Eyes of the Soul

by operation meteor

Passing beyond the veil, Itachi finds himself in an afterlife that is far from the hellfire he'd steeled himself for. With a chance encounter involving a pervy sage, a Flash Goddess and a healer whose angelic appearance hides more than a hint of steel, the bane of the Uchiha Clan finds a chance at a second life... and perhaps redemption. Slow burn. M for language and violence.

18. Chapter 18

Author's Notes: Hello there, and happy new year! Sorry for the long wait with this one, I'm afraid the second half of 2020 was a bit rougher for me than the first. Bear with me for a bit, I'll get out of your hair after a few words.

First off, my laptop's in for repairs, the hinges broke and since mine's an older one it's taking forever to find the replacement parts for it. I did buy a smaller backup one so I could keep writing while the main one gets fixed, but getting used to writing with the smaller keyboard has been a bit of a challenge.

Second, came down with Covid. Don't worry, I wasn't hospitalized, but it still wasn't pleasant. Was sick for a good few weeks, although for me the worst part was how it just completely sapped my energy. Could barely focus on anything for a while there, not fun. Of course, seeing as I'm still alive, needless to say that I got lucky. Come on, people, take this shit seriously. Keep your distance and wear your fucking mask! Looking at you, America!

Third, got all four of my wisdom teeth pulled, so I was high as a kite on painkillers for a while. Back to normal now, but I was seriously out of it for a bit.

So yeah, it's been a bit of a bumpy ride these past few months. I'm firing on all cylinders again, though, and I've reworked my schedule to devote more time to my writing, so future chapters shouldn't take as long to finish as this one did. They'll still be long (it's me we're talking about here, after all), but I'll hopefully be able to release them quicker.

One last bit, and this involves a frequent question I've been getting involving Burn The Witch and whether or not I'll be incorporating it with my story. Yes, I am aware that it's connected to Bleach and shares the same universe. I'm not including it in this story for a very simple reason; when I planned this story out and started writing it, Burn The Witch hadn't been released yet. Yes, I started posting chapters for the story in 2018, but the actual planning and writing for it began much earlier. In other words, at the time that I plotted everything out, I had no idea that Tite Kubo would be releasing another work that would take place in the Bleach universe and would elaborate on certain concepts. So, for this story, there's no East or West Branches of the Soul Society, just one giant Soul Society. And yes, that does mean that you're going to see more characters with names that are very much not Japanese, or not even Asian at all. Don't like it? Tough shit. Call it AU or whatever you want, I've got more important things to concern myself with.

All right, I think that's enough out of me for the moment. Regarding a name for a certain Zanpakutō that I know you've all been waiting for, the end of chapter author's notes will have the translation that I was going for. So if the name confuses you, see those.

Enjoy!

Chapter Eighteen: Awakening of the Sage

The morning after…

Itachi's eyelids fluttered as the rays of morning sunlight slowly drifted across his face, dimly noting a curious soreness all over his body that he'd never felt before. Gradually emerging from what had been a most pleasant slumber, he soon became aware of a few very important details. The first was that this was most definitely not the room he typically slept in at the Squad Two barracks; it was considerably larger, and it definitely had more than a few trappings of affluence. The identity of the room's owner eluded him only for as long as it took him to realize that she was slumbering right next to him, pressed up against his right side with one arm draped across his chest and her head resting just a few centimeters away from his own, her breath warming his face. The third and definitely most important detail, at least as far as Itachi was concerned, was that beneath the blanket…

…neither of them was wearing any clothes.

Images from the night before rushed through his mind. The dance with Yoruichi, their rush back to the barracks, the firestorm of passion that had been unleashed the moment they'd entered her quarters…

…no wonder he was sore.

But damn if it wasn't the good kind of sore.

What a night…

You're telling me, Jigoku no Joō chimed in, I have to say, I'm impressed. That was quite the performance, and in more ways than one!

So, it really wasn't a dream…

Are you complaining?

Not in the slightest.

A soft moan passed through Yoruichi's lips as she stirred, nestling her head against Itachi's shoulder. A soft smile crept across his face as he observed her, and he carefully reached over to gently run his fingers through her hair. Lying here like this, basking in the shared heat of their bodies beneath the blanket while gazing upon her lovely and peaceful face…

…if this wasn't heaven, then Itachi didn't know what was.

He leaned over and lightly kissed Yoruichi's brow. His reward was a soft giggle slipping through her lips before she opened her eyes, sleep quickly melting away as she met his gaze with those brilliant golden gems that could captivate him without even trying.

"Hey there, sleepyhead," she murmured.

Itachi chuckled. "I'm the sleepyhead? I woke up before you did."

Yoruichi smirked before kissing him on the cheek. "I didn't keep you waiting too long, did I?"

He shook his head. "I only awoke a few moments ago."

"Good," she replied as she shifted until she was on top of him, straddling his hips beneath the blanked while pressing her bosom against his chest, "because I don't want to get out of bed just yet. You really know how to keep a girl warm at night, Itachi!"

Itachi smiled as he felt the heat rush to his face. "Well… it was the least I could do."

Yoruichi grinned. "The least? I'd say you did quite a bit more than that! If I'd known you had that kind of fire inside of you, I would've jumped on you years ago!"

Itachi reached up and gently caressed her cheek. "If I'd known it'd be like that… I would've let you."

Yoruichi leaned down, her lips brushing against his in a soft kiss. "Not bad for your first roll in the hay, Itachi… not bad at all."

"Glad you think so," he said, "You… you were unbelievable."

Yoruichi laughed. "What can I say? I know what I like in the sack! I tried to hold back a bit; didn't want to take you at a pace you couldn't handle. You held up pretty damn well, though. Next time… well, if you thought last night was a wild ride, then boy, do I have some fun in store for you!"

"Next time, hmm?" Itachi murmured, "I'll be looking forward to it… if it's really what you want."

Yoruichi raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I want another go after a romp like that?"

"Don't mistake my meaning," said Itachi, "I'd be more than eager for another round. I just want to make sure that I don't cause you any… problems."

A knowing smile came to Yoruichi's face. "Is this about biology, Squad Two, or aristocratic politics? I've got answers for all three that should help put you at ease."

"I'm all ears," Itachi replied.

"Let's start with the most immediate concern," she said with a wink, "I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that you're nowhere near ready for kids, right?"

Itachi nodded. "Couldn't have said it better myself."

"Thought so," Yoruichi continued, "Trust me, the feeling's mutual. Nothing against you, but that's not something I'm in any hurry for right now. Now, the Soul Society aristocracy by and large tends to act rather prudish when it comes to the daughters of noble houses. All that typical conservative grumbling about purity before marriage and having no fun whatsoever. Of course, that tends to run smack into reality, which is why more open-minded families like mine have developed certain medicinal safeguards over the years. Hell, even the more old-fashioned ones have one or two precautions that they keep tucked away in order to avoid any 'shameful incidents.' In the case of the Shihōin Clan, our favorite such safeguard is a certain herb that we grind up into our tea the morning after a good roll in the hay. I'll be making myself a nice cup of it in a little bit. Doesn't particularly taste pleasant, but it gets the job done. Long story short; no kids to worry about until I'm good and ready for it."

Itachi sighed with relief. "That's good to know. I… well, you said it yourself; a child isn't something I'm anywhere close to prepared for."

Yoruichi gave him a surprisingly gentle smile. "Don't worry, I figured as much. After what you told me about your past, I completely get it. What we did last night… well, I know how big of a step that was for you. I'm sure you've got a lot to think about, and I'm not going to throw the prospect of offspring on top of that."

He reached up and brushed a few strands of hair out of her face. "I appreciate that. As for the other concerns, I suppose we should start with Squad Two. I know that the Thirteen Court Guard Squads don't forbid fraternization and romance between Soul Reapers, but I have to imagine that there are a few unofficial rules to abide by."

Yoruichi shrugged. "You could say that. Obviously, I can't let the fact that we're sleeping together interfere with how I carry out my day-to-day duties. I don't expect people to be blind to what happened between us last night; the way we left the plaza was quite public, and I'm sure that more than a few of the people in the audience have already guessed as to what we were in such a hurry for. However, as long as we're careful to avoid giving off any impression of undue favoritism, things should be fine."

"That might be a problem," Itachi pointed out, "It's pretty much an open secret in Squad Two that I've become your new favorite sparring partner over the past year. I know we've taken care when going to the secret training ground to ensure that we're not followed, but members of our unit aren't blind; surely more than a few have noticed the times we've disappeared together. It would only be a short step for them to reach the obvious conclusion."

Yoruichi shook her head. "That's not really an issue. Most of Squad Two knows how I operate, and they've had a bit of time to get to know you as well. They know that you're a rising star, and it's only natural that I'd want to encourage your growth. You may have only been with Squad Two for a short time thus far, but you've demonstrated remarkable talent; everyone's expecting you to climb through the ranks quickly, which means that they would expect me to have my eye on you. As for things going further than that… well, training sessions aren't the only way that people blow off steam around here. Squad Two's always been a bit more liberal when it comes to fraternization than most of the other units. You could call that my family's influence on the division over the centuries. Given some of the darker aspects of our particular duties, it really only makes sense that we'd take comfort in our comrades, and that does very much include the physical sense of the word. As long as I demonstrate that I can still command you with a clear head and make logical choices when it comes to your deployment in assignments, that's all that really matters."

Itachi nodded. "I'll trust your judgement on that. I suppose that just leaves the complications that come from the nobility then. Your family may have more permissive attitudes when it comes to intimacy before marriage, but what about the class divide? Won't me being a commoner raise red flags?"

Yoruichi actually giggled at that. "Not really! Remember what I told you last night about my grandfather?"

It took Itachi a moment to replay that conversation in his head. "I believe so… you're referring to how he was the commander of your family's private forces before he and your grandmother got together, right?"

"Yup!" she answered, "I forgot to mention this, but my grandfather was actually a commoner before he worked his way up in the world. He was born with higher than average spirit energy, but he had no sort of formal education or training in how to properly control it. His parents were simple merchants, and as far as they were concerned their son was an unruly boy with a habit of getting into fights. From those humble beginnings, he pretty much taught himself how to handle his energy and properly fight. He joined a mercenary group charged with protecting traders like his parents eventually, and the ensuing years of brawls with bandits and Hollows combined with the constant training he put himself through eventually brought him to the notice of my family. The Shihōin Clan was well aware of where he'd come from before he became the head of our armed forces, and while they definitely raised a few eyebrows when he and my grandmother started their courtship, they ultimately let it play out. Sure, a few members of the family might've tried sticking their noses in, but they learned the hard way why you don't mess with the woman who was at the time Captain of Squad Two and her sword-fighting savant of a lover!"

Itachi smiled. "So, your family respects those who show promise, regardless of their origins."

Yoruichi nodded. "Pretty much. There are always exceptions, of course; the occasional fool who thinks we should be as demanding and selective as some of the other Great Noble Houses. It's rare that they have much in the way of meaningful influence in the Shihōin Clan, though. Honestly, a bigger pain in the ass is the gossip that inevitably comes from other noble families in situations like these. I've never really cared much about that sort of thing, but there is a need to maintain status and prestige when it comes to dealing with rival clans. So, as much as I don't like it, there is a need for a certain level of… discretion."

Itachi had suspected as much. "In other words, we shouldn't go around flaunting what transpired between us last night… or that a repeat of it in the near future is rather likely."

Yoruichi gave him an apologetic smile while reaching out to stroke his cheek. "Yeah… as much as I'd prefer to tell those stuffy old fools to go screw themselves, some precautions are necessary. Itachi, trust me; last night was incredible, and I am damn lucky to have found a paramour in you. I want to see where this goes between us, but we're going to have to be a bit more circumspect going forward. People are going to talk about how our match ended and how we left the ring; that's unavoidable. Idle gossip is something we can deal with, though, just as long as we take care in the future."

"I don't mind keeping a low profile," Itachi replied, "As for where things go from here… well, where do we stand right now?"

Yoruichi winked. "In my bed, obviously!"

Itachi chuckled. "That's not what I meant, and you know it. Yoruichi… I…"

She put her finger to his lips. "Itachi, it's all right. This is all new to you, and I understand the leap of faith you took with me last night. Honestly, part of me was afraid that I might be rushing you into something that you weren't ready for. That's why I waited for you to ask me for a dance. I wanted to see what steps you were comfortable with taking… and how things would play out once our blood really started pumping, if you will. We both followed our hearts and the adrenaline last night, and I'd say it was totally worth it, but now that we've had our fun it is a good idea to take some time and figure out what we both really want out of this."

Itachi smiled. "I can get behind that. What did you have in mind?"

"Simple," she answered, "We just go with the flow. We'll take things day by day, still carrying out our duties and training together, but also make the time for a bit of fun… in more ways than one, if you catch my drift. Let's try not to overthink things and make it complicated. What you and I have, and what it could become… I want us to find out naturally. We'll figure out what we're both comfortable with, find our balance, and go from there. No pressure of any kind. What do you say?"

Itachi leaned up and gave her a brief kiss. "How's that for an answer?"

Yoruichi giggled. "I'll take it! Better not do much more than that for the moment, though, or I just might take you for another ride right here and now!"

Itachi smirked. "I wouldn't mind that."

Yoruichi leaned down to give him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Neither would I, but we really should get cleaned up. The day after the Blade Dancer Festival is typically a slow one, but if we lounge around much longer like this then eventually someone's going to notice. We should at least try to act like we're working today."

Itachi chuckled. "If we must."

The two of them shook off the covers and proceeded to get dressed, taking quick glimpses at each other in the process. The teasing winks and knowing smirks, the quite-intentional brushes against each other as they fumbled around for their attire that had been scattered across her quarters… it was something wholly new to Itachi, and he was loving every bit of it.

"Crap," Yoruichi hissed as she finished donning her keisen uniform, "I forgot that my grandfather still has my haori."

"You've got spares, don't you?" asked Itachi as he straightened out a few wrinkles in his robes and made sure his Zanpakutō was securely in place at his hip.

"Yeah, but it's still a problem," she replied as she fished one out of her closet, "The Head Captain likes to get on our cases about those since they're symbols of a Captain's authority. I'll have to hunt down the old man and make sure I get that one back. If I let him hang on to it for too long and Yamamoto finds out, I'll be in for at least a good fifteen-minute lecture."

Itachi winced. "My sympathies."

Yoruichi gave a theatrical sigh before winking at Itachi. "The burdens of command. Consider yourself lucky; the only things you have to worry about keeping clean are your robes and Zanpakutō. A Captain's haori can be a real pain in the butt to maintain, at least if you're trying to do it according to the Head Captain's standards."

"I'll take your word for it," said Itachi.

Yoruichi's brow furrowed as she checked her hair in a nearby mirror. "If I act quickly, I should be able to keep the Head Captain from complaining. My more immediate concern is Soi-Fon. She's going to have a bone or two to pick with me once she's slept off what I'm assuming will be a nasty hangover, if she hasn't done that already."

"In her defense, she is supposed to be your bodyguard," Itachi pointed out, "It'd be hard for her to do her duty while drunk, and she takes it quite seriously."

Yoruichi shook her head. "Too seriously sometimes, and last night was definitely one of them."

Itachi raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"Don't trouble yourself over it," she answered, "I'll sort it out with her in a bit. Just tread lightly around her for the foreseeable future; if I know her, she'll hold you just as responsible as me for what I did to get away from her last night. It'll be even worse once she puts two and two together about us, and I guarantee it won't take her long to do that."

Itachi nodded. "Understood. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know."

Yoruichi smiled and gave him another quick peck on the cheek. "That's sweet, but don't worry about it. Trust me, it'll be better for both of us if I handle this with her myself. Just be prepared for her to go harder than normal on you during drills for a while, okay?"

"I think I can handle that," Itachi replied.

"Good," said Yoruichi, "Well, let's get out there. Time to face the music."

The two of them headed for the door, but both stopped when they felt a familiar spiritual pressure approaching. It was subdued, clearly trying to avoid detection, but Itachi and Yoruichi's senses were too sharp for that… and the owner of this particular spiritual pressure should've known that. They looked at each other, and Itachi saw Yoruichi take a deep breath to brace herself.

"Looks like we're going to have that confrontation sooner rather than later," she muttered as the familiar spiritual pressure came to a halt just outside the door, "Here goes nothing."

She stepped forward and slid the door open. Sure enough, none other than Soi-Fon was standing on the other side. Itachi moved forward as well, standing next to Yoruichi; there was no point in trying to conceal his presence.

Yoruichi smiled. "Good morning, Soi-Fon. Sleep well?"

Soi-Fon's eyes narrowed as she looked back and forth between Yoruichi and Itachi. She didn't say anything, but the scowl she gave the two of them spoke volumes.

Yoruichi sighed. "So, it's going to be like that, huh? All right, then. Let's head to my office. Itachi, go find Shisui and Visaelya and get some training in."

Itachi nodded, hoping that what had transpired the night before with him and Yoruichi wasn't something that Soi-Fon would permanently hold against him. "Understood. I'll see you later. Good to see you as well, Soi-Fon."

The glare she shot him could've stopped a Menos Grande in its tracks. As they went their separate ways, Itachi took one last look over his shoulder at the woman he'd spent the night with. Yoruichi and Soi-Fon were already heading towards the Captain's office, but despite the sour mood of her bodyguard, the princess of the Shihōin Clan still seemed to be in high spirits. That was only affirmed when she looked back at Itachi and gave him a quick smile and wink before she and Soi-Fon disappeared around the corner.

Itachi allowed himself a small, satisfied smile. Where would things go between him and his lovely Captain from here? As she'd told him earlier, they'd just have to take it day by day and go with the flow. For now, that was more than enough for Itachi.

….

Well, thought Yoruichi as she and Soi-Fon entered her office, this should be fun…

The walk over had been uncomfortably quiet. Yoruichi had been expecting her bodyguard to start berating her the moment they were out of earshot of Itachi, but apparently, she'd decided to wait. If anything, that just made it worse. Yoruichi hadn't exactly been looking forward to this conversation to begin with, and by the look of things Soi-Fon wasn't going to make it easy.

She sat down behind her desk and waited for her bodyguard to do the same on the other side. Yoruichi normally would've offered her something to drink, but after the events of last night she figured such a gesture wouldn't go over particularly well with Soi-Fon. She knew that she had only herself to blame; looking back, there were definitely better ways she could've gone about getting what she'd wanted during the Blade Dancer Festival.

The problem was that she'd had no way of knowing if Soi-Fon would've gone along with any of them.

Tread carefully, Inazuma On'na cautioned, lest you exacerbate the situation. You know that she means well, after all.

Yeah, I do. I just wish she wasn't so rigid and stubborn about it.

Yoruichi gave her subordinate what she hoped was a gentle smile. "Feeling all right? I can only imagine the kind of hangover you woke up with."

Soi-Fon folded her arms. "The hangover is the least of my concerns at the moment, Lady Yoruichi."

Yoruichi sighed. "I suppose so. Look, Soi-Fon, about last night… I owe you an apology. The way that I handled things…"

"Handled things?" Soi-Fon repeated, not even trying to hide her anger, "Is that what I am to you, Lady Yoruichi? Something to be 'handled' appropriately?"

Yoruichi shook her head emphatically. "No, of course not! Soi-Fon, you've been a dear friend and companion since you joined my personal guard. Please, believe me when I say that I don't see you the way that you just described, and I'm sorry that I gave you that impression!"

"Then why did you see fit to get me drunk last night, and at the Blade Dancer Festival of all occasions?" Soi-Fon asked, "Was I boring you, Lady Yoruichi? Was I not as fun to be around as Itachi? Am I such a burden to you now that you'll hand me off to your grandfather to keep an eye on at the first opportunity?"

Her bodyguard was trembling, and at first, Yoruichi was going to chalk it up to simple fury. However, as she gave Soi-Fon a closer look, she realized that there was more to it. Her teeth were clenched, and there was the faintest glimmer in the corner of her eyes.

She was fighting back tears.

Yoruichi took a deep breath. She rightfully deserved at least some of Soi-Fon's anger, but her bodyguard was leaving a few things out. Still, addressing her issues with Soi-Fon could wait for a moment. Right now, her companion and protégé needed compassion and reassurance, and Yoruichi was keen to give her both.

Yoruichi smiled as she got up and came around the desk to embrace her bodyguard. She felt Soi-Fon stiffen in surprise for a moment, so she gently cupped her subordinate's chin in her hand and lifted her gaze just enough to look her in the eyes.

"Soi-Fon, listen to me," she said, "The last thing you could ever be to me is a burden. I consider myself the luckiest Captain in the Thirteen Court Guard Squads to have a subordinate as dedicated and talented as you, and you're so much more than that. In the time you've served with me, you've become one of my closest friends and most trusted comrades. Squad Two and the Stealth Force wouldn't be where they are today without your invaluable aid, and I rest so much easier at night knowing that I've got you backing me up in both work and life."

Soi-Fon's eyes widened slightly, and Yoruichi could've sworn she caught a hint of a blush flash across her face. "Lady Yoruichi…"

She gave Soi-Fon a gentle pat on the head as she released her. "Trust me; you're not boring, and you're definitely not a burden. I trust you and deeply value our friendship… which is why I wanted to apologize for what happened. I was desperate for some space, and I acted in a way that wasn't very considerate towards you."

Soi-Fon sniffed as she wiped away the tears that had threatened to fall. She was definitely looking better, but Yoruichi knew that she wasn't out of the woods with her subordinate just yet.

"If that's really how you feel… then why?" asked Soi-Fon, thankfully looking more confused than genuinely upset now, "Lady Yoruichi, I'm supposed to be your bodyguard, but I can't carry out my duties if I'm intoxicated. I know that I've occasionally had a drink with you, but in a setting like the Blade Dancer Festival it wasn't appropriate for me to get so inebriated. If something had happened, I wouldn't have been able to protect you!"

Yoruichi shook her head. "Soi-Fon, remember who oversees the festival to begin with. If someone wanted to go after me, they wouldn't be stupid enough as to make an attempt at an event that none less than the Head Captain himself is attending. Even without him, a venue with multiple Captains and Lieutenants in attendance, let alone all the other Soul Reapers, is hardly a good time and place for someone to attack me. My safety was not jeopardized last night, just as it hasn't been any other year that we've gone to the Blade Dancer Festival. You know that just as well as I do."

Soi-Fon sighed. "I do, but even so… you still haven't explained why, Lady Yoruichi."

Yoruichi took a deep breath as she mentally prepared herself. She didn't want to come down hard on her bodyguard, but at the same time she knew that she did have to stand up for her independence, and that was ultimately what this argument would boil down to.

"First off, I don't want you to take what I'm about to say the wrong way," Yoruichi began, "As I said, I genuinely do value you as a companion and your service as the head of my personal guard. However, there are times when you can be a bit… overzealous in your duties, Soi-Fon. Last night was definitely one of them."

Soi-Fon blinked a few times, looking as though she hadn't heard her right. "Excuse me?"

"Come on, Soi-Fon," said Yoruichi, "Let's not play coy here. You barely gave me any space last night. The only times you weren't with me prior to me slipping you that sake was either when I sent you off to get us refreshments or when you actually partook in a dance that wasn't with me, and there was only one of those. I wanted to actually loosen up and have fun last night, Soi-Fon, and I couldn't do that with you playing gatekeeper!"

Soi-Fon appeared quite taken aback by the accusation. "Gatekeeper? How in the name of the Soul King does that describe my behavior last night?"

Yoruichi folded her arms. "Let's take the start of the festival and go from there. The moment that the Head Captain gave the go-ahead for the open bouts to start, you were practically dragging me off to sign up. I'm sure you noticed that there was a certain friend of ours who was attending the festival for his first time and was probably about to ask me for a dance before you swooped in and cut him off."

"If you're referring to Itachi, I did him a favor," Soi-Fon countered, "There's no way that any of the judges would've approved a request for a bout between the two of you without any other duels under his belt. I saved him the embarrassment of such a rejection."

Yoruichi rolled her eyes. "Don't try to pretend like you were acting with his best interests at heart, Soi-Fon. If you'd given him the chance to ask me for a dance at that moment, I would've been able to gently turn him down that time while explaining to him what he needed to do in order to qualify for a bout with me later on that night. As it was, you cut him off at the knees. I know we tend to encourage a certain level of ruthlessness in Squad Two and the Stealth Force, but that was not the time or the place for it!"

Soi-Fon shrugged. "I don't see why it really matters; he clearly managed to get the necessary fights under his belt for the judges to take things seriously when the two of you did approach them for permission. Everything worked out for the two of you, right?"

Yoruichi leaned forward. "That's not the point, Soi-Fon, and you know it. Yes, Itachi did manage to impress the judges enough that when he was actually able to ask me for a dance, they allowed it. However, he only gained the knowledge of what he needed to do in order to reach that point thanks to Fourteenth Seat Rija giving him the guidance that put him on the right path; guidance that I could've given him if you hadn't seen fit to jump in the middle. Had it just been that incident, I might've felt that I could still have a dance with him later that night without resorting to intoxicating you and leaving you under someone else's supervision, but unfortunately… well, you didn't let up."

"What are you talking about?" asked Soi-Fon.

Yoruichi sighed. "Soi-Fon, don't beat around the bush. Itachi wasn't the only Soul Reaper who was looking for a chance to dance with me last night. I know how to read a crowd; I wouldn't have become Captain of this unit if I couldn't do something so basic as that. There were plenty of other potential partners at the Blade Dancer Festival that wanted to try their luck, but they didn't dare approach. You know why that is? It's because they saw you sizing them all up and staring daggers at them. You wouldn't let anyone else come near unless you were certain that they were so intimidated by you that they wouldn't even think about asking me for a dance! It's not the first time that you've done this, but you definitely took it further this year than you have in the past."

"Anyone who's intimidated by me isn't worthy of a dance with you," Soi-Fon argued, "Lady Yoruichi, apart from your safety, my only objective last night was to make sure that you enjoyed yourself. You gave me no cause to believe that you weren't having anything other than a good time!"

Yoruichi groaned in frustration. "Because I didn't think that you'd listen to me if I said otherwise or told you why! Whenever you were with me last night you seemed dead set on making sure that if I didn't dance with you then I wouldn't dance with anyone at all. I know you wouldn't have pulled that with another Captain, but everyone else was clearly fair game. I almost felt like I was suffocating at times, Soi-Fon! After hours of that, I figured that you wouldn't give Itachi a chance no matter how many Lieutenants he bested that night, so I got desperate. I needed a creative way to give you the slip for a while, and my grandfather provided a solution. It wasn't ideal by a long shot, but I didn't know what else to do!"

Soi-Fon looked genuinely surprised by what Yoruichi was saying. "Lady Yoruichi… that was never my intent, I swear…"

Yoruichi took a deep breath to calm herself. "Maybe it wasn't, but the impression I got last night suggested otherwise. Soi-Fon, I know the importance that both my family and yours have placed on your duties towards me, but there needs to be a balance here. I appreciate your dedication to my safety, but I don't want to be so protected that I'm unable to spread my wings and enjoy life. I thought you understood that; we've certainly talked about it more than once in the past."

Soi-Fon reluctantly nodded. "We have, and I've tried to abide by your wishes before now, but… Lady Yoruichi, with all due respect, your behavior regarding our Thirteenth Seat has not made any sense to me. Yes, Itachi is talented, but he's only a commoner. I know that most of the Shihōin Clan doesn't place as much importance on such matters as other noble houses, but there are some members of your family that can and likely will cause trouble for you if they get certain… ideas about you and Itachi. You're well aware of that, and yet you still behave in a manner towards him that is… well, open to certain interpretations, shall we say. Last night will not have helped matters. It will have only made them worse, actually."

Yoruichi's eyes narrowed. "You think I give a damn what the aristocracy thinks of me? Soi-Fon, I thought you knew me better than that."

Soi-Fon shook her head. "I know that you don't consider yourself to be restrained by their outdated views, but we still have to consider them. It's not just your life that I'm bound to protect; your honor and reputation must also be safeguarded! When rumors start circling about you involving yourself with a lowborn subordinate like Itachi…"

Yoruichi folded her arms; she was not going to let Soi-Fon demean the young man who had given her a night to remember. "A lowborn subordinate like Itachi? Soi-Fon, don't even think about going there. I know that most of the aristocracy will hold both his commoner status and the fact that he's a soul that came here from a Realm of the Living rather than a 'pure' soul born in the Soul Society against him, but I expected better from you."

Soi-Fon's face paled as she realized just how badly she'd messed up. "Lady Yoruichi, I… I didn't mean it as an insult to him."

"Maybe so," Yoruichi replied, allowing a hint of indignation to creep into her voice, "but I could certainly take it that way. Have you forgotten what happened in the catacombs of the Moon Tower last year? If Itachi hadn't been there and hadn't been able to use his Sharingan to pinpoint the weaknesses of the wraith, you do know what would've happened, right?"

Soi-Fon nodded nervously. "You… you would've had no choice but to unleash your Bankai."

"That's right," said Yoruichi, "and you know better than most how wild its power can get; my Shikai's tame in comparison. Had I been forced to call upon it, I could've destroyed the wraith, but I almost certainly would've brought the Moon Tower down upon our heads in the process. Could I have survived? Most likely. You, Itachi, and the rest of our comrades still inside the citadel at the time? A few might've made it, perhaps, but let's not kid ourselves; there would have been friendly casualties, with you and Itachi almost certainly being among them."

Soi-Fon closed her eyes for a moment. "I… I was aware of that possibility at the time. When we realized the true nature of our foe… I feared that you unleashing your Bankai was inevitable. I had already accepted that my death might be part of the ensuing collateral damage."

Yoruichi nodded. "I figured as much. However, thanks to Itachi awakening both his Sharingan and Shikai during that fight, the worst did not come to pass. The three of us were able to defeat the wights and the wraith without resorting to the power of my Bankai. We might've killed it together, but make no mistake; every member of Squad Two that was inside the Moon Tower that night owes their lives to Itachi, and that very much includes you."

She watched as Soi-Fon looked down at the floor; her bodyguard actually seemed ashamed now. "I… you're right, Lady Yoruichi. The truth is… I've been aware of that since the mission, but… I didn't want to admit it. I didn't want to think about what it meant for his power to have already grown to such an extent… and how much it still could grow from there. When I saw the way that he was looking at you at the start of the Blade Dancer Festival last night, I knew that he wanted to dance with you… and I knew that he already possessed the skills to do so. For him to have reached that point after having been an active duty Soul Reaper for less than two years... I was jealous."

"Soi-Fon…" Yoruichi said softly.

Her bodyguard sighed. "I knew you two had started sneaking off together for private training after we returned from the mission to Menar Issilaya. You were still taking time to train with me as well, but I'd noticed the two of you disappearing at the same time pretty quickly… it wasn't hard for me to put two and two together, Lady Yoruichi. I didn't want to think about what that meant; that his abilities had already progressed to the point that you were taking him seriously as a sparring partner. As the Blade Dancer Festival approached, I knew what you would want. I… I was afraid that…"

Soi-Fon lifted her head, and Yoruichi's eyes widened slightly; she couldn't recall the last time her subordinate had ever looked so vulnerable. "…that he'd surpass me… take my place by your side… and that you'd leave me behind."

Yoruichi slowly smiled as she stepped forward and put her hands on Soi-Fon's shoulders. "Soi-Fon, listen to me. It's true that Itachi's skills are growing rapidly, and that I've taken it upon myself to train with him so that I can not only encourage that growth but also have him help me refine my own abilities. He's already become a valuable member of Squad Two, and I have no doubt that he's going to become as important to the running of this unit as both you and Kisuke are. As for my personal interest in him… well, we've both agreed to take things slow between us, see where the flow takes us. I believe he does have a place by my side… but so do you, Soi-Fon. You have since the moment I took you under my wing, and that hasn't changed."

Yoruichi then gave her a confident smirk. "Also, if you're worried about him surpassing you, then there's an obvious answer; redouble your training. There's nothing wrong with thinking of him as someone to measure yourself against as long as you don't overdo it. I don't think Itachi's really the type to seek out a rival, but if you want to be a friendly one to him and use that as motivation to push yourself, then I certainly won't stop you. Actually, I think you'd both benefit from it! Squad Two as a whole definitely would, as long as you don't let it interfere with your judgment in the field."

She was pleased to see a small smile appear on Soi-Fon's face. "I suppose you're right. Just… promise me that you'll still train with me, all right? I won't hold it against Itachi if you continue your practice sessions with him, but I still want to keep sparring with you as well. I've come so far under your tutelage, and I don't want that to stop now."

Yoruichi nodded. "Of course. I'll do what I can to split my time with the two of you as evenly as possible, I promise. You should seek him out for sparring practice too, though. You've run him through drills in the past; you know what he's capable of. With his abilities having grown so much over the past year, I think he'd be a good training partner for you."

"I'll keep that in mind," said Soi-Fon, "As for whatever's going on with the two of you personally… I promise that I won't get in the way. Still, please be careful, Lady Yoruichi. I might not have seen your match with Itachi last night, but rumors are already flying about what happened at the end and what it could mean. Greater discretion going forward would serve both of you quite well."

"I already said as much to him," Yoruichi replied, "Itachi's no fool; he knows that it's not a good idea to go flaunting what happened between us last night. We'll be careful. You have my word on that."

Soi-Fon nodded. "I'll hold you to that, Lady Yoruichi. No matter what happens…know that I want you to be both safe and happy. I know that the former's not necessarily something I can guarantee given our profession, but I'll still try my utmost to do so. As for the latter… I'll respect your wishes, but in return… could you please just tell me when you want some alone time with Itachi? He might be a new Soul Reaper, but I do trust him; he's clearly loyal both to you and Squad Two as a whole. That being said, I'd very much prefer to be sober and know that you're with him rather than be drunk and not have a clue."

Yoruichi held out her hand. "I understand. It won't happen again… and I am sorry that I resorted to that last night. Can you forgive me?"

Soi-Fon took her hand and smiled again, this time with much greater warmth than previously. "Of course, Lady Yoruichi."

Feeling that the air was clear between them now, Yoruichi gave Soi-Fon a mischievous smirk. "So, how bad was the hangover?"

Soi-Fon rubbed her forehead and shuddered. "Ugh… I'm not touching sake again for a long time. Seriously, just what kind of foul booze did you slip me? I've never had it hit that badly before. My head felt like it got pounded by your Shikai this morning!"

Yoruichi couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, you definitely weren't ready for that stuff! Grandfather said it's called monkey booze. Supposedly, it's made from random fruits that monkeys stuffed into hollow trees and wound up fermenting purely by accident. Not sure if I believe it myself, but it definitely packs a wild wallop!"

Soi-Fon gingerly touched her neck. "My throat burns just thinking about it… your grandfather has awful tastes in liquor."

Yoruichi smiled and shrugged. "Yeah, sometimes I think he's got a few screws loose. I don't know how he found a vendor at the Blade Dancer Festival who actually sold that stuff; he's always had a nose for the strange brews, but this batch really took the cake!"

"Indeed," Soi-Fon muttered, "I'm going to take a few laps around the barracks and see if I can shake what's left of the hangover out of my head. What are your plans for the day?"

"Make some tea, then find gramps and get that haori back," Yoruichi replied, "After that, I'm not quite sure. I know we managed to clear out the bulk of our paperwork backlog before the festival, so there's not much on my plate today. Suppose I'll visit with gramps for a bit and then get some training in."

Soi-Fon nodded. "Understood. After all the excitement of last night, I'd imagine that we're not the only ones who could use a slow day to recover."

Yoruichi concurred. "Won't argue with that."

As the two of them left her office and went their separate ways, Yoruichi found herself smiling again. She'd managed to patch things up with her bodyguard, and from the look of things, Soi-Fon wouldn't be giving her too much trouble about Itachi going forward. The handsome face of her Thirteenth Seat flashed through her mind, and she felt her heartbeat tick up a notch.

Look at you, Inazuma On'na teased, I don't think I've ever seen you in such good spirits over a man before. You're like a girl at the Academy daydreaming over her crush!

Yeah… it feels good.

So, what comes next?

That's up to me and him. I don't know exactly what the future holds for us…

…but I very much want to find out!

….

One year later…

142 years before Rukia Kuchiki's arrival in Karakura Town

Rolling to the side just in the nick of time, Jiraiya was barely able to get out of the way as the spiked club slammed into the spot on the stone platform that he had occupied just a moment ago. Rock chips were thrown up by the impact, a few of them stinging Jiraiya's arms and face as they grazed him. He barely even noticed the pain; years of sparring with the spirit of his Zanpakutō had given him plenty of time to become accustomed to such hits.

He smirked as he saw the armored toad briefly struggle with his club; he'd swung so hard that some of the barbs had actually become embedded within the platform. It wasn't often that his sparring partner made such a mistake, and Jiraiya was eager to take advantage of it. The few times he'd been blessed with such an opportunity in the past he'd unleashed the Rasengan on the spirit of his Zanpakutō, but while Jiraiya was always happy to use that technique in a sparring match to further refine it, today he had something different that he wanted to try.

His brow furrowed as he concentrated on channeling his spirit energy into his mouth, all the while building up spit and mixing it up. It only took a moment to achieve the desired blend, and he unleashed it a moment later.

Ninja Art: Toad Oil Bullet!

What spewed forth from his mouth was no longer simple saliva; it was a large glob of oil. The bulk of the messy projectile caught the armored toad in the chest and stuck tight, while smaller flecks clung to his shoulders and legs. Not stopping there, Jiraiya was already weaving new signs with his left hand while creating fresh oil in his mouth. At the same time, he forced a greater concentration of spirit energy into his mouth…

…and almost immediately felt a familiar burning sensation.

Fire Style: Flame Bullet!

This time, it wasn't just oil that spewed forth; the substance was aflame, and when it hit the oil that had already landed on the armored toad the result was a violent ignition. The spirit of his Zanpakutō groaned as the flames rapidly spread, and the amphibian leapt off the platform and into the surrounding water with a great splash and plume of steam. Cautiously approaching the edge of the platform, Jiraiya feared for a moment that he might've gone too far with this particular combo. Those fears were allayed when the armored toad burst forth from the water a few seconds later, and while his armor was noticeably scorched, he didn't appear too much worse for the wear.

The great amphibian glowered at him for a moment before bowing and lowering its club. "I was sloppy, and you took advantage of it. Well played… although I could do without being cooked inside my armor."

Jiraiya scratched the back of his neck as he sheathed his sword. "Yeah, sorry about that! You okay?"

The armored toad brushed off his concerns. "I'm hardly so delicate as to be undone by a bit of oil and flame. Besides, the waters in this realm have been blessed with healing properties thanks to the progress of your lessons with the Squad Four Captain. Their potency will only increase as your knowledge in the field of Kaidō continues to develop."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow; this was the first he'd heard of such a change. "Wait, so all the times that you clobbered the snot out of me, I could've just soaked in the swamp water here for a bit to recover from it? I could've used that information sooner, you know!"

"The effect was quite miniscule for some time," the spirit of his Zanpakutō replied, "You would not have noticed much of an impact until quite recently. As I've said before, your inner world's evolution will mirror your own. It would be wise for you to be on the lookout for even subtle changes each time you visit me in this realm."

Jiraiya actually had been keeping an eye out for just that each time he'd come to his inner world to train with the spirit of his Zanpakutō; he just hadn't considered that the properties of the water that permeated so much of it were also something that he should be examining on a regular basis. The thin layer of mist that had initially been omnipresent in this realm had actually dissipated over the past year, and there was a greater abundance of toads and other amphibians swimming amongst the reeds than had been there before. On the other hand, the sky above was still very much a curtain of grey clouds that looked as though they would start dropping drain any second now.

However, it wasn't the superficial changes that had really drawn Jiraiya's attention. Over the past few months, the atmosphere of his inner world had begun to evolve. Initially, the change had been so subtle that Jiraiya hadn't been entirely convinced that it wasn't simply a figment of his imagination, but his doubts had soon been laid to rest upon meditation. The spirit energy that permeated his inner world had taken on a new, yet surprisingly familiar, flavor of sorts. It had taken a moment for Jiraiya to realize just what he was sensing.

Nature energy.

Jiraiya had been both floored and decidedly confused by the discovery. On the one hand, it was nothing short of astounding, but on the other it was also quite contradictory. He was still very much dead, after all, and he was in the Soul Society; spirit energy should've been the only game in town. Yet he knew with complete certainty what he had begun to sense over the past few months, contradiction be damned. Puzzling out how it was possible was proving to be quite the challenge, though.

He'd come up with a theory, but Jiraiya wasn't sure how close it was to the truth. While chakra as an energy source seemed to have only really been potent enough for use in the Shinobi World, it was possible that nature energy was more universal. While nature energy flowed through the atmosphere and had to be actively sought out and drawn in by Shinobi in order to be used in battle, tiny bits of it actually passed in and out of people with each breath they took; it was simply in such infinitesimal doses that the vast majority of people couldn't even detect it, let alone utilize it. In Jiraiya's mind, it was therefore theoretically possible that each creature that died in the various Realms of the Living took a tiny bit of nature energy with them when they passed on to the Soul Society. Granted, Jiraiya had only been to a few Realms of the Living so far in his tenure as a Soul Reaper, and in the ones he'd visited up until this point he'd been focused on either sensing the spirits of those who had recently passed so he could find them and perform the Konsō, or he'd been concentrating on tracking the Hollows that he and his comrades were assigned with neutralizing. He hadn't really been given much of a chance to sit back and smell the roses, as it were. However, it was possible that each world had some form of natural energy similar to that which was crucial to Sage Jutsu in the Shinobi World, and if that were the case, then perhaps the great cycle of life and death meant that nature energy found its way to the Soul Society by way of the unwitting creatures that carried those tiny bits of it.

It was a theory that Jiraiya was eager to test out in the field. He'd tried doing so within the Seireitei and parts of the Rukon District, but so far, he hadn't had much in the way of success. Due to the Seireitei being home to a considerable number of powerful souls while the Rukon District had sheer volume, there was just far too much raw spirit energy for him to sort through and pick out the bits of nature energy that could've been concealed. It was like trying to eavesdrop on a hushed conversation in the middle of a massive festival; all the background noise defeated any attempt at picking out the key details that he sought. By contrast, his inner world was downright tranquil, which made it downright easy for Jiraiya to pick up on the latent traces of nature energy within it once he knew what to look for.

As my power grows, so do my senses, he mused, I've come a long way with spirit energy over the past year. If I could add nature energy to that, fully recreate Sage Jutsu within the Soul Society… the more I learn, the more that I'm convinced such a thing is possible. Of course, I need opportunities to get out of the Soul Society's heart so I can explore that possibility in earnest.

He doubted that he'd have to wait long for such an opportunity. The past year had been a busy one for Squad Eight, with more than its share of trips to the various Realms of the Living for Hollow hunting and soul purifying. Jiraiya might still have been merely the Sixteenth Seat of his unit, but that was purely because he hadn't unlocked his Shikai yet. His performance at the Blade Dancer Festival last year had resulted in a significant boost to his reputation as a Soul Reaper, and while he might've officially been a junior officer of Squad Eight, he was treated with the respect of an experienced warrior. Of course, there were those who were still put off by his literary endeavors, but even they would willingly admit that he was competent and effective both in training and out on missions.

There had been another curious development thanks to his performance at the Blade Dancer Festival; both Captain Kyōraku and Lieutenant Yadōmaru had begun asking him to spar with them much more frequently than they had before. While Jiraiya had squared off against them in the past and had found their training bouts to be both enlightening and entertaining, the two senior officers had also clearly been holding back during those sessions and had at times acted more like they were simply doing him a favor or humoring him. They'd complimented his capabilities and pointed to areas where he could improve, but they'd also treated the matches rather casually in the past. Now, though, they seemed to regard him as a much more serious contender whenever they stepped into the ring with him. Jiraiya certainly wasn't complaining; if anything, it made their sparring matches much more exciting. The fact that he was further able to refine his technique with them was definitely a bonus.

Of course, it wasn't just his combat abilities that were improving. As the spirit of his Zanpakutō had mentioned, his private healing lessons with Unohana had advanced significantly. Her estimation of his capabilities had apparently gone up a few notches thanks to their bout in the Blade Dancer Festival, and she'd considerably expanded upon the learning material she threw at him as a result. Jiraiya relished in the new challenge, and while balancing the workload with both his Squad Eight duties and his writing was certainly not easy, he couldn't deny that his knowledge in the healing arts had grown considerably. As a Shinobi he'd of course been given lessons in basic first aid, but since Tsunade had been on his team for such a long time he'd naturally left patching people up to her.

If only she could see me now, he thought with a smirk, Tsunade… you've got some competition in your field here in the afterlife!

Jiraiya wouldn't consider himself anywhere close to the proficiency of either a member of Squad Four or a medical ninja, but his newfound skills were nothing to sneeze at. Superficial wounds were almost a breeze for him to heal with Kaidō, and he was making progress on using spirit energy for helping to mend broken bones as well. Deep wounds definitely took greater concentration, but Jiraiya was making strides there too. What he was really curious about was learning how to deal with poisons, but Unohana had told him that he wasn't quite ready to tackle that subject just yet.

According to the head of Squad Four, using spirit energy to extract or neutralize poison was work that required great finesse and precision, and there were particular toxins in the Soul Society that didn't behave like those that could be found in the Realms of the Living. While most poisons still targeted the body, there were those that actually infected souls via their spirit energy instead, and those were by far the most insidious foes that a healer could face. Unohana had bluntly told him that even she could struggle with some of the more exotic and subtle poisons that existed in the Soul Society, and she had cautioned him that there was always the possibility of encountering some new toxin that defied any previously known treatment.

"It wouldn't do for a healer to extract a poison from a patient only to become infected themselves," Unohana had told him during a recent session, "Toxins that infect their victims via their spirit energy rather than traditional transmission vectors are rare, but they are without a doubt the most dangerous kind of poison that we can encounter in our line of work. I've taken great pains to catalogue each new strain as I come across them, but the Soul Society is truly vast; it would be the height of arrogance to claim that our knowledge of the poisons that can be found in it is in any way exhaustive. Whether it be out in The Wild or the many Realms of the Living, there are almost an infinite number of distant lands where new toxins may be forming either naturally or artificially as we speak. We must always be on the lookout for such threats and identify them at the first opportunity."

Jiraiya was curious as to what form some of those threats would take, but he also wasn't particularly eager to find out firsthand. He could only hope that should the worst come to pass, his lessons with Unohana would've progressed to the point that he could at least recognize the danger in time to get both himself and anyone with him well out of range of whatever nasty poison they were potentially dealing with. At the rate his lessons with the Squad Four Captain were going, Jiraiya suspected he'd get his first real intro on the subject sooner rather than later.

Speaking of the lovely Captain, their private healing lessons weren't the only area that Jiraiya was making progress with her. True to her word, when this year's Blade Dancer Festival had come around, Unohana had been more than willing to partake in another dance with Jiraiya. Jiraiya smiled just thinking about it. Crossing blades with her again under the full moon and Kūkaku's fireworks, feeling the dark intensity of her gaze on him, once more trying to figure out just what the source of that almost demonic undercurrent of energy was… Jiraiya had loved every second of it.

He hadn't been the only one to enjoy another fruitful celebration. Jiraiya hadn't failed to notice that Itachi and Yoruichi had gone not just one, but two rounds this year. The Legendary Sannin had gotten front row seats to both bouts, and the energy of both contestants had truly been something to see. Jiraiya had immediately picked up on the underlying chemistry, which had only further reinforced his suspicions about what had happened after their bout last year. Sure enough, after their second match towards the end of the Blade Dancer Festival, the two of them had disappeared, although this time they had been much more circumspect with their departure. There was definitely something going on between the two of them, but whenever Jiraiya had attempted to delve into the matter, Itachi would never give him a straight answer. Instead, the young Uchiha would usually just give him a small smile or smirk before deftly changing the subject.

I'll get him to fess up sooner or later, he mused with a smile, I don't want to give him too much grief about it. He's clearly enjoying what he has with her, and after what he went through in life, I'd say that he definitely deserves some happiness. If she's giving him that, then I'm not going to make things difficult for them.

"Did you find something I said to be particularly amusing?" inquired the armored amphibian.

Jiraiya chuckled as he shook his head. "Relax, you grouchy old toad! I'm allowed to think of stuff other than you while I'm here, aren't I?"

"You should not become distracted here," the spirit of his Zanpakutō grumbled, "Not if you wish to unlock my power."

Jiraiya shrugged. "I still can't hear your name no matter how much I focus. I don't suppose you'd mind dropping me a hint or two?"

The armored toad chuckled. "And make things easy for you? I think not."

Jiraiya shook his head. "Stubborn frog… I don't think Itachi's Zanpakutō gave him nearly as much grief as you do me."

"To each Zanpakutō their own," the amphibian casually replied, "Your friend's progress is not my concern. You have made great strides in the time since I first awakened, but you still have not earned my name."

"Awfully hard to do that when you won't point me in the right direction," Jiraiya countered.

"I am a part of you," said the toad, "The more you reconnect with the skills from your old life while delving into your new one, the closer you will get to your Shikai. Your friend Itachi followed his own path to Shikai; you must follow yours."

Jiraiya sighed. "Well, I think I've spent enough time here with you today, so I think I'll take a break from that path and grab a drink. I feel like I've earned it."

The hulking amphibian shrugged. "Do as you will."

The armored toad turned around and leapt off the platform into the water. Just before it made the jump, though, Jiraiya caught a glimpse of something curious. The spiked club that the toad wielded in combat against him was in its normal place on the creature's back, and normally Jiraiya didn't pay much mind to it once the amphibian put it away. However, in that brief moment, Jiraiya saw a few small swirls of blue-white energy over some of the barbs on the club. Jiraiya was momentarily reminded of the Rasengan, but when he tried to focus on the energy itself, he was taken aback by what he sensed.

It wasn't spirit energy.

It was nature energy.

What did it mean? Jiraiya didn't know.

What he did know was that he really needed a drink now.

….

Kyōraku smirked as he downed another cup of sake. "Still having trouble with that old toad, eh?"

Jiraiya shrugged as he took a drink as well. "He's an obstinate bastard sometimes, but it's nothing I can't handle. I do wish he'd give me a bit more to go on for how to learn his name, though."

It was early evening, and the two of them were at a tavern out in District 4 of Eastern Rukon. The establishment was quite modest, but it had a quiet charm that Jiraiya had grown to enjoy since his Captain had first taken him there. They were well into their drinks for the night, and while Jiraiya definitely felt a little wobbly, he was still more than capable of lucid thought and speech.

Kyōraku smiled. "Sometimes our Zanpakutō can be a real pain in the ass to figure out. I'd say you're doing pretty well. It feels like you're close. That's the impression I get from your spiritual pressure, anyway."

Jiraiya chuckled as he pounded back another shot. "I guess I'll take that! It'd still be nice to know what I have to do to clear whatever hurdle's still in my way."

Kyōraku scratched his chin as he mulled it over. "At this point, it might not be something you can work through with simple meditation and training. A little jolt out in the field could be what you need."

Jiraiya was skeptical. "I've had plenty of field work over the past year. If it was something as simple as that, wouldn't I be past this block by now?"

The Captain shook his head. "Not necessarily. Your recent field missions have been pretty run of the mill. That's not an insult; you've done great work, and typical field assignments are still important. However, those missions usually don't present the kind of threat or challenge that can sometimes be needed to clear that last bit of distance between yourself and your Zanpakutō. Remember what you told me about your pal Itachi? He was only able to unlock his Shikai during the battle with the wraith, right? I think at this point you might need something similar."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "That's not something actually in the cards, is it? Squad Eight hasn't faced any kind of threat that measures up to what Squad Two found in the east, at least not recently. From what I've heard since then, they haven't had much success in tracking down any others."

Kyōraku's brow furrowed. "Maybe, but since then, they're not the only ones engaged in that hunt… and there has been a new development on that front."

Jiraiya leaned forward; this was getting interesting. "What's happened?"

"Squad Two and the Stealth Force have stretched themselves pretty thin between their usual missions and the big wraith hunt," Kyōraku replied, "I know Captain Shihōin's doing everything she can to narrow down the grid, but she's got a lot of ground to cover. Another problem she's got is that there are certain areas that she's not allowed to search, especially not after that whole dustup with the artifact they found in Menar Issilaya."

Jiraiya could see where his Captain was going with this. "You mean the Principalities of the Drakken and Starmont Clans, right?"

Kyōraku nodded as he poured himself another cup. "You got it. As I'm sure you're aware, things have been a bit tense between those two families and Captain Shihōin's. It's mostly petty aristocratic posturing, but it still impacts how we do our jobs. Ever since the recovery of an intact Nalatarin from Menar Issilaya, the Drakken and Starmont Clans have been combing their home territories anew. Officially, it's been to make sure no wraiths were interred there, but everyone knows the truth; they're trying to make sure no powerful artifacts have been tucked away right under their noses for the past few thousand years."

Jiraiya was already putting the pieces together. "One of them found something, didn't they?"

Kyōraku closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them, he looked uncharacteristically grim. "A scouting party from the Starmont Clan's private forces went missing on an expedition about a couple months or so ago. That's not too unusual; the northern Soul Society is an incredibly dangerous environment. Hollows are a mere nuisance compared to some of the wildlife up there, and that's not getting into the sheer harshness of the elements. Another party was sent out to search for them, but they came up empty. Again, not exactly unusual for that region. Everyone was prepared to write it off as just another tragedy of the north and move on. However, the missing party came back a short while later…only they were no longer human."

A dark pit began to form in Jiraiya's guts. "Wights?"

"That's right," Kyōraku answered in between sips of sake, "They attacked the village that they'd initially set out from, and they weren't alone. You know what dire wolves are, right?"

It took Jiraiya a moment of thought before he could reply. "I think so. One of our new recruits is from the north, and I heard him talking about them a little while back. They're basically larger than average wolves, right? Tougher, smarter, and more dangerous than your typical wild canine, yeah?"

Kyōraku shrugged. "Close enough. Anyway, they were accompanied by a pack of these things… or rather, a pack of creatures that used to be them."

Jiraiya was a bit taken aback by the obvious conclusion. "Wait a second… don't tell me they were wights too?"

His Captain nodded. "They were, or something similar in nature to them. The local village militia was overwhelmed, and only a few people managed to escape. In order to keep the wights from multiplying, the northern lords cordoned off the area and called in the Valkyries. They managed to wipe them out before they could spread further, but they only dealt with the ones in the region surrounding the village; the source of the wights still remains."

"Do they have any idea where that source is?" asked Jiraiya.

"It took some doing, but they did manage to track it down," Kyōraku replied, "An old temple deep in the frozen tundra. From what I understand, the surrounding region's been corrupted in a manner similar to that which Squad Two documented on their eastern expedition. No one's actually entered the temple, but everyone's pretty sure they know what lurks in there."

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "How did you learn about all this? The northern regions are lorded over by the Starmont Clan, and the unit they favor within the Thirteen Court Guard Squads is Squad Eleven. I'd expect them to inform their Captain and try to keep the knowledge under wraps given how they reacted to Squad Two's mission to Menar Issilaya."

Kyōraku smirked. "They tried that. However, people usually notice if a Captain suddenly leaves the Seireitei for an extended period of time without notice, so a secret mission was never going to work out for them. Besides, Squad Eleven favors direct combat over all else, and from what I understand the temple's protected by ancient barriers and spells. Whatever's inside there can apparently get in and out without much trouble, or at least the creatures who serve it can, but good luck to anyone else."

Another puzzle piece fell into place for Jiraiya. "This is outside Squad Eleven's area of expertise. They need help… and it sounds like they've asked for Squad Eight."

"Close," said Kyōraku as he pounded back another drink, "Squad Eight and the Kidō Corps are getting this one. We've got a big planning session set for tomorrow, and we're looking to set out by the end of the week."

"Why tell me about this before the meeting?" asked Jiraiya.

Kyōraku smiled. "You might only be this unit's Sixteenth Seat, but that's really just due to you not having unlocked your Shikai at this point. You've got a good head for leadership, and I'm not the only one who recognizes that. I want you to come as part of our expeditionary force. I'll be bringing Lisa and a few other officers too. When the time comes to enter the temple, we'll be the ones going inside. I don't want any of our unseated members anywhere near a wraith, so those that are part of the expeditionary force will only be manning the perimeter or guarding our encampment. A few officers from the Kidō Corps will be helping us deal with the various barriers and spells that stand in our way."

Jiraiya nodded. "Sounds like a solid lineup, but aren't we missing someone here? Won't the Starmont Clan want one of their own on hand in case there's another major artifact discovered?"

"The Head Captain usually doesn't take kindly to nobles interfering with missions of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads," Kyōraku replied with a mischievous chuckle, "However, since this operation will be taking place within the Starmont Clan's Principality, he's made a concession. The family's allowed representatives on this mission, but only ones that can provide meaningful assistance in combat when the time comes to deal with the wraith. Luckily for all parties involved, that family happens to be on very good terms with a certain group of powerful warrior women, and a few of them are available to assist with this endeavor."

Jiraiya grinned. "Are you telling me we'll actually get to work with the famed Valkyries and see them in action?"

Kyōraku smiled. "That's right. Should be a real treat. It's not often that outsiders get to fight alongside Valkyries, and if we really are up against a wraith then we'll definitely need the extra muscle. Speaking of which, I had a lovely chat with Captain Shihōin earlier today. She's given us all the information that her unit compiled from their engagement in the east. Lisa will be giving out copies of it tomorrow, so make sure you study up. There's no guarantee that our foe will have the exact same weaknesses as the one Squad Two faced, but it should at least point us in the right direction."

Jiraiya raised his glass. "I'll drink to that."

Kyōraku chuckled as he mirrored the gesture. "Same here!"

The two of them had just finished pounding back their latest shots when a familiar female voice drifted through the bar from behind them. "There you two are. Should've come here from the start…"

Kyōraku grinned as he looked over his shoulder. "Hey, Lisa! Why don't you come on over and join us for a round?"

Jiraiya raised the bottle. "Still got plenty left!"

Lisa looked less than amused. "We have a big meeting tomorrow morning, and you two need to be sober for it! I am not going to do all the work for you just because you want to get plastered, Captain."

Kyōraku waved his hand dismissively, although the gesture was perhaps a bit sloppier than usual. "Calm down, Lisa. I'm not that drunk yet. Here, I'll prove it to you. Jiraiya, pour me another shot!"

Lisa Flash Stepped forward and snatched the bottle out of Jiraiya's hand while slapping a small satchel of Kan down on the bar. "Not happening. That should cover you two for the night. Captain, you owe me when we get back to the barracks. Let's go."

Kyōraku gave a theatrical sigh before smiling at Jiraiya. "Well, we'd better do what she says. You know how she gets when she's in a mood."

"Yeah, I think you're right," said Jiraiya as the two of them got up from the bar, with the Captain unceremoniously draping his arm over Lisa's shoulders and leaning on her for support, "Besides, looks like you might be a bit over your limit for the night."

Kyōraku shook his head and grinned. "I don't know what you're talking about, Jiraiya!"

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Typical. Jiraiya, please tell me you can at least walk in a straight line?"

Jiraiya took a few ginger test steps before nodding. "I think so… Shunpo might be a bit tricky, though."

"Well, you'd better hope you can pull it off, because you're helping me drag the Captain's sorry ass back to the barracks," she firmly ordered, "Don't even think about trying to weasel your way out of it."

Jiraiya gave Kyōraku a shrug as he sidled around to the other side and helped Lisa support him. "Guess we'd better go along with her, eh?"

Kyōraku hung his head in defeat. "Can't be helped. Let's go home."

….

Two days later…

"Ah!" gasped Visaelya as she took a sip of her tea, "A bit hot…"

"Might want to put it down for a minute or two," Shisui suggested, "They did just bring it out, after all."

Visaelya nodded as she did just that. "Of course. I don't know why I was so eager there… I usually have greater restraint."

"Soi-Fon did run the three of us through some rather strenuous exercises earlier," Itachi pointed out, "It's only natural to be eager for refreshment."

Jiraiya smiled. "You know, we could've rescheduled this. Squad Eight doesn't set out until the day after tomorrow, after all."

Shisui shook his head. "There wouldn't be time. Visaelya and I are on Rukon District patrol most of tomorrow, and Itachi's supposed to give Kisuke a hand in the Nest of Maggots. Between now and when you leave, this is the only window that we've got."

"The mission you're embarking on will likely prove to be as dangerous as our expedition to Menar Issilaya," Itachi added, "The least we can do is give you a decent sendoff. Soi-Fon may run us hard in training, but we're not going to let that stop us from getting together while we can."

Shisui smirked. "Besides, we were worried about you. Especially Visaelya; she's been fretting ever since word trickled down through the grapevine about Squad Eight going wraith hunting."

Visaelya blushed and pouted as she made her furious denial. "I have not been 'fretting' in the least! I'm only concerned that Squad Eight may not fully grasp just what they're getting into here, and I wanted to make sure that Jiraiya understood the danger."

It was fun seeing her flustered, and Shisui was going to make the most of it. "You know, being 'concerned' is just a nicer way to say that you're fretting."

She glared at him, but the blush completely took the bite out of it. It was a game they'd played more than a few times over the past year; Shisui knew all her tells, even as he tried to instruct her in how to mask them.

She's definitely got the fire of her clan, he mused with a smile, I wish they'd get over themselves and bury the hatchet with her already. Then again, if they learn about how the two of us have been spending our time together, they might turn that fire on me in short order.

Things had definitely been interesting between the two of them since last year's Blade Dancer Festival. Their night hadn't ended in the passionate climax that Shisui knew Itachi had shared with Yoruichi, but it had definitely marked a turning point in their relationship. He and Visaelya weren't just friends and comrades in arms anymore. Over the past year, they'd become… something more. They hadn't taken the big leap that Itachi had with Yoruichi, but Shisui suspected that they were slowly moving in that direction.

He certainly wasn't complaining. His dating experience back when he was alive had been nonexistent, so Shisui was very much learning on the fly here. Fortunately for him, Visaelya was actually in the same boat. That had come as a considerable surprise to him; sure, she was the daughter of a Great Noble House and thus an intimidating prospect for anyone who wished to court her, but Shisui had at least figured that she might've engaged in a bit of light romance before. As it turned out, though, that was very much not the case. Between her clan tutors, studies at the Academy, and now her duties in Squad Two, Visaelya had never given herself time for something like dating; her experience in young love amounted to absolutely nothing.

So, they were taking it slow. A tea date here, a pleasant walk through the more scenic parts of the Seireitei there, a few private training sessions that had been more than a bit on the flirty and teasing side; in short, a young man and a young woman trying to navigate the infinite mysteries of the heart together. In the interest of not making Visaelya's life any more complicated than it already was, Shisui had promised her that he'd keep quiet about where things were going between them. Sure, Itachi had caught on quickly enough, but his response had simply been to give them a knowing smile and say nothing further. Did the Captain know? Shisui wouldn't put her past her, but he also knew that Yoruichi would respect their privacy. Maybe she'd tease the two of them a bit if the opportunity presented itself, but Shisui trusted his Captain to be discrete.

Where would things go from here? Shisui couldn't say…

…but he very much wanted to find out.

I never met a girl like her in the Shinobi Realm, he thought as he stole a glance at Visaelya, I suppose there wasn't one like her there, or in any other Realm of the Living for that matter. She's one of a kind. I really lucked out, both with meeting her and… well, everything that's happened since.

"In any case," said Visaelya as she fought to regain her composure, "I believe that any expedition into the north warrants concern, regardless of what kind of enemy one is hunting. Jiraiya, your past missions with Squad Eight have never taken you past the Whitefell Mountains, right?"

Jiraiya nodded. "Yeah, last time I went that far north was with our class during the joint expedition to the barrow. Man, haven't thought about that little trip in a long time."

"It was quite the adventure," said Itachi, "Where you're going is well past the barrow we explored, though. You'll be in the true north, as it were. From what I understand, that territory is significantly more dangerous than where we went before."

Visaelya rolled her eyes. "That's an understatement if I ever heard one. Between the dire wolves, cold drakes, outcast tribes, and the bitter cold itself, the Soul Society's true north is downright treacherous. Even experienced Soul Reapers would have trouble up there, and that's when they're tracking Hollows rather than something as powerful as a wraith!"

Shisui raised an eyebrow. "Outcast tribes? Don't think I've ever come across mention of those when I've read up on the region."

"Something I should know?" asked Jiraiya.

Visaelya sighed. "The northern nobles don't like to talk about them, and for good reason; they're the dregs of that region. Food is difficult to procure in the north even during the best of times, which means that they don't maintain any dedicated prisons for serious offenders; can't spare the resources for them. Those charged with the most heinous of crimes are executed, minor offenders typically get assigned labor duties, but for all the serious offenses in between, there's only one sentence; exile. They're cast out into bitter wilderness to fend for themselves. Over time, they've banded together into groups of brigands and vagabonds to survive. Attrition is incredibly high in most cases, but the ones that manage to last more than one winter are those you really need to watch out for; if they can survive that, then they're not to be taken lightly."

Shisui nodded. "Duly noted."

Itachi's brow furrowed in thought. "Would they seriously be so bold as to attack a Soul Reaper contingent led by a senior officer? Captain Kyōraku himself is leading this expedition, after all. I can't see him being particularly threatened by brigands and outcasts."

"And we'll be joined by some Valkyries, too," Jiraiya reminded them, "I know that I've made some questionable decisions in my time, but even I'd think twice before picking a fight with a group that had them in it."

"Once you rendezvous with the Valkyries, the outcast tribes should give you a wide berth," said Visaelya, "According to the accounts I've read, no one in the north picks a fight with them. As for Captain Kyōraku, I have no doubt that he'd be able to deal with any brigands that attacked, but his presence alone might not prove to be a sufficient deterrent. The North's a rather insular region, so tales of the Captain's prowess aren't likely well known up there. Any outcasts you encounter might require a… practical demonstration of power before they'll leave you alone."

Jiraiya shrugged. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Human brigands aren't something I'm too worried about. The wildlife might be more of an issue, though."

Visaelya nodded. "Northern predators can be dangerous, and more than a few track spirit energy in addition to relying on traditional senses like sight, smell or sound. A Captain's spiritual pressure might be enough to convince most of them to move on; no predator wants to chase prey that's strong enough to kill it, after all. Dire wolves and cold drakes will probably be the only real threat, and if this region's been corrupted like Menar Issilaya then it's possible that most predators avoid it."

Jiraiya scratched his chin in thought. "I don't know… the Captain mentioned that both wights and wolves attacked a village together, and that the wolves might've been corrupted. It's possible that we might have to deal with more than just a wraith and wights this time."

Shisui winced. "That could get ugly. Better hope it's just wights and tainted wolves serving this thing. I'd hate to think of what a corrupted cold drake could do."

Visaelya shuddered. "Nothing good, that's for sure."

"Just remember the information that our Captain provided yours," said Itachi, "A wraith is formidable, but it's not invincible. Look for any item on it that could be used as a focal point for the energy that maintains the reanimation. Crown, brooch, a ring, elaborate belt buckle, amulet; plenty of accessories to watch out for."

"The wights themselves shouldn't be a problem for you," Shisui added, "Individually, they're pretty weak. Just be careful not to let them swarm you. Watch out for chokepoints and make sure to keep an open line of retreat in case things go south."

Jiraiya smiled. "You know, this isn't my first dangerous mission. I know the basics of operating against large numbers of enemies, and I'm more than capable of improvising."

Shisui felt a rush of embarrassment as he realized that he'd just tried to lecture one of the Legendary Sannin. "Right… I'm sure you'll be fine."

Visaelya's brow furrowed as she took a sip of her tea. "Something about your mission doesn't sit right with me. I can understand both Squad Eight and the Kidō Corps being involved, along with cooperation from the Valkyries… but not a single member of Squad Eleven being assigned? Their Captain's heir to the Great Noble House of the north; the Starmont Clan must be chomping at the bit for him to get on this mission."

"Jiraiya mentioned barriers and other ancient spells were reported to be surrounding the temple," Itachi pointed out, "Members of Squad Eleven are ill-suited for that kind of work."

"They probably don't want to incur the wrath of Head Captain Yamamoto by interfering in the official business of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads," Jiraiya added, "Having Valkyries rendezvous with us was about the only concession they could wrangle from the old man from what I understand."

Visaelya shook her head. "Even so, I would imagine that the Starmont Clan would insist at having at least representation from their chosen division. They could even come up with the valid excuse of having members of Squad Eleven provide additional muscle. Shows of force are a necessity in the north; nothing like having some brutes amongst your numbers to show that you mean business."

Shisui smirked. "Remember what we're talking about here; ancient and forbidden spells, corrupted souls, tainted wildlife, and all manner of potential twisted horrors. Maybe our friends from Squad Eleven are, dare I say it, afraid?"

He was pleased to get a laugh out of her, even if she tried to disguise it with a mask of faux-indignity. "Shisui! Are you calling our esteemed colleagues cowards?"

"I was going to go with chickens," Shisui replied with a grin.

"I'm sure they'll appreciate that bit of clarification," Itachi quipped.

Jiraiya chuckled. "A division that prides itself on open combat afraid of ghosts from a bygone age… the jokes almost write themselves, don't they?"

"Let's try not to make any of them in earshot of Squad Eleven members," Visaelya suggested, "They're far too easy to rile up as it is."

Shisui pouted. "Aw, no fun!"

"As amusing as it would be to provoke them, I'm with Visaelya on this one," said Itachi, "We'll just have to content ourselves with imagining their indignation and impotent rage."

Jiraiya raised his cup. "I'll drink to that!"

The four of them drank in unison, each of them smiling as they savored the moment. Occasions where they could all get together like this weren't easy to come by these days; as they continued to grow in ability and strength, their assigned duties became more demanding. It was an unfortunate byproduct of their prodigious evolution as Soul Reapers. Each friendly gathering was to be treasured, a lesson that Shisui had taken to heart over the years.

"By the way," said Jiraiya as he put his cup down and turned to Itachi, "How's your mother doing? Haven't been by the Academy in a while."

"She's doing quite well," Itachi answered, "Her class had their first Konsō expedition last week."

Visaelya raised an eyebrow. "A bit early, isn't it? Our class had to wait a little longer, if I recall correctly."

Itachi shrugged. "From what I understand, it seems like extra manpower was needed, so students from her year and up were called in. She said it went very well, although she did seem a little shaken by the experience."

Shisui nodded. "Hard to blame her. Whether it's the aftermath of a large battle or a natural disaster, Konsō expeditions can definitely be rough on someone experiencing them for the first time. Even with our background as Shinobi, some of the sights we see in this line of work… well, you've been on the job for a couple years now, so I don't have to tell you how bad it can get."

"Does she need someone to talk to?" asked Visaelya, "We could always stop by and see how she's doing?"

Itachi gave a small smile. "I'm sure she'd appreciate the thought, but I spoke with her about it, and she's handling it all right. She's made some good friends in her class, so she has them to confide in as well."

Visaelya nodded. "Very well. My offer stands just the same, though."

Shisui smiled at her. "Maybe the two of us will pay a visit to the Academy next week. We can always tell the staff that we're scouting for new recruits; it's by far the most common excuse they get, and it's usually legit."

Visaelya returned his smile. "I don't think our excuse really matters, does it? We're active-duty Soul Reapers, not to mention officers; we don't need a pretense to visit the Academy. We have the clearance to swing by whenever we please."

Jiraiya chuckled. "Someone's enjoying the perks of rank!"

"I've earned every right to," Visaelya confidently replied.

That you have, Shisui thought, and I couldn't be prouder.

….

A week later…

A crisp evening breeze rustled Jiraiya's hair, but the Legendary Sannin barely even noticed. He was deep in meditation, and it wasn't to reach his inner world. This was a different kind of meditation; that which he'd practiced for days on end so long ago with the toads of Mount Myōboku.

Remember the basics, he told himself, I don't have the oils used by the toads to ease the process, so absolute stillness and control are essential.

It wasn't the first time he'd done these exercises since coming to the Soul Society, of course, but in the days since they'd left the Seireitei and Rukon District behind it was the first time that Jiraiya felt as though he'd made meaningful progress towards his goal of relearning Sage Jutsu. His theory regarding nature energy in the Soul Society had been much easier to test out in The Wild, and his first night of meditation he had indeed been able to detect traces of it mixed in with the abundant spirit energy of the afterlife. The further out they got from the Rukon District, the easier it had become for him to pick the hints of that familiar energy with his meditations. That alone was a major success, but Jiraiya naturally wouldn't settle for that. He wanted to push further and take full advantage of the opportunity that this mission had presented to him.

Squad Eight's northern journey was going quite well so far. The unit was proceeding quickly along the Great Northern Trade Road, and already the drop in temperature as their travels progressed had become quite noticeable. At the rate they were going, it wouldn't be long until the Whitefell Mountains would become visible on the horizon, and that would mark the end of the easy portion of their trip. Lisa had taken pains to repeatedly stress in the mission briefing just how treacherous the passages through the mountain range could be even in the best of times, and winter was quickly approaching; their trip wasn't taking place at anything remotely close to the 'best' of times, to put it mildly.

The biting cold of the Whitefell Mountains and the lands beyond would make it all the harder to concentrate on his meditations, so Jiraiya wanted to get as much in now while the temperatures were still something that passed for hospitable. He would still make an effort even when they were beyond the mountain range, of course, but he wasn't going to kid himself about just how much of a struggle it would be. Then again, he'd never been beyond the Whitefell Mountains before; for all Jiraiya knew, it was possible that nature energy would actually be easier to detect once they crossed them. Their increasing distance from the Rukon District did seem to be corresponding to the rate of progress that Jiraiya was making in his meditations.

I wonder what good old Fukasaku and Shima would say if they could see me now, he mused with a small smile, Man, I actually miss them… never would've imagined that.

There was a faint howl from distant wolves, along with the hooting of nearby owls. The sounds of nature were quite pleasing to Jiraiya, and normally he would use them as aids to help him immerse himself even deeper in his meditations. However, there was a much closer sound that was less helpful. He heard a rustling in the bushes, along with soft footsteps. Jiraiya could sense the suppressed spiritual pressure of the approaching Soul Reaper, and he knew that this evening's training session had come to an end.

"I know you can take care of yourself," said Lisa as she emerged from the foliage, "but it's still unwise to stray far from camp alone."

Jiraiya smiled at the approaching Lieutenant. "Don't tell me you're actually concerned for my safety. Lieutenant, I'm touched!"

Lisa smirked. "Don't let it go to your head. Mind if I join you?"

Jiraiya patted the ground next to him. "Don't let me stop you. What brings you out here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," she replied as she sat down and regarded him with a curious look, "Don't think that I haven't noticed you wandering off from the group once we've set up camp for the night. The Captain's picked up on it too, you know."

"And here I thought that I'd been slipping away so quietly," said Jiraiya, "I'm not causing any problems, am I?"

Lisa shook her head. "No. The Captain and I both trust you to be able to look out for yourself, and you haven't shirked your regular duties. I have no complaints regarding your conduct on this mission so far. That being said, as this unit's Lieutenant, it's my job to keep tabs on the mental state of our members. Is something on your mind, Jiraiya?"

Jiraiya grinned. "You really do care, don't you? Let's go find the Captain and celebrate with a drink!"

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Not happening. You do remember that I confiscated the booze that the Captain tried to smuggle with him on this mission, don't you?"

Jiraiya chuckled. "Yeah. Such a tragedy. I think the Captain's heart is still broken over that. You really can be ruthless when the occasion calls for it, Lieutenant."

Lisa smirked. "Someone has to crack the whip to keep the troops in line. I don't mind a bit of partying off the clock, you know. I just don't take it to the excess that you and the Captain do. Besides, alcohol on missions seldom ends well. The Captain really should know better than to think he can slip sake by me when we're out in the field."

Jiraiya solemnly bowed his head. "A moment of silence for the fun that we could've had if the Captain had hidden his booze just a bit more carefully."

Lisa gave him a light punch to the shoulder. "Oh, get over it! You two can go without sake for a month or so."

"You really think the mission will last that long?" asked Jiraiya.

Lisa shrugged. "It wouldn't be surprising. This is only the first leg of the trip, and it's the easiest one. It'll be slow going once we enter the mountain pass, especially this time of year. Even once we're clear, the road's much tougher on the other side of the range."

Jiraiya leaned forward a bit, genuinely curious. "You've been up this way before a few times, right? What brought you out here?"

"Mostly Hollow hunts, although once we were ordered to help out with bandit suppression," Lisa answered, "The northern mines are well known for being rich in precious metals and gemstones, so trade caravans heading down to the south are always tempting targets for brigands. We wound up chasing them into a cold drake's cave. Needless to say, none of the bandits ever came back out."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Was that intentional? Corner them and let the beast take care of the rest?"

Lisa shook her head. "No, we honestly had no idea one of those things had made its home there. Not until we heard the roar… and the screaming."

"Did you actually see the thing?" asked Jiraiya.

Lisa nodded. "Oh, yes. After it finished chowing down on the bandits, it came out of the cave. I was afraid that it wanted to pick a fight, but the Captain was there, and cold drakes usually have a good sense for judging spirit energy and realizing when they should back down. The two of them had a bit of a stare down; it lasted for a good minute or so. It was tense to say the least, but thankfully the beast decided to pull back."

Jiraiya smiled. "Sounds like quite the little adventure. I'm a bit jealous; I wouldn't mind the chance to see one of these things for myself."

Lisa wasn't amused. "You say that now, but I'd wager you'll sing a different tune should the day come that you ever encounter one in the field. They can't fly like the more famous dragons from the east, but they're nothing to laugh at. Their teeth and claws can rip through just about anything short of the toughest Spirit Armor, and despite their size they can actually be quite quick when they want to. Even if you can avoid those, good luck actually dealing damage; their hides are tough. About the only weak points they have are their eyes and the spot on their back where the head meets the neck, and they're smart enough to not give enemies a free shot at them. All that's not even getting into their ice breath attack; they can freeze a man solid and then shatter them with the flick of a claw. Seriously, you don't want to pick a fight with these things."

Jiraiya nodded. "I'll take your word for it and content myself with observing such a creature from a very safe distance should the opportunity present itself."

"If we can go the whole mission without seeing one at all, I'll be quite happy," said Lisa, "Then again, our odds of seeing one are pretty low. Dire wolves are a much more likely threat the further north we go, and the thought of some of them potentially being corrupted by the wraith or wights is definitely disturbing."

"Has anything like that ever happened before?" asked Jiraiya.

"I don't know," Lisa admitted, "There's so little concrete information available on such beings outside of archives belonging to the Great Noble Houses, and they're typically very tight-fisted when it comes to sharing knowledge. Squad Twelve's a bit more generous, but from what I understand, the records in their possession don't have much data on wraiths or wights. The Soul Society's leadership was quite determined to purge all mention of them from historical accounts, and that censorship has come back to haunt us. It's only thanks to Squad Two's encounter with the wraith in the east that we have even a basic understanding of what we're up against."

Jiraiya's brow furrowed. "In other words, we should be prepared for the worst."

"Very much so," Lisa concurred as she studied him carefully, "and we should be well-rested when the time comes to face that threat. You've come back to camp rather late more than once over the past week."

"I get plenty of sleep," Jiraiya argued, "You don't see me in danger of collapsing when we're on the move, do you?"

Lisa sighed and shook her head, although she did still look worried. "No, but even so… Jiraiya, is there anything you need to get off your chest? Any particular reason why you feel the need for these private excursions from our encampment?"

Jiraiya gave her a reassuring smile. "It's nothing serious, I promise. I'm just trying to get some additional training in while we're out in the field."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Training? You were just sitting here when I came upon you, and I didn't sense anything in your spirit energy to indicate that you were communing with your Zanpakutō."

"That's because this particular kind of training doesn't involve my Zanpakutō," Jiraiya replied, "It's connected to the skills I once possessed in my old life."

Lisa nodded. "I see. Well, given some of the… shall we say, unique techniques you've employed in our sparring matches over the past year, I suppose I can give you the benefit of the doubt here. Still, you may wish to conduct this training a bit closer to camp once we're on the other side of the Whitefell Mountains. An isolated Soul Reaper would be a very tempting target for many beasts in the north."

"Don't worry," said Jiraiya, "I'll be careful."

Lisa stood up. "I hope so. Don't stay out too much later; we'll be making an earlier start than usual tomorrow. The Captain wishes for us to get eyes on the central pass so we can properly gauge the current weather conditions. Snow comes early up here, and it can pile up quite quickly. Good night, Jiraiya."

Jiraiya smiled. "Good night, Lieutenant."

….

One week later…

I hate the north, thought Kyōraku as he brushed snow out of his facial hair, Sure, it's pretty and all, but the weather's just not for me.

It might not have officially been winter yet, but one wouldn't know that with all the white powder they'd been trudging through. The weather had gone south as soon as they'd made it to the entrance of the pass, forcing the Soul Reapers and their friends in the Kidō Corps to bust out the cold-weather cloaks and other assorted winter attire earlier than they'd planned on. Kyōraku had been more than a little miffed at having to throw one of those heavy cloaks over his pink kimono, but as much as he liked to flaunt his style he also liked not freezing to death.

It always amazed him just how much snow could be dumped upon the land in such a short period of time in the northern lands. Had it just been him, Lisa, and a few other officers, they could've made it through the pass quickly enough, but the need to keep a large group together combined with the supplies they were carrying slowed their progress. As a result, it had taken nearly three days to safely navigate the main pass through the Whitefell Mountains, with more than a few close calls for some of the less experienced Soul Reapers in their contingent. Coming out the other side had been a considerable relief since it meant they'd be on more forgiving terrain, but that didn't mean they were free from the cold. Quite the opposite, actually.

A sneeze from the man to his right at least gave him reassurance that he wasn't the only one who was miserable up here. "To think that this still counts as autumn for the north… I'm amazed anyone in these lands actually survives the winters here."

Kyōraku nodded. "They've always been a hard and stubborn bunch. Makes them formidable fighters, but not exactly sparkling conversationalists. That being said, I doubt they'd appreciate you sneezing on them when we meet. You're not getting sick on us, are you, Hachigen?"

"Nothing of the sort," the Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps replied, "Just some snowflakes tickling my nose."

Looking up at the man, Kyōraku could believe it; both his short-trimmed pink hair and thick mustache had more than a few bits of white in them. The Captain of Squad Eight was definitely taller than average, but even he looked short when compared to the Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps. An absolute giant of a man at 257cm in height, Hachigen Ushōda was not what one might first imagine when they were told to picture the second-in-command of the organization devoted to spell casting rather than martial prowess. Both his height and considerable width could make him intimidating at first glance, but his brown eyes always had a gentle and warm light in them. Bits of his long purple mantle and black robes were visible between the gaps of the thick winter cloak that he wore; one of the few hints to an outside observer that he was part of an organization separate from the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. The other hint was the black pointed circle design in his hair, which matched the insignia of the Kidō Corps.

As much as Kyōraku hadn't been looking forward to this mission, he was at least grateful that Hachigen had been assigned to lead the Kidō Corps contingent that was accompanying Squad Eight. Not only was the man a spellcasting master second only to the leader of Kidō Corps himself, but he was quite intelligent and observant even during a heated engagement. It was the ability to keep a cool head under pressure that Kyōraku valued as much as combat prowess, and he would be relying on that once they reached their destination. He could take comfort in knowing that he wouldn't have to babysit him; while members of Kidō Corps had something of a reputation for being rather fragile in battle, Hachigen was one of the notable exceptions.

While the man did have a Zanpakutō for use should the need arise, Kyōraku had never heard of him ever actually having to wield it in the field. There seemed to be little need for it when Hachigen could fire off spells like the wind, and he was especially gifted when it came to creating barriers and seals. Kyōraku had gone on a few joint missions with the Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps before, and he'd seen some very creative spellcasting from him. He remembered one occasion where Hachigen had essentially trapped a group of Hollows in a maze of barriers, funneling them towards a team of his subordinates who had easily eradicated the beasts in the tight confines. Given that this mission would quite likely involve dealing with the arcane and powerful barriers that the Mages of the old kingdom were so well known for, Hachigen was exactly the kind of ally that Kyōraku wanted around.

Too bad he doesn't know any spells that can change the weather, Kyōraku mused, I don't think the snow's actually dumping all that hard right now; it's the damn wind. I hope it dies down by the time we have to make camp for the night.

"Well, let's hope it's just a tickle and not something worse," he said as he was forced to put his hand on his hat to keep a particularly strong gust from blowing it clean off his head, "The last thing any of us need is to get sick up here."

Hachigen nodded. "I quite agree. How far is it until the next settlement?"

"Villages are rather spread out from each other up here," Kyōraku replied, "We're probably still a few days out from another. We can't rely on healers in any of the settlements up here, though; they've got enough problems on their hands without Soul Reapers rolling up and draining their precious resources. They might help us, but we'd get a pretty cold reception, and we definitely wouldn't be engendering any goodwill."

Hachigen shook his head. "It's rather unsettling, really. We are here to help them, yet the welcome we'll likely receive is anything but pleasant."

Kyōraku shrugged as he adjusted his cloak. "It can't be helped. Apart from the merchants and more adventurous mercenaries, most northerners tend to be distrustful of outsiders. The best we can do is try not to rock the boat too much while we're up here. Any interactions we have with people outside of the Valkyries should be kept to a polite minimum. We packed plenty of supplies, so we should be able to avoid being a drain on their resources. If things get dicey, we can always organize hunting parties to help keep our food reserves stocked. Wolf meat isn't the best in the world, but it beats starving."

Hachigen smiled. "I hear the ice fishing in these lands can be quite rewarding. Perhaps we'll find a suitably frozen body of water where we can try it out!"

Kyōraku chuckled. "Maybe. Would be nice to get a bit of variety in our diet. We'll see how things shake out."

Hachigen took a deep breath as he looked around them. "While the weather is somewhat disagreeable, the scenery is certainly easy on the eyes. Not a land that I'd like to call home, but it does have a certain charm to it."

Kyōraku found it hard to argue with that. The rolling hills that they'd been traveling through since they'd cleared the Whitefell Mountains were quite picturesque, with the snow only enhancing the effect. Small patches of hardy fir trees and rough brush dotted the landscape, with the faint outline of an actual forest visible on the horizon. While the air was cold, it was also crisp and clean in a way that just couldn't be found in the Seireitei or the Rukon District. The wide-open spaces when compared to the confines of the Soul Society's heart were a nice change of scenery, and apart from the wind and their trudging footsteps it was actually rather quiet.

You can really lose yourself out here, he thought with a smile, although if you're not careful, the elements or the wildlife might make that a bit more literal than you'd like.

"I wouldn't mind sticking around if it weren't for the cold," he said as he took it all in, "and the women who live up here are really something else. Tough and wild, striking in a natural sort of way… I've met some real beauties in my past northern adventures."

"Keep it in your robes, Captain," came a familiar female voice from behind him, "We're not up here so you can flirt with local maidens."

Kyōraku smirked as he looked over his shoulder at his Lieutenant. "Eavesdropping on your Captain, Lisa? Where are your manners?"

Lisa shook her head. "Captain, if you couldn't sense me back here this whole time, then maybe you've lost a step."

Kyōraku raised an eyebrow. "Are you calling me old?"

Lisa shrugged. "Take it how you will."

Hachigen gave her a courteous nod. "Lieutenant Yadōmaru, how are you faring? If nothing else, the cold does not seem to be dampening your spirits."

"I'm managing well enough," she replied as she strode forward until she was to Kyōraku's left, "Could do without the windchill, though."

Kyōraku nodded at the woods in the distance. "Perhaps we should make camp beneath the trees tonight. It'd be nice to have a little bit of shelter from the northern gales."

"Would you like me to scout ahead and find us a suitable spot?" asked Lisa.

Kyōraku smiled. "If you'd be so kind."

Lisa gave him a curt nod. "Understood. I'll report back as soon as possible."

The cloak she wore flapped around her as she took off, quickly disappearing over the next hill in a Flash Step. Her speed didn't seem to be all that affected by the cold, which Kyōraku would take as a good sign. Like any good Lieutenant, Lisa was tough; it'd take more than just some bad weather to seriously slow her down.

"With all due respect," Hachigen cautiously began, "is that wise? I've heard some rather dreadful tales about what may lurk in the dark forests of the north. Even if most are just old myths and superstitions, there are still plenty with more than a kernel of truth to them."

"We'll be all right," Kyōraku reassured him, "I'll make sure the perimeter's tighter than usual tonight."

Hachigen sighed. "Very well. At least we'll have no trouble finding firewood in such an environment. Perhaps I'll actually be able to warm my bones a bit this time before turning in for the night."

Kyōraku gave a wistful smile. "Fireside sake would be nice… too bad that pleasure's been denied us this trip."

"For the best, I'm sure," said Hachigen, "I for one would certainly not wish to dull my senses in these lands, no matter how pleasant a distraction it might be. I'm sure you'll disagree, but Lieutenant Yadōmaru had the right idea when she tossed out your booze."

Kyōraku chuckled. "Maybe. Where we're going, though… sake might not be common in the north, but the ales they favor as a substitute aren't half bad. Perhaps the friends we'll be meeting will have some with them."

Hachigen smiled. "Ah, the Valkyries. I have to admit, that's one part of this trip that I've been looking forward to. I've never had the pleasure of meeting the famed guardians of the north."

Kyōraku smirked. "Trust me, you're in for a treat. They're unlike anything else in the Soul Society."

Hachigen raised an eyebrow. "Knowing your reputation when it comes to members of the fairer sex, I'm sure you'll understand if I question the sentiment behind those words. Does it come from admiration of their martial prowess or… well, shallower feelings?"

Kyōraku laughed. "Hachigen, you wound me! I can assure you that my respect for them is genuine. They've more than earned their reputation as warriors. The fact that each one is a stunningly beautiful woman beneath their armor is just a bonus!"

Hachigen's brow furrowed. "And just how would you know what they look like beneath their armor? My understanding is that they never shed their armor in front of outsiders."

Kyōraku grinned. "Northern hot springs are a wonderful thing, my friend! So many nifty vantage points…"

Hachigen shook his head. "I wish I could say I was surprised at this revelation…"

"Consider yourself fortunate to be hearing it from me second-hand," said Kyōraku, "Anyone who peeps on them pays a price. I've got the scars to prove it."

Hachigen sighed. "I'll take your word for it."

Kyōraku gave him a pat on the back. "Chin up, Hachigen! We'll get to meet them soon enough, and then you'll be able to make your own opinion of them. Consider them something to look forward to."

"How many of them have been assigned to this mission?" asked Hachigen, "From what I've read, the Order of the Valkyries is quite small. There are less than ten full-fledged Valkyries, while the acolytes, apprentices and servants that make up the rest of the Order only number a few dozen or so. Whatever commitment they've made to this operation cannot be a large one."

"Two should be rendezvousing with us," Kyōraku answered, "That alone ought to tell you just how seriously they're treating this matter."

Hachigen grimly nodded. "Two Valkyries, Squad Eight's Captain and Lieutenant along with a good-sized contingent of the unit's officers and unseated Soul Reapers, myself and several other members of the Kidō Corps… the Soul Society is leaving little to chance here. Given the nature of our potential opposition, it's hard to blame them."

"Captain Shihōin was quite blunt in her report," said Kyōraku, "The wraith that Squad Two defeated in Menar Issilaya was the weakest of the five. It was hardly an easy fight for her contingent, and the battles are only going to get tougher from here."

Hachigen's brow furrowed in thought. "In that case, why not have two Captains on this assignment? I know the Starmont Clan is wary about having too many powerful Soul Reapers in their territory, but surely they must realize that the threat we face here necessitates a potent response."

Kyōraku shrugged. "Nobles can be stubborn, and this is their home turf. The Head Captain can lean on them quite a bit, but unless he's willing to come up here in person to dictate terms, the best we can do is negotiate a compromise. Hence one Captain and two Valkyries for this mission. Theoretically, that's the equivalent of three Captains in terms of raw power. Hopefully it'll be enough."

Hachigen scratched his chin. "I spent some time going over the records that were provided before we set out. Which wraith do you think we'll be facing up here?"

"It's the north," Kyōraku replied, "There's no guarantee, but if I had to make a bet, I'd say it's the hunter. That was the companion that the Lady of Midnight met up here during her legendary journey, and it would be rather poetic for him to have been entombed in the same lands. Of course, we won't know for sure until we find this thing for ourselves."

"So, we'll be facing our foe on their home turf," said Hachigen, "That doesn't bode well for us."

Kyōraku sighed. "Can't be helped. We'll just have to take our best shot at it and see where the chips fall. No point in worrying about it until we're close enough for it to actually matter."

Of course, that was a lie. Captain Kyōraku preferred to maintain a relaxed demeanor and keep those around him at ease, but that didn't mean that he wasn't concerned. He had plenty of tough missions under his belt, but this was the first time he'd be confronting a creature as nasty as a wraith. The information provided by Squad Two definitely gave them a leg up, but there was no rule that said each wraith was the same. They already knew that the creatures differed from each other in terms of sheer power, and Kyōraku was sure that this particular specimen would pose its own unique challenges. There were any number of ways that this could play out, and even the might of a Captain and two Valkyries might not suffice.

I have a feeling that we're all going to be more than earning our pay before this job is done…

…assuming any of us survive.

….

One week later…

Sitting on the stone platform in his inner world, Jiraiya was in the midst of an experiment. He'd expected the spirit of his Zanpakutō to take some convincing, but much to his surprise the stubborn armored toad had agreed to play along without fuss. The amphibian was sitting on the other side of the platform, its long-spiked club laying across its lap in a manner that mirrored the way Jiraiya's sword was laying across his own. They'd been holding their respective poses for the better part of half an hour, and to an outside observer it might've looked like they were simply meditating together, but there was more to it than that. Jiraiya's gaze was fixed on the weapon in the toad's lap.

More specifically, on the tiny blue-white swirls of nature energy emanating from the spikes.

It couldn't be a coincidence that Jiraiya had only begun seeing these swirls within the past few weeks. They had to be connected to his reawakening sense for nature energy and his search for it within the Soul Society. The spirit of his Zanpakutō had openly admitted that it was a distinct possibility, and that was when Jiraiya had been hit with an idea.

In life, one of the main drawbacks that had come with Sage Jutsu was the fact that, in order to enter Sage Mode, the practitioner had to remain absolutely still so they could focus on gathering nature energy and properly balancing it with their chakra. Of course, this created a glaring vulnerability that an enemy could exploit. Jiraiya had compensated for this by employing the Sage Art: Amphibian Technique, fusing Fukasaku and Shima to his shoulders so they could gather the nature energy for him and thereby allowing him to evade an opponent's strike. This had the additional benefit of the two toads constantly replenishing his reserves of nature energy, eliminating another weakness of Sage Jutsu; the fact that nature energy gathered by the user in the period of stillness before activating the jutsu was finite and would normally be depleted after using it in combat.

Of course, that trick required Summoning Jutsu, an art that Jiraiya was still struggling to regain now that he was a soul rather than a living human. As the ability to call upon toads who could gather the energy on his behalf was currently beyond him, Jiraiya had been forced to search for a substitute, and he'd potentially found one in the form of the spirit of his Zanpakutō. The fact that he'd actually sensed and seen nature energy dancing over the spikes of the club that the armored toad wielded gave Jiraiya a measure of confidence that his ethereal companion could possibly fill the role of the toads that had aided him in life, and the Legendary Sannin was determined to put the idea to the test.

If we can pull this off, he thought as he studied the armored toad, then it'll open a door to all manner of possibilities…

They were making progress; he could feel it. Spirit and nature energy were intermingled in the air surrounding the two of them. Jiraiya sensed that they were close to a breakthrough…

…and of course, that's when they were interrupted.

There was a prickling sensation at the back of Jiraiya's mind, and he knew what it meant. "Damn it. We're out of time for now."

The armored toad sighed. "Unfortunate. Best you be off."

At least I now know that Barrier: Canopy Method Formation can be maintained even when I'm in my inner world, he thought as the scenery around him blurred and shifted, I suppose that counts as a win, although not the one I was going for today.

His inner world was soon replaced by the familiar confines of his tent. Jiraiya preferred to conduct his meditations outside, but the temperature had dropped considerably over the past few days as they'd ventured further north, and it was even worse at night. The former Shinobi had a hard time believing that it wasn't winter already in these lands; it certainly felt like it as far as he was concerned.

He sensed Lisa's spiritual pressure approaching and therefore wasn't surprised when he heard her voice a moment later. "You decent in there?"

Jiraiya chuckled. "I am, but that can always change if you're in the mood for some fun."

"I'll have to decline," said Lisa as she opened the flap, "We've got guests. Figured you'd want to say hello."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Guests? Can't be the Valkyries; once you've met one of them, their spiritual pressure's hard to miss."

Lisa shook her head. "No, but they are part of the Order. Come on."

Now quite curious, Jiraiya quickly left the tent and followed the Lieutenant to the heart of their encampment. Captain Kyōraku, Kidō Corps Lieutenant Hachigen and a few other Squad Eight officers were present, but Jiraiya paid them little more than a passing glance. His eyes were immediately drawn to the pair of lovely women that had become the center of attention.

Looks like tonight just got interesting…

Both appeared to be relatively young, perhaps in their early twenties, although Jiraiya knew that appearances could be deceptive in the Soul Society when it came to guessing age. They wore thick dark grey fur cloaks clasped with silver brooches carved in the shape of a pair of wings, and in the few discernible gaps Jiraiya caught glimpses of dark blue tunics and the edge of what appeared to be chainmail armor. The two women were both rather tall and well-built; the Legendary Sannin was willing to bet that their cloaks were hiding quite muscular frames. Their similarities also extended to their weaponry. Jiraiya could see what appeared to be axe handles poking out from their cloaks, although the full weapons were obscured. There were round outlines in the cloaks on their backs, suggesting that the two women were carrying shields as well. Both had quite fair, almost pale, complexions, likely the result of spending their entire lives in the north. The only real discernible differences between the two of them were superficial, with one having bright blue eyes and blonde hair tied back in a ponytail while the other had dark green eyes and relatively short black hair that barely made it past her ears.

"Acolytes?" he whispered to Lisa.

The Lieutenant shook her head. "Apprentices. The blue tunics are the giveaway. Acolytes are a rung below them on the ladder, and their tunics are red."

Jiraiya nodded. "Good to know."

Kyōraku smiled and waved the two of them over. "Lisa, Jiraiya, good timing! We have some new friends that I'd like you to meet."

The blonde woman was the first to nod in greeting. "Ingegerd."

The black-haired one mirrored the gesture. "Eidunn."

Lisa nodded curtly. "Lieutenant Lisa Yadōmaru, Squad Eight."

Jiraiya gave the two ladies a respectful bow. "Sixteenth Seat Jiraiya. It's a pleasure."

Ingegerd's eyes actually widened a bit. "Jiraiya? As in the author?"

Jiraiya smirked; so, his books and accompanying literary fame had spread beyond the bounds of the Seiretei. "The one and only."

Eidunn shook her head. "Ingegerd, now is not the time to be starstruck."

Jiraiya smiled. "Now, now, no need to be all business here. If either of you wants an autograph, I'd be more than happy to oblige!"

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Typical…"

Ingegerd gave a smile that would've looked more at home on a nervous rookie Kunoichi rather than a member of an esteemed group of hardened northern warrior women. "Perhaps a bit later once certain matters have been attended to… although I do not have any copies of your novels on me for such a signature."

Jiraiya gave a hearty laugh. "No need to worry! I'm sure we can find a suitable substitute."

"That'll have to wait for another time, unfortunately," Kyōraku interjected, "We have a few things to take care of here."

Lisa folded her arms. "We were informed before setting out that we'd be met by two Valkyries themselves, not their subordinates. I was also under the impression that said meeting wouldn't be until we were close to the region where our mission is to take place, and we're still a good several days of travel away at least."

Eidunn nodded. "You are correct on both counts. However, wights and fell wolves are on the prowl and attempting to expand their reach, so Ladies Gunnr and Kara were forced to attend to them. They instructed Ingegerd and I to venture south so that we may meet up with you and guide you the rest of the way."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow. "Fell wolves? That's a new one for me."

Lisa's eyes narrowed. "Same here. Dire wolves are the canines most famous in the north. What are these 'fell wolves' you speak of?"

"Simply put, they are wolves that have been corrupted by the dark magic of the wraith and its servants," Ingegerd replied, "They are something entirely new, and we hope to ensure that their existence is a brief one."

Hachigen shuddered, though whether it was from the news or the cold was hard to say. "As if we didn't have enough to worry about…"

The Captain scratched his chin. "Corrupted wolves… so, the reports were true, then. Can they be killed?"

Ingegerd nodded. "Yes. Conventional methods for dispatching wights work just as well for them, although these fell wolves are definitely more dangerous than the wraith's usual servants. They tend to work in packs, and they appear to retain their predatory instincts and intelligence. In short, they are not to be taken lightly."

Lisa's brow furrowed in thought. "Between the two, I'd say the fell wolves are much more likely to slip through whatever perimeter's been established than the wights. Captain, we must get up there as quickly as possible. If these things are allowed to roam loose and claim new victims, their corruption will spread rapidly."

Kyōraku looked up at the night sky for a moment before nodding. "Agreed. I want everyone to get as much rest as they can tonight; we break camp at first light. We'll be setting a hard pace tomorrow, so be ready."

Lisa turned to the two apprentices. "I can have a spare tent prepped for you momentarily."

Eidunn shook her head. "That will not be necessary."

"We prefer to sleep under the open sky while in the field," Ingegerd added.

Lisa shrugged. "Suit yourselves."

"That's all for now," said the Captain, "Dismissed."

Jiraiya turned to head back for his camp, with one of the names mentioned by the apprentices echoing in his mind.

Gunnr… the Valkyrie from the recruitment exhibition. Well, well…

...this mission just got much more interesting!

….

Four days later…

The hair on the back of Jiraiya's neck was standing straight up, and it wasn't from the cold. That certainly wasn't for lack of trying on the weather's part; the fierce gales that periodically buffeted the Legendary Sannin and his companions were making an already cold afternoon absolutely frigid. Rather, what had his senses on edge were what he could see and sense on the not-so-distant horizon.

He turned to Lisa, who was walking to his left. "You feel that, right?"

Lisa nodded, her eyes narrowing as her gaze followed his. "Hard to miss it. We need to pick up the pace."

They'd been marching across frigid plains for the past few days now, and sometimes it had been hard to tell if they'd made any real progress at all. So much of the landscape just seemed to blend together in the north, and the fresh powder blanketing the terrain definitely didn't help matters. However, what they could see on the horizon left no doubts in Jiraiya's mind that their destination was finally drawing near, although that didn't exactly make him feel better about the situation.

He remembered what Itachi, Shisui and Visaelya had told him about what they'd felt as they'd travelled through the corrupted Shadow Pass in the east. Part of what he was sensing now definitely matched their accounts; a tainted energy, permeated through and through by a malevolent will. The landscape currently surrounding them appeared normal, but the inky black clouds hanging over the hills up ahead boded ill for what was to come.

A few meters ahead, he saw Eidunn and Ingegerd momentarily stop in their tracks. As Jiraiya and Lisa caught up with them, he saw that the two women had closed their eyes, clearly concentrating solely on the spirit energy ahead. They opened them a moment later, with both their expressions looking quite grim.

"It's spreading," said Eidunn.

Ingegerd nodded. "Slowly, but yes. Our foe is gaining strength."

"I thought the Valkyries were working to halt the spread of the corruption," said Lisa, "Weren't they supposed to have the situation in hand until we arrived?

"However powerful they might be, there are only two of them assigned to this task,'' Jiraiya pointed out, "There's only so much ground that they can cover by themselves."

"All too true," Eidunn conceded.

"We must make haste," Ingegerd added.

That seemed to be the sentiment further up the line as well, because Jiraiya saw Kyōraku look over his shoulders at them. "I know it's been a long march, and the cold's definitely not helping, but we need to pick up the pace. The sooner we can assess the situation for ourselves, the better."

Rumbling thunder echoed in the distance, and Jiraiya felt twin spikes in spiritual pressure. At the same time, his eyes widened as the horizon began to change. The near-pitch black clouds teeming with tainted energy were still there, but now a storm seemed to be moving to challenge it. These new clouds were dark grey, and almost as soon as they appeared they were illuminated by bolts of lightning… and it wasn't natural lightning. The surges in spiritual pressure that Jiraiya had sensed corresponded perfectly with the jagged arcs of electricity dancing overhead, with golden bolts criss-crossing with streams of crimson light. Thunder roared again, much louder this time, but it was what came immediately afterward that sent a chill down Jiraiya's spine. Two female voices echoed in the air, distant yet quite distinct…

...and they were singing.

The words were in a tongue that Jiraiya did not understand, yet part of him felt that he didn't need to know the language to understand the feeling behind it. They started soft, almost mournful, but soon the tone and mood began to shift. Those strange words became louder, and to Jiraiya the sentiment behind them was one of joy almost bordering on ecstasy.

Whatever lingering doubts he had as to the source of the ethereal voices were laid to rest by Eidunn a moment later. "It's them. Battle has been joined."

"The Mistress of War and the Lady of Wrath call to us," Ingegerd murmured, her right hand moving almost unconsciously to the handle of her axe.

All eyes turned to the Captain, whose eyes had hardened in resolve. "So they are. Let's join them quickly. Everyone, be prepared for combat."

….

The speed of Shunpo didn't help in the least when it came to the cold, but the adrenaline that was starting to pump through Lisa's veins was another matter. It was no substitute for a warm fire or a hot meal, but in the frigid north she would take what she could get. Besides, if the spiritual pressure she sensed ahead was any indication, she would have far more important things to worry about than the cold in short order.

We'll be hitting the ground running, as it were, she thought, I just hope it'll only be wights and fell wolves for this opening skirmish. If the wraith's out in the open and expanding its reach already, this could get ugly…

In the interest of a rapid response to whatever clash was unfolding up ahead, Captain Kyōraku had formed a vanguard consisting of Squad Eight's fastest officers, including himself, along with Kidō Corps Lieutenant Hachigen. All selected were at least proficient in Shunpo, and they were rushing to join the fight while the main body of the expeditionary force caught up at their own pace. Lisa would've preferred to attack with the full might of their assembled force, but she understood her Captain's reasoning and would not argue the matter.

Her right hand never strayed far from the handle of her Zanpakutō as she rushed across the snowy field. She was prepared for battle, but as Lieutenant her responsibility wasn't just to herself, so she took a brief moment to look around her and check up on her fellow officers. All were keeping pace, steeling themselves for the coming fight as they raced across the frozen landscape.

She hoped that they were ready. While Lisa was confident in Squad Eight's capabilities, she was keenly aware of the fact that the enemies they'd be facing in this mission were different from any that they'd confronted before. Hollows were a known entity, regardless of how many unique individual specimens they might spawn; a spectre from a bygone age and its twisted servants was something else entirely. Squad Two's reports on their mission to the east had provided invaluable information, but understanding a foe in theory versus confronting them in the field were two very different things.

The low rumbling thunder that they had heard in the distance was now booming overhead. It wasn't just the sheer audible volume that was imposing; each flash of lightning, golden or crimson, corresponded with a great pulse of spiritual pressure. Having fought alongside Kyōraku for many years now, Lisa thought she had grown accustomed to being in close proximity to Captain-level spirit energy, but the power of two Valkyries unleashing their might upon the land still hit like a solid punch to the gut. Based on what she could sense, Lisa didn't think that they were confronting the wraith itself at the moment, but the fact that they were using such power to simply stem the tide of corruption that threatened to spread throughout the north was quite disconcerting.

"You all right?" asked Jiraiya, who was keeping pace to her right.

Lisa gave a curt nod. "I'm fine, just focused. You should be as well."

"I am," Jiraiya replied, "No need to worry; I'll watch your back when the fun begins."

Lisa couldn't help but smirk. "I don't remember asking for you to do that."

Jiraiya grinned. "And you'll never have to."

He understands his role without being told, she thought, Jiraiya… our Captain really did make the right call in recruiting you.

Twin bolts of golden and crimson lightning ripped across the sky above, and the singing that they'd heard before started anew. The voices were quite clear and distinct now; the Valkyries were close at hand. Those strange foreign words that Lisa had heard before once again filled the air, and despite not understanding the language in the slightest, such knowledge was not needed for her to grasp the underlying meaning of the lyrics. The Mistress of War and the Lady of Wrath were indulging in one of the few true pleasures allowed to Valkyries.

The thrill of battle.

A moment later, the joyous singing and the booming thunder were joined by some considerably more unnerving noises. The first was a series of distorted and twisted howls, which Lisa had no doubt were from the corrupted wolves. They felt simultaneously anguished and gleeful, as if the creatures were possessed by cruel and vengeful spirits guiding them towards prey to slake their bloodlust and distract them from the tortured reality of their existence. The second was a sound that Lisa had read about in the reports from Squad Two, one that Jiraiya had relayed to her from a conversation he'd had with Itachi; a harsh cacophony of cries, moans and shrieks from a chorus of the damned. There were wights up ahead, which meant that the vanguard had work to do.

Coming to the crest of a small hill, Lisa saw her Captain stop and draw his twin blades. Catching up to him a moment later and unsheathing her Zanpakutō, the Lieutenant's breath momentarily caught in her throat as she looked upon a scene that by all rights belonged in the foulest pits of Hell.

"The corruption spreads fast," she heard Kyōraku mutter under his breath, "and it puts down roots quickly. We have our work cut out for us."

Jiraiya's expression was firm, but Lisa thought she saw just a hint of sorrow in his eyes. "So, this is what we're up against… poor bastards."

Perhaps Lisa should've felt pity as well, but given the ghoulish sight before her, sympathy for those who had been turned into such hideous creatures was difficult to summon. Revulsion and wrath were far more easily summoned, though, and they would prove to be more than sufficient fuel for the grim work that lay ahead.

"Abomination…" she hissed as her grip on her sword tightened.

The twisted ruins of several homes and a small well were all that was left of what must've been the village that had been here before. It had probably been a quaint and charming northern hamlet, similar to those that the expeditionary force had passed on the way up here, but it was nothing of the sort now. What few walls remained standing were stained in blood, while streaks of viscera were smeared all over the ground. The snow itself was fouled, and not just by blood and guts; even the patches that remained unmarred by the carnage itself were a strange and sickly pale-blue.

Making matters worse was the villagers themselves. It would've been one thing if they were simply dead, their corpses strewn about the hamlet; Lisa had seen plenty of death in her time, with even the most gruesomely decayed or desecrated remains not bothering her much at this point. That wasn't what she was seeing now, though. They were shambling about, whatever clothes they had worn before reduced to tattered rags, their skin pulled taut over their bones, their faces twisted into cruel and tormented grins or frozen in perpetual screams of agony. Some held shovels or basic wood-chopping axes as weapons, while others seemed content to rely on their bare hands, their fingernails having been elongated and sharpened into sinister claws thanks to the corruption that now infested them.

Hachigen gave a grim sigh. "Wights… we are too late for this settlement."

A single village turned into wights would've been bad enough, but the numbers Lisa was seeing here were far more than what this settlement could have supported even if all the inhabitants were basic souls that didn't require sustenance. There had to be many settlements worth of wights here, quite possibly more… and they weren't the only corrupted beings that the Lieutenant could see.

She'd been wondering about the 'fell wolves' that Eidunn and Ingegerd had mentioned before, and now she could see them. Scores of them at least were scattered across the land, and some were the size of a horse and baring huge fangs for all to see. Worse than the teeth, though, was the tainted blue spirit energy seeping from their bodies. Their eyes were gleaming sapphires filled with a visceral hatred that didn't belong in any creature of The Wild, least of all the north's legendary wolves. Fresh wounds marred their flanks, necks and back, many deep enough for bone to be visible, but none of the corrupted creatures seemed to care… either that, or their very existence was now one of such utter torture that they lacked the ability to focus on any one particular injury.

The fell wolves and wights weren't milling about aimlessly. They had formed a loose circle around two beings that stood at the center of both the ruined village and the twin storms raging overhead. They were the sources of both the thundering tempests above and the great pulses of spiritual pressure Lisa had felt during their approach to this site…

...the Valkyries.

Although the pair of legendary warrior women were fully capable of flight, both were firmly standing their ground against the unholy onslaught rather than taking to the sky. Double-edged axes carved swaths of carnage through the hordes of undead that assailed them, each swing taking out several foes and leaving sparks of golden or crimson energy dancing in their wake, depending on the warrior in question. Gunnr, the Mistress of War, was easy enough for Lisa to recognize; the Lieutenant hadn't missed the appearance that she had put in as part of Squad Eleven's display in the recruitment exhibition two years ago. However, the second Valkyrie was definitely a new one for Lisa, although it wasn't hard to figure out who she was.

Kara, the Lady of Wrath, was such a visual contrast to Gunnr that it was like comparing the moon and the sun. While Gunnr's wings were predominantly black with a mix of gold, silver, and bronze sprinkled about for flavor, Kara's plumage was brilliantly bright. Bloodred was by far the most prominent color, and it was accentuated by streaks of orange, yellow and copper. This color scheme carried over to her armor, at least for the trim; while the base leather and and plates were mainly black and brown, the flaps of animal hide layered over it had several orange streaks, almost like they'd been caused by a beast with claws dipped in paint. Orange highlights were also found on the front of her helmet, curving upward and back along the skull before they reached the base of two long black horns that rose up and over her head like those of some wild mountain goat.

The differences between the Mistress of War and the Lady of Wrath extended to more than just their armor and wings. While both wielded similar weapons, their axes glowed with distinct runes. Luminous golden script arced along the edges of Gunnr's axe, while crimson light radiated from the letters engraved in Kara's. The effect of the two of them fighting so closely together was that of a surreal and almost beautiful light show of sorts, one as deadly as it was entrancing.

The pure raw power radiating from the winged warriors would've been enough to give most foes pause, but the wights and fell wolves must have been robbed of whatever survival instincts they'd once possessed, for they threw themselves at the Valkyries with berserk and suicidal fervor. Often, it wasn't even the axes of the warriors themselves that laid the monstrosities low; the storms that raged overhead weren't just for show. Jagged lances of golden and crimson lightning rained down almost at random, blasting holes in the ranks of the abominable horde and disintegrating several of the tormented creatures outright. Still, almost every square inch of the land surrounding them had some form of monstrosity crawling over it, an undead tide trying to overwhelm the last island of life standing before it.

And it was time for the Soul Reapers to do something about that.

Her Captain looked over his shoulder, his normally confident smirk replaced by grim determination. He didn't have to say anything to Lisa; the two of them had worked together long enough to understand each other without words. Without hesitation, she gave him a nod in reply.

I'm ready.

He quickly nodded in acknowledgement before turning to the vanguard as a whole. "We're clearing this place out. Show no mercy, because you won't get any in return. Put them down as quickly as you can. They didn't ask to become undead horrors; the least we can do is end their suffering."

"Officers of Squad Eight will engage head on and draw their attention!" Lisa ordered, "Hachigen, you and your subordinates fan out and set up barriers; none of these monstrosities are to escape!"

Hachigen bowed, all business now that action was upon them. "Understood, Lieutenant."

The few Kidō Corps members that were in the vanguard quickly dispersed, and the Squad Eight officers took on a loose wedge formation with their Captain at the head. Kyōraku raised his primary blade and pointed forward.

"Let's go," he commanded.

So it begins.

….

Quite the auspicious welcome, the spirit of Jiraiya's Zanpakutō dryly noted as Jiraiya charged forward with his comrades.

Not exactly the way I'd put it.

His weapon gripped firmly in both hands, Jiraiya was behind and to the left of Lisa. Drills at the barracks and exercises in the field meant that he knew his role in this battle quite well. It might have seemed odd to an outside observer that a relatively low-ranked and new Soul Reaper was trusted with covering a Lieutenant's blind spots, but needless to say, Jiraiya wasn't an ordinary Sixteenth Seat. Another warrior might chafe at such a responsibility, especially since it tied them to another officer rather than grant them the freedom to engage at will and garner glory for themselves, but Jiraiya didn't mind. He knew it was a sign of respect for his growing capabilities, and he had every intention of living up to the expectations of his companions.

Jiraiya saw Lisa shift her sword to her left hand while holding out her right towards the enemy, and he knew what was coming. "Hadō 33: Sōkatsui!"

Even without a full incantation, the spell of a Lieutenant was nothing to sneeze at. The stream of blue-white energy that surged forth from her open palm slammed into a group of wights ahead of them, destroying several outright and causing more to scatter. She'd opened a hole in the enemy's lines, and her comrades were quick to seize it.

Kyōraku surged forward, his twin blades flashing as he lashed out at the first wights and fell wolves that were unfortunate enough to find themselves in range. No matter how many times Jiraiya saw it, he was always impressed by the mix of efficiency and elegance in his Captain's fighting style. His two swords whirled through the air around him, circles of steel death that quickly dispatched any foe within reach. His pink kimono flapped in his wake, and when combined with the falling snow it made for quite the spectacle. Were they not in the middle of combat, Jiraiya would have stopped to admire it for a bit.

Unfortunately, he didn't have time to truly appreciate the display. The rest of the Squad Eight vanguard followed their Captain into the breach created by Lisa's spell, and battle was joined. Bringing his Zanpakutō down in a hard opening strike, Jiraiya cleaved a wight clean in half from head to sternum. As soon as his sword had cleared this first foe, Jiraiya was already whirling to his left, and not a moment too soon. A fell wolf was charging in, pouncing with its mouth wide open, its fangs aimed right at Jiraiya's throat. Ducking and rolling forward, Jiraiya thrust his blade upwards, piercing the wolf's neck and putting the corrupted beast out of its misery.

Two down, he thought as he rose and brought his sword up into a guard position, and plenty more to go.

Checking on the Lieutenant, he saw that Lisa had shifted her sword back to her right hand and was carving a bloody swath through the ranks of undead. Silver streaks filled the air around her as her blade struck down wight and wolf alike with vicious efficiency. Shifting his position so that she would remain to his right, Jiraiya acted as a stone wall between her and the tainted creatures that threatened to attack her blind spots.

Making a broad slash, he decapitated two wights with a single swing. Immediately after that, he brought his blade down before making an upward strike, cleaving through a wolf's jaw just moments before the creature could sink its fangs into his shoulder. Three more wights closed in, and while Jiraiya dispatched them with a sequence of quick strikes, the onslaught continued as if nothing had happened. It felt as if he was trying to keep ocean waves from crashing against the shore.

Lisa seemed to be thinking the same, because she looked over her shoulder at Jiraiya after cutting down a wight. "Jiraiya, get me some space! I just need a second!"

Jiraiya nodded; he had a pretty good idea as to what she had in mind. "You got it!"

Slashing three wights with a broad swing, Jiraiya then held out his left hand as he began focusing his spirit energy. "Hadō 20: Tenkū no Myaku!"

A broad wave of invisible energy rippled outwards, pushing back dozens of wights and wolves alike. It wasn't enough to actually kill any of them, but it didn't have to; it just needed to buy the Lieutenant some time, and the spell accomplished that goal quite nicely.

Sure enough, Jiraiya could sense Lisa's spiking spiritual pressure, and her voice rang out a moment later. "Smash, Haguro Tonbo!"

Glancing her way, Jiraiya saw the Lieutenant jam the hilt of her sword into the opening of the scabbard and raise both over her head before starting to twirl them. Sword and sheath fused and elongated, transforming into a polearm that looked nearly twice as long as its wielder was tall. At one end of the great black rod was a large spade-shaped blade, while on the opposite end was a heavy brass ball.

"Watch my back!" she ordered as she charged forward.

Jiraiya grinned. "Don't have to tell me twice!"

A single sweep from the great spear was enough to cut a large swath through the ranks of the undead, ripping apart wight and fell wolf alike with ease. Swinging the weapon the other direction took out several additional foes, giving Lisa greater breathing room. However, it didn't take long for their enemies to adapt, with several wights charging head on in what was clearly meant to be a diversionary attack while a group of fell wolves started circling around to strike the Lieutenant once they had an opening.

Unfortunately for them, Jiraiya was in their way. "Hadō 31: Shakkahō!"

A crimson ball of energy flew forth from his left hand, hitting the lead wolf right in the head. The other creatures scattered, but Jiraiya had already Flash Stepped forward and plunged his sword down into the back of a second wolf's neck. Withdrawing the weapon quickly, he then made a horizontal slash, catching a third corrupted canine right in the mouth and slicing through its head. The fourth one leapt at him from the right, and Jiraiya knew he'd never be able to bring his sword around in time.

Fortunately, he had other options. He was already focusing his spirit energy into his hair, and the great white mane he's worked so hard to maintain over the years swiftly grew and wrapped around him. The hairs facing his opponent then extended and hardened, forming a wall of incredibly sharp spines between himself and the fell wolf.

Needle Jizō!

The corrupted creature hadn't been expecting such an unusual defense; it hit the spines head-on, howling as they pierced its hide. A second wolf had leapt mere moments after the first and suffered the same fate, crying out as it was perforated by the wall of hairy spikes. Shaking the beasts off as his hair retracted back to its normal length, Jiraiya already had his sword raised and ready to fend off the next batch of attackers.

He saw Lisa smirk as she impaled a wolf on her spear. "Seeing that little trick never gets old!"

Jiraiya chuckled as he eliminated a wight with a diagonal slash. "Always happy to entertain!"

Between the sweeps and thrusts from the Lieutenant's Shikai and Jiraiya guarding against any openings, the two of them had been able to carve out a good amount of breathing room for themselves in the fight. It gave Jiraiya a moment to assess the wider situation, read the flow of battle and figure out what they needed to do in order to successfully win the engagement.

The Squad Eight vanguard had achieved their initial goal of punching a hole in the ranks of the undead and dividing the attention of the enemy. Between their Captain's whirling twin blades, the teamwork of Jiraiya and Lisa, and the efforts of the other officers with them, the vanguard had disrupted whatever passed for coordination between the wights and the fell wolves. There didn't seem to be much by way of a command structure, with the wights doing little more than gathering in clusters before hurling themselves at the nearest targets. The wolves appeared to be a bit more organized, or at least still had enough of their natural instincts intact to the point that they were able to employ some of their rudimentary hunting patterns such as diversions and circling around for a shot at an exposed flank, but these were easy enough for experienced Soul Reapers to see through and counter.

The main problem wasn't the enemy's power or organization; it was sheer numbers. Crowd control was a serious issue, and while the Soul Reapers were handling things well for the moment, Jiraiya didn't know if the wights and wolves would be able to regroup and potentially coordinate more effective attacks. There was also the potential for them to escape, and while Hachigen and the other Kidō Corps members in the vanguard had been assigned to deal with that contingency, there was an awful lot of ground for them to cover.

Don't distract yourself with concerns that do not relate to your immediate task, the spirit of his Zanpakutō chided him, I will be most displeased should you fall here.

That makes two of us.

While the enemy's numbers were certainly an issue, it wasn't an insurmountable one. For starters, while the two Valkyries might have descended to fight the enemy on the ground, their attacks weren't limited to swinging their axes. Jiraiya had initially believed that the winged warriors had little control over the bolts of crimson and golden lightning that periodically rained down from the churning storm above, but a pattern was slowly beginning to emerge. While some of the brilliant lances of energy would strike right in the middle of the undead swarm, others would land at the flanks. The result was that the enemy hordes, while not outright contained, were actually having trouble maneuvering despite the fact that the entire battle was taking place over the ruins of a village with no discernible fortifications. There were no walls of any sort that prevented the wights and fell-wolves from leaving the decimated hamlet and spreading further across the land, but the targeted lightning strikes were disrupting attempts by large clusters of the creatures to do just that. It wasn't perfect; scattered creatures could fan out in ones and twos, and it was clear to Jiraiya from the scattered nature of the strikes that these storms did have some limitations, but it was preventing the situation from completely deteriorating.

We'll just have to hope that our friends in the Kidō Corps can keep any stragglers from slipping away, he thought as he cleaved a wight's head clean from its neck, I can't afford to chase the damn things down right now; I've got my hands full over here!

Reassured that he at least had a rough understanding of the big picture, he returned his complete focus to the bloody melee.

….

As ferocious as they are tenacious, thought Kyōraku as he struck down a fell wolf with his primary blade while stabbing a wight through the head with the secondary, Captain Shihōin's report did not exaggerate when it comes to the nature of our enemy.

An encounter with a new foe was always a tense matter, regardless of whatever sort of intelligence one had been provided prior to the engagement. No matter how thorough those that fought them before had been, there was always the chance that the enemy would have tricks up their sleeves that for whatever reasons had gone unused in the earlier battle. Kyōraku had faith in the information delivered to him by Squad Two; Yoruichi had high standards when it came to intelligence gathering, and reports from either herself or her subordinates always provided a realistic assessment of whatever sort of adversary they might be up against while also admitting where there could be potential blind spots or gaps in the information. Squad Eight's Captain had been confident that his colleague in Squad Two had given them everything she had, but at the same time he was fully aware that there was only so much her report could do to prepare them for actually meeting this new enemy in combat.

Yoruichi had done her job well, and now it was Kyōraku's turn to take the ball and run with it. His task was to take all the information Squad Two had passed on to them and expand upon it with the experience that Squad Eight would gain in this mission… and make sure that they survived to do so. In a way, it was fortunate that they were having this clash now rather than in the lair of the wraith itself; a preliminary battle to familiarize themselves with this new enemy was an opportunity that they could not let go to waste.

So, Squad Eight's Captain had thrown himself and his vanguard headlong into the fray. He normally would have preferred an opening move with a bit more elegance, but with the wights and fell wolves focusing on the Valkyries earlier they had been wide open to a charge from the outside. Kyōraku had sensed Lisa unleash her Shikai, and a few other officers had done so as well, but he'd kept his Zanpakutō sealed. He could pretend to be modest and say that he didn't want to steal the spotlight from his subordinates, and there was a grain of truth to that, but most of it had to do with the nature of his Zanpakutō.

This isn't the sort of battle that she'd find much enjoyment in, he mused as he slashed a fell wolf's neck with his larger blade while thrusting the smaller one into a wight's chest, I'm certain she considers creatures like these to be beneath her.

How nice of you to actually pay attention to my feelings, came the voice of Katen, the senior half of Katen Kyōkotsu, and you are correct; your current foes are most certainly not worthy of my power. I feel dirty just cutting them in my sealed form. If you do not give the two of us a thorough cleaning later, I promise that you will regret it.

I'll consider myself warned.

Good. Don't forget it.

Kyōraku smirked as five wights fell to a flurry of slashes from his twin blades. He had a feeling that Katen Kyōkotsu would change her tune once they found the wraith. Yoruichi's report indicated that the one Squad Two had faced in the east was the weakest of the five. If that was true, then the one they'd be dealing with in their mission would be considerably more powerful, and he was willing to bet that his Zanpakutō would consider it to be a foe worthy of her strength. If she didn't… well, he'd have no choice but to force her to play with it. She'd make him pay for it later, of course, but Kyōraku could take one for the team if he had to. Besides, his Shikai could be rather troublesome to use in large-scale engagements like this one; it'd be much more suitable to the inevitable confrontation with the wraith itself, which Kyōraku planned to engage in a much more methodical and isolated manner if at all possible.

Of course, the enemy was under no obligation to play along. That was why the Valkyries were along for the ride; if he had to use his Shikai, Kyōraku was confident that they could adapt to its eccentricities. One of them had experienced it before, after all, and the other was a quick learner. The same went for Lisa, and there were a few others in Squad Eight that had the same potential, but Kyōraku didn't want to push his luck. The sooner they could single out the wraith and bring this affair to a close, the better.

His twin blades forming a cyclone of death around him, Kyōraku carved his way through the swirling mass of wights of corrupted wolves. His destination was the center of the fray, where the ladies of the hour were ripping apart their opposition with brutal enthusiasm. Some old scars began to ache as his gaze settled on the bloody plumage of the Lady of Wrath; this was going to be a very interesting reunion.

Indeed, he saw her glance his way just a few seconds later, bright green eyes gleaming in the openings of her helmet, along with a few strands of brilliant orange hair. For the briefest of moments, Kyōraku's mind flashed back to the time when he'd seen the owner of those lovely eyes soaking in a hot spring… and her vicious response when she'd caught him peeping.

Oh, this was going to be fun.

She actually laughed as she gave a mighty swing with her axe, ripping two fell wolves apart. "Back for another round, Captain Kyōraku? Your audacity knows no bounds!"

Kyōraku chuckled as he stabbed one wight through the skull with his primary blade while thrusting his secondary into another's neck. "What can I say? After the show I got last time, I couldn't resist the chance for an encore!"

"You two may wish to save the reminiscing for another time," Gunnr admonished as she cleaved a wight in half from head to sternum, "We have work to do."

Kyōraku shook his head as he sliced and diced a cluster of wights. "Really, Gunnr? I was hoping for a warmer reception than that."

"This is the north, Captain," Gunnr replied while swinging her axe in a broad arc, cutting down wight and wolf alike without breaking a sweat, "We are not known for warm welcomes."

"The ale you serve in your temple would beg to differ," Kyōraku countered in between strikes.

"There will be no ale until our task is done," said Kara as she plunged her axe into a fell wolf's skull, "We must mop up these pests quickly; their master grows bolder by the day!"

"Where are our apprentices?" asked Gunnr as she bashed a wight's head in with the handle of her axe.

"With the main body of the expeditionary force," Kyōraku answered as he beheaded a wight with his main sword while slashing a fell wolf's throat with the smaller blade, "They should catch up to us soon."

"This will likely be over before they arrive," said Kara as her axe cleaved a broad circle of death around her, "Gunnr, ascend! Rain down the might of the north upon them!"

Kyōraku saw golden sparks fly between the wings of the Mistress of War, and her spiritual pressure began to increase considerably. "I will need some time to gather the requisite energy."

"It doesn't look like any of these things can fly," Kyōraku noted as he ripped a group of wights apart with a flurry of rapid slashes, "Even so, I think we should be able to keep them distracted if you need some breathing room."

"In that case, keep your subordinates as close together as you can," said Gunnr as she began to gain altitude, "I do not wish for any of them to get caught in what will soon be unleashed."

"Go warn your troops, Captain!" Kara shouted as she whirled her axe over her head before bringing it down into a corrupted wolf's back, "I will keep these foul beasts busy!"

Kyōraku smirked. He knew what was coming; he'd seen it before, many years ago.

His subordinates were in for a real treat.

….

Pulling his sword out of a wight's chest, Jiraiya barely heard Lisa's warning. "Jiraiya, get down!"

Not knowing what was going on but trusting the Lieutenant, Jiraiya ducked as low as he could. There was a rush of wind as Lisa swept her Zanpakutō over him in a board arc, the wide swing cutting down at least a dozen wights in one fell swoop.

Jiraiya smirked as he got to his feet. "Showoff!"

Lisa gave him a confident smile. "When you get your Shikai, I'll let you have the spotlight for a bit. Deal?"

"Deal!" he shouted as he drove his sword down into the skull of a corrupted wolf.

They were holding the line, but the enemy's assault was intensifying. Captain Kyōraku consolidated the vanguard into a rough square formation a few moments ago, and Squad Eight had been focusing on defense since then. The waves of wights and fell wolves were repeatedly crashing against them, but each time the vanguard drove them back. All the while, Jiraiya could sense a growing spiritual pressure up above, but it was only now that he had a chance to actually check out the source.

There was Gunnr, floating overhead, golden energy radiating from her as sparks danced along her wings. The flashes of lightning and roaring thunder of the storm above were growing rapidly in brightness and volume, and Jiraiya could tell that something big was coming. The Mistress of War was focused on gathering her energy while the Lady of Wrath tore into the corrupted hordes beneath her with savage fury. Amidst the crash of thunder and the tumult of battle, the singing that Jiraiya had heard earlier began again, although this time it was in only one voice; Gunnr's.

I'll have to study the language sometime, he thought as he stabbed a fell wolf that had pounced at him through the face, I never heard anything like it back in the Shinobi World. Is it from another Realm of the Living or the Soul Society itself? Wonder if she'll give me some lessons later… or if she even remembers me to begin with.

Then the air itself seemed to go still for a moment, and the Captain's voice rang out in a warning. "Brace yourselves!"

For what, Kyōraku didn't specify, but he didn't have to. Even someone with a horrible sense for spirit energy could tell that whatever Gunnr was about to unleash would be huge, and she didn't disappoint. Scores of golden bolts of lightning, many wider than thick fir trees, descended from the heavens in one blinding salvo. Shrieks and howls erupted from the ranks of the undead as wight and corrupted wolf alive were obliterated by the Valkyrie's barrage, reducing what had been a teeming horde to a few scattered pockets and stragglers in the blink of an eye. The pulse of spiritual pressure accompanying the strike had damn near knocked Jiraiya off his feet even with the Captain's warning; it felt like a smith had brought a huge hammer down on his shoulders, and his entire body had shuddered from the invisible force that had slammed into him.

His ears were ringing and his eyes stung from the sheer glare that had accompanied the lightning, but Jiraiya was still able to perceive the few surviving wights and fell wolves scrambling away from them. It was no organized retreat, but a full route, with the enemy scattering in all directions. Were this a conventional enemy, Jiraiya might celebrate, but wights and corrupted wolves dispersing across the land was exactly what they were trying to avoid here.

And that was when he heard multiple voices ring out at once, chief among them that of the Kidō Corps Lieutenant. "Ryūbi no Jōmon!"

Six thick walls of a dozen white pillars slammed down into the ground at various points in front of the largest clusters of retreating wights and fell wolves. They weren't impassable; it would only take a few seconds for their foes to simply run around them. However, the brief moment that they'd disrupted the creatures' progress was all that Hachigen and his subordinates needed to make sure that quick second of halted progress turned fatal for the undead.

"Hadō 32: Ōkasen!" he heard the spell casters shout.

Multiple arcs of yellow energy flooded the battlefield, catching the wights and fell wolves in a vicious crossfire. With the multiple barriers having already blocked off the most obvious retreat vectors and briefly confusing the enemy, the hapless creatures were torn apart by the attack spells. A few stragglers managed to somehow make it through the opening salvo, but Hachigen and his subordinates fired off another volley moments later, reducing the last of the creatures to little more than bits of glowing blue dust in the wind.

Jiraiya breathed a sigh of relief as he sheathed his sword; the fight was over. "That was close. I was worried there for a minute."

"The Kidō Corps did their job well," said Lisa as her Zanpakutō shifted back to its sealed state, "I expected nothing less."

Looking over his shoulder, Jiraiya smirked as he saw the main body of the expeditionary force crest the nearby hill. "Go figure; the backup shows up right after the fight ends."

Following his gaze, Lisa shrugged as she sheathed her blade. "It's better this way. Had there been more of us here, it might've been harder for Gunnr to unleash that lightning attack without hitting any allies. The Captain was able to cluster us in a way that reduced the threat of friendly fire because the vanguard was relatively small compared to the expeditionary force as a whole."

Jiraiya couldn't help but smile as he caught a hint of pride in Lisa's voice. She could give both him and Kyōraku a hard time, especially when they were drinking, but it was clear that she genuinely cared about her Captain and was pleased to serve with him. It was tempting to tease her for it, but Jiraiya didn't want to ruin the moment.

Turning his gaze to the sky, he saw Gunnr begin to descend, her song ending as the golden energy that had emanated from her earlier started to fade. She looked no worse for wear, but her spiritual pressure had noticeably dropped; her big attack had required quite a bit of power. The winged warrior woman touched down and put her axe away a moment later, sharing a brief nod with Kara before the two Valkyries approached the Squad Eight vanguard.

If we must have outside help for a mission, Jiraiya thought, we could definitely do worse than them…

He glanced at Lisa again to see if she had any new orders, but she was already heading over to join the Captain in meeting the Valkyries. The main body of the expeditionary force was quickly approaching the ruined village, and he spotted Eidunn and Ingegerd running out front, likely eager to reunite with their masters. Hachigen and the other Kidō Corps members who had been part of the vanguard were heading their way as well.

With nothing better to do, Jiraiya decided to approach just near enough so he could hear whatever it was that Kyōraku and Lisa were discussing with the Valkyries. He doubted his presence was needed for the actual conversation; he was still officially a junior officer, after all. Still, if he could glean any juicy information and get a good idea as to what their next move was in advance, he'd happily do so.

Eavesdropping on your superiors?, grumbled the spirit of his Zanpakutō, I doubt they'll appreciate that.

If they really don't want me overhearing anything, they'll let me know soon enough. It's not exactly like I'm hiding my presence here.

He actually saw the Captain glance his way, and for a moment Jiraiya wondered if he'd overstepped his bounds. However, Kyōraku simply smirked and waved him over. It was a pleasant surprise, and Jiraiya wasn't about to question it.

So much for them not appreciating it.

Don't let it go to your head.

Lisa was to the Captain's right, so Jiraiya moved behind him and to the left. He didn't know what, if anything, he'd be asked to contribute here, but he would be ready just the same. Despite their earlier victory, the mood was tense. It wasn't hard to see why; as long as the wraith itself was still out there, it was only a matter of time before it claimed more victims and brought them back as corrupted servants. The skirmish that they'd just wrapped up would play out again and again until the scourge was purged at its source.

"We thank you for your assistance," Gunnr began, "Your timing was fortuitous, Captain."

Kyōraku nodded. "I'm just glad we were able to get here when we did. I didn't realize the situation had deteriorated so badly."

Lias folded her arms. "That's an understatement. With all due respect, what the hell happened up here? When we set out on this expedition, we were under the impression that the local lords and their militias, with Valkyrie assistance, had the threat at least bottled up. This village is quite a ways out from where the wights originally attacked; it should not have been destroyed!"

"We underestimated the scope of the threat," Kara begrudgingly admitted, "and we have paid for it."

"Our foe has been preparing for an outward push for quite some time," Gunnr elaborated, "The forces that had been assembled to contain the spread were attacked by a corrupted cold drake. We've been trying to reassert control over the situation ever since, but it's all we can do to simply slow the spread of the wraith's influence."

Jiraiya's eyes widened at the news. "Whoa, back up a second! This thing managed to kill and raise a cold drake? When did that happen?"

Kyōraku's brow furrowed. "The reports you sent us before indicated that we'd only be dealing with the wraith, its wights and corrupted wolves. I can only assume that the cold drake got added to the mix while we were on the way up here. Is that correct?"

"Actually, it might have happened sooner," said Kara, "Our foe might've been keeping this particular beast in reserve for just this occasion."

Gunnr shook her head. "We simply do not know the answer. All we can tell you is that the beast was unleashed upon the forces charged with cordoning the area off a few days ago, and it performed its job well. Since then it has withdrawn; we believe it has slunk back to the temple where the wraith itself awaits us."

Lisa scowled. "And your apprentices didn't see fit to tell us any of this. I thought we were supposed to be working together in this mission; now is hardly the time to be withholding valuable information!"

"Our apprentices did not know," Kara argued, her feathers clearly ruffled, "They were dispatched to meet up with you before the true scope of the threat became apparent."

Kyōraku raised his hands as he worked to calm the situation. "Let's all take a step back here. We just got through a nasty little skirmish; we're on edge. For now, let's find a good location to establish a base of operations, and then we can assess the situation with cool heads. It'd do us all some good to be fully rested and prepared before going after the main target, especially if it has a corrupted cold drake backing it up."

Gunnr nodded. "Agreed. Please, organize your force and then allow us to lead the way. There is sacred ground not too far from our target that the Order of the Valkyries has worked to keep pure over the millennia. The barrier spells cast over it still hold, and the corruption does not yet have the strength to break through. It is the best possible place for you to set up your encampment."

Kyōraku smiled. "I appreciate that. Give me a few minutes to account for everyone, and we'll follow you there."

The Captain turned around and began to walk away. Lisa moved to follow him, but Jiraiya hesitated for a moment. His gaze met that of Gunnr, and while her helmet still blocked her face, the light in her silver eyes hinted at the smile that her protective gear was hiding.

"You'd best go with your superiors, Jiraiya," she said, "It wouldn't do for you to be reprimanded."

Jiraiya smirked. "It wouldn't be the first time."

"That would not surprise me," she replied, "Did I not tell you years ago that your name would reach the north long before you did? Your reputation precedes you… although I must admit it's not in quite the manner that I had once imagined."

Jiraiya grinned. "One of your apprentices mentioned that she was a fan of my work! I didn't realize my books had spread so far in such a short amount of time."

There was the softest of laughs as her silver eyes sparkled in the shadows of helmet, and in that moment Jiraiya would've given anything to see the face of the woman who wore it. "Even Valkyries have their off-duty pleasures, you know! We're not all as cold and harsh as the lands we have sworn to protect."

"Glad to hear it," said Jiraiya, "I wouldn't mind learning more about what pleasures you enjoy when you're off duty later. Perhaps after we've set up camp?"

"Alas, I fear there will be little time for such frivolities," she regretfully replied, "We can only afford a short time for rest before we must march again. Our adversary will certainly not stand idly by, after all."

Jiraiya grimly nodded. "I suppose you're right. I ought to be going. Still, if a free moment presents itself, I wouldn't mind the chance to chat for a bit."

"We may yet get such a chance, Jiraiya," said Gunnr, "I would certainly welcome it."

….

Jiraiya hadn't been sure what to expect from the 'sacred ground' that the Valkyrie spent the next few hours leading them towards. As they made their way through the grim landscape under the everpresent pall of inky black clouds, the surrounding snow still the queasy pale blue that they'd seen at the ruined village, a few different ideas went through his mind. They were all rather modest; perhaps a clearing with a small shrine, or a grove of trees hiding a large temple, or perhaps a pond or stream with charms and wards scattered about. He'd readily admit that what he was imagining was influenced by his experiences in the Shinobi World His travels in his first life had taken him far and wide, and he'd seen many examples of what people in the various nations, large and small, considered to be sacred.

When finally they reached their destination, Jiraiya realized that he'd made a mistake; he hadn't been thinking big enough. The 'sacred ground' in question was a large frozen lake, one that Jiraiya judged at first glance to be somewhere between four to five kilometers in length and about a third or so as wide. It had been easy to tell where the corruption ended and the sacred began; the point where the snow turned from sickly blue to brilliant white was impossible to miss, and that wasn't the only sign. Stone markers about a meter or so in height with glowing green runes were visible at consistent intervals forming a long arc that vanished over the horizon in either direction, clearly some form of protective wards, and Jiraiya was willing to bet that they surrounded the entire lake. The sky above remained cloudy, but these were natural clouds rather than the eerie black ones that had hung overhead ever since they'd left the ruined village.

I don't know how they manage to keep the wards guarding this place from losing power amidst this corruption, he thought as he took it all in, but I'm not about to question it. Any port in a storm as they say, right?

He took a deep breath and smiled. Even the air felt different here. It had been foul and heavy as they'd journeyed through the tainted lands, but here it was crisp and light. The simple act of inhaling felt rejuvenating, and the spirit energy that permeated the area felt calm when compared to the unsettling background malaise that they'd been forced to endure on the way here.

About as good a place to rest and regroup as we could hope for up here, the spirit of his Zanpakutō noted, I suspect that the wraith will have to come here in person in order for its corruption to claim this land. Mere wights or corrupted wolves cannot survive for long here. The barriers that protect this region would sap the life from them… or would that be 'un-life', perhaps? Curse these undead; they make things so confusing.

How do you know that the barrier is sufficient to keep this thing's minions out?

The difference in power between the barrier and the creatures we fought earlier is easy enough to discern. A horde of wights and fell wolves do not possess the strength needed to withstand its purifying energy. Only their master would be able to dispel the protections here, and I imagine even that would take considerable effort.

I'll take your word for it.

If the spirit of his Zanpakutō was giving this area his seal of approval, that was good enough for Jiraiya. It was nice to know that they had a reasonable secure area to catch their breath in before they proceeded to confront their primary foe, and with the recent revelations regarding the new beast that the wraith had compelled into its service, Jiraiya knew that they couldn't afford to go into the next fight at anything less than full strength.

As they drew closer to the edge of the frozen lake, Jiraiya saw a large wooden structure near the shore, and it seemed to be their current destination. Jutting upwards a good three stories or so, it resembled an elongated triangle, with its sharply angled roof likely designed so that snow would slide off rather than pile up on it and risk a collapse. Broad and thick logs made up its walls, with only a few small windows carved into them. There was a stout and circular chimney arising from the back of the dwelling, with puffs of dark grey smoke wafting up into the sky. There were a few smaller wooden buildings surrounding it, including a stable and some squat storage sheds, all arrayed in a semi-circle around a wide fire pit. Three docks jutted out into the lake, with half a dozen long row boats pulled up on the shore behind them.

Not exactly a fortified stronghold, he thought as he took it all in, It's pretty wide open… they must be really confident in whatever wards they have protecting this place.

"Looks rather cozy," said Lisa, "I'll wager the walls of that hut are very well insulated."

A tantalizing smell began wafting through the air as they drew near, and Jiraiya smiled as he recognized it. "Someone's smoking fish in there. We'll be eating well tonight!"

"How would they have caught anything?" asked Lisa, looking around in confusion, "The lake's nothing but a sheet of ice."

Jiraiya had already spotted the answer. "Look down to the right and about twenty meters out on the ice."

Lisa's eyes narrowed as she saw what he'd been referring to. "They've got torches in a circle out there… ah, and some holes cut in as well. Must be pretty thick ice if they're confident enough to go fishing so far out."

"Probably a meter or so at least," said Jiraiya, "Wouldn't mind trying my hands at some fishing once our job here is done. Care to join me?"

Lisa shook her head. "Thanks, but I'll pass. It's cold enough up here as it is; being out on the ice isn't likely to improve matters."

Jiraiya shrugged. "Maybe the Captain will take me up on the offer."

"We probably won't be staying here too long," Lisa reminded him, "Once the wraith's been dealt with, the Captain's likely to order us back to the Seireitei quickly. It took us long enough to get up here as it is, and with the snow still falling the return trip south is only going to get more difficult. Lingering would not be wise."

Jiraiya sighed. "I suppose you're right. Maybe I should put in for some vacation time; I wouldn't mind spending a few months up here."

Lisa gave him a knowing smirk. "I can think of a few hot springs that you'd probably enjoy. Take care when peeping, though; northern women tend to be pretty rough with their reprisals. If you make the same mistake the Captain did and spy on a Valkyrie, don't expect us to come up here to bail you out of trouble."

Jiraiya laughed. "Wouldn't be the first time I've suffered a woman's wrath for appreciating their beauty! I don't know if a Valkyrie can hit as hard as Tsunade, but it'd be interesting to find out."

Lisa looked curious. "You've mentioned that name a few times in the past… she was an old friend of yours, right? A healer who also had a knack for hand-to-hand combat? Sounds like she'd get along well with Captain Unohana."

Jiraiya smiled. "Maybe. Tsunade's a bit rougher than Unohana, but still… well, perhaps someday. Hopefully, not for a long time yet."

There was a bit of commotion up ahead as the expeditionary force approached the large hut. Two women came out the front door, both tall and quite athletic looking. Both wore thick cloaks, with hints of a red tunic visible beneath one and a green one under the other.

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed as he recalled what Lisa had told him about the servants of the Valkyries. "Acolytes wear red tunics, right? What's with the one in the green?"

"Caretakers wear green," Lisa answered, "They cover a wide variety of roles. Some are simple servants who handle cooking, cleaning, looking out for animals, and other mundane tasks. However, caretakers can also take on more prestigious assignments. Some are trained as healers, while others become archivists and manage the assorted history and lore of the Order. They may not be front-line fighters, but each still receives basic combat training and are more than capable of looking after themselves."

Jiraiya nodded. "Good to know."

The acolyte, a woman with brown eyes and dark brown hair that fell about halfway down her neck, stepped out in front to greet the group. "Lady Gunnr, Lady Kara, welcome. We've been expecting you."

"Does this sheltered ground remain secured, Thora?" asked Gunnr.

The acolyte nodded. "I've organized regular patrols to monitor the wards, and all reports indicate that they are holding strong. We are safe here for the time being."

"Are any of you wounded?" asked the caretaker, a green-eyed beauty with her blonde hair wrapping around her head in a series of braided rings.

"There are no serious injuries that require your attention, Reidun" Kara replied, "Have bedding and meals prepared for our guests. We will rest here tonight and confront our enemy in the morning."

Reidun's eyes narrowed as she scanned the crowd. "Most will fit in the hut, although it will be tight. Even so, accounting for the acolytes who will return from their hunts and patrols, there is not enough room for everyone."

Kyōraku shook his head. "No need to worry. We can set up camp out here to handle the overflow."

Reidun nodded. "Very well. Your timing is fortunate; we were actually just about to start making dinner. It will take some time to prepare enough food for everyone, so I would request patience; I promise you will all be fed heartily before you go to sleep tonight."

The Captain smiled. "No need to rush. I know this is quite an imposition on you, and we don't mind waiting."

"We can use this time to establish the encampment and set up patrols of our own," Lisa suggested, "The sooner we've set up shop, the better."

"Agreed," said Kyōraku, "Let's get to work."

"Do not stray far," said Gunnr, "We'll be convening a war council after dinner, and the presence of both yourself and your senior officers will be necessary. Our plans must be finalized before we set out tomorrow morning."

"Every hour lost gives the undead hordes a chance to replenish their numbers and spread again," Kara grumbled, "The sooner that the heart is cut out of this infestation, the better."

Sounds like we'll have a little bit of time on our hands, the spirit of his Zanpakutō noted as the rest of the expeditionary force spread out to begin setting up camp, I know that they want us to rest, but I would advise holding off on that.

What do you mean?

Close your eyes and concentrate. I'm surprised you haven't sensed it already.

Curious as to what he might be missing, Jiraiya did so. Focusing only on feeling the energy of the sacred ground itself rather than the spiritual pressure of those surrounding him, it didn't take Jiraiya long at all to realize what the spirit of his Zanpakutō was referring to. The spiritual energy within the protective wards of this sacred area was strong; not much concentration was required to sense that. However, what it was also strong in…

…was nature energy.

It permeated the air around them so thickly that Jiraiya wanted to smack himself for not picking up on it sooner. In fact, it was stronger here than anywhere else in the Soul Society that Jiraiya had been so far. What was the reason for that? Were the wards set up by the Valkyries using more than just spirit energy to create the barrier that protected this place, or had nature energy simply been drawn here as a byproduct of that protection? It could possibly be a much more recent development too; perhaps the wraith's spreading corruption had driven most of the nature energy that would normally be found in these lands away, and it had gravitated towards the one island of light it could find amidst the growing sea of darkness.

Jiraiya could puzzle out the cause of this phenomenon later. For the moment, the only thing that mattered was that he had found himself in a region that was practically bathed in the very energy he needed in order to regain one his most potent techniques from his first life.

He fully intended to take advantage of it.

….

Later that evening…

Their hosts hadn't been lying about feeding them a hearty meal. Given that they were well into one of the more inhospitable regions that could be found in the Soul Society, Jiraiya had initially been prepared to subsist on the standard rations that Soul Reapers took with them for prolonged missions, perhaps supplemented by anything they could find in the wilderness. However, the various caretakers that watched over the sacred lake had gone out of their way to make sure that the expeditionary force was treated to a scrumptious meal of smoked fish and various fruits and vegetables that had been preserved for just such an occasion. He had been worried that they were depleting their hosts of valuable provisions that would be needed to get them through the winter once the expeditionary force departed, but one of the caretakers had taken him aside and showed him just how deep their stores went and how thorough their preparations were. Clearly, life in the north taught its inhabitants the value of maintaining long-term stockpiles and topping them off whenever possible, and Jiraiya could rest easy knowing that those who had treated them so hospitably would not starve in the bitter cold months that surely lay ahead.

Of course, he knew that he should be resting now in preparation for tomorrow's confrontation, but that would have to wait for a bit. His hopes had been vindicated; the abundance of both nature and spirit energy within the Valkyries' sacred ground were just what he'd needed to push his efforts to regain Sage Jutsu forward. He could feel it even though he was actually in his inner world at the moment, and in fact the sheer potency of the energy surrounding him was impacting the realm surrounding himself and the spirit of his Zanpakutō. The grey clouds that typically hung overhead whenever he was here had completely disappeared, revealing a brilliant sunny sky with the occasional flock of birds flying by. The various frogs and toads scattered amongst the reeds surrounding the stone platform were quite lively, a constant chorus of croaks and groans, as if the abundance of nature and spirit energy in this region was invigorating them. Even the typically-grumpy armored toad himself seemed to be in a good mood, and Jiraiya could've sworn he'd almost caught the burly amphibian smiling once or twice.

Jiraiya took a deep breath, confident that they were ready to take things to the next level. "Well, what do you say? Feeling up for a test?"

The spirit of his Zanpakutō was sitting cross-legged in front of him and did not open his eyes when he replied. "Yes, I believe so. Return to the outside world while I begin gathering the necessary energy. It should not take long."

Jiraiya closed his eyes as he felt the world spin around him. The sensation only lasted for a few seconds, and when he opened his eyes again the stone platform and swamp were replaced by the snow-covered shore of the frozen lake. Night had fallen quite some time ago, and a brilliant half-moon was gleaming overhead in the clear sky. It was a rare break in the near-constant snowfall they'd experienced since crossing the Whitefell Mountains, and Jiraiya was quite grateful for it.

You ready?

Yes, the spirit of his Zanpakutō answered, I would suggest that you start by going through some basic Zanjutsu exercises. This will be as good a way as any for us to test your theory.

You think you can measure up to the toads that I partnered with in the past?

Are you trying to goad me?

Would that work? I'll try anything at this point!

Hmph. Cheeky as ever. Let's begin.

As Jiraiya drew his sword and began a series of simple strikes and blocks, he could feel the energy in the air around him start to swirl and converge. In his mind's eye he could picture the spirit of his Zanpakutō still seated on the stone platform in his inner world, eyes closed and brow furrowed in concentration. He barely even felt the chill evening breeze as he picked up the pace; simple focus, exercise and the gathering energy were proving to be more than sufficient to ward off the cold for the moment.

A few minutes went by, and while Jiraiya could feel the gradual buildup of energy, he found himself second-guessing his little experiment. Maybe this was the wrong approach. Perhaps it'd be better to shift his efforts towards regaining Summoning Jutsu so he could potentially call upon a partner that he knew for a fact could handle the task he'd set the spirit of his Zanpakutō to. As far as he knew, what he was trying to do here had never been attempted before. Jiraiya was all for going out on a limb, but as he continued his exercises and only felt an incremental increase in the gathering energy he wondered if what he was attempting was simply impossible.

Doubting us at this point in the game? What would your last apprentice have to say about that?

The smiling face of Naruto appeared in Jiraiya's mind. That determined grin, boundless hope gleaming in his eyes, that indomitable belief in his chosen path… Jiraiya couldn't help but grin right back at the mental image of it. What would Naruto have to say about his doubts? Jiraiya could already imagine what his former student would say.

"You can do this, Pervy Sage! Believe it!"

Not sure if those would be his exact words, but I'm probably not far off.

He redoubled his efforts, his sword whirling around him, a gleaming crescent flashing through the air. At the same time, he could feel the energy surging through his Zanpakutō; both spirit and nature energy, perfectly balanced by the spirit of his weapon. After a few minutes had gone by, Jiraiya could sense the latter now flowing into him, and he knew that it was time.

Sure enough, he could feel the transformation begin, and he didn't need a mirror to know what was happening to him. The enlarged nose and warts, sharpening teeth, webbed hands and feet, the white goatee, and the toad-like eyes; they were all quite familiar to him. Much more important than the physical changes were the sharpening of his senses and the growing strength that filled him. Making a few experimental swings with his sword, Jiraiya grinned as he felt the difference in power behind the blows.

He'd done it.

He'd regained Sage Mode.

Now it was time to test it.

It was fortunate that his posture had already shifted during the transformation to become more toad-like; it made his subsequent leap into the air that much easier. Jiraiya felt like a firework flying free from the tube; he'd forgotten just how much more powerful his body became in this state. As he reached the apex of his jump and rapidly descended, for a moment Jiraiya actually feared that he might hurt himself upon hitting the ground. Bracing himself as he'd done so many times in the past, he was able to withstand the inevitable impact with no sign of injury.

"Well, well," he muttered with a smirk, "Looks like I've still got it!"

Don't get too excited. Your exercise is far from over.

That was true enough. Shifting his sword over to just his right hand, Jiraiya held out his left, the open palm facing the sky. Focusing on gathering his spirit energy and channeling it into the familiar spinning pattern, he allowed the nature energy constantly flowing through the spirit of his Zanpkutō to join in the technique. Careful to regulate the balance between spirit and nature energy, Jiraiya was soon rewarded for his efforts with a rapidly expanding and swirling ball of blue-and white light. Within seconds it was so big that Jiraiya had to hold it over his head to keep it from hitting his face. It was as big as him, and he knew that he had the power to make it even larger if he wanted to, and might indeed try to do so later.

Big Ball Rasengan!

Leaping into the air again, he then swung his left arm down so the ball was facing the ground. As he came down again, he thrust his open palm forward and slammed the enlarged Rasengan into the ground. A giant plume of snow and dirt erupted around him as the great sphere of energy made its mark upon the land, and when the dust settled there was a sizable hemisphere crater carved into the ground before him.

"Oh, yeah," he whispered, his smirk becoming a full-on grin, "I've definitely still got it!"

He was trying to figure out what move to attempt next when he sensed a familiar spiritual pressure heading his way. Jiraiya briefly considered continuing anyway; he was sure that more than one person had felt the release of energy, so the cat was already out of the bag. However, his present form wasn't one that he liked to show the ladies, and the approaching being was definitely one that he wanted to turn on the charm for. Taking a deep breath, he slowly let out the rest of the nature energy that the spirit of his Zanpakutō had gathered for him. Gradually, he felt the changes that accompanied Sage Mode begin to reverse, and soon enough he was back to his old ruggedly handsome self.

It wasn't a moment too soon; Gunnr could easily see him now, and she seemed rather amused. "Well, well… for someone with only the rank of Sixteenth Seat, that was quite an impressive display of power. You really are full of surprises, Jiraiya."

"How much of that did you see?" he asked as he sheathed his sword.

"None of it," she answered, "but I certainly felt it, and I imagine others did as well."

She looked past him, her helmeted gaze focusing on the crater left behind by the impact of the Big Ball Rasengan. There was a moment of silence, and Jiraiya feared that she might be angry; he had just torn up a significant chunk of earth in the middle of what her order considered sacred ground, after all. However, his concerns proved to be misplaced. When she turned to face him again, there was a glimmer of light in her silver eyes, and Jiraiya was certain that she was smiling.

"If you felt the need to try out whatever technique you were using just now in the dead of night, then I assume that it is one you are not yet ready to show others," she said, "I will keep your secret if you wish, although you may be required to call upon such power tomorrow. Should the occasion arise, I do hope to see that power in action."

"Thanks," Jiraiya replied, "Although… this isn't really a technique that I like using in front of beauties like yourself. It has certain side effects."

"You don't seem to look any worse for wear," she countered, "Whatever effects it might have on you seem to be temporary. Besides, do you really think that Valkyries are so shallow as to only care about what is visible on the surface? In these lands, it is strength that matters above all else, and you clearly have it in abundance."

Jiraiya bowed. "That's awfully kind of you. Still, you might want to temper your expectations. I've been working for quite some time to regain this technique; I still need plenty of training with it before I can unleash its true potential."

Her head tilted slightly in a quizzical manner. "A technique you've regained… ah, I see. So this is a power that you possessed in your previous life, then. It is not one that is taught by Soul Reapers, correct?"

"Pretty much," Jiraiya replied.

"Good," said Gunnr, and Jiraiya had a feeling that she was smirking beneath that helmet, "Most contemporary Soul Reapers that I've met tend to be rigid and unimaginative. They wield only the powers and techniques that are taught to them in their precious Academy, contenting themselves with established doctrine rather than trying anything new. You're a welcome change of pace, Jiraiya."

Jiraiya shook his head. "I don't know if I'd go that far. I've seen more than a few Soul Reapers who are willing to think outside the box. Take my Captain, for starters."

"I must respectfully disagree," the Valkyrie countered, "While Captain Kyōraku is a formidable warrior, from what I have seen his combat techniques are still completely in line with those of traditional Soul Reapers. He may wield an unconventional Zanpakutō, but I do not see much beyond that to separate him from other Captains that I have encountered these past few generations."

Jiraiya shrugged. "Guess we're going to have to agree to disagree. I've had a few years to see the Captain in action. He's quite cunning, you know? Definitely more than capable of approaching problems from different angles when compared to some of his colleagues."

"If that is the case, then I hope to see such capabilities from him when we confront our foes tomorrow," said Gunnr, "You were present at the war council, so I trust I don't need to reiterate the gravity of the situation."

"A wraith holed up in an old temple with an undead cold-drake at its disposal, not to mention however many wights and fell wolves it's holding in reserve," Jiraiya summed up, "Yeah, things are going to be tough tomorrow, no doubt there. No chance of reinforcements from your order either, right?"

"I'm afraid that's correct," Gunnr confirmed, "We've dispatched messengers to keep our sisters-in-arms apprised of the situation, but the north is vast, and we are spread quite thin. Kara, myself and our apprentices are all that we can spare for this fight."

Jiraiya smiled. "Well, I'm glad they could spare this much. If what I saw from you and Kara earlier was any indication, then I don't think that wraith's going to know what hit it tomorrow!"

Gunnr folded her arms. "Do not be so certain, Jiraiya. Remember that we are dealing with a being that is thousands of years old, and we do not know how long it has been free of its seal. This is a creature that once served one of the greatest sorcerers in the history of the Soul Society, when the limits on spells were not nearly so constricting, transgressions of the Lady of Midnight notwithstanding. The fact that it now commands a cold-drake hardly helps matters. We must be prepared for anything."

"Fair enough," Jiraiya conceded, "Since I'm just a Sixteenth Seat, I doubt I'll get much of a chance to swing at the big threats anyway. That's going to be on the Captain, the Lieutenant, and you."

Gunnr chuckled. "You don't believe that, and neither do I. Your Captain knows that your abilities far exceed your rank, and I'm certain he felt the power of the technique you utilized earlier. Your presence at the war council this evening is another sign of the regard that you are held in; normally, officers of your rank would be charged with organizing perimeter patrols or managing supplies rather than being invited to sit in on such a meeting. No, Jiraiya, whether it is to fight the wraith itself, contend with the cold-drake, or both, you will very much be in the thick of the action. You had best steel yourself accordingly."

Jiraiya shrugged. "We'll see. The plan we made tonight's a general one, subject to whatever surprises we find once we enter that temple tomorrow. I know my official role is to help watch our backs, but as for what I'll actually be doing once the fighting starts… well, there's only one way to find out."

Gunnr nodded. "Indeed. I suggest you get some sleep while you still have the chance, Jiraiya. In the morning, we will commence our hunt… and our prey will surely know that we are coming."

….

The next day…

The chills running down Lisa's spine weren't from the cold, although she doubted that it was helping matters at all. Although they'd only spent a single night within what the Valkyries considered to be sacred ground, the difference between that and the corrupted lands that lay between there and their destination had never felt starker. While it had been Lisa's first time visiting the frozen lake, she had felt quite comfortable there. In fact, it had almost felt as though she was back in the Seireitei; safe and secure from all but the gravest of threats. It was a very strange sensation to feel when she was so far from home, but Lisa certainly hadn't complained about it.

They'd set out at sunrise, but the daylight had only lasted for as long as they were within the protective barrier of the sacred ground. Once they'd passed the perimeter, they were met with the everpresent pall of inky black clouds that they'd seen the day before. Sickly blue snow fell and marred the ground around them, and Lisa wasn't the only one who had the hood of her cloak pulled up over her head to keep them from touching her skin. Superficially, they might have felt like any other snowflakes, but each one contained just a tiny bit of the putrid energy that permeated the lands. The act of simply making contact with one filled Lisa with a sense of revulsion, as if a horribly diseased creature had just spit upon her.

Of all the things that this abomination could affect, of course weather would be one of them, she silently fumed, Just our luck. I know it was the same with the one Squad Two faced in the east, but at least they didn't have tainted snow to deal with as well. Ugh… I just hope that it's purified once we kill this thing. Traipsing back through all of this isn't going to be fun.

It was as if the weather itself was conspiring to impede their progress; the combination of snowfall and wind was not making their journey an easy one. On top of that, they'd had to deal with multiple attacks by packs of wights and fell wolves since their departure, and while the expeditionary force hadn't suffered any casualties the skirmishes had only heightened the tension and had everyone on edge. Even her normally laid-back Captain looked rather grim, and if that wasn't a sign of how seriously he was taking this then Lisa didn't know what was.

The mixture of bad weather and frequent raids by the enemy meant that it took them several hours before they finally approached the edge of their destination. All the while, the corrupt energy permeating the air around them had grown thicker and thicker, adding to the sense of low-key dread running through most of the expeditionary force. Hollow hunts and mass Konsō were one thing, but taking on an undead horror from a bygone age that was capable of warping the very environment through the sheer malignance of its energy was definitely something else.

Walking to her left, Jiraiya was clearly attuned to the dour mood of their procession. "You'd find more cheer in a graveyard."

"It certainly feels like we're walking through one," Lisa replied, suppressing a shudder as she glanced upon the mangled corpse of a large deer; if she had to guess, fell wolves were the culprits here.

Jiraiya nodded. "No joke. I'd normally try to lighten the mood, but I've got nothing for this."

"Then we really are in trouble," Lisa muttered under her breath.

As they crested a hill, their destination finally came into view. The temple was impossible to miss; amidst the sea of sickly blue-white snow, the massive black stone-structure stuck out like a sore thumb. Set against a ridge that ran southwest to northeast for a good dozen or so kilometers, it was situated on the far side of a broad river. A bridge made of the same strange black stone ran across it, and Lisa could smell a truly acrid and nauseating odor coming from it. She was reminded of the report from Squad Two regarding the corruption of the river running through the Shadow Pass, and it wasn't hard to surmise that the same had happened here. Large chunks of ice flowed down with the current, and Lisa didn't like the fact that they were the same sickly shade of blue as the snow.

At least three stories tall and quite broad at the base, the temple was unlike any structure that Lisa had ever seen before. Coming out of the ridge behind it, the building was ringed by a black wall that was about a third the height of the temple itself. A gaping hole in the center marked where Lisa assumed the gate had once been, and to her it looked like the open mouth of a beast that was just waiting for its prey to walk right in. The surfaces of the temple were rounded and appeared oddly smooth, with an oily sheen that gleamed even though the dark clouds overhead prevented any sunlight from reaching it. About two thirds of the way up, the gentle curving walls suddenly took on steep angles which ascended until they reached a flat top, with a trio of sharp and slender towers jutting up from the roof, one forward and two back.

"Well, that's charming," Jiraiya muttered, "Was the architect suffering from crippling depression when they designed this place?"

"Who or what was worshipped at this temple?" Kyōraku asked, turning to the Valkyries and their apprentices, "The design doesn't match any other structure that I've seen in the north."

Gunnr shook her head. "We consulted the Order's archives extensively in preparation for this mission, but unfortunately they had little to say about this place. There were no firm sources on who constructed it, only that it predates even the old kingdom. What scant clues we were able to find indicated that some sect or cult once called this temple home, and that they worshipped a dark deity that's been lost to time's flow."

"Foul deeds took place here," Kara added, "Rumors of torture and sacrifice surround this place. The group that practiced such rituals was eventually rooted out and purged by the forces of our Order and the Starmont Clan, but no matter what they tried, they could not destroy this place. Dark energy runs through the very foundations, or so the records say."

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Great. So they picked the home of a death cult to imprison a wraith in. How fitting."

"Most unpleasant," Hachigen agreed, scratching his chin as he peered intently across the divide, "Hmm… interesting. Those markers… I suspect I know what they're for."

Lisa's eyes narrowed as she followed his gaze. She hadn't noticed them in her initial assessment of the place, but lining the opposite side of the tainted river was indeed a series of stone markers. Lisa's first thought was naturally the markers that the Valkyries had used to anchor the barrier protecting their sacred ground, but these struck her as mockeries of what their hosts had erected. They were formed from the same oily black stone that made up the temple itself, but rather than presenting similarly smooth forms, these appeared jagged and twisted. It was as if someone had jammed a bunch of notched and broken blades into the ground by their hilts, a further desecration of what Lisa was sure had once been a beautiful if unforgiving landscape.

"Captain Kyōraku," the Kidō Corps Lieutenant continued, "With your permission, I'd like to perform a quick test. Consider it a probing of our enemy's outer defenses."

Lisa turned and saw her Captain nod. "Go ahead."

Hachigen aimed his index finger forward. "Hadō 4: Byakurai!"

A slender stream of blue-white energy flew across the icy river and towards the temple itself. However, as soon as it reached the line of black stones, Lisa saw the markers glow with icy blue energy. The beam was stopped cold by an invisible wall, its energy rippling and dissipating over what Lisa surmised from the aftereffects was a dome-shaped barrier that ran over the entire structure and a considerable portion of the surrounding area.

"I thought as much," she heard Hachigen mutter to himself, "Most impressive… and quite troublesome."

"I see the reports about a barrier were accurate, at least," said Kyōraku, "Any thoughts on how we get past it?"

"The markers are likely the key," Hachigen answered, "The setup appears quite similar to the one utilized by our hosts, at least at first glance. My subordinates and I will need to study them up close to learn more, and for that we will require your protection."

"Is the barrier constantly active, or did it come up only when you launched your attack?" asked Jiraiya.

"The former, I suspect," Hachigen replied, "The energy that comprises it feels quite similar to that I sensed within the corrupted creatures that we fought yesterday. They are likely able to pass through it at will, while those not in thrall to the wraith find their passage blocked."

"How long will you need to examine the markers?" asked the Captain.

"My subordinates and I will go as fast as we can," Hachigen answered, "but I must warn you, Captain, that rush jobs seldom end well when it comes to spellcraft. If we wish to ensure our safe passage to the temple, then we will need time to make sure that we don't miss anything in our studies."

"We will protect you for as long as you require," said Gunnr, "The undead hordes will not touch you."

"You have our word on that," Kara added.

Lisa turned to Kyōraku. "Your orders, Captain?"

Kyōraku scratched his chin for a moment. "Let's cross the bridge and split up. I'll take Kara, her apprentice, half of Squad Eight's contingent and half of the Kidō Corps detachment to one of the markers to the right. Lisa, you'll take the other halves along with Gunnr and her apprentice to one of the markers on the left. Don't go too far off; we want to be able to reunite and fall back in short order if needed. Once we've figured out how to take down the barrier we'll regroup and make our incursion together."

Lisa nodded. "Understood."

So it begins…

….

"Just out of curiosity, what would happen if one of us tried to cross this barrier?" asked Jiraiya.

"I'm going out on a limb here and saying nothing good," Lisa replied.

Probably a safe bet, Jiraiya thought as he scanned his surroundings for potential threats.

He couldn't see the barrier, but he could feel it. Standing so close to it as the members of the Kidō Corps analyzed the nearby marker, Jiraiya could sense the foul energy radiating off the invisible field from mere meters away. It felt like he was being bathed in a twisted deluge of cruel glee and smoldering malice, as if the being responsible for this corruption took pleasure in how it twisted the very world around it and was looking forward to expanding its dark reach.

"Assuming our forms could cross this barrier when our spells cannot, I would hazard a guess that our fate would be one worse than death," Gunnr chimed in, "The wraith's energy is infused into the foundations of this barrier. Touch it with your bare flesh, and it is quite likely that you would begin to be corrupted yourself. How quickly, I cannot say, but I think we can imagine the end result easily enough."

"In other words, don't be the cat killed by curiosity," Eidunn advised him, "It would be a shame to have to put you down if you get turned into a wight."

Jiraiya smiled. "All right, I'll behave."

The group was arrayed in a semi-circle around the marker. They were as close as they could get without risking contact with the barrier itself, with the marker seeming to be at the very edge of the field. Several members of the Kidō Corps were kneeling next to it, their brows furrowed in concentration as they probed it and took notes. Everyone was on edge, constantly looking around for the first sign of an impending attack.

If it's wights and wolves, we can hold them off, he thought, but I don't like the thought of having to hold the line against a wraith and corrupted cold drake. I'd rather go on offense against them than play defense.

Speaking of the cold drake, the spirit of his Zanpakutō chimed in, take another look at the temple gate.

Curious, Jiraiya did so. It had been hard to discern at a distance, but now that they were across the bridge he realized that quite a few sizable chunks of stone had been torn out around the entrance. The damage looked rather recent, and Jiraiya was willing to bet it had been caused by the beast going in and out of the temple; the original entrance hadn't been wide enough, so the beast had used brute force to fix that.

Not a good sign. Kara said earlier that people tried to destroy this temple in the past and couldn't due to the energy infused within the foundations. If this beast is powerful enough to inflict such damage on a structure reinforced by ancient spellcraft…

It doesn't bode well for us.

Jiraiya felt a chill go down his spine that had nothing to do with the weather. He wished he'd done a bit more research on the north's various beasts, particularly its apex predator. Granted, he was certain that all the good material was locked away in the archives of the Starmont Clan, but he was certain that he could've found something useful if he'd perhaps gone to Squad Twelve and asked Captain Hikifune for some directions in her unit's vast library.

The back of the neck and the eyes, he reminded himself, Those are the only weak spots that you know of for sure. If you do wind up having to tangle with this thing, be patient and wait for an opening. You'll probably only get one shot, so make it count.

He suddenly felt a rush of cold that had nothing to do with the weather. Icy blue runes had begun glowing on the marker, almost certainly in response to the probing of the Kidō Corps. Much more noticeable than that, though, was the corresponding pulse of pale azure light that flared out from the temple beyond the barrier. Jiraiya felt the wave of tainted spirit energy wash over him, and he wasted no time in drawing his sword.

"I think we're about to have company," he said grimly.

Lisa was already drawing her blade as well. "Agreed. Kidō Corps members, make sure to stay behind us. If we say run, you run, no questions asked."

"Let's see what manner of hellspawn they send out," said Gunnr as she brandished her axe, and Jiraiya felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as sparks of golden energy began crackling in her wings.

They got their answer a moment later in the form of a grating cacophony of shrieks and howls coming from the gaping maw of the temple's entrance. A swarm of wights and fell wolves spilled out, quickly dividing into two streams of undead monstrosities, each angling for one of the expeditionary force's detachments. Jiraiya's group stepped back and braced themselves for the onslaught.

"Jiraiya," said Lisa, "I know you've been working on regaining some of your old techniques. If you've got any that work for situations like this, now's the time."

Jiraiya smirked; he had one in mind that he'd been hoping for a chance to try out in the field. "I do, actually. Get a spell ready, preferably one that can generate heat; it'll go well with this."

As the horde rapidly approached, Jiraiya quickly gathered as much saliva as he could and infused it with his spirit energy, swirling the mixture together and converting it into oil. The fact that he had to wait for the wights and wolves to cross the open ground between the temple entrance and the markers before they even reached the barrier worked to his advantage; it gave him more time to increase the amount of oil he was making.

Come on, you ugly bastards, he thought as he glared at the onrushing mob of horrors, I've got a little present for you...

He only had to wait a few seconds. Once his foes were at the very edge of the barrier and at the point where their momentum would carry them across it even if they sensed a trap and tried to stop, Jiraiya let fly.

Ninja Art: Toad Oil Bullet!

Thanks to having more time to build it up, the volume of oil that spewed forth from his mouth was considerably greater than when he'd used the technique against the spirit of his Zanpakutō. The timing was perfect; the first wights and fell wolves to step through the barrier were instantly met with the splatter, and what didn't hit them directly coated the ground around them. The resulting muck bogged down the tainted creatures and caused those immediately following behind to plow right into them, creating a tangled pileup and ensuring that even more targets found themselves covered in the oil.

The follow-up he was hoping for came from Lisa a moment later. "Hadō 33: Sōkatsui!"

Streams of blue-white flame flew forth from her open left palm. They raced forward and slammed into the undead traffic jam, and it wasn't the only attack to do so; two large bolts of golden energy zipped through the air as well, and Jiraiya didn't need to look to know that they'd come from Gunnr's wings. The results of the combined attack were spectacular as the oil-soaked mob erupted in flames and screams. Heat and the truly foul smell of burning undead washed over Jiraiya, but despite the unpleasant odor he still allowed himself a satisfied smile as he looked upon his handiwork.

Looks like I got off easy when we sparred.

Well, I didn't have a Lieutenant and Valkyrie backing me up back then.

Lucky me, and unlucky for our opponents.

The devastating combination strike turned out to be more effective than Jiraiya had hoped; the onrushing wave of wights and fell wolves had been stopped in its tracks, with at least two more ranks of the creatures charging blindly into the inferno before those behind them finally had the sense to halt their charge. As those caught in the blaze were reduced to little more than icy blue dust in the wind, the survivors regrouped on the other side of the barrier. Their undead eyes seemed somehow paler than before, and Jiraiya realized with a thrill that they were actually afraid.

So, these things can feel fear. Good to know.

Unfortunately, the will of the abomination commanding them appeared to be more than sufficient to overpower the brief reemergence of their self-preservation instincts. The survivors soon divided into two smaller groups and went around the blaze to cross the barrier beyond where the oil had spread. It took them precious seconds to do so, though, which meant that Jiraiya and the others had all the time they needed to prepare their next attacks.

Instead of responding with another one of his old Shinobi techniques, though, Jiraiya felt that a Soul Reaper spell would be more appropriate for the situation. "Hadō 54: Haien!"

Holding out his left hand, he let fly with a blast of oblong purple energy. The spell was aimed at the wights and fell wolves who had gone around the right side of the oily inferno, hitting the first of the creatures to cross the barrier and disintegrating them outright. His attack was joined by another salvo of golden lightning from Gunnr, with the blinding attack blasting apart the majority of the undead crossing the barrier on that side and scattering the rest. Dispersed and disorganized, they were easy pickings for Jiraiya's fellow Soul Reapers.

Meanwhile, Lisa hadn't been idle. Targeting the creatures crossing the barrier on the left side of the blaze, she and several other Soul Reapers had let loose a salvo of crimson orbs from their palms. Shakkahō might not have been the most powerful of spells by itself, but quantity had a quality all of its own. The volley of red energy pounded the wights and fell wolves as they emerged from the barrier, and it was only the first of three. By the time that the dust from the third volley had settled, there wasn't anything left for them to target.

Jiraiya could sense someone watching him, and he turned to see Eidunn looking at him in confusion. "What… what was that? That oil you spat out… I've never seen a Soul Reaper use a technique like that before."

Jiraiya chuckled. "That's because it's not something they teach you at the Academy. It's a holdover from my old life. Not pretty to look at, I know, but you can't deny that it's effective."

Lisa nodded. "Nicely done. You made that much easier than I thought it would be."

Jiraiya looked at the temple entrance, but didn't see any sign of potential reinforcements coming out. "I think we're good over here for the moment. Should we go help out the others?"

Lisa smirked as her gaze went over his shoulders. "I don't think that's necessary. Take a look."

Jiraiya did so, and was just in time to see a blinding flash of crimson lightning annihilate the last of the wights and fell wolves that had been assaulting the other group. Captain Kyōraku was already sheathing his blades, and the rest of his group looked like they hadn't even drawn their weapons; the Captain and the Lady of Wrath had handled the attackers by themselves. While Jiraiya was relieved to see that no one had been hurt or killed, he felt a fresh sense of unease as his gaze turned to the temple entrance again.

"This doesn't feel right," he said, "That was too easy. Where's the next wave?"

All eyes were on the temple entrance, but while the structure continued to be bathed in icy blue light, no additional enemies sallied forth. There was a long moment of silence as the group looked around them, expecting perhaps some sneak attack from the flanks or another nasty surprise, but there was no sign of any movement from their foe.

"Perhaps their numbers aren't as great as we initially feared," Eidunn ventured.

"Or the wraith was just probing us and is holding everything else back for when we get inside," Lisa guessed.

"My thoughts as well, Lieutenant," Gunnr confirmed, "This was a test, nothing more."

Lisa looked over her shoulder at the Kidō Corps members. "Well, if that's all they're throwing at us for now, then we should make the most of it. Get back on that marker and work as fast as you can. If the enemy comes back out for another round, get behind us again."

As they moved back to their earlier positions, Jiraiya's gaze remained firmly on the temple. Although there was no sign of movement upon the walls or up in the three spires, he had no doubt whatsoever that the enemy was watching them. He had no idea how the Kidō Corps would deal with the barrier, but Jiraiya suspected that the invisible energy field between them and the temple would likely prove to be little more than an inconvenience compared to what awaited them inside.

This skirmish is ours, but the battle is far from over.

Agreed. Can you gather any nature energy here? If you can start building up a reserve for me while we're still outside, I could really use it. It'll probably be much harder to draw the energy in once we've entered the temple.

The corrupt spirit energy in the air makes it difficult to discern nature energy, but I will do what I can. I may only be able to gather a limited amount, though. If you must enter Sage Mode when we are inside the temple, you likely will not be able to remain in that state for very long.

Understood.

And so Jiraiya settled into his vigil, Zanpakutō in hand and eyes firmly on the temple. He wished Itachi, Shisui and Visaelya were present; their experience against the wraith and wights in the east would've been invaluable here. Alas, anyone from Squad Two was not welcome in the north, at least not by the nobles who ruled it. The expeditionary force could only rely on itself and their allies from the Order of the Valkyries.

It would have to be enough. Failure was not an option.

….

"What do you think?" asked Kyōraku as he stood behind Hachigen, "Got this whole thing figured out?"

Hachigen looked over his shoulder and smiled. "Yes, I'd say so. My subordinates are all in position now. In the end, it's a brute force affair. A bit disappointing, really."

Kyōraku shrugged. "Well, I'm sure you'll find better puzzles to amuse yourself with in time. Did you bring enough people with sufficient levels of strength for this? I don't doubt your abilities, Haghigen, but there are few in the Kidō Corps that can measure up to the likes of you and Tessai."

Hachigen rolled his neck and cracked his knuckles as he prepared himself. "While members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads place emphasis on maintaining your martial abilities, it's a bit different for those of us in the Kidō Corps. As in any other unit, we run the full length of the spectrum when it comes to power. At the very top is naturally Corps Commander and Grand Kidō Chief Tessai, and while I may aspire to one day match his strength, for the moment I can at least content myself with being only a rung or two down the ladder from him. Then you have our raw recruits and those with little in the way of pure power, and of course there's everyone in between. As with the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, we know that not everyone can be the strongest, fastest, most cunning, or possess the greatest amount of spirit energy. However, we know that there are times when we are required to act in concert for great feats of spellcraft, and even the weakest of our number must be prepared to step in. That is why our training places such greater emphasis on maximizing the efficiency with which we use our spirit energy. It does not leave nearly as much time for the physical exercises that the Thirteen Court Guard Squads partake in, but the benefits… well, you've worked with us in the past, Captain. Need I say more?"

Kyōraku chuckled. "Is that your nice way of telling me to get out of your hair and let you do your job?"

Hachigen gave a friendly laugh. "Very much so! Sit back and enjoy the show; this will not take long."

Kyōraku took a moment to survey the broader area. Each individual member of the Kidō Corps' contingent was positioned at one of the barrier markers, while the members of Squad Eight, the Valkyries and their apprentices were spread out in a loose defensive screen just in case another wave of attackers sallied forth from the temple. Kyōraku didn't think that was likely, though; at this point, the wraith had clearly decided that it would confront expeditionary force within the temple itself. The Captain could sense the abomination's presence somewhere inside, although he could not quite pin it down. There was also another powerful presence lurking within the eerie structure, one that felt like a coiled spring just waiting to release its energy at the first opportunity; the cold drake. Kyōraku didn't know what kind of leash the wraith had the beast on, but from the occasional pulses of spirit energy that he could pick up on, it was clear that the creature was both ready and eager to unleash its raw might.

It'll have its chance soon enough, the Captain thought grimly, and we'll have to be ready for it. A shame, really. Cold drakes might be the deadliest creatures in the north, but they're also perhaps the most fascinating. Powerful, long-lived, intelligent… for one to have been enslaved by a wraith is a tragedy. It might be our enemy today, but it's really just another victim in this whole miserable affair. Putting it down as quickly as possible is all we can do for it today.

He watched as Hachigen took aim at the nearby marker. Kyōraku felt the man's spirit energy begin to rise, as did that of all the other Kidō Corps members spread across the area. There weren't enough of them for every single marker, but Hachigen seemed confident that they wouldn't have to deal with each one.

The Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps' brow furrowed in concentration as he began his incantation. "Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle! Hadō 63: Raikōhō!"

A sphere of yellow lightning crackled to life in Hachigen's right palm. A moment later, it shot forth as a mighty bolt and pierced the marker. Across the line, members of the Kidō Corps unleashed the exact same spell at the exact same time; they were so in tune with each other's spiritual pressure that matching the timing and energy output of their comrades came as naturally to them as breathing. It was a display of coordinated spellcraft that Kyōraku couldn't help but marvel at, and the results spoke for themselves. Hachigen's marker exploded, as did those targeted by his subordinates. Bits of black stone tore at his cloak and robes, but Hachigen didn't even flinch.

The energy released by the destroyed markers rippled up into the air, tracing along the gradually curving dome of the barrier that covered the temple. Flares of icy blue energy shot up from other markers in the distance as they tried to compensate for the loss of those targeted by the Kidō Corps, but it wasn't enough; Hachigen and his subordinates had already dealt a mortal blow to the field. The corrupted energy that made up the barrier began oscillating wildly, throwing out pulses of invisible power in all directions. It all culminated in one final blast of invisible energy that struck Kyōraku like a charging bull, nearly knocking him clean off his feet. He managed to remain upright, though, and the storm passed a moment later as the energy dissipated around him.

"Quite the show," he muttered as he brushed some snow off his shoulder.

Hachigen breathed a sigh of relief as he looked around. "Everyone still appears to be in one piece. I had expected a volatile reaction, but all things considered, that could've gone much worse."

"Don't jinx us," said Kyōraku as he nodded at the temple entrance, "We're not out of the woods yet."

"True enough," Hachigen reluctantly concurred, "I'm good to join you, Captain, but I sense that some of my subordinates will need to rest for a bit."

Kyōraku nodded. "That's fine. Have any who you feel don't have the strength to continue into the temple itself withdraw to the far side of the bridge. They can help keep our line of retreat secure and watch out for any wights or fell wolves that might still be roaming beyond the temple."

It took a few minutes for the expeditionary force to regroup in front of the temple entrance. More than a few of Kyōraku's subordinates looked a bit ruffled by the blast of energy from the destruction of the barrier, but none appeared to be injured. He decided to send a handful of his weaker Soul Reapers back with members of the Kidō Corps to hold the bridge and provide them a bit of extra protection just as a precaution.

"Are you ready for this, Lisa?" he asked as the two of them stood at the head of the expeditionary force facing the temple entrance.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she answered grimly, "No element of surprise, and we're on the enemy's home turf… not ideal circumstances for an engagement. How do you want to do this, Captain?"

"We stay together," he replied, "At least until we enter the temple. Just like we planned, it'll be best if we isolate the cold drake and wraith from each other before fighting them."

"That might not be possible," Lisa argued, "This thing's not stupid; it surely senses the kind of strength arrayed against it. It'll likely fight fiercely to keep us from separating it from the cold drake."

Kyōraku nodded. "No doubt. We'll be counting on our allies to provide the necessary muscle to drive the two of them apart."

"We will not fail," Kara growled, "This beast has defiled our lands for far too long. Its reign of terror ends today!"

"By our hands," Ingegerd added.

Gunnr looked at them, and Kyōraku thought he saw her silver eyes narrow slightly. "While I share your eagerness to purge this filth, do not let indignation get the better of you. We must be cautious."

"Of course," said Eidunn, nodding at her master, "We'll follow your lead."

Kyōraku stepped forward, with Lisa already falling in behind him. "Then let's get started. We're going in. This creature died millennia ago and has no business haunting the north. Let's put it back in the grave where it belongs."

….

Jiraiya considered himself a well-travelled man, and that included experience with locales that might be considered eerie or spooky. Whether it had been on missions as a Shinobi or his wanderings as a sage, his journeys had taken him to such forsaken places as graveyards, dilapidated temples, fields filled with the grim aftermath of battle, caves filled with deadly creatures, ominous fortresses filled with rogue Shinobi or other vile criminals, and much more besides. By far the worst for him had been the Village Hidden in the Rain, although he would admit that a good chunk of the dread he felt for the place came from the fact that he had died there. Thankfully, his missions as a Soul Reaper so far hadn't taken him anywhere that could rival that Hidden Village when it came to ominous auras and a general sense of foreboding.

At least, no mission until this one.

Seeing the black temple from a distance had been bad enough, and the glowing icy blue energy that had shrouded it since the wights and fell wolves tried to swarm them certainly hadn't helped matters. Now that they were approaching it in earnest, though, the structure took on a whole new air of malice and menace. Seeing the jagged gouges that had been ripped into the stonework at the entrance by the cold drake up close made it feel like they were walking into the maw of a ravenous beast, and given just what awaited them inside it wasn't a comparison that Jiraiya was comfortable with making. Wisps of icy blue energy wafted up from the walls, almost seeming to reach out at them like the tentacles of some horrific sea creature. There was no sign of anything that could pass for a sentinel, but the feeling that they were being watched was ever-present. The pale light dancing along the black stone cast some truly unnerving shadows that writhed on the ground as if being tortured by invisible demons.

To think that Squad Two went into a whole city that had been taken by one of these things, Jiraiya mused as he fought to suppress a shudder, Itachi warned me, and I thought I'd listened, but even so… I don't think any sort of warning could prepare someone for this.

There was no sense in being subtle; the enemy knew they were here, and there was only one way in or out of the temple. Captain Kyōraku was intent on keeping the main force together as a single unit at least until they entered the temple, and Jiraiya agreed with him. Once they got inside it was of course possible that they would have to split up in order to search the place, but they would cross that bridge soon enough. If any opposition awaited them in the space between the front gate and the entrance to the temple itself, it was better if they met it with all their might.

Passing through what remained of the front gate, Jiraiya was given a chance to appreciate just how thick the wall surrounding the temple was. It had certainly looked imposing from the outside, but now that he and the others were walking through it he could comprehend the true scale of the bulwark. Based on how many steps it took them to get through, Jiraiya judged that the fortification was at least half a dozen meters thick, with every millimeter of it bathed in both the wraith's spirit energy and the arcane magics of the long-lost dark mages that had constructed it. No wonder the Order of the Valkyries and their allies in the past hadn't been able to destroy it; from what Jiraiya could sense, it felt like nothing less than several Tailed Beast Bombs would be required to bring this place down, and the Legendary Sannin wasn't even sure if that would be enough.

The roots of this place run deep, the spirit of his Zanpakutō noted, and many mysteries lie within. A pity that it was built as a shrine of evil.

Jiraiya couldn't help but agree. The structure as a whole was quite fascinating. Where had the strange black stone that it was made of come from? How had the builders carved it to fit their unique designs? What kind of spells had they cast upon it to make it so durable? Just how old was it, really? Perhaps when the evil that infested it was dispelled he would have the chance to satisfy his curiosity.

From the way he spoke of it, Itachi seemed to enjoy checking out that old city in the east after Squad Two dealt with the wraith, he recalled, I'll have to fill him in on this place once we return to the Seireitei.

If we return to the Seireitei. Do try not to jinx us.

No promises.

Coming out the other side of the gate, the group found themselves in a courtyard. It wasn't particularly large; the space between the outer wall and the temple itself was only about two dozen meters or so. A stone walkway ran from the gatehouse to the temple doorway, made up of the same oily black rock that comprised the wall and temple itself. The walkway was bracketed by rows of large statues, with four on each side. These too were made of the strange black stone, humanoid in form, but only just. Carved in hunched-over poses, their limbs were long and slender, ending in hands with thin and sharp nails that were twice as long as the fingers they sprouted from. Bat-like wings unfurled from their backs, while pairs of goat horns curled up from their foreheads. Their mouths were open, revealing long serpent-like tongues and jagged fangs.

"What in the name of the Soul King are those supposed to be?" asked Lisa, looking upon the closest statue to her with a mix of morbid fascination and revulsion.

"Perhaps servants or messengers of whatever foul deity was worshipped here," Gunnr speculated.

Jiraiya grimaced. If these ugly bastards were mere servants, then he didn't want to know what their master was supposed to look like.

"It's too quiet," Kara hissed as she looked around, "Is there really no second line of defense?"

She wasn't alone in feeling suspicious. Apart from the walkway and the statues, the courtyard was completely empty. A conventional enemy would've likely attempted to set up at least some form of defense here, but Jiraiya could spot no sign of anything that indicated their foes intended to make a stand. They had a clear shot to the temple proper, and he didn't like it one bit.

He raised an eyebrow when he saw the Captain approach one of the statues and draw both of his blades. Wondering what Kyōraku was up to, Jiraiya got his answer a moment later when his commanding officer suddenly lashed out at the statue's neck with both swords. What one would expect to immediately follow was the head of the statue tumbling to the ground, but that did not happen here. In fact, there was hardly any damage at all, with only a pair of tiny scratches in the black stone where Kyōraku's blades had made contact.

"Interesting," the Captain murmured, "No wonder they've survived the ravages of time. Just what is this place made of?"

"I do not believe that this sort of stone can be found naturally in the north," said Ingegerd, "At least, I've never heard of any quarries that specialize in this kind of material."

"Then where did it come from?" asked Eidunn.

"A question for another time," said Lisa, looking at Kyōraku expectantly, "Captain?"

The Captain nodded as he sheathed his blades. "Right. Well, let's not keep our host waiting any longer."

Crossing the courtyard, the group approached the entrance to the temple proper. The front entrance was rather imposing, consisting of two massive and thick doors set in a sharply angled archway. They were actually larger than the front gate itself, so much so that they lacked any of the damage that the cold drake had caused when it had needed to carve its way through the outer wall. A series of engraved images were set in the black surface, with the most prominent one being a winged figure that spanned both doors. This one didn't look nearly as grotesque as the statues in the courtyard. In fact, upon closer examination, it actually resembled a Valkyrie of all things.

Jiraiya turned to Gunnr and gestured at the carving. "What do you make of that?"

He saw her stiffen slightly when her gaze fell upon the image. "Strange… the Order fought to root out those that called this place home, so one would not think that they'd engrave elaborate images of us upon their dwelling."

"What does it mean?" asked Eidunn.

"A mockery," Kara growled, "A twisted jest by demented cultists."

"Maybe so, but I'm less concerned with that than I am with how we're going to get inside," said Ingegerd, "The energy radiating from these doors feels stronger than what was infused in the outer wall."

Lisa's brow furrowed. "You're right. There's more to this than just a really thick door. We might have another barrier on our hands here."

Kyōraku nodded. "This might be a problem. Hachigen, any ideas?"

The Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps stepped forward, his brow furrowed in concentration. "Perhaps, although a bit of experimentation is needed first. Captain, if you and the others might step back for a moment?"

The others did so, leaving Hachigen front and center. Jiraiya could feel the man's spiritual pressure building, and he knew that the master spell caster had a big one in the works.

This should be good.

Hachigen's incantation began a moment later. "Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! On the wall of blue flame, inscribe a twin lotus. In the abyss of conflagration, wait at the far heavens! Hadō 73: Sōren Sōkatsui!"

Concentrating the blue-white energy over the index and middle fingers of his right hand, Hachigen then pushed outward. The energy flew forth in a powerful blast and slammed into the front doors of the temple… or at least, it should've. Instead, the burst of blue-white energy splashed against an invisible field mere centimeters over the two massive doors. The energy from the spell then radiated out along the barrier, being drawn towards several glowing icy blue nodes. There were eight in total, four per door, with each door having its nodes arranged in a single vertical line. The effect looked familiar, and it only took Jiraiya a moment to realize where he'd seen it before; the barrow of the old kingdom that he, Itachi and Visaelya had explored with Squads Two and Twelve back in their student days. Sure enough, just like back then, the glowing nodes absorbed the energy from Hachigen's spell, glowing brightly for a few seconds before gradually fading.

Jiraiya turned to Kyōraku. "Captain, I know what we're dealing with here. I've seen this before; it's a multi-node absorption barrier."

Hachigen nodded. "He's right, Captain. I haven't seen one of these in a long time. How interesting…"

Kyōraku's eyes narrowed as he looked back and forth between Hachigen and Jiraiya. "Can it be brought down by what we have available here?"

Jiraiya's brow furrowed as he tried to recall how they'd dealt with the barrier at the tomb. "I think so… if I'm remembering correctly, we basically just have to precisely target individual nodes with overwhelming power. Take out enough of them, and the barrier will collapse."

"Succinctly put," said Hachigen, "and accurate. Give me a moment to properly mark our target points, and then we can proceed. The more precise form of Byakurai would be the best spell to use for this situation."

As Hachigen approached the door and drew several strips of paper from his robes, Kyōraku turned to the Valkyries. "I know you ladies are powerful, but from what I've seen, precision isn't your strong suit, at least when it comes to your lightning attacks. You mind watching our backs while we deal with the barrier?"

Gunna nodded. "Of course."

"I will monitor our surroundings from above," said Kara, already stretching her wings, "Gunnr will remain on the ground."

The Lady of Wrath took to the sky while Gunnr stepped back. Flanked by Eidunn and Ingegerd, the Mistress of War turned her sharp gaze to the courtyard, her head slowly moving back and forth as she scanned for potential threats. Jiraiya found it comforting to know that she was monitoring the rear while Squad Eight and the Kidō Corps dealt with the barrier; any foes who thought they'd be able to slip past her without issue would be in for a harsh reality check.

The Captain began assigning officers that he wanted on standby for the coming combined spell attacks on the barrier, and Jiraiya actually did a double-take when he got picked to join them. His power was growing, but officially he was still only Squad Eight's Sixteenth Seat, and there were plenty of higher ranking officers in the expeditionary force. If anything, Jiraiya had expected to be given the task of joining the Valkyries and their apprentices on lookout duty until the barrier was dealt with.

You sell yourself short. You shouldn't; you and I both know how quickly your strength has been building this past year, and your Captain can most certainly sense it. Perhaps he has not yet seen you enter Sage Mode, but I'm confident that he felt it when you achieved that state last night.

Is this a pep talk? From you? Aw, you do care!

Hmph. Don't let it go to your head.

He felt a tugging on his sleeve, and turned to see Lisa standing next to him. "Hey, you got a second?"

Jiraiya glanced at the door to check on Hachigen's progress. "One or two, it looks like. What's up?"

Lisa sighed as she gestured at the courtyard. "Maybe I'm being paranoid, but… I don't like this."

"We're going after an undead abomination, however many wights and fell wolves it's hiding in that temple, and a corrupted cold drake," Jiraiya reminded her, "There's nothing to like about any of this."

"Exactly," Lisa hissed, "and with all that potential power, what have we faced so far today? One skirmish at the outer barrier, and that's it. No opposition upon the wall or in the courtyard. Normally you'd expect both to be filled with enemies waiting to strike, but we've seen nothing."

Jiraiya knew what she was getting at, and had to admit that he was thinking the same thing. "You're right… it's been way too easy so far. They've got to have something nasty in store for us behind those doors… or another shoe waiting to drop, as it were."

"So, I'm not being paranoid, then," she said as she glanced at the door, "You smell a trap."

Jiraiya nodded. "Sounds like you do, too."

Her fingers brushed the handle of her Zanpakutō, clearly ready to grab and draw it at a moment's notice. "Yes… I just don't know where it's going to come from."

"You might want to talk to the Captain," Jiraiya suggested, "I'm sure he'd want your thoughts on something like this."

Lisa shook her head. "No need. We've worked together long enough that we can usually tell what the other is thinking. The Captain knows how I can get when I feel something's not right; I can assure you that he's well aware of my suspicions."

Jiraiya took a good look at Kyōraku. At first glance, Squad Eight's Captain seemed as calm and collected as ever, but upon closer inspection there was definitely an undercurrent of tension running through him. Neither of his hands ever strayed far from his swords, and his stance had just the right balance of flexibility and readiness to it; he was prepared to leap into action the instant he needed to.

"What do we do?" asked Jiraiya, "Pull back and reassess?"

"Waste of time," said Lisa, "We've already gotten a good look at the outside of the temple and the land surrounding it. There's only one way into this place directly, and we're looking at it. Whatever cards the enemy's holding are hidden within that temple. Besides, if we pull back, we're just giving the wraith another chance to send out wights to search for more villages to attack and spread the corruption. We need to strike now and root out this infection at the source."

Jiraiya nodded. "Well, whatever you and the Captain decide, I'm with you. Anything you need me to do?"

Lisa sighed. "Just stay on your toes. Oh, and maybe prepare whatever that power was that you were testing last night. We could always use another ace in the hole."

Jiraiya smirked. "Found me out, eh?"

"It wasn't hard," Lisa replied, "Whatever technique you were testing, the spiritual pressure generated by it wasn't exactly subtle. If it's as strong as it felt from a distance, then it can only benefit us today. I know you've mostly been trying to practice your techniques in private and typically only show them off when it's just me and the Captain watching or if the situation in the field demands it, but don't be stingy today. We can't afford to pull our punches here."

Jiraiya smiled. "Don't worry, I wasn't planning on it. You'll get my full bag of tricks today, or at least as many as the situation will let me use."

Lisa nodded before looking at the door again, an unmistakable hint of trepidation in her gaze. "Good, because unless I miss my guess…"

"...we're going to need them, and probably more."

….

"Hadō 4: Byakurai!" Lisa cried out.

A narrow stream of blue-white light shot forth from her right index finger and was joined mid flight by several others. They all converged on a single point; the second marker from the top on the right door. There was a flare of light as the barrier over the door activated and attempted to absorb the spells, but with all the attacks already aimed at one specific node the field couldn't properly disperse the energy. The node began to pulse with blue light, throbbing with growing intensity over the course of several seconds before bursting, sending azure sparks flying outward and ripples flowing across the rest of the barrier. Additional sparks began to sputter from the remaining six nodes; the barrier was already starting to crack under the strain.

Looking to her right, Lisa saw her Captain nod. "Two down, and it looks like only one or two more at the most to go."

Past her Captain, Lisa saw Hachigen's eyes narrowed. "Probably just one. This barrier doesn't appear to be as durable as others of its type that I've seen in the past. It was likely cast by the wraith itself rather than an actual mage."

Kyōraku raised an eyebrow. "I thought we both agreed that the wraith we're likely facing here used to be the hunter. As far as I'm aware, that one wasn't particularly gifted in spellcraft."

Hachigen shook his head. "No, but remember who was responsible for transforming him into a wraith to begin with. I would not put it past a sorceress as renowned as the Lady of Midnight to endow her Servants with new knowledge and powers in death to surpass what they had in life."

"Great," Lisa deadpanned, "So, this thing could be even deadlier than we'd originally thought, then?"

"Squad Two's report did mention that the one they fought in the east was the weakest of the five," Jiraiya reminded her, "We have to assume that even our imagined worst-case scenarios might be underselling the true scale of the threat."

"Exactly," said Kyōraku, "Don't take anything for granted here."

The group looked at the door for a long moment. With the removal of the next node, the path inside would be opened. They were truly at the point of no return now, and everyone knew it.

The Captain looked back at Gunnr. "Anything?"

"No sign of enemy activity at our rear," the Valkyrie replied from her post behind the group.

Kyōraku turned his gaze skywards. "Kara?"

"Still nothing of note!" the airborne Valkyrie called out from above.

Kyōraku's brow furrowed for a moment as he studied the door. "Okay, then… Gunnr, up front with the rest of us. Your apprentices will watch the rear. Kara, keep an eye open up there until the door opens, then dive down here."

"As you wish," Kara answered.

"Understood," said the Mistress of War, briefly nodding at Eidunn and Ingegerd before joining the others at the door.

A bit of extra firepower in the first line, thought Lisa, I'm certainly not about to turn her down…

She took a deep breath before turning to Kyōraku. "Captain, shall we?"

Her Captain nodded. "All right, everyone, this is it. Target the same door, next node down, same spell. Let's crack this place open."

Lisa focused her spirit energy into her hand just like before, already holding out the index finger and taking aim. She could sense her comrades' spirit energy gathering as well; there was no need for a verbal countdown when you could feel your allies preparing their spells. They really only needed a couple of seconds at the most, but for Lisa the tension in the air stretched those few moments out far too long for her liking.

When the moment of truth inevitably came, though, Lisa was ready. "Hadō 4: Byakurai!"

Just like before, another narrow stream of blue-white energy flew forth from her right index figure. It hit the designated target in tandem with the other spells fired off by her colleagues, and once again the barrier node tried and failed to contain the energy. After a few seconds of struggling it shattered, only this time the effect was much more pronounced. Sparks of icy blue energy cascaded along the barrier, growing in size and intensity with each passing moment. Lisa could sense the energy powering the barrier rapidly spiralling out of control, and she wasn't the only one to recognize their peril.

"Behind me!" shouted Hachigen, "Now!"

Although there was a small degree of rivalry between the respective branches of the Soul Society's armed forces, there was one truism that all three took to heart; anytime a Kidō specialist raised their voice in the field, pay attention. The members of the expeditionary force swiftly proved themselves to be adherents of that maxim, with all of them immediately falling back and letting Hachigen stand front and center. Lisa could already sense the Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps preparing another spell, and this one was much stronger than Byakurai.

"Ryūbi no Jōmon!" he called out.

A dozen thick white pillars quickly formed and arrayed themselves between the expeditionary force and the rapidly deteriorating barrier, with an angled blue roof and a blue cross beam behind them holding it all together. Lisa couldn't help but notice that Hachigen had lacked the time for a full incantation, and she could only hope that the shield he'd just erected would still have enough power to contain what was likely to be a very volatile end for the barrier beyond it.

She got her answer a moment later with one final and massive surge of spirit energy as the remaining five nodes of the barrier subsequently detonated from the power imbalance caused by the destruction of the first three. Even with Hachigen's shield cutting off their direct view of the barrier, the flare of light coming around the edges was so intense that Lisa had no choice but to momentarily shield her eyes. There was a thunderous roar, and while the white barrier took the brunt of the blast Lisa still felt a residual shockwave hit her. She kept her footing, as did the others, but it still felt like taking a hard shove from a sumo wrestler. When the glare died down to the point that she felt comfortable opening her eyes again, she saw that not only was Hachigen's barrier still standing but that it had only a few small cracks in it.

Credit where it's due, she thought, Hachigen knows barrier spells better than most.

Concentrating on feeling what lay beyond the white and blue shield, Lisa could only sense lingering trace amounts of energy from the barrier that had shielded the temple doors, and even that was rapidly fading. They still had the two massive black slabs themselves to get through, but between the Captain and both Valkyries Lisa was pretty sure that they had a more than sufficient quantity of brute force to get the doors open.

And that was when she felt it.

When they all felt it.

A wave of cold washed over her, one that could put the fiercest of northern gales to shame. The frigid spiritual pressure lurking within the temple was spiking now, to the point that pulses of harsh energy were passing through the building's walls and hitting the expeditionary force like an arctic tide. The pale blue light emanating from the black stone structure throbbed with ever growing intensity, and the ground beneath Lisa's feet began to rumble.

At first she thought the tremors were just from the wraith's spiritual pressure, but she quickly realized that they were more than that. They were growing, and they also corresponded with a series of thudding sounds that were coming from beyond Hachigen's barrier and the temple doors.

They were footsteps.

Big footsteps.

Lisa's blood chilled; she knew what was coming. "Captain, it's the cold drake!"

Kyōraku was already springing into action. "Hachigen, get back! Everyone else, spread out, now!"

Despite his large size, the Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps could be quite quick on his feet when he wanted to. He was already backpedaling, and he wasn't the only one; the rest of the expeditionary force was moving back and fanning out. The sparse nature of the courtyard gave them plenty of room to maneuver, but Lisa grimly noted that it also left them very exposed. The only cover to speak of were the six demonic statues bracketing the walkway, and those probably wouldn't do much good against a cold drake.

Drawing her Zanpakutō, Lisa quickly raised both sword and sheath over her head before slamming the hilt into the open mouth of the scabbard. "Smash, Haguro Tonbo!"

The great polearm that was her Shikai would serve her much better against what was coming than the smaller blade of her sealed Zanpakutō. Lisa saw that her Captain had drawn both of his blades as well, but they remained in their sealed state. That made sense; the plan was to isolate the wraith before he unleashed his Shikai, after all. Lisa could only hope that they'd be able to accomplish that quickly.

Stick to the plan, she told herself, Remember your part in this and do your duty. Look out for yourself and your subordinates, and keep an eye open for the wraith. You have a job to do, and no matter what comes through those doors, you will see it done.

Of course, she was keenly aware of the old saying that no plan ever survives contact with the enemy…

...and Lisa suspected that went doubly so for adversaries like the ones they were about to face.

….

I don't suppose you'll pick now to tell me your name, will you?

I believe you have more immediate concerns to contend with than that, the spirit of Jiraiya's Zanpakutō replied, I'll require more than simply a hopeful request to give it to you in any case.

Eh, it was worth a shot.

Jiraiya certainly would've liked to have his Shikai right about now, but he'd figured that the armored toad would remain stubborn, and the amphibian hadn't disappointed him. He already had his blade drawn, and his gaze was locked on Hachigen's barrier and the doors behind it. Jiraiya wasn't sure how much good an unreleased Zanpakutō would do against what they were about to fight, but he would still take it over fighting a cold drake unarmed.

Now might be a good time to enter Sage Mode. Since it seems we'll be fighting outside the temple now, it'll be easier for me to replenish the nature energy as you expend it.

Let's wait. I want to take the full measure of this beast before we play that card. Besides, even if you can gather nature energy out here, I'll still be burning through it faster than you can replenish it. This isn't the Valkyries' sacred ground, after all.

Very well, then.

The rumbling footsteps grew heavier with each passing second, along with the accompanying tremors. Jiraiya had enough experience with giant creatures over the years that he could roughly guess at the size of the beast that was approaching just from what he could feel and hear. It probably wouldn't be the size of his old summon Gamabunta, for instance, but it would still be plenty big.

The size of the cold drake wasn't Jiraiya's main concern at the moment, though; it was the creature's spirit energy. Initially it had been difficult to discern due to what he assumed to be the wraith's spirit energy permeating the temple along with the wights and fell wolves, and given that the cold drake had been corrupted by it Jiraiya knew that the energy of its master would be flowing through it as well, but he could still sense something that felt distinct from the abomination that they were hunting. It was a swirling mass of power, like a mighty whirlpool that threatened to drag down even the strongest of ships. Infused with the energy of the monstrosity that had corrupted it, the maelstrom of power that was barreling towards them was unlike anything that Jiraiya had ever sensed before.

This is going to get ugly.

There was a great crash and roar a moment later, and the barrier erected by Hachigen utterly shattered. The two great black doors that had stood so tall and proud mere moments ago flew through the air so hard and fast that they zipped right over the expeditionary force and across the courtyard before slamming into the outer wall, leaving webs of cracks at their respective points of impact. That was alarming in and of itself, but Jiraiya's eyes weren't on the mighty doors that had been flung about like frisbees; they were on the creature that had sent them flying in the first place.

It was amazing that the beast had managed to squeeze through the front doors of the temple to begin with. Even though it was standing on all four of its legs rather than reared up, Jiraiya guessed it was at least eight meters tall, and likely a good 25 or so in length. Dark grey scales covered its thick body, but the bulk wasn't from any sort of fat; this was all muscle. Its legs were as thick as tree trunks, with each foot ending in five black claws that were themselves the length of the average sealed Zanpakutō. A bony ridge ran along its back and tail, with the rear appendage becoming almost whip-like in its slenderness and flexibility before ending in a thick knob that Jiraiya could easily imagine the creature wielding as an impromptu and deadly club. Its gaping jaws revealed fangs easily the size of Jiraiya's arms, each one dripping with foul black saliva. The creature's entire body was awash in the same icy blue energy as the wights and fell wolves, with a series of nasty scars along its neck indicating where the wraith had struck the blows that had both killed it and resurrected it in its service.

Worst of all by far, though, were the eyes. They gleamed with the same pale blue light as the rest of the cold drake's body, but there was something much more disturbing in them. Jiraiya nearly recoiled at the horrific combination of anguish and raw hatred within them, and that was when he realized a jarring truth.

This thing wasn't just some smarter than average predator before it was turned; it was as intelligent as a human. The same level of self-awareness, the same capacity for emotion… and it's all still there. It knows what it once was…

...and what it has become.

The creature's head swung back and forth as it assessed the situation, its breath coming in low and menacing hisses. Its eyes flared as its gaze fell on Gunnr; did it have a history with her, or with Valkyries in general? Quickly glancing at the armored and winged warrior, Jiraiya saw her stiffen slightly, her grip tightening on her axe as sparks of golden energy danced along her wings. If there was some sort of connection there, Jiraiya doubted she'd be willing to elaborate until after the fight… assuming either of them lived through it, of course.

An unholy chorus of howls and shrieks came from the gaping doorway behind the beast, and one didn't need to be a genius to know what was approaching. There was still no sign of the wraith itself, but having to fight both the cold drake and a horde of wights and fell wolves would be bad enough.

Kyōraku had apparently come to the same conclusion. "Hachigen, block the doorway!"

The Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps wasn't about to let the appearance of an undead cold drake throw him off his game; Jiraiya could already feel the man's spiritual pressure surging as he summoned a new barrier. "Kokō no Jōmon!"

A giant circle of blue and white spirit energy appeared over the open doorway before resolving itself into what looked like a great black water wheel with a white outline and white spokes. Jiraiya recalled from his Academy lessons that this particular barrier could actually be opened to allow the user to fire offensive spells through it, though this did come at the cost of some of its raw defensive power. He supposed that it would suffice against a swarm of wights and fell wolves, but anything stronger would definitely be cause for concern.

Jiraiya didn't have time to worry about that, though. There was a rush of spirit energy coming from the cold drake, with a steadily growing blue light glowing beneath its neck scales. The creature reared its head back, and Jiraiya knew that this was going to be bad.

"Move!" he shouted.

The cold drake roared, and a blast of icy blue fire flew forth. The creature swept the stream of pale flame back and forth, with the Soul Reapers Flash Stepping frantically to get out of the way. Gunnr took to the sky, with the jet of fire passing just barely beneath her feet, while Eidunn and Ingegerd quickly pulled back. The cold drake's attack drew close to Jiraiya, forcing him to Flash Step again to get clear. He narrowly managed to dodge, but he felt an arctic chill go down his spine… and the tail of his long white mane became noticeably heavier.

Taking a quick moment to make sure that the cold drake's attention was elsewhere, Jiraiya looked over his shoulder and saw that the rear half of his long white had become a chunk of ice. There were also flecks of ice along the back of his robes, and he winced as he realized just how close he'd come to getting frozen solid. With little time to lose, Jiraiya grabbed his hair with his left hand and cut away the frozen section with his Zanpakutō.

Damn it, I worked hard to grow that out!

We're up against a beast that could kill you with its breath and you're worried about your hair?

Hey, a man's grooming matters!

More than his life?

Of course, you wouldn't get it. You can't even grow hair!

As much as Jiraiya was miffed about the damage to his luxurious mane, though, he definitely had more important things to worry about. The cold drake was rampaging through the courtyard, and when it wasn't letting fly with blasts of frigid blue flames it was either trying to bite someone in half, impale them with its claws, or bludgeon them to death with the heavy knob at the end of its tail. Most members of the expeditionary force didn't dare go near it, and were instead trying to snipe at it with spells.

"Hadō 31: Shakkahō!" one cried out.

"Hadō 32: Ōkasen!" shouted another.

A sphere of crimson energy flew forth from the cold drake's right while an arc of yellow energy zipped through the air from behind the beast. Neither did any good; both spells crashed into the creature's hide and dissipated against its scales, doing absolutely nothing. From what Jiraiya could tell, it didn't even look like the cold drake had so much as felt the attacks.

"Don't bother with normal attack spells," said Lisa, "They're useless against this thing!"

Jiraiya was about to ask her if she had a better idea, but he got his answer when she charged forward. She was taking the beast head-on, and its throat was glowing again.

"Lisa, get back!" Jiraiya yelled.

Is she trying to get herself killed?

For a second, Jiraiya feared the worst. The cold drake's gaze was fixed squarely on Lisa, and it let fly with a mighty stream of arctic flame. However, Lisa vanished in a Flash Step, and that was when Jiraiya realized that her charge had been a feint. The blue fire splashed into the ground where she'd stood, but the Lieutenant was now coming in from the beast's left and taking aim at its neck. She thrust her polearm forward, but the cold drake swatted the attack aside with its right claw before whirling around and swinging its tail at her. Lisa was able to duck beneath the bony knob at the end before pulling back, but it had been a very close shave.

This thing is surprisingly agile for its size.

No kidding.

Jiraiya was trying to figure out how best he could help out the Lieutenant when brilliant twin flashes of golden and crimson damn near blinded him. The bolts of energy unleashed by the two Valkyries were much more powerful than the spells that had been fired at the cold drake just a seconds ago, and both hit the creature right in the back. Jiraiya hoped against hope that they might at least burn off some scales and maybe create a weak spot that the expeditionary force could exploit, but there was no such luck to be had here. As far as he could tell, the strikes had maybe left a small scorch mark or two, but even that was difficult to determine given the coloring of the beasts hide combined with the effects of the wraith's corruption upon it. All they really served to do was draw the cold drake's attention to the sky and provoke it into unleashing another river of arctic flames, forcing both winged warriors to evade lest they plummet to the ground as blocks of ice and shatter.

That was when he felt another surge of spirit energy; Hachigen was getting in on the action. "Bakudō 79: Kuyō Shibari!"

The space around the cold drake crackled with sparks of dark purple energy. These sparks rapidly expanded and shifted until eight black holes surrounded the creature. The beast gave a furious roar as a ninth hole appeared, this one manifesting itself on the cold drake itself right before the chest met the neck. It swung its tail around wildly, but apart from that the creature actually appeared to be immobilized.

Jiraiya realized that they had a chance to finish the creature here and now, and he knew what he could do to help. Pointing his left index finger at the cold drake, he swiftly focused his spirit energy.

"Bakudō 61: Rikujōkōrō!" he shouted.

A spark of yellow energy appeared over his finger, and that rapidly became six flat beams of light that flew forward and slammed into the cold drake's torso. It was the highest level sealing spell that Jiraiya was currently proficient with, and he'd never tried using it on a target this big before without the incantation, but there was no time for the Kidō chant here. He could only hope that the addition of his seal to the one cast by Hachigen would strengthen the Kidō Corp Lieutenant's efforts to bind the beast long enough for someone to administer the killing blow.

There was a dark blur as the Captain rushed in, his twin blades gleaming as he leaped into the air. Jiraiya saw that he was going for one of the few weak spots that Lisa had told him about during their journey here; the back of the cold drake's neck. If both Hachigen and Jiraiya could hold the creature still for just a couple more seconds, that might be all that Kyōraku required to put it out of its misery.

That was when Jiraiya felt a spike of spirit energy coming from behind the barrier Hachigen had placed in front of the temple entrance, and he instantly knew what the source of it was. Hachigen's barrier shattered as it was pierced by what looked like an icy blue arrow of spirit energy…

...one that was aimed straight at Kyōraku.

"Captain, watch out!" cried Lisa, having spotted the threat at the same time as Jiraiya.

Kyōraku had already sensed the attack, though. Whirling in the air, he brought both of his swords to bear on the arrow. Crossing them together, he was able to deflect the shot, but since he was blocking the attack mid leap he couldn't properly brace himself and the force behind it sent him flying back. He gracefully flipped so that he landed on his feet next to Lisa, but the grim look in his eyes was all Jiraiya needed to know that their golden opportunity had been lost.

Sure enough, the cold drake let loose a mighty roar, and the icy blue energy coursing over its body pulsed wildly. Its tail thrashed about, carving chunks of stone out of the ground beneath it. There was another buildup of blue light within its throat, and a blast of azure fire ripped forth. The creature swept its head back and forth, overwhelming three of the pulsing purple-black holes from Hachigen's barrier. The rest of the seal was overcome in short order simply by the raw power flowing from the beast, and the yellow bars of light from Jiraiya's spell shattered as if they'd been made of nothing more than glass.

Jiraiya braced himself for the cold drake's next attack, but the beast did nothing of the sort. It snarled at the expeditionary force, but then its gaze turned towards the open doorway of the temple.

Its master was here.

A fresh chill went down Jiraiya's spine, one that had nothing to do with the cold. Between Squad Two's report and what Itachi had told him, Jiraiya thought he knew what to expect when he'd come face to face with the undead horror at the heart of all this. Even that foreknowledge, though, could not wholly prepare him for seeing the abomination in the flesh.

Stretched and pallid skin drawn so tightly over bone that portions of the skull were exposed, strands of hair framing its twisted face as pale wisps in the wind, a cruel grin exposing cracked and jagged teeth, icy blue eyes ablaze with malice and torment… it was a face straight out of an ancient horror story. A silver circlet with a single black gem crowned its head, with a sickly azure flame glowing within the stone. There were some nasty gashes in its right cheek, with a foul greenish-blue pus leaking out.

Jiraiya recalled Itachi mentioning that the wraith beneath the Moon Tower had worn full plate armor, but that was not the case with this one. A thick cloak not unlike those worn by the Valkyries' apprentices was draped over its shoulders, lined with fur and bound with a rather strange clasp for such a sinister creature; a silver brooch carved in the shape of a flower, with a pink gemstone set in the center of it. Beneath the cloak Jiraiya caught glimpses of what he assumed was a traditional northern tunic and leggings, and torn sections of both revealed chainmail armor. On the index finger of its right hand was a silver ring with a white gem. Both the gem in the ring and the one in the brooch glowed with the same erie azure flame that flickered within the black stone of the circlet upon the wraith's head, and Jiraiya was willing to bet that those three accessories were the anchors that sustained the spells keeping the undead creature bound to this current plane.

In the wraith's right hand was a bow that shimmered in the same icy blue light as the rest of the creature. The weapon lacked a traditional bow string; instead, the 'string' was made up purely of the wraith's spirit energy. The shot which had destroyed Hachigen's barrier had clearly come from that, and from what Jiraiya could sense the power behind the attack felt like a mix of the energy coming from both the bow itself and the wraith.

It's a Spirit Weapon, he realized, just like the ones we found in that barrow back in our Academy days.

The wraith was actually in the process of putting the bow away, and it drew a sword a moment later. At first glance, it appeared to be just a normal longsword, albeit with a rather stylized handle that had the image of a wolf's head carved into it. The eyes of the wolf were two small sapphires, and Jiraiya could sense spirit energy coming from them that was distinctive from that of both the wraith and its bow. The sword was a Spirit Weapon as well, and for all Jiraiya knew it was possible that more were hidden beneath the wraith's thick cloak.

A chorus of screeches and howls came from behind the wraith; the wights and fell wolves were clearly eager to join the fray. However, a loud bark momentarily silenced them, and a large four-legged silhouette became visible behind the wraith. That was when Jiraiya remembered that the wraith they were facing had one been a hunter…

...and that the hunter had a pet.

If he'd thought that the corrupted dire wolves they'd fought earlier had been big, they were nothing more than puppies compared to this thing. It was almost twice as tall as the wraith that stood before it, and as it came out into the light Jiraiya saw that it looked just as ghastly as its master. What must have once been a majestic silver pelt was stained with dried blood, with several gashes in both sides that revealed rotting muscle and even glimpses of bone. Its mouth hung open, revealing curved fangs dripping with bluish-yellow saliva, and its frigid blue eyes gleamed with a ravenous hunger.

One that probably cannot be satisfied in the state that it's in now, Jiraiya thought grimly, Brought back along with its master, only to be cursed to an agonizing existence as a tainted shadow of what it once was… no creature should ever have to suffer so. If all goes well, it's agony will end today.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves. We're going to have our work cut out for us here.

Both sides had gone still. The expeditionary force had failed to kill the cold drake before the wraith had made its entrance; they all knew that the fight from here on out would be much more difficult. As for their enemies, from what Jiraiya could tell, it almost looked as if the wraith was silently communing with its thralls. At the very least, every undead from the lowliest wight to the mighty cold drake had its eyes on the wraith, looking very much like they were waiting for its next command.

Kyōraku wasted no time in issuing commands of his own. "Kara, you and I will take the wraith. Lisa, you, Gunnr and Jiraiya keep the cold drake busy until we can rejoin you. Hachigen, the rest of the expeditionary force is under your command; keep the wights and wolves at bay."

"Understood!" the Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps replied.

Gunnr turned to the apprentices. "If the wraith's pet does not follow it, you two will need to hold it off. Are you prepared for such a task?"

Both Eidunn and Ingegerd nodded, and Jiraiya could see the firm resolve in their eyes. Whether or not they could stand up to such a foe, he couldn't say, but they were clearly determined to take their best shot at it.

Jiraiya's hair stood up as the wraith let out a piercing shriek. This was accompanied by a pulse of spirit energy that washed over him like a tidal wave. Whatever had been going on between the wraith and its minions during their silent communion, it had clearly been concluded. From the mighty cold drake to the lowliest wight, all the undead eyes on the field were now fixed upon the expeditionary force.

Here we go...

….

"Kara, light them up!" Kyōraku ordered.

The Lady of Wrath had been building up her spirit energy even before he'd issued the command, and the air around her was crackling with crimson sparks. Her outstretched wings were glowing with blood red light, and Kyōraku felt the force of her spiritual pressure radiating like the infernal heat of a firestorm. The gloves were coming off right out of the gate, and the Captain of Squad Eight had expected nothing less from her.

Two massive bolts of crimson lightning shot forth from her wings a moment later, slicing through the air in a flash and slamming into the front of the undead horde that was now pouring out of the temple entrance. Wights and fell wolves were obliterated by the dozens, but Kyōraku cared nothing for them; his focus was on the wraith, which had been Kara's real target. He hadn't expected Kara's attack to take down the monstrosity, or even wound it in any meaningful way for that matter. Kyōraku had just wanted the Valkyrie to force it to protect itself at the cost of the minions immediately surrounding it, and she had done just that. The wraith had channeled its monstrous spirit energy through its sword to deflect both bolts of crimson lightning, resulting in the blasts instead devastating the areas to the left and right of it. Kyōraku had hoped that maybe the attack might hurt the giant undead wolf behind the wraith, but the undead warrior had taken enough care with its defense to make sure that its pet remained unharmed; only the truly disposable pawns had suffered from the strike.

Still, it was enough to give Kyōraku the opening he'd needed, and he was quick to seize it. Flash Stepping forward, he was within range of his target in the blink of an eye, both of his blades little more than streaks of steel as he slashed at the wraith's neck. Unfortunately for the Captain, the wraith had shifted its longsword to its right hand while drawing a dagger with its left from within its cloak, and both glowing icy blue blades swiftly intercepted Kyōraku's.

He's quick, the Captain thought, but I should've expected as much.

The wraith immediately counterattacked, making a downward slash with the longsword while thrusting the knife at Kyōraku's stomach. He was able to deflect both strikes, but it wasn't just the wraith he had to deal with now; the massive undead dire wolf had circled around to the right, and the creature lunged at Kyōrakus, fangs bared and ready to rip his throat out. However, it was hit in the back by another bolt of crimson lightning from Kara. The strike was smaller than the two blasts she'd let loose with just a few seconds ago, but it was enough to knock the undead wolf back and allow Kyōraku to focus solely on the wraith. He definitely needed to do so; the abomination unleashed a sequence of whirling slashes and quick thrusts, forcing the Captain back onto the defensive. Its swordplay was quick and vicious, focusing on efficiency and speed over raw power. Kyōraku had expected nothing less given the identity of the wraith's past life.

The wraith pressed its assault, but a shadow fell over both combatants, and the creature suddenly dodged to the left as Kara dove down. Her axe slammed into the ground where the wraith had stood just a split second earlier, and as she brought her weapon back up Kyōraku stepped forward to redirect the wraith's blades as it attempted to stab her. As Kyōraku faced the wraith head-on, Kara took to the sky again, fresh sparks of crimson energy dancing along her glowing wings as she prepared to unleash another powerful strike.

A fresh growl alerted Kyōraku to the fact that the wraith's pet had recovered from its earlier hit and was leaping back into the fray. However, instead of being hit by another blast of red lighting from Kara, this time it was knocked back by an arc of azure energy. Briefly glancing to the right, Kyōraku saw Ingegerd holding her axe out parallel to the ground, its head aimed squarely at the large undead wolf and sparks of blue energy crackling up and down the weapon.

"Leave this foul beast to us, Captain!" she shouted.

"We will not let it interfere with your fight!" Eidunn cried out as she lunged forward, making a broad sweep with her axe and forcing the wolf to leap back in order to keep its thick blades from digging into its flank.

Kyōraku nodded as he parried a series of slashes from the wraith. "Thank you, ladies. Good luck!"

Unfortunately, while the two of them were squaring off with the wraith's pet, the wights and fell wolves that had been momentarily scattered by Kara's earlier strike had regrouped. A fresh wave of undead was surging out of the temple, and if it wasn't contained soon it would swamp the expeditionary force. Fortunately, Kyōraku had entrusted handling that particular problem to someone who's particular talents were well suited to such a task. Hachigen had Flash Stepped forward, and Kyōraku was mildly surprised to see that the Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps had actually drawn his Zanpakutō.

"Hadō 78: Zangerin!" Hachigen shouted.

Kyōraku could feel Hachigen channeling the energy of the spell through his sword, and he made a broad swing a moment later. The energy was unleashed in a golden arc, one much broader and more powerful than what was involved in the similar but lesser attack spell Ōkasen. It surged forward and hit the resurgent wave of wights and fell wolves head-on, pulverizing the frontmost ranks while sending even more flying back into the temple. The move bought time for other members of the expeditionary force to gather around Hachigen, and soon a multicolored barrage of lesser attack spells was flying into the gaping entrance of the temple.

Confident that the wraith's corrupted horde would be kept at bay for the time being, Kyōraku briefly glanced over at the cold drake as he parried a series of blinding quick slashes from the wraith. The beast was quite preoccupied with his Lieutenant, Sixteenth Seat and the Mistress of War. While another Captain might not have included a low ranked officer like Jiraiya in a group assigned to contend with such a powerful foe, Kyōraku was well aware of the ever-growing strength of this particular subordinate. Besides, given what little he'd learned of the man's rather unique experiences in his past life, Kyōraku was more than willing to take a gamble here.

That gamble certainly looked like it was paying off here. Jiraiya was proving himself to be no stranger to reckless tactics, and was indeed mixing it up with the cold drake in close-quarters-combat. The white-haired former Shinobi was darting about beneath the creature, slashing at its legs and underbelly and in general just trying to annoy the beast as much as possible to distract it from the Lieutenant and Valkyrie. The cold drake's hide was thick enough that Jiraiya's Zanpakutō was doing little apart from maybe chipping some scales , but the undead behemoth definitely didn't like a Soul Reaper scampering about beneath it, and Kyōraku could sense something strange building up within his Sixteenth Seat. Part of it was the man's spirit energy, but there was something else there as well; hints of a strange power that the Captain had no idea what to make of.

Likely something related to the skills of his past life, Kyōraku mused as both he and Kara counterattacked, driving the wraith back with a vicious combination of swift sword strikes from him and powerful blows from the Valkyrie's axe, I wonder if it's related to what I sensed last night while he was out training…

Whatever Jiraiya was preparing, Kyōraku could only hope that when combined with the skill and power of Lisa and Gunnr it would be enough to either defeat the cold drake or keep it at bay long enough for him and Kara to contend with the wraith. For their parts, both Lieutenant and Valkyrie were hammering the beast relentlessly. Lisa was concentrating her efforts on trying to thrust her polearm into the cold drake's neck, but the creature was determined to keep her away from that particular part of its body. Between blasts of arctic flame, its snapping jaws and swipes from its gnarly claws, Lisa was evading just as much if not more than attacking, but Kyōraku knew just how agile she could be; the cold drake might've been surprisingly quick for its size, but it would still have its work cut out for it in trying to land a hit on her.

If any of the three combatants stood a chance at landing a killing blow on the beast, though, it was Gunnr. Like the Lady of Wrath, the Mistress of War was not pulling her punches with this particular foe; her spiritual pressure was intense and steadily building, with both of her wings glowing in golden light as her power continued to rise. She alternated between blasting the cold drake with bolts of lightning and swooping in to drive her axe into its back, and the beast was having a much tougher time keeping her at bay than it was Lisa. Occasionally it would lash out with its tail or twist its head around to blast an azure jet of flame at her, but the Valkyrie was as agile as she was powerful and so far none of the counterattacks had been able to touch her. The beast had strength, stamina and toughness to spare though, and a single mistake here on the part of the Valkyrie would almost certainly be fatal.

Kyōraku could only hope that the Mistress of War, in cooperation with his Lieutenant and Sixteenth Seat, would be able to manage this deadly foe. In the meantime, he could feel the wraith's spiritual pressure gradually increasing, and he knew that he could not spare another moment for his subordinates. From here on out, the fight with the wraith would demand his full attention.

….

I never knew you enjoyed playing the role of the rat scurrying underfoot, the spirit of his Zanpaktō commented as Jiraiya narrowly avoided getting crushed by the cold drake's left rear foot.

It's an enlightening experience. I'll never look at mice the same way again!

I'm sure they'll appreciate the thought, assuming you live long enough to apply this experience to your future interactions with them. As of right now, you'll have to forgive me for having some doubts as to the viability of that future.

It was perhaps an overly polite way for the armored toad to say that Jiraiya was in trouble, but he couldn't argue with the sentiment. Every time he tried to slash or stab at the cold drake's legs or underbelly, the result had been nothing more than to maybe scrape a couple of scales at best. The creature was probably more pissed at the simple fact that Jiraiya was underneath it than from any sort of harm that the Soul Reaper had inflicted upon it. Only the attacks of Lisa and Gunnr had kept the cold drake from simply dropping to the ground and squishing Jiraiya, for doing so would potentially leave one of its very few weak points exposed to either the Lieutenant or the Valkyrie. Still, Jiraiya wasn't planning on playing this game for much longer anyway; apart from angering and mildly distracting the cold drake, he wasn't really accomplishing much.

The ground rocked beneath him as the cold drake stomped furiously, determined to grind him into paste beneath its heels. There was a brilliant flash of golden light, and the beast roared as another one of Gunnr's lightning blasts hammered its back. With the creature's attention momentarily focused elsewhere, Jiraiya took the opportunity to thrust his sword at the cold drake's left rear ankle. Surely he could at least cut through down here and take out one of its tendons, right?

Alas, it was not to be. His blade accomplished nothing beyond nicking a scale; even here, its natural armor was incredibly tough. Shaking his head, Jiraiya reluctantly accepted that he was going to do no good down here. Cold drake's didn't have anything close to a soft underbelly, and he'd wasted enough time poking around looking for one. Flash Stepping out from beneath the beast and dodging left and right as it lashed out wildly with its tail and claws, Jiraiya considered his options.

How much nature energy have you been able to store up for me?

Enough for the two of us to make a better stand against this thing than we're doing now. Combine your power in Sage Mode with the strength of the Lieutenant and the Valkyrie and we just might be able to take it. However…

Always a catch, isn't there?

If it is enough to allow the three of you to take down this beast, it almost certainly will not last beyond that. In short, if you use it now, you will not have it at your disposal to wield against the wraith. It will simply take me too long to gather it for you.

Jiraiya's brow furrowed as he ducked beneath a swing of the beast's tail. Was it worth going all in now? He didn't want to burn through such a valuable ace in the hole so early, but did he have any viable alternatives? Offensive spells? No; this thing was tanking blasts from a Valkyrie, and while Jiraiya had a solid and growing proficiency with Kidō he couldn't match Gunnr's raw destructive power. Binding spells? He'd already tried that, and all he'd really done was bolster Hachigen's spell for a little bit before both had been thrown off. A Rasengan, perhaps? Not a normal one; even with his growing efficiency in using the technique with spirit energy rather than chakra, the cold drake's hide was just too damn tough.

He didn't have nearly as much time to think as he would've liked; he did have two comrades risking their lives against this thing, after all. Lisa was continuing her deadly dance, twirling, leaping and flipping about as she evaded jets of cold flame, swiping claws and snapping jaws. She was clearly looking for a shot at the beast's eyes, and the cold drake wasn't giving her any openings. Its head was constantly in motion, its eyes blinking rapidly as it shifted to track both her and Gunnr. The Valkyrie continued to attack from above, firing off blasts of lightning before diving and taking a swing with her axe. She was going for the back of the cold drake's neck, but the beast writhed almost like a serpent, and all her blows hit either the creature's shoulders or further down its back, digging into the scales and making at least superficial dents in the beast's armor but doing no real damage.

The beast opened its mouth as Lisa pulled back after one again trying and failing to land a blow on the creature's neck, and Jiraiya saw a familiar blue light glowing in its throat. He Flash Stepped forward on instinct and thrust his sword at the cold drake's right eye. The beast ducked its head before Jiraiya's strike could land, and his sword simply scraped along the creature's forehead. Jiraiya now found himself standing way too close to the cold drake, and the glow in the back of its throat was very bright.

"Think again!" shouted Lisa as she swung her polearm down on the beast's snout.

The blow threw off the creature's aim, and while the ensuing jet of arctic fire passed uncomfortably close to Jiraiya's left arm it fortunately wasn't enough to endanger the limb. Jiraiya gave Lisa an appreciative nod as he Flash Stepped back again while Gunnr slammed her axe into the cold drake's shoulder, further distracting the beast and giving the two of them a moment to regroup.

"Nothing's working," Lisa hissed, "Damn it! Any ideas?"

Jiraiya nodded as he realized that he really didn't have much of a choice here. "Something I've been working on for a while now. Not sure if it'll be enough, but it might help us level the playing field a bit. Just need a moment to activate it."

"You'll have it," Lisa replied, her gaze firmly locking onto the cold drake again, "I'll keep this thing busy. Just don't take too long!"

It's time, then, said the spirit of his Zanpakutō as Lisa leapt back into the fray, I'm ready when you are.

Good. Let's do this!

Crouching, Jiraiya could feel the nature energy suddenly being released from his Zanpakutō. An image flashed through his mind of the armored toad sitting cross legged on the stone platform within his inner world, a simultaneously comforting and formidable sight. The everpresent chorus of croaking frogs ramped up and the reeds stirred in the wind, and Jiraiya could actually see the nature energy represented as waves of blue light radiating out from the armored toad.

As Gunnr bombarded the cold drake with another salvo of lightning while Lisa thrust her polearm at the creature's left front leg, Jiraiya could feel the familiar changes begin to sweep over him. Crouching earlier had made it easier to adjust when his body shifted into the hunched over toad stance, and webbing quickly grew between his fingers and toes. The itch on his chin was all he needed to know that the goatee had sprouted, and he could feel his face shifting as his eyes changed, warts grew on his nose, and his teeth elongated.

Just my luck that I have to use this while in the presence of two lovely ladies…

I imagine they'll care more about your power than your appearance at the moment.

Jiraiya grinned as he felt the nature energy coursing through his body, flowing alongside his spirit energy and completely reinvigorating him. He saw the cold drake turn towards him even as the Lieutenant and Valkyrie hammered away at its hide, and Jiraiya knew that it could sense his newfound power. Was it confused? Afraid? Perhaps the former, but not likely the latter.

Jiraiya would have to fix that.

….

Leaping over a swipe from the cold drake's left front claws, Lisa counterattacked with a thrust of her spear aimed right at the creature's lower jaw. The beast simply closed its mouth, and while the spade-like blade on the end of her polearm did dig into the scales a bit, it accomplished little else beyond annoying the creature.

It really is just the eyes and the back of the neck that you can target with this thing, she thought grimly, I was hoping I might discover a previously unknown weakness in this fight, but so far that's not really working out…

It had been a while since she'd faced a foe with such formidable natural armor. Sure, there were Hollows out there with pretty tough skin, and some she'd encountered had developed some rather unique defensive layers, but they all paled in comparison to the behemoth she was taking on now. Even with the aid of a Valkyrie, it felt like all she could do was piss the cold drake off; she'd yet to land a single meaningful blow against it.

Of course, without the Valkyrie, things would've been far worse. The cold drake clearly had a sense for spiritual pressure, and from the way it was fighting Lisa knew that it considered Gunnr the biggest threat. She couldn't blame it; every blast of lightning that the Valkyrie threw at it was packed with the equivalent power of a very high-level Kidō spell, and the strength she put into her axe swings was nothing less than monstrous. Had they been fighting Menos Grande, Lisa had no doubt that Gunnr would have taken on a pack of Gillians alone and come out unschathed, and probably could take on an Adjuchas without trouble either. Hell, the only kind of Hollow that the Valkyrie might've needed Lisa's help against would probably be a Vasto Lorde, and even then the Lieutenant imagined that Gunnr would at least be able to land some heavy hits on the thing.

Unfortunately for them, the cold drake was proving itself to be tougher than even a Menos. It wasn't just the beast's thick hide, either; the spirit energy roiling about within the creature was immense, and Lisa knew that it wasn't all from the connection it now shared with the warith. This thing was powerful, enough so that even a being with Captain-class spiritual pressure would not be able to contend with it easily. While so far the creature had only seen fit to attack them with either its body or its freezing flame breath, Lisa was certain that the cold drake had more to offer than that. Who could say what new abilities it now possessed in its undead state?

Thunder rumbled overhead, and Lisa could feel Gunnr's spiritual pressure spiking. As the Lieutenant rolled to avoid getting stomped on by the cold drake's right foot, she chanced a quick glance skyward. The inky black clouds that dominated the sky over the temple now had some competition as a swirling mass of dark grey began to push back against them, with jagged flashes of golden lighting arcing between them. At the same time, the singing that she'd heard yesterday commenced, albeit with only a single voice; Gunnr's. The Valkyrie glowed overhead, her entire body bathed in golden spirit energy as she gathered her power.

It was an impressive display, but Lisa couldn't help but notice that Gunnr was floating stationary the entire time. The Lieutenant was effectively soloing the cold drake now… unless the beast decided to take advantage of the Valkyrie's motionless state to remove her from the equation. Its throat began to glow with pale blue light, and Lisa suspected that the creature was about to do just that.

"Eyes on me, ugly!" Lisa shouted as she thrust her polearm at the creature's neck.

Her strike only hit the side of the beast's thick neck, leaving a small scratch but nothing more. Still, the attack did draw the creature's attention away from Gunnr… and Lisa quickly found herself facing the cold drake's open mouth. The back of its throat was a chilling beacon of pale blue light; there was no way she'd be able to dodge at this range.

That was when she felt a surge of power coming from the right. A giant blue ball of energy propelled by a white blur plowed into the flank of the cold drake and sent it flying. The creature slammed into black wall of the temple, the azure flames that it had been about to unleash on Lisa unsteady blasting aimlessly into the air. The beast groaned and shook its head, and Lisa was shocked to realize that the impact had actually dazed the formerly implacable creature.

"Sorry about the wait," came a familiar male voice, "You okay?"

It wasn't often that Lisa's jaw dropped, but she couldn't help herself here. When she'd imagined Jiraiya whipping out a technique from his past life in this fight, what she saw before her now definitely wasn't what she'd had in mind. The red face paint, the hunched posture, the wild white hair and goatee, the large nose and warts; there were certainly no Soul Reaper techniques that resulted in something like this, at least as far as Lisa knew. However, it was clear that Jiraiya's physical changes were merely byproducts of whatever technique he had performed. She didn't have to concentrate in the slightest to sense his energy, and Lisa was amazed by what she could feel coming from him. His spiritual pressure had to be at least Lieutenant-class right now, and was most likely a good deal higher. It wasn't just spirit energy behind this newfound power of his, either; there something new mixed in, and for the life of her Lisa couldn't pin it down.

I'll have to ask him about it later, she thought as she regained her composure, We've definitely got bigger fish to fry right now.

She gave what she hoped would pass for a confident smirk as she assessed their situation. "Took your sweet time, didn't you?"

Jiraiya grinned, and while Lisa was sure the gesture was meant to be reassuring, the suddenly very sharp teeth he was displaying gave it a rather predatory feel. "Had to figure out a move that might actually work against that thing! I don't think I got through its hide, but at least now I know that I can knock it off balance."

Laughter rang out from above, and as she looked up at the Valkyrie Lisa nearly had to shield her eyes; the aura of energy surrounding Gunnr had become quite intense. "Excellent, Jiraiya! Even more splendid than the power you displayed last night, I daresay. I was wondering when you'd put your true strength to good use."

Jiraiya smirked. "Well, better late than never, right?"

"I suppose so," said Lisa as she returned her focus to the cold drake, which was quickly regaining its footing and would likely shake off whatever remained of its confusion soon enough, "You gave that thing a good smack, but it doesn't look like you really hurt it. I hope you've got more tricks up your sleeves than giant balls of energy and strange transformations."

"No promises on the tricks part," Jiraiya replied, "but I've got energy to spare. Between the three of us, I'm sure we can give this thing a good thrashing."

Lisa smiled; he sounded confident, but not to the point of arrogance. "Well, then... shall we?"

"Ladies first," said Jiraiya.

"In that case, allow me!" shouted Gunnr.

Both Lisa and Jiraiya looked skyward again. The energy surrounding the winged warrior was so radiant now that the Valkyrie might as well have been a second sun. The low rumbling clouds she'd summoned earlier were now a thunderous tempest, with sparks dancing between them and the Mistress of War. Her axe was raised towards the heavens, and her singing in the ancient northern tongue resumed. A dozen bolts of lightning shot forth from the clouds, but they weren't aimed at the cold drake. Instead, they all went straight into the Valkyrie's axe. Glowing yellow runes appeared along both blades and the handle, and the Valkyrie folded her wings in as she dived towards the beast below.

"Come on!" Lisa ordered as she Flash Stepped.

She didn't need a response to know that Jiraiya was right behind her. In fact, the power boost provided by his strange transformation apparently amplified his speed as well, because the Sixteenth Seat actually overtook the Lieutenant. Rushing towards the beast, Jiraiya took aim at the creature's left eye. Shifting her polearm, Lisa angled for the right eye, and the trajectory of Gunnr's dive told her that the Valkyrie was going for the back of the beast's neck. If the cold drake remained dazed for just a moment longer, the three of them could take it out right here and now.

The key word there was 'if', though. There was a sudden upswell of corrupted energy from within the cold drake, and its scales glowed in sickly blue light. The beast had recognized its peril, and Lisa belatedly realized that the creature had not been taking them seriously before now. It had considered them nothing more than feistier-than-normal prey earlier; now it saw them as an actual threat.

And it responded accordingly. The cold drake let out a mighty roar, and a wave of foul spirit energy rushed forth from between its scales, from all over its body, and pulsed outwards. Lisa, Jiraiya and Gunnr were all flung back, with the Lieutenant and Sixteenth Seat landing on their feet while the Valkyrie smoothly twisted and reoriented herself in the air and remained floating above the fray. A coruscating dome of icy blue energy surrounded the cold drake now, a mixture of both its own power and that of the wraith.

"Any ideas?" asked Jiraiya.

"Maybe," said Lisa as she looked up at the Valkyrie, "Gunnr, can you take out that barrier?"

"Yes!" she replied, "However, I will need time to concentrate sufficient power to do so. You will have to keep our foe occupied!"

"Understood," said Lisa as she turned to her colleague, "Well, you heard her; we're bait."

Jiraiya nodded. "Sounds good. I'll take this thing head-on. Lisa, you come at it from the flanks."

Lisa smiled. "Bold of you to give me orders, but I'll roll with it this time. Let's do this!"

And with that, the two of them flung themselves back into the fray.

….

Despite the severity of the situation, Kyōraku couldn't help but smile. Although he was in the midst of fending off a veritable blizzard of strikes from the wraith with his twin blades, with Kara striking from the flanks with both her axe and lightning attacks he did have the occasional opening to check on the progress of the wider battle. Taking broad clashes in at just a quick glance was a crucial skill for a Captain, and one that Kyōraku had mastered long ago.

An outsider might've wondered why the Captain was smiling, and with good reason; with the way the battle was going at the moment, there was no guarantee of victory. In fact, the situation as a whole was rather desperate. Back at the entrance of the temple, Hachigen and the bulk of the expeditionary force were holding back what was proving to be a truly horrendous tide. Wights and fell wolves were rushing forward in one continuous stream, and there was no time for the Lieutenant of the Kidō Corps to block the entrance with another large barrier and Kyōraku didn't know if Hachigen had enough energy left in him for one. Instead, Hachigen and many of the other Soul Reapers had resorted to firing massed volleys of lower level attack spells into the oncoming horde, while others had their swords drawn and were at the flanks intercepting and cutting down any of the undead that tried to get around the main force. With no way of knowing just how many wights and fell wolves the wraith had hidden away in the temple in preparation for an assault like this, the Soul Reapers had to pace themselves carefully. It was a battle of endurance, and for all Kyōraku knew they were simply delaying the inevitable.

Things weren't going much better when it came to the wraith's pet. Although Eidunn and Ingegerd were proving themselves to be formidable fighters and worthy apprentices of the Valkyries, their foe was no ordinary dire wolf, or even an average corrupted wolf for that matter. The tainted and twisted canine that had once been the noble companion of a famed northern huntsman was as agile as it was tough. Darting about snapping its jaws and lashing out with its claws, it was making life difficult for both apprentices to say the least. One woman would attempt to draw the creature's attention while the other tried to strike from the side or the rear, but the wolf was as cunning as it was vicious and wouldn't allow itself to be caught in a pincer so easily. It would leap out of the way just as the two apprentices thought they had it, forcing them to regroup for another attempt. The creature's size and speed made it difficult to contend with, and although Eidunn and Ingegerd had landed a few glancing blows on the beast's sides the wolf was barely even fazed by the hits. Its new wounds were superficial and blended right in with its older scars; it would not go down from just a few axe strikes.

Where was the bright spot then, if things looked so tough? The answer was the fight with the cold drake. Sure, at first glance, things looked grim on that front as well. Not only was the beast still firing on all cylinders, but the barrier that now surrounded it was yet another obstacle for Lisa, Jiraiya and Gunnr to overcome. Kyōraku could only assume that the energy field covering the creature was rooted in the wraith's power, because he'd never seen a normal cold drake create such a shield before. The Valkyrie was floating overhead gathering the power that would be needed to shatter the barrier, but that would take time, which meant that Kyōraku's Lieutenant and Sixteenth Seat would have to contend with the creature without her support for the moment. The situation was dire, and yet there was hope…

...in the form of Jiraiya.

Despite his preoccupation with the wraith, Kyōraku hadn't been blind to the transformation that his subordinate had undergone. What he was sensing from Jiraiya matched what he'd felt last night, but he hadn't been able to see the full picture until now. Jiraiya's new form was certainly interesting to say the least, and while Kyōraku definitely had questions about the strange physical transformation he cared less about that at the moment than he did for the power that he could now feel radiating from the Sixteenth Seath. Indeed, that power was on full display in the form of a Rasengan larger than any that Kyōraku had ever seen Jiraiya wield before; the blue-white ball of energy had to be somewhere between twice to three times the size of its wielder. The great sphere of power crashed headlong into the barrier surrounding the cold drake, and while the shield didn't break it did pulse and oscillate as it blocked the attack. All its power was focused up front now, which left it vulnerable from the flanks and above.

As he deflected a sequence of slashes from the wraith, Kyōraku saw his Lieutenant hold out her left hand, with the palm facing the cold drake. "Hadō 31: Shakkahō!"

A crimson energy ball flew forth and hit the barrier on the left side of the cold drake. The Captain knew that a low-level spell like that, even one fired from his Lieutenant, wouldn't be enough to get through the barrier. Even if Lisa had fired it off after a full incantation to maximize its power, it would not have been sufficient. It didn't have to be, though; all it had to do was add a bit more stress to the barrier on top of what it was already dealing with from Jiraiya's attack.

The sky overhead was ablaze with lightning. Gunnr had her axe raised towards the heavens, but this time when the bolts flew forth they did not go to her weapon. Instead, more than a dozen bolts of lightning shot out of the clouds and into the wings of the Valkyrie. With one might flap, she released the stored up energy as a thick golden beam which lanced down into the top of the cold drake's barrier and shattered it. The instant the shield was gone, both Jiraiya and Lisa charged in, the former going for the monster's face while the latter darted around to attack from the right. Meanwhile, Gunnr was swooping down, ready to hammer the beast with her axe once again.

Just because the cold drake had lost its barrier didn't make it any less of a juggernaut, though. Its thick hide remained, and Kyōraku could tell that the beast had power to spare. Could Lisa, Jiraiya and Gunnr continue to hold the line against it? They would have to; Kyōraku had his own problems to deal with.

There was a brilliant red blur as Kara suddenly appeared behind the wraith, her wings bathed in crimson light. Her axe was glowing with blood red runes as she swung it at the wraith's neck, but the undead monstrosity was able to spin around and block her attack with its long sword while keeping Kyōraku's blades at bay with its dagger. The fiend then vanished in a Flash Step of its own, and Kyōraku saw it reappear on the roof of the temple. It sheathed its two blades and swiftly drew its bow, and Kyōraku could sense its swelling power. Soul Reaper and Valkyrie scattered as a monstrously strong arrow of icy blue energy shot forth and slammed into the ground where the Captain had stood just a second earlier. The subsequent blast sent chunks of stone flying everywhere and left a sizable crater behind.

"I'll draw its fire!" Kara shouted as she raced upwards, "Get to the roof and corner it!"

Kyōraku nodded; it was good to see that she'd come up with the same plan that he'd decided upon. "Got it. Watch yourself; those arrows are no joke."

Indeed; not only were they strong, but apparently they had a quick reload time. There was no actual quiver that they were being drawn from since they were made purely of the wraith's spirit energy, and despite the incredible power that it put into each shot the abomination clearly had plenty of it to spare. It let fly again, this shot aimed straight at Kara. Channeling the energy gathered in her wings to her axe, she was able to deflect the shot, but Kyōraku couldn't help but notice how the force behind the arrow still sent her flying back several meters through the air before she could fully reassert control.

Salvos of crimson and icy blue energy flashed back and forth between Kara and the wraith as Kyōraku leapt high into the air. At the peak of his arc he focused a tiny portion of his spirit energy into particles beneath him and used them as an invisible platform for another jump. It was a skill that required both considerable power and experience to pull off, especially if one wanted to use the technique while simultaneously engaging in combat. Fortunately, from what Kyōraku could see, the wraith did not appear to be moving any higher than the roof; the foul spectre was apparently content to make its stand there.

Kyōraku found himself wincing the closer he got to the fight; the brilliant flashes from Kara's lightning attacks were damn near blinding in their intensity. It had been a long time since the Captain had seen the Lady of Wrath call upon so much power in battle. While her moniker might give an outsider the impression that she was unrestrained in her anger and temper, that was only partially correct. Kara was certainly one of the most feisty Valkyries to put it mildly, but she did still possess the presence of mind to pace herself in battle, only drawing upon the strength that was necessary for the particular foe before her so as not to wear herself out. In the vast frozen wastes of the north, one might have to fight for hours on end before reinforcements could arrive, and Valkyries trained accordingly. Endurance and patience were virtues to the Order, and even a comparatively hot-headed Valkyrie like Kara knew them well. With all that in mind, Kyōraku knew that the fact she was still unleashing such power so early in the fight spoke volumes regarding the true threat posed by this particular adversary.

No messing around with this one, he thought, although I knew that going into this fight.

Sounds like I'm going to get my invitation to this dance soon, whispered Katen, I trust you won't keep me waiting too much longer, will you?

Well, now… you're actually in the mood to play when I need you to be? That's rare.

I'd say we're overdue for some games, Katen replied, and we finally have a foe that might actually be able to play along!

Can we play hide and seek?, came the voice of Kyōkotsu, the younger half of his Zanpakutō.

I don't think this thing feels like hiding from us today. I'm sure we can coax it into another game, though.

I hope your companion is ready, Katen chimed in, I don't think she liked it the last time you unleashed us!

That's just because she didn't know the rules back then. She knows what to expect this time.

Reaching the rooftop, Kyōraku saw the wraith darting about between the temple's three towers. Kara blasted away with bolts of lightning from both her wings and the storm clouds she'd gathered overhead, but between the wraith's speed and the cover provided by the towers she was having difficulty hitting her target. The wraith was proving to be a wily foe as it zipped behind one tower to dodge a salvo of crimson energy, poked out just long enough to return fire with a blue arrow before ducking right back into cover again. It was a testament to the skill of its builders that the temple hadn't collapsed under Kara's barrage; whatever properties the black stone that made up the structure possesed had been enhanced by ancient spells beyond the ken of the modern Soul Society.

Of course, the towers worked both ways; while they gave the wraith cover from Kara's fierce bombardment, they also gave Kyōraku a chance to slip in unnoticed. He suppressed his spiritual pressure as much as he could, hoping that all the background energy from Kara's attacks would allow him to momentarily go unnoticed by his prey. Sure enough, he was able to get behind the wraith, and the Captain closed the distance with a Flash Step. The wraith could not turn around in time, and Kyōraku thrust both of his blades into its neck.

He tried to bring them together in a scissor-like motion to cleave the monstrosity's head from its body, but even as he carved into the wraith its undead flesh rapidly mended around his swords. Kyōraku was forced to quickly pull his blades out lest they get stuck in the wraith's neck and leave him vulnerable to counterattack. As it was, the Captain was only just able to withdraw his swords and bring them up in time to parry a series of vicious slashes from his foe.

I see Captain Shihōin wasn't exaggerating when she spoke of their regenerative capabilities, he thought grimly, I've seen a few Hollows heal their wounds and grow back entire limbs before, but nothing as effective and quick as this.

With his sneak attack thwarted by the creature's unholy healing abilities, Kyōraku found himself back in the familiar dance of blades with the wraith. He had to give credit where it was due; his opponent was a superb swordsman. Being brought back as a twisted abomination hadn't dulled the skills it had possessed before, and if anything the creature was almost certainly deadlier now than it had been when it was an uncorrupted soul. Sure, it had powers now that it definitely had not possessed during its past life, but power alone only went so far. There was a ruthless economy of movement to its form; no artistry, just cold pragmatism.

Deflecting a pair of vicious diagonal slashes, Kyōraku angled his blades so that they remained locked with those of the wraith. Glancing up, he saw Kara swooping in, and she brought her axe down on their enemy's skull. Her weapon embedded itself in the top of the wraith's head, but once again its regenerative abilities proved to be far too effective for what otherwise would've been a lethal attack to overcome. The creature let loose an ear-piercing screech that forced both Soul Reaper and Valkyrie to recoil just enough for it to break free of the blade lock and Flash Step out from between them. Kyōraku and Kara were both able to recover quickly enough, but as he saw what was left of the gash in the wraith's head begin to heal he knew that there was only one way to break the stalemate.

Kara must've realized it too. "We're getting nowhere with this. I think it's time for you to introduce this thing to your Zanpakutō."

Kyōraku nodded. "Agreed. Are you ready?"

"I'm not looking forward to it," Kara grumbled as she raised her axe, "but we don't have a choice. I'll distract our foe while you set the playing field. Just make sure to announce which game you want to play loud enough so I can hear it."

She charged forward, little more than a crimson blur as she rushed the wraith. As sword and dagger met axe, Kyōraku formed a cross with his two blades. Neither of his Zanpakutō spirits spoke, but they didn't need to; the Captain knew that they were in the mood for a fight. Words weren't needed here, at least not from the two of them.

"When the Flower Wind Rages, the Flower God Roars," he chanted, "When the Wind of Heaven Rages, the God of the Underworld Sneers."

Both blades glowed before growing into a pair of large black scimitars. One was still slightly longer than the other, but each one had a gleaming silver edge, a long red tassel hanging from the end of the handle, and a long notch in the back of the blade towards the base followed by a smaller circular notch closer to the tip.

Pulling the blades apart, Kyōraku smirked as he saw the wraith look past the Valkyrie assaulting it, clearly recognizing that a new stage of the fight was about to begin. "Katen Kyōkotsu. Now, then…"

"...let the games begin."

….

It had been a while since Jiraiya had last felt the Captain unleash his Shikai, but the spike in spiritual pressure that sensed now was unmistakable. Given the nature of the foe he was battling it wasn't exactly surprising that he would have to use it, but Jiraiya had expected Kyōraku to put it off for as long as possible. He'd heard more than a few horror stories from the Captain about the kind of retribution that Katen Kyōkotsu would demand if she were called upon when she wasn't in the mood to play, and that was just if Kyōraku wanted to use his Shikai; the man wouldn't even hint at what price would be required should he have to use his Bankai, save that it would be suitably unpleasant.

The Captain would have to deal with whatever punishment his Zanpakutō had in mind on his own; Jiraiya had his hands full. Activating Sage Mode had given him a much-needed boost in the struggle against the cold drake, but the beast was far from beaten. Having recognized that it might now genuinely be in danger from the Lieutenant, Sixteenth Seat and Valkyrie, the creature had become much more aggressive. Rather than taking the time to charge up large jets of its freezing flames, the cold drake was instead letting fly with balls of azure fire. They were much smaller than the great rivers of azure fire that it had been unleashing earlier, but it could let loose with them much more quickly. The beast had even demonstrated the ability to fire off clusters of three to four of the blue fireballs at once, which were much harder to dodge than its previous attacks. Several patches of the ground around the beast were now frozen solid, and bits of Jiraiya's cloak were lying on the ground as chunks of ice that he'd been forced to cut away. Lisa had likewise suffered a few close calls, even having to cut off one of her two braided pigtails as it had caught the very edge of an azure fireball.

Ducking as another burst of blue fire flew over his head, Jiraiya leapt into the air. He was aiming for the cold drake's right eye, but as he brought his sword down the creature tucked in its head. His blade hammered against the creature's brow instead, and thanks to the increased strength provided by Sage Mode the power behind the blow was enough to actually slam the beast's head against the ground. This momentarily left the back of its neck exposed, and both Lisa and Gunnr rushed in to take advantage of it. Unfortunately, the creature quickly rolled over, lashing out with its claws and letting fly with another cluster of freezing fireballs. Both women were forced to break off their attacks in order to evade, and as the cold drake whirled around Jiraiya was barely able to jump over its whipping tail.

This thing's as hard headed as they come.

And fiendishly quick, the spirit of his Zanpakutō added, We've been lucky to avoid taking a direct hit from its tail thus far.

Please don't jinx us.

Pulling back, Jiraiya raised his left hand and began building up another Big Ball Rasengan. The cold drake sensed the gathering energy and took aim at him, but Gunnr moved to intercede and cut loose with a salvo of golden lightning, forcing the creature to close its mouth in order to keep the energy from going down its throat. Lisa took that moment to dart in and thrust at the beast's neck, and while she landed a few hits the cold drake was still able to keep her weapon from piercing the small soft spot on the back of its neck.

Between the two of them, the womens' attacks had bought Jiraiya the precious seconds needed to finish creating his Big Ball Rasengan. Charging forward with a glowing blue-white ball of energy that was larger than him, he thrust his left hand forward and drove the whirling sphere into the cold drake's left side. The power behind the attack was enough to send the beast flying across the courtyard, and it slammed into the outer defensive wall with a satisfying 'thud' that sent a good tremor rumbling through the ground.

All three of them rushed in to press their advantage, but the creature recovered far quicker than any of them had been expecting. It rolled back onto its feet and let fly with a rapid burst of four azure fireballs, forcing Jiraiya to dodge to the right. Lisa was able to continue charging forward while Gunnr moved to attack from above, but the cold drake dug its claws into the ground before ripping up a large chuck of stone and sending it flying right at the Lieutenant. She was able twist her body to the left in order to evade the debris, but her dodge meant that the creature was momentarily only facing the Valkyrie now. Gunnr had gone into a dive and was targeting the cold drake's neck with her axe, yet before she could close the rest of the distance the beast lashed out with its tail. She was too close to evade and so folded in her wings to take the hit, but the power behind the blow still sent her flying back across the courtyard and into the side of the temple.

"Gunnr!" he shouted.

He could still sense the Valkyrie's spiritual pressure, and she stretched her wings again to take flight a moment later. Jiraiya was amazed that they weren't broken; clearly they were made of much tougher material than he'd realized, or perhaps the spirit energy flowing through them reinforced their strength and durability. Were it not for both the wings and her armor, Jiraiya was certain that the hit would've been fatal. As it stood, from the way that she gingerly lifted her axe and cautiously moved to circle over the beast, Jiraiya could tell that the hit had done some damage.

Lisa was already moving forward again, twirling her polearm and leaping about to keep the creature distracted. Deciding to change tactics, Jiraiya began swirling saliva in his mouth and infusing it with his spirit energy. What he had in mind wouldn't be nearly enough to kill their foe, but if he hit it in the right spot he could give them a bit of breathing room.

After a few seconds he Flash Stepped forward. He was now face to face with the beast, and he wasted no time in spewing out the glob of oil he'd created.

Ninja Art: Toad Oil Bullet!

The cold drake closed its eyes as the oil splattered all over its face. It tried to wipe it away with its right claw, but all it succeeded in doing was spreading it around even further. The creature growled and gnashed its teeth in frustration, lashing out wildly with its tail before unleashing a bunch of azure fireballs seemingly at random. It had never dealt with an attack like this before, and it thrashed about in confusion and rage.

Jiraiya was about to follow-up, but a golden flash of lightning told him that Gunnr had recognized his intentions and had beaten him to the punch. The oil on the cold drake's face was set alight, and the beast roared furiously. Unfortunately, in its rage its thrashing and wild bursts of frigid azure flames only intensified; just getting close to the damn thing was going to be even harder now than it had been before.

However, with the power of Sage Mode boosting his abilities, Jiraiya believed he had a way to lessen the danger a bit. "Bakudō 61: Rikujōkōrō!"

Once again, six beams of yellow light flew forth, but this time they weren't aimed at the creature's torso. Instead, they dug themself into the base of the cold drake's tail, and while the beast was still able to move the appendage it couldn't do so nearly as quickly as it had been previously. It wasn't quite what Jiraiya had been hoping for, but seeing as that thick knob of bone on the end of the creature's tail would be much easier to dodge now, he'd happily take it. It still left the fireballs, snapping jaws and wild swipes from the beast's claws to deal with, but it was something.

Lisa and Gunnr immediately recognized the opportunity, and together with Jiraiya the three of them rushed in. Jiraiya went for the cold drake's right flank, charging up another Big Ball Rasengan in his left hand. It was difficult to build up another ball of swirling blue-white energy while also maintaining the seal on the beast's tail, but thanks to Sage Mode Jiraiya had the power required for it. The golden light in Gunnr's wings flowed through her arms and into her axe as she went for the back of the creature's neck, while Lisa had decided to play the role of decoy and go for the cold drake's throat.

The beast couldn't see them, but either its sense of smell, hearing, spirit energy or some combination of the three was still very sharp, much more so than Jiraiya had anticipated. It ceased its furious roaring and raised its head, taking aim at Gunnr and letting fly with no less than five balls of freezing flame, forcing the Valkyrie to evade to the right and disrupting her planned attack. Lisa tried to leap above the creature and make the attack in Gunnr's stead, but the cold drake swatted her aside with the back of its left front foot.

It wasn't fast enough to stop Jiraiya, though. The Legendary Sannin managed to close the remainder of the distance before the cold drake could stop him, and his Big Ball Rasengan hammered the creature's lower right flank. The force behind the attack was so strong that the beast was actually sent flying upward, giving Jiraiya a front-row seat to the almost comical spectacle of a cold drake flailing uncontrollably in the air over the battlefield.

You know, sometimes I amaze even myself…

I wouldn't be so confident if I were you. Your attacks were well played, but you're burning through nature energy quickly here. You're far outpacing my ability to gather it for you.

How long do I have left?

A few minutes at most.

Good to know.

That had always been one of the drawbacks of Sage Mode; one could only store so much nature energy, and it was always easier to expend it than gather it. In the past, Jiraiya had worked around it by using the Sage Art: Amphibian Technique to fuse Fukasaku and Shima to his shoulders so they could constantly gather nature energy for him, but since he'd yet to figure out how to remaster Summoning Jutsu as a soul that technique was currently out of reach. The whole point of the training with the spirit of his Zanpakutō had been so the armored toad could act in a manner similar to the frogs that would attach to him in his old Shinobi technique, but there was clearly a limit to how much nature energy the hulking amphibian could gather and how quickly he could replenish it. Perhaps the armored toad would be able to improve his efficiency with the technique in time, but at this point that concern was academic.

With his foe still airborne for the next couple of seconds or so, Jiraiya took a moment to check on Lisa. She'd been smacked pretty hard, but it had been a blunt blow; none of the cold drake's claws had actually cut her. He was relieved to see the Lieutenant already picking herself up, and while she was bruised Jiraiya could tell that there was still plenty of fight left in her.

Looking back up at the beast, Jiraiya smirked as he saw Gunnr appear above it. Once again, she was going for the weak point at the back of the cold drake's neck. The beast wasn't like the dragons found in the east; it had no wings, no way to control itself in midair. It was vulnerable now in a way that it hadn't been so far. She had it.

And that was when the sealing spell Jiraiya had cast upon the creature's tail dissipated. Whether it was from the cold drake's sheer strength or the earlier strain of casting it and using the Big Ball Rasengan, Jiraiya couldn't say. It didn't matter; it was gone, and at the worst possible time. As Gunnr brought her axe down, the beast's tail swung around, forcing her to alter her trajectory. She was able to narrowly avoid the bony knob on the end of the tail, but as a result her weapon struck the creature's left shoulder rather than the back of the neck. The power behind the blow was still considerable, though, and the creature shot downward like a meteor. It hit the ground with a thunderous crash, sending snow and chunks of rock flying everywhere and leaving a sizable crater at the point of impact.

"Nice one," said Lisa as she came up next to him, "How many more of those do you have in you?"

"At least a few," Jiraiya replied with a confident smirk.

Lisa's eyes narrowed as the cold drake clambered back to its feet while Gunnr bombarded it with lightning. "Then wind up another one, because your move is the only one we've got that seems to be working right now. Gunnr and I will keep this thing distracted."

She Flash Stepped forward before Jiraiya could say anything else. He appreciated the vote of confidence, but he regretted not being more honest with her. The Legendary Sannin certainly did have enough energy left to send their foe flying a few more times, but the spirit of his Zanpakutō was right; he was burning through energy at a rapid pace. The power granted to him by Sage Mode was allowing him to knock the cold drake off balance and give his friends a chance to strike, but despite the heavy hits the beast still recovered before they could land a decisive blow. It was resilient to say the least, and if this was a battle of endurance then Jiraiya feared that it would outlast them all.

So don't play to its strengths, he told himself as he raised his left hand and spun up yet another Big Ball Rasengan, Keep it disoriented and hammer it as hard as you can. Convince it that you're the biggest threat; make it forget about your allies. Sage Mode and ninjutsu aren't things that it's familiar with, so you can be the wild card in this fight that keeps it guessing.

The blaze that had been set on the creature's face by Gunnr's lightning striking the oil had been extinguished courtesy of its impact with the ground, but the cold drake's eyes were still shut. It surely knew that it wasn't on fire anymore, and Jiraiya guessed that at this point it was simply trying to limit its vulnerabilities to just the soft spot on the back of its neck. Even without its sight, from the way it moved Jiraiya could tell that it was well aware of what was happening around it; it didn't need its sight when its other senses were more than up to the task.

Lisa and Gunnr were coming at the beast in a pincer attack, with the Lieutenant aiming at the left side of the creature's head while the Valkyrie charged at the right. The beast swung its head back and forth rapidly as it spat out spheres of freezing sapphire flame while its claws flashed through the air. Soul Reaper and Valkyrie alike danced around the fireballs and leaped away from the swiping claws, well aware that a single misstep almost certainly meant death. Jiraiya needed to get the cold drake to focus on him; it was time to get back into the fray.

He Flash Stepped forward and leapt into the air. At the peak of his jump he was over the cold drake's back, and as he descended he slammed the swirling sphere of blue-white energy down into the beast's spine. The power of the attack hammered the creature down into the ground, and it expelled jets of azure flame as Jiraiya quite literally knocked the wind out of it. Even winded, though, the creature didn't stay down. It quickly rolled, forcing Jiraiya to leap clear lest he risk getting squished by the behemoth.

Jiraiya barely had time to catch his breath before the creature had regained its footing and was charging straight at him. Its eyes were open again, and they were fixed squarely on him.

You did want to get its attention.

So I did.

He saw the cold drake's throat begin to glow and realized that the creature was building up for one of the larger and more powerful jets of freezing flame rather than the rapid fireballs from before. That gave him an idea. Since he had a couple of seconds to work with, he focused on gathering saliva and turning it into oil. The timing would be crucial here; if he was off by so much as a split second, he'd be turned into a block of ice. As the cold drake opened its mouth, Jiraiya knew that it was now or never.

Fire Style: Big Flame Bullet!

Igniting the oil as he spewed it forth, he sent a great jet of orange flame straight down the cold drake's throat just as the beast was about to let fly with its freezing flames. The strength of Jiraiya's flames was immense thanks to the power granted to him by Sage Mode, so much so that they were actually able to overwhelm the beast's freezing flames before they could clear its throats. The cold drake roared in fury and pain as its throat was seared, but whatever agony it felt wasn't enough to stop it from charging forward and swiping at Jiraiya with its claws. He leapt to the right to get out of the way, but one of the creature's claws caught him in the back, shredding his cloak and robes and leaving a stinging wound. Jiraiya could feel the blood flowing down his back, and while the wound didn't feel especially deep it wasn't something to sneeze at either.

There was a golden blur as Gunnr charged in, slamming her axe into the cold drake's left flank. The strength behind the blow was incredible; the creature was actually knocked off balance, and from the spike in her spiritual pressure Jiraiya realized that the Valkyrie was actually angry. She was joined by Lisa, who came in from the right and made a series of quick thrusts at the beast's neck. Her moves weren't as crisp and clean as usual; Jiraiya could sense more than a bit of desperation creeping into them.

Jiraiya felt his legs wobble a bit, and his eyes widened as he realized that his strength was deteriorating. It wasn't from the cold drake's attack, either; the nature energy that the spirit of his Zanpakutō had gathered for him was running dangerously low. Jiraiya had burned through it faster than he'd thought, and he likely had barely more than a minute or so worth of it left. That wasn't enough.

Not nearly enough.

His foe was still standing, and it had strength to spare. Lisa and Gunnr were hammering it with everything they had, but neither the skill and strength of the Lieutenant or the experience and power of the Valkyrie were enough to overcome the cold drake's deadly combination of brutal might, fiendishly tough hide, and incredibly sharp instincts. The beast knew exactly what its weak spots were and how to minimize exposing them, and the dark power granted to it by the wraith combined with its own strength was like a force of nature. It was at that moment that Jiraiya understood the cold and harsh truth.

The second that he could no longer maintain Sage Mode, the battle would be lost…

...and the two incredible women he'd been fighting alongside would die.

Jiraiya would die too, of course, but his own potential demise was not what frightened him at the moment. He'd died once before, after all, so he was no stranger to the wheel of reincarnation. While he would certainly like to continue his second life in the Soul Society for as long as possible, he could accept if his time had come once again. What he could not accept was failing his new friends and knowing that they would die because he wasn't strong enough.

No… not like this…

Power…

I need more power…

The power to save their lives…

The power to crush this foe!

Finally!

The world around Jiraiya was suddenly shrouded in mist. For a moment he thought it was some kind of attack, but then he realized that he was being transported to his inner world. Sure enough, a moment later he was on the familiar stone platform facing the armored toad.

"Hey, what the hell are you doing?" he asked, "I can't be here now; they need my help out there! Besides, won't this make me a sitting duck for the cold drake?"

The hulking amphibian shook his head. "One of the benefits of the connection between Soul Reaper and Zanpakutō is that our intrinsic link to your spirit allows us to tweak your perception while interacting with you. Your perception of time has been slowed. This will not last long, though, and if you fail here then it will be the last mistake you ever make."

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "Then let's not waste any time. You said 'finally' earlier; am I to take it that I've cleared some sort of threshold?"

The spirit of his Zanpakutō nodded. "Yes. In life, you may have pretended to be selfish, but at heart you've always been the opposite. You care deeply for the people around you and the world as a whole, and that's guided your actions one way or the other. Whether it was to the Hidden Leaf Village, your companions, or your students, you were always loyal to something beyond yourself regardless of the impression you might've given others at first glance. However, in doing so, you undermined yourself."

"What do you mean?" asked Jiraiya.

"You achieved great strength in your past life," the armored toad replied, "but you should've had more. The peak of the power you did reach was not what your peak could have been. There was a hunger that you did not feed. You sought strength to help the Leaf Village, your friends, and your apprentices… but what about strength for more primal purposes? The power to crush any foe that stands before you, the strength to propel yourself to greater heights than ever… in other words, the strength of pure ambition. You want to save your friends here, yes, but there's another desire, one that you just gave voice to in your deepest thoughts mere moments ago. Can you tell me what it is?"

Jiraiya's brow furrowed as he realized what the toad was getting at. "I want to protect the others… but I also want to pummel that beast into dust. I told myself earlier that putting it down would be a mercy, and it still will be, but… I also want to crush it to prove my power… to show that there's a reason I was dubbed one of the Legendary Sannin."

The amphibian smiled. "Exactly. When your former friend Orochimaru went down his dark path, it showed you the price of allowing ambition to run rampant. In response, you unconsciously began to limit the scope of your dreams. Orochimaru sought to be Hokage, but he was never worthy of the position. Tsunade eventually became Hokage, and the Hidden Leaf was served well by her, but there was someone who could've served it even better; you. For all that you did for your people and nation from behind the scenes, from training the apprentice that would become its hero, you neglected to consider what you could have done for it had you ascended to the apex of power."

Jiraiya grit his teeth. "So, what's your point? That I should take a page from Orochimaru's book? He's not exactly an example that I would encourage others to follow, let alone myself."

The spirit of his Zanpakutō shook its head. "Orochimaru was ambition unbridled, greed unrestrained. His lust for power was purely for himself. Power must have a greater purpose, but at the same time it can still serve itself. Balance between serving a higher goal and promoting yourself, between protecting others and seeking greater heights; your old friend lost his way and could never achieve that equilibrium. You can… through me."

The armored toad drew the spiked club from its back, and Jiraiya could both see and feel the nature energy swirling around the weapon. "Embrace that which you deprived when it should've been gifted, what you starved when it should've been allowed to feast. Embrace the thirst for power. Embrace ambition, and let it serve both yourself and the world. Embrace your second life and all the potential that comes with it, all that can and will be yours. Listen, and you will hear the key to take it."

Then the amphibian whispered, and Jiraiya knew exactly what it was saying. The words that he'd sought for so long…

The name that he'd sought for so long.

The mist of his inner world began to disperse; his perception of time was returning to normal as his consciousness went back to the gruelling northern battlefield. The last of his nature energy was beginning to fade…

...but he knew now how he could claim more.

Gripping his Zanpakutō with both hands, Jiraiya smiled. "Seize nature's might…"

"...Jinsei no Kenja!"

….

Lisa was hardly a stranger to the sensation of a Soul Reaper unlocking their Shikai, but what she felt coming from Jiraiya did not match anything she'd ever sensed before. Yes, there was the usual spike in spiritual pressure, but there was also a surge of that same strange energy she'd felt flowing through him earlier in the fight. That was the first inkling she got that the Sixteenth Seat's Shikai wasn't going to be like most others, yet she wasn't able to lay eyes on it and begin to actually comprehend it until Jiraiya leapt back into the fray and smacked the cold drake in the face with it.

At first glance, it didn't look like anything special. The weapon in Jiraiya's hands was a metal club, its thick handle wrapped in black and ending in a round knob. As for the club itself, it was longer than Jiraiya's sealed Zanpakutō, although not so long that the Soul Reaper couldn't wield it one-handed if needed. The weapon's main body was a hexagonal shaft, with each side being lined with rows of short spikes. All in all, it had the appearance of a simple brute-force weapon, the kind of Shikai that wouldn't look out of place in a unit like Squad Eleven.

However, Lisa could immediately tell that its appearance was deceptive. Blue-white light swirled around the weapon, concentrating over the spikes in particular. No, that wasn't quite right; it was flowing into the spikes. While Lisa could sense plenty of spirit energy surrounding the club, she also sensed the same strange power that she'd felt when Jiraiya had undergone his transformation. Whatever the true abilities of his Shikai were, they were clearly linked with one of the Shinobi techniques from the Sixteenth Seat's former life.

While Lisa couldn't say for sure what the true nature of the weapon's power was, the strength of it was undeniable. The hit Jiraiya had landed on the face of the cold drake sent the creature staggering back, and while the beast recovered quickly it did not immediately move to counter. Instead, Lisa saw that its gaze was fixed squarely on Jiraiya, and it was studying him intently. The cold drake looked wary, almost unnerved, even. Perhaps it was sensing the same energy that Lisa felt, or even understood it in a way that she did not and was spooked as a result. Either way, if it bought them a few seconds of breathing room, the Lieutenant wasn't going to complain.

"Sorry about that," said Jiraiya, "I was out of it for a bit there."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Out of it? What are you talking about?"

Jiraiya shook his head as he looked at her. "Never mind. How are you holding up?"

Lisa smirked; she was bruised and battered, but she wasn't done yet. "I can keep this up. How about you?"

Jiraiya grinned despite the wound on his back. "Never better! What do you say we clean this thing's clock?"

Lisa looked up at the third member of their trio. "Gunnr, what do you say?"

The Valkyrie's laugh rang out like a church bell. "Must you even ask? Let's see if your newfound confidence is warranted, Jiraiya!"

Jiraiya chuckled as his gaze met that of the cold drake. "Well, then… challenge accepted!"

….

Ducking beneath an arrow of icy blue energy, Kyōraku smiled as he sensed his Sixteenth Seat's spiritual pressure rising. "So, he finally unlocked his Shikai… guess he'll be due for a promotion or two after this mission's over."

"Getting ahead of yourself, aren't you?" asked Kara as she dug her axe into the wraith's chest, only to quickly pull it out and fall back as the sickly flesh rapidly closed around it and her foe counterattacked, "You'll have to survive this fight first before you can promote anyone!"

Kyōraku nodded. "Fair point. By the way, get clear."

The Valkyrie immediately shot upwards as Kyōraku spun around, his twin blades facing opposite directions. The air whirled around him, and as it gathered in strength and coalesced into two swirling blades of wind he saw the wraith pull back and draw its bow. It took aim at the Captain, causing him to smile; that was just what he'd hoped his foe would do.

"Bushōgoma," he said as he sent the swirling blades of wind at his opponent.

The wraith was engulfed in the wind as it fired its arrow, and its shot went wide. Up above it, Kyōraku saw the crimson glow of Kara's wings intensify, with dark storm clouds thundering over her. A salvo of a dozen blood red bolts of lightning fell a moment later, all of them streaking right into the fierce gale that surrounded the wraith. Kyōraku rushed forward immediately after the impact and leapt above his foe, ready to begin the next game.

Unfortunately, that was when another arrow of pale blue energy shot out from the gale, and this time it didn't go wide. The Captain jerked his head back, but the arrow actually caught the rim of his hat and sent it flying off his head with a large chunk torn out of it. The wraith then put the bow away and drew its blades in one fluid motion, leaping clear of the gale and straight at Kyōraku.

"So much for Takaoni," he said as he deflected the first of what became a series of swift and vicious slashes from the wraith.

"It wouldn't have worked anyway," came Kara's voice from overhead, "All three of us were in range when you activated your Shikai, and I know how that game works. Remember my current position?"

Kyōraku smirked; he hadn't forgotten. Since Kara was the highest up of the three combatants, she would've won the game. However, while Kyōraku certainly would've been hurt due to being below her, the wraith would've gotten the worst of it due to being at the lowest elevation.

"Glad you paid attention to the rules this time!" he shouted as he parried two thrusts from the wraith's sword and dagger, "Got a game you want to request? I'm feeling generous today!"

"I do, actually," the Valkyrie replied, "but let me get you some better lighting first. You'll need it. Keep him from shooting me while I work!"

Kara gained altitude, shining brilliantly with crimson light as the storm clouds overhead swirled and bellowed. Arcs of red lightning flashed between them, their tempo picking up with each passing second. Soon the top of the temple was practically bathed in crimson light…

...while the three towers each cast a very dark shadow.

Clever girl, Katen murmured, She really did remember how my games work…

Of course. She might be the Lady of Wrath, but there's a difference between wrath and blind rage.

Clearly. Well, are you ready for the next game?

Just about.

In order for this particular game to work, one vital question had to be answered first. As Kyōraku weaved a veritable tapestry of steel with his blades to fend off the wraith's withering assault, he kept one on the ground around the abomination. What he sought now hadn't been in Squad Two's report, and why would it have been? Yoruichi's Shikai was very different from Kyōraku's; it had its own strengths and weaknesses, key aspects and vital details that the wielder needed to bear in mind. The question that Kyōraku involved one simple but crucial detail, one that the Captain of Squad Two would've had no reason to even contemplate during her fight with the wraith that had been entombed beneath the Moon Tower.

Did wraiths cast shadows?

Such a basic query, but one that was harder to answer that it seemed. All the lightning that Kara was generating overhead was causing the three towers jutting out of the temple's roof to cast sizable shadows, but due to the constant shifting of the light, the inherently brief nature of each bolt, their angles were constantly changing and often overlapping with Kyōraku and the wraith. Before the Captain of Squad Eight could play his next game, he first needed to confirm if his foe possessed the key attribute required for it to work, and he could not take too long in searching for the answer. Once she was actually in the mood for games, it was ill-advised to keep Katen Kyōkotsu waiting.

As he parried and deflected one strike after another from the wraith, Kyōraku's eyes darted about as he scanned the ground. One mistake, and it would be over for him. It was times like this that he envied Soul Reapers like Lisa; a simple Zanpakutō would make his fights so much easier. There was no use in ruminating on the various intricacies that made his weapon so tricky to wield to its full potential, though. The Captain had a job to do, and he was dead set on finishing what he'd started with his foe.

Shadows danced about as Kara's storm approached a crescendo. Sparks flew from the blades as Kyōraku fended off slashes and stabs from the wraith, and he could sense his Zanpakutō growing more impatient by the second. He needed his answer, and he needed it now.

And then, as the wraith lunged forward and tried to carve his throat out, Kyōraku saw it. His blades crossed to block his foe's attack, and the Captain smiled as he met the monstrosity's gaze; it was time for the next game. He briefly looked up at Kara and gave her a nod, and then his smile became a smirk as he faced the wraith again.

"Kageoni," he said, his long hair framing his face in shadow as crimson lightning illuminated their frigid battlefield.

You've lurked in the dark depths of this temple for so long, slinking about in the shadows…

Let's see how you like it when the darkness of your own making is turned against you!

….

Leaping through the air as Lisa jabbed at the left side of the cold drake's neck, Jiraiya drove his Big Ball Rasengan into the beast's right rear flank. The impact sent the creature tumbling, and Gunnr added insult to injury by swooping in and driving her axe into the cold drake's face. She'd been aiming for the right eye, but the beast was able to lower its head enough to avoid taking a hit to one of its few weak spots. Still, the creature was definitely growing frustrated at the repeated blows its foes were landing on it, and with frustration would come mistakes.

Mistakes that Jiraiya had ample power to take advantage of now.

I haven't felt like this in a long time, he thought as he glanced down at the club in his right hand, I figured you'd be something good, but I never imagined you'd be this good…

You're not the only one who's full of surprises, Jinsei no Kenja smugly replied.

While his spirit energy had been boosted considerably thanks to him finally unlocking his Shikai, the real source of the increase in Jiraiya's strength came from the nature energy that now flowed through his Zanpakutō and into him. The weapon, or rather the spirit Jinsei no Kenja, was doing by himself what normally took Fukasaku and Shima operating in tandem to achieve; constantly replenishing his nature energy at an efficient and reliable pace. Sure, the club itself was already proving itself to be a good weapon for clobbering Jiraiya's foes with, but the Legendary Sannin had immediately understood that the real strength of his Shikai wasn't in its utility as a fighting implement. Jinsei no Kenja was acting first and foremost to keep Jiraiya supplied with nature energy so he could maintain Sage Mode and all the benefits that came with it.

That was how he had gone from being mere seconds away from losing the power needed to stay in Sage Mode to now being able to bust out techniques like the Big Ball Rasengan with energy to spare. What was even more remarkable to Jiraiya was how his Shikai was managing to draw in such power even in an environment that was corrupted by the wraith. How much greater would his power be when he used his Shikai in a place that wasn't so tainted and twisted? Jiraiya couldn't wait to find out.

Of course, first they had to survive their current mission. That wasn't looking nearly as in doubt as it had been just a few minutes ago, though. The cold drake was now firmly on the backfoot, and if it hadn't been scared of Jiraiya before it definitely was now. Jiraiya didn't think it was possible to terrify a creature that had been corrupted by a wraith, but the beast before him seemed to positively recoil in revulsion and trepidation whenever the Legendary Sannin moved in for an attack.

Flash Stepping in front of the creature, Jiraiya swung his club up and caught the beast right in the jaw. The power behind the blow sent the cold drake reeling, and Jiraiya's two companions were quick to take advantage of it. Lisa thrust her polearm at the creature's left eye, and while the cold drake was able to pull back its head enough to take the spade-like blade of the Lieutenant's Shikai on the cheek instead, the beast's movements seemed more jerky and desperate than before. It was no longer an apex predator; it was prey.

Scampering back, the cold drake wildly swung its tail around as Gunnr swooped in from above. Weaving through the air with the speed and grace of an eagle, the Valkyrie was aiming for the back of the beast's neck once again. Glancing at Lisa, Jiraiya and her nodded before charging the creature. If they could keep up the pressure, then they had it.

Going left while Lisa went right, Jiraiya spun up yet another Big Ball Rasengan. Thanks to the abundance of nature energy that was being drawn in through his Shikai, the large orb of swirling blue-white light was ready to go in practically no time at all. It pulsed vibrantly as Jiraiya raised it over his head, blazing like the beacon atop a lighthouse. The Legendary Sannin smirked in satisfaction as he saw the cold drake's eyes widen ever so slightly as its gaze locked onto the ball of energy; it was rapidly learning to dread this technique.

With the beast's attention on him, Lisa had an opening, and she took it. The creature's mouth was open, and the Lieutenant thrust her polearm inside. The blade on the end of her weapon cut into the cold drake's tongue, leaving a nasty gash that caused the creature to bellow in rage. Its throat started to glow that familiar hue of icy blue light as it prepared to unleash its freezing flames, and that was when Jiraiya struck. He thrust his left hand forward and up, driving the Big Ball Rasengan into the creature's belly and launching it airborne…

...straight at Gunnr.

The Valkyrie was ready, her axe already swinging down to meet the airborne undead reptile. However, the creature lashed out wildly, letting fly with its azure flames while whipping its tail about at random. Gunnr was able to evade both, but it caused her to miss her target; rather than striking the back of the cold drake's neck, her axe dug into its right shoulder. The power of the blow still sent the beast plummeting back down like a meteor, though, and its impact with the ground sent huge chunks of earth and snow flying.

"That damn tail," Lisa snarled as she came up beside Jiraiya, "I know its flames are more dangerous, but that thing is way more flexible than it looks. That's what really kept her from finishing this beast off!"

Jiraiya nodded, his eyes narrowing as a plan quickly began taking shape in his mind. "Agreed. If we can trap it for just a few seconds, she's got this."

Lisa smirked as the two of them saw the cold drake already climbing to its feet. "I know that look, Jiraiya. What do you need from me?"

"Mind playing the role of bait?" he asked, "It'll just be for a few seconds."

Raising her Shikai, she gave it a twirl over her head before settling into a ready stance. "Yeah, I think I can manage. Just don't take longer than that; I'd rather not end this mission as a popsicle."

Jiraiya chuckled. "That makes two of us."

With that, Lisa charged forward, jabbing at the cold drake's face with her polearm and generally doing everything she could to just annoy the hell out of the creature. Gunnr naturally wasn't in on the plan, but Jiraiya knew that he'd seen him and Lisa talking earlier, and from the way she was circling overhead it was clear she understood that something was up. She fired off a few bolts of golden lightning at the cold drake's back, not doing any real damage but reminding the creature of the threat that floated overhead. Confident that the creature wasn't paying attention to him, Jiraiya Flash Stepped forward, going straight for the beast's tail.

I'm going to need everything you've got here.

Oh? This should be good.

Without further ado, Jiraiya swung his club down upon the cold drake's tale and pinned it to the ground. Focusing both nature and spirit energy into his arms and legs, he held the appendage down with all of his might. The cold drake roared as it realized what he was doing, and its tail bucked furiously as Jiraiya fought to keep it in place. He saw the creature swiftly turn its head around, and its open mouth revealed a familiar frigid glow in the back of its throat, one that was rapidly growing. Staring the beast down as he restrained its tail with every bit of strength he had left, Jiraiya knew that the cold drake had him dead to rights.

Or it would have if the Mistress of War hadn't been paying attention. Luckily for Jiraiya, the Valkyrie had realized what was going to happen the moment he'd gone for the tail, and she was already swooping in. With the cold drake's gaze focused squarely on Jiraiya, it was completely blind to Gunnr's incoming strike, and she swung her axe into the back of its neck with everything she had.

And this time, she didn't miss.

Her axe cut deep into the creature's neck, rending flesh and bone as it carved through the one soft spot in the beast's otherwise impervious hide. Jiraiya saw the cold drake's eyes briefly widen in pain and surprise before the light in them went out entirely, and its head fell to the ground as the Valkyrie's strike finished cleaving through its neck. There were spurts of some noxious thick black fluid that Jiraiya could only assume was blood, but the creature itself quickly dissolved into a flurry of light blue energy particles just a few moments later.

Jiraiya blinked as he processed it all. One second, the beast had been right in front of him; the next, it had been reduced to dust in the wind. It was a very surreal thing, but he didn't have much time to dwell on it. The chorus of shrieks, screams and howls in the background were a reminder that the rest of the battle was still in full swing; their job here wasn't done yet. Eidunn and Ingegerd were still tangling with the wraith's pet dire wolf, scrambling to corner it while also dodging swipes from gnarly claws and snapping jaws. Meanwhile, Hachigen and the rest of the expeditionary force were still firing volleys of low level attack spells into the entrance of the temple; the undead hordes still weren't letting up. As Lisa approached Jiraiya, he saw her take it all in at a glance, the wheels in her mind already spinning.

"Jiraiya, go help Hachigen," said the Lieutenant as Gunnr swooped down to join them, "Gunnr, go aid your apprentices and then join the others at the front entrance. I'll head up top to back up the Captain and Kara."

Jiraiya nodded. "Got it. Be careful."

"Same goes for you," she replied with a smile, "I'd say you've earned a drink or two with what you did back there, and I fully intend to deliver on them."

….

It had been quite a while since Lisa had last felt her Captain unleash his Shikai, but the sensation was unmistakable. Even during the frantic clash with the cold drake, the Lieutenant hadn't missed the familiar spike in Kyōraku's spiritual pressure. It had been inevitable, really; the foe that they were up against wasn't one that they could afford to hold back on, after all. As she rushed for the roof of the temple, Lisa ran through a mental list of all the games her Captain's Shikai had in its repertoire, trying to figure out which ones he was most likely to use against the wraith.

She almost had to shield her eyes as she neared the roof. The sky overhead was ablaze with crimson lightning, and the spiritual pressure emanating from above was considerable. Whatever Kara had in mind with the storm she had conjured, she was putting quite a bit of power into it. Curiously, though, the lightning bolts were simply firing back and forth between the clouds; none of them were going towards the surface. It didn't match any of the attacks that Lisa had seen either Valkyrie use before, and she wasn't sure just what to make of it.

There has to be a reason for it, she told herself, Kara's a veteran combatant; she would know better than to waste energy on a simple light show, especially when dealing with a foe like a wraith. Look around, and you'll find the answer.

She did just that as she reached the roof, and Lisa's eyes immediately narrowed as she realized just what was going on. There was the wraith, standing in the middle of the three towers. It was looking around, seemingly ignoring the Valkyrie floating overhead, and the Lieutenant saw that her Captain was gone. He wasn't dead; there was no body, and Lisa would've felt it if his spirit energy had disappeared. She saw the shadows cast by the towers and the wraith itself, and she knew exactly what had happened.

"Well, now…" she whispered with a smirk, "I might not be needed here after all."

The wraith's gaze met hers, and she saw the abomination's eyes narrow. Crossing its blades, the wraith clearly intended to attack, and Lisa had her polearm at the ready. However, before the undead monstrosity could charge her, the ends of two very familiar swords erupted from its chest. Looking past the wraith, Lisa saw her Captain's form emerging from his enemy's shadow.

Looks like I guessed right, she thought, Kageoni was the one he went with…

Her brow furrowed as she saw Kyōraku pull his blades out of the wraith before its flesh could close up around them. For any other opponent, such a blow would've been fatal, but the wraith whirled around to attack the Captain as if nothing had happened. The creature's regenerative abilities were formidable indeed, and it appeared that Lisa's aid would very much be required.

She Flash Stepped forward, knowing that she would now be subject to the same rules as Kyōraku, the wraith, and Kara. Lisa had trained with her Captain enough to understand how Katen Kyōkotsu's games worked, though, and she knew that for this one she would have to keep a careful eye on her shadow. There was no way to tell if the wraith had figured out the rules yet, but it was prudent to assume the worst.

Thrusting her polearm forward, Lisa caught the wraith in the left side of its head. The blade at the end of her weapon dug into the creature's skull, but bone and flesh alike instantly began to mend, forcing her to withdraw her weapon. She held her polearm across her body in anticipation of having to deflect a counterattack, but Kara had swooped in to bring her axe down into the wraith's right shoulder while the Captain stabbed it in the chest. The wraith let out a hellish screech as it lashed out at Kara and Kyōraku, with its wrath particularly reserved for the latter. Once again, its wounds were already closing; attacks from Captain and Valkyrie alike had been in vain.

Remember Squad Two's report, she told herself as she circled around, looking for an opening, This thing's regenerative powers are fuelled by the spell that raised it in the first place, and that spell has anchors keeping it going. Find them!

Her gaze soon fell upon the wraith's circlet, brooch and ring. There were no other accessories or baubles that Lisa could see on the creature, and if its power worked in the same way as that of the wraith faced by Squad Two, then those three bits of ornamentation had to be what she was looking for. If they could destroy them, this fight would be over.

"Nice of you to join us, Lisa!" said her Captain with a smile as he parried a ferocious series of thrusts from the wraith.

His tone was entirely too casual for a man who was fighting an undead monstrosity, but Lisa expected as much from Kyōraku by now. She took aim at the wraith's head, going for the circlet, but it was a tough target to hit with how the wearer kept ducking and weaving while it continued to assault the Captain. Shifting targets, she thrust her polearm through the wraith's back, hoping to pierce the brooch on the other side, but the creature twisted so that her strike just went through the right side of its torso. Once again, she was forced to pull her weapon out before the swiftly healing wound trapped it within the wraith and left her vulnerable to a counterattack.

"Captain, we need to end this!" she shouted, "We have to destroy the anchors or this thing will just keep healing!"

Kyōraku nodded as he deflected several slashes, and from the look in his eyes Lisa could tell that he'd already figured out just what those anchors were. "Right. Our friend here's a tenacious bastard, though; they won't make that easy."

"I'd be disappointed if they did!" shouted Kara as she fired off a blast of lightning at the wraith's back, only for the creature to shrug it off.

Since the wraith was preoccupied with her Captain, Lisa took a moment to focus on the energy coming from the anchors. The power she could sense was enormous, and she wasn't sure if her Shikai had the raw might required to destroy them.

And that was when she saw the colors.

The black gem in the circlet.

The tiny pink stone in the brooch.

And the white gem in the ring.

Lisa might've doubted her own power, but she knew that of her Captain. He could destroy them, and she knew how. All she and Kara had to do was keep the wraith busy so it couldn't block the killing strikes.

"It's time for a new game, Captain," she said as she thrust her weapon into the wraith's shoulder, "You know the one!"

Kyōraku smirked; once again, they were on the same wavelength. "I think I do… you two mind dancing for a bit?"

Kara laughed as she lunged forward, interposing herself between the wraith and the Captain and swinging away with her axe. "I thought you'd never ask!"

As Kyōraku dropped back momentarily, the Valkyrie unleashed a storm of swift and powerful blows against the wraith. While her axe might've been a heavier weapon than the wraith's twin blades, Lisa was impressed with the speed that Kara was able to wield it. The thick muscles of her arms and shoulders weren't just for show; she was able to spin and whirl her axe like it was little more than a marching band leader's baton. For her part, Lisa focused on jabbing at the wraith with her polearm from the flanks, working to keep her foe at a relative distance. She knew all too well that if the enemy closed in with her she would not be able to to fend it off for long.

Amidst the clanging of steel, she heard her Captain's voice. "Irooni."

Here we go…

Out of the corner of her eye she saw Kyōraku shed his thick winter cloak, revealing his flowery kimono for all to see. There was a blur of pink as he Flash Stepped forward, which was quite fitting; Lisa knew exactly which color her Captain was going to call first.

Sure enough, he did so just a moment later. "Pink."

Kara stepped to the right as Kyōraku rushed in. The combination of her broad figure and her great wings had obscured the Captain's approach from the wraith itself, which meant that the creature suddenly found itself confronting the Soul Reaper's twin blades rather than the Valkyrie's axe. Lisa decided to add to the wraith's confusion by thrusting her polearm through its left leg, and although the wound immediately began to heal the blow did compromise the creature's balance for a crucial second, which was all her Captain needed. Keeping his left blade back for defense, he thrust his right blade forward…

...straight into the pink gem embedded in the wraith's brooch.

The tiny stone shattered, and the wraith shrieked in agony and fury. It lashed out with the rage and viciousness of a wounded tiger, its twin blades flashing through the air with incredible speed. Kyōraku dropped back onto the defensive, with both of his swords raised to parry the creature's attacks. With its focus solely on her Captain, Lisa seized the opportunity to circle around and stab her polearm into the wraith's right hip while Kara came in from the left. The Valkyrie's axe cut deep into the wraith's shoulder, eliciting yet another ear-splitting wail. Glancing at Kyōraku, Lisa saw a flutter of pink as he tossed his kimono over his shoulder, revealing his haori.

He then called out the next color. "White."

Knowing what was coming, Lisa did what she could to distract the Captain's target. She thrust her polearm forward as the wraith was trading blows with Kara, jamming the blade deep into the creature's neck. The wraith shot her a look of pure malice, its neck actually turning around the blade that was stuck in it in a very unnerving display. Before the wraith could attack her, the Valkyrie locked both of its blades with her axe and proceeded to headbutt the thing. The force behind the blow actually snapped the wraith's head back, and with any other being Lisa was certain the impact would've either broken their neck or outright caved in their skull. She'd hoped that the hit from the Valkyrie's helmet would destroy the circlet as well, but there was no such luck; the impact had been too high. Still, the wraith did seem dazed, although whether it was from the strength of the hit or the fact that it never expected any foe to have the sheer audacity to headbutt it in the first place was hard to determine. Either way, it didn't matter; it was momentarily off balance, and that was all they needed.

Kara followed up her headbutt by kneeing the wraith in the gut and then kicking it back. The combo broke the lock between the Valkyrie's axe and the wraith's blades, but before the enemy could take advantage of that, Kyōraku Flash Stepped forward. He struck with his right blade first, and while the wraith managed to block the attack it was really just a feint. The real strike came with the left blade as it darted forward in a blur…

...and pierced the white gem of the ring on the wraith's right hand.

If the wraith's earlier scream had been bad, the hellish screeching that came from it now was infinitely worse. It was all Lisa could do to keep her hands on her weapon; the temptation to drop it and shove her fingers in her ears just to blunt the inhuman wail was almost too much to resist.

Kara must've felt the same, because she swung her axe right into the wraith's jaw. "Silence, ghoul!"

Mercifully, the hit was enough to bring the shrieking to an end. However, the fight itself still wasn't over. Despite clearly reeling from the loss of two of its anchors, the wraith still had one left, and that was apparently enough to keep it in the game. It lashed out with a series of blindingly fast slashes that Kyōraku was barely able to deflect, but Lisa could sense the creature's growing desperation. It knew that it was vulnerable, that it faced foes who actually knew how to put it down for good, and it was hell bent on defying that fate.

Too bad for you that Squad Eight was the unit assigned to this hunt, she thought as she glared at the wraith, The Captain might be lazy, but when he's tasked with eliminating a genuine threat, he plays for keeps.

Moving behind the wraith, Lisa knew that they had to bring this fight to a close now. She could sense the rest of the expeditionary force still waging a fierce battle below; the wraith had apparently squirreled a much larger undead host away in the temple than they'd initially believed. The longer the clash went on, the more their side would begin to tire, while their foes lacked that weakness.

As the wraith continued to focus its fury on Kyōraku, Lisa removed her left hand from her weapon. Crackling yellow energy appeared in her palm as she focused her spirit energy, and she traced an inverted triangle in front of her. The energy of the spell became concentrated at the three points of the triangle, which then grew outwards into a trio of spikes.

"Bakudō 30: Shitotsu Sansen!" she shouted.

The three yellow spikes shot forward and embedded themselves into the creature's back. A relatively low-level binding spell like this without a full incantation wouldn't hinder the wraith for more than a second or two at the most, but Lisa knew that her Captain would only need that in order to finish the fight. Two massive bolts of crimson lighting shot forth from Kara's wings at the same time and crashed into the wraith. Sparks danced all over the creature's body, and it spasmed from the combination of the Valkyrie's lightning and Lisa's binding spell.

Looking beyond the wraith, Lisa saw Kyōraku shed his haori, and the final color was called. "Black."

The Captain moved so fast that even Lisa had trouble tracking him. There was a bright flash of yellow light as the Lieutenant's binding spell was destroyed by the wraith, and it quickly raised its blades. Unfortunately for the wraith, it was already too late. Kyōraku;s blades were already darting forward, and while the wraith managed to deflect the first one, it was just a split-second too slow to stop the second from plunging through the black gem of the circlet upon its head and straight into its skull.

The gem shattered, and the icy blue energy surrounding the wraith began to pulse wildly. Captain, Lieutenant and Valkyrie alike quickly pulled back, and the creature began to convulse and spasm violently. It shot Kyōraku one last hateful gaze before its head jerked skywards and it let out a final grating wail. Sparks of blue energy coursed all over its body, and the creature was consumed in a brilliant explosion of power a moment later.

The shockwave hit Lisa like a hammer, and she was momentarily forced to shield her eyes. When she opened them a couple of seconds later, the only trace of the abomination that had defiled the north were tiny particles of spirit energy, and they were swiftly blown away by a sudden gale.

A demon of a bygone age had been reduced to dust in the wind.

….

Swinging his spiked club around with abandon, Jiraiya was tearing into the wights and fell wolves that were pouring from the temple. Crushing skulls, shattering ribs and mauling limbs; his Shikai was good for all that and a good deal more. With the strength provided to him from Sage Mode, each blow from his club was more than enough to utterly destroy any wight or corrupted wolf that was unfortunate enough to land in his sights.

The Legendary Sannin was focusing on the right side of the temple entrance, eliminating any foe that tried to slip out that way once they made it through the volleys of spells being fired by Hachigen and the rest of the expeditionary force. It was a good position, but it felt like he was trying to hold back a river. The enemy just kept coming, and Jiraiy had no way to know if he was putting so much as a dent in their overall numbers.

An anguished howl rang out from behind him, and as he looked over his shoulder he saw that Gunnr and her apprentices had finally put the wraith's pet down. While Eidunn and Ingegerd had drawn its attention, the Valkyrie had dived down from above and driven her axe deep into the dire wolf's skull. Just like the corrupted cold drake before it, the resurrected wolf quickly dissolved into tiny particles of icy blue light which scattered in short order. None of the three ladies took so much as a moment to celebrate or catch their breath, instead immediately rushing to the aid of Jiraiya and the rest of the expeditionary force.

Good, he thought as he braced himself for the next round, we could use their help.

They wasted no time in making their presence known. Two large bolts of golden lightning shot forth from the Valkyrie's wings and tore into the forward ranks of the latest batch of wights and fell wolves, shredding dozens of them instantly. Her two apprentices moved to the left flank and began tearing into any undead unfortunate enough to be within swinging range of their axes. Jiraiya appreciated their enthusiasm, but they were both breathing hard; the fight with the large wolf earlier had been an arduous affair.

Wading into the roiling sea of nightmares, Jiraiya grimly set about his task and tore into the next wave head-on. Three wights were struck down by a broad swing, and a fell wolf had its neck crushed by a powerful downward stroke. Spells and golden lightning zipped through the air, swords and axes carved into rotten flesh, and still the enemy showed no signs of letting up. They were relentless, their numbers seemingly limitless, always replenishing their ranks with fresh lambs for slaughter. Something had to give, and while Jiraiya had power to spare, he knew that the rest of the expeditionary force very much did not.

Suddenly a great shriek rang out from the temple rooftop, and the shambling monstrosities rushing towards the main body of the expeditionary force began to collapse. It was like a wave petering out as it crept further and further up the beach, its energy bleeding away as it soaked into the sand. The closest creatures to Jiraiya fell at his feet, dissolving into tiny sparkling icy blue particles as they hit the ground. Within seconds, what had once been an unrelenting horde of nightmares was nothing more than a pretty little light show.

Jiraiya smiled as he deactivated his Shikai and allowed Sage Mode to fade; he immediately understood what had just happened. Cheers began ringing out from the assembled Soul Reapers as the others realized that the abomination at the heart of this battle had been eliminated, and all eyes turned towards the temple rooftop.

They only had to wait a few seconds before three familiar figures emerged. The great thunderstorm that Kara had summoned earlier was already beginning to dissipate, as were the inky black clouds that the wraith had blighted the skies with. Rays of sunlight began to peek through, and soon the temple was bathed in their radiance. Sheathing his sword and using his right hand to block some of the light, Jiraiya grinned as he saw Kyōraku, Lisa and Kara standing triumphantly atop the temple.

"They did it…" he whispered with a grin, "They really did it…"

A pity we missed their fight, Jinsei no Kenja chimed in, I would've loved to see the look on the wraith's face once it realized that it was doomed. Oh, well. The day is ours, thanks in no small part to you.

You mean us.

Yes, I suppose I do. My power has awakened, as has yours. You will not remain Sixteenth Seat for much longer, I imagine. Promotion and opportunity lie before you; the path to greater power has been opened. What will you do?

Seize it and use it. To protect my friends and comrades, to help lost souls find peace and move on, to see as much of this world as I can and propel myself to new heights.

Good. Ambition balanced with purpose, self-advancement walking hand-in-hand with selflessness; you understand the tightrope that must be tread. Together, we will become stronger than you could have ever hoped to be in your past life. You will discover new dreams, strive for new goals, push yourself to achieve ever greater strength, and much more besides. The afterlife has so much to offer, and our journey together has only just begun. You were a legend in your first life…

...and you will become one again in this one!

Author's Notes: I know long chapters are a running gag for me at this point, but holy crap! While I did intend for this one to be big, it wound up being even bigger than I'd initially planned. Again, sorry for the delay in getting it done, life got in the way there for a while, but things have calmed down on my end and with my revamped writing schedule new chapters should get released quicker moving forward.

Now, regarding the name for Jiraiyia's Zanpakutō. The rough translation I was going for was 'Sage of Life'. Like other Zanpakutō names for this story, I used Google Translate to get as close as I could to what I wanted.

This chapter was a lot of fun to write, been a while since I've done a big battle like the one that took place here! The segments with Kyōraku's Shikai in particular were challenging, but it was quite entertaining figuring out how best to utilize his unique abilities in this fight. I really enjoyed myself with this, and I hope you all liked it. Please review, stay safe, and I'll see you all next time!