Northwest Seireitei
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StephDLegend
Member
Hopeless.....Fear....... Death........ Negative feelings that could be felt in dire times. Kinko knew that very well. He felt so hopeless 10 months prior during the civil war. He couldn't do anything to save his captain or himself. He was useless. He was afraid. The fear from such an overwhelming force was shocking. He never knew what fear truly was until that very moment. He thought he was truly going to die there against the Kenpachi. Watching even a captain that outclassed him get destroyed effortlessly showed him that he was as good as dead. Given a choice, he took it. He let go of his captain. He was weak.
Through the months, he felt hollow and null. Constant nightmares of the former Kenpachi haunted him. He couldn't just let himself go but how could he even face someone so strong? Could he even be that strong ever? Those questions followed him before he fully decided to embrace that the past happened but he wasn't dead yet. If he was going to survive then he needed to get stronger. He needed to break the limits. He needed to obtain the next level of power, Bankai. It was time to train with his old mentor and the current Kenpachi, Captain Otokogi Aijō.
Kinkō held both of his zanpakuto, breathing heavily as sweat dripped down his face. He had been training with the old man for two weeks with almost little rest. He looked at Oto with a persistent look. "You don't make this easy, Aijō sensei." Even though he held his zanpakuto and had a strong stance, his hands trembled as he was exhausted. Even so, he knew how important training truly was and if he was going to break his limits and achieve bankai then he needed to be physically and mentally capable. Also, his connection with both Yami and Hikari needed to be strengthened. Deep down, he had so much more to offer but he couldn't tap into that or so he believed.
Through the months, he felt hollow and null. Constant nightmares of the former Kenpachi haunted him. He couldn't just let himself go but how could he even face someone so strong? Could he even be that strong ever? Those questions followed him before he fully decided to embrace that the past happened but he wasn't dead yet. If he was going to survive then he needed to get stronger. He needed to break the limits. He needed to obtain the next level of power, Bankai. It was time to train with his old mentor and the current Kenpachi, Captain Otokogi Aijō.
Kinkō held both of his zanpakuto, breathing heavily as sweat dripped down his face. He had been training with the old man for two weeks with almost little rest. He looked at Oto with a persistent look. "You don't make this easy, Aijō sensei." Even though he held his zanpakuto and had a strong stance, his hands trembled as he was exhausted. Even so, he knew how important training truly was and if he was going to break his limits and achieve bankai then he needed to be physically and mentally capable. Also, his connection with both Yami and Hikari needed to be strengthened. Deep down, he had so much more to offer but he couldn't tap into that or so he believed.
In the ten months following the Civil War Otokogi had to undergo multiple surgeries to restore his body properly. His battle against the Kenpachi had left him beaten and severely battered, but most of all it left him to carry on the burden of the Kenpachi title. The old man did not even realize he had the title until he awoke four months later after being put into a medically induced coma. While everyone celebrated around him he hung his head low with sorrow and worry as he now bears the title of the strongest Shinigami of the generation, which he feels is incorrect and not fair. Otokogi’s generation had come and gone long ago, to claim the title now made him feel as if he had snatched it away from the current generation of Shinigami. It took him a few weeks, alongside his physical therapy, to come to terms with this burden. He came to terms with it by understanding it is nothing more than a title, it does not enhance his current level of power, nor does it make him naturally stronger than anyone else. His last regret is that he must die in order to pass it on, a selfish regret of not wanting to die was born because of this.
The Gotei Thirteen was in a position where it needed leaders and those with experience to help rebuild its ranks and numbers. If he were to die it would be deprived of a teacher who had much knowledge left to give to the future generations. He only hopes the one who takes the title from him is not as evil nor demented as the former Kenpachi. More time passes and once he was fit for duty the old man was hit with another revelation, a promotion to the rank of Captain. This title was accepted more graciously as it meant he was finally in a position to rebuild the Third Division’s Rukongai branch into a proper force of protection rather than a force of oppression. While much of Third Division’s barracks had been destroyed Otokogi saw it as symbolic, what was destroyed was the old Third Division, one built off the greed and tribute of the nobles. They can now rebuild and grow anew from their dark past. Speaking of Third Division, its Third Seat, Hachi Ikimaku, had vanished shortly after his Hollowfication.
Of course this was a cause for concern due to the unpredictable nature of Vizards, but Otokogi had assured the Captain Commander and Central Forty-six he would find him. It didn’t take long for Otokogi to get word on the Third Seat’s location by way of an information network that existed in the Rukongai. This network of information existed outside of the Seireitei and outside of their knowledge as well as it is made up of Rukongai citizens who report directly to Otokogi and a very select few Shinigami trusted by the old man. Hachi had returned to his old stomping grounds, laying low and keeping to himself. Otokogi made falsified reports on his whereabouts to keep the Gotei Thirteen off of his back and to give the man time to figure out his Hollowfication on his own terms. Aside from this the old man had returned to teaching, even as a Captain which added a new level of prestige to his classes despite the curriculum never changing from what it was before. More than this he had begun helping a former student who had endured the hardships of the Civil War, this young man wanted to grow stronger and the strength he sought was that of Bankai. Otokogi agreed to help this young man achieve his goal.
The old man rested his Zanpakuto on his shoulder while staring down the exhausted Kuchiki. He taps that same shoulder with the back of the blade, formulating a response, a lesson to give to the young Kuchiki.
”Your bond with your Zanpakuto is very important, the stronger the bond the harder it will work to not only keep up with you but also protect you. Though there are some geniuses within the Gotei, not all were able to so casually unlock Shikai.”
Oto begins pacing in a circle around Kinko, keeping his eyes locked on the young man making sure that sense of foreboding danger never left him. While he was giving a lesson he did not want the young man to drop his guard.
”Your Zanpakuto responds to a sense of danger, a sense of death. When pushed to your limit the first time you had it is when it revealed its Shikai to you and maybe even through further dangers is how it revealed its various Shikai abilities to you. Again, this is not the only route to achieving Shikai.”
The old man prattles on about how to achieve Shikai but if Kinko is smart he would have caught on to what he was trying to teach at this moment.
”I, unfortunately, cannot teach the more casual method of obtaining Bankai because I unlocked it in the heat of battle, when my life was put at risk. My bond with Jūryokuhanten was already very strong, being put at risk of death was the tipping point for me. Perhaps being put at risk of death will be the same trigger for you as well, provided your bond with your Zanpakuto is strong enough to invoke that sort of thing.”
Otokogi won't kill the young man, he himself has had enough of the infighting and bloodshed of Shinigami not to mention it would be counter productive to do such a thing. He doesn’t let Kinko know this, he has to make Kinko believe he has a chance of dying in order to invoke that fear of death and hopefully it will trigger the release of his Bankai.
”Now, stay on guard, don’t slack for even a second. The moment you hesitate I’ll kill you. The moment you think you can pause to take a breath, I’ll kill you. The moment you ask to stop the training for whatever reason, I’ll kill you.”
Otokogi walks towards Kinko, taking a single step. The moment his foot touches the ground he is no longer in front of Kinko but behind him instead, displaying the speed of his Shunpo. Oto swings downward with his blade attempting to flay Kinko’s back and cut into his spine all at once. In his already exhausted state will he be able to respond properly?
StephDLegend
Member
Kinkō exhaustedly look at the old man, breathing heavily but doing his best to remain ready. He listened as Sensei Aijō spoke of the bond between a shinigami and their zanpakuto needing to be strong. He spoke of geniuses in the sereitei who were able to easily obtain shikai but some had to work harder. He was right. Kinkō was always training and that allowed him to get to where he was but then there were others who simply just obtained their shikai as if it was not even a challenge.
As the old man started pacing around Kinkō, he kept his eyes trailing the captain. His guard was up and he kept himself at the ready should a strike come his way. Sure he was exhausted but he was still able to move and that alone meant that he could still fight.
Oto went on to speak of how the zanpakuto responded to the sense of danger and death. He reminded Kinkō that shikai was obtained through being pushed to the limit and being in dangers. That was also how shikai abilities were learned. Yet this wasn't the only way.
The young Kuchiki remembered the moment he and his sister unlocked their shikais. What a time that was. Things were much different back then. He also recalled when he unlocked Heikō's zanpakuto's shikai after her death. The methods were different but both resulted in shikai.
That was it! The best way to achieve more strength and unlock the next level was to find out what worked best for you and your zanpakuto. His grip tightened on the hilts of the zanpakuto in his hands. He listened as Oto went on to speak of not being able to help Kinkō obtain bankai in the casual way as his was unlocked during battle. He wasn't going to hold back and he was very prepared to bring death to Kinkō's door. As he spoke of the many ways Kinkō would end up dead, the young man simply accepted it. If he was going to become stronger or reach the next level then he had to fight for his life; he had to survive.
The old man walked towards Kinkō but vanished from his sight, using flash step. As he appeared behind him, Kinkō turned and raised both zanpakuto to parry the old man. His instinct was taking over and it allowed Kinkō to feel a surge of power. That was right, whenever Kinkō felt close to death, he felt a surge of unexplainable power that allowed him to move faster and hit harder until he believed he wasn't in danger anymore. Even so, he couldn't get careless. He jumped back and had a battle ready look on his face.
"Fade to black and shine, Yami to Hikari!" The zanpakuto in his left hand (Hikari) glowed bright and separated into a thousand light particles before forming into multiple swords of light hovering behind Kinkō. The zanpakuto in his right hand (Yami) didn't change much in appearance other than carrying the black and white theme most shikai had. Black flames enveloped the zanpakuto as Kinkō got ready.
The young boy reached out his left hand and one of the swords of light flew down and was now in his hand. He dashed forward and swung the blazing sword first at Aijō's torso (horizontally) while keeping the sword of light in a ready position for a counter.
As the old man started pacing around Kinkō, he kept his eyes trailing the captain. His guard was up and he kept himself at the ready should a strike come his way. Sure he was exhausted but he was still able to move and that alone meant that he could still fight.
Oto went on to speak of how the zanpakuto responded to the sense of danger and death. He reminded Kinkō that shikai was obtained through being pushed to the limit and being in dangers. That was also how shikai abilities were learned. Yet this wasn't the only way.
The young Kuchiki remembered the moment he and his sister unlocked their shikais. What a time that was. Things were much different back then. He also recalled when he unlocked Heikō's zanpakuto's shikai after her death. The methods were different but both resulted in shikai.
That was it! The best way to achieve more strength and unlock the next level was to find out what worked best for you and your zanpakuto. His grip tightened on the hilts of the zanpakuto in his hands. He listened as Oto went on to speak of not being able to help Kinkō obtain bankai in the casual way as his was unlocked during battle. He wasn't going to hold back and he was very prepared to bring death to Kinkō's door. As he spoke of the many ways Kinkō would end up dead, the young man simply accepted it. If he was going to become stronger or reach the next level then he had to fight for his life; he had to survive.
The old man walked towards Kinkō but vanished from his sight, using flash step. As he appeared behind him, Kinkō turned and raised both zanpakuto to parry the old man. His instinct was taking over and it allowed Kinkō to feel a surge of power. That was right, whenever Kinkō felt close to death, he felt a surge of unexplainable power that allowed him to move faster and hit harder until he believed he wasn't in danger anymore. Even so, he couldn't get careless. He jumped back and had a battle ready look on his face.
"Fade to black and shine, Yami to Hikari!" The zanpakuto in his left hand (Hikari) glowed bright and separated into a thousand light particles before forming into multiple swords of light hovering behind Kinkō. The zanpakuto in his right hand (Yami) didn't change much in appearance other than carrying the black and white theme most shikai had. Black flames enveloped the zanpakuto as Kinkō got ready.
The young boy reached out his left hand and one of the swords of light flew down and was now in his hand. He dashed forward and swung the blazing sword first at Aijō's torso (horizontally) while keeping the sword of light in a ready position for a counter.
As Kinko rushes towards Oto the old man is lost in thought for a moment, his mind fixated on something else entirely for the moment. It wasn’t out of any sort of disrespect to Kinko, he just has a lot on his plate and when given any moment of pause his mind begins to wander to it. When the young man neared him his eyes affixed themselves to the young Kuchiki, he raised his arm up and spoke.
”Bakudō #8. Seki.”
(斥, Repulse; Viz "Repulsion")
Using the spell he repelled the blade and Kinko away from him without ever changing his stance. While Oto spoke about killing Kiko if he didn’t shape up during this spar he had yet to physically follow up with it in full. Being a grizzled war veteran he can use that experience to out pace the boy and kill him for real but what would any of that accomplish? Is pushing him towards death the only way to unlock Bankai? No, it isn’t, Oto knows it isn’t but that’s the only way he knows how and you can only unlock Bankai once so there is no way to go back and try again. If he planned on helping him then he can’t hold back, he has to bring him to the gates of death.
Fight!
His eyes flash white from his Reiryoku surging within him, he leans forward and vanishes from sight, giving chase to Kinko who had been flung away by the spell. Catching up to him and essentially flying alongside him the old man steels himself to commit to seriously harming the young man and he hopes the boy can defend himself properly. He holds his Zanpakuto up towards him, the tip of the blade aimed at Kinko. The Third Seat would have to bring the full knowledge of his Zanjutsu to bear because if he doesn’t he will be faced with life threatening wounds. Otokogi makes use of Senmaioroshi (千枚卸, Thousand-Page Wholesale) which causes his sword arm to vanish from sight due to the high speed movement he demonstrates with it. If Kinko fails to defend himself his body will become littered with hundreds of lacerations that will leave him unable to move and essentially defeated.
StephDLegend
Member
Upon releasing his zanpakuto, lunged at the old man and swung his primary sword at him. Effortlessly, Oto raised his hand and casted Bakudō #8, Seki which repulsed Kinkō, sending him flying. The young Kuchiki gritted his teeth as he flew across the room. Even so, he had to get back into the game or else he was going to die. He knew that the instinct boost he received wasn't enough to take down the current Kenpachi. He also needed to want and will to win. He had to fight with his all and even that may not be enough. Even so, he had to give this his all.
As the old man flashed towards Kinkō, the young man saw him coming and he flashed away while sending 3 light swords towards Aijō's sensei. "Mabayui Dātsu!" While Kinkō usually one sword at a time, he figured it wouldn't be enough when dealing with someone like the old man. The swords of light flew close in and exploded when near enough. Kinkō knew that the Blinding Dart didn't do physical damage and was more of an ability geared at temporarily blinding a target. The swords that exploded turned to light particles and started to reform into swords behind Kinkō
He landed a reasonably safe distance and held Yami's zanpakuto up. He took a breath and switched his grip on the sword. He held it upside down and watched the flames grow and surround him in a blazing black wall. "Kuroi Kabe." Kinko formed the wall of black fire 3 feet radius so that he would have some time to recover. He started to feel the effects of his fatigue hitting him. He needed to get his bearings. He couldn't fight much longer and for that reason he was probably going to die.
He needed to unlock bankai but it wasn't working. The last two weeks were relentless. The old man really pushed him past his limits. He could tell that he got stronger over that time but he still didn't have bankai. Just why couldn't he get it? If it was based on being close to death then he should have been able to unlock it while in the presence of the last Kenpachi.
"Kinkō!" He heard both Yami's and Hikari's voice. Was he that tired that he began hearing things? His hands shook violently and both swords fell from his grasp. The wall of flame usually could last up to five minutes but with his state, it didn't last very long and it disappeared. He fell to the floor and breathed heavily. "Kinkō, don't give up." The shikai forms of both zanpakuto returned to their sealed forms. Hikari's sealed form managed to form in his hand which he used to stab the floor which he used to push himself to stand. He picked up Yami and held it in front of him. "I won't give up, sensei. I will obtain bankai."
As the old man flashed towards Kinkō, the young man saw him coming and he flashed away while sending 3 light swords towards Aijō's sensei. "Mabayui Dātsu!" While Kinkō usually one sword at a time, he figured it wouldn't be enough when dealing with someone like the old man. The swords of light flew close in and exploded when near enough. Kinkō knew that the Blinding Dart didn't do physical damage and was more of an ability geared at temporarily blinding a target. The swords that exploded turned to light particles and started to reform into swords behind Kinkō
He landed a reasonably safe distance and held Yami's zanpakuto up. He took a breath and switched his grip on the sword. He held it upside down and watched the flames grow and surround him in a blazing black wall. "Kuroi Kabe." Kinko formed the wall of black fire 3 feet radius so that he would have some time to recover. He started to feel the effects of his fatigue hitting him. He needed to get his bearings. He couldn't fight much longer and for that reason he was probably going to die.
He needed to unlock bankai but it wasn't working. The last two weeks were relentless. The old man really pushed him past his limits. He could tell that he got stronger over that time but he still didn't have bankai. Just why couldn't he get it? If it was based on being close to death then he should have been able to unlock it while in the presence of the last Kenpachi.
"Kinkō!" He heard both Yami's and Hikari's voice. Was he that tired that he began hearing things? His hands shook violently and both swords fell from his grasp. The wall of flame usually could last up to five minutes but with his state, it didn't last very long and it disappeared. He fell to the floor and breathed heavily. "Kinkō, don't give up." The shikai forms of both zanpakuto returned to their sealed forms. Hikari's sealed form managed to form in his hand which he used to stab the floor which he used to push himself to stand. He picked up Yami and held it in front of him. "I won't give up, sensei. I will obtain bankai."
KagiSenkō
Member
10 Months Ago
There was no sound of footsteps down the wide, dim-lighted corridor as the cloaked individual entered a dark room, seated for forty-six officers who hold all the power and control from their chairs—the decision-makers of the Gotei 13, Central 46. The only light before him was a single light that beamed toward the center floor from the ceiling. This shrouded cloak shinigami slowly strides towards the center of the spotlight, unveiling the full visual of this black-haired male wearing a bamboo straw hat. This black tunic he wears reaches just beneath the knees with colorless seams, two-legged black hakama pants, and black tai chi-styled shoes. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows at this time, even though his entire frame is covered by the cloak he dons. Both eyes were fixated on the members of this place in front of him, but Kagi could feel all forty-six members' eyes set upon him. The entire room had been silent as they watched him enter the spotlight until one person finally spoke after staring at him for more than ten seconds.
"Vice Commander-in-Chief, Kagi Senko. We have called you here. But given your exceptional skills in gaining intel after your centuries of service in the Stealth Force. We can only assume you know the reasoning for your presence today?" One spoke, a male. He had a calm voice and no quarrels or ill-will towards Kagi as he talked to him.
Kagi's eyes remained gazed towards the individual up in the chair yet silent for a moment while he allowed himself a little time to read the room. He has spent centuries serving and doing the bidding of Central 46 within the Onmitsukido when they felt it necessary to use the Stealth Force or even the likes of nobles, such as the one who mainly controls them—the Shihoin Clan. Though his eyes may be fixated on them, only he could see them barely by the underlying of the straw hat. And his head tilted back slightly so they could get a better look at his eyes before Kagi spoke in response.
"I am. The Gotei 13 is in shambles. Mistrust of all divisions, even the Onmitsukido, is present due to the conflict of the people responsible. The Civil War has placed a great scar on the Gotei 13, with the Commander-in-Chief deceased and many other handful of Captains of the Gotei 13. There is no telling if every Division will get along ever again. Or there is no telling if there are forces in the shadows who may try to finish what they started while the Gotei 13 is in a weakened state. My guess is you are looking to promote me. It couldn't have been any reason for summoning me here to ask what I know. Correct?" Kagi replied.
There was no sound of footsteps down the wide, dim-lighted corridor as the cloaked individual entered a dark room, seated for forty-six officers who hold all the power and control from their chairs—the decision-makers of the Gotei 13, Central 46. The only light before him was a single light that beamed toward the center floor from the ceiling. This shrouded cloak shinigami slowly strides towards the center of the spotlight, unveiling the full visual of this black-haired male wearing a bamboo straw hat. This black tunic he wears reaches just beneath the knees with colorless seams, two-legged black hakama pants, and black tai chi-styled shoes. His sleeves are rolled up to his elbows at this time, even though his entire frame is covered by the cloak he dons. Both eyes were fixated on the members of this place in front of him, but Kagi could feel all forty-six members' eyes set upon him. The entire room had been silent as they watched him enter the spotlight until one person finally spoke after staring at him for more than ten seconds.
"Vice Commander-in-Chief, Kagi Senko. We have called you here. But given your exceptional skills in gaining intel after your centuries of service in the Stealth Force. We can only assume you know the reasoning for your presence today?" One spoke, a male. He had a calm voice and no quarrels or ill-will towards Kagi as he talked to him.
Kagi's eyes remained gazed towards the individual up in the chair yet silent for a moment while he allowed himself a little time to read the room. He has spent centuries serving and doing the bidding of Central 46 within the Onmitsukido when they felt it necessary to use the Stealth Force or even the likes of nobles, such as the one who mainly controls them—the Shihoin Clan. Though his eyes may be fixated on them, only he could see them barely by the underlying of the straw hat. And his head tilted back slightly so they could get a better look at his eyes before Kagi spoke in response.
Usually, Kagi is only summoned for a few things; one of them is getting orders directly from Central 46 that were passed down to them from the Shihoin Clan for a mission. Or being promoted to a higher rank, or the final reason would be to report to them or the Shihoin Clan. There was no message to dispatch to them, and Kagi had already returned from a previous mission a couple of days ago, the day the conflict ended. So, the only reason for being asked to bless their presence today would be a promotion. But what is Kagi being promoted too? Commander-in-Chief? Captain?
"Astute as ever, Kagi Senko. Or shall we call you Captain?" a female voice replied.
"Figures." Kagi thought within his mind. But they have yet to reveal which Division he shall take under his tutelage. Did it matter? Not so much to Kagi, but there was one condition if he became one of the highest-ranking officers of the Gotei 13.
"You. Kagi Senko will be appointed to the Second Division as its Captain. We have already informed the Shihoin Clan and the Head Captain of your promotion. And another member of the Stealth Force will be appointed as Captain as well, Hiro Tanaka. We have decided that because of your centuries of service to us, your remarkable skill sets, and your iron will to finish a job. We grant you the rank of Captain. You are to report to the Captain Commander after our meeting to introduce yourself. Do you accept?" A different person spoke; by the voice, he sounded much older, elderly.
Kagi did not answer immediately; he remained silent to think about it. But why would anyone need to consider accepting a Captain offer directly from Central 46? Kagi already does not trust Central 46. Kagi and Hiro were given a mission the same day the Civil War occurred. When the assignment was given to them, it took them further beyond the Rukongai. The only authority that gave out assignments was the Shihoin Clan. Kagi has yet to decide if they were to blame as a whole. Or if it was a single individual who gave misleading information? That investigation would soon come to pass when the time is right. But to accept the rank of Captain could be a double-edged sword. The lack of trust in Onmitsukido could pose an issue, with a member of the Stealth Force joining the Division as Captain, which could question many minds. However, could this be a way to use Kagi for Central 46 benefits to gain intelligence by placing Kagi inside the Gotei 13 as one of its captains? Or is this to throw him into the lion's den, a mutt from the Rukon, to lead a bunch of sensitive nobles that may dislike the idea of some man from the Rukon becoming their Captain? Regardless, this could still be a way for Kagi to get to the bottom of the problem, assemble the pieces, and discover the truth. What better way than that than to become Captain?
"Kagi. You're ans-"
The black-haired stealth force member interrupted the man with a straightforward answer.
"I accept."
All members of Central 46 became silent for a moment and started to murmur amongst themselves as they did not expect him to accept after taking so much time to think about it. They were concerned with the slight hesitation.
"Very well. Report to the Hea-"
Kagi had boldly interrupted one of its members yet again.
"On one condition." he paused.
"I will accept the offer for now, however, due to the events that occurred days ago. I would like you to present my proposal to the Shihoin Clan to consider allowing me to merge the Second Division and the Stealth Force as one unit. That way, I could still have them under my guardianship, and we could still serve both you, Central 46, and the Shihoin Clan since both Second and the Stealth force could surround their responsibility and duties for Central 46 and the Shihoin as one unit. I know you cannot make the final decision at this time, for the final decision has to come from them because we are under their control. However, with them being under my wing before the news as Vice Commander-in-Chief, I can continue both duties as Captain and Commander-in-Chief and ensure a better and more established organization to make the Second Division more efficient and effective. I will give you time to inform the Shihoin Clan my offer."
Kagi stated his one condition and presented it to Central 46; unlike them, he was not playing coy. The black-haired shinigami was straightforward with them and did not sugarcoat his condition. Yet, it wasn't a negotiation but merely a suggestive idea to help continue his work as a Stealth Force member and to make Second Division more effective for his liking. In addition, the reports he read from the beginning, from when the gate guardian was murdered to three shinigami being allegedly blamed for killing hundreds of citizens in the 48th district, to the end of the former Kenpachi. There were many things to unravel about what brought it on and who started it. Answers that will be sought out and take time to unfold, but how much time is there?
10 MONTHS LATER
Every brick and rubble destroyed during the war has been rebuilt as if nothing had occurred. No matter how well everything was cleaned up and polished to look as pristine as it once was before the conflict, it will never repair those affected psychologically or emotionally. Unfortunately, Kagi wasn't affected by it; his lack of presence during those trying times was the reason, yet he made it his duty during the ten months to maintain distance from all the targets, gaining information indirectly. Well, not all of Kagi's targets were indirectly approached and studied; there were two individuals he directly came across at some point once or twice. One of them is someone who serves as a member of his Division, Kinko Kuchiki. A royal noble who did what he could to save his Captain, for whom he had chosen emotion over duty; according to the reports, he went to aid the late Captain of Second. Only to have met his demise at the hands of the former Kenpachi. Could there be something Kagi has missed? Did he flee the scene to leave his Captain to die? Or did he escape after the Captain's defeat?
These questions ponder Kagi's mind but not judging; it can't help that it made Kagi question Kinko's motivation and judgment. With the chaos, he probably went with what he thought was the best choice. Everyone had scrambled around to eliminate the problem or be eliminated and only acted as they knew how. The issue is why he did not go to Central 46 . That was his duty as a Second Division member. A third seated member was to aid its Captain. To Kagi, Kinko was either close to the Captain, or he looked up to him so much that he foolishly chose the Captain over duty. Though he couldn't possibly be close to a Captain who wiped out his clan, what motivated him to protect him? Only to run away from death in the end. Could his means to survive be that the former Kenpachi's power humbled him? Did Kinko realize his weakness?
When Kagi finally came across Kinko sometime during the ten months, those brown eyes of Kagi saw a lost soul; his morale was low but also affecting the rest of the Division. It was as if the war had changed him, affecting his thinking. Kinko was mentally beating himself up into what some may call depression. Kagi took only a glance and could see that guilt was eating away at him like a flesh-eating disease. Before meeting Kinko, Kagi posed as a normal shinigami disguised amongst his Divison for a while. The newly appointed Captain studied their behavior, listened to conversations, and gathered the latest talk about the war among the Gotei 13 and its members. It's easy to gather information around a group that loves to gossip. When seeing a member in the state as Kinko was in, one would think to help him find that strength. Kagi did not make it his objective to empathize or hold his hand, but he wasn't that type.
However, Kagi knew that holding Kinko's hands would only enable him to find the strength he needed to find himself. Give him support from a distance but not so much help to rescue a male damsel in distress; it was in Kagi's best interest to keep watch of Kinko to be sure that he either finds himself again or out of the Division. Luckily, Kinko did manage to find that strength. He sees Kinko working at rebuilding his fortitude day by day. Unbeknownst to Kinko, Kagi has kept his presence shrouded physically and spiritually to keep his distance and watch the progress he has made thus far. For months, Kinko has chosen to be trained by the new Kenpachi. A Captain of the Third Division. A wise choice. A man who prides himself in teaching recruits of the academy. He was the second individual Kagi had encountered more than once, which was usually just small talk. A man who also met his former Commander-in-Cheif. Was Kagi to be trusted? After all, it was at the hands of Captain Aijo, who defeated the late Onmitsukido Commander in battle. Could Kagi be looking for revenge or simply looking to build a relationship with the Old man for the betterment and sake of the Gotei 13? Only time will reveal such truths. Is that why Kagi had been hiding this entire time? No. Captain Aoji should have known Kagi's presence when he entered the training with Kinko. The old man is aware that from time to time, Kagi visits not out of concern for Kinko's safety but to determine when Kinko is ready for the next step and if Captain Aoji is incapable of getting Kinko to reach his potential, then Kinko would find realized his days in the Second Division no more.
"I see."
The voice of Kagi but in a soft, low tone that the likes could not hear of either shinigami; though the precise location had been unknown, he didn't have to worry about being found or affected by the bankai training. Both eyes were closed, though his spiritual eyes could see everything: all the actions, motion, swing, and even the sound of Kinko's heavy breathing as if he was playing proctor, watching the entire thing. Both arms were tucked into the black tunic, and the dark obsidian scabbard rested within the inner elbow while Kagi's entire backside leaned against the surface with one foot planted against it. A single strand of grain was resting between his lips. There was not a single emotion on Kagi's face, which was his resting face, which could be mistaken for many things.
Kagi recognizes the determination within Kinko, and the training is not about winning or losing. But building enough endurance and pushed to the brink of death to unlock the next stage between the relationship of a soul reaper and its zanpakuto spirit. He could feel the desire from his soul to obtain bankai. Kagi sees that Kinko has not only walked on his own two feet to regain the strength he once lost and shred himself of guilt but also found a stronger conviction within himself. Something he found to look forward to; he had something to fight for as long he kept that edge and held to those convictions. Fear would be nonexistent, and nothing would keep him from his plans. Speaking of plans, Kagi began to wonder if the silence from Central meant that they had yet to reach the Shihoin of his proposition. It has been ten months. Indeed, there was enough time since then. It is possible that they chose to ignore it or try to keep tabs on him and his whereabouts to see if his plans align with what he presented, hence why he had purposely trained Second in the basics art of the Stealth Force. To at least use the training regime he received to make them better and more efficient in espionage and moving a bit more silently. It surely will take more than ten months to shape them into the soldiers he envisions. In the meantime, Kagi continues to watch what Captain Kenpachi Aoji will do now.
"Push. Push. Push and survive Kinko Kuchiki." Kagi spoke in the same low tone of voice.
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Kinko was quick on his feet to vanish away from Otokogi, something the old man took note of as the young man fought tooth and nail to keep himself in the fight and avoid any unnecessary damage from the old man. Shortly after Kinko displaced himself three blades of light came in towards the old man who raised his blade up, ready to swat them away only for them to explode once they were in range. With no damage being done to him, due to the nature of the ability used, Oto was quick to realize it was nothing more than a smoke screen. He swings his blade to release a wave of concussive air that blows away the smoke which reveals a wall of black flame surrounding Kinko. The old man begins walking with a hastened pace towards the wall of flames, he holds his blade up horizontally in front of his eyes and shortly after it shifts into its Shikai form via silent release.
The young man tries to get some reprieve from the fighting, to get air back into his lungs to stave off the fatigue that is trying to set in. Otokogi’s Reiatsu spikes for a moment, the obvious sound of energy is heard but nothing happens until Kinko’s flames suddenly fly off into the sky. His protection and moment of peace were shattered in that moment.
”Run, hide, run, hide, RUN, HIDE! How do you hope to achieve anything if you keep repeating that cycle!? How do you hope to get stronger!? You think training alone will be enough to make you stronger!? The things you learn and do in training are with a willing and cooperative opponent, when you face something or someone who wants nothing more than to end your life everything you learned in training will FAIL YOU!”
Otokogi was enraged, his Reiatsu flaring up in full force and falling down on the entire area. It was like gravity itself was pulling down with even more force than normal and in Kinkoo’s condition there wasn’t much he could do to resist it. It wouldn’t have him flat on his face as Oto was not focusing it all on him but it would bring him to his knees at least. Then, like a cool breeze on a summer day the brings relief from the heat, the Reiatsu fades away and there is relief for the briefest of seconds.
”Fall to the horizon and die. Bankai. Zettai Jūryokuhanten.”
Kinko’s world would feel as if it was tilting as gravity shifted from his feet and towards his back and eventually that gravity would pull him and make him fall towards the horizon, like Oto had proclaimed. The old man remained standing on the floor as if nothing had changed for him and in truth gravity did not change for him because he was now the center of it. What did change for him was his Zanpakuto, now a giant Katana blade as tall as him. The old man vanishes using Shunpo to circle around Kinko and once behind him he rushes towards him. Still caught mid-fall, Otokogi swung his blade towards the back of the young man with the goal of cutting him in two, just as he had done to the Onmitsukido Commander ten months prior. Then there was Kagi who was watching from a distance, he too would be affected by this Bankai ability, he would have to affix himself to something to keep himself from falling as well. All within the Third Division had to do this, those in the buildings were safe but those outside had to cling to trees or the sides of buildings as the floor became nothing more than that of a cliffside for them.
StephDLegend
Member
Kinkō did it! He pissed the old man off. He was simply trying to buy himself some time to catch his breath but the fact that all he was doing was running and hiding was enough to bring out the rage in the sensei. Kinkō was well aware of the old man's tolerance level from back in his academy days. The difference was, much more was expected of the young man now. The old man asked him how could he achieve anything or get stronger by running and hiding. He was right. He made Kinkō question if training alone would be enough to make him stronger. His ultimate statement was that the things learned in training won't always work against an opponent who isn't willing or cooperative. That's what Kinkō got from his words.
As Kinkō tiredly looked at his sensei, he could see that wrath was coming. Heck, he could feel it. The gravity started pushing him down so much he had to take a knee. If he didn't think of something to do, he was going to die. Death in training... not the best way to go. Heikō would be pissed that he went out so stupid. He gritted his teeth and tried to push against the tide but it was no use. Suddenly, the weight was gone. This could only mean that Sensei Aijō had removed the weight but why would he do so?
It was then the old man released his bankai. The gravity changed and now Kinkō was falling forward. The young Kuchiki saw this bankai before. It was 10 months ago in the battle against the former Kenpachi. This was it. This was when he lost....... "KINKŌ!" Those voices were heard again but now they were very clear.
As Kinkō tiredly looked at his sensei, he could see that wrath was coming. Heck, he could feel it. The gravity started pushing him down so much he had to take a knee. If he didn't think of something to do, he was going to die. Death in training... not the best way to go. Heikō would be pissed that he went out so stupid. He gritted his teeth and tried to push against the tide but it was no use. Suddenly, the weight was gone. This could only mean that Sensei Aijō had removed the weight but why would he do so?
It was then the old man released his bankai. The gravity changed and now Kinkō was falling forward. The young Kuchiki saw this bankai before. It was 10 months ago in the battle against the former Kenpachi. This was it. This was when he lost....... "KINKŌ!" Those voices were heard again but now they were very clear.
"Do you recall what your inner world looked like before Hikari joined us here?" Yami asked, looking directly at Kinkō. It had been long since then but it wasn't something that the young shinigami forgot. There wasn't a light side or a dark side and no division. It was simply one landscape while dark, the black flames illuminated the area. Since Hikari joined them, the light she brought changed Kinkō's inner world. "Yes, I remember. There was only one zone." Yami nodded to Kinkō's answer. "That is correct. Then you let her in and this place changed. You divided your attention and gave the other half to Heikō's zanpakuto, Hikari."
"I don't understand why you're telling me what I already know."
"Tell me, Kinkō, have you truly accepted Heikō's death and moved on? Have you truly decided to let her rest in peace?" Hikari looked him dead in the eye. She wasn't usually this direct especially when speaking about Heikō.
"I.."
"You haven't fully accepted her death." She said as she flash stepped towards him. "In order to move forward, you need to let her go. You need to let go of the guilt. We couldn't save her no matter what we did just like we couldn't save the captain. Either you accept it or we die!"
Kinkō couldn't understand what the hell was going on. Why was he in his inner world being questioned and grilled by his zanpakuto? He looked towards them both and he sighed. "I accept that Heikō was beyond my help. I accept I couldn't save her."
"Then why haven't you fully accepted me?" Hikari looked at Kinkō with tears flowing down her face. "I have been here the whole time since letting you in yet you don't accept me!" She bawled, looking at him. "Your inner world is divided because you wanted it so!"
"You neglect me for a zanpakuto you don't accept." Yami spoke, visibly upset. He didn't hate Hikari but he hated the fact that Kinkō went out of his way to make the other zanpakuto comfortable in the inner world and yet still didn't claim her thus changing their inner world into this divided place of two zones. "Now, I am restricted to half of our domain."
"Hikari..." He reached out to her only for her to move away from him. "Yami..." He didn't fully understand why she thought he didn't accept him because he did. Did he alienate her somehow? How could he fix this? Was this what was in the way for him obtaining a bankai? If Bankai was obtained when you felt closest to death then Kinkō should have earned his bankai 10 months ago but something was in the way. Was it this division? He thought about what they both said. Why would both of them speak of the division of the inner world and how was it Kinkō's fault?
"Kinkō, since I am unable to fight anymore, I am entrusting Hikari to you. May she serve you well now that she can't serve me." Those were Heikō's words to him before giving him her zanpakuto. Ever since then, he has tried to connect with Hikari but it came long after Heikō's passing. They grieved together. How could she say that he didn't accept her? Of course, he did. After all, she was Heikō's zanpakuto. That's when it hit him. He always considered Hikari to be his sister's zanpakuto and not his. That must be what she meant. He understood it now.
"I'm sorry, Hikari.I accepted you as Heikō's zanpakuto but I never did accept you as mine." He hugged her as she stopped crying. "And I'm sorry for dividing our world and bringing Hikari in only to keep you both separated. You both are my zanpakuto."
"Thank you. You finally accept me." Hikari smiled. "Now you're ready."
"Show the world our unity, show them our"
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