by Ikkaku twirling his weapon and guard.
The fight continued on for a while with neither side managing a strike, before Ikkaku became frustrated and charged uncaringly at the creature, enduring a strike to his left forearm, but allowing him to strike the halo above the creatures head, causing it to screech in pain.
'Haha, lucky me. You could have hit the hand or the elbow, but you hit the forearm instead, so I can keep going.' Said Ikkaku, moving his hand around to prove his point, which caused an angry mark to appear on the childlike spirit's forehead, before opening its mouth and spewing more gas.
'It won't work on someone as lucky as me.' Said Ikkaku, twirling his blade again, only for the spirit to blast through the cloud and charge straight at Ikkaku, blades inching closer to the Shinigami.
'Bring it!' Said Ikkaku, charging to meet the spirit, only to find a chain wrapped around his ankle.
'Cheater!' Exclaimed Ikkaku, before a wave of blueish-white rods surrounded Ikkaku and deflected the bladed spirits attack, much to its frustration.
'Sorry to step in, Ikkaku, but it seems my own Zanpakutou has no honour. Isn't that so, Kazeshini?' Said Shuuhei, as he intervened in the fight.
'Honour? This is life and death, what good is honour in a fight to the death?' Mocked the spirit which revealed itself, a thin, dark apparition, clad in dark grey strips of cloth, with two kusarigama held aloft, one on each shoulder, with a link of chain between them.
'Well, guess we are all getting involved now.' Said Haineko.
'Well, if the element of surprise is gone, it does become the most logical tactical move.' Said Tobiume.
'Oh, look at you, using such big words, impressive.' Teased Haineko.
'Too bad it was the obvious move.' Said Rangiku, appearing with Momo and Toshiro.
'Well of course it was obvious, we expected it to be seen as obvious.' Said Haineko as another group of Zanpakutou spirits appeared.
The new spirits which appeared were a beastly man with flames coming out of his mouth, an older looking man with a strange contraption on his back and a tall, handsome looking man with long teal hair.
'Here I wanted a one-on-one fight and instead this is turning into a battle royale. I better make sure Captain doesn't find out about this or he will be fuming.' Said Ikkaku excitedly.
'Battle Royale doesn't fit since we outnumber you.' Said Haineko, only for a sharp whistle to sound out.
'You were saying?' Said Soi Fon, appearing with her Lieutenant and numerous members of the stealth force, who surrounded the Zanpakutou.
'I don't get why we are staggering things anyway. Everyone here knew this is where things were going to go down. Not like it matters really.' Said Zangetsu, only to wave his hand near the side of his face.
'Leave me alone, you know that's not going to work.' Said Zangetsu.
'I'll make it work somehow.' Said Suzumebachi, who was attempting to stab Zangetsu anywhere at all.
'Don't you have a grudge or something to deal with, that's your Shinigami, isn't it?' Questioned Zangetsu, weakly swatting the hornet away.
'Fine, I'll deal with you later.' Said Suzumebachi, before flying off to confront Soi Fon.
'Don't tell me, you're Suzumebachi.' Said Soi Fon, sound somewhat disappointed.
'What kind of attitude is that? You act like you don't even recognise me. I guess I need to dress up like a cat to get your attention.' Huffed Soi Fon.
'What are you trying to say?' Asked Soi Fon.
'Isn't it obvious, you need to spend less time focusing on Yoruichi and more time on yourself, this is why you still don't have a boyfriend.' Said Suzumebachi, causing Omaeda to edge away from his Captain, as she silently trembled.
'That's what you wanted to say to me? That I spend too much time thinking about Lady Yoruichi and should look for a man?' Asked Soi Fon.
'Exactly and we both know who it should be as well. Don't try to deny it.' Said Suzumebachi, momentarily confusing Soi Fon.
'We do?' Asked Soi Fon with narrow eyes, causing her Zanpakutou spirit to grab her head in frustration.
'Really? How can you be so dumb? It should be Ichigo obviously.' Said Suzumebachi, causing the few that were still around to look at the Zanpakutou spirit strangely.
'How did you come to that opinion?' Asked Rangiku.
'I don't know, I think it makes sense.' Said Momo.
'Of course you'd think that too, you just want someone else to protect you and who better than the person who says his name means to protect.' Said Tobiume derisively.
'At least his sword is big though.' Commented Haineko.
'Hey! I am that sword! You better show me some respect.' Said Zangetsu.
'You're so dull though, you're not a challenge at all.' Said Haineko.
'Oh the damage I am going to do one of these days, especially now that he is finally making moves.' Said Zangetsu in amusement.
'What do you mean?' Asked Suzumebachi outraged.
'I mean he is already kissing other girls pointy.' Said Zangetsu, enjoying how flustered Suzumebachi became at this piece of information.
'See, now you're too late.' Said Suzumebachi angrily, causing Soi Fon to flinch.
'You're awfully serious about all this Suzumebachi. Besides, if you are looking out for yourself, why don't you go and make him your boyfriend?' Questioned Soi Fon.
'How are you this dense? Unless he comes here, how am I supposed to get to him, you need to do the leg work obviously.' Said Suzumebachi.
'That's what you get for being small fry.' Said Haineko, causing Suzumebachi to zip across to her.
'You keep it down. Aside from your floaters you have nothing else to offer anyone.' Said Suzumebachi.
'Well, I don't really need anything else, do I?' Quipped Haineko teasingly.
'I thought this was supposed to be a fight, not a Seireitei Communication Monthly magazine edition of how to get your man for Zanpakutou.' Said Shuuhei.
'Don't worry about the women, I'm enough to take on the entire Soul Society really. I'll reap everyone.' Said Kazeshini.
'You still don't have respect for life.' Commented Shuuhei.
'Me? You're the one who still doesn't get it. We are Shinigami, Soul Reapers if you aren't going around killing and reaping souls, you aren't doing your job now, are you?' Retorted Kazeshini.
'There is more to this job than taking lives, we are also supposed to protect the innocent.' Retorted Shuuhei.
'What are you? Some kind of wannabe superhero? Doesn't matter anyway, because I'm not tied down to you anymore.' Said Kazeshini.
'Are we done talking yet?' Asked Ikkaku in exasperation.
'We are.' Said Shuuhei, before resuming the combat.
Shuuhei charged Kazeshini who cackled and threw himself towards his previous wielder, seeking to shred him. Shuuhei ducked the obvious frontal attack and used a flash-step to get behind Kazeshini, only to find the other Kusarigama waiting for him.
'Do you really think you have a trick I'm not expecting?' Mocked Kazeshini, only for Shuuhei to fade away.
'You should know that I always prefer to look my opponent in the eye.' Said Shuuhei, appearing in front of Kazeshini and thrusting his blade towards his right shoulder.
Kazeshini twisted around the attack, before starting to spin around rapidly, causing numerous wind blades to be launched in all directions. Shuuhei endured the hits with a quick defensive Bakudou which shattered after a few hits.
'Watch where you throw those things!' Shouted Haineko.
'Well if you weren't too lazy to dodge it wouldn't be a problem, right?' Asked Rangiku, as she drew her sword.
'Careful old lady, don't want you throwing your back out.' Mocked Haineko, causing the Lieutenant to grind her teeth.
'I'll teach you.' Said Rangiku, before rushing Haineko, only for a wave of ash to spring up in front of her, causing her to stop in place.
Once the ash cloud had disappeared, Rangiku had only seconds to dodge, as a ball of fire was launched at her. Rangiku spotted her attacker to be Tobiume, but was left searching for Haineko.
'Got you now.' Said Haineko, attacking Rangiku from behind, only to suddenly retreat to avoid another ball of fire, this time in the form of Kidou.
Haineko flinched as she felt an orange tendril wrap around her.
'You didn't think we weren't expecting the two of you to team up, did you? We do it better of course.' Said Rangiku, standing with her blade against Tobiume, having seized on her moment of distraction with Haineko's capture.
Momo was startled as she suddenly felt her Kidou disconnected and looked to see that Haineko had been rescued by the handsome teal haired man.
'So you've finally gotten involved, Hyourinmaru.' Said Toshiro.
The teal haired man looked at Toshiro in confusion.
'Who is Hyourinmaru and who are you?' Asked the man.
'Isn't it obvious? Is this not why you rebelled, because you were dissatisfied with me, Hyourinmaru?' Asked Toshiro.
'I don't know what you are talking about, I have no memories of you.' Said Hyourinmaru.
'How can that be? Why are you working for Muramasa if you do not even remember who you are?' Asked Toshiro.
'I work for Muramasa for now while I search for my master. As my power is so great, I could only belong to the strongest Shinigami of all.' Said the man.
'Wow captain, I didn't know you were so vain.' Teased Rangiku.
'Surely you must be joking. You cannot expect me to believe a child could wield my power.' Commented the man.
'It is the truth though, Shiro and you have been together since the beginning, even before he knew he had your power.' Added Momo.
'Why don't the two of you stay out of this?' Said Haineko.
'Yes, that is true. Rangiku, Momo, leave this to me. I see words will not convince you, Hyourinmaru, therefore it is logical that you will only submit once I defeat you in battle.' Said Toshiro.
Hyourinmaru leaped to the side, distancing himself from the other Zanpakutou, with Toshiro doing the same as they prepared to battle. The two both charged each other, with Toshiro briefly making contact with Hyourinmaru, before vanishing and appearing behind him, blade poised to strike. Hyourinmaru pushed forward with his momentum and used it to spin, before launching an icicle at Toshiro, as he turned around to meet the attack. The diminutive captain raised his sword to block the attack, only for the attack to carry more of an impact than Toshiro was expecting, sending him flying backwards. Hyourinmaru appeared high in the air and launched a wave of icicles in the direction Toshiro was flying. The diminutive captain flashed away, leaping backwards to avoid the spray of deadly projectiles, only to find Hyourinmaru was behind him, levelling a downward vertical slash which would have bisected him, had he not raised his blade, sending him flying to the ground. Landing on solid stone once again, Toshiro switched his approach.
'Bakudou #61. Rikujoukourou.' Called Toshiro levelling his right index finger at the airborne Hyourinmaru, causing six beams of light to slam into his midsection.
'Bakudou #4. Hainawa.' Continued Toshiro, causing a yellow rope to wrap around Hyourinmaru, with Toshiro attempting to drag him down using the rope.
'A waste of effort.' Said Hyourinmaru, before the temperature in the area dropped and ice started to crawl over the Kidou, before shattering.
Hyourinmaru lowered themselves down to the ground, standing level with Toshiro again. Toshiro tried his luck with Kidou again, launching a ball of fire at the spirit, only for it to seemingly catch the attack and freeze it.
'It is useless. Your power is no match for mine.' Said Hyourinmaru, generating a pillar of ice which shot at Toshiro.
Toshiro cut through the pillar as he charged Hyourinmaru, surprising the spirit, who raised their blade to block Toshiro's attack nonetheless.
'Is that it? You don't think I'm a match for you so I can't win this fight and prove I'm your master. If you had any memories of our time together, you would know I am not one to give up easily.' Said Toshiro, before jumping back and breaking the deadlock.
'If you wanted to find your master, then why are you working with Muramasa, why don't you go and track down your master and fight them yourself? You claim I am not your master, but how can you know that? That is if that even is the reason why. You knew I was your master before so you would have no reason to rebel then if that was the case. What is it that you really want?' Asked Toshiro.
'I want to find my master, as I want a place to call my own.' Said Hyourinmaru, causing Toshiro's face to soften.
'Then your search is over because I am your master. I see there is only one way to convince you now and that is to use your power. I know you must have some understanding, or else why would you stay with the two Zanpakutou which belong to my closest friends. You know this all deep down. Rangiku was the one who first noticed our power and told us to become a Shinigami and Momo was the one who we grew up with and our first friend. Their Zanpakutou are constantly hovering nearby much like they are, ready to stand by our side. They were the ones who protected us in the beginning, but with our power, we became strong enough to protect them. We became the youngest captain within the Thirteen Court Guard Squads and we are only going to become stronger. If it is a home you are looking for, then you are there right now, but I think I have spoken enough now. Reign Over the Frosted Heavens, Hyourinmaru.' Said Toshiro, as his previously plain looking blade changed, extending and generating a crescent-shaped blade attached to the hilt by a long metal chain.
Hyourinmaru watched in mild disbelief as the sky darkened and an ice dragon formed behind Toshiro.
'How is this possible, you are just a boy?' Asked Hyourinmaru.
'I am not just a boy, I am Toshiro Hitsugaya, Captain of the Tenth Division and your master. I haven't tried this in Shikai, so I am not sure how this will go.' Said Toshiro, as he leapt at Hyourinmaru.
The Zanpakutou Spirit braced itself for the attack, but it was an ineffectual guard due to the spirit's disbelief at the events unfolding. Hyourinmaru watched as the small boy claiming to be his master leapt at him with no fear in his eyes, before his entire world became ice.
'Ryuusenka!' Cried Toshiro as he made contact with Hyourinmaru's blade, engulfing them in a large ice pillar.
'Surely you can remember now, Hyourinmaru. Remember who you are, remember who I am, remember who our friends are and remember where your home is, Hyourinmaru!' Said Toshiro.
Hyourinmaru's mind seemed to finally unlock, as memories started to come back, recalling the first time he introduced himself to Toshiro and recalling how steadfast his belief was that he would be able to master him one day. The same expression Toshiro had when he spoke of his certainty that he was Hyourinmaru's master. As the ice surrounding them shattered, a gust of icy wind shot into the sky and parted the clouds, revealing a bright blue sky above. Within the shattered ice, Toshiro descended, looking quite worn out, while a dragon of ice surrounded him and supported his descent to the ground. The dragon eventually transformed into the humanoid Hyourinmaru, who helped support Toshiro as they reached the ground.
'So do you remember now?' Asked Toshiro, his breathing slightly laboured.
'Of course. I do not know what happened before, but I will not forget your resolve to be the strongest and with me at your side it will happen.' Said Hyourinmaru.
'Oi, those are big words you know? Ain't no one stronger than me, Shinigami, Hollow or Zanpakutou.' Said Zangetsu.
'So now what then?' Asked Haineko in distress.
'Either join your friend or retreat, but I'd say this battle is over for now.' Said Zangetsu, appearing in between the two groups.
'As if I'd go back to that old hag.' Said Haineko indignantly.
'Hey, I don't mind your decision, but I don't think age should be a detracting factor anyway, not when the pair of you have a pair of those.' Said Zangetsu.
'See, this is the type of man you attract being a loose pussycat.' Commented Tobiume.
'Oh, are you a tsundere too? I thought it was just stabby over there.' Said Zangetsu with a smirk.
'How rude, I'm not a character type.' Said Tobiume.
'Even if you aren't a tsundere, you are definitely a little sister type either way.' Said Zangetsu.
'Emphasis on little.' Added Haineko, causing the smaller spirit to fume.
'Sorry ladies, don't think you are getting your pals back yet.' Winked Zangetsu.
'Hold on a minute! I want to have a word with you Haineko.' Said Rangiku.
'Hmm? What do you want old lady?' Questioned Haineko disinterestedly.
'You keep calling me old, but it isn't like leaving me is going to change anything, besides you are just as old as me, like it or not.' Growled Rangiku.
'Empty words. When you look so wrinkled up like that and I still look youthful, it doesn't matter what you say.' Said Haineko.
'It's not like you do anything anyway. You started hiding from me the second I started wanting to do some training, so doesn't that make you the old lady scared of exercise?' Said Rangiku.
'Settle down, you'll give yourself a heart attack. Don't you know women are like milk and you are way past your expiration date?' Said Haineko.
'Such a vulgar comparison.' Said Tobiume, even as Momo tried to calm down an enraged Rangiku.
'I don't know why you are calling each other old anyway. Does it really even matter how old you are if you can still bring the good stuff? I guess I'm just more evolved that way.' Said Zangetsu with a sigh.
'Oh please, you'd go for any of us if we gave you the chance.' Said Haineko.
'True, but like I said, I've got options you're stuck in one world, and I can go after three.' Said Zangetsu.
'I honestly don't see the point of this conversation.' Said Tobiume.
'Give it a few more years.' Said Zangetsu.
In the background, Kazeshini cackled as he separated from a bloody Shuuhei.
'Did we come here for words or for souls?' Asked Kazeshini.
'I just came to see some catfights.' Said Zangetsu.
'If that is all then, I believe it is time we return.' Said a voice belonging to an unseen figure, as a swarm of pink petals floated between the two groups.
'Ending my fun early, poor stabby couldn't even get her point across.' Commented Zangetsu, as his figure started to be covered up by petals.
'I'll be back.' Said Suzumebachi, as she along with the other Zanpakutou spirits gathered and prepared to retreat.
The sky darkened once again, further hiding the spirits, before a dark cloud blasted multiple bolts of purple lightning, striking out at the gathered Shinigami and the surrounding area. At the same time, the butterfly creature breathed out a large wave of poison with such force it flew back into the air towards its comrades, before they were all swallowed up by the pink petals. Lastly, a pair of fireballs of differing appearance emerged from the petals and ignited the cloud of poison, causing a large explosion.
'Bakudou #81. Dankuu.' Said a new voice, as a large translucent wall appeared in front of the gathered Shinigami and Hyourinmaru, shielding them from both the poison and the concussive force of the explosion.
'My, my, it seems there has been quite a battle. Those who are injured please follow me. The others please remain outside for now. The remaining captains and lieutenants will be by shortly.' Said Unohana, having stepped outside to protect the others before returning inside.
Shuuhei and a begrudging Ikkaku followed, as Toshiro and Hyourinmaru made their way in Unohana's direction.
'Well that made for an interesting first battle.' Commented Yumichika, as he approached Momo and Rangiku.
Soi Fon and Omaeda were addressing their troops together, with Soi Fon giving orders to the gathered stealth force members, before dispatching them.
'I'm more surprised at the personalities of the Zanpakutou.' Said Hinamori.
'I would be careful about saying that near Captain Soi Fon.' Whispered Rangiku, hand raised to her mouth.
'What are you talking about back there?' Asked Soi Fon sharply, causing Rangiku to straighten up.
'Oh nothing, just wondering who the Zanpakutou that attacked first was.' Said Rangiku.
'Given the sense of style, it must have been Captain Kurotsuchi's.' Said Yumichika.
'What does a sense of style have to do with who the Zanpakutou belongs to?' Asked Soi Fon.
'Well, it is becoming clear that the Zanpakutou are either similar reflections of us like Lieutenant Matsumoto or direct opposites like Lieutenant Hisagi.' Explained Yumichika.
'Personally, I think Captain's was more like him than he would admit.' Said Rangiku in amusement.
'Well, you all seem to be quite lively.' Commented Shunsui, as he arrived with the rest of the captains and lieutenants.
'Well, it was quite an interesting battle all around.' Commented Yoruichi, who suddenly appeared.
'Lady Yoruichi, what are you doing here?' Asked Soi Fon looking mildly flustered.
'Oh you know Kisuke, he wanted me to be here to make sure none of you had any problems, what with us having taken a few of you to help out in the human world.' Said Yoruichi.
'It looks like you had a bit more trouble over here than the others, at least in terms of physical damage.' Said Yoruichi with a frown.
'What do you mean by that?' Asked Rangiku.
'Byakuya interfered where the rest of us were. It was quite hard on Renji and Rukia.' Said Yoruichi.
-line break-
Flashback
-line break-
Shunsui and Juushirou were playing a board game, seated outside the Thirteen Division headquarters. It wasn't a typical game of sorts, but more a visual representation of their current situation. There was a black piece secluded off in one corner and a small set of four black pieces, with a white piece in the centre off to another corner. The rest of the board was split up into two larger sections where numerous black and white pieces faced each other.
'This is quite a bothersome situation.' Said Juushirou, looking at the board with a frown.
'I suppose it could be worse, but not by much.' Agreed Shunsui.
'I suspect it is about to become worse.' Said Juushirou with a small sigh.
'Does that mean you are ready to fight?' Asked a large muscular figure with orange hair.
'Odd that you are here instead of there. I would have thought the Zanpakutou would go after their wielders.' Commented Shunsui.
'Guess I'm the lucky one then, getting to face two captains by myself. So, who is first?' Asked the spirit.
'I am.' Said Renji, exiting the building.
'Renji, this is my division, I should be the one to fight first.' Protested Rukia.
'You can leave it to me, I am a Lieutenant after all.' Said Renji.
'So two one-on-one battles it is then.' Said the spirit, before starting to do a dance.
'Guess you must be Ikkaku's Zanpakutou.' Said Renji.
'The name is Houzukimaru.' Said the large man, before levelling a spear at Renji.
'Too bad for you, I've spent my fair share of time with the Eleventh. You won't find me easy to deal with. So, shall we start with the warm-up?' Said Renji, grinning at the spirit.
'Why not?' Said Houzukimaru, before dashing at Renji with immense speed, belying his large size.
Renji strafed to the left to dodge the spear thrust, before swinging his sword horizontally at Houzukimaru's waist, only for the large spirit to leap into the air and land on the sword, before a downward swing of his spear disarmed Renji, causing him to leap back.
'Is that all? I thought you would have progressed by now.' Said Houzukimaru in disappointment.
'Don't sound so disappointed, I'll have it any day now.' Said Renji, catching the attention of the others.
'Is that so? Then why don't we schedule this for a later date.' Said Houzukimaru, picking up Renji's sword and throwing it towards him.
'I didn't expect you to stop a fight.' Said Renji.
'I only want to fight you at your strongest.' Said Houzukimaru, before turning back to the captains.
'So then, who is next?' Asked Houzukimaru.
'You don't mind if I have a bit of a stretch, Shunsui, Rukia? I think it is good for my health to get a bit of exercise.' Said Juushirou.
'Go ahead, I can tell we have more guests waiting for us.' Said Shunsui, moving a piece on the board and giving a sigh.
'Getting to fight one of the strongest captains? I feel a strong desire to do my lucky dance.' Said Houzukimaru.
'Oh be my guest, I need a bit of time to warm up.' Said Juushirou with a smile.
As Houzukimaru started to dance around, Juushirou withdrew his blades and moved his shoulders around in preparation.
'Ready when you are?' Said Houzukimaru, after finishing his dance.
'You first, I insist.' Said Juushirou, which caused Houzukimaru to grin, before lunging at the captain.
'Seki.' Said Juushirou, just before he was going to be struck.
Houzukimaru stabbed a light blue orb, only for a concussive force to counter him and launch him back.
As Houzukimaru was flying backwards a massive blue bolt of lightning was suddenly chasing him down and exploded with great force, hiding the spirit from view. A yellow orb of lightning suddenly shot through and parted the smoke, revealing a slightly wounded Houzukimaru, who then tanked the second hit as well, despite it being much more destructive.
'I'm so… lucky to get to experience a battle… like this.' Said Houzukimaru, breathing slightly heavier.
'I'm afraid I will need to forfeit now. That was most of what I can handle at the moment. Thank you for entertaining me.' Said Juushirou, causing the spirit to laugh.
'I suppose if you have given it your all, that will have to suffice. I can't go all out in this setting either.' Said Houzukimaru.
'In that case, I believe it is our turn to step in.' Said Saru and Hebi, as they entered the scene and stared down the two captains.
'You two, what are you doing here?' Asked Renji.
'Showing you why we don't need you. You should be at this stage by now, but you're becoming slack lately, so maybe this will open your eyes. Bankai! Hihiou Zabimaru.' Said Saru, before the pair transformed.
Saru was left virtually unchanged, but Hebi had transformed into a towering, segmented, wooden serpent, with a mane of red hair and fearsome teeth.
'Bankai? You can use it before me?' Asked Renji.
'Of course we can, we are the Zanpakutou. If you had bothered to push yourself a little more, you might be able to do this by now, but it doesn't matter anymore, not since we are going to defeat you now.' Said Saru, before swinging the massive structure at Renji.
'Guess I'll have to risk it, Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south! Hadou #31. Shakkahou!' Chanted Renji as a tennis ball sized of red energy formed in his hands.
'That's not going to be enough.' Said Saru in amusement, as Hebi approached the ball.
'Oh yeah, Hadou #1. Shou.' Said Renji, pushing his unstable ball of red energy towards Hebi at blistering speeds, before it exploded due to its unstable nature.
'Saru, watch out for my face next time.' Said Hebi, from within the cloud of dust, causing Renji to deflate slightly.
'My bad, I didn't think that would really work.' Said Saru.
'Well, if it works it works.' Said Renji, before rushing the pair.
'How stupid! You aren't going to stand up to me with just your sword.' Said Hebi in disbelief, as Renji charged.
'It isn't just my sword here.' Said Renji.
'Bakudou #4. Hainawa.' Said Rukia from above, as a rope of yellow energy wrapped along Hebi's body.
'Nice try, but it won't work.' Said Saru, as the segments making up Hebi's skeleton split apart, rendering the Kidou ineffective.
'It was enough to distract you.' Said Renji, leaping at Saru, who brought the tail end of Hebi upwards to block.
Rukia prepared to aid Renji further, only for a cold gust of air to blow her back.
'Interfering in fights, I thought you knew better, Rukia.' Said Sode no Shirayuki, from atop a nearby building, looking down on her former wielder, literally and figuratively.
'So you've come back to finish our battle, have you?' Asked Rukia.
'I should be asking you that, you are the one who had to run to your little saviour.' Said Sode no Shirayuki with derision.
'That was to pass on a warning. I have no need to leave this time.' Said Rukia, gripping her Zanpakutou.
'Of course. Making excuses. Justifying your actions. So typical of you. Anything to avoid facing the truth, which is that without me you are nothing. You've been riding my power and beauty for decades now.' Said Sode no Shirayuki, drawing her weapon form and preparing to attack Rukia.
'If you think I only am where I am today because of your strength alone, then prove it.' Said Rukia, taunting the irritable spirit.
Sode no Shirayuki took the bait willingly and charged at Rukia, who held her ground and braced for impact. The two swords met with a sharp clang of steel, as a power struggle ensued, before Rukia broke it off and leapt back.
'Retreating already?' Questioned Sode no Shirayuki, as she pursued the diminutive combatant.
'Hardly Hadou #4. Byakurai.' Said Rukia, taking one hand off her blade to level her index finger at her former Zanpakutou, sending a pulse of light blue lightning at her.
'Do you really think that will work?' Questioned the irate spirit, as she leaned to the side to evade, only for Rukia to follow through.
'Bakudou #1. Sai.' Continued Rukia, causing Sode no Shirayuki's arms to tighten behind her.
The Zanpakutou was already breaking out of the minor spell, but it was enough time off guard for Rukia to move on to her main attack.
'Hadou #33. Soukatsui.' Said Rukia, as an impressive blast of blue energy converged on the still bound spirit.
A large explosion occurred moments later, hiding the two fighters from the sight of each other.
'I'm begrudgingly impressed. I almost broke a sweat there.' Said Sode no Shirayuki, appearing no worse for wear.
'Fire against ice was not your best option however.' Continued the spirit, before blowing a puff of icy air at Rukia, with her hand raised up to her mouth.
Rukia dodged to the side to avoid the attack, only to be struck by a strange, spiked ball. The pain was immense causing Rukia to cry out in pain, as she was launched through the air. As Rukia crashed to the ground and eventually came to a halt, she felt a strangely shaped blade on her neck.
'Now none of this seems fair.' Said a new figure, who appeared in a flash and kicked the melancholy-looking figure with the blade at Rukia's neck, a small piece of chain and a spiked ball held aloft on her shoulder.
'Well, that's what they get for stepping in on another fight. Fights should always be one-on-one.' Said another figure, appearing a small distance away from Shunsui.
'Oh, does that mean you want to have a little game with me?' Asked Shunsui, noting he was the last fighter to get involved, as he appraised the elaborately dressed spirit.
'Oh no, I just came to signal it is time to leave now.' Said the spirit which had an orange mohawk and long green, orange tipped feathers on their arms and waist.
'Oh? I just got here though.' Said Yoruichi, before quickly grabbing Rukia and leaping back, as a mass of pink petals smashed down on where they had been previously.
The petals then surged around the makeshift battlefield, with each of the spirits disappearing behind a cloud of pink petals.