Hearing Souta say stop then appear in front of her made her stop and look up at him, asking her what she planned to do from here, she wanted to say something but truthfully she couldn't. She knew nothing as to where this person who took Hozumi went. So far all she had done was destroy a pretty looking forest. She was given a tight hug as he tried to comfort her, but all she wanted was her little Hozumi back. As he let the hug go, he said they would just have to try harder which made her give a small smile and nod. Fumio then came down to both of them and standing behind her he backed up Souta and suggested they ask the Captain if she didn't have any leads. "All I know is she had a encounter with my brother, and then she was gone. We could ask the Captain, but I don't know what good it would do. I checked all the nearby districts, and no one seen a child of Hozumi's description."

Present

Another day of being turned down by Kasumi, he had tried using his recent promotion to charm her, honestly he thought it only made her want to kill him more then take his position. It made him chuckle every time he thought about it, she was so cute when she was angry, her being here longer than him but him joining and always staying a rank above her. Now he was lieutenant which he knew ticked her off, but he wouldn't mind fighting that one. But he knew she had somewhat of an advantage of him, but he pushed that to the back of his mind as he headed out.

Heading out of the Soul Society and into the woods, Hikari came upon a mountain but didn't climb it. Instead he walked around it, heading towards the cave that was hidden by bushes, trees, and rocks. His hands stuffed into his Shihakushō he closed his eyes taking a breath, remembering his first time training with the so called man of a thousand techniques.

---

Hikari vs 100

With his Zanpakuto drawn Hikari stood twenty feet away from Tabo, aka the man of a thousand techniques. Hikari lightly twirled his Zanpakuto, "So you're gonna train me in Zanjutsu huh? Man....Of a thousand techniques."

"Hey, hey, hey now! It's not man of a thousand techniques, it's the man of a thousand techniques," Tabo said as he gave a light smile, chuckle, and a tip to his hat.



"But yes, yes I am....Now, shall we get started?" Tabo asked as he lifted his cane from his shoulder and activated his Shikai with mere thought, or so it seemed as he did it so quickly. His cane had transformed into a roulette that had only seven spaces on it, and instead of numbers the roulette had random symbols. Instead of a ball, the roulette had a spinner. Spinning it, Tabo smiled, "Let's see what style we're gonna train you in!"

Immediately after he said that the spinner stopped on a clown face, in which a clown face shot out the roulette and opened it's mouth letting it's tongue drop to the floor and roll to the ground. A giant cero-looking beam then shot out at Hikari whom eyes widened along with Tabo's. Tabo shunpo'ed above the beam and hit it with his palm causing it to hit the ground right in front of Hikari.

"What the fuck was that Tabo!?" Hikari yelled as he gripped his hair, eyes wide, freaking out as he almost fucking died by the person who was supposed to be training him! Hikari was honestly starting to doubt this, but he needed the training.

"Minor malfunction, happens all the time!" Tabo said, brushing it off easily as he walked back to the roulette and began spinning it once more.

"Minor!? You call that minor! I-I almost lost my life, I almost died!" Hikari said as he facepalmed with a sigh as he whispered, "For the love of the Soul King...."

"Ah, here we go!" Tabo said, causing Hikari to look up to see Tabo tossing a katana back and forth in his hands. Tabo then pointed it at Hikari, suddenly all white figures began surrounding him one by one, then by the twenties up until there were a hundred. "What....?" Hikari said utterly confused as he looked around him keeping his Zanpakuto gripped tight.

"Clones, one hundred exactly. This is the ability of The Puppeteer, the other ability before was The Jester. I can create clones, up to the hundreds, and make you fight exactly who I want," Tabo began switching the looks of all the puppeteers at once, Kasumi, Kenta, Shinji, himself....Tabo turned them back to the default white clones, "But let's keep it simple, your job here is to defeat all one hundred. Your face, it tells me you're thinking how could it help Zanjutsu? Well, it'll help me see your faults in Zanjutsu, or what you'll excel best in. Now, start."

Not a second later all the clones charged at Hikari. One punched at him in which he side-stepped, beginning to strike it was canceled as he was punched in the ribs causing him to wince and move to the side in which he was then kicked and sent flying. A clone appeared above him and kicked him in the gut causing blood to fly out of his mouth as he hit the ground.

"Remember, there's one hundred, and the enemy will not let up. The enemy will not give you a second to breathe or recover, you have to be quick and swift. Reaching back too far to attack with your weapon leaves you open on the ribs, keep your elbows closer to your body….Or be faster with your attacks, either or!” Tabo said with a smug look on his face as he sat crisscrossed in the air.

Smug bastard, Hikari thought before multiple clones jumped into the air and landed on him with kicks and punches. Hikari stood up and pushed them all off of him with the help of releasing spirit energy to get them away. As they ran at him Hikari dodged a punch and sliced the clone’s head off before quickly pulling his weapon back and back flipping to dodge an attack, he landed on a clone and stuck his sword into it’s chest before pulling his sword out and doing a quick spin with his sword pointed outwards cutting the four that tried to attack him from all angles. They were down for good.

Taking a quick breath Hikari ran through the crowd making quick and swift cuts, flipping, dodging, sliding, he did what he could to avoid attacks and managed to kill clones while at it. Jumping into the air it seemed as if the clones followed his exact movements as most of them jumped into the air with him, some coming right at him from the air. As one came at him with a kick he blocked it with his Zanpakuto and flipped the clone behind him, then dodged an attack from the next by spinning behind it and stabbing it in the back. Turning back around he ran forward cutting through the long lines of clones, then began dropping back towards the ground cutting through the clones that were in mid-jump. He began spinning with his Zanpakuto pushed out while dropping to the ground cutting and killing the ones that jumped at him.

As he landed his sword was pushed into the head of a clone, he then released a massive amount of spirit energy to push the clones back. He began panting, hunching a bit as he looked at the clones charging him. He had released two massive bursts of energy and had been fighting non-stop, it took allot of him. He put a hand to his face, he needed it!

No, you’ll never be good if you rely on that. You need to focus on your own abilities, Hikari thought as he took another breath and looked around. They were still charging not quite to him yet, so he took this time to regain most of his breath. He stood still, letting the clones surround him, suddenly he used Hōzan Kenbu dropping most that came after him. Finishing he quickly pushed spirit energy into his blade and stuck it into the ground, smirking before a large explosion erupted destroying the rest of the clones.

As the dust cleared Hikari was just standing there battered and bruised, mostly from the explosion as his clothing was ripped. Tabo walked towards him clapping, “Good job, but you forgot one thing!” he said. “What’s that?” Hikari asked slowly as he focused on gaining his breath but was interrupted by a knee to the gut.

Hikari coughed up blood before falling face-first into the ground. He slowly rolled around holding his stomach seeing Tabo turn into a white clone then disappeared, the real Tabo hovering over Hikari with a grin holding up a peace sign with his fingers, “You only killed ninety-nine!” he said with a laugh that made Hikari sigh and close his eyes.

---

Present

Hikari opened his eyes as he walked into the cave, remembering how after that Tabo had taught him the Zanjutsu style Iaido. As he walked deeper into the cave Kai walked out and smiled at Hikari, “Been a while Hikari, what’s up?”

Hikari smiled back with a nod, “Looking for Tabo, he around?”

“Yeah, he’s just finishing up something in the back. He told me to wait out here until he was done,” Kai said as he walked over to the cave walls and sat. Hikari sat across from him and closed his eyes, remembering when Kai and he met. Tabo saw how poorly Hikari did against the Hakuda clones, and decided to make Hikari and Kai spar.

---

Hikari vs Kai: Zanjutsu vs Hakuda!

“Hikari, this is Kai. Kai, this is Hikari. Beautiful meeting right? I know, you two will fight each other,” Tabo said with a smile.

“Fight him? You mean a simple spar or…?” Hikari asked with a raised eyebrow as he looked at Kai, whom looked over at Tabo. Tabo shrugged, “I’d prefer if you went all out, Kai needs practice against Zanjutsu users, and Hikari you need work against Hakuda users. Since the problem came to me, I figured why not an all out spar? Give it all you’ve got!”

Kai nodded and stepped up, bowing to Hikari who bowed back in respect. They both straightened themselves as Hikari pulled out his Zanpakuto, while Kai activated his Shikai. His body was now encased in white armor with a snake that stayed above him but was wrapped around his waist. Hikari nodded, indicating that he was ready.

Kai shot at him, he was fast! Faster then Hikari expected, raising a hand Kai tried grabbing Hikari’s face but Hikari shunpo’ed into the air. Before he could do anything the snake jumped at him, almost biting him before Hikari used shunpo again to get to the ground. Kai quickly turned his body and dropped down to Hikari aiming a punch at him. Before he got a hit off, Hikari jumped back letting Kai punch the ground. As he jumped back the snake went after him in which Hikari sliced upwards killing the snake and causing it to dissolve as if it were a hollow.

“Hm, looks like I got that out of the way,” Hikari said.

“Oh you really think so?” Kai asked as he bent down and touched the ground, hand glowing purple as small purple snakes raised from the ground disappearing afterwards. The snake had reformed around his waist and rose up, staring at Hikari.



Hikari just narrowed his eyes, thinking faster than Kai could move to attack.
Not sure if he controls the snake or if it has a mind of its own….Also not sure if he can just summon the snake whenever he chooses. Though I do know if I move to dodge one of them then the other comes straight for me. So it would be a matter of speed, or just take one of them down. It seems as though he can’t form the snake without touching a solid substance of some sort, evidence as to why he touched the ground, otherwise he would have just made it grow back. So get the snake to attack me, I’ll kill it, then charge him to stop him from forming it. I win there!

As he finished thinking everything snapped back to normal, though Kai had got a punch on Hikari’s face sending him flying back into a cave wall. Moving past the rubble, Hikari emerged from it and smacked dust away. Before he could get out Kai appeared in front of him and punched him back into the hole and continued punching him, beating him down. Hikari grunted, the punches seemed non-stop by how fast they were.

This guy is strong! Hikari thought, before he managed to get his foot free and kick Kai back. Quickly recovering, Hikari shot off and punched Kai out of the wall. Hikari got out himself and jumped into the air, landing he aimed his Zanpakuto at Kai as he slammed down. Kai rolled away before getting stabbed but Hikari turned and slashed at the ground trying to hit Kai as he rolled away. Quickly getting up him and Hikari charged each other, Hikari’s Zanpakuto slamming down as Kai used his arms to block the blade grinning as his snake shot for Hikari. “Perfect,” Hikari said before slashing upwards killing the snake. Slicing down, Kai rolled out the way and slid backwards using his claws to stop him from going further.

“You have good agility and speed for your size,” Hikari said.

“People usually underestimate that,” Kai said smirking as he touched the ground about to summon the snake again until Hikari appeared in front of him, “Same for my speed.” Hikari brought his Zanpakuto down and cut through Kai’s armor leaving a wound from Kai’s shoulder down to his arm then hand causing him right arm to drop.

They both jumped back, Hikari glad that he was able to bring him down to just one arm. “Looks like I’m the winner of this spar, you can’t summon your snake so you have nothing to watch your back,” Hikari said as he let his Zanpakuto rest on his shoulder.

“You may be right about the snake thing, but don’t think you’ve won this match!” Kai yelled as his claws dug into the ground, Hikari now running towards him. Kai lifted the entire ground leading from his towards Hikari, raising his hand the ground began lifting, then Kai pushed forward letting the ground raise and fall towards Hikari.

Hikari began running up the ground, and just as he reached the top he flipped over it just as it crashed to the ground. Hikari quickly shunpo’ed to Kai and sliced his chest before shunpo’ing behind him and turning towards Kai who had stood up from his crouching position. Hikari ran towards Kai as Kai ran towards him, Hikari ducked dodging a punch then made multiple cuts with Zanpakuto to Kai’s torso before sheathing his blade and then moving forward. Kai turned to Hikari with narrowed eyes, armor cracked at the torso with bleeding wounds and a dead arm. “You’re strong Hikari, doing this much damage to someone who trained under your same teacher you had for a couple months, who had trained under him for a couple years. Impressive really.” Kai complimented.

“You’re strong too, but I feel like you didn’t give it your all…I know I didn’t either,” Hikari said with a chuckle, that chuckle hurting his gut from the previous punches, “Next time we’ll go all out alright?”

“Heh, yeah, next time,” Kai said with a smile as he turned and walked away. Although they didn’t fight at full strength, they both learned something about the individual fighting styles that day.

---

Present

“So I see you’ve got a promotion,” Kai said pointing to Hikari’s lieutenant armband.

Hikari eyes opened and he chuckled, “Oh yeah, I did! Lieutenant had retired, so I got the position,” he laughed, “Kasumi is so mad!”

Kai gave a small chuckle before looking down, a sad look in his eyes as he tone lowered, “Must nice right?...Having friends? Things to actually fight for?”

Before Hikari could reply Tabo walked out from the back and tipped his hat towards Hikari, “Nice, you’re lieutenant. You’ll get Captain one day,” he said before turning around and beginning to walk, “I’m ready for you.”

Hikari nodded and stood up before following, looking back one last time before leaving to see Kai walking out of the cave with his hands in his pockets and head down. Hikari looked away and walked to the back, entering the battlefield him and Kai fought it. Well…The ground looked fixed atleast.

Hikari looked up to see Tabo standing next to someone, a man with a jacket and no shirt.

“Another spar?” Hikari asked.

“Indeed, this time we’ll be focusing on hoho. Naito here is a master at hoho, so with this spar I’ll be comparing your speeds. This will help me determine what to teach you in terms of it,” Tabo said and nodded, “You two, you may begin…And Naito, don’t go all out.”

Naito nodded and slowly began pulling his Zanpakuto out from behind his back, all while eyeing Hikari.



Next thing Hikari knew was that Naito was now behind him slicing down his back, Hikari quickly turned around slicing at Naito who shunpo’ed behind Hikari again slicing at him. This time Hikari did a flip landing behind Naito, quickly unsheathing his Zanpakuto and striking Naito who used Utsusemi appearing right next to Hikari.

“Aside from that first strike you’re actually keeping up, and with your natural speed too. You have potential to be very good at hoho if your natural speed can keep up with that of a hoho master, but with this I’m afraid that you won’t fair well anymore,” Naito said before clawing over his face summoning his hollow mask.



So he’s one too? Hikari thought as he remembered his own Hollow training.

---

Hikari Vizard training!

“I know you’re nice, but being nice doesn’t fit this world,” Hikaru said sipping his tea, “When you’re fighting your Hollow, you have utterly destroy him in combat. Abandon your emotions and just fight.”

“….I don’t know if I can,” Hikari said hesitantly, looking at the ground, “Defeat the hollow….Yeah, I can probably do that. But abandon my emotions? That’s not me…I don’t….want to fight like that.”

“Hikari,” Hikaru said with a sigh, “Someday you will have to fight like that…If it’s not now then it’s later, now are you ready?” Once Hikari nodded Hikaru poked his forehead causing Hikari to fall back dropping his cup of tea. “You’re strong, so you’ll need it double,” Hikari said as he used Kin and then Gochūtekkan.

“Fight and gain control my son, you already survived the hollowfication process when you were younger….But now you need to show your dominance,” Hikaru said before walking out of the temple.

~Inside his head~

“Well well Light~” Hollow Hikari said, “What a surprise to find you here, it’s been a while!”

“You don’t look surprised at all,” Hikari said narrowing his eyes, “Still keeping that smug ass face, huh?”

Hollow Hikari grinned, “What smug face?...Oh you mean the smirk? That ain’t smug, that’s called my nature~”



“Whatever it is I’m gonna wipe it off your ugly ass face!” Hikari yelled.

“Ugly? No need to be insecure, don’t forget that I’m an exact replica of you,” Hollow Hikari said, “Don’t worry, you’re perfect the way you are~”

Hikari sighed and closed his eyes, knowing he shouldn’t lose his cool here of all places! Opening his eyes he kept his cool, running towards his Hollow he slashed at him in which he blocked. “Faster I see….Well I’ve always seen~”

“Shut up,” Hikari said calmly before backing up, he then slashed down but was parried by his Hollow who grinned and then stuck his sword through Hikari’s stomach. Blood began dripping from his mouth, but he smirked ignoring the pain as his own blade slammed down on his Hollow’s shoulder. Hollow Hikari winced and jumped back, not having a sword now but instead a hurt shoulder, “You bitch!”

Hikari didn’t reply, instead went into a crouching position letting out a breath. He grabbed the handle of the sword in his stomach and chuckled a bit, “I think you can see how this is going to turn out bad for you, you see…Thanks to the man of a thousand techniques, you know, the guy my father introduced me to? Thanks to him, I can do this.”

Hikari gripped the handle of the sword and pulled it out of himself as he stood up, “Who’s the bitch now?” Hikari asked as he ran forward sending multiple slashes to his Hollow, in which he dodged some, but he got most blows directed onto him. Falling to his knees he chuckled, “So after this….I guess you’ll have full control huh? Yeah, get rid of the one who’ve saved you in multiple battles.”

Hikari grabbed his hollow by the collar and lifted him up, “You only came in to save your damn self, and then you tried taking over. Yeah, it kept me alive but it was by chance that you didn’t take over!”

“Is that what you really think Hikari? Hm, and I thought you were a smart one,” Hollow Hikari said chuckling, “Well, I guess its bye bye time for me!”

“You’re damn right it is,” Hikari said as he dropped his Hollow and grabbed his Zanpakuto, giving another blow to his Hollow’s back causing him to drop while laughing.

~Outside his head~

The mask on his face faded and the Kido’s dispelled, and Hikari was picked up and tossed over a shoulder….Though not by his father, but Tabo himself, then man of a thousand techniques.

---

Present

Hikari glared as Naito put on his mask, Hikari chuckled.

“You’re not the only one of course,” Hikari said as he moved his hand across his face revealing his own mask.



“Oh wow, the tricks are indeed real. Show me more!” Tabo said grinning, watching the fight like a child watching his idols. He sensed the Hollow in both of them, of course he knew the full extent of Naito’s power, but he didn’t know Hikari could control his.

Hikari’s natural speed was almost on point with a hoho master who used shunpo constantly…So I wonder the increase of speed he’ll gain with that mask, especially if he used shunpo he’ll most likely be faster than Naito and turn the tides. He’s certainly something; I see why you passed him on to me, Hikaru… Tabo thought with interest.

“You certainly do have allot of tricks,” Naito said as he used speed clones, all fifteen surrounding Hikari, “But I have more!” All of them said at the same time. “Seal, Sasinwang!” At that exact moment all the clones disappeared and Naito dropped down towards Hikari from behind. Just as he was about to get hit Hikari shunpo’ed and ended up behind Naito, getting a lucky hit across the back. Hikari jumped away just as Naito turned around swinging.

“Hm, I wonder what that does,” Hikari said as he pointed towards the Shikai.

“Why don’t you come find out?” Naito said as he stood on the ground, holding his Shikai out with the blade pointed downwards.



“Alright!” Hikari said as him and Naito shunpo’ed to each other clashing Zanpakuto, though Naito’s Shikai was bigger than it seemed on the ground, much bigger. Naito used all his force and sent Hikari flying into the cave wall in which he kept flying through until he was shot out of the cave and into the forest, shooting through some trees.

Hikari smacked into the ground and rolled, stabbing his Zanpakuto into the ground to stop the sliding. Half of his mask had broken due to the force, but he didn’t care. He panted, not noticing the three people around him. He shot off forward heading back to the cave.

Shooting towards Naito he slammed his sword down, aiming to cut down his shoulder instead Naito turned around and smirked grabbing Hikari’s Zanpakuto as his mask broke.

“Wha….But I can keep it up long-“

“My Shikai ability cuts the soul’s connections off. Therefore you can’t use Zanpakuto abilities or your mask,” Naito said as he pushed Hikari back and pointed to the cut on Hikari’s arm he dealt which they clashed swords and he pushed Hikari out the cave, “Fair enough to say I’ve won this spar, I have the speed advantage and you have no Zanpakuto abilities or power boost.”

Hikari took a breath before giving a nervous chuckle, scratching his hair, “Wait, is this all your speed?” Hikari asked.

“Yeah, why?” Naito asked.

“Oh…I was holding back,” Hikari said giving another nervous chuckle.

“I knew something was off,” Tabo said smirking.

“You were fucking what!?” Tabo screamed.

“I was holding back, my speed atleast, Tabo told you to hold back so I thought it was only fair if I did,” Hikari said, but then gave a smirk as he appeared in front of Naito and used Senmaioroshi to break his mask while Naito just stared there in shock with his mouth wide open, “Never let down your guard!” Hikari commented, as that’s how Hikari just cracked Naito’s mask, and then jumped back.

Naito just shivered in anger, then ripped his jacket off, “You piece of shit!”

“I…See you’re easily angered,” Hikari said.

“Ban-KAI!” Naito yelled as his energy raised, when the dust settled it revealed his Bankai.



Hikari’s eyes widened, as immediately after activating it a large red beam of Kido shot out towards Hikari with massive speed giving Hikari no time to move out of the way. Even if he did, his heartbeat would increase while running as well being hit would increase the chance of him dying. He had fought a Bankai user before, but this was faster, deadlier…For fuck sakes it was just a spar!

---

Hikari vs Elder!

“So you’re the one….The one who ordered Kaguya to fight me,” Hikari said gripping his Zanpakuto with his head held low, “Huh, Kago?”

“You are correct,” Kago said as he held his Zanpakuto behind him, his eyes scanning the temple before laying back on Hikari, “It was to test your strength, you killed Kaguya…One feat not many could achieve, hence her kill count.”

“I didn’t kill her,” Hikari said.

“What was that?” Kago asked.

“I didn’t kill her!” Hikari yelled looking up at Kago, gritting his teeth with tears spilling out of his eyes, “My hollow killed her! You know, the thing that happened when I was younger!?.....Tell me what these test are about Kago.”

“Well that’s simple enough, the tests are to test your strength, and get you stronger….You see Hikari, you’re the golden boy. Once every generation there’s supposed to be a new head, someone trained to become stronger than the rest…Hikari…ever since birth you had a high Spirit Energy,” Kago said, “Hikari, do you know how your mother died? Because yo-“

“Don’t say it!” Hikari said.

“Because your Spirit energy was too high for her to handle.”

“I said don’t fucking say it!” Hikari yelled, blind with rage as he shot off towards Kago swinging his Zanpakuto as Kago raised his large katana and pushed Hikari away, “The thing you use everyday, thing you use in every fight, it was used to kill your very own mother. Do you feel nothing every time you use it? Every time someone comments on it, reacts to it?”

“I said shut the hell up!” Hikari yelled, charging Kago slicing at him in which Kago just did the same thing as before. Kago chuckled, “Continuing these tests Hikari, you can learn to be great without the use of spirit energy, just pure, raw, skill.”

“Fuck your tests and fuck your raw skill, fuck the clan, fuck everything!” Hikari yelled as he began shivering with rage, head hurting because of it, body heating up.

“Hm, well if you say so Hikari, I’ll just kill you here and take your place then!” Kago yelled as he activated his Bankai, flames beginning to circle around him black and white.



“…And fuck your Bankai,” Hikari said as he stared at the flames.

“You think you can beat my Bankai?” Kago asked.

“I know I can,” Hikari replied.

“Try to get close!”

As Hikari began charging, the flames pushed forward towards Hikari in which he flipped over them. Landing, he continued running towards Kago until a tsunami of flames came down towards him. Hikari flipped backwards to avoid it but once it hit the floor it quickly shot towards him in which he shunpo’ed in the air hanging upside down. He shot off from where he was towards Kago, once he got close he swung at Kago’s face but black flames blocked it as it were a solid substance. Red flames hit Hikari’s hand causing him to wince and jump away from the flames going towards him.

Now would be a good time to lend me your power Ken….Ken!? Hikari thought angrily, remembering the last words Ken spoke of their last conversation.

You don’t use me, at all….I’m nothing to you, but one day you’ll need my power. Then you’ll understand how much you need me when I don’t come through…..Goodbye Hikari.

“Fuck,” Hikari mumbled.

“You said you can beat my Bankai, but it isn’t going well is it?” Kago said, “I know you have a Shikai, but I want to fight you at full strength. Show me your Bankai!”

Next thing that happened was a giant swarm of black and red flames going towards Hikari, no going above it or below or around it. Hikari jumped back, blocking his face until he hit a wall, fuck!

The swarm of flames had hit him and sent him out the temple and into the grounds outside. Slowly he stood up, breathing heavily with his head hung low, clothes ripped and skin burned. “To actually survive one of my strongest Bankai abilities, you truly are the golden boy….Too bad you’re gonna die with my ultimate.”

Before Kago did anything else Hikari lifted his head and shot a cero into the ground, spreading dust, his mask broke afterwards. As the dust cleared Hikari was nowhere to be seen, leaving Kago to search. Meanwhile Hikari had escaped into the forest, sitting in a tree on a thick branch breathing heavily. He…Came out just as I was about to get hit, Hikari thought with his hand to face that moved it’s way to his hair.

I got too angry, didn’t fight right….If I didn’t have the mask at that time then I would have been toast, and I’m not talking figuratively, Hikari thought as he tried regaining his breath and closed his eyes, Took a Hollow mask, most of my energy….I survived the attack but look at me, battered and bruised, I can hardly fucking walk. And to top it off, my Zanpakuto spirit abandoned me….All because I fucked up, I’m sorry Ken, I admit it…I fucked up.

With that last thought Hikari covered his eyes, silently letting tears fall. Figuring this was the end, he was beat up….Stressed….Confused, it all was getting to him and he didn’t know what to do. So you finally see…. A faint voice was heard.

“Yeah….Yeah I see,” Hikari said with a sniffle, “I need you Ken….I always needed you!”

“And I always needed you….I want you to have my true form if you promise me one thing,” Ken’s faint voice was heard, it took all of Hikari’s focus just to make out his words.

“That I’ll use you more? I will!” Hikari promised, now seeing that he needed Ken despite wanting to use his sealed more. He could have used Kaze rūsu to help his escape, or help him attack before the black flames caught up. Hiraishin to stun him every time he tried attacking, so much he could have done with the weapon….The person he constantly ignored for just simple Zanjutsu.

“….That’d be much appreciated, but promise me….That you’ll live, and kick his ass!”

“For mother…For Kaguya…For father….Kenta….I promise you all, I’ll kick his ass!” Hikari said.

“So that’s where you’ve been hiding,” Kago said, turning to Hikari as he gently landed from the tree. Kago walked closer to Hikari, glaring at him, “Last words before I kill you and take your spot on the throne?”

“Yeah, I do….BAN-KAI!” He yelled as he raised his Spirit Energy kicking dust into the air, his new Shikai form in his hand, his true form. Hikari hadn’t even seen it, but him and Ken made the plan. It’d use the rest of his Spirit energy, but if he was going to die then this bastard was going with him!

“Kaze rūsu,” he whispered as wind surrounded him, it helped the dust cover him. Now he was faster, “Hiraishin,” he whispered as lightning zapped his new Zanpakuto. Let’s roll, he thought as he shunpo’ed, being in enough distance to get around Kago.

“You bitch,” Kago said as he quickly turned around swinging his Zanpakuto at Hikari, it ended up in the slit of Hikari’s Shikai. Kago had found himself paralyzed, everything was going according to plan. Hikari shunpo’ed to Kago’s shoulder and tossed his Zanpakuto forward letting it cut across Kago’s arms, he then shunpo’ed to the other shoulder catching his Shikai and then quickly bending down cutting Kago’s legs, as Kago dropped down Hikari spun around with his Shikai out, the blade connecting with Kago’s neck.

After that Hikari dropped down face first shivering in pain, he could no longer move or go on without proper healing. He soon blacked out, but afterwards he stood up, a mask covering his face. The Hollow him screamed into the air, then looked to his right seeing two people walk up. “…Than you,” Hikaru Shinrai said as Hollow Hikari walked up, mask disappearing causing Hikari to fall into Hikaru’s arms.

Tabo picked up Hikari’s sealed Zanpakuto from the body that was now in six pieces and laid it beside Hikari who was now on the ground. “Let’s heal him together, then we’ll bring him into the temple…I’ll teach him to control his Hollow, then you take him for Zanjutsu training, sounds fair?”

Tabo tipped his hat, “Let’s just worry about the boy surviving, alright?” he said with a smile.

---

Present

Hikari noticed the blast had gotten smaller just before it hit him, but it was still enough to bring him down. Hikari was still alive, but he just….Hurt, and burned everywhere. He couldn’t move, but he heard Tabo yelling at Naito and ordering him to leave.

Tabo walked to Hikari, hovering over him, “Sorry, I don’t know what got into him…Luckily I dented the power of that blast when I did, otherwise you’d need more than my healing,” he said as he activated his Bankai that Hikari couldn’t see. But he did see some….Creature, above him, its many mechanical arms coming down towards him. He couldn’t focus on it.

“Hm? Oh, you see that? Go to sleep child,” Tabo said running his hand over Hikari’s face causing him to go to sleep.

Upon waking up Hikari was healed, but his clothes had been…Ruined, looking over it again eyes widen as he lost his-“Looking for this?” Tabo asked as he tossed Hikari’s lieutenant badge in his hand, he sat it down and stood up.

“We’re gonna train you in hoho now, and if you don’t feel like it then good, you have to fight even if you don’t feel like it,” Tabo said.

Hikari stood up too, nodding, “I know that feeling already, no need to worry.” He gave a light chuckle.

Hours had passed with Hikari and Tabo training in nothing but hoho, Hikari in those hours learning Senka, Speed Clones, and Utsusemi. He also upgraded his Shunpo a little, but now it was time to head back. Grabbing his badge, he headed out with a wave to Tabo. He had walked past Naito, who had given him nothing but a glance….He didn’t see Kai though, and wondered where he was off too.

Going back into the Seireitei he hopped no one questioned his clothes, but it was probably because he shunpo’ed all the way back to the barracks. “My legs are killing me,” he mumbled as he walked inside the barracks going to his office, putting the sign as do not disturb. Hikari collapsed, taking a nap after all of what happened.

(I feel you Hikari bro, I wanna take a nap after all that too T^T)

Somewhere, lost in the vast desert of Hueco Mundo was a small, sunken cave. The cave was hidden from plain sight and could only be entered through one way. A small entrance in the front, not nearly big enough for a hollow to go inside. Inside, was Lucy lying down in a comatose like state. However, her cheeks were a bright red and her temperature was high. She had a severe fever the entire time, forcing Hozumi to fend for himself the entire week. Hozumi sat on the sand, his back against the rock wall. His clothes were torn and tattered, his hair was dirty and his face was covered in dry blood. Surprisingly, his body had grown quite exponentially. His body was now that of a 5 year olds, going onto 6. Lucy's sword rested on his shoulder, his head looking down at the sand "...mom..." The main thing driving him was the hope of seeing his mother again one day, longing for her warm and reassuring hugs. He stood up, unsheathing the blade and leaving the sheathe with Lucy. He walked towards the entrance, turning back for a moment "Hopefully I can find medicine soon, I'll be back" He turned around, climbing out of the small hole and standing in the open of Hueco Mundo. He surveyed the area, making sure no hollows were around. Shortly after, he began running in the vast desert to find his next meal.

Hozumi ran with all his might, running towards a large valley created from the rocks of Hueco Mundo. Behind him, was a black tiger like hollow "Stop running child! Give up and let me devour on your flesh!" The hollow said, grinning as it continued to chase Hozumi towards the valley. Hozumi finally made it to the valley, only to be disappointed. It came to a dead end, a massive wall too high for Hozumi to climb. "Looks like your luck has run out demon child, I finally have you" Hozumi turned, the tiger hollow's red eyes glaring at Hozumi. "I know this desert like the back of my paw!" Hozumi grinned "Think about it, who lead who here?" The hollow's eyes widened. Hozumi nodded "Lets end this rivalry. I've been wanting to kill you this entire time" The hollow's eyes remained wide, shocked that a young child could already release a bloodlust. Its eyes returned to normal, grinning afterwards "Its time I avenge the lives of the hollows you've eaten you devil!" From behind, the hollow's tail went flying towards Hozumi. Hozumi ran forward, moving his head to the left and evading the tail. "Lets see you block this!" Hozumi tossed the sword in the air, making the hollow look up at it with curiosity. As he looked down, Hozumi had already jumped and delivered a dropkick to the hollow's face. Using all his strength, Hozumi kicked off the hollow's face and went flying into the air, catching his sword and landing on the air. The hollow growled, taking no real damage but mad that he fell for a trick "How is this possible?! You were barely able to escape with your life last time, how have you grown so much stronger?! Hozumi grinned "Don't know, I guess I'm just a quick learner" Hozumi ducked, evading the hollow's swiping tail from behind. He leaped back, gaining some extra distance

The hollow gritted its teeth How is this possible, he's just a child. But yet, its like he knows my every move. Even before I make them! What the hell is this thing The hollow grinned "I bet if I eat you, I'll become more powerful" The hollow began to laugh. Hozumi smirked "Funny, I was thinking the same thing" The hollow's laugh quickly turned into an angry expression "Arrogant child!" Its tail straightened out, zooming towards Hozumi. Hozumi leaped over the tail, landing on it and quickly running towards the hollow. The tip of it's tail quickly bent, changing its direction back towards Hozumi. Hozumi jumped, spinning in the air to hit the tail in one of its weak spots. The tip of the tail was cut off, causing the hollow to let out a roar. As Hozumi fell on the ground, he slashed through the tail, this time cutting it off completely. The hollow roared, taking a step back. Hozumi lifted the tail from the ground, taking a bite out of it and eating the meat. The hollow watched, wide eyed "W-What are you?" Hozumi turned to the hollow, his eyes glowing in the dark and his body's abilities increasing "Wow, you're pretty strong huh" Hozumi said, dropping the tail. The hollow let out a low and threatening growl "Stay back!" It opened its mouth, a red specks of energy forming around. They all began to concentrate around one area, a ball of bright red energy forming in its mouth. Hozumi grinned, grabbing the hilt with both hands and charging towards the hollow. It took steps back as it charged the cero and Hozumi got closer. As Hozumi ran, black reiatsu began to be released from his body. He leaped in the air, covered in a veil of black reiatsu with small specks of white and yellow. The hollow roared, firing its cero. Hozumi released a roar as well, slashing downwards at the weak cero. An explosion set off from the two colliding, the entire area being covered dust cloud. The hollow remained still "I-Impossible" Its mask was sliced into two, falling apart. Its body fell over, dead from the slash. Hozumi was heavily panting, on a knee and blood dripping "I did it mommy" He said, as he passed out and his body fell forward.

A shadow walked up over to Hozumi's unconscious body. The person lifted Hozumi into her arms, a breeze coming through the valley and removing Lucy's hood "Sorry I've been gone so long Hozumi, I had business to take care of back home" She moved his dirty hair away from his eyes. Her arms were covered in a blue glow, small specks of blue rising from her arms. The glow was healing all of Hozumi's wounds. She turned to the dead hollow. She smirked "If you saw your kid, you'd be so proud of him Viole" She said, keeping the smile the whole time and grabbed the hollow by its leg. She dragged its corpse as she carried Hozumi back to their base.

Given that there was no response at the squad 12 barrack Giovanni made his way over to the squad 13 barracks. While he had been to quite a few barracks for a lot of different reasons 13 was one of the few he had never visited. There was no particular reason other than he never had any dealings with them. He had a friend that was in the squad last he heard but he hadnt heard from him in a long while. The place seemed so far out of the way by the time Gio finally got there, mostly because he had never been there before. it was a surprisingly serene place, he noted before asking to speak with the captain.

AbigailTenshi said
Rio watched Shou's cheerful display with her usual straight face before cocking an eyebrow in response to what he had said. She spoke with usual calmness. Turing around, Rio began walking. She stated. She didn't want to come across as soft to Shou to show him that she was serious about helping him out.Rio led Shou to a forest of bamboo, the one near Kaizo's destroyed shack. Suddenly stopping and turning to Shou, she crossed her arms. Observing Shou's body language, Rio awaited an answer.

Shou pouted a little when she said she couldn't be his mentor, she seemed so nice but now she was just being mean which kinda sucked. Shou followed behind Rio with his hands in his pockets, half way however he pulled out the paper with the tumbleweed kido on. Shou began practising the Kido on the way there, making it appear and disappear while also trying out possibilities of making it larger or smaller than normal, to some people this would seem pointless however Shou's mind began working and he had instantly come up with something new, in doing this he had grown oblivious to the fact that he had mastered this Kido in such short time. The kido may not have been the greatest but regardless...mastering a Kido in such time was impressive by all means.

Soon they arrived at the bamboo forest and instantly Shou placed the paper into his uniform and stopped with the Kido. Instead he listened to Rio yet raised an eye brow as he then tilted his head to the left then spoke "How though? in what way do you want me to show you what I can do? do you wish for me to attack you or simply show you what I can do with whats around me?"

Angelo decided to leave the squad 6 barracks to their problems seeing as how he had such a bad greeting from one their ranks, he decided to stick with the evil he knows rather then the unknown. Angelo kept walking down the pathway as usual then he got the squad eight barracks and he knocked again waiting for a response thinking that the captain would come to him eventually, he rather not deal with him mistaking Angelo for an intruder again. Give Angelo and mission and simply put he will go do it, in all honesty just because all of this is going around doesn't mean that Angelo could just lay around doing nothing as what he believes is one of the very, very, very, VERY few members of squad two he had to act like its representative until he can earn the captain rank and start recruiting into his ranks and teaching others that being an assassin isn't a glamorous job but without it the entire seretai could fall into disarray. At the moment though Angelo was just waiting for the captain to answer his giant doors

"A couple coughs from here to there but besides that, I feel fine." The man said, causing Kirishin to look away for a moment. He'll be dead within the hour if my analysis is correct He thought before turning his attention back towards the man. "Did you began coughing before or after this bump appeared on you?" Kiri asked, with the man taking a moment to think, unlike last time when he was so quick to reply. "Well....I believe it was after I got this thing. Why? Is there something...wrong?" The 3rd seat looked at the man with a smile and said "No problem at all but I'll be right back so just wait here." It was apparent that speaking was beginning to have difficulties speaking.

If the man was already at that point then Kirishin needed to hurry before it was too late. So it was time to get to business and that's exactly what he was preparing to do. Leaving out the room, Kiri speedwalked down the hallway until he reached a supply closet which held the things he needed. He was selective in what items he took with him; knowing that the patient wouldn't be able to hold of he needed to make a second trip. After grabbing the supplies, Kirishin shunpoed down the hallway at full throttle. Some Shinigami were knocked down in the process but apologizing would have to wait. "Ok, I'm back and hope you're not afraid of shots." He said re-entering the room only to see the patient in a conscious state. "Took ya...long enough doc, I was....starting to get worried." Kiri was glad to hear the man speaking again but kept it from showing on his face. With the man able to still speak meant there was a chance for him to be saved.

Miyume reappeared within the barracks, not wasting time in heading to her room. Once reaching her room, she entered before falling down on her bed backwards. "Ahhh. a nice bed is always better than the cold outdoors any day." She said as she began rolling around in her blankets while giggling. Knocks could be heard coming from the door shortly after. " Erm, Miyume? Can I come in? There's something I wish to talk with you about in secret." Miyume instantly stopped rolling around before getting up to answer the door. "Umm who is it and how I may I help you?" Opening the door, a man with both of his knees wobbling awaited her prescensce. "My name is Laverne but you can call me Flint. And uhhh, me and my friends were wondering if you can accompany us on a mission. It's sort of a private matter so I don't want to get that many people involved." She looked at him with a small grin on her face while taking a second to consider the request.

This time after no reply Angelo knocked on the site more forcefully loudly banging on the door to make sure that nobody was going to forget him. He just wanted a job and get moving already he didn't care what job he got but he wanted to do something so he could feel useful he hoped that nothing happened to the captain though but again he didn't want to be mistaken for an intruder

Jangel13 said
This time after no reply Angelo knocked on the site more forcefully loudly banging on the door to make sure that nobody was going to forget him. He just wanted a job and get moving already he didn't care what job he got but he wanted to do something so he could feel useful he hoped that nothing happened to the captain though but again he didn't want to be mistaken for an intruder

Rinkei continued on with his paperwork until he heard something unusual coming from outside. So apparently my leniency is being repayed with more disrespect. The Captain stood up from his chair before leaving out his office to deal with the matter at hand. He stretched while casually strolling towards the gate, citing this interruption as a short break from his duties. Reaching the gate, a Shinigami from squad 2 seemed to be the source of the needless commotion. "Honestly, I wasn't expecting to see you in this position again. Hmmm...so you must've took my warning as a joke but out with it."

Axel said
Rinkei continued on with his paperwork until he heard something unusual coming from outside. The Captain stood up from his chair before leaving out his office to deal with the matter at hand. He stretched while casually strolling towards the gate, citing this interruption as a short break from his duties. Reaching the gate, a Shinigami from squad 2 seemed to be the source of the needless commotion. "Honestly, I wasn't expecting to see you in this position again. Hmmm...so you must've took my warning as a joke but out with it."

if you have anymore missions id like to undertake them. I hate doing nothing and so far your the only captain that will even talk to me. its not that I take your warnings as a joke its simply that your the only captain who seems to take me seriously. Besides last time I barged in you said you would kill me if I tried again so door is my only option" Angelo said as a matter-of-fact, he only wanted a job and so far this captain was the only one who gave him one even if it was to escort that annoying blue haired guy back to his barracks a job was still a job.

Hozumi training post

Hozumi's eyes slowly opened, looking up at a gray dull roof. He got up, hearing a crackling noise "Wait" Hozumi looked down, surprised to see that all of his wounds were gone. Not only that, but his old worn out clothes were gone and replaced with new ones. The most surprising thing to him however was his hair. It had exponentially grown and was already near his waist


Hozumi threw off the blanket covering his body and got up, looking around the small cave. The only thing inside was 2 bags and a fire, which lit up the entire cave. He looked around, wondering where Lucy went. "Miss? Are you around?" He asked, looking around and waiting for a response. But nothing. He noticed a small hole, barely big enough for 1 person. Hozumi crawled through the small hole, shocked to find out he was nowhere near where they used to be. There were multiple black, quartz like trees going upwards with no end in sight. "Where am I?""Hueco Mundo, but the Forest of Menos to be more exact" Hozumi turned, his face brightening up. Lucy was sitting on a large rock, looking at Hozumi "And for the next month, your new home" Hozumi looked slightly confused "My new home? But I already have a hom-""Not anymore you don't!" Hozumi jumped, straightening up with his back straight. Lucy smirked Dammit, this is so unfair. Everything he does just makes me want to lift him in the air and cuddle with him. Deep breaths Lucy, this is for him She took a deep breath, her expression serious "Listen, in your current state you're incredibly weak. You were barely able to defeat a low class hollow. By now, you should already be killing Menos. But I blame your mother for that, holding you back and wasting your talent. Lucky for you though, I won't be as nice as your mommy" She said, jumping off the rock with a grin "But I wanna train with my mom, she's super strong!" Lucy chuckled "Yeah, she's pretty strong. But if you stayed with her, both you and your mom would of died" She said, glaring at Hozumi. He gulped, a bead of sweat going down his forehead. He was intimidated by this woman, but yet listened and respected her.

Lucy sighed, seeing how scared Hozumi looked "Listen, I don't expect you to understand what's going on...not yet. Just understand, it isn't safe for you in the Soul Society or the Human World. There's a giant target on your back Hozumi, people with powers greater than my own will be coming after you. Focus on getting stronger, then you'll be able to protect yourself and your mommy. Deal?" She said with a smile. Hozumi smiled, nodding "Its a deal, but only if I get to protect you too. Okay?" He held out his pinky, trying to initiate a pinky promise Lucy bit her lip, trying to resist his kawainess. She turned around, having to look away otherwise she would of squeezed him right there "Okay, lets go. Your training starts now" Hozumi jumped with joy "Yaay, I get to fight again. Oh yeah I forgot, whats your name lady?" He asked, scratching his cheek. She turned around, her eyes cold "Lucy, or well that was the name given to me" She said, as she turned around and began to walk away. Hozumi smiled, following her "I'm Hozumi, nice to meet you!" She smiled, picking up the pace "Hurry up" Hozumi nodded, keeping the smile the entire time "Okay Lucy-chan!"

The two jumped from tree to tree, following a group of 5 hollows. There were 3 high classed hollows, 1 middle and 1 low. The group stop, along with Lucy and Hozumi who stayed in the trees. Lucy looked at Hozumi, who was slightly panting He's managed to keep up with me the entire time and is already using his reiatsu, maybe he's ready to face regular classed hollows Lucy grew a mischievous smile, making Hozumi gulp "Uhh, Lucy-chan?" She turned to Hozumi, unsheathing her sword and holding it out to Hozumi. He grabbed it without question "I'll take the 3 stronger hollows while you take out the 2 weaker ones. You can tell which is which right? With your eyes? Hozumi nodded "Yeah, its the the one on the left and the one in the back right" Lucy nodded. She turned to the hollows, lifting her hand with 3 fingers up. She began the countdown. 3.2.1.0. Lucy and Hozumi leaped from the trees, Hozumi landing behind the group and Lucy landing in the front, drawing their attentions. She pointed at the 3 strongest hollows "You, you and you. The three of you come and take me on. You two weaklings take on my disciple" The hollows looked confused for a moment. Lucy sighed "Fricking idiots She shunpoed in the middle of the group, grabbing the 2 strongest hollows and throwing them through multiple trees. She grabbed the last one by its mask and leaped in the air, throwing it at the other two "I'll be back Hozumi, they better be dead when I come back or no dinner!"

Hozumi's eyes were in killing like state. The last words had changed him completely. There was no way he was going to go without dinner, he'd rather die. He pointed his swords at the hollows "Listen, there is no way I'm gonna go without dinner! So could you all just die!" He yelled, running with great speeds for his age. The smaller, weaker hollow began to charge towards him. It was a chameleon like hollow with 6 legs. It ran towards him with speeds greater than his, but he expected this. Hozumi grinned. A blue glow began to surround his feet, increasing his speeds even more. He leaped high over the air, far too high for the small hollow to reach. Next just thin it out like wire and Before he had jumped, Hozumi had made a small wire of reishi from his finger tips. The chameleon hollow had walked over it, unknowing tangling its own legs. Hozumi yanked his arms, pulling himself towards the hollow and tightening the wires around its legs. Unable to move, it turned towards Hozumi and opened its mouth, trying to swallow him whole. He laughed, stomping on each side of its open mouth with his legs, standing on his tip toes over its bottomless mouth. "Don't think so" He kicked off the hollows mouth, backflipping and slicing through its mask multiple times. It let out a roar, stumbling a couple of times and falling on its stomach. Hozumi turned to the other hollow, who was strangely watching instead of attacking. It merely watched them, with its pitch black eyes. "One down, one more to go"

Once again, he surrounded his feet in the blue glow and ran towards the hollow. It grinned, forcing Hozumi skidding to a halt "You're not just a hollow, are you?" The hollow chuckled "Aren't you an observant one. So your eyes really are capable of seeing a being's reishi" Hozumi gulped, taking a step back and grabbing his hilt with both hands. Him and the hollow both walked in circles, each one observing each other. In Hozumi's eyes, the Hollow was made up of the usual hollow's reishi. But inside of it was something dark and pitch black, something not from Hueco Mundo. The hollow was about to leap forward but before he could Hozumi had leaped back, skidding to a stop "Hehehe, why so serious? All I want are your eye's and blood. Is that too much to ask for?" The hollow asked, taking steps forward as its head spun in a circle. The entire time, it retained a creepy and unhollow like smile. It was as if it found pleasure in scaring Hozumi. Suddenly, the hollow stopped and looked at direction Lucy went to "Damn, the bitch is already coming back. We'll meet again child of Lessa" The hollow's eyes red glow came back, along with the black being that was influencing it.

"Lessa? Who's Lessa?" Hozumi shook his head "Thats right, I gotta kill you or no dinner!" He charged towards the hollow. The hollow roared, firing off a quick cero at Hozumi. The cero hit, causing an explosion and creating a large dust cloud. The hollow looked around, seeing nothing where the cero hit. No remains of a dead body, nothing. For a moment, the hollow thought it had killed Hozumi "Looking for me!?" A voice said, from above. The hollow looked up, Hozumi high up in the air and falling towards the hollow. It opened its mouth to fire another cero. But before it could, Hozumi had already reached its face and slashed through its mask, killing it effortlessly "Wow, these thing really are dumb" He said, laughing to himself.

Lucy landed on the ground next to him, one of the giant hollows on her shoulders "Not bad Hozumi. But not good enough. No dinner for you Hozumi frowned "Awww, but you promised!" He said, chasing after Lucy who was already walking away. A smirk came across her face "Fine you can have dinner, but only if you beat me!" Hozumi grinned, a blue glow surrounding his feet "You're on!" He ran with quick speeds, surprising Lucy and leaving her in the dust "...what the? He can already manipulate reiatsu?! Grrr, damn you child hiding things from me. You'll pay for this!!!" She yelled, chasing after Hozumi back to their home.

Jangel13 said
if you have anymore missions id like to undertake them. I hate doing nothing and so far your the only captain that will even talk to me. its not that I take your warnings as a joke its simply that your the only captain who seems to take me seriously. Besides last time I barged in you said you would kill me if I tried again so door is my only option" Angelo said as a matter-of-fact, he only wanted a job and so far this captain was the only one who gave him one even if it was to escort that annoying blue haired guy back to his barracks a job was still a job.

"Seriously? Who said anything about that? You just casually barged into a restricted place, and began commanding my presence as if I'm your lapdog. So how can I take an insolent brat like that seriously? Especially when all chess pieces that are in possession to someone else mean nothing to me." Rinkei replied nonchalantly before facing the opposite direction.

"They're no missions I have that can be handled alone outside a Captain and maybe lieutenant level Shinigami. In other words, no unless you wish to cleanse your bad rep which partially affects your division overall by going on a suicide mission." The Captain chuckled sarcastically as he started to walk off. "At the moment, I have more important objectives to finish but it's not over yet. I will come collect you and let you experience my kind of fun later. You should be going now before I simply sidetrack over there to use something that I haven't used in awhile"

(Rinkei isn't joking in the least XD)

Angelo sighed loudly nodding a little "odd thing is I'm actually considering the suicide mission" Angelo said as he face Palm himself before he said "understood captain, I'll be waiting in the squad two barracks if you need my assistance" Angelo said bowing slightly as I started to walk back to my barracks. So much for his chance to do something important that would help this place, he also remembers what the captain said about chess pieces wondering if he talked to mizurik when Angelo brought him their last time

Kurisa said
Shou pouted a little when she said she couldn't be his mentor, she seemed so nice but now she was just being mean which kinda sucked. Shou followed behind Rio with his hands in his pockets, half way however he pulled out the paper with the tumbleweed kido on. Shou began practising the Kido on the way there, making it appear and disappear while also trying out possibilities of making it larger or smaller than normal, to some people this would seem pointless however Shou's mind began working and he had instantly come up with something new, in doing this he had grown oblivious to the fact that he had mastered this Kido in such short time. The kido may not have been the greatest but regardless...mastering a Kido in such time was impressive by all means.Soon they arrived at the bamboo forest and instantly Shou placed the paper into his uniform and stopped with the Kido. Instead he listened to Rio yet raised an eye brow as he then tilted his head to the left then spoke "How though? in what way do you want me to show you what I can do? do you wish for me to attack you or simply show you what I can do with whats around me?"

Rio Okotaru Darishimo

Rio kept her arms crossed while watching Shou, her face never budged from her usual expression. "Show me the first thing that comes to mind. Whether it'd be a technique or Kido, anything." She tried to urge him to go with his first thought or something he enjoyed doing. This would give Rio an insight to what Shou's go-to skill was which would also help her decided who'd be the best mentor for him. Usually one wouldn't go through so much effort for another they didn't know... Rio wasn't like that, she'd go that extra mile to help anyone who'd seek her assistance. The current situation vaguely reminded of her first meet with Kaiz-... 'Focus Rio.' She shook her head all of a sudden to prevent her mind from wondering towards that part of her memory... Now wasn't the time nor the place.

Zane620 said
Hearing Souta say stop then appear in front of her made her stop and look up at him, asking her what she planned to do from here, she wanted to say something but truthfully she couldn't. She knew nothing as to where this person who took Hozumi went. So far all she had done was destroy a pretty looking forest. She was given a tight hug as he tried to comfort her, but all she wanted was her little Hozumi back. As he let the hug go, he said they would just have to try harder which made her give a small smile and nod. Fumio then came down to both of them and standing behind her he backed up Souta and suggested they ask the Captain if she didn't have any leads. "All I know is she had a encounter with my brother, and then she was gone. We could ask the Captain, but I don't know what good it would do. I checked all the nearby districts, and no one seen a child of Hozumi's description."

Fumio Hari Kouineji & Souta Fushimaru Hari

The second Aya mentioned her brother, Fumio's eyes widened a little. 'Brother?'. "Well why don't we go talk to your brother? You've never mentioned him before though, how come? Is he as crazy as you or somethin'? Heh, if that's even possible" Souta spoke lightly, trying to brighten the mood up a little. He really did want Hozumi back as soon as possible since he hated seeing Aya like this... She was usually so bubbly and rude, already Souta was starting to miss that... He thought that serious sadness did not suit Aya at all. "Do you know where your brother is? The sooner we talk to him, the quicker we'd be able to get Hozumi back. Surely your brother would help us and if he knows what the woman looks, we'll be able to find her and make her pay for taking your son!" He smiled, hoping that Aya would feel a little better knowing that they'd have a solid lead. However, one thing did puzzle him.... If she knew this then why didn't she talk to her brother first?... Was there something he was missing here?

The second Souta mentioned going to talk to her brother her eyes widened, not out of shock but out of fear. So when he asked if she knew where her brother was she remained silent for a good minute. "Talk.... to my brother? You asked if he was crazier than me, while it was a joke, you were correct though. He.... was the killer of our parents, me and Chie.... While I do know where to find him, I wouldn't recommend it. He always has a catch, and since he wants to kill me and Chie to make the Oda a strong name again, going there will probably be a horrible move. However if he did choose to help us, he would always have a catch to his agreement."

In the Forest of Menos, time no longer matters. Day and night no longer exist in this deep and desolate forest. Lucy was sitting next to the small entrance of their cave, looking over a sleeping Hozumi and keeping watch He's growing much faster than I expected. Is it the hollows he's eating? That's not possible though, I used to eat them too when I was training but never did I grow that exponentially. He can't use my sword forever...I have to get him his own She stood up, Hozumi waking up and noticing a disturbance "Where are you going Lucy-senpai?" He asked curiously "I'm going to go get you your own zanpakuto...at the Soul Society" Hozumi's face brightened up. Was today the day he was finally going to go back? He jumped out of the blanket and landed on his feet "Yaaay! I get to go home now right?!" Lucy shook her head "No, in all honesty it's safer here than the Seireitei. It's under watch "By who?" Lucy turned to him, with a smile "Don't worry about that yet, okay? Now here, take my sword and keep on practicing your skills while I'm gone. And whatever you do, DO NOT leave the cave. Got it?" Hozumi nodded, grabbing the hilt of her sword and unsheathed it "Got it" He said, with a somewhat sad expression. Lucy sighed I swear, this kids cuteness is gonna be the death of me. How am I supposed to train him like you did with me" She ruffled his hair "Listen, one day you'll be able to go back to your mommy. So in the mean time, train your zanjutsu so you can" Hozumi smiled "Got it!" He began to swipe the sword multiple times, training his posture and technique. Lucy smiled, seeing him training so diligently for once. She covered the entrance with a barrier that put up an illusion that there was no cave there, but instead a giant wall. She waved at Hozumi, and he waved back "Come back soon!" She nodded, using Sentan Hakuja and vanishing from the cave. Hozumi got serious "Okay, now to train like there's no tomorrow!" He began to slash the sword multiple times

In the Soul Society

A bright white flash appeared in Squad 4's captain's office. Lucy emerged from the white flash, looking around to see nobody "Good, this shouldn't be too hard to get one of those blank swords" She put her black cloak on, covering her horns and ruby hair. She opened up the windows of the office, a breeze coming in "Ahh, the air here is always so nice. I can see why he liked it here. Well, time to go find me a blank sword!" She leaped out of the office, landing in the ground between a couple of confused Squad 4 members. Before they could say anything, Lucy had already shunpoed away. She jumped from roof to roof, looking for the Shino Academy.

Zane620 said
The second Souta mentioned going to talk to her brother her eyes widened, not out of shock but out of fear. So when he asked if she knew where her brother was she remained silent for a good minute. "Talk.... to my brother? You asked if he was crazier than me, while it was a joke, you were correct though. He.... was the killer of our parents, me and Chie.... While I do know where to find him, I wouldn't recommend it. He always has a catch, and since he wants to kill me and Chie to make the Oda a strong name again, going there will probably be a horrible move. However if he did choose to help us, he would always have a catch to his agreement."

Fumio Hari Kouineji & Souta Fushimaru Hari

As Aya spoke, both Souta's and Fumio's eyes widened. "Wh-what?" Souta gasped out, whereas anger began burning in Fumio's eyes. He had heard of what happened briefly during a dinner night with Chie, as well as what Aya had told him before that when he had met her, but now he knew who did it... "Your brother huh? I see..." The anger behind Fumio's eyes continued to intensify when he started to walk forward, past Aya so his back was facing the two. "Where can I find him?" A dramatic change in tone left Fumio's mouth... It sounded like it had a demonic undertone and a little eerie, quite frightening when coming from Fumio, the guy who would usually smirk in this type of situation. This time, things were different... This is the guy destroyed Chie's and Aya's past, there family torn to shreds by this one man.... Oh how Fumio knew the situation all too well... "Kazuhiko" Souta gasped for the second time, still trying to take in what he had just been told... Soon enough, he himself became angry. "Th-... The fuck!!" Something about this situation seemed familiar to him too... but for an entirely different reason than one would think.... "I hate that I was right now... Fucking hell!! I see demons don't care for their own family then! Well... You and Chie being the exceptions I guess... But fucking! hell!...." He didn't know what to say or do, wanting to find him to get Hozumi, but not wanting to give the guy a chance to find Aya.... "Well... I-I think it's best if we go back to the Seireitei and plan our next move.... Kazuhiko, let's think this through before doing anything that might put Aya's and Chie's life in jeopardy..." Souta seemed to be thinking this through, treating the situation extremely seriously and with caution. Fumio, however, just looked back over his shoulder, giving Souta an entirely blank look. It was as if Fumio had changed into a different person, one who's emotions had been tortured and forced out of him... heh.... "Chie's and Aya's brother... Is the next that will die." He spoke almost monotonously. "Kazuhiko, stop. You know as well as I do that rushing into things is no good... We need a plan" Souta urged on, stepping closer to Fumio. The latter just unsheathed his black and red Zanpakuto, pointing it to the floor while only looking at Souta with the same look. "Kazuhiko! Calm down! I want to kill this bastard as much as you do! But first we need to make sure Aya and Chie will be safe... I know they can look after themselves... but, we still need to be sure... Come on Kauzhiko!... You haven't been given those orders so stop!" After Souta spoke, Fumio blinked before looking down and sheathing his blade. "... You still think of me like that don't you Souta?.... I'm different... to that... now" "Well then act like it.... I know you've changed and I'm glad you have... But shit Kazuhiko, stop it..." Fumio looked back up at Souta blankly before looking at Aya. "Let's go home and sort something out..." His tone had turned soft as all he wanted to do now was find Chie....

When Fumio began to speak up and walked past both Aya and Souta, he asked where their brother was. Aya didn't even hesitate to shake her head. "I won't tell you.... It's much to dangerous for just one person to go there. So when Souta suggested heading back to the Seireitei, Aya nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that seems like the wise choice in the matter. That way none of us get hurt." She said trying her best to smile. Yet Fumio didn't seem to be hearing any of it. So Souta had to convince again, by using Chie and Aya as an excuse to calm him down. It seemed to have worked as he sheathed his blade, so when he suggested they go home, Aya smiled. "Good, besides we probably wouldn't have even got to my brother anyway, he has this big gang, and one of them was able to beat up Ch-" Aya stopped herself right there, before remaining silent. "But y-yeah Seireitei, sounds like a smart choice!" Aya said before walking away from Fumio evasively and taking off towards the Seireitei.