Chapter 23: Budding Rivalry
Several Years Ago, Tsunayashiro Residence, Noble District, Seireitei
History.
That is always what we of the Tsunayashiro Clan associate ourselves with, or rather, put ourselves in control of…
Of course, this means that as far as knowledge and information go, we have absolute control over all aspects of it…
That is why we are still able to carry ourselves as nobles today…
In a lavish-looking room within the grand residence belonging to the Tsunayashiros, a small girl with green eyes and white hair wearing a tan kimono bows before the seated form of an older, regal-looking man with a gray beard. The girl appears no older than 10 years old, beaming with innocence and naivety. There are several others in the room wearing expensive looking clothing, eying the girl bowing in the center of the room curiously.
The girl addresses the elder politely, "Grandfather. I have a request."
The old man, smiling slightly as he is in good spirits, asks with a raised brow, "Yes, my child?"
The white-haired girl raises her head to match her grandfather's gaze as she innocently asserts, "I would like to attend the Shino Academy and join the Gotei 13."
The curiosity in the room seems to fade as exactly every single person in the room shifts to a frown. It was this statement that changed the fate of one, Katsumi Tsunayashiro, forever. Although today, she would experience her dreams being dashed.
The elder, no longer appearing all too interested, explains half-heartedly as he sips on the drink in his hand, "Absolutely not. You were born with white hair. That is a sign that the Soul King favors our family. The path of a Shinigami is a waste of your talents, as well as a waste of everyone else's talent in our clan."
The other nobles standing in the room quietly nod in agreement as they begin to casually resume mingling with each other. The young girl frowns and furrows her brows by the apathy she finds throughout the room, greatly troubling her.
Katsumi looks at her grandfather again, asking innocently, "I don't understand, Grandfather. Why is that a waste of my talents?"
The bearded man's frown deepens, now beginning to give the girl his full attention as it is clear she is serious about this.
This prompts him to order, "Leave us."
The other nobles in the room frown in annoyance before begrudgingly clearing out, leaving only the young girl and the old man with in.
After a moment, her grandfather explains, as if declaring fact, "Listen well, Katsumi. The Tsunayashiros are the leaders of the Great Noble Clans. More importantly, we are also the protectors of the Soul Society's history—we guard its deepest secrets. If we did not protect those secrets from those who would abuse them as we have for millennium, the entire Soul Society would have crumbled numerous times by now. As nobles, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard than the other Shinigami."
Katsumi purses her lips, clearly dissatisfied with this answer, "But the Kuchikis have honorably defended the Soul Society for generations—can't we also contribute in a similar way?"
Her grandfather, now looking genuinely angry, to coldly state, "History has proven that the greatest failures are from nobles joining the Gotei 13. Koga Kuchiki, Isshin Shiba, and even the former Head of the Shihoin Clan—all traitors and deserters! But all of them pale in comparison to the greatest stain on our family's legacy: your uncle, Tokinada! I will not permit you to repeat his missteps!"
The girl looks to the floor in guilt, her hands clutching her knees as she reveals, "I… apologize, Grandfather… During my free time away from studying, I have been practicing Zanjutsu. I have achieved Shikai release…"
The elder's eye twitches before he furiously rises from his cushioned seat, hissing at his granddaughter, "You dare to not only perform the Shinigami's Zanjutsu at all, but also behind my back?! You disgrace me!"
This brings the girl to the brink of tears as she bows apologetically, explaining, "I merely wanted to make you proud, Grandfather. I wanted to show you I could protect myself after learning Mother and Father were assassinated shortly after I was born."
Her grandfather, however, looks at her with disgust, "Now you even sink so low as to dishonor your parents?! The dead have no place in your mouth, girl! And if your intent was to call upon such useless sentiments as emotion, you also bring not by shame to the clan! There is NO benefit of the Tsunayashiros being in the Gotei 13! That is what the Kuchikis do—and you are NOT a Kuchiki!"
This prompts the girl to further bow her head, holding back her tears, before leaving the room—her dreams well and truly dashed.
Recent Past, Tsunayashiro Residence
Over the next several years, Grandfather saw to it that I was groomed to become a proper heir to the clan…
I learned all of the history, as well as the methods for preserving it…
However, there are still a handful of dangerous secrets I do not know about the Soul Society's history…
Or so Grandfather told me…
He said that he will show me such secrets only when I come of age…
And when I learn, I will take the same oath of silence that every one of my forebearers in the main family has…
But it isn't as though such information particularly interests me, anyway…
The only secret worth my attention would have to be about the Soul King, after all…
Indeed, such lingering thoughts of self-importance are common for the present-day version of Katsumi Tsunayashiro. It could be said that she took a turn for the worst—her years of being groom as a noble giving her an inflated ego, as well as a deep understanding of deceit and crookedness that is characteristic of the Tsunayashiro Clan—although they themselves are the only ones who know that fact for sure.
Even so, the girl remains hardworking, dedicated to completing each and every task ahead of her, even though her heart often isn't in it. Currently, she is seated at a desk in her private study, intently reading over a scroll as though her life depends on deciphering its contents.
A sudden, old voice calls from behind her, "Are you still interested in attending the Shino Academy?"
Katsumi has to force herself not to jump in both surprise and excitement at this as she slowly turns and asks calmly, "Why do you ask, Grandfather?"
The bearded man responds in an objective tone, revealing his ulterior motives, "Isshin Shiba has returned to the Soul Society. He has brought his daughter with him in hopes that she will develop as a Shinigami at the Shino Academy…"
"Of course. The Shiba Clan.", the girl thinks as her eyes shine with contempt, no longer feeling the slightest bit of surprise.
The Shiba Clan had once been a cornerstone of the Five Great Noble Clans. However, when Isshin Shiba, a branch member of the family and the captain of Squad 10, had abandoned his post, the Shiba had been stripped of their noble standing as punishment. Isshin's branch of the family had been totally crushed, leaving their residence in the Noble District abandoned.
The main branch of the family, led today by Kukaku Shiba, had already been in the Rukongai for decades. Isshin's actions, combined with the untimely death of the former head, Kaien Shiba, had resulted in the Shiba Clan as a whole losing their nominal standing within the Five Great Noble Clans, which honestly had been just a formality by that point.
Unknown to all but few, however, is that this was due to the centuries of the gradual, targeted efforts of defamation against the Shiba Clan orchestrated by the Tsunayashiro Clan. Katsumi herself, groomed to become a proper heir, knows this very well, and in a sense, knows the deep history of the Shiba Clan better than perhaps even the clan itself does.
It is for these reasons that the elder's intent is as clear as day to the young noble girl. He doesn't want the Shibas to regain any relevance, as he and his forebearers have worked so hard to ensure that the Shibas would fall from grace ever since the beginning of the Soul Society. She understands completely, so nods as she would continue the millennia-long feud between the two clans, having developed a slight distaste for the Shiba's naïve sense of altruism herself.
Present, Shino Academy
Katsumi wakes up in her bed within the dorm of Shino Academy. Despite her easily being able to commute from her abode, given that it was peace time, she chose to live in the dorms in order to get a more authentic experience. She hated it. It was like sleeping on glass compared to the luxury of her bed at the Tsunayashiro estate. But still, this was only one of the many sacrifices she would need to make to achieve her dream.
Considering her more literal dream, Katsumi can't help but chuckle, "Grandfather was so dead set on denying my being a Shinigami, and now look! I am here thanks to a Shiba, yet despite that I cannot bring myself to be appreciative of her… she is far too insolent. Ah, perhaps that is for the best. I ought not be her friend!"
Katsumi shakes her head before heading to check her appearance in the mirror.
"How dreadful!", she laughs, seeing her bed head that she has assumed since her stay here, "It's a good thing grandfather cannot see me now! He'd order servants to swarm onto me and make me look like a 'proper lady'. Oh, what a bunch of foolishness! As if looking proper is ever going to save someone on the battlefield…"
Katsumi notes the bodyguards that had been assigned to her took their duties very seriously, having been posted at multiple positions around the academy to minimize the chance of any assassins getting to her.
The girl's musing is interrupted as she hears a knock on the door and a voice calling if they may come in. Katsumi walks to the door, letting another girl with short brown hair in, one of her so-called friends.
Katsumi thinks to herself, despite her not caring about her ragged appearance, "I'd best keep up appearances in front of Shiba. I must outdo her at every turn!"
As such, Katsumi asked one of her eager friends to help her do her hair. It was no comparison to what the servants would do back at the estate, but she decided she'd have to make do.
The girl observes her new appearance in the mirror. Her straight, neck length, white hair hangs freely, save for the braid the goes from one side of the top of her forehead to the other. Her hair is undone, such that stray strands of her bangs hang over the braid, in front of her face.
The girl notes, "The style… it's reminiscent of my uncle, Tokinada… I don't think the crimes he committed were ok, but despite that I can't help but feel this is fitting, somehow. As if to signal our clan's return to the Gotei 13!"
Katsumi regards the other girl, "You may leave."
With that command, the other girl bows, before walking out of the room.
"It's our day off… I'd better take this opportunity to mess with Shiba. Hopefully she'll actually want to fight me this time! I do wish to show her the gulf in power between us!", the girl walks off with a smirk.
Cafeteria, Shino Academy
Karin had constantly been receiving passive aggressive jabs here and there from Katsumi every time she did anything right. For instance, one time she performed a series of Zanjutsu strikes in a manner even better than Katsumi, which caused the girl to remind her of her place afterwards, suggesting that the only thing that awaits a Shiba at the end of greatness is tragedy or disappointment. Quite honestly, Karin has had enough of it, a sentiment shared by her Zanpakuto. Even the bearded old guy stated his dislike for Katsumi, which is rare, as Karin seldom if ever hears from him. Karin decided that she would put Katsumi in her place if she ever crossed the line.
Brought out of her thoughts by a friendly voice, Karin addresses Ryunosuke who looks like he just asked her a question, "Sorry could you repeat that?"
"I said could you tell us more about your sister, Yuzu?" the boy responds.
"Jeez Karin, you feeling, ok? You seem out of it lately." Shino remarks.
Karin nods, "Yeah, sorry. What do you want to know about Yuzu?"
The three sit in the vacant Cafeteria, as most students prefer to spend their off time in the Seireitei, enjoying their unique cuisine or perhaps taking the opportunity to interact and learn from actual members of the Gotei 13. Given that the three of them all have family members within the Gotei, the Seireitei itself isn't all the impressive to them, or rather, in Karin's case, she doesn't care. The young Kurosaki turned Shiba would much rather spend time with her new friends than waltzing around the Seireitei, which she could likely do anytime she wanted anyway.
Just then, a familiar voice calls out to the group that causes Karin's mood to sour.
"What do you want, Princess?" Karin frowns at the girl.
Katsumi snaps back, "Why such a sour expression, Shiba? I just said hello."
Ryunosuke can't help but lower his head in both fear and respect as the girl approaches.
"Seems at least one of you knows your place." Katsumi remarks with a smirk, "But really, I'm not here as a noble right now. I'm here as an individual, so your show of respect is unnecessary."
Shino slaps Ryunosuke on the back, "Chin up! She said it's fine."
The boy still hesitates to raise his head all the same.
"Can you leave? I think you being here is enough to make him pee his pants…" Karin remarks carelessly.
Katsumi scoffs, "I don't know what reason I could have given him to make him feel that way, but unfortunately, I feel I must stay. I am here for you, Shiba."
Karin rolls her eyes, "I'm not that fond of you either, y'know…"
"Your feelings are irrelevant, Shiba, only your understanding and cooperation are required." Katsumi states, matter-of-factly.
Karin groans, "And how may I be of service to you today, your highness? I thought you thought I was worthless?"
Katsumi nods, "Indeed, when it comes to most things, I struggle to think of someone more incompetent, but even I have to admit when it comes to the way you handle a blade… it is almost acceptable."
Karin stares at the girl wide-eyed before smirking, "You think I'm good, don't you?"
Katsumi waves her off, "Foolishness! I never said anything to suggest that! I merely wish to show you, despite having somewhat of an understanding in Zanjutsu, that I am far superior! Therefore, I wish to do battle with you!"
Karin shrugs, "Well we aren't allowed to carry our Zanpakuto outside of the Zanjutsu training, so you'll just have to wait next time we do that—"
Katsumi snaps her fingers, cutting the girl off.
Karin then sees Onabara enter the room, giving the girl an apologetic look, "Forgive me, Miss Shiba, but the Lady Tsunayashiro was quite adamant about fighting you. I'll have to ask you to come to the training room…"
Karin stares at him for a moment, wide eyed, before turning an aggressive gaze at Katsumi, "You black mailed him, didn't you?"
Katsumi gasps at this, "Shiba! How could you even suggest that?!"
Although, based on the look in Onabara's eyes, everyone could tell that he was blackmailed in some way.
Karin once more shrugs, "Fine… I'll fight you. And once I kick your ass, you promise to stop bothering me?"
Katsumi scoffs, "Of course not. You are presumptuous to assume you have any leverage against a noble such as myself."
Karin glares at the girl, not liking her pompous tone.
Katsumi notices this and decides to promise something anyway, "I will promise that at least for the rest of today you won't have to deal with me. I know you think you're the center of my attention, but sadly I have other responsibilities to tend to. Things that real nobles do."
Katsumi adds a little bit of venom to that last part.
Karin glares at the girl, "Enough talk, let's fight already."
Onabara leads them to the training room, the two girls each grabbing for their Zanpakutos.
Onabara begins to state the rules, "Alright, the first to land a hit wins—"
"I've decided to change the rules!" Katsumi declares, catching everyone off guard, "Once Shiba admits that I am better than her, the battle will be over!"
Karin laughs, "Ha! That will never happen!"
Katsumi's expression sours at this, "No, no! This will not do! I require proof that I am absolutely superior, and you have the audacity to deny it? I have even offered you a chance to prove your own skills, as sad as they might be. You should be thanking me!"
Karin once more rolls her eyes, "Well that's all well and good, your highness, but I'll still never admit that—because it's not true."
Katsumi glares at the girl, before the door to the training room slides open.
"What is going on in here?!" Rukia demands.
"Ah, Ms. Kuchiki, just in time! You can handle this! I-I have papers I need to grade! Indeed!" Onabara runs past the short woman, allowing for no argument.
Rukia looks back in the room to find Karin running at her.
"Sensei!" Karin stops in front of Rukia, with an expression that relays both joy at seeing her and underlying anxiety.
"Karin! This is the day off, what are you doing here?" Rukia asks, quite confused.
"I apologize, Lady Kuchiki, but could I ask you to judge out duel?" Katsumi calls from behind Karin.
Rukia glances at the girl and then back to Karin, "Explain. Now."
Karin explains how Katsumi set this thing up in an effort to fight her.
Rukia wears a contemplative look, "I think I understand… so you want me to judge if you are better at Zanjustsu than Karin, don't you Lady Tsunayashiro?"
Katsumi nods before adding, "Lady Kuchiki, you need not refer to me by my title. I know you were once in the Rukongai, but your brother chose you. Captain Kuchiki is a man who has my respect as both a Shinigami and a Noble."
Rukia raises a brow at this, "Whatever you say… Miss Tsunayashiro…"
This makes Katsumi pout a bit but ceases it as she shifts her gaze back at Karin, "Now, for your own Sensei to say I am better than you, Shiba. How unfortunate."
Karin growls in response, "What's unfortunate is that they won't be able to stop looking at the bruises I give you during class!"
As soon as Rukia calls for the match to start, Karin immediately charges forward, striking at the other girl. Katsumi is taken by surprise by Karin's move, barely able to dodge the strike.
"Is that all you have, Shi—" Katsumi's sentence is cut off as Karin punches the girl in the face, sending her falling on her back.
Katsumi gets to her feet, holding her nose in her hand, "That's cheating, Shiba!"
Karin rolls her eyes, "You didn't say punching wasn't allowed…"
Katsumi growls at this, as blood continues to fall from her nose, "As expected of a brute from the Shiba Clan!"
Rukia glares at the girl, warning Katsumi to watch her tone, which silences her.
Katsumi huffs, "No matter… I can beat you regardless!"
Katsumi assumes an offensive stance, striking at Karin, but Karin parries the strike with ease, jabbing the girl in the gut with the pommel of her sword while the girl stumbles as a result of the parry. Kastumi once more is sent spiraling to the ground. Karin stands over the other girl.
"Dang, who knew Karin was so strong… I bet Squad 11 would love to recruit her!" Shino remarks, while Ryunosuke smiles, nodding in agreement.
Karin's Zanpakuto speaks to her, disappointed, "What a disappointment… I expected more from her… all bark and no bite! Let her know how much better we are! Her sword is weak! Oh yeah, Rukia's right over there, let's spar with her instead."
Karin mentally rolls her eyes at her Zanpakuto, "You sure like to talk a lot, but you still haven't told me your name…"
The old man responds this time, "You aren't ready yet… nor do you need it."
Karin couldn't argue with that, as she nonchalantly picks apart the other girls' weaknesses, "Your sword reeks of lack in experience. My Zanpakuto is thoroughly bored to the point where they are complaining. You're all bark and no bite, Princess."
Katsumi's eyes shoot open at this, recalling when her grandfather said the Tsunayashiro's had no place in the Gotei 13.
Rukia looks like she is about to say something, but Katsumi calls out in rage, "Wait!"
The noble girl gets up off the ground, wiping the blood across her face, looking more like a member of Squad 11 than a noble, "I'll show them all… I have what it takes!"
Karin raises a brow at the display, while Rukia, Shino and Ryunosuke look on with nervous expressions.
"Be careful, she's desperate.", the old man warns Karin with an uncharacteristic sense of caution in his voice.
Just then, Katsumi shouts something that causes the three bystanders to feel a shiver down their spine, "Flow like the wind, Shisha no Sabaku!"
Suddenly, her sword changes into some kind of double-sided glaive or spear.
Rukia calls out, "Wait a minute, Ms. Tsunayashiro! I thought you wouldn't use Shikai!"
"And I thought Shiba wouldn't punch, but she did…" Katsumi states, not taking her gaze off Karin, "So Shiba, think you're still better than me now?"
Rather the back down in fear, Karin stands her ground, smirking, "If this means you're more worth our time!"
Katsumi scoffs, "I highly doubt someone who doesn't know the name of their Zanpakuto could pose a challenge to a Shikai. Release is better than no release, it's simple math…"
Katsumi shrugs while Karin charges again. However, this time Karin finds her pace far slower before she is picked up by a draft of wind, sending her spinning in and air before landing face first on the dirt.
Katsumi chuckles, "The position suits you just fine, Shiba! In the dirt where you belong!"
"What did you do?" Karin asks, getting back to her feet.
Katsumi proudly explains, "My Shikai gives me the ability to control the air currents in the area, making it so I can push enemies into the air, redirect elemental or energy attacks, or even fly."
Karin is speechless at this as currents of wind form into swirling cyclones—floating spears on each side of Katsumi.
The noble calls out, "Give it up, Shiba! I don't want to hurt you too badly!"
Karin scoffs, "You'd like that wouldn't you?"
Karin points her blade at the noble before her, as if a declaration of her defiance.
Katsumi sighs, "As you wish."
With that, Katsumi points her spear at Karin, which sends the wind lances at Karin. The young Shiba girl attempts to block but is unable to do so, as her Zanpakuto spirits are arguing in her head.
"Cut it at the last moment!" the old man yells.
"No, dodge it!" the blue haired woman counters.
The result is Karin being hit by the wind lance, sending her against the wall, knocking her out cold.
Katsumi withdraws her Shikai, as Rukia declares her the winner.
As Katsumi exits, she can't help but notice the disapproving expression Rukia is giving her, "Whatever is that sour look for, Ms. Kuchiki?"
Rukia shakes her head, "If Karin had her Shikai, you would have lost that fight."
Katsumi looks away with a brief look of frustration, then of shame, and finally acceptance.
The noble looks back at Rukia with a light smile, "You are correct about that. It would seem that Shiba has me beat in terms of raw skill. Please tell her I thought her skills with a sword were magnificent. But she shouldn't let that go to her head, she has a long way to go in every other category until she's worthy of being my rival!"
With that, Katsumi takes her leave.
"I just can't get a read on that girl…" Rukia states to herself, before walking over to Karin while preparing a light healing Kaido spell.
30 Minutes Later, Academy Clinic
Karin wakes up in a bed, finding Rukia, Shino, and Ryunosuke sitting next to her.
The girl groans, "Where am I?"
"In the clinic. You took a heavy blow from Ms. Tsunayashiro's Shikai, but nothing a little Kido couldn't fix." Rukia explains with a smile.
Karin, remembering what happened, starts to get angry, "That bitch! I'll kill her!"
As Karin makes to get out of the bed, Rukia holds her down, "Restrain yourself! I know how this loss must hurt your pride, but you needn't provoke her."
Karin settles a bit at her Sensei's words.
Rukia continues, "By the way, she said your swordsmanship was excellent and for some reason seems to think of you as a rival…"
Karin's eyes widen at this, "Princess actually said that…?"
Karin then considers something, "Maybe she isn't so bad after all…"
"Woah, she's actually humble sometimes… who knew…" the voice of her Zanpakuto murmurs.
Karin snaps back, "Oh shut up, we wouldn't be in this mess if you'd have just told me your name! What is it?"
This prompts her Zanpakuto to chuckle, "In due time, child. I can't just hand you this power like it is nothing… as much as I'd like to…"
"What do you mean?!" Karin shouts back in her mind, however there is no response.
Ryunosuke, noticing the sour look on Karin's face, suggests something, "Karin… how about you teach us how to play this 'Soccer' you were telling us about?"
Karin nods, getting out of the bed with the assistance of her friends. Rukia looks on in amusement as Karin pulls a ball from her pack and starts kicking it around nonchalantly while the other two observe with stars in their eyes.
1 Week After the Grand Fisher Incident, Karakura Highschool
Uryu had been receiving many odd looks ever since he arrived at school. He had shaken most of them off, however, by lunchtime, the boy couldn't take it anymore.
Uryu sits up suddenly, turning to glare at the main gossiper, Keigo Asano, "What is it, Asano? Is there something wrong with my face?"
Keigo, who was previously not so quietly whispering to Mizuiro about something, perks up, "W-well… it's just…"
Uryu raises a brow, unamused, "'Just', what?"
Keigo starts laughing, "It's just that hair braid makes you look like a girl!"
Mizuiro sweat drops, "Not feeling subtle today, are you Asano?"
Uryu adjusts his glasses, scoffing, "I'll have you know, my cousin, Yuzu, had worked tirelessly to get my hair in this style. I wear it in honor of her. I won't let you mock—"
"Wait, YUZU'S YOUR COUSIN?!", Keigo blurts out.
Uryu raises a brow, "Yeah… wait, you were with her at that Kanonji rally, weren't you, Asano?"
Keigo ignores Uryu's question, "I DIDN'T KNOW YOU AND ICHIGO WERE COUSINS!"
This grabs the attention of Tatsuki and Orihime, who walk over to join the conversation.
Orihime gives Uryu a look, "You never mentioned this, even when you'd open up about somethings at sewing club…"
Uryu sighs, "Well, I didn't find out until after Kurosaki… well…"
Orihime nods, wearing a guilty expression, "I'm sorry…"
Tatsuki huffs, "Anyway, Ishida did raise a good question… you two guys were with Ichigo's sister during the Kanonji rally last week—who was that woman with you? Y'know, the one they called Karakura Green or whatever… you should know Asano, she's your woman…"
Tatsuki snickers as Keigo wears a mortified look, feeling a shiver up his back, "I do not wish to speak about Candy right now…"
Uryu raises a brow, "So that was Candice Catnipp?"
Mizuiro gives the boy a shocked look, "You've met her?"
Uryu shakes his head, "No, but I know of her from what Ryuken has told me… they're work acquaintances…"
Orihime places a hand on her chin, "I see! So, this Candy lady was your father's ex-nurse now turned babysitter has eyes for a young strapping lad in the form of our very own Keigo Asano! But the love is forbidden—so Keigo must wait until he grows up and trains to become a hero of legend and sweep her off her feet after defeating a foul monster that threatens her life! The two ride off into the distance upon a giant metallic horse with laser eyes and—"
"Alright, that's enough Orihime!", Tatsuki interrupts her friend's maddened rambling.
The rest of the group all sweat drop at Orihime's typical antics.
Tatsuki gives Uryu serious look, "In any case, how has Yuzu been doing?"
Uryu returns the serious look, "I wouldn't know… she ran away."
The four other students all gasp at this.
Orihime scrunches her brows wearing a worried expression, "Why would Yuzu do that?"
Mizuiro wonders to himself, "Could this be connected to Chad disappearing too…?"
Keigo shrugs, "Who knows? Chad has always liked to keep to himself…"
After a moment, Tatsuki snaps, "WHY WOULD YOU LET HER DO THAT?!"
Uryu scowls at the girl, "It's not like it was my choice! Ryuken made her feel like she had no choice in an important family matter. Unexpectedly, she ran off faster than we could chase her… I guess it goes to show she's got Kurosaki's athleticism on her side…"
Orihime asks, now wearing a serious expression, "Well, do you have any idea where she might be?"
Uryu nods, "Somewhere in Naruki City. Ryuken is currently working with the authorities to find her."
Xcution Hideout
Chad fiddles the pendent around his neck that Abuelo gave him, as he intently watches Yuzu, with Kon perched on her shoulder, having a discussion with Riruka.
Yuzu notices the stare, giving the boy a wave as she talks to the other girl. Chad returns the wave before walking off towards the back, where he keeps his guitar, deciding to pass the time.
Riruka sighs, "I never got to complement you on your new outfit until now, but the frills and buttons going down the center are so adorable!"
Yuzu smiles, "Thanks! Uryu worked hard on it…"
The girl then looks down in faint sadness, "I'll have to tell him you liked next time I see him…"
Riruka's gaze becomes softer before she looks away from the girl, "Sorry… I shouldn't have brought it up…"
Kon also gives Yuzu a comforting nudge, causing her to give him an appreciative glance.
Yuzu shakes her head, "No… this is my choice…"
"I refuse to let Ryuken get his way… I won't let Bambietta and Candice be captured. They'll come after Mr. Ginjo too… He won't dare send the Shinigami after them while I'm with them…" Yuzu thinks in resolve, as she clutches her mother's Quincy Cross in her hand.
Riruka nods, still wearing a sympathetic expression, before turning to work on her dollhouse. Yuzu then notices how things seem to be completely out of order—the trash cans overflowing as well as various bottles, video games, and even food strewn across the floor.
Yuzu frowns, "Now that I think about it, this place is filthy! Why hasn't anyone cleaned it up! No—I'll do now!"
Ginjo sighs as he watches Yuzu search the cleaning cabinet, "She's like a mom…"
Kon jumps off Yuzu's shoulder, grabbing some of the wet wipes Yuzu hands him to clean the floor. Kon runs along the floor cleaning it, although also doesn't fail to sneak peaks up both Bambietta and Riruka's skirt.
Yuzu start sweeping the floor until she locks eyes with Bambietta, turning the sweeper off, "Hey Ms. Bambietta, can I ask you a question?"
Bambietta, seated on the barstool next to Ginjo, huffs, "Sure. But be quick about it—we've training to do!"
Yuzu nods, "Can I ask you questions about the Wandenreich?"
Bambietta's eyes widen at this, "Where did you hear about that from?!"
The woman eyes Candice, who is seated on the couch across the room, next to Yukio.
Candice regards her co-worker, "Don't look at me! I didn't tell her anything!"
Yuzu shakes her head, "She's right. My unc—Ryuken told me about it… I want to see if what he told me matches up with how it actually is."
Bambietta looks to the side distantly, "It's still too soon for you to know anything about that thing. If I were you, I'd forget everything that man told you."
Bambietta hops off the barstool and walks out of the hideout, refusing to elaborate further.
Yuzu immediately walks over to Candice, looking at the woman with puppy dog eyes.
Candice sighs, "That ain't gonna work, kid. You should follow Bambi's advice. If your fight with that hollow proved anything, it's that you are nowhere near the level you need to be to know about that kind of information… besides…"
Candice glances at Yukio and then to the others inside the room, "…it's not something I'm allowed to talk about in front of a non-Quincy."
Ginjo smirks, "A shame… this 'Wandenreich' really has piqued my interest…"
The man sighs as he gets off of his stool, stepping outside of the hideout.
Yuzu looks a Candice with a serious look, "When will I be at the level to ask questions about the Wandenreich?"
Candice wears a contemplative expression before declaring, "As soon as you can land a hit against me in a sparring match. Not even Bambi can protest to that."
Yuzu nods, "Alright. Let's spar now."
Candice smirks, rising from her seat, "That's the spirit! Boy! Put us in your game! This shouldn't take long…"
Yukio activates his fullbring as requested before his screen suddenly flashes a bright green light.
The boy is wide-eyed as Candice and Yuzu are back in the Xcution hideout almost as soon as they left, "I didn't even see her attack Yuzu!"
Yuzu struggles to get off the floor as she twitches as if she were shocked by electricity.
Candice regards the girl with a bored expression, "See, kid? You're nowhere near our level…"
Yuzu pouts, "You didn't say you'd attack me immediately!"
Candice scoffs, "It's a sparring match, of course I'm going to attack you!"
Yuzu looks down, still processing her defeat, before asking her mentor a question, "Can you teach me how to move that fast?"
Candice shrugs, "Maybe not as fast as I move, but I can at least teach you how to improve your Hirenkyaku."
Yuzu nods, with a slight smile, "Alright, I'd like to do that for my training today!"
Candice smirks, "Works for me. Bambi's probably having a smoke right now, anyway, so her plans for you are gonna have to wait."
Chad watches from across the room in muted interest, "Just how strong are these two women…?"
Porch Outside Xcution Hideout
Bambietta narrows her eyes at the cigarette in her right hand. Her gaze is distant as she recalls a faint memory of a young-looking, bearded man with black disheveled hair similar to her own.
She closes her eyes, allowing the vision to become clearer as the man smiles widely and puffs on a cigarette, his words coming in pieces, "You think I should stop smoking…? NOT A CHANCE…! …It helps me calm down when stressed… I don't want you doing it, though…"
Bambietta, returning from her thoughts, suddenly stomps her foot angrily on the ground, growling in annoyance, "UGH! WHY AM I THINKING OF HIM NOW?!"
The woman retains a frown as she then regards the cigarette in her hand before seemingly defiantly sticking it in her mouth and pinching the end between her fingertips, causing it to light up.
She huffs for a bit, still worked up about the memory for some reason, before muttering as her gaze then becomes distant again, "Too bad, dummy… I'll do what I want…"
After a few moments, Bambietta fiddles with the cigarette with her mouth, balancing it between her lips, before seemingly becoming bored and removing it with her finger, exhaling a stream of smoke when she does so.
She blinks as her breathing calms, regarding the stream of smoke that starts to vanish, "This will make the seventh time I've resorted to this, yet every time I can't help but think about you, brother…"
Bambietta releases yet another sigh as she continues to gather her thoughts, doing everything she can to keep herself calm considering the new information Yuzu has been made aware of, which could easily ruin everything.
The woman can then hear footsteps approaching her before a masculine voice calls, "I didn't know you actually were a smoker."
Bambietta's eyes twitch in annoyance, continuing to reign her nerves in and have her back turned on the approaching individual, "I don't do it normally, ok? Just when I'm stressed and don't have other options to relieve myself…"
Ginjo smirks somewhat playfully, although the woman can't see it, "Oh? And here I thought sex would be your first instinct. You were quite forward when you brought that up last…"
Bambietta's hand is balled into a fist as an agitated, death glare is worn on her face, "I'm not in the mood for your games right not, Kugo… that is your only warning…"
The man widens his eyes slightly as he notes the woman's unusually on-edge behavior. He knows, despite their seemingly friendly relationship, that if the Shinigami were not around, Bambietta would have tried to kill him to make things simpler for herself at any point since they first met, a fact which is quite obvious in the moment. In this situation, however, the woman is forced to withdraw herself, as acting on her usual hot-headed and self-indulgent nature would not end well for anyone, her most of all.
After a moment, he sighs before asking in a more passive tone, "Do you mind if I join you, then?"
Bambietta takes another hit of the cigarette as she finally turns to regard Ginjo with a raised eyebrow. She exhales a stream of smoke before looking away with an uncaring, yet certainly less hostile look.
After another moment the woman grabs something from her pocket, holding out a pack of cigarettes in her hand as she grunts a response, "Sure."
Ginjo takes the pack, retrieving a cigarette, before handing it back to the woman.
He raises a brow, "Where's the lighter?"
Bambietta sighs, wearing an increasingly annoyed expression, "I don't need one…"
The woman then does a flicking motion with her index finger. Ginjo sees a small blue flash, although can hardly feel any Reiatsu from it. Shortly after, the tip of his cigarette is lit.
Ginjo gives the woman a light smile, "Thanks."
Bambietta eyes Ginjo with a cold, bored expression as he lifts the cigarette to his mouth, attempting to take a hit. However, shortly after, the man starts gagging as smoke comes out of his nose and mouth.
The man starts coughing uncontrollably, "Ugh! I can't—ack—I can't breathe!"
Bambietta frowns as she snaps at the man, "You're not doing it right! Hold the smoke in your mouth for a bit, dummy!"
Ginjo sighs, holding the cigarette to his side, "Well I didn't come out here to smoke anyway... you're worried about Kurosaki, aren't you?"
Bambietta looks away, annoyed, "I don't want to talk about that, Kugo."
Ginjo smirks, "Yeah, I guess you wouldn't. This Wandenreich does sound interest—"
Before Ginjo can react, a blade is touching his neck. Ginjo can see that it is a black and silver broadsword with a cross shaped guard with a unique pattern etched into it.
The man stares back into a pair of blood lusted purple eyes, as Bambietta's voice comes out cold, "Do NOT speak of anything Kurosaki said in there, especially not that place. If you do, then I'll have no choice but to kill you Kugo... Shinigami be damned… are we clear?"
Ginjo flinches under the woman's death glare before he samples his cigarette nonchalantly once more, despite being under duress. The woman starts to quiver in anger, her shaking visible to the man.
He lets out a stream of smoke successfully this time, before wearing a confused expression, "Speak about what? I didn't hear Kurosaki say anything…"
This prompts Bambietta to stop her shaking before retracting her blade and wearing a smirk, "This is why I like you, Kugo. You're smart and well behaved... most of the time."
"Plus, he always pays attention to me, even when I don't tell him to... I do like a good listener…" she adds mentally, her expression becoming even more satisfied.
Ginjo raises a brow, returning the smirk, "Oh? And here I thought it was you who were trying to charm me?"
Bambietta's eyes widen as she becomes slightly flustered, turning away from the man's gaze, "D-Don't get ahead of yourself! I still fully intend to make you lust for me! Speaking of, do you want to—"
"I'll pass" Ginjo states casually, cutting her off.
Bambietta stomps her foot on the ground, "You didn't even let me finish! You also brought it up earlier!"
Ginjo chuckles, looking out at the surrounding city of Naruki, "You don't think I was actually serious, do you?"
Bambietta growls, continuing to pout angrily, "THEN WHY BRING IT UP?!"
To her great annoyance, the man ignores her as he shifts to a more cautious tone, "Yeah, well, we really should be getting back inside… I don't want to risk someone seeing us or anything…"
Bambietta blinks, staring at the man quietly for a moment as she recalls their situation.
After another moment, the Quincy huffs and returns to an uncaring expression, "Sure, whatever…"
The woman then throws her cigarette on the ground, stomping it out—an action that Ginjo does as well, before the two re-enter the hideout.
Outside Las Noches, Hueco Mundo
The green-haired form of Nelliel stands on the sands just before the main entrance to the massive Hollow fortress of Las Noches, constructed after Aizen forced Barragan into submission. The Espada woman is far from alone as roughly 200 Arrancar children run around her, all wearing white cloaks and matching white clothing underneath. They possess a variety of mask fragments and one of them seems to be leading the others. This 'leader' is a small young boy with brown hair with a bony white, headphone-shaped mask fragment.
The children, still circling around Nelliel, all suddenly charge red Ceros before simultaneously launching them at her from every direction. The woman remains calm, however, as she begins to inhale, causing the Ceros to halt before all rushing toward her mouth, where she starts devouring them. After a few moments of this, Nelliel has collected all of the Ceros in her mouth and swallows, completely consuming the attacks. The children are quiet, however, as they await something else. Sure enough, after a long pause, the Espada suddenly spews a lavender Cero from her mouth toward the ground, which erupts in a massive explosion that blows the hundreds of Arrancar children into the air. After a moment, the children all giggle intensely in great amusement as their smoking forms float in the air.
One of the children, a brown-haired twin-tailed girl, remarks while giggling, "Only Master Nelliel can play with us like this!"
Another, bespectacled brown-haired girl nods while giggling as well, "Her Cero Doble is very fun!"
Nelliel's gaze softens as she smiles, looking upon the gleeful children in the air before her.
She perks up and shifts to a curious look as one of the children suddenly remarks, "It's been so boring without Nelliel around! No one else wants to play with us in Las Noches! But it's a good thing the Shinigami in the Soul Society always want to play!"
Nelliel frowns, now looking sternly at the children as they now land on the ground, her intense gaze on the main brown-haired boy with a headphone mask fragment, "You went to the Soul Society...?"
The boy shrugs as he wears a neutral, nonchalant expression, "Yeah. We were keeping an eye on that Yuichi Shibata, the bird kid Shrieker was playing with. We were thinking of killing Shrieker and making Yuichi one of us, but the Shinigami got to them first. We went to the Rukongai to look for Yuichi after that, since he's so good at playing games."
The Espada's gaze remains intense as another child adds, "And suddenly a bunch of Shinigami came to play with us! It was really fun!"
Nelliel remains stern as her cold anger is evident, wagging her finger at the children in disapproval, "Bad Picaro! You aren't allowed to leave Hueco Mundo, even if Lord Aizen is no longer here to enforce that rule!"
The woman's harsh tone causes the children, known as the Picaro, to all look down guiltily, giving it the appearance of a mother scolding her children.
The main boy frowns as he states, "We're sorry, Master Nelliel... we won't do it again. Please don't be angry with us..."
The other children all apologize as well, making Nelliel's eyes soften as she smiles once more, accepting their apology, "Alright, as long as you understand."
The children all perk up at this and smile back at her, no longer feeling guilty as the woman forgives them.
Nelliel frowns slightly as she now looks curious, "By the way, what did you mean that no one would play with you? You know Pesche and Dondochakka are always willing..."
The Picaro look between each other before the headphone wearing boy answers with a slight frown of his own, "We asked them and they're in a bad mood. They don't want to play."
The woman widens her eyes slightly as another child of the Picaro adds, "Master Szayelaporro stopped giving us orders too. He even said we could do as we please. He never does that!"
Nelliel's frown slowly worsens, her eyes hidden under her bangs as the headphone-wearing boy nods, "It's weird... He always enjoys experimenting on some of us..."
The green-haired, tattooed Espada suddenly addresses the Picaro as she begins to walk toward the palace, "You all wait at my place... I'll find Pesche and Dondochakka and get to the bottom of this."
The Picaro all nod enthusiastically before disappearing with the buzz of Sonido, leaving Nelliel to look at the entrance of Las Noches with narrowed eyes, "I have a bad feeling..."
A Few Minutes Later, Las Noches
Nelliel walks through the dimly lit halls of Las Noches, looking around and searching for her Fraccions.
The woman sighs worriedly as she remarks, "Picaro were right… I can't find my brothers in any of the usual spots… Did something happen to them…?"
A familiar, yet unwelcome, voice calls out from the shadows, "Oh, those two? They were poking their noses too deeply into my affairs, so I reminded them of their place… as I am here to remind you of yours."
Nelliel spins around to regard the owner of the voice, whose face is illuminated by a light pink Cero.
The hazel-eyed woman peers at the voice's owner, contempt clear in her voice, "Szayelaporro… what did you do with my Fraccions?!"
Szayel scoffs, adjusting the mask fragment shaped like glasses on his face, "Calm yourself, Nelliel, I merely had a chat with them. You have no reason to worry for their well beings, of that, I can assure you."
Nelliel peers at Szayel for a moment, before deciding to ask a question, "Then what do you want?"
Instead of answering, Szayel turns and observes his surroundings, "I've always found this realm to be too dreadfully dark before Aizen came around. You need light to work efficiently, after all… Barragan never did use Hueco Mundo to its full potential…"
Nelliel continues glaring at the ex-Espada, "What are you getting at? I thought you were always one of Barragan's most steadfast supporters."
Szayel nods, "Indeed. I will forever be loyal to the Hollow King… whether that be Aizen, Barragan, or…"
Nelliel tenses as Szayel looks directly at her as he speaks his next word, "…White…"
Nelliel recomposes herself before scoffing, "White? Do you mean like the color? I've never met any Hollow named—"
Szayel cuts her off, "You can play dumb all you like, Nelliel, but I know that you know who I'm talking about."
Nelliel's eyes shoot open at this, her face adopting an expression of rage, "You used Roka again!"
Szayel shrugs, "But of course, it is my creation after all. As you know, everyone in this army is required to have some of my creation's threads woven into them, so that we can properly monitor our troops… Unfortunately, I had to cut off my observations of White for… reasons…"
Before Szayel can react, he feels the chilling sting of metal on his neck. Nelliel glares directly into Szayel's eyes, a death glare that could've caused even hardened fighters to lose their nerve. Szayel doesn't flinch, despite finding himself on the business side of a much more powerful hollow's weapon.
Nelliel gives him an ultimatum, "You have five seconds to start explaining why you used Roka to spy on White, or else I'll have to explain to Barragan why his alchemist's head has been cut from his shoulders."
"Always so confrontational aren't you—", Szayel's lips clamp shut as he feels the blade dig into his neck, a sign that Nelliel is serious.
Szayel's eyes shine with fear briefly before he opens his mouth to speak once more, "That dragon is strong. All of us in Las Noches have heard of him by now—I'd be surprised if there were Hollows out there who haven't heard his name either. I wanted to see if there was anything special about him—an interest that the two of us seem to share, as I came to find."
Nelliel relieves some of the pressure from Szayel's neck, but keeps the sword leveled next to it, "Then you should know that it is unlikely that he'd approve of your experiments… why would you want him to become the new King?"
Szayel clicks his tongue, "Oh, Nelliel, I never said that I wanted that at all. You really shouldn't twist people's words like that, or else Barragan might think we're both traitors!"
Nelliel scoffs, "You say that like we aren't. You should know how absolute Barragan's rule is more than anyone!"
Szayel closes his eyes and shakes his head before addressing the woman before him, "You should really be less open about your intentions, Nelliel. I honestly feel like the only one who has noticed, or the only one who cares enough to point them out to either yourself or Barragan… speaking of which, Nnoitora returned not too long before you. The others are waiting."
At this, Nelliel's eyes widen, her face adopting an expression of urgency.
The woman quickly sheathes her sword, "We'll continue this conversation later."
Szayel smiles lightly, "I'm sure we will…"
As Nelliel runs past Szayel, she can hear him call out to her from behind, "And when we do, I hope that you will bring our 'mutual interest' with you to the discussion."
Espada Meeting Room, Las Noches
Nelliel arrives before a large door, huffing before pushing it open to reveal eight forms garbed in white and black clothing—signature to those in Aizen's army, sitting around a long meeting table, with Barragan seated at the end.
"About time you got here, woman! Get lost or something? Or perhaps you were too busy playing with those insufferable children?", Nnoitora calls out from where he is seated in the middle of the table.
Nelliel glares at him at the comment about the Picaro before shifting to a calmer expression and shrugging, "We all know the desert is a vast place. Besides which, I thought you didn't care for my well-being or affairs."
Nnoitora raises a brow before carelessly snorting as Nelliel takes her seat adjacent to him.
Suddenly, a loud sound booms through the room as Barragan slams his great black axe on the floor next to him, calling for silence.
Barragan decrees, "Since that fool Aizen has left, I am once again the de facto King of Hueco Mundo! I have used this power to extend the glory of Las Noches throughout all of Hueco Mundo, hunting down any loathsome rogue Vasto Lordes who yet resist my right to rule! Aizen was too passive to hunt them down, but not I! Hueco Mundo will once more be restored to its rightful state of being!"
A few of the Espada glare at Barragan as he says these words, specifically whenever Aizen came up, but none gave any voice of disapproval.
Barragan then turns and regards Nnoitora, "You have failed to hunt down a mere group of meddlesome Adjuchas! You are an incompetent weakling!"
Nnoitora slams his fist on the table, about to stand up and protest, but Nelliel grabs his arm. He looks back at Nelliel, who, wearing a serious expression, shakes her head.
Barragan regards Nnoitora once more, "Oh? Is there anything you'd like to say?"
Nnoitora opens his mouth to speak but is cut off by the light voice of another Arrancar, seated across the table, "He probably just thinks he's hot stuff because he's an Espada. But at the end of the day, Nnoitora is just trash who makes himself look strong by hanging around a stronger hollow like Nelliel there."
Nnoitora snaps back at the androgynous looking hollow, "I dare you to say that when it's just the two of us! You should know that I'll take great pleasure in tearing you apart if you do, Luppi!"
Before any further conflict can arise, Barragan raises his voice, calling for order, which causes the two Espada to sit back down.
Barragan continues, "I'd like someone a bit more competent than Nnoitora to deal with these loathsome Adjuchas—as unnecessary as that seems. I don't want to waste anymore of my own Adjucha minions on them, as I'd prefer to use those on the weaker Adjuchas and White. One of you are going to destroy them in one fell swoop…. Luppi, you seem like you think you are up to the task."
Luppi nods his head, "I'd be glad to prove myself superior to this piece of trash!"
Nnoitora wears a scowl at this, as Luppi continues, "Consider this small panther and his negligible posse as good as dead!"
Barragan nods before shifting his attention back to Nelliel, "And I hear you went after White, Nelliel? Tell us of your findings!"
Nelliel nods, "I caught sight of the hollow briefly, but chose not to engage directly. I saw the wound you left on him… he'll be dead soon enough."
Barragan chuckles at this, "Just as Szayelaporro told me… No mere Adjucha could hope to resist death from my power! My remaining Adjuchas should all but secure his death!"
As Barragan laughs, the rest of the Espada wear various expressions. Seated next to the King is a hulking Arrancar known as Yammy Llargo, who looked absolutely bored throughout the entirety of the meeting. Adjacent to Nnoitora and across from Yammy is a masked figure, known as Aaroniero Arruruerie, with bubble like-sounds coming from its mask occasionally. Next to Luppi is a tall, bald, dark skinned Arrancar, known as Zommari Rureaux, who scowled slightly whenever Barragan brought up Aizen, a trait shared by the trio sitting at the end of the table. This trio comprises of a bearded man with slicked back black hair, known as Dordoni Alessandro Del Socaccio, a twin-tailed woman with purple hair that matches her eyes, known as Cirucci Sanderwicci, and another bearded man with an orange afro, known as Gantenbainne Mosqueda.
Barragan's laughter settles, "This meeting is over! You all may leave."
Yammy is the first to leave, "About time! Meetings like this are a waste of my time!"
The others follow suit, leaving not quite so loudly as Yammy.
Nelliel leaves the room accompanied by Dordoni, Cirucci, and Gantenbainne, which Aaroniero, still in the room, notes quietly.
Nelliel's Old Quarters, Las Noches
Nelliel and the other three Espada make small talk until stopping in front of a door. The green-haired Espada opens the door, letting the trio in, before looking up and down the hall to make sure nobody is there. The room lights up when Nelliel enters, which reveals Dordoni and Gantenbainne each leaning up against a wall while Cirucci sits on a chair next to a desk in the corner.
The orange, afro-haired Arrancar immediately questions, "How come we are meeting in your old quarters and not your palace?"
Nelliel looks around the room briefly before answering, "Because Szayelaporro didn't start spying on me until I moved became an Espada and moved into that palace..."
The other three Arrancars nod in understanding, knowing that means the likelihood that they are being spied on is less in this room than Nelliel's proper sub-palace within the much larger fortress of Las Noches.
The purple-haired woman, still seated on the chair of the writing desk, questions with a knowing look in her eyes, "That means you were lying back there, doesn't it? You met with White."
Nelliel nods, "He has agreed to become the rebellious wind we've been waiting for."
Cirucci's eyes widen at this, "You didn't actually get all poetic with him, did you?"
Nelliel's eyes widen slightly before she closes them and smiles bashfully while rubbing the back of her head, "Well, yeah. I guess I did."
This causes Cirucci to huff and shake her head, "What are we going to do with you…"
Dordoni decides to speak up, "Well, poetry can be quite useful in convincing a niño of something's importance. Sí, I bet he just went with it and didn't ask many questions."
Nelliel nods, "That's what happened."
Gantenbainne is the next to speak, wearing a skeptical expression, "And are you sure this Adjucha has what it takes?"
Nelliel regards Gantenbainne, now wearing a much sterner expression, "He will—when he becomes a Vasto Lorde, he definitely will. Now if you all will excuse me, I have to go find Pesche and Dondochakka."
Nelliel leaves, followed by Gantenbainne.
As Cirucci gets up to leave, she regards Dordoni, who looks deep in thought, scratching his goatee, "I sure hope you plan on leaving too—you should know it's creepy for an old guy like you to hang around in a girl's room after she's left!"
Dordoni is snapped out of his thoughts by this, giving the woman a nod, "After you, chica!"
As the two leave, Dordoni once more is deep in thought, wondering why Nelliel sounded so certain White will become a Vasto Lorde.
Elsewhere in Las Noches
In another corner of Las Noches, the being known as Aaroniero turns on a monitor, revealing the visage of none other than Sosuke Aizen. Aaroniero bows at the sight of the captain.
Aizen speaks, waving his hand, "Right now, there's no need for such formality."
As Aaroniero rises, Aizen states in his smooth voice, "Now then, Aaroniero. Tell me what you have learned about the Hollow White."
The Hollow removes its mask, revealing the face of a man with black hair and green eyes—the spitting image of Kaien Shiba, "As you wish, Lord Aizen."
Hueco Mundo
Somewhere on the sands of Hueco Mundo, White finishes devouring the corpse of an Adjucha, staining his mouth red with blood. He slowly shifts his gaze toward the crescent moon in the dark sky above, the look in his golden eye with black sclera becoming increasingly distant. The dragon stares silently at the moon for what feels like a lifetime. A sort of quiet tranquility settles over the desert, helping to calm his nerves.
Without the grievous miasma from Barragan to deal with, White seriously considers, "My hunger's subsided for now and the pain is gone… should I return to the living world or continue hunting…?"
His eyes narrow in frustration, however, as his thoughts suddenly become rather hazy. Hundreds of muffled voices cry out from within his being, each clawing desperately to override his consciousness and control, which, of course, only angers the dragon.
Many Hollows retain the memories of their past lives, such as the case of the Hollow Acidwire remembering his life as Sora Inoue. However, in the case of White, whose primary consciousness comes from the human Ichigo Kurosaki, his identity and sense of self as Ichigo no longer exist as they once did. The boy was consumed by the Minor Hollow Fishbone D, which normally would mean he would be gone forever within the tempest of other souls comprising the beast. But Ichigo was far from a normal human. Though dormant, the boy had the blood of a Shinigami, Hollow, and Quincy running through his veins.
Even so, it was a miracle that his consciousness was not only able to remain within Fishbone D, but also completely overwrite the Minor Hollow's existence with his own. Despite the miraculous feat, 'Ichigo' still struggles to stand out among the hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of souls crying out from within White's being. Indeed, the dragon has come to the instinctual realization that he was forced to establish his own, hungry, blood-lusted persona, given that much of what was once 'Ichigo' struggles to surface. Although, the Hollow naturally still has no clue what the name of that orange-haired boy even is.
After a while of considering such things, the dragon growls lowly in frustration at the hundreds of voices in his head, asserting, "I'll shut these voices up… I'll become a Vasto Lorde, no matter what it takes… then I can finally find out who I am…"
White spreads his massive red and white wings before using them to launch himself into the air, kicking up small sandstorms on the dunes below. As the dragon flies off, he releases an instinctual, eldritch-sounding roar that echoes throughout Hueco Mundo, causing all of the Adjuchas on the sands below to shudder in fear. He's made up his mind. This is similar to the instinctual decision he made as a Gillian: for the sake of solidifying his sense of self and to regain his lost memories, he will remain hungry. He will remain a predator.
Author's Note:
With that, the first major arc of the story is officially over! The fic will now shift focus back to its main inspiration—White! Furthermore, there will be a large time skip at the start of the next chapter.