Welcome to the next chapter!
Silver crow; You surely were~ Thanks, glad you liked it! Yeah, he's the Captain~ Yeah, Mayuri surely was. Kenpachi and Soi Fon had quite the entrance, and yeah, poor new recruits seeing their Captain being attacked, even threatened by his own Lieutenant. Tosen's feelings are complex. Rukia loves Chappy~ And Zensuke loves building, a match made in Soul Society~ Yeah, Zensuke sees Mayuri as highly intelligent, he just doesn't approve of him experimenting on innocent people. And yeah, Akon acts like that for Zensuke. Similar Hollow, but a bit different. Hiyori and Zensuke have a nice dynamic. Mayuri got quite the surprise. Kisuke and Zensuke's reunion is going to be pretty interesting~ Thanks for the harem suggestions. I could see Akon doing that. Mayuri would go crazy at that haha. He visits the academy from time to time. Byakuya and Zensuke do have a friendship. Maybe Zensuke has done for Hisana. Those Hollows could be. Yeah, their outfits would be. Zensuke's Zanpakuto, check the bottom of the chapter for more details on that, and yeah, Nemu could have that. Zensuke's a master of Kido, so he knows a diverse range of them. He's one of the stronger Captains. Orihime and Zensuke could know one another~ Zensuke could invent that yeah. The Bambi's could do yeah. Kenpachi and Zensuke do have a good friendship~ They could meet up for drinks often.
Bloodedge 20; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
The Storm Master 567; Thanks for the votes. Yeah, his Bankai will be more of a trump card, when needed.
Cloud4012; Thanks for voting.
shephawk; Thanks, glad you liked it. Mayuri and Zensuke as a team do really work well together, even if Mayuri would vehemently deny it~ Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Slimereader11; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Rider126; They would be for sure.
ShadowUzumaki55; Thanks! Yeah, he definitely is~ That's Soi Fon and Kenpachi for you~ Yachiru does yeah, Mayuri's got a very intriguing relationship with Zensuke. They're gonna have quite the fun times~ Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 1; Yeah, Hiyori definitely would do. She can be yeah.
Guest 2; Glad you liked it!
Guest 3; He is yeah, he's a good Captain~
Guest 4; There will be a good mix, and yeah, Mayuri and Zensuke have fun dynamics~
Guest 5; Thanks, yeah it sucks when scammers are like that. Zensuke and Mayuri have quite the fun dynamic~ Yeah, he's the Captain~ Thanks for the harem votes!
Guest 6; Thanks, glad you like it! Yeah, they'd be cool. Fem Toshiro, that would be interesting to explore. Fem Yukio hadn't even thought about, but could bring something fun, and thank you, I'll do my best!
Guest 7; Thanks!
Guest 8; Thanks for the harem suggestions!
uchhawendel; Thank you for the harem suggestions!
Rikku Kaitani; Yeah, new story! Glad you like it so far~ He is yeah, he's the Captain, keeping Mayuri in check~ Mayuri and Zensuke have a very fun dynamic. Nemu is for sure, Zensuke's good to her. Toshiro could be, and thanks for the votes. Rukia's got quite the obsession with Chappy~ Zensuke's upbringing, and how he came to be shall be explored in later chapters~ For his Zanpakuto, check out the bottom for more details. Maybe it will be. They'd be nice new members. He could do yeah~
Orihime fan; Thanks! Glad you liked their interactions. He surely is the Captain~ Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 9; Thanks! Yeah, with some he is, some he isn't~ Thanks for the harem votes.
AlphaOmega; Ooh he will be sparring with a few of them for sure. Yeah, he could use that. That would be good for Rukia.
Guest 10; Check bottom of the chapter for more details about the Zanpakuto. Orihime and fem Toshiro would be interesting. Mayuri and Zensuke have a fun dynamic~
Guest 11; Nemu could do yeah. I've got plans for Mayuri~
Giselles fan; Thanks! Yeah, more details on Zensuke and Aizen's friendship/rivalry shall be explored as the chapters go on. Giselle could be. Thanks for the harem votes!
With those reviews finished, its time to start the chapter!
Chapter 2
Seeing Hiyori and being close to the others again, stirred memories within Zensuke.
When he was younger, when he first joined the Gotei 13, and when he first got accepted onto the Squad that he had always desired.
After he woke up the following day after seeing her, Zensuke tossed on his bed, and saw Nemu sleeping beside him. He felt her during the night come over into his bed, he didn't comment on it, he didn't mind if that's what she wished to do.
Though, seeing Nemu sleeping, she looked rather beautiful, her face looking calm, especially as she clung to his bare chest in her sleep.
"Its so odd to see someone Mayuri-san created acting nothing like him at all. Mayuri-sans dream is creating life, yet he treats life so fickly, and disposes of it so frequently, he truly is a strange guy."
While Zensuke was deep in thought, he heard "Butter." come from Nemu a few times, curiously drawing a raised brow from the young man, wondering what she could be dreaming of right about now.
Time passed on, he didn't move, as he didn't want to wake her up, and it gave him a good chance to plan out what he was going to be doing that day, along with wondering how the others were doing in the Human World, his mind drifting to his father.
However, in those thoughts, Nemu began waking up, and pulled her head up, her eyes turning to Zensuke's form.
"Captain, my apologies." She bowed her neck respectfully. "Last night, I realized my body temperature was beginning to fall, so I recalled that body heat is the best way for someone to warm up. Have I caused an inconvenience?"
Zensuke gave a shake of his head, showing his kind smile to the young girl.
"Of course not, I didn't mind at all~"
Nemu felt a relaxed sensation spread within her, and gazed as her Captain began pulling out of the bed.
She watched his near naked form move from the bed, and to his wardrobe. During the time she saw his near naked form, feelings began stirring inside of her, and she couldn't fully work out what it was.
She looked at his body, and something inside her felt hot, her chest warming up.
Her eyes stayed on him as he made it to his wardrobe, where he kept his casual kimonos that he'd wear if he wasn't going out anytime soon.
Slipping one on, his blue eyes shift back to Nemu.
"I'm gonna make some breakfast, want some Nemu-san?"
Nemu inclines. "Captain, I shall make the breakfast-"
"Nah, you relax, and enjoy~ When we're out of office, or not on the job, you don't have to always call me Captain, you know? Though I'm sure I've said it before, but its alright to relax~"
It was always strange to Nemu, that Zensuke would offer to do things for her, since Mayuri was quite the opposite, and always had her do anything that he needed her to, yet Zensuke was always doing things for her, and rarely asked for anything that was something he could do himself.
Even as she watched him go into the kitchen, and casually begin cooking a meal, she saw him completely relaxed, as if another day was going on by, and she did find it peaceful while being around Zensuke.
Aizen stood within his secret laboratory, and was overlooking the footage that he managed to acquire when it came to the Hollow he had sent to find the Visored, and gathering any evidence that was left behind, having been viewing it all night, gathering data on what happened to the Hollow.
Tosen and Gin, a silver haired man with his eyes perpetually closed, looked to Aizen, seeing his eyebrows knitting together, as if he had a lot on his mind.
"Captain Aizen, who is it that stopped the Hollow? We got faint signatures that it was a Shinigami." Gin asked, his snake everlasting smile even drew Aizen's glance for a moment.
Tosen's lips took a notable scowl. "I believe that it was Zensuke Urahara."
Gin's lips curl ever so slightly upwards. "Are you basing that on because of your jealousy of his relationship with Captain Aizen, or is this because of your genuine belief that it is him? Because I think its the former~"
At the challenging smile that Gin gave, Aizen silently watched as Tosen tried to deflect his feelings.
"N, No. I just believe that it is dangerous to be around him, that's all. He's shown to be more than capable, if Captain Aizen is caught in a compromising position, then I'd worry that he could be exposed before the time is right."
The cogs in Aizen's mind began to churn, while Gin let out the tiniest of laughs. "It doesn't sound like that to me."
Tosen's fingers clutch to his kimono tightly, controlling his feelings. "What else would it be?"
"Hmmm…" Gin posed, his fingers pressing up against his chin, his eyes gleaming open ever so slightly. "Could it be that you're secretly envious perhaps? Or, maybe you're worried that if he joined our side, maybe you'd not be required~"
Upon hearing that, Tosen's nose crinkled, his fingers flexing.
"That's enough Gin." Aizen spoke with a sharp glare.
Gin pulled back, feigning an apologetic look. "I'm just joking."
Aizen glanced at Tosen. "It seems Gin is at least right in regards to you feeling something towards Zensuke-kun. Maybe you should have a little match with him."
Gin was surprised Aizen was suggesting that, knowing of the animosity that Tosen felt for Zensuke.
Tosen raised an eyebrow. "Captain, Aizen?"
"It seems you wish to do so as well, it might put some worries of yours to rest. Perhaps it could give us more information to who was helping out those failed Arrancar's."
Gin searched Aizen's face, upon noticing that Tosen looked happy about it.
"Yes, anything you desire, Captain Aizen."
"Then I think we should conclude here, there's nothing more for us to do. Dismissed."
Tosen bows and walks away.
Gin's suspicious eyes move to Aizen. "Is that really going to help, Captain Aizen?"
"Tosen has had these feelings for sometime, if anything it will help Tosen's mind be clear, and focus on the task at hand. I don't need Tosen to be focused on Zensuke-kun, leave him to me."
Gin couldn't believe that was all there was too it, and knew Aizen had something else in his mind for this.
But, he went along with it, curious as to see what was going to happen.
As Gin left, Aizen's eyes went to the screen one last time, the image of a man in a hood, someone he couldn't see.
"Zensuke-kun…if it was you…but I felt him here, I interacted with him during that time, and it felt like I was speaking to the genuine Zensuke-kun, not some Gigai…and albeit extreme measures were used to hide it, even in the Kido used to kill my Hollow, it was Kisuke Urahara's Reiatsu detected… Zensuke-kun truly is someone on his fathers calibre, so could he have…if only he would join my side willingly, we could do many things together, no one could stop us. Perhaps, once my plans come to fruition, he'll see what I'm doing is the correct path for us both, I'd hate to have to fight my friend."
Aizen's eyes focused on the screen before him, the person that saved Hiyori, and while he was mulling it over in his mind over and over, coming at how Zensuke could've fooled him to get out of Soul Society to accomplish this under his nose despite him being monitored.
Aizen eventually decided after much internal debate that it was Kisuke Urahara who took out his Hollow, unaware that he was wrong, and that it was Zensuke…
Later on, Zensuke went on about his usual duties, making it to the Labs, and helping the new recruits finding their footing. He gave them easy tasks, and had them shadow others so they could get used to the things going on.
"Wow, this is super cool~"
"Yeah, I wonder what all these beakers contain~?"
Zensuke chuckled, seeing the bright eyed young Shinigami all looking excitedly at the wonderful things all around.
"Okay, today everyone, I'm gonna be assigning you some tasks to see what you're currently capable of among other things. And if you need anything, don't hesitate to come and ask any senior member here, or me if you'd like~"
The females all swooned upon hearing his supportive voice, while the males looked respectfully at their new Captain.
Zensuke gave them each assignments, and head back to his office.
Going through the usual Captain's duties, signing papers, and making plans for the Squad, among other things, Zensuke was making good time, and thought he'd be able to get it done quick enough so he'd be able to work on some experiments himself.
However, that had to be put on hold when the door burst open, revealing Mayuri, his face like a storm, full of wildness, even Zensuke looked taken aback for a moment.
"You had Old Man Yamamoto serenade me?! And dance!? For me?!" Mayuri was livid.
Zensuke gave a disarming smile, controlling the snicker forming in his throat. "You shouldn't be trying to spy on people, it isn't good, you know? I had thought of Sex Bomb as the song, but then I'd be scarred by seeing the old man giving that dance while programming that Gigai, so I went with Bad Romance~"
Mayuri took in some deep breaths, his eyes looking like thunder. "Where is Nemu?"
"She's just finishing up an errand I had her do."
Mayuri huffed. "Fine, then are we going to do experiments today?"
"Of course. Though I have Captain duties to attend to. Like sorting out the Shinigami in the squad, and so on and so forth. But I do have time now, I also wish to see how you're doing with the Superhuman Drug, I must admit the science behind it is very intriguing Mayuri-san, I think you've thought of a winner~"
Mayuri's vicious glare seemed to soften ever so slightly at Zensuke's praise. "Very well Captain, lets go."
Mayuri showed a more intrigued look as he went out of the office.
Zensuke runs his fingers through his golden blonde hair, murmuring "Its gonna be one of those fun days~" and exits his office, to go and work together with Mayuri, as despite their conflicting natures, they did work pretty well together.
Making time in his day to see Aizen just after giving out some duties for the Squad to take care of, Zensuke arrived at his Barracks, and was followed by Nemu.
Zensuke decided to play a game of chess with the Captain, while even Momo watched on.
"Are you busy? I know you've had some tasks lately." Aizen notes.
Zensuke shrugs. "I've just finished helping the new recruits, besides I find it relaxing to have this time. Unless you're busy?"
"Not at all. Hinamori-sans also happy to see you." Momo's face turned pink, while Nemu glanced at her.
"Hinamori-san, your fever is returning." Nemu notes with a stoic face, unmoving.
Embarrassment floods the young girls face, shaking side to side as if to try and not show she was that worried about Nemu catching onto something that she'd rather remain private between the two of them.
"No, no~ I don't have a fever or anything, please don't worry about me~" Momo played it off.
But Zensuke could see her face tingeing more pink by the moment.
Nemu could as well, and began bringing out some doctors equipment, to the eternal worry of the Squad 5 Lieutenant.
"N-Nemu-san! I'm, I'm okay!" Momo frantically waved her hands.
"It seems you keep getting a fever around Captain Zensuke-sama. I should begin, with permission, check ups, including full body examinations, blood tests-"
"B-Blood tests?" Momo panicked.
Zensuke chuckled lightly, patting the young girls head. "She's alright Nemu-san, don't worry about her~"
Zensuke's words gave a relieving tone to them, Nemu bows her head a single time, while Momo internally thanks him.
As Zensuke and Aizen talked with one another, they were interrupted by Tosen.
He knocked on the door, and when he was greeted inside, Zensuke could tell by the expression on his face that he wasn't pleased Zensuke was there.
"Tosen, is there something I can do for you?" At Aizen's behest, the Captain looked unsure of what to say.
Though to Zensuke, he could see that Tosen's hands were clutching tighter, as if he had a desire to say something about him.
"Yes, sir. I, I thought that you wouldn't be busy, but company is here…I'm sorry, I'll leave you in peace."
Tosen's body went to turn, but his senses locked onto Zensuke.
Zensuke felt it, his gaze shifting to the blind Captain. "Something wrong, Tosen-san?"
Tosen breathes hard through his nose. "No, nothing."
"You sure? You seem to have something on your mind."
Tosen's nostrils flared a little. "I was actually thinking, our Squads got new members, and its always a time for the Squads to see the Captains having a little match together. Perhaps we could have a match between us."
Zensuke glanced at Aizen, who was doing his best to mask the feelings he felt deep inside about this.
Tosen in turn, knowing that Aizen gave him permission, but didn't know if he approached it the best way.
But then Zensuke simply nods.
"Sure, why not? Send the details over to the lab, and I'll be sure to meet up with you for a little practice match."
Tosen thought this would be a good chance to try and gain a win over Zensuke, and show Aizen that he wasn't a worry, and that he could take care of him for Aizen.
"Excellent, then I'll begin preparing."
Zensuke chuckles "Can't wait~" and leaves with Nemu once speaking with the others.
A small time later, Zensuke was invited to be a guest at the Shinigami Women's Association, so he made his way there along with Nemu, on their request, and when he got there, he was almost tackled by Yachiru, catching the small girl in his hands just before he was knocked over.
"Zen-chan! Cookies!"
Zensuke chuckled, and fished into his kimono, bringing out a nicely decorated box filled to the brim with cookies.
Yachiru let out a cute "Yay!" as she leaps out of Zensuke's hands, and lands on a table.
Zensuke looked around, and saw familiar faces sitting around several tables, including the beautiful long haired Rangiku, the glasses wearing beautiful Nanao, the cute little Captain Toshiro, the braided long haired beauty Unohana, and the tall beauty Isane, and her smaller cute sister Kiyone, along with Momo, Rukia, and Soi Fon.
He also noticed sat next to the worried looking Rukia, was an angry looking Mayuri, who held his elbow on the table, and his eyes solely on Zensuke.
"Hey, everyone~"
Rangiku yelled "Captain, you're here!" and hugged him tightly into her bountiful chest.
"Nice seeing you too Rangiku-san~"
Rangiku giddily swayed, as Unohana came over, and peeled Rangiku off of Zensuke's form.
"Now, now, no need to jump Captain Zensuke~"
Rangiiku pouted, while Mayuri's inhaled deeply.
Rukia stiffened as Mayuri glances at her with sharpened eyes.
Zensuke gives a curious look to Mayuri, as he goes to sit down, noticing Soi Fon's strong eyes on his form, then turned to Toshiro.
"Hey, Shiro-chan~" Zensuke greets kindly, embracing the young Captain.
Toshiro looks up at him with fluttering eyes, a slight red face. "Zen-kun, always a pleasure."
Momo giggles. "Shiro-chan was really happy you could come Zen-chan, Shiro-chan talked about it a lot."
Toshiro's face turned slightly embarrassed. "N, No, I wasn't Hinamori."
"Ignore that Zensuke-kun, my sweet Captain really wanted to see you~" Rangiku giggled, and her boobs knocked Toshiro further onto Zensuke's body, while hugging Zensuke around his neck. "See? Now my adorable Captain wishes to hug you too~"
"Matsumoto..." Toshiro growled, albeit a redder than before faced upon seeing Zensuke's curious look.
Zensuke chuckled lightly, as Mayuri inhaled deeper, Rukia's body beginning to shake.
"By the way, girl." Mayuri began, gaining Rukia's attention, and she saw his scary large grin. "You wouldn't want to do some experimentation would you? Don't worry, I'll only experiment on you eight times a day, I could make you into a strong Shinigami."
Rukia quaked in place, sweating profusely, as Mayuri's grin turned more scary.
"N-No, I'm fine, t-thank you..." Rukia squeaked out, fear in her eyes.
Mayuri curls his lips even wider. "How about if I offer five times a day? I could fit you with the latest gadgets, a retractable arm, robotic ears that can hear for miles, perhaps I could implant you with some bombs, and you could freely detonate your body to destroy your enemies?"
Rukia shakes her head rapidly, calling "C-Captain Zensuke, he's doing it again!" so Zensuke looked on, seeing Mayuri's scary grin.
"Mayuri-san, stop trying to experiment on Rukia-chan."
Mayuri huffed, leaning back, and folded his arms in frustration.
As they talked, Nanao pushed up her glasses, and turned to Mayuri.
"Excuse me, Lieutenant Kurotsuchi, can I ask why you're here?"
Mayuri's scowl deepened. "My Captain's here, I'm here too."
Nanao sharpened her gaze. "Because he was invited here."
Mayuri's glare fixated on Nanao, who didn't back down, something Zensuke had to give her props for.
"This was in his schedule, it was outlined as important, so its my duty to attend." Mayuri spoke to Nanao with annoyance in his eyes.
"Erm..." Toshiro began, curiously staring at Mayuri. "How did you know it was outlined as important? In fact, how do you know what's written in his schedule?"
Mayuri scoffed. "Because I take it upon myself to read his schedule. I have to know what he's doing at all times, since my Data Gathering Bacteria keeps getting found out."
"So, you spy on him?" Soi Fon questioned.
Mayuri gave her a hard stare. "So what? He's my Captain, and I need to know everything on what he's doing, where he's going, and if I am to be involved."
Toshiro and Soi Fon looked bewildered that he didn't even deny he spied on Zensuke, while Zensuke chuckled "Who wants to compare Lieutenants~?" in an amused way, both Toshiro and Soi Fon shake their heads.
Unohana placed a hand to her face, giggling. "It seems like you're a wild Lieutenant, putting poor Zensuke-kun through such hardships."
"I don't put him through hardships!" Mayuri denied.
Nemu surprisingly spoke up, as she looked between her Captain and creator. "Actually, Mayuri-sama, on the new recruits first day, you said you wanted to put Captain Zensuke-sama's brain in a Hollows body, and Captain Zensuke-sama spent an hour comforting the new recruits and reassuring them that you wouldn't kill their new Captain, would that be considered hardships?"
Rangiku, Toshiro, Isane, Kiyone, and Nanao all put on shocked faces, while Soi Fon shook her head over and over again at Mayuri.
"Wow, you're super mean~" Yachiru chimed, Nemu silently staring on, her vision on Zensuke who smiled right back at her.
Mayuri face palms, while Rukia put a hand to her mouth, exhaling slowly to control her breathing.
Unohana's cross eyes fixed on Mayuri who flinched. "I think its best you leave."
Nanao agreed. "Please leave immediately."
Mayuri coughed at the sharp gazes of the two women, along with the others in the room, and turned to his Captain. "It seems to be a waste of my time anyway, I thought this was a Captains meeting, not a meeting between you all. How is this important, Captain?"
"Because they're my friends, of course its important~"
Mayuri sighed dramatically. "I'm going back to work on the Superhuman Drug...Captain? Are the resources available for me to continue?"
"Of course, I'll send word ahead on anything you need, see you later~ And remember, no experimenting on fellow Gotei 13 members, or anyone innocent~" Zensuke waved.
Mayuri huffed, and walked out, Rukia breathed out happily that he was gone.
"I don't know how you deal with that." Rukia murmured.
Zensuke winked. "If nothing else, he keeps you on your toes, and despite his...feelings about me, we actually have excellent teamwork~"
"That's hard to believe with how crazy he acts." Toshiro murmured.
Zensuke lightly smiled. "He does work with me when needed, other times, he has his plots and schemes, and says outlandish things, I've heard it so many times, I just go with the flow, and have my own fun with him~"
Unohana secretly smiled, as Nanao came close. "Now, thank you for coming Captain. taking time out of your busy schedule."
"Its fine, so what can I do? Need something made for you? Maybe something for funds, and huge machines that could pump out different functions, perhaps a new kind of technology~" Zensuke happily spoke, thoughts rattling in his mind.
Rangiku grins, pulling out a camera. "We need some funds for the Shinigami Women's Association. Can we ask if you'll help us with some new pictures for a new photo collection~? The last one sold out so quickly, so maybe this time we could diversify it, and have different themes~ Please Captain~"
Zensuke was bewildered as he saw Rangiku's beautiful face showing a cute look that was hard to deny..
Zensuke soon shrugged "Sure, why not. Its for a good cause." and Rangiku grinned more, moving closer, and took his hand.
"Thank you Captain~ Come with me, I just thought of the first one, Captain Zensuke on the beach, best seller!"
Rangiku proceeded to drag him out, leaving the others bewildered.
When it came time for the practice match with Tosen, Zensuke went with Nemu, Akon, and surprisingly Mayuri wished to attend. It was rare, though Zensuke thought he probably wanted to see what Zensuke could do, so he could use it at a later time.
Accompanying them was the new recruits, since Tosen said he wished to show them these abilities that Captains possess, he thought that it would be good for them too, even if he knew Tosen's reasons truly were a rouse.
They walked to the Squad 9 Barracks, since Tosen had set up a little arena for them.
Getting there, Zensuke saw the entire Squad 9 Barracks having shown up, their eyes all looking to Zensuke. Even the Lieutenant Hisagi was stood there, with the 69 tattooed on his face, and though Zensuke knew why he had that tattooed on, he always found it fun to see it.
Zensuke also saw that Aizen had come, he probably was going to make sure Tosen didn't do anything that could hinder his plans, while also probably observing Zensuke, and how he'd fight as well, so Zensuke thought he'd gift a show.
Plus he brought Momo, and he liked Momo, so he thought he'd be able to give her, and the others a good time too.
"Alright everyone, I'm gonna be facing off against Kaname Tosen-san of Squad 9, watch carefully on how we fight, what plans we use during battle, and hopefully, it'll be an interesting show~"
[Yes Captain!] The Squad, minus Mayuri roared, and while Nemu did also chime in, hers wasn't as loud as the others.
Mayuri's grin grew. "Good luck Captain, I believe in you."
Zensuke showed his appreciative glance to Mayuri. "Thank you Mayuri-san~"
Mayuri smirk grew bigger. "No need to thank me, I just want to see you win. Least of all to show Squad 12 is the best...but, I wouldn't mind seeing your current abilities, and how I can counter them, so put on a good show, Captain."
Zensuke rolled his eyes, and laughed "Aaah, we'll have to wait and see what happens~" seeing Mayuri grinning menacingly.
Shaking his head, Zensuke went to the centre of the arena, no obstacles for them to be caught up in, surrounded by many Squad members.
Following him, an eager, but hiding it very well, Tosen walked onto the battlefield, his hand clutching his sword tightly. His face aimed squarely at Zensuke, who in turn carried a nonchalant look on his face.
"Hey, Tosen-san. Looks like you've done a good job setting up this arena for us. I'd say its almost like this has been a long time in the making~"
Tosen clutched his sword, so tight that Zensuke could see his grip was like a vice.
"Yes, thank you for attending. I think this will be the best way we can fight one another, don't you agree?"
Zensuke nods, looking around at the different people, then settled on Tosen, seeing the quiet fury that was building on his face, even if he was trying desperately to hide it behind a facade, Zensuke wasn't fooled.
"I'm ready whenever you are, Tosen-san."
Tosen nods, and jumps back. "I think we should begin immediately."
Zensuke shrugged. "Fine with me. Though I do have to admit my surprise."
Tosen raises a brow. "On what?"
"I know you're a man who fights for justice, and someone that takes the path of least bloodshed, I didn't think you'd really be into fighting. But, it seems that you're ready and raring to go right now. I just thought there might be a reason why that is." Zensuke expressed his thoughts.
Tosen breathed slowly through his mouth, containing the feelings deep inside of himself.
"You're correct, though there are times where blood has to be shed, I am following a path that's the least bloodshed, however…this is for the Squad, I'd like to make a good first impression among the new recruits. I am sure you feel the same way as well."
"I see, I thought it was because Sosuke-san and I have a close friendship." Saying it nonchalantly, Zensuke's words caused Tosen's face to fall as Zensuke shrugged. "Either way, I think its a good idea, I'm waiting for you Tosen-san, lets make it good for the others. Though, I will ask, how far are we going to go for this? Are we drawing blood?"
Tosen felt elated.
He wanted to say what he felt.
But, he also had to keep up a facade, and knew that he'd have to fight without killing, so he thought this would be enough.
"No…No killing shots, anything else is fine. I've got Squad 4 on standby."
Zensuke whistled. "A man of peace for sure~ Well, I'm ready when you are~"
Tosen shallowly breathed, watching Zensuke as he drew his Zanpakuto.
The beautiful silver blade shined the sun on its reflective surface. The star shaped tsuba looked radiant in the sunlight.
Tosen followed suit, drawing his blade, while the others watched on with different expectations.
"Ooh Zen-chan, be okay…" Momo worried.
But Aizen looked at Tosen, his mind turning as he played out the events of the fight in his mind, knowing what was going to happen.
Then Tosen made the first move, faster than the eye could see, at least to the new recruits, he came down from the right hand side, slashing for Zensuke's mid section in a bid to take him out there and then.
But Zensuke angled his blade up, sparks flying between their swords.
Tosen pushed against Zensuke's blade, but he was unmoving, and simply flicked his blade, the pressure of the force sent Tosen skidding back across the ground, his feet digging into the very earth itself.
"Yeah! Go Captain!"
"Do your best!"
"Yahoo!"
Squad 12 members all cheered, while Mayuri furrowed his brows, glancing at Nemu, seeing her eyes transfixed on Zensuke.
Momo smiled happily, as Tosen himself breathes a little harder than normal, his anger growing as a result, turning to his Kido skills, his hand igniting in spiritual energy, and he flung his hand out towards Zensuke.
"Hado 54, Haien!"
From his thrown out hand, a purple ball of flame came for the young man, so Zensuke dashed forward, and surprised Tosen by simply slicing through it, generating an explosion all around him, dust blowing up around them.
Tosen didn't get why he'd do that…
When he felt a presence behind him, and Zensuke's Zanpakuto came for his right hand side.
Tosen thrust his blade in that direction, but he wasn't quick enough, and Zensuke's blade begins to dig into his flesh, his right arm sliced across, forcing Tosen to leap away, while Zensuke twirled his blade.
"Not bad Tosen-san~"
Tosen held a hand to his wounded bleeding arm, and conversely Zensuke had no wounds, not scratch or scuff mark on him.
Tosen breathed out hard, and exclaimed "Cry, Suzumushi." changing his blade, releasing its Shikai state, and upon its released, Zensuke noticed the piercing sound from the blade.
Vibrations from his blade travelled towards Zensuke, to try and knock him out.
But when they washed over his ears…it did nothing.
Tosen felt increasing anger that Zensuke managed to stop it with little Kido barriers around his ears.
"So you prepared beforehand for that ability, I should have known, you do have a knack for prediction and preparation, however you wont be able to predict everything that I can do, Zensuke-san."
Immediately upon seeing his humane way of taking someone down not working, Tosen leaps up into the air, his sword waving through the wind.
As it did, it left a trail of swords behind, calling out "Suzumushi Nishiki, Benihiko!" and all of the blades that had formed where he left a trail, all turned towards him, raining down on him like a hailstorm of blades.
Momo gasped, while Mayuri yelled "Get him Captain!" surprising most around he was cheering for Zensuke.
Zensuke watches all the blades come towards him in a wonderful storm, readying to skewer him.
A small smirk appeared on Tosen's face, believing he had caught Zensuke.
But Zensuke smiled right back, holding up his hand. "Hado 33, Sokatsui."
From his extended palm, a blue energy blast erupts from his hand, and smothers all of the blades in the dangerous power.
Tosen looked beaten back as the Kido spell managed to break through all of his blades in a single go as Zensuke moved his hand left and right, catching all of the blades up like a flamethrower so they wouldn't cross towards his body.
"Yay Captain!"
"Go Captain!"
"Wow, he's so cool!"
"Teach me Captain!"
Cheers came from Squad 12, while the majority of Squad 9 looked surprised.
Even Hisagi, his faithful Lieutenant was surprised his Captain didn't get through with even a single blade.
"Its okay Captain Tosen, you can do this!" Hisagi believed.
Zensuke liked to see that about Hisagi, even if Tosen right now was on the back foot.
Tosen lands on the ground, his face contorting a little angrily.
"Kido like that, and such force behind it without the chant, not bad at all, Zensuke-san. You do have a good skill in Kido."
"Thanks, Tosen-san. That's quite the trick your sword can do. I can't wait to see what else you've got in store for me. And our Squads are enjoying the show too, this has turned out to be a good idea after all~"
Tosen exhaled hard, small pants tumbling from his lips, and kicked his Shunpo into high gear, his speeding movements shooting at Zensuke.
He thought if he couldn't defeat Zensuke openly like that with a hailstorm of blades, then he'd try speed, and catch him off guard.
But as he came at Zensuke, the young man's blade continuously intercepted his attempts to try and get close to him, blocking, and diverting his attacks so they'd not reach, Tosen's teeth gritting realizing that his speed wasn't a joke either.
No matter what direction he came from, Zensuke's blade managed to intercept his own, blocking the strikes, parrying the strikes, and in some cases, catching Tosen off guard, and forcing him to cancel his own strikes, so he could block Zensuke's.
"You're fast." Tosen notes, as he tries coming up from behind Zensuke.
"Not bad yourself~" Zensuke turns, parrying the blade, and sent out his foot to kick him.
Tosen dodges in time, but then sees Zensuke's finger aiming up at him.
"Hado 1, Sho." Releasing it from his finger, the burst of energy slammed into Tosen's stomach, and propelled him away into the air, blood shooting out of his mouth from the Kido spell, his hand going to his chest, noting his clothing having been ripped in that blast, and he was slightly bleeding from the hit.
"Benihiko!" Tosen, while flying backwards, unleashed another hailstorm of blades, more this time by a considerable amount, raining them down to Zensuke.
Zensuke in turn cupped his hand around the hilt of his blade, and launched himself into the blades.
Tosen felt pain as he slammed into the ground, and felt Zensuke deflected all of the blades through his senses, while approaching him at incredible speeds, even speeds Tosen's senses had difficulty tracking.
Aizen's eyes were on Zensuke with what looked like intrigue, his face externally looking curiously between them.
"No!" Tosen pulled himself to his feet, as Zensuke got behind him.
He tried to put distance between them, so Zensuke gave chase, his blade weaving out at a mesmerizing speed.
Tosen thought he dodged and or blocked all the sword slashes, and leaps back, landing on the ground.
"Captain!" Hisagi yelled in concern.
Tosen didn't understand why Hisagi was concerned, but that's when pain came over him.
He noticed that during that brief exchange, cuts were all over Tosen's body.
He hadn't noticed during the onslaught of attacks he gave to Zensuke, but now he was bleeding, the crimson liquid flowing down his Captains haori, and his Shinigami kimono, pants escaping his lips, while Zensuke stood close by, whipping his sword to the side, Tosen's blood splattering across the floor, he fell to one knee, breathing heavily.
"Wanna stop?"
Though Zensuke said it from a place of care, Tosen didn't back down.
So he cupped his hands together, and began chanting.
"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. Hado 73, Soren Sokatsui!"
From both of Tosen's hands once discarding his Zanpakuto into its sheath, blue energy fired off, devastating the ground around him. The air soon became filled with the energy, all rocketing towards Zensuke like a torrent of water, flooding the open space.
Mayuri's hands quaked excitedly. "Come on, give me something Tosen…!"
Zensuke glanced at him curiously, Mayuri shakes his head with a scowl.
Zensuke smiles, and mimicked Tosen's Kido, putting his Zanpakuto into his sheath.
"Hado 73, Soren Sokatsui."
Releasing the same spell back at him, without the chant, Zensuke's hands flexed out, and two waves of blue energy rapidly sprung from his palms, growing larger in scale compared to Tosen's, and fired out, causing the ground to be destroyed by being swept up along with it.
Tosen watched his Kido spell beginning to destabilize, and in a matter of moments, Zensuke's chantless Kido broke through Tosen's chanted Kido, and came rapidly towards him, forcing Tosen to leap out of the way before he was hit.
But when he fired himself into the air, he got the shock of a lifetime to feel Zensuke's presence next to him.
"Aaaaah!" When Tosen turned, he moved his blade to intercept Zensuke's own in a bid to stop him from launching such an attack, but he wasn't fast enough, Zensuke's blade came down upon his body, slicing him from right shoulder to left him, using his strength to slam him down into the ground.
Tosen coughed up blood, as Zensuke lands on the ground.
"I think that's enough, right Tosen-san?"
Tosen pants hard, his face scrunching in unexpressed rage, feeling as if he had let Aizen down by not being able to defeat Zensuke, and prove he'd not have to worry about Zensuke.
Though Aizen himself simply watched on, his faux kind demeanour on full display, upon seeing Momo's happy face.
"Zensuke-kun did well, didn't he?"
"Yeah, Captain Tosen did well too. But Zen-chan really did well with Kido~ A chantless same Kido spell being a chanted...wow Zen-chan, so cool~"
Aizen let out a small chuckle, but then narrowed his brow when he saw Tosen's hand press on his blade.
Zensuke noticed it as well, and raised a brow. "Tosen-san, you're wounded, its best to get treated."
"I, I haven't finished yet. You, being friends with a monster like Zaraki, he killed the former Captain to become the Captain…"
"That's the law of the Kenpachi. Besides, he is the type of person that wears their emotions as clear as day, no hidden agendas, or anything. In some ways, people might say that he's an honest Captain, and I like that about him, though could do without the midnight visits for a fight~"
Tosen's frantic face soon became apparent, and he stood up on shaky legs.
Breathing hard, Tosen holds his sword out. "Ban-"
"Tosen." Aizen called, Tosen's face crinkling in defeat. "Please don't push yourself, you need to be healed, and this isn't a match where Bankai has to be involved, wouldn't you say so Zensuke-kun?"
Zensuke inclines. "Yeah, only a practice match, I think the Squads had a good time, getting to see two Captain's duel one another. Lets not do something we'd regret, we wouldn't want to do any injustice here today, right Tosen-san? Just a friendly match between Captains~"
Tosen inhales through his nose, and nods, hobbling off with his Lieutenant following behind to help him out.
Aizen exhaled, looking to Zensuke. "I'm sorry Zensuke-kun, I thought maybe this might help Tosen, I've noticed his feelings regarding you haven't been the greatest, so I thought a fight might be able to get it out like this. But it seems that anger clouded his mind. Perhaps its because of what went down regarding your father."
Zensuke's face didn't change, he outwardly showed no emotion that would give away what he was feeling right now, though with his father being mentioned, Zensuke wasn't surprised Aizen went that way with it.
"No worries, I completely understand, I know he considers you a valuable friend, and with my fathers…" Zensuke looked Aizen in the eye as he continued. "...betrayal of the Soul Society, he worries I might be the same, right?" As he said it, Zensuke added in his thoughts. "Using my father as an excuse for others around, and instilling those thoughts into others, not bad Sosuke-san, but the people that know me, know I'd not do such things. I really wish it didn't have to be like this Sosuke-san..."
Aizen watched Zensuke like a hawk, trying to understand what was going on in his mind.
But Zensuke's poker face, something he had developed over the years, was unreadable, even Aizen didn't know what Zensuke was thinking right now, and that made Aizen even more cautious than ever, as when he couldn't read someone that could be trouble for Aizen, he knew he had to be on his toes or else.
"Correct, though I haven't ever felt like that. What happened back then, with his experiments, others might've viewed you being capable of the same, but I know deep in my heart, you and your father are different beings."
Zensuke and Aizen smile at one another in a friendly way.
Though as they did, Zensuke glanced in Tosen's direction, and thought "Sosuke-san used him then, for what…hmm, could be as a distraction for me, but I wouldn't have thought so. Maybe its for Tosen-san himself, to clear his mind since he does focus on taking me out. Ironically, Tosen-sans one of the only people who's not affected by Sosuke-sans Shikai, yet he's been hypnotized in a different way, I'll keep an eye on this..." as others came around and cheered for their Captain winning the match.
Tosen retreated to Hueco Mundo, into a castle known as Las Noches, wishing to be alone for the moment.
Shame, regret, and worry came over the young man's face, as he thought about his fight with Zensuke.
How he lost the fight.
He didn't even get in a single hit.
He felt like he let down Aizen.
He had wanted to get rid of one worry Aizen had, that being Zensuke.
But if anything, he didn't accomplish even a modicum of what he wished for.
"What're you doing in Las Noches?" A dark demented voice called out.
Tosen turned his face, and what was there was a regal looking skeleton, wearing an oversized cloak, and a golden crown on the top of his head, his eye sockets displaying a visually terrifying look to them.
"I needed a moment to compose myself, Baraggan. I'll overlook that tone of voice if you'll leave me alone."
"Let me guess, you failed your Aizen-sama?"
Tosen's face twists into one of displeasure. "Keep your thoughts to yourself, otherwise you could be caught in a position you wouldn't like. I wasn't thinking about Captain Aizen."
"Who were you thinking about?" Baraggan demanded, so he could have a little fun with him.
Tosen breathed out "Zensu..." but stopped, knowing Aizen wouldn't want him to reveal too much.
As soon as he said it, Baraggan snarled. "So, what's this man done?"
"He's someone that..." Baraggan curiously looked on as Tosen hesitated. "Its nothing."
Baraggan smirked. "I think this man's a threat to Aizen-"
"He will be dealt with, by me." Tosen spoke sternly. "Do not interfere."
Baraggan cautiously looked at the Shinigami, a look of his own brand of justice flashing across his face.
Tosen's goals were clear on his face, and as for Baraggan…he had his own agenda, and wondered if his and Tosen's goals, aligned.
And as they talked, a hidden observer was watching, thinking "I should tell Zensuke-kun about this." and soon vanished...
End chapter!
So, this chapter had Zensuke, and Aizen's relationship shown more, Tosen's angers beginning to cloud his mind, while Baraggan's got his own agenda. Mayuri's being his usual self, though Zensuke dishes it right back, but we'll see how good they are when they play off one another in the future, even reluctantly on Mayuri's part. Zensuke also got an invitation to the Shinigami Women's Association, and had quite the time~
So, a few people have been asking about his Zanpakuto, and what its going to be, and I've had a good few suggestions on it, so I'm gonna put it up to a vote!
Lightning Zanpakuto.
Darkness Zanpakuto.
Light Zanpakuto.
So yeah, those are the choices, and being Kisuke's son it will have Hime in the name of his Zanpakuto lol, and he'd have some fun ways on using all of them and of course their Bankai's too, so if you'd like to, please vote, and harem suggestions very much welcomed!
Finally, since some have asked, I can confirm Nemu will have a Zanpakuto, and I have gotten some ideas already about hers, but suggests always welcome~
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!