Gio stood silently where most of his squad had congregated. the news was disheartening to say the least. While he didnt Know captain kuchiki at all he know the mans reputation. everyone did. As he listened his eyes drifted to where squad 6 had congregated. The lieutenant he had a small argument with not to long ago was in fact captain kuchiki's son. thats who he was looking for but just as he laid eyes on the man, he flash stepped away. Gio withheld a heavy sigh and looked back to the head captain. it didnt matter how many shinigami there were, the strength of the Gotei 13 lied in the captains. And they had just lost one of the strongest. captain Viole and now captain kuchiki. Gio scanned the crowd once more, finding easily the kenpachi. chances were he was the next strongest captain. His spiritual pressure felt different but perhaps it was because Gio hadn't been this close to him before. Regardless the squads were down another captain and everyone was being called to train even harder.

The second Juki mentioned that Captain Kurisa Kuchiki was... dead... Rio's eye widened ridiculously. 'This.... this cannot be..... he can't be.... He can't be dead!' Her eye shook as Juki continued to talk, his words overpowering every other sound. She looked down, tears suddenly dropping from her eye, and bloody ones from her other... Biting her lip, Rio let herself go, uncaring of how much emotion she was showing... sobbing quietly to herself as she heard Captain Kuchiki's final words to her and others. If it wasn't for him, Captain Kuchiki, she would of never reached this point and become this strong.... Whenever she'd feel like she was loosing it or starting doubting herself, she'd remind herself of Captain Kuchiki and everything he did for her... He was her figure to look up to, larger than any Head Captain would ever be to her.... He was the strongest person she had ever known.... he was the one that gave her a chance at living a new life as one of his subordinates.... No matter what Squad she was in or who she had to answer to, Captain Kuchiki would still always be her Captain in which she would always carry out all and any orders he gave her despite being in a different Squadron.... And now... he had been killed....

Lifting both hands onto her fringe, Rio clenched them into fists and tried to hide her face behind her arms, unable to stop the tears.... they wouldn't just stop, only continued to pour out, even when she thought that she had cried enough.... 'C-Captain.... wh-why?!.... Captain Kuchiki.....' Her shoulders quivered with every quiet sob.... However, she repeated to herself what he had wrote in his letter. 'He died doing what he loved....' At that moment, Rio felt a squeeze on her shoulder. She simply turned her head towards that direction, recognising Kenta's hair. Rio wanted to speak but the lump in her throat wouldn't allow that, however she didn't respond negatively and welcomed Kenta... despite everything that had happened, Kenta was still someone important to her, along with Captain Kuchiki... Both of them helped her become the person she was today.... she owed alot to the both of them..... but that was all before she had found Kaizo... Kenta then took off. Rio understood that he might of wanted to be alone... She was still crying, however her sobs had quietened down a little... but that didn't make the pain in her heart fade away... it only lead to more pain in her head...

---

Miwa stayed silent, the mentioning of her husband's death causing her to close her eyes and just breathe.... 'So that was what you left to do.... You worked yourself to death.... your job meant everything to you... I only wish you were more honest with me and had told me....' Her heart ached an unimaginable pain, however she simply continued to breathe, stopping any emotion from surfacing as she didn't want to reveal herself... A few tears made their way out, slipping down her cheeks from behind the shadow that the hat had cast onto her face, but that was all she'd allow to show.... Opening her eyes when Kurisu's name was mentioned, she silently looked over to her son, watching him crumble at the news.... She knew Kurisa better than anyone and, despite wishing for it not to happen, knew that this day would come.... but it came sooner than she ever thought it would.... 'I've got to stay strong... Kurisu is all I have now and I must stay strong for him.... Oh Kurisu, I'm so sorry, I wish I could help you....' Miwa watched her son starting to cry, the ache of her heart growing to the point where she felt that just ripping it out right now would be less painful than what she was currently feeling... However, since she adopted the Kuchiki way of life, she had long since disciplined herself to control her strong arsenal of emotions... but that didn't mean she couldn't feel them clawing at her very soul and desire to live. From now on, she couldn't think selfishly... If she didn't have Kurisu, Miwa would of definitely broken down there and then and most likely would of taken her own life afterwards.... but no, Kurisa left her, but she still had the beautiful son he had left her with.... Kurisu was her life, both Kurisa and Kurisu were her life.... without them, she'd be nothing since the only reason she was still alive was due to Kurisa saving her years ago.... A few more quiet tears slipped down her cheeks as she thought back over her memories of her husbands before watching her son leave. The sight of this action caused her body to inch forward, instinctively wanting to follow after her son... but she stopped. 'No... Don't let your emotions control you Miwa.... Use them instead... You won't loose Kurisu... not to anyone... and you will see to it that Kurisa's murderer will regret what they have done... and then they will pay with their life...' Leaning her body back, Miwa stood up straight with impeccable posture. From the outside it may seem that she wasn't effected much by this news... but those who assumed that were wrong... More wrong than anyone would ever know.... but would find out in due time just how wrong they were...

---

Nishiki's eyes were to the floor, scowling deathly at the dirt. She glanced upwards for a moment towards Shiro, noticing her Captain's reaction before looking back down, refusing to look at Juki.... 'This shouldn't of happened.... Captain Kuchiki should of still been alive.... If they sensed a large energy then why did... Juki let him go alone?!' To respected the Captain's death, Nishiki kept her thoughts to herself, not wanting to anger those who were morning.... However hearing this news only gave Nishiki another reason to hate Juki....

---

The others that had gathered, Fumio, Lotte and Keisa, seemed surprised but weren't as effected as others seemed to of been. Fumio looked over to Rio when her fake name was mentioned, knowing a little of how much that Captain meant to her.... He couldn't help but frown, actually saddened by how upset she was, however chose to just leave instead. This wasn't a place for him, plus he wasn't at all close to that Captain so his death wasn't exactly something Fumio particularly cared about. Celetria, however, didn't seemed phased at all. She simply continued to observe the others, noticing how some reacted more severely than others as her attention continued to be dragged onto one specific person every now and then.

AeronFarron said
"Absolutely. Ae strike fast, strike hard, and strike when it least expects us. I suggest hitting it from both the side and the back. I'll take the side. You attack when I do, your warning will be my shift in spiritual pressure as I activate my shikai. My joint attack with Alucard will draw its attention and, hopefully, leave him open to your attack. From there, keep hammering. If we need to retreat, we'll do so." she offered. "How does that sound?"

Verbally that sounded like a great plan, it was the follow through that was a bit shakey. "my only hard hitting move will take a moment to set up. If you can keep its attention long enough this should work." To be safe Sinai plan on using Cho-seji's Convergence ability, molding all her butterflies into one strong construct. but what she chose depended on the size of the hollow. If it was big she would need something big and sharp, Iike a Giant Axe and enough force to cleave it in one go. That meant attacking from above and using gravity. but if it wasnt so big, she could be a bit more modest in her execution. a large blade should work. This is what squad 2 was about, killing the enemy from behind while it focused on your ally. she could do this... she thought

Kaizo watched Rio as she broke down, seeing this made his heart plummet...he felt so useless at times...as if he couldn't do anything for her. This was a time he thought she'd need him but the more he looked at her he just saw her dealing with this alone...it made him feel pitiful, useless...all he wanted to do was be there for her, to embrace her...but it seemed she didn't want to seek comfort in him. This caused a sharp pain to shoot through Kaizo's heart, yet he clenched his fists...taking a deep breath as he thought to himself How does a Shinigami like you die Kurisa Kuchiki? I fought you...I can see now just how strong you really are...I wont accept this... Kaizo then looked to Rio I will do everything I can Kurisa Kuchiki...I will make sure the one who took your life suffers... Kaizo then closed his eyes for a moment then opened them before reaching out to Rio and pulling her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her as he placed his right hand on the back of her head, he then looked down at her, a serious expression on his face "I promise Rio...I will find who did this to Kurisa Kuchiki...I'll make sure they suffer for this...I'm sure many others are thinking the same, so this person who did this...they don't understand just how many lives Kurisa Kuchiki affected...and as a cause of this, he has inspired us all to work harder than we ever have...that man is a truly incredible person and is worthy of holding the title of the model Shinigami. I just want you to know Rio...I'm here for you...I don't want you to keep these emotions to yourself, it's only going to tear you up inside...As your Captain and your partner I cannot allow that...I now have a promise to fulfil and I will make sure that is done. If you feel like you are going to crumble then come to me...I will keep you together...I don't want you loosing anything, you mean to much to me for that to happen..." Kaizo then looked to the Squad 2 members, his expression still serious as they to showed serious expressions. By now they knew Kaizo's relationship with Rio and he had made sure that they never dared to even think a single disrespectful thought...

Kurisa said
Kaizo watched Rio as she broke down, seeing this made his heart plummet...he felt so useless at times...as if he couldn't do anything for her. This was a time he thought she'd need him but the more he looked at her he just saw her dealing with this alone...it made him feel pitiful, useless...all he wanted to do was be there for her, to embrace her...but it seemed she didn't want to seek comfort in him. This caused a sharp pain to shoot through Kaizo's heart, yet he clenched his fists...taking a deep breath as he thought to himself Kaizo then looked to Rio Kaizo then closed his eyes for a moment then opened them before reaching out to Rio and pulling her into his chest, wrapping his arms around her as he placed his right hand on the back of her head, he then looked down at her, a serious expression on his face "I promise Rio...I will find who did this to Kurisa Kuchiki...I'll make sure they suffer for this...I'm sure many others are thinking the same, so this person who did this...they don't understand just how many lives Kurisa Kuchiki affected...and as a cause of this, he has inspired us all to work harder than we ever have...that man is a truly incredible person and is worthy of holding the title of the model Shinigami. I just want you to know Rio...I'm here for you...I don't want you to keep these emotions to yourself, it's only going to tear you up inside...As your Captain and your partner I cannot allow that...I now have a promise to fulfil and I will make sure that is done. If you feel like you are going to crumble then come to me...I will keep you together...I don't want you loosing anything, you mean to much to me for that to happen..." Kaizo then looked to the Squad 2 members, his expression still serious as they to showed serious expressions. By now they knew Kaizo's relationship with Rio and he had made sure that they never dared to even think a single disrespectful thought...

Amidst Rio's crying, she felt herself being pulled against something warm, strong and smooth... It took her a second to realise the position she was in, feeling Kaizo's arms wrap around her as she looked up at him, her eye squinting a little as more tears escaped. She gripped the front of Kaizo's Haori, not a single thought of what anyone else was thinking about her being in Kaizo's arms entered her mind... all she could do was feel his warmth and listen to his words while gripping his clothes tighter.... Captain Kuchiki was a large figure in her life, and since she had never been able to cope with loosing people well, this was just ridiculously hard for her to accept... However, Kaizo's words were much more powerful to her while in this state, actually getting through to her. "... K-Kaizo... thank you...." Crying a little harder, Rio whispered while pulling herself closer towards Kaizo's body, still gripping him tightly as she cried into his chest.... Rio had never felt so vulnerable in her whole life... but with Kaizo, she felt that maybe... it was Okay to be vulnerable every once in a while... no matter what anyone else thought... as long as Kaizo was fine with it, she wouldn't hold it in any longer.... The pain in her head was still rather strong, but she managed to ignore it by purely focusing on the feel of Kaizo around her, shielding her from everything and everyone around them... or more felt that way. After a few quiet stuttered sobs, Rio had finally calmed down, closing her eye as she rested her head against Kaizo's chest and faced away from everyone, just breathing while still gripping onto him almost as if her life depended on it.

hatakekuro said
Zheng blinked at the alarms going off. Something big must've happened though what could it had been? He didn't even question the strange substance that Mukei had consumed and began to run after him. It had only been two days since he join and it seemed like everything had gone to hell. It was his best guess that it was bad news or else there wouldn't be any need to use the alarm system. All he could hope for was that it wasn't an intruder or someone died.

Mukei finally made it to the crowd with Zheng, listening to the news about a captain dying. His face remained the same. He knew of Captain Kuchiki but that didn't matter to him. All he did was let out a sigh "How disappointing" He said to himself as he turned to Zheng "Now do you see what's happening Zheng? We're at war...and we're losing." He said before turning back to the Head Captain. He didn't show emotion the entire time, rather he didn't know what to do. Why were people getting so upset over a death? Emotions. He never really quite got them. But he played along with everyone else and showed some sign if regret and sadness.

Nicias Askani said
Verbally that sounded like a great plan, it was the follow through that was a bit shakey. "my only hard hitting move will take a moment to set up. If you can keep its attention long enough this should work." To be safe Sinai plan on using Cho-seji's Convergence ability, molding all her butterflies into one strong construct. but what she chose depended on the size of the hollow. If it was big she would need something big and sharp, Iike a Giant Axe and enough force to cleave it in one go. That meant attacking from above and using gravity. but if it wasnt so big, she could be a bit more modest in her execution. a large blade should work. This is what squad 2 was about, killing the enemy from behind while it focused on your ally. she could do this... she thought

"We can do that." Haruka said with a confident grin. Alucard yipped in agreement and then jumped onto her shoulder. "Take the time you need," her lips twitch into a smirk, "We trust you to get us home." she reassured then pointed to the ground between them. "We'll lead it to this area and try to overwhelm it's senses by bombarding it." she gave a cheeky laugh.

"We'll be back with your present." she said before she and Alucard flash stepped away. Interference and distraction was right up her alley in the grand scheme of things. She was confident that between Alucard, herself, and Yuurei Kishi, they could wrestle the Hollow to the spot.

Miwa watched the reactions of other's to this news after Kurisu fled the area. Her tears had halted as she observed, noticing how much hearing Kurisa's last words had impacted both Rio Darishimo and Kenta Makoto. She had already knew who they were and had even gathered quite abit of information on the both of them. Granted Kurisa never mentioned his work whilst at home, that didn't stop Miwa from researching and finding out who he worked with, that included researching upon who else was a part of the Gotei 13. 'Hm...' She watched Rio Darishimo cry her eyes out before being comforted by the Squad Two Captain, Kaizo. Miwa also paid attention to the two, Captain of Squad Ten Tabo and his Lieutenant Hikari Shinrai, who had placed their hands on Kenta Makoto's shoulder to comfort him it seemed, before the guy walked over to Rio Darishimo and then left shortly. Others also drew her attention, the Squad Eleven Kenpachi Shiro Sora's reaction, along with the reaction of his newly appointed Lieutenant Nishiki Kalemoru... There were a few faces that she had never seen before or knew... The girl also observing the others blankly as well as a honey-eyed girl standing near Rio and Kaizo. Looking back at Juki and Ritsuna, Miwa realised just how little she knew of those two also. She simply looked at them for a few minutes before turning around and silently leaving the area, making her way calmly back to Squad Twelve. She left quietly enough to draw minimum attention to herself, but waiting at the Squad Twelve gate was someone else, another she had never seen before.

Stopping, Miwa continued to hide her face behind her hat and red scarf. "And you are?" She asked calmly as well as sternly while watching a rather tall ginger woman peak into the Squad Twelve barracks from behind the gate. The woman turned to Miwa, startled but didn't show it. Her face was straight and serious as her fire-coloured eyes scanned over Miwa. The latter waited for the woman's response, simply watching her. "I want to speak to a research who specialises in human experimentation. There is something I'd like to ask of them." Miwa continued to watch the woman, finding what she asked for a tad odd, but in Squad Twelve, odd is interesting. "I don't believe I know of anyone who specialises in that area. However, I do possess some basic knowledge although I've never experimented. We can talk and I will try to help you to the best of my ability. Follow me." Miwa near enough commanded, however the woman did as she was told and followed Miwa to her room at the barracks, not really sure if she could help, but it was better than nothing. Since Miwa didn't use the room she had at the barracks, she instead had converted it into a quaint office for herself, a place she'd go to if she needed some time alone to complete work without others crowding around her. Kurisa's death was still clouding Miwa's mind and she doubted that she could ever forget about it, not that she wanted to... he was the love of her life after all. But, she had work to take care of, there was no time to show weakness... besides, going back to their manor... having to sleep inside the bed they shared.... alone, knowing that he'd never sleep beside her ever again was all to painful to even think about right now....

AeronFarron said
"We can do that." Haruka said with a confident grin. Alucard yipped in agreement and then jumped onto her shoulder. "Take the time you need," her lips twitch into a smirk, "We trust you to get us home." she reassured then pointed to the ground between them. "We'll lead it to this area and try to overwhelm it's senses by bombarding it." she gave a cheeky laugh."We'll be back with your present." she said before she and Alucard flash stepped away. Interference and distraction was right up her alley in the grand scheme of things. She was confident that between Alucard, herself, and Yuurei Kishi, they could wrestle the Hollow to the spot.

Sinai Nodded and lept into the tallest tree. This way she would have a vantage point as well as the aerial advantage, unless of course the damn thing flew. Even if it did she was positive that their plan would work, with a bit of tweaking. It was up Haruka and Alucard now but Sinai figured they would be fine. She had no idea about either of their combat skills but they seemed confident in themselves so she would in turn hold confidence in them. Getting ready she calmed her nerves by breathing in the scent of nature around her. Slowly she reached for her zanpakuto and crouched, ready to leap into action.

"Please, take a seat." Miwa sat behind her desk, still wearing her black hat and blood-red scarf, however she pushed her hat up a little, exposing her glasses and emerald eyes while pulling her scarf down to show her lips. The ginger-haired woman took a seat in one of the two chair on the other side of Miwa's desk. She sat with both hands in her lap. Once the girl sat down, Miwa spoke. "First I'll introduce myself. My name is Ringo, you may give me your name if you wish, however I do not need it at the moment, so you have the choice to refrain from telling me." Miwa smiled at the girl, masking any and all emotion with a neutral, airy smile. The ginger woman sat in the chair with a slightly lost look, however seemed serious. Looking down, the ginger spoke up. "I think I'd prefer not to say my name..." Miwa watched the girl, noticing her uncomfortable aura. "That is fine. Let us begin then shall we? What was it that you'd like to ask?" Miwa's smile didn't falter while the girl looked up at her, gulping before giving back a small smile. "Thank you Ringo... And well, I was wondering... if it was possible to merge two Zanpakuto's together?" Miwa thought for a moment, leaning back in her chair as she tapped her chin before looking back at the girl. "Hmm, well, I don't believe I've came across anyone's attempt... Why is it that you seek someone with a specialism in human experimentation? Surely they wouldn't deal with that?" Miwa questioned. Girl looked to her left, taking a few minutes to just think before speaking up. "Well I...."

After a rather lengthy talk where Miwa basically questioned the girl, learning of her name and story, the woman left Miwa's office in which the Miwa raised from her chair and saw the ginger girl off. She looked out from the door frame of her room, watching the outside barracks in deep thought while making a few decisions... There was a lot to be learned and to be done, but during the talk she had with the unnamed female, Miwa realised something about herself, a new found interest in something should would of never guessed.

Hozumi woke up in a cold sweat, panting as he frantically looked around. His eyes met the Old Mans "You're awake" The Old Man said, with a cold glare. Lucy was nowhere in sight "Where's Lucy?" "She's already started her training regime. You should thank her next time you see her, it was thanks to her that you were able to sleep without nightmares" Hozumi didn't notice, but he actually had a peaceful sleep. Compared to the last time he dozed off. He stood up, looking down at his dirty clothes. He wanted to keep them, they were a sign of his accomplishments. He looked up at the Old Man, his yes determined "Alright, lets start" The Old Man smirked, grabbing Hozumi around the waist and leaping out of the small cave that they were in.

As they moved in secret, the Old Man spoke up "Hozumi, where do you think we are at?" "Hell right?" The Old Man nodded "Correct, but this isn't the only part of Hell. There are 5 known levels in Hell. As of now, we are on the 5th level. The most dangerous level" Hozumi gulped, now knowing why the Old Man moved so cautiously. Then, a thought came across his mind "Wait, 5 known levels? Does that mean there's more?" The Old Man grinned "Perhaps, but no one tries to find out" "Why?" "Cause everyone that tried died...well almost everyone" Hozumi's eyes widened "What do you mean almost?!!?" The Old Man punched Hozumis head, a sting pain going through his body "Shut up and keep your voice down. If we're found out, I can't guarantee your life" Hozumi gulped again

"As I said, there are 5 levels in Hell. Each protected by the Kushanada. However, things have changed. Before, Hell was a classless place where people killed and died constantly. Now that's changed. Hell has gained a ruler. The same man that brought you here. I'm sure you can tell how strong he is" Hozumi kept quiet and nodded "Just standing by him made me feel as if I was dying" "Thats because you were, he was sapping your life away. He wants your body Hozumi"

"My body? Why?" Hozumi asked, curious as to why he would be wanted by this being. The Old Man kicked off the floor and went flying above. Soon after, they ended up in the Fourth Level of Hell

"Because your body is not bound to Hell Hozumi, not like mines or everyone else's here. Even his body is bound to Hell" "But my mommy is" The Old Man smacked his head again "Don't say mommy, you're not a child anymore" Hozumi bit his lip and rubbed his head. No matter how many times he was hit on the top of his head, it stung just as much as the last time. "I know your mother is a demon and that her family escaped from Hell. But the same won't work for him."

"Why?" Hozumi asked as he looked around noticing multiple dunes of ash "That I don't know. Perhaps his body is now apart of Hell or Hell is a part of him. All I know is that he cannot leave with his body and nor can he enter a normal being's body. That's where you come in" Hozumi looked down at the moving floor "Me?"

The Old Man nodded "Yes, your fathers blood is special. It has the capacity to accept anything it comes into contact with and absorb it into its very being, becoming one with it. That is why your growth has stunted. You've consumed both demon's and togabito's meat, along with what it seems to be Hollow" Hozumi's cheeks suddenly swelled up, the Old Man quickly moving Hozumi's face away from him. Hozumi puked as they ran, then turned to the Old Man "You fed me demons?!?!" The Old Man whacked Hozumi again. "Yes, what else would you eat? Would you of preferred to die of starvation" "Well...I guess not" Hozumi said, feeling bad. They remained silent for a while, Hozumi drifting off in his thoughts.

Before Hozumi realized it, the scenery had changed "Where are we going?" "The second level of Hell. It's where its easiest to get away from Kushanada. There I will train you to grow strong enough to defend yourself, but you must promise me one thing. Never attempt to fight the Kushansda until I say you are ready" Hozumi nodded his head "Yes uhh...what do I call you again?" The Old man sighed "Just call me Sensei. Now...the real training begins" He said with a wide grin. Hozumi gulped, feeling as if he was gonna regret agreeing "Were here. Hold your breath" the old man leaped up, diving up into the water until eventually coming on and landing on a massive Lilly stone. The old man dropped Hozumi and took a few steps back "Alright...begin!" The old man charged at Hozumi, who was ready to defend himself.

Many images passed. Hozuni running from a massive horse of demonic looking rhinos while wearing a belt attached to multiple rocks. Swimming up for his life as he was chased by giant eels. Being tossed through rocks. Getting beaten up by his Sensei, multiple times. Riding a giant snake like monster, holding on for dead life. Running on water away from multiple water walking demons, each appearing to be a gecko. Dodging the flames of a fire spewing lizard. Escaping from the belly of a giant demonic frog. Climbing up cliffsides while being chased by giant human like bats. Falling down giant a giant abyss while being chased by togabitos. Fighting off a pack of giant wolves. Standing in knee high water while fighting off giant leeches. Cutting him self out of and running from various plants trying to eat him. All while carrying various weights on his body. Every day Hozumi faced harder obstacles. Every die, he was closer to death than before. But everyday, he grew stronger. This went on for 3 months.

- 3 Months Later -
Hozumi sat down, legs cross and meditating. His body had grown. Not only in size but in pure raw strength and speed. His body was not that of a 11 year old. In the three short months, his power had sky rocketed to new heights. The entire time of his meditation, his Sensei whacked him on the head. But Hozumi showed no signs of pain. His face remained the same, calm and ready for whatever happened next. The old man smirked

"Your certainly grown Hozumi, much greater than I expected. Your body is harder than any stone and your foundation is capable of supporting an entire mountain. But that was just the beginning. A warm up you could say, training so your body could be ready for when you start your real training"

Hozumi opened his eyes, unusually calm "Real training?" The old man nodded "Yes, I will train you so that you can leave Hell with the strength to protect the ones you care about. Are you ready?" Hozumis face brightened up for the first time in a while, a grin coming across his face. Finally, the real training would begin "Yes sir!" Ge said as he jumped to his feet, ready to start. The old man smirked, staring into his eyes "We'll start off with sparring. Ready? Begin!" The two charged at each other, clashing swords and fists.

For weeks, Hozumi and his Sensei fought. Each day, Hozumi would lose just as bad as the day before. He felt like he made no real progress and could hardly stand his ground, let alone attack. But in reality, the old man would increase his strength as they fought. Hozumi was unknowingly growing stronger with each punch he threw and each one he took.

Hozumi appeared behind the old man, attempting to sweep him. His Sensei stopped the kick with his leg and quickly rose his own, sending Hozumi spiraling up in the air. He jumped up and kicked Hozumi into another stone Lilly. As Hozumi got up, the old man was already in front of him. The old man sent a flurry of moderately stong but extremely fast punches. But Hozumi grinned the entire time I can see them! I can see the opening! Hozumi tilted his head, one of the punches skinning his face. Hozumi ducked and went for a tackle towards his senseis feet. His Sensei took a step back, but Hozumi had flipped and landed on his hands. He pushed off the floor with his hands and sent a spiraling drop luck toward his senseis eyes. Senseis eyes widened Fast, but not fast enough He moved his head back, letting Hozumi fly upwards. But as he flew up, he wrapped his hands around his senseis chin and pulled himself down while pulling his Sensei up. He delivered a powerful knee blow to the top of his senseis head, generating a shock wave from it. He grinned "Got youu"

The old man spun his head, Hozumi flying off of his head. Before he could react, the old man was behind him and chopped at his side. He sent Hozumi crashing and destroying a large chunk of a stone lily. The rubbed his chin "Maybe I got too serious. Hozumi you still alive?" He yelled out loud

Suddenly, Hozumi appeared behind the Old Man. As the old man turned, Hozumi sung his hand and threw what water he had in his clenched hand. The water sprayed in the old mans eyes, blinding him. At that moment, Hozumi threw a flurry of powerful and quick punches, each one at a vital spot How is this possible? Has he been holding back this entire time. No, now isn't the time to think. I'll show him the terror of hell The old man exerted a reiatsu shockwave, generating hurricane like winds.

But Hozumi stood his ground, quickly sending a kick to he old mans head. He ducked and sent a quick jab at Hozumi. Hozumi spun, parrying the punch and sending another kick. The old man dodged it again, sending a flurry of has this time. But Hozumi continued to spin in a blur, all of the punches sliding off Hozumi. No it's not possible Reiatsu coated Hozumis leg as he sent a final kick, sending all of his momentum and strength in that one kick. His Sensei raised his left forearm to block the kick, his right arm supporting it. The Old man blocked the kick, a loud crack echoing. Then, a massive shockwave fired from behind from the strength of the kick. The Old man flew a few inches off the ground, surprised by the pure raw strength of the quick.

Hozumi appeared behind his Sensei, ready to kick him up in the air. But now, his Sensei wasn't joking. The kick phased through an after image, his Sensei appearing behind him. The old appeared behind Hozumi, sweeping him off his feet and sending him high up in the air with a single kick. He jumped up and punched Hozumi, sending him crashing into the water and creating a massive splash. He landed on the ground peacefully.

"Yup, definitely went too far this time. Hopefully the force of the water didn't kill him" He looked at his own arm, which was broken due to Hozumis kick. Had I been a second late, my entire arm would of shattered "Welp, time to fish out my student. Hopefully he's alive." He jumped off the lily and into the water, retrieving Hozumi and leaving the area.

- 3 Days Later -
Hozumi woke up on a stone lily, his Sensei beside him "Finally awake huh? Thought you died for a second"

Hozumi got up, rubbing his head. He looked at his Sensei with a grin "I made you get serious for a while didn't i!?" The Old man smirked

"Oh please, that was hardly half" Hozumis jaw dropped "Just half?! Aw man" His Sensei chuckled, amused by his students reaction.

"Yes just half, but you've passed the first part of your training" Hozumi looked up at his Sensei, a wide smile on his face "Really?! Yahoooo!!" He jumped up in the air for Joy. His Sensei hit the top of his head "Shuddap! Ahem, where was I. Oh yes, your first half of training is over. I'd say that was the easy part" He said with a grin

"Now it's time for your potential to flourish Hozumi. Now we'll begin in Seido. There's a high chance you'll die though so choose wisely" He only had to look in Hozumis eyes for his answer, filled with an unlimited determination. He chuckled "Let's go, this part of training will commence in the lower levels of Hell. Only there will you find the answer you seek"

They both jumped off the lilies and dove into the water, heading towards the dangerous and lower levels of Hell. But Hozumi showed no signs of fear. He knew the dangers of Hell and that the bottom levels were far more dangerous compared to the training he went through. But he feared that he'd never go back to see his mom, and that would be his drive through the most intense training of his life.

Zane620 said
Hyperion watched and observed her as she took out the hollows, and then barely make it out of the way when one aimed to crush her, but it was her comment that annoyed him, he walked up the the spider hollow grabbing it by its back legs pulling them apart which caused its back to start ripping open all the way to its mask where it was ripped right in half. Hyperion then threw the body parts away and looked at Keina and thumped her head. "Rude?! Pay attention to your surroundings!" Hyperion said before grumbling and running a three Hollows slashing all their masks in half.

Keina watched as Hyperion ripped the hollow in half showing impressive strength. Though he thumped her head causing her to cross her arms with a pout as he told her to pay attention to her surroundings. She watched as he walked away killing three hollow. She then tackled him from behind, "Don't be a big meany!" she yelled as she slapped him in the back of the head. She then looked up raising an eyebrow, "Wait, didn't you kill that already?" she asked as she grabbed his hair and lifted his head so he could see the spider hollow a ways away from them roaring. It then looked at them and shoot a cero like beam at them causing a shock wave. She grabbed Hyperion's hair and his clothing. She rolled to the side causing them to roll in general with the beam shooting past them, all the while Keina making a noise similar to woop woop woop.

AeronFarron said
"We can do that." Haruka said with a confident grin. Alucard yipped in agreement and then jumped onto her shoulder. "Take the time you need," her lips twitch into a smirk, "We trust you to get us home." she reassured then pointed to the ground between them. "We'll lead it to this area and try to overwhelm it's senses by bombarding it." she gave a cheeky laugh.

"We'll be back with your present." she said before she and Alucard flash stepped away. Interference and distraction was right up her alley in the grand scheme of things. She was confident that between Alucard, herself, and Yuurei Kishi, they could wrestle the Hollow to the spot.

As Haruka set off to find the hollow she would soon feel a shock wave, causing the ground to shake and even crack a bit. The hollow obviously showed it's amount of strength, though it wasn't very far away. She would also feel the spirit energy of her Squad mate Hyperion, and some one new if she decided to start sensing. It was obvious which way she needed to go to help, or she could have went back to go get Sinai. Obviously already distracted the hollow wouldn't be moving anywhere.

"Gaishō... I think I know what you meant by 'from the inside in'"

Fumio stood looking out through a window from the inside the corridor that was his inner world, staring out into the rain-heavy clouds. Gaishō was beside him, also looking out but leaning on the window seal. Looking up at Fumio, the spirit stood up straight and turned to him, a blank expression on his face. "Is that so?" As Gaishō spoke, a small smirk grew across Fumio's lips. The latter then drew his sword, standing back as it released without the need for a command. Fumio then pulled his right arm back before thrusting the blade towards the window.

Fumio's smirk was then suddenly wiped off of his face as instead of hearing glass shatter, he heard absolutely.... nothing at all. Looking toward the tip of his blade, he noticed that the sword seemed to of been swallowed by the window... It was odd since the blade wasn't seen sticking out the other side of the window, almost as if the window was some sort of liquid and not the material it appeared. Fumio raised an eyebrow before trying to yank his Zanpakuto back but there was one problem... It was stuck. "... What?" Still trying to pull his blade back, Fumio placed both hands on the hilt, yanking it back as hard as he could but it wouldn't budge an inch. Gaishō watched Fumio struggle before he started to smirk. "I see. By that action it seems you do in fact understand what I meant... But there is a lot more to this than you think Kazuhiko~" As Fumio turned his head to look at the spirit, Gaishō simply continued to smirk while walking backwards towards the wall opposite Fumio. As he did, Fumio's eyes soon widened as Gaishō walked straight into the wall and it... consumed him.... The wall around the spirit stretched out to wrap around the spirit's body, causing Gaishō's smirk to drop as the wall covered him entirely, incorporating him before flattening and returning to normal. "Gaishō!!" Fumio yelled as he watched, pulling on his blade one last time in which it slid out of the window, which the latter found rather strange... Fumio then stepped back, looking cautiously at the walls on either side of him while stepping back a few more steps. "Gaishō!" He yelled one last time, calling for his Zanapkuto spirit.

"Kazuhiko" Gaishō's voice echoed throughout the hallway, starling Fumio a little as he looked around frantically. "Where are you Gaishō?!" Fumio asked, walking forward through the hallway while still looking around. Gaishō's voice couldn't be pinpointed to just one area, it came from everywhere. "Kazuhiko... The rest is up to you now" Fumio heard his voice one last time before standing still. His attention was soon drawn to the widows, they turned black, pitch black. 'What is going on?' The hallway had definitely darkened now, but that wasn't what confused Fumio, it was his feelings... He felt cut off, but from what?

Closing his eyes for a moment, Fumio took a breath before hurriedly opening them, raising his blade to block an incoming sword. "H-Huh? Souta?" Looking at the wielder of a plain Katana, Fumio could just about make out Souta's body and face, but it blurred every now and then, making him almost unrecognisable. Souta drew his blade back, sliding it off of Fumio's before swinging again, which Fumio blocked. "What is going o-" He was cut off by another blade swinging towards his hip, in which he had to jump towards the right wall to dodge but once he got close to the wall, he could feel it slowly trying to suck his body towards it to consume him. Jumping to the left, Fumio stood in the middle of both walls in the never-ending hallway, looking forward to see that it was Rio who tried to cut him this time, her face blank just like Souta's as her body blurred every now and then also. "Huerona?... " Fumio held his blade out but shook a little... Why was he shaking? More figures stepped out of the walls, standing beside both Rio and Souta.... They were all members of the Hari Clan... The members he killed.

"Who the hell are you lot?! Figures of my imagination or something?!" There were more than he even bothered to remember since killing them off, well most of them, were so easy and therefore boring. Taking his stand, the mass of Hari members stepped forward as Souta and Rio hung back, standing still while Rio crossed her arms. The many members then took a stance, however they were all without weapons. Launching for Fumio, the latter raised his sword, chopping each and every body that flung towards him with no mercy. He didn't grin this time, instead he felt scared, overwhelmed by the power of another despite there being no other larger power... was this what they felt towards him? Why was he even feeling this way? They were easy to defeat, taking only one slice each... Why the hell should he care about how they felt anyway? They tried to kill him also!

Fumio was having no difficulties putting these weakling down, slicing through their stomachs, cutting off their arms, legs, whichever body part was nearest to his blade. Once they were all down, despite having fatal wounds, their bodies were still twitching... 'Why are they still alive?!' The floor was soon soaked in the deep crimson colour of blood, however it seemed that the blood only flowed towards Fumio's feet... Looking down, Fumio glanced over the twitching bodies before looking up to the two figures still standing; Rio and Souta. Clenching his left hand, Fumio pointed the tip of his blade towards the floor as the two loosened their arms, standing next to each-other, looking ready to launch. Now this was different for Fumio... He really didn't want to fight them but these two were clearly intent on attacking.... However he reminded himself that they weren't who they appeared... Just imposters...

As expected, the two launched. "DIE!!" "MURDERER!!" "KILLER!!" "ASSHOLE!!" What Fumio didn't expect were to hear them talk... Immediately his eyes widened when he heard the very words he wished he'd never hear from the two of them.... Lifting his sword up, he quickly blocked their first swings, however the next few caused him to start stepping backwards as both attacked erratically with different styles of fighting, making it difficult to merely concentrate on just one.... Since Fumio was trying his best not to attack them, he left himself open for many slices across his clothes and face. Jumping back to create distance, Fumio felt a cut across his cheek, that was in the same place Ursula had cut him during their fight a while ago, begin to bleed. 'Shit... I can't keep defending...' Gritting his teeth, he looked back at the two and noticed something... Rio's right eye began pouring blood as the eye was missing... Souta looked at him with nothing but anger, much like he did when the two were training and he purposely made Souta angry by threatening to kill more of their friends....

Fumio looked at this, shocked at first but then tilted his head forward, hair falling in front of his eyes... "Imposters..." He muttered. "You two are not Souta and Huerona..." Rio and Souta were ready to attack, showing no reaction to what Fumio was saying. The latter soon smirked before lifting his head up, his crystal eyes gleaming despite how dark it was. "You two are not lying, I should die, I am a killer, I am an asshole~ But there is only one person that I will allow to kill me, and it's neither of you imposters~ Therefore, I will kill you both~" Fumio spoke with an eerie calmness as he began walking forward, dragging his blade across the floor. He wasn't stupid, of course these two weren't the real Souta and Huerona... He may of not been the sanest person in the world, but a little illusion wasn't going to effect him. Continuing to walk forward, Fumio's eyes were set on both slightly blurred figures as they charged for Fumio.

The three of them collided. Fumio stood in the same position while the other two had travelled passed him. A moment of silence passed by before blood shot out of both of Souta's and Rio's chests as Fumio had cut across both of them in an 'X' motion.... The next sound that was heard were two thuds. Fumio then stood up straight, looking down with a frown... They were fake, he knew that, it was obvious, what would they be doing inside his inner world anyway?.... Despite knowing this, Fumio still couldn't stop himself from feeling a little saddened... Their faces were the only things that got through to him, this caused him to sigh when-

"Heheheheh~"

Hearing a chuckle emit from behind him, Fumio froze abruptly, his breath slowly turning to pants. "... Y-you're d-dead.... What are you doing... here?" Fumio spoke, a cold chill shooting down his spine as he refused to look back. The one who chuckled audibly stepped forward, this made Fumio force himself to turn around... and face the woman he never wanted to see ever again. "Hehehahahaa~" Urusla stepped forward once more as Fumio stepped back into the puddle of blood from the Hari members, both Rio's and Souta's lifeless bodies noticeable behind Ursula but Fumio tried his best not to look at them. His eyes were on Ursula as the woman continued to close in. "Kazuhiko~" She chimed in a teasing voice, one Fumio recognised.

He didn't speak, simply stepping back when something seemed to of caught his foot. Daring to look down, Fumio noticed that it was a hand that surfaced out of the floor, a woman's hand. "HU!" He sharply gasped at this, trying to pull his foot out of it's grip when a hand was placed on his left cheek, causing his eyes to widen and look up. Ursula was right in front of him, her body close to his. "As long as you're still alive, I will never die~" She leaned closer towards his right ear, her hand sliding down his face to his shoulder as she did. "You're scared, aren't you Prince?" Fumio shivered a little under her touch, his eyes wide as her voice continued to strike cold chills down his spine. Snapping himself out of his fear once she asked if he was scared, Fumio looked at her, watching her lift her face back....

"Chie?" What was once Urulsa's face had became Chie's, along with her hair... "You're scared and confused right now aren't you? You won't hurt me, will you pervert?" The woman who looked to be Chie, even sounded like her, began stroking her fingers up and down his arm. Another grin soon found it's way across Fumio's face. "And what makes you say that Gemstone? You think because you look like Chie that I won't hurt you?~ Heh, well you're wrong sweetie~" Fumio plunged his blade through her stomach, causing the fake Chie to hunch forward and grab the blade with both hands, coughing up some blood. Fumio continued to grin at this sight, grinning further as the fake Chie turned back into Ursula. Oh how seeing Ursula like this, seeing her bleed, caused such pleasurable tingles run along his spine. "No, I'm not scared, I'm delighted in fact~ Especially since I get to be the one to kill you this time~ " He was still grinning as he spoke... but then Ursula did also. "You shouldn't be... Prince~... Nothing is this simple~" Ursula then began turning into a silvery colour before starting to melt onto Fumio's blade, her chuckles echoing throughout the area. Noticing his foot was free, Fumio swung the blade of his sword to throw the substance off of it before it could reach his hand, throwing it onto one of the, still twitching, Hari Clan body's. Turning around, his eyebrows gradually began raising. "What now?!" The sight that met him was the bodies of both Souta and Rio, along with the others scattered around him including Ursula, turning into a silvery colour before beginning to mold together into one. Taking step back, Fumio hurriedly turned and began running.

He ran through the corridor, narrowly avoiding the walls of silvery hands that had reached out to try and grab him. Fumio continued to run but felt as though he was going nowhere... but that thing... it gave off a bad feeling... He just had to get away. After a while, Fumio stopped and turned around to find... himself. "Heh, finished running coward?~" Fumio couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he looked back at his crystallised self... "... Who are you?" Fumio recognised this feel of spiritual energy because it was his own.... The body-double lifted a crystal blade, identical to Fumio's, and pointed it to the floor much like Fumio would. "Why ask me a question that you already know the answer to?~ Honestly, you've grown soft, what happened Kazuhiko? This is much unlike you..." Fumio looked back at the crystal man, crossing his arms before smirking. "Ridiculous. I'm much stronger now than I was. And if you are me... What is it do you want?" Fumio asked as the other chuckled. "Hehe, Oh so that's how I look to you? So I see, your greatest trauma was loosing control of yourself to yourself~ This must mean you were right, you're not scared of Ursula, you're scared of what you believe she turned you into~" The guy chuckled as Fumio continued to look at him, narrowing his eyes before slowly lifting his sword, pointing it at his crystal self. "Shut up." Fumio simply stated as he tilted his head downwards before shunpo'ing and appearing behind his crystal self, his sword swinging downwards only to clash with the other's blade as the crystal man elegantly lifted his blade up without needing to look at Fumio. The latter's eyes widened a little as his crystal self turned his head with a large smirk. Fumio brought his blade back and swung it three more times, his crystal self effortlessly blocking each and every strike. Fumio then jumped back as his crystal double turned to face him, the only time his crystal self actually moved his body. "You really don't understand my nature. Heh, there's a secret in my name~ You've strayed off my course and I feel that you are not worthy to use my power~ During those moments, where you killed your friends for me to absorb them, you abandoned your feelings and fought with no thoughts or care, you only wanted blood~ That fuelled me, but now as you've grown into... this... you've let others influence you, change you. Ursula didn't turn you, you didn't change, that was just who you are~ Ursula only bound you, trapped you within this hallway with no end or escape without actually doing anything to your inner world. You created this place, leaving yourself only able to watch what happens to you instead of control it... That is what this is... Your inner prison, not inner world." Fumio listened his double talk and waited for a moment before smirking. "I am already aware of that. Heh, all Ursula did was abuse me, torture me, rape me and use the people I cared about against me, just so I would do her dirty work. She didn't turn me into a murderer, she just gave me an excuse. But, there is something you seem to be forgetting~" Fumio looked at the crystal man, walking towards him. As he did, he began raising his spiritual energy but it was different this time. Black energy burst out of him, the ends faded into a crystal-silver colour as his aura flickered violently. This caused his crystal self to step back... clearly wasn't expecting this. "What you seem to be forgetting is that you are a part of [/i]me[/i]." Once Fumio was close enough, he stopped, staring into the crystal eyes of his double. "But... You are right. I have been growing soft... I intend to stop that. My trauma, I accept you, you thrive on fear and blood, giving and taking pain, growing stronger and more ruthless. But, that's is you, I will still be the one in control. Thus I am ready to take you on, to join with you. You are an extension of me that I've recently pushed aside due to the influence of others, but don't worry, I won't ever neglect you again, but I'm not going to be over-powered by you either. We will become one~" Fumio dropped his blade at that moment, his energy calming as his crystal double smirked before shattering and turning into a silvery substance, sinking into the ground.

"Kazuhiko" Came Gaishō's disembodied voice as the entire corridor faded into a silvery liquid, sliding up Fumio's legs and dripping onto Fumio's head from the ceiling. Fumio welcomed the liquid this time, realising that his issue was that he continuously fought with his inner-world and Zanpakuto spirit, loosing himself through the influences of others, Ursula being the largest influence, along with Souta, Huerona, and even Aya, Chie and Rinkei. He knew just who he was, but even then, he had already created this prison, stopping himself from truly being free from his confinements. He had to accept what happened, accept his murderous side, but also accept himself...

He allowed himself to drown in the substance as the liquidated hallway began caving in. "Kazuhiko!" Gaishō grabbed onto Fumio's arm seconds before the liquid turned into crystal, encapsulating both of them before shattering. The two of them then began falling, Gaishō glad to of grabbed Fumio in time. If he hadn't, he would of most likely shattered along with the inner world.

Opening his eyes, Fumio made a little grunting noise but instantly became confused... He wasn't falling anymore, but he didn't feel as though he had hit the ground... Maybe because he never did hit the ground. Sitting up, Fumio looked around, feeling as though his eyes were deceiving him... After a few blinks and lifting himself up to a stand, Fumio just couldn't believe what his actual inner world looked like...


He took in a view that he had never had the chance to witness so closely before... being literally on top of the clouds. It was breathtaking to say the least, however it did expose the question of how in the hell was he able to stand and not be fall straight through?

"Beautiful, isn't it? Or should I say, it's a huge improvement compared to that inner prison?" Came Gaishō's voice. Fumio turned around, immediately hugging the guy. "Heheh, indeed it is an improvement" Pulling back, Fumio smiled at his spirit, which actually smiled back quite brightly, before turning around and taking a deep breath. "Kazuhiko, look at your right hand" Fumio looked back at Gaishō before doing as the man said, finding a blade.


Both of Fumio's eyebrows raised in shock, he couldn't feel it in his hand, as if it was as light as a cloud-'Smart~' Lifting his hand, Fumio examined the blade. "Am I safe to assume that this is a new Shikai form or something?" Fumio looked back at his spirit as the latter chuckled. "Heheh, that's your Bankai form Kazuhiko" Fumio couldn't help his eyes from widening and looking back at his new sword, noticing that the blade was actually a refined and compact black crystal, there was also a black crystal ball at the bottom of the clear-ish refined crystal hilt. "Oh my~ Now this is unexpected~ I had no idea that I was able to achieve a Bankai~ Thank you, Gaishō~" Fumio continued to familiarise himself with his new sword, smiling as he did while admiring it, already feeling a dramatic increase of power. He just couldn't wait to start learning just what this sword could do. Seeing Fumio do this pleased his spirit since he always liked being admired by his wielder, something Fumio knew and tended to do often until recently, but Gaishō knew that after what had just happened, Fumio would do it more often from now on, which pleased him further.

Literally as soon as he killed the hollows, he was instantly tackled by Keina and slapped on the back of his head, and while he was being called a big meany he stared at the ground wondering, what squad he got himself into. So far he meet Hikari who would do things when told not to. The captain who is just out of it . And now a woman who acted like a child. He then felt his head raised forcefully by his hair, and was pointed at something that her question would make one wonder about. He was sure he killed it. Hell he ripped it in half, so it was puzzling how it was alive. Again when it shot a cero he was practically dragged by his hair out of the way, she was also making this weird sound, which made Hyperion stand up and reached behind himself, pulling her off him, while he stared at the spider hollow. "Let them embrace your pain Avalon, shower them with despair Angelika, let them embrace their end." His sword then vanished while his gauntlets grew in size as did the spikes on them. "Well then. If something shows back up after being ripped in half, the next step is simple. Blowing it up to the point not even dust is left of it." Hyperion then looked at Keina, and started saying thunder, while glaring at her. Just in case she thought he was being silly, bu truthfully this way the only way to power up his one move. He then curled up his fist and aimed it at the spider hollow, and stopped shouting thunder at this point. and upon opening his hand, a massive thunderbolt shot down from the sky covering the spider, even throwing rocks and a few trees everywhere. So when the light cleared and there was no trace of the hollow, Hyperion held a grin on his face. 'Ha! Try coming back from Party masta Hypes thunder!!!" Hyperion then paused for a bit and glared at Keina again. "You heard nothing!"

Expllo said
Keina watched as Hyperion ripped the hollow in half showing impressive strength. Though he thumped her head causing her to cross her arms with a pout as he told her to pay attention to her surroundings. She watched as he walked away killing three hollow. She then tackled him from behind, "Don't be a big !" she yelled as she slapped him in the back of the head. She then looked up raising an eyebrow, "Wait, didn't you kill that already?" she asked as she grabbed his hair and lifted his head so he could see the spider hollow a ways away from them roaring. It then looked at them and shoot a cero like beam at them causing a shock wave. She grabbed Hyperion's hair and his clothing. She rolled to the side causing them to roll in general with the beam shooting past them, all the while Keina making a noise similar to .As Haruka set off to find the hollow she would soon feel a shock wave, causing the ground to shake and even crack a bit. The hollow obviously showed it's amount of strength, though it wasn't very far away. She would also feel the spirit energy of her Squad mate Hyperion, and some one new if she decided to start sensing. It was obvious which way she needed to go to help, or she could have went back to go get Sinai. Obviously already distracted the hollow wouldn't be moving anywhere.

Haruka's eyes narrowed when she felt Hype nearby. She shifted with the ground and stepped back when it cracked. "Not good..." She ran back to retrieve Sinai after she ordered Alucard to stay put until she got back. "Put that on pause, Sinai. My squadmate is nearby along with another person. Can you charge enroute?" she asked, then motioned for her to follow Haruka. She ran off and passed Alucard, whom ran right after her.

From her perch she saw a large lighting bolt come out of the sky with a flash of light. given the weather it was probably a fight going on in that direction but it was a ways away. Sinai wasnt exactly sure if it was in the same direction as Haruka had went. Suddenly haruka was back asking sinai to follow her toward the lighting. She did of course but the questions were endless "Do we even know its the same hollow? or the same mission?" being squad 2 sinai was supposed to only focus on her mission regardless of any distractions...but she was new so she could easily claim ignorance of such expectations if they still existed. but the larger issue that bothered Sinai "what about the bandits?"

Being pulled off of Hyperion Keina took a couple steps back. Her arms folded over each other as her eyes laid onto the male watching as he activated his Shikai. "Well then. If something shows back up after being ripped in half, the next step is simple. Blowing it up to the point not even dust is left of it." Once he finished speaking Keina nodded rapidly in agreement. Each eyebrow held a funky position on her face as Hyperion began yelling thunder soon furrowing as she titled her head in curiosity. Her eyes widened as he revealed what power it held, the ability was just as weird as he was. The only thing she could comprehend about the ability was Hyperion yelling thunder causing a thunderbolt to strike onto his opponent....or that he was just weird. She didn't mind though.

"Ha! Try coming back from Party masta Hypes thunder!!!" She smiled at that. Hyperion then glared at her as she covered her smile giggling quietly as he spoke to her, "You heard nothing!" Her giggling reached a higher volume though she managed to stop when she dropped her hand, she was obviously holding back a laugh. "I didn't hear anything!" She said in a deeper voice to mimic Hyperion. She burst out laughing. Falling onto her back as her hands laid on her gut, she began rolling back and forth. She lifted herself up once she finished laughing and wiped the tears from her eyes soon looking up at Hyperion. "You're funny. I like you, Tiger," she said with a wink before placing her hands on the ground and pushing herself onto her feet with ease. She patted down her backside removing the dust and whatever else may have found it's way onto her clothing.

She looked around before scratching her head, "Hm? Didn't you just..." Keina pointed to the top of a cliff where the spider hollow could be made out. It jumped down the cliff landing directly in front of the two female, Haruka and Sinai. It looked battle damaged, presumably by the the lightning bolt, but it didn't look worn out. It began charging read energy in order to shoot another blast. Most would probably assume the hollow didn't have intelligence due to it not taking an easy shot, but most judged too early....

"Come on! Let's go!" Keina said as she ran past Hyperion heading towards the location the hollow had jumped down too. She sensed two more people near it which caused her to go faster, hoping Hyperion was close behind.

AbigailTenshi said
Amidst Rio's crying, she felt herself being pulled against something warm, strong and smooth... It took her a second to realise the position she was in, feeling Kaizo's arms wrap around her as she looked up at him, her eye squinting a little as more tears escaped. She gripped the front of Kaizo's Haori, not a single thought of what anyone else was thinking about her being in Kaizo's arms entered her mind... all she could do was feel his warmth and listen to his words while gripping his clothes tighter.... Captain Kuchiki was a large figure in her life, and since she had never been able to cope with loosing people well, this was just ridiculously hard for her to accept... However, Kaizo's words were much more powerful to her while in this state, actually getting through to her. Crying a little harder, Rio whispered while pulling herself closer towards Kaizo's body, still gripping him tightly as she cried into his chest.... Rio had never felt so vulnerable in her whole life... but with Kaizo, she felt that maybe... it was Okay to be vulnerable every once in a while... no matter what anyone else thought... as long as Kaizo was fine with it, she wouldn't hold it in any longer.... The pain in her head was still rather strong, but she managed to ignore it by purely focusing on the feel of Kaizo around her, shielding her from everything and everyone around them... or more felt that way. After a few quiet stuttered sobs, Rio had finally calmed down, closing her eye as she rested her head against Kaizo's chest and faced away from everyone, just breathing while still gripping onto him almost as if her life depended on it.

Kaizo looked down at Rio as she seemingly got closer to him, he watched as she cried into his chest and gripped his uniform tightly, he then heard her whisper something which caused him to nod lightly "I'm always here for you, just remember you can't face everything by yourself...and if you need to escape from the world you can come to me. I'll keep you in my arms and keep the world away...now...I think we should head back. We can talk more in private..." Kaizo then broke from the hug then he picked Rio up, holding her in his arms as he then looked to his Squad "I want you all training immediately! I will be joining you over these next few month's too further increase the difficulty of your training! That's an order! Now go!" Kaizo watched the Squad 2 Shinigami shunpo off, he then looked down to Rio then smiled a little "I'm tired of picking and choosing to be a Captain or your partner...I'm going to be doing both from now on and I will keep reminding these fools that even if I am soft towards you that they wont get the same treatment..." Kaizo then shunpoed off towards the Squad 2 barracks with Rio still in his arms, they then arrived outside Squad 2 then he looked down to Rio again and spoke "I'm sorry for everything that has happened...especially with this tragic news...but we cannot let Kurisa Kuchiki's death bring us all down...that's what the enemy want, and besides...he'd want us to work harder if anything and that's just what we will do...the enemy has no idea what they got coming..."

Kagiko watched as some people began to slowly disperse this caused him to lift his hat slightly then he walked over to Shiro and stood next to him then spoke "You seem shocked about this news Captain Kenpachi...I would have thought you'd be enjoying the fact you are now the strongest Captain after Head Captain Juki...." Shiro heard someone speak then looked to them to see Kagiko smiling "The hell you on about?" Kagiko continued to smile then spoke "Think about it Captain...Kurisa Kuchiki was the strongest Captain after Juki...and after him there was you...so...you've taken your rightful place on the power scale. However that is not why I am here..." Shiro looked up at the sky then frowned "Hmm...I guess it does make me the second strongest...still...there I can't be ignorant and deny the fact that Kuchiki was stronger than me" Kagiko nodded then spoke as he held Shiro's Zanpkuto in his hands "interesting...this is very helpful indeed..." Kagiko then held out Shiro's Zanpakuto to him then spoke "Make sure not to forget your goals Captain...don't ever stop..." Shiro looked down at Kagiko then his eyes widened as he was holding his Zanpakuto, Shiro frowned at this then snatched it back off Kagiko as Kagiko then began walking away "The hell you playing at taking my Zanpakuto?" As Kagiko walked off he spoke "I was merely investigating it Captain...as I said....don't forget your goals..." Kagiko then shunpoed off leaving Shiro pissed as he sheathed his Zanpakuto "Tch...can you believe that guy, its like he has a death wish!..." Shiro then remembered something his Zanpakut had asked of him causing his eyes to narrow "Shit...I forgot about that...but ho-" Shiro then shook his head "It's stupid..." he then looked to Nishiki and spoke "Shall we head back then?"

Kurisa said
Kaizo looked down at Rio as she seemingly got closer to him, he watched as she cried into his chest and gripped his uniform tightly, he then heard her whisper something which caused him to nod lightly "I'm always here for you, just remember you can't face everything by yourself...and if you need to escape from the world you can come to me. I'll keep you in my arms and keep the world away...now...I think we should head back. We can talk more in private..." Kaizo then broke from the hug then he picked Rio up, holding her in his arms as he then looked to his Squad "I want you all training immediately! I will be joining you over these next few month's too further increase the difficulty of your training! That's an order! Now go!" Kaizo watched the Squad 2 Shinigami shunpo off, he then looked down to Rio then smiled a little "I'm tired of picking and choosing to be a Captain or your partner...I'm going to be doing both from now on and I will keep reminding these fools that even if I am soft towards you that they wont get the same treatment..." Kaizo then shunpoed off towards the Squad 2 barracks with Rio still in his arms, they then arrived outside Squad 2 then he looked down to Rio again and spoke "I'm sorry for everything that has happened...especially with this tragic news...but we cannot let Kurisa Kuchiki's death bring us all down...that's what the enemy want, and besides...he'd want us to work harder if anything and that's just what we will do...the enemy has no idea what they got coming..."

Rio sniffed as Kaizo spoke and broke the hug. She looked up at him, questioning nothing, if anything, she was happy to hear this... Since she too had to choose between being professional and being a girlfriend whenever she was with Kaizo... It had gotten to the point where she just chose to be professional all the time since it was the safest and easiest thing to do to stop their relationship from being discovered. However, this in turn meant Rio had unknowingly distanced herself from Kaizo, something that took her up until now to realise. Considering her personal state and situation at the moment, distancing herself was definitely something she didn't want to do... It wouldn't help at all, if anything it'd make her situation worse and harder to deal with. Kaizo then picked her up, which caused Rio's eye to widen a little from the sudden action, however she just simply smiled at Kaizo, a small but genuine smile. Her head was still throbbing, but she had forgotten about the pain, too focused on Kaizo to notice it. Kaizo had ordered the other Shinigami to train, while Rio gave them a stern look. Even though she was in Kaizo's arms, that didn't mean her professional attitude towards those she worked with had changed.

After Kaizo shupo'ed back to the barracks, Rio looked up to him while he spoke, still in his arms. She looked down when he mentioned Captain Kuchiki... he was right, they couldn't let themselves be dragged down by this, she couldn't let herself either... After closing her eye, Rio sighed. "Don't be sorry... It's the enemy that should be sorry. You're completely correct Captain. I promise you, I won't let Captain Kuchiki down by wallowing in sorrow... I will not stand by and watch anyone else be murderer.... Indeed they have no idea what they've just started... This is more than just a war now...." Rio slid out of Kaizo's arms, standing once again while straightening out her clothes and eye-patch. Looking up at Kaizo, she gave a look of pure determination... She had cried enough, it was time to grow stronger... Not just for Captain Kuchiki, but for everyone she cared about, including for her Captain and partner Kaizo.