Unknown enemies granted wishes between two sets of Dragon Balls. In the Sacred World of the Kais, Goku, Vegeta, and the Supreme Kai tried to reason through what occurred.
"They used the Earth's Dragon Balls at night to avoid any suspicion," said the Supreme Kai. "And then they used the Super Dragon Balls while they had the ones on Earth active as well. Maybe the Earth ones were just a diversion, or did they make wishes?"
Goku's eyes fell to the grass. "We checked with Dende before we got here. We can't summon Shenron for a year, so we know they used both wishes. But wouldn't it be easier to use the Dragon Balls on Namek instead of gathering two sets? They would still get all three wishes, right? "
"They probably needed a wish with more power," Vegeta said. "So they gathered the Super Dragon Balls to bypass the limitations of the others. But we still don't know what the hell it is they wished for." He turned and looked at the Supreme Kai. "Have there been any changes to anything in the universe? Any abnormalities in the least?"
The Kai shook his head. "None, I've done a sweep of the universe, and I couldn't find anyone or anything that stood out."
Vegeta clenched his fists in frustration. "Is there any possibility we're dealing with another rogue Kai, like Zamasu?"
"That could be the case, but it would be best if we left our options open."
"Well, it looks like we have a cunning adversary in our hands. It beats the hulking, brainless ones like Broly." A smile crept onto Vegeta's face.
Goku shot his head up. "Hey! I like fighting with Broly!" His face switched to a relaxed grin. "I'm getting fired up, though. It's been a while since I've had something to train for."
"If I see anything happen, I'll alert the both of you," the Supreme Kai said.
"Thanks." Goku prepared to head back to Earth with Vegeta. "Oh, and would you mind giving us updates on the boys and their training?"
The Kai nodded. "They should arrive at their destination soon. I'll update you frequently."
Goku nodded, and the Saiyans departed back to Earth. "Hey Vegeta, what about that guy that showed up outta nowhere, and the one that you said is another Saiyan?"
"Grimmjow might have been one of them before, but that other guy certainly was not. I would for certain recognize a power like that. Someone else has to be behind that enormous amount of energy. But it makes no difference. Once we find out who's behind this, I'll lay them all in their graves."
Across the galaxies of Universe Six, Goten, Trunks, and Vados sped toward Earth. Vados did her best to fill in the gaps that Elder Kai left in his story.
"His name is Sosuke Aizen," she said. "He's a former captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, the group of Soul Reapers that protect the Soul Society. A little over two years ago, he defected and created an army of Hollows with Soul Reapers powers, called Arrancar."
"What exactly was he after?" Trunks asked.
"He wanted to create the Oken, a key to the Soul King's palace. He likely wanted to become the Soul King himself and govern over life and death in this universe."
Aizen's ambitions didn't phase either of them. They had heard stories of people like Frieza and other beings that sought absolute rule over life in the universe. However, Goten wanted to examine their enemy further.
"So, what makes this guy so strong?" he questioned Vados.
"He has an extraordinary amount of battle power for a Soul Reaper, and his intellect is like few that the multiverse has ever seen. Besides this, he possesses one of the most dangerous Zanpakuto, Kyoka Suigetsu."
"What's its ability?" Trunks asked.
"A Zanpakuto's ability is released by a command, followed by the user calling out its name. For example, his release command is 'Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu'. Once released, he can manipulate your five senses to experience whatever illusion he desires. He can make a fly appear to be a dragon, a puddle appear to be a lake, or even a friend to look and sound like a foe. It's so subtle that you might not even know you fell under his spell until it's too late."
The duo gasped in shock. Goten edged toward Vados. "What the hell?! They beat someone with a power like that?"
"Luckily, a powerful Soul Reaper, who lives on Earth, never looked at his sword release. However, right before he could capture him for good, Aizen escaped and hasn't been seen since."
Goten eased up, but Trunks inquired more. "Okay, but how do we know he's still in Universe Six?"
"We're looking into all possibilities, but for now, the Soul Society believes that he has to be on Earth or in the Hollow World, Hueco Mundo."
"This is my last question, but is there any reason you're the one taking us instead of the Universe Six Supreme Kai?"
Goten's face lit up. He didn't question why Vados took them, but now that Trunks mentioned it, teleportation would save them time.
Vados smiled. "So, your Supreme Kai didn't fill you in on that?"
"Huh? Fill us in on what?"
"In response to the threats that have come against the Kais, like Zamasu and the creature from your universe known as Majin Buu, the Grand Priest enacted a rule that if a Supreme Kai visits the mortal realm, he must go with his God of Destruction present. Just like your Lord Beerus, Lord Champa is currently in a deep nap and probably will stay like that for another year or two. The Grand Priest also created a semi-permeable barrier around the Supreme Kais' and the God of Destructions' planet to prevent any person with ill intentions from intruding."
Goten and Trunks both awed at this discovery, then noticed that they had slowed their speed. They came to a halt altogether in the sunny sky of a town that appeared peaceful.
Goten scanned the area. "This is the Soul Society? I've gotta say, I'm not getting the samurai vibe from this place."
Vados giggled. "This is Earth. To be exact, this is Karakura Town, a small town in the country of Japan. It's located just outside the nation's capital of Tokyo. This town has the greatest concentration of spiritual beings in the universe. It is also home to the Soul Reaper that defeated Sosuke Aizen."
Goten and Trunks took in their surroundings, but Vados turned her staff on its side, then thrust it into the air, where part of it disappeared. A door appeared before them and parted down the middle. A bright light obscured what lied within. Black butterflies fluttered out and circled them.
"Follow me," Vados said. "The Soul Society awaits."
The duo followed her through the gate and arrived at a location surrounded by tall pillars. The sky took a deep shaded blue.
"That gate you just passed through is called the Senkaimon," said Vados. "To come here, your bodies have to be turned from their normal form into spirit particles, called Reishi."
Goten took a deep breath in through his nose and out through his mouth. His bones felt strengthened by the pure air.
"This entire place is fundamentally made up of Reishi, so it must be a welcome surprise for both of you. Follow me, there's much more for you to marvel at." Vados took to the air, and the two half-Saiyans followed close behind her. The landscape covered itself with white buildings with orange roofs and lush green forests scattered across the scenery.
"This is incredible!" Trunks exclaimed. "Its so... huge!"
"708,393 square kilometers, to be exact," Vados replied. "I'm going to introduce you to the Head Captain of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads. I advise you, however, that he is a very serious man. Please try to be as respectful as possible."
They both nodded in agreement, and the three of them descended on the Squad One Barracks. They landed on the second story of a large building to search for the Head Captain's office.
"He should be around here, somewhere," Vados muttered.
The group turned the corner and spotted a male Soul Reaper a good distance from them. "You three." He sprinted toward the group. "Stop at once!"
"Finally, some assistance," Vados said.
"Something tells me he doesn't see it that way," Trunks said.
Vados greeted the Soul Reaper. "Hello there, I need to speak with Head Captain Yamamoto at once."
"Speak with the Head Captain?" The Soul Reaper laughed. "That won't be happening, and if you don't remove yourselves from the premises, I will be required to use force."
The Soul Reaper grasped the handle of his Zanpakuto, but Vados' facial expression remained calm. "Oh, I advise you don't do that."
In the nick of time, another Soul Reaper turned the corner and saw the altercation. When he laid his eyes on the group, he sped towards them.
"Stop!" He closed the distance between them. "Go, I'll handle this."
The Soul Reaper gasped, but bowed out and disappeared. The man that now stood before them dressed differently than the previous one. He wore a white coat over the black shihakusho with white armbands. He sported gray hair, a thin, black mustache, and a badge tied around his sleeve. Goten and Trunks inferred that this man had some sort of importance.
The man bowed to them. "My apologies, Miss Vados. We did not know that you would visit us."
"Lieutenant Sasakibe, it's been a very long time. I request an audience with your captain. Would you mind escorting us to him?"
"But of course. Please, follow me."
The lieutenant brought them to Yamamoto's office. It had no doors, but its openness offered a sweeping view of the Seireitei. Near the back of the room, an elderly man stood in a lengthy white coat. He sported a long white beard, mustache, and eyebrows that hung down his face. He rested his single hand on a brown cane.
Sasakibe fell to a knee, and his fist met the ground. "Captain Yamamoto, you have guests that request an audience with you, sir."
"I see," he responded as he gazed at the three. "What brings to the Seireitei, Vados?"
Vados smiled. "Skipping the formalities, Head Captain? Well, you are a busy man, so I understand. My first order of business is to let you know my offer still stands after all these years."
"My answer is still the same. I have no desire to train to be a God of Destruction."
The Saiyans shared a silent gasp. This old man qualified as a God of Destruction candidate?
Trunks figured he had to be strong to be the Head Captain. How many years did he train to reach that level of strength? Trunks figured he had a powerful Zanpakuto, too.
To Goten, though he appeared frail, a huge amount of power welled inside Yamamoto. Maybe he was like Master Roshi and bulked up when need be. But how could he be so strong with one arm?
Curiosity floated in both of their minds, but Trunks stayed reserved. Meanwhile, Goten fixed his narrow stare on Yamamoto to gauge his true power. Trunks gave him a subtle nudge to stop, but when Goten responded with a quiet grunt, the Head Captain turned his attention to them. They attempted to act as normal as possible.
Trunks wanted to smack himself in the forehead. Goddammit. Why didn't I just use telepathy? Now he's gonna think we're a bunch of idiots.
"I know you didn't come here to convince me to become your pupil," the Head Captain said. "Tell me, what business do these two have here?"
Vados explained the purpose of the visit, as well as the special nature of their Asauchi. Yamamoto hesitated when he heard it would require them to copy another Soul Reaper's Zanpakuto for their own use, but Vados responded that this came as an order of the Universe Six Supreme Kai, and in exchange for their training, they would assist with the capture Sosuke Aizen.
"These two are the sons of two of the most powerful fighters in the multiverse," said Vados. "Naturally, they have the talent to excel. I think you'll also find that whoever they train with will benefit as well."
Yamamoto hummed to himself and pondered. "Yes, these two are indeed powerful, but I can tell that they lack experience. Given the circumstances, however, I will allow it this one time. Lieutenant, call for a captain's meeting."
Sasakibe bowed his head and left the room. Yamamoto made his way toward the Assembly Hall. Vados and the two accompanied him.
"Vados, is there any reason that you have come here instead of the Supreme Kai?" Yamamoto asked.
"Multiverse law now dictates a God of Destruction must accompany a Supreme Kai, and Lord Champa is currently taking a nap."
Yamamoto sighed. "As I suspected."
Behind the Head Captain and Vados, the two Saiyans engaged in a telepathic discussion.
"Did you get a good read on him?" asked Trunks.
"I think so," replied Goten. "I think he's pretty strong, but not like our dads, you know?"
"Yeah, but if he's at that level, I wonder what the other twelve captains are like."
"I'm more curious about the Soul Reaper on Earth. Apparently, he's supposed to be pretty strong, too-"
"I apologized for the intrusion," Vados said. Goten and Trunks jolted. "I wanted to warn you two that the captains might not receive you kindly, so I would suggest that you let him do all the talking."
They both agreed and soon arrived at the captain's meeting hall. They removed their shoes, left their bags, and entered. Captain Yamamoto stood in the front and faced the entrance. The other three stood in the middle of the hall to face him.
Chojiro entered the room and kneeled before his captain. "Sir, they've arrived."
"Bring them in," he replied.
Trunks' heart beat faster, but he tried his best to remain composed. He didn't know what they would think of him, or what they would say, but the Head Captain himself already gave his approval, and this thought calmed him. Goten experienced a bit of nervousness as well, but he felt more curious about what they would look like and how strong they were. Before they could ponder on these thoughts for long, the captains entered the room and filled the room on each side.
Trunks looked back to see who entered the room. He first laid eyes on a girl with jaw-length, black hair, wearing the same white coat that Yamamoto had on. She became the first person to shatter his preconceived ideas of what the captains would look like. He expected them to be a group of bloodthirsty and muscular swordsmen, but she looked nothing like that. She sported a slim but athletic frame, and though she didn't seem like a friendly person, he couldn't take his eyes off of her.
She met his gaze with her own confused scowl, and Trunks spun his head around. Trunks stood close enough to the front that the girl came even with him. He felt her stare burn a hole into the side of his head.
Why am I like this? He kept his eyes forward to avoid eye contact with anyone else.
Goten looked as the captains on his walked their way to the front. He saw a captain with long blonde hair, one with a jaw-length hair and diagonally cut bangs, a tall captain that he swore to be a dog, one with a sleeveless shihakusho and spiked gray hair, and then one with long, black hair, with an eyepatch on his right eye and a vertical scar on his left. Their ogling stares didn't deter his curiosity.
Captain Yamamoto thrust his staff onto the floor; all eyes fixated on him. "Captains of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads," Hs low voice resonated through the room. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. There is no immediate danger, but I called this captain's meeting to explain the situation that I have just been presented with."
The Head Captain explained the situation to everybody. However, when he explained the concept of the special Asauchi, some captains met him with resistance, the first one coming from the captain next to Trunks.
"Captain Yamamoto," she said. Trunks' heart skipped. "Is it wise to let them copy a Zanpakuto when we are only 6 months removed from Kugo Ginjo stealing Ichigo Kurosaki's powers?"
Another captain chimed in after her. This voice now came from Goten's side. The man stepped out to speak. "I'm gonna have to agree with her on this, Head Captain. This idea doesn't sit too well with me. How do we know we can trust them?"
"Captain Soi Fon and Captain Hirako," Yamamoto responded. "Your concerns are understandable. However, these two arrived here with the God of Destruction's attendant, on the orders of the Supreme Kai, who oversees all things in this universe. For the benefit of the Soul Society, I have proceeded with this plan."
The two captains backed down from their objection, but another captain spoke in a relaxed twang. "I have a question, Head Captain Yamamoto."
Everyone turned their attention to a captain standing on the left. The captain wore a pink kimono over his white coat and sported a straw hat.
"Proceed, Captain Kyoraku," said Captain Yamamoto.
Kyoraku tipped his hat forward. "I'm not doubting that this plan will end up helping us finally beat Sosuke Aizen, but I am curious though. Who exactly do you want to train these two guys?" Everyone's ears perked up, especially Goten and Trunks.
"I have already decided that, and will announce it now," answered the Head Captain.
Even though they both held their tongues, their countenance showed dissatisfaction. They already couldn't achieve their own power, and now they had to be assigned one? All the optimism in the journey fell to the wayside.
"Young man in the orange," Goten perked up at Yamamoto's call. "State your name."
Goten scrambled to attention and bowed. "Son Goten, Head Captain, sir!"
"Son Goten," he repeated. "You will stay here in the Seireitei and begin your training with Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya of Squad Ten."
All the captains expressed shock at this announcement, especially the Squad Ten captain. Goten wanted to look back and find the face of Captain Hitsugaya, but Yamamoto still had eyes glued on him. He'd make his acquaintance after the meeting.
"Young man in the blue," Captain Yamamoto said. "State your name."
Trunks rehearsed this in his head while Goten had been assigned. He stood to attention and bowed. "Trunks Briefs, Head Captain, sir."
"Trunks Briefs, you will go to the World of the Living and begin your training with the Substitute Soul Reaper of Karakura Town, Ichigo Kurosaki."
The captains thought Yamamoto had lost his mind. As uneasy as the decision made them, no one spoke a word.
The tension within Trunks eased. He could train with one of the most powerful Soul Reapers around, and if the rumors about his strength proved true, his Zanpakuto would reflect that.
"Captain Ukitake," Yamamoto continued, "Have Lieutenant Rukia Kuchiki escort Trunks so that she may explain the situation to Kisuke Urahara and Ichigo Kurosaki."
Jushiro Ukitake stood in the back and replied with a quick, "Yes, Head Captain," before he covered his mouth and coughed.
Captain Yamamoto adjourned the meeting, and Goten and Trunks turned around to figure out who Captain Ukitake and Captain Hitsugaya were. Before they searched, several captains had approached them. Out of the corner of his eye, however, Trunks saw Captain Soi Fon walk past him. Their eyes met for a second before she turned her face and sped out of the Assembly Hall. Her agility intrigued him, but his attention drew back to the first captain to introduce themselves.
"Hello, my name is Retsu Unohana." She gave a warm smile and extended her hand. "I'm the captain of Squad Four. It's a pleasure to meet both of you."
They both introduced themselves to her and most of the other captains. To their joint surprise, most of the captains seemed friendly. Some expressed more solemness than others, like Captain Kuchiki of Squad Six, Captain Muguruma of Squad Nine, and Captain Kurotsuchi of Squad Thirteen, who wanted them to sign up for his experiments, but they politely declined. The others seemed rather polite, even if they had their reservations.
The only Captains that had chosen not to introduce themselves were Captain Soi Fon, who left almost immediately, and Kenpachi Zaraki, who gave Goten and Trunks a devilish smile before he departed. As they exchanged their formalities, Vados said her goodbyes to the duo and the Head Captain before she exited the Soul Society.
From behind, Captain Hitsugaya approached Goten. "Toshiro Hitsugaya of Squad Ten. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Goten smiled and extended his hand. "Goten, it's nice to meet you, too. I'm looking forward to starting our training together."
He held in his surprise, but he couldn't believe that the Thirteen Court Guard Squads had a captain as young as the one in front of him.
Toshiro shook his hand and replied. "Well, we better get you situated in the barracks before we begin. Are you ready to leave?"
"Yeah, would you mind if I said goodbye first?"
Toshiro nodded, and Goten turned to Trunks, who conversed with Captain Ukitake and Captain Kyoraku. "Hey, Trunks, I'm about to head out."
"Me too," he replied. "This is where we split, huh?"
"I guess so, but we won't be that far apart. Try not to let this Ichigo kid beat your ass, okay?"
"Hmph, worry about yourself for once." Trunks fist-bumped his friend up for the last time before he watched him walk out the door.
"So, are you ready to head out?" Ukitake asked.
"Yeah," Trunks said. He faced Yamamoto. "Head Captain, sir, thank you for trusting in us. I promise we won't let you down."
Yamamoto nodded. Trunks left with Ukitake and Kyoraku to meet his guide to the World of the Living - Rukia Kuchiki.