Chapter 3
In the Shingami Academy on generic non-descript room was Ōnabara Gengorō's office. The door had a 'do not disturb' sign.
Inside was Gengorō himself along with several instructors. Their reason for meeting: Yamada Hanatarō. It was an unofficial gathering, they were just keeping up to date on their 'favoured' student's progress. Or rather lack thereof.
"Academically he is brilliant." Okai Risa tapped the side of her glasses gently. "His answers are perfect and thorough. A very intelligent boy."
"He's going to pass his medical courses with flying colours." A man of startlingly small height by the name of Date Shunsui looked over a notepad filled with statistics.
Gengorō pinched the bridge of his nose. "Why do I sense a 'but'?"
"His fighting and practical combat is awful." Tachiro Kida's bluntness was worth its weight in gold. "I don't know what he is doing in your advanced class Gengorō but he is a joke in my combat kido class. He is nearly dead last."
"Kida and I are divided on this." Kida's assistant Maruna Kao spoke up. "Kida's opinion is obvious but, I have a distinct feeling he is intentionally losing."
"To what end?" Gengorō raised a brow.
"It could be as simple as choosing to consolidate his efforts." Kao concluded. "Perhaps he wants us to give up on him.
"Perhaps we should." Kida muttered.
"Are you insane Kida?!" Shunsui turned a shade of red. "Yamada Hanatarō has an acid-type Zanpakutō. That has never been recorded in the entire history of the Seireitei."
"We are truly uncharted waters…but that opens up a whole realm of possibilities." Kao nodded enthusiastically. "But that means nothing if the boy is unwilling to develop his own power. Maybe we should tailor his courses to his preference…"
"Not going to happen." Gengorō shook his head. "That boy and his Zanpakutō are going to be great. He's got 'captain' in his future; I know it."
"We are all in agreement, even Kida will acknowledge Hanatarō has unbelievable potential. He has the power, we have all seen it in one form or another." Shunsui's eyes never left his clipboard. "But Hanatarō is just not trying, he is going the complete opposite direction of what we want him to do. Instead of releasing or tapping into his Zanpakutō, he is deliberately trying to avoid using it, even if it compromises his grades."
"His mind is brilliant, but his body and spirit are weak." Maruna Kao chewed her lip.
"I spoke to his brother, Seinosuke. You would probably remember him as the former lieutenant of 4th Division." Gengorō folded his arms, a large frown on his face. "It's beginning to take a toll on his little brother's body, he has expressed concern of Hanatarō losing weight despite almost force-feeding him."
"How much food are we talking about?" Kida raise a brow.
"At least 16,000 calories worth." Gengorō frowned, knowing full well what that meant.
Shunsui's eyes finally left his clipboard, his eyes wide in surprise. "Seinosuke has been making his brother eat at least 16,000 calories a day for over a month, and he's losing weight?"
Risa folder her arms in worry. "His Zanpakutō is metaphorically and quite literally dragging him along for the ride."
"He's refusing to communicate with his sword." Kida scoffed. "It's throwing his entire body out of sync. The problem is not the Zanpakutō, but the Shinigami."
"It's more than that. The current state between Hanatarō and his Zanpakutō is going to cause all sorts of problems for his health; stunted growth, protracted illnesses. It could even kill him. " Kao concluded. "This imbalance cannot last forever.
Gengorō briefly closed his eyes, thinking up a new plan. "We may have to force a meeting between Shinigami and Zanpakutō."
"Isn't that risky?" Risa queried.
"It is, but it will be riskier if we don't. We have to save him. A prodigy such as Yamada is rare. I can foresee a captaincy in his future. We cannot afford his loss in a world with Hollows on the rise. Besides…" Gengorō's eyes flared in anger, "I hear Seiichiro, that smug prick is sniffing around. If we cannot make any progress, he will attempt to pull rank and take over Hanatarō's education, and I will be dammed if that bastard gets all the glory."
0o0o0o
Ever since that debacle with Asuka a month ago, Yamada Hanatarō's life has changed dramatically, and not necessarily for the better.
The younger Yamada was assured that what happens in the advanced classes, especially the combat classes, were kept in the strictest confidence. The purpose of such secrecy was for the benefit of the students and their abilities; this stage of a shinigami's development is crucial for their future, where their strengths, weaknesses and limitations are identified, and their core habits and fighting style are refined. Such knowledge is very valuable to any potential enemy or rival.
But someone talked and in the Academy, gossip spreads faster than Shunpo. Apart from very close friends, most of the students did not even know Hanatarō existed. Now everyone suddenly noticed him. Yamada Hanatarō, became a celebrity (of a sort) overnight.
His fellow 'bookworms' worshipped him, the regular students nodded at him when they passed, the jocks and bullies were (more) hostile towards him, even the women giggled (and not the making-fun-of-him kind either).
The stories of Hanatarō were, naturally, exacerbated: a genius that comes along once in a generation (definitely false), managed to soar to the elite class overnight (not true), managed to take down the best students of the advanced combat classes in a manner of seconds with superb skill (it was just Asuka and it was blind luck), possessed an extremely rare and dangerous Zanpakutō (…okay that is kind of accurate), destined to become a captain (what is wrong with people?!).
Deep down Hanatarō could not blame them. An acid-type Zanpakutō….it was unheard of. And it is all mine. Yay! Hanatarō snarked. Unfortunately something big and unpleasant jolted him from his inner thoughts.
"Hey!" Jisanbō blocked his way like a big wall of muscle and brick.
Oh great, Hanatarō nearly wept, just what I need. The bullies took Hanatarō's new found fame as a sign to make things more miserable for the younger Yamada, including but especially Ikkanzaka Jisanbōmade every day a living hell. A senior freshman who was a stupid as he was huge, Jisanbō was a mere year away from graduating and he was without a doubt the biggest source of despair.
His eldest brother was the famed Jidanbō, gatekeeper of Hakutōmon, one of the four gates into Seireitei. His immediate older sibling was Jirōbō, a fourth seat in the 7th Division. This made him like royalty, or at least that is what Jisanbō made everyone think. Truth be told he was a far cry from his elder siblings; but his name and what little power he does possess will ensure a quick and easy path to a seated position somewhere within the Gotei 13. Well…that and getting Hanatarō to do his research and homework.
"Where is my paper you nerd?" Jisanbō growled.
"Agh!…H-h-hi Jisanbō-san." Hanatarō reached into his backpack searching for Jisanbō's assessment on Shinigami and Hollow history. "I am so sorry I-"
"It was due yesterday you little punk!" Jisanbō lifted Hanatarō off the ground with one hand. "You think because you some hotshot with some fancy sword, you think you can rise beyond your place?!"
"AGH! No! Nononononono!" Hanatarō pulled out the paper that would easily let Jisanbō get one of the top grades in the class. "I'm sorry Jisanbō-san. I did not mean to stall, I was uh-uh, putting on the finishing touches on the paper. I would not want you to get a mediocre grade!"
"Damn right squirt." Jisanbō snatched the paper out of Hanatarō's hands. "It better get me on that honour role."
"It will! It will! I swear it!" Hanatarō sweated. Jisanbō, seemingly satisfied with the Yamada's patheticness dropped like a sack of rocks and walked off like rather grumpy grizzly bear on two legs. No one came to help, mostly out of apathy, but sometimes out of fear. A students' gaze lingered to see what would happen after all; if the rumours of Hanatarō were true, Jisanbō would not be a threat. But it seemed the walking meat-heap did Hanatarō a favour for it appeared to quickly dispel the rumours. Every time Jisanbō left him Hanatarō more and more students grew disaffected. Despite how popular Hanatarō became, a month later everyone lost interest.
Well…almost everyone…
"I still don't know why you put up with him, Hanatarō," the familiar voice of Asuka caused the tiny Shinigami to jump with a small 'eep!'
"Asuka-san," the Yamada spun around to look at the tall slender form of Katakura Asuka, with a smirk that can only be described (much to Hanatarō terror) as mischievous "I-I hope you are well."
Asuka's chiselled features softened into a wry smile (not as threatening but still intimidating) and patted something on his hip. Hanatarō followed the movement with his eyes; Asuka's Zanpakutō was at his side and it looked pristine; almost brand new. "The Institute managed to save him."
"Your Zanpakutō is okay?" Hanatarō held his breath.
"Katakage is back to full strength with no ill effects."
"Thank goodness." Realising that Asuka and Katakage were going to be okay relieved the Yamada of a ridiculously huge burden. That bout was worse than anyone could have imagined. Zanpakutōs, even in their released state, can regenerate and reform themselves, similar to how Shinigami naturally heal from their wounds. But it became apparent that Hanatarō's Zanpakutō inflicts wounds which do not heal. Asuka's Zanpakutō was seriously damaged and there was talk that Asuka may have to leave the Academy or focus his career towards the Kido Corps. Knowing that Asuka's career and life were no longer in jeopardy was relief beyond words.
"Why do you let that jackass push you around like that?" Asuka nodded towards Jisanbō who was walking off to taunt some other poor soul. "What do you get out this?"
"What can I do?" Hanatarō mumbled. "He's bigger and stronger than me."
"Is he really though?" Asuka raised a brow. "I know you can take him."
"You know that's not true!" Hanatarō tried to convince him of truth. Asuka was clearly not buying it. "Uh-huh, yeah sure."
"Asuka-san!" Hanatarō pleas were met with mild amusement.
"You know…" Asuka patted his sword. "Katakage is rearing for a rematch more than ever. As am I." Asuka jerked his thumb behind him. "A couple of us are going to one of the spare training rooms for practice, care to join us?" Smile or not, Hanatarō realised a challenge when he saw it and the advanced students play rough. Too rough for the Yamada's comfort. Hanatarō was loathe to admit it, but what happened to Katakage worried the teachers so much they laid off Hanatarō to participate in matches. But now that the Institute has found a way to repair the damage inflicted by Yamada's Zanpakutō, it seemed the grace period was finally over.
"I'm sorry Asuka-san." Hanataro bowed, "I'm sorry but I have more studies."
"What's a matter Hanataro?" Asuka chuckled. "Afraid I figured out how to counter your Zanpakutō's abilities?"
"No, no, no." Hanataro shook his head. "It's not that."
"Oh?" Asuka raised his eyebrow. "You think I can't get to you is that it? I'm not a threat?"
"AGH! No! That's not what I meant!" Hanataro bowed. "It's just I have exams soon, I'm in my final year in medicine and I want to do well."
"Oh please, you and I both know you have those subjects down cold." Asuka laughed.
"Maybe so, but I want to get into the 4th Division." Hanataro kept his posture bowed, his mind scrambled for something to distract Asuka from fighting him "How are your finals going? You have a Division in mind?"
"I've got my eyes on the 3rd." Asuka thought about it. "But I am keen on any position really. Maybe I'll join the 4th specifically so I can whoop your ass."
Hanataro emitted a small 'eep!' but said nothing.
"I'm kidding. I'll let you get back to your studies. But I want that rematch." Asuka grinned, it was feral and unnerving. Hanataro wanted to run away and cry. "I'll get you next time."
Despite the Hanataro doing his best to not have a bowel movement right then and there, there was not sinister motive in Asuka. Accidents in the advanced sparring sessions do occur, just not that quickly and not in the way that happened to Katakage. Hanataro proved there was a lot more to him than meets the eye, and Asuka decided to adopt the position of 'rival', much to Hanataro's terror.
While most Academy students lost interest pretty quickly, Hanatarō's humiliation had the opposite affect with the advanced students. Ever since his bout with Katakura Asuka, they too have readjusted their attitude towards Hanatarō. Scrutinising, analysing, suspicious, and possibly intimidated. These are the words Hanatarō would never have been expected to be used with reference to him.
They were watching him and studying his movements; not out of malice, but curiosity. Hanatarō was not entirely certain what they were looking for, whether it be a weakness or something else altogether. Whatever it was Hanatarō wanted nothing more than to convince them that they were wasting their time; they were looking for something that clearly was not there.
But no matter how hard he tried, the advanced students had already reached a conclusion; Hanatarō was playing possum the whole time. This whole meek, helpless and pathetic bookworm 'persona', getting bullied by Jisanbō and countless others was an act; a complete farce. A mask that Hanatarōwore to hide his power, so as to pass unnoticed and so people would underestimate him.
Hanatarō's naturally skittish and panicked attitude only seemed to reinforce this theory. The more Hanatarō tried to convince them how wrong they were, the more entrenched their belief that he was merely trying to pull the wool over their eyes. It was a very clever trick and most of the advanced students could not help but be impressed. Hanatarō had the entire Academy fooled. But not them. Not anymore.
Hanatarō wished he could convince them how wrong they were.
0o0o0o
0o0o0o
The creature was becoming impatient. This little thing, this Yamada Hanatarō was fast becoming a nuisance.
The first time they met, Hanatarō was asleep. He came to her terrified and meek, gazing in terror at the depths of his soul that was the creature's home. He gazed upon her form and fell to his knees paralysed in awe and fear. A meagre hiss from her jaws and Hanatarō fled back to consciousness, screaming all the way.
The creature was flattered; the boy was at least respectful.
But that was six months ago and her gratitude was fast fading.
The creature may have expected Hanatarō's predictable freak out once or twice, three times at most. But Hanatarō jerked away every time she made contact.
Every. Single. Time.
The creature never had a chance to properly meet her 'host'; one look and he ran away. He did not have a tail, but if the creature had to guess it would have been between his legs.
The little thing was intelligent, the creature recollected, incredibly so. Hanatarō mastered basic healing in record time and was an intellectual heavy-weight, dwarfing the small minds that ridiculed him. But therein lies his failings, the boy is physically frail and emotionally pathetic. He was an easy target for the brutish and jealous. Oh how she wished to tear those that afflicted him! For every jibe, every insult, every assault, his pain radiated into her.
He is weak and frightened, she hissed, but I am strong and powerful. For every day that passed, the Queen Mother's strength grew. Hanataro could feel her presence; she was clawing at the walls of his psyche, roaring from his subconscious requesting, no, demanding his attention.
This thing; this little, tiny thing will not ignore her.
Whether it be by fate or luck, they were bound together. The creature was not going to be stuck in the corners or her host's mind forever. She wanted the opportunity to stretch her legs and claws. She wanted to inflict harsh punishment on those that made Hanatarō's and by extension, her existence uncomfortable. She wanted to seek greater heights.
And Hanatarō was going to be a king in Soul Society. Whether he wanted to or not.
0o0o0o
The younger Yamada was feeling sickly, hypersensitive and feverish. It was affecting him to the point where chose to take an earlier and longer lunch break. Hanatarō took the opportunity to sit in the central garden at the heart of the Academy. When he opened his lunch box, he found a ridiculously large amount of food. The younger Yamada despite after all this time was still surprised how much food Seinosuke could pack into it.
Worst part was that Hanatarō was not even that hungry. Nonetheless, he tried to eat as much of it as possible, mostly because he feared his brother's 'murder' glare if he came home with uneaten food. But it was more of a chore to eat than usual, his joints made it difficult to hold his chopsticks.
"Geez, man what are you trying to do?" A voice snarked. "Eat Seireitei into a famine?"
Hanatarō glanced up and for brief moment all his troubles seemed so far away. "Hey guys." Hanatarō smiled.
He only recently met Kira, Renji and Hinamori who were already part of the advanced classes. Being thrown into the deep end, the younger Yamada nearly drowned. Whether it be out of pity, a desire to make friends, simple curiosity or just plain old fashioned luck, these three chose to look after Hanatarō. Something he was forever grateful for.
"We hardly ever get to see you." Kira sulked.
"What's a matter?" Renji barked. "Too good for us now?"
"N-no!" The Yamada quivered. "I just- just been busy for-"
"Ah don't be a baby. I'm just busting your balls." Renji patted him on the back, just a little too hard, almost sending the smaller Shinigami flying forward. Hanatarō did not really have the heart to tell Renji how much it hurt. "It's good to see you. So how does it feel to be a genius amongst the common folk."
"Speak for yourself." Kira coughed.
"Hey!" Renji's eyebrows pulsed in irritation. "You want to start something?!"
"Oh heaven forbid." Kira raised his hands in mock surrender. "I heard they moved you up to a special combat class, even more high-brow than the one with Gengoro-sensei."
"What?!" Renji balked. "Weren't you just assigned to that class?"
"Uhh-" Hanataro realised just how hot it became, "well uh…."
"Oh hush Renji, leave him alone." The Yamada was grateful forHinamori, she was always there to help. "You okay, Hanatarō? You're looking a little thin…"
Renji blinked. "Yeah, now that she mentions it you don't look so good."
"I'm okay," Hanatarō realised he looked the exact opposite of 'okay', "just been having trouble sleeping."
"Look's like you have been having more than trouble sleeping." Kira finally dropped the inevitable argument with Renji to refocus on their friend. "Are you having trouble with Jisanbō again?"
"You want me to do something about it?" Renji unleashed a grin that can only be described as feral. "Me and Zabimaru can take him on to problem."
"Oh it's not that." Hanatarō held up his hands. "I promise."
"Then what is it?" Kira's piercing eyes seemingly scanning Hanatarō, his mind piecing together the signs almost immediately. "It's your Zanpakutō, isn't it?"
Hanatarō's silence seemed to convey meaning in itself. Truth be told, he was developing a bit of headache. "Hanatarō," Kira mulled his words carefully, "you can't keep stalling like this. You are in the advanced classes and you are falling behind. I mean even Renji has at least discovered his Zanpakutō's name."
"Yeah, even I….wait a minute! You little snot!" Renji got ready to beat the blonde genius upside the head. Hanatarō's stomach turned inside, a wave of nausea resonated within him. "It's not that, I'm just feeling a little unwell. I must have picked up something."
Before what would have been a very unpleasant line of questioning, commotion was heard near the eastern part of the central garden near the main entrance. Several dozen students were running towards the entrance, there was excitement in the air as several students jabbered in the background.
"Woah, what's going on?" Renji called out.
"There's a captain here!" One of the students, likely a first year, yelled back without breaking pace. "A real captain!"
"That's rare. I wonder who it is?" Hinamori wondered aloud, but it was slightly more than curious, it almost sounded…hopeful."
"What you really mean is 'I hope it is Captain Aizen!'" Renji did his best Hinamori impression, even Hanatarō could barely hold in his laughter.
"Stop it, Renji! Please!" The younger Yamada never really anticipated Hinamori's face could turn that red; but she did. It was true that Hinamori did have a crush of sorts on the Captain of the 5th Division, but it was harmless. Renji, ever the troublemaker, nonetheless milked it for all it was worth. "'Oh his glasses are so perfectly symmetrical and his hair is so fluffy and smooth.'" Renji swooned.
Despite the humorous impression, Renji maintained enough awareness to avoid being slapped upside the head with the hilt of Tobiume. "You're mean Renji."
"Hey, quit shoving," Kira tried pushing both of them to the side, "I'm trying to get a good look. Hanatarō, did you want to come."
"That's okay." Hanatarō smiled politely. "You go on ahead." He was beginning to feel a headache creep up the back of his neck.
"You're sure you'll be alright." Hinamori's frown became more pronounced and worried with each passing second. Before Hanatarō could respond, someone began commanding the small crowd near the main entrance.
The crowd began to part revealing a strange looking man shooing people like they were buzzing flies. "Get out of the way! Get out of way!" He definitely was not Captain Aizen. The man that wore the Captain's robe had a skeletal look to it with a skull-like visage. His face is painted with a combination of black and white, with golden eyes and bared teeth giving the appearance of a rather unnerving grin.
There was only one captain that looked that creepy, with a reputation to match.
"Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri?" Kira could not help but sound confused. "He barely leaves the Institute, what the hell is he doing here?"
One of the more senior instructors, an uppity man called Takaro Seiichiro pushed aside some of the students to greet the Captain. "Welcome Captain Kurotsuchi, I am-"
"Shut up, I'm not here to talk to you." The grinning captain glanced to someone next to him. "Alright where is he?" The crowd parted a little further to reveal two people, one was a stoic boy that wore a lab coat and the other was….
"What is Katakura Asuka doing with a Captain?" Kira's question was immediately answered when Asuka after a brief scan of the crowd, immediately pointed at them. Or rather at Yamada Hanatarō.
Captain Kurotsuchi followed Asuka's finger to the destination and his weird grin became even more pronounced. Hanatarō felt a cold shiver up his spine, uncertain whether it was because of his golden-eyed stare or his nausea.
The Captain strode into the garden moving with dedicated purpose, in fact he seemed almost jovial. That was not a good sign, considering the reputation he gained whispered by those within the 12th Division.
Students near the entrance were murmuring, the old rumours about Hanatarō resurfaced. The 12th Division was apparently more interested in what caused the damage to Katakage rather that the damage itself. Apparently it was quite a feat that sent the entire Institute abuzz with interest. The rumour was Katakage's repair required the undivided attention of Captain Kurotsuchi himself. It seemed this particular rumour was accurate.
"Captain Kurotsuchi," Asuka gestured to the nervous Shinigami, "may I present Yamada Hanatarō."
"Excellent," the captain of the 12th Division pushed Renji and Kira aside leaned forward his bug-like years dancing with excitement. "I take it you are the young man who caused that damage to Katakura Asuka's Zanpakutō?"
"Y-yes sir. It's an honour to meet you." Despite the pain, Hanatarō knew the proper etiquette when addressing a captain of the Gotei 13. He slowly struggled to his feet, only for clammy hands to grip his elbows easing his burden.
"Such good manners," Mayuri nodded, his weird lopsided hat somehow clinging to his head as if glued on. "But in reality it is an honour to meet you."
"Captain?" Hanatarō blinked.
"A Zanpakutō with an acidic release has never been catalogued in the history of Shinigami…Well not anymore." The captain sounded like an excited school boy, looking at the sword next to Hanatarō's hip. "The first of its kind."
Hanatarō did not really know where to go from there. Captain Kurotsuchi seemed transfixed by the Yamada's Zanpakutō. The skeletal like captain must have realised what was happening as he snapped out of his trance and refocused his eyes on Hanatarō. The Yamada struggled to stand upright has he felt a strange burning sensation in his chest.
Captain Kurotsuchi grabbed Hanatarō's shoulders, holding him close. "I have reviewed your Academy report: excellent research and analytical skills, a natural medic. You have great potential."
"Yes, sir." Hanatarō's felt slight unease in his stomach, for some reason his heart began to race. "I was hoping to join the 4th Division, like my brother."
"Oh?" The captain's strange eyes began to shift in weird directions, like a chameleon. "But what of your Zanpakutō? In the 4th Division, all you do is use medical kido. Surely you would not want to abandon something as precious as that?"
"Ummm….." Hanatarō began to feel light-headed.
"It doesn't matter." Mayuri waved away the response. "Have you ever thought of the 12th Division? Your skills and your gifts would be very much respected, you could even be fast-tracked to a seated position. So what do you say? Would you commit to a visit to the 12th Division. I know some people who would absolutely love to meet you."
Asuka, Kira, Renji and Hinamori simultaneously blanched. They have heard a lot of strange things coming out of the 12th Division. There were some students above them who entered the Institute and never came out. Captain Kurotsuchi Mayuri was not one to just show up to recruit someone out of the blue. They could not be sure, but if they had to guess Mayuri was eager to get his hands on Hanatarō for a far more disturbing reason.
But it was all in vein, the captain continued to make promises, but his excitement blinded him to what was happening to Hanatarō. Renji dared to break the spectacle. "Uh sir?"
"What do you want?" Mayuri growled, the chipper attitutude replaced with something far more lethal.
"U-um." Renji pointed at the younger Yamada. "He doesn't look too well."
The captain took a long look at the younger Yamada who in the short time they talked turned a shade of white similar to the captain's robe. His veins were turning an unpleasant black colour and you could only see the whites of his eyes.
"Yamada Hanatarō, are you okay?" The Hanatarō did not respond, but a small drop of blood fell from his nose, and landed right in the centre of Captain Kurotsuchi right hand.
The effect was instantaneous.
Mayuri screamed at the top of his lungs, clutching his hand in absolute agony "WHAT IS THIS?!". His right hand was spluttering and steaming and was beginning to dissolve at an alarming rate, a pool of red was bubbling on the ground staining and mutilating the grass beneath their feet.
Yamada Hanatarō, without Mayuri's support fell on the ground in a heap, blood continuing to pour from his nose. His body twitching in awkward angles.
"He's having a seizure." Hinamori withdrew herself in shock. "Someone get a medic!"
0o0o0o
Hanatarō could not precisely recall when it happened, all he knew was the 12th Division Captain was making some promises for a seated position. Next thing he was here….wherever here was.
An endless black void.
Hanatarō could not see anything and could only hear the peripheral sounds, like background noise. He was sure he could hear Mayuri screaming in the background and Hinamori but everything else was like static in the void.
Hanatarō felt as if his entire body was on fire and it was not subsiding.
And just when he thought it could not get any worse he heard something growl in the shadows.
All right you little thing, it's time we had a talk.