AN: Hey everyone...

So the Bleach Universe is very large as you can imagine. I'm sure you can tell that it is expanding even more than it was in Canon as I have added my own elements into it such as the Wild Lands, the Beast Realm, etc. I've been adding drops and hints and references throughout the story to build these extra elements into the entire lore so it doesn't just come out of nowhere when certain events happen (Hopefully I've been doing okay with that).

With so many different elements being introduced and built into the story I'm sure it is hard for all of you to keep track of what might be relevant and what might not be. To help out I've compiled a list at the end of the Chapter to help you keep in mind certain points of interests that have been introduced into the story thus far.

As always, thanks for your continued support!

Vocabulary Terms:

*Baka (Bakamono) = Fool/Idiot
*Onii-sama = Big Brother
*Obasan = Aunt
*Chappy = Most popular soul candy with a cutesy personality and depicted as a bunny.
*Ryoka = Traveling Evil(s)/ outsiders not associated with the Seireitei
*Senzaikyu = Palace of Penitence/Repentance Palace
*Sekkiseki = Spirit reducing stone, a special mineral with properties that allows it to repel all reiryoku.
*Shakonmaku = Soul-Warding Membrane. A large spherical barrier surrounding the Seireitei that vaporizes any reishi that tries to pass through the barrier.
*Sokyoku = Twinned Punishment. A giant halberd currently sealed on the Sokyoku Hill and used to execute nefarious criminals of the Soul Society.
*Seijotokyorin = Tranquil Forest of Residential Towers. The living quarters of the Central 46 members that is completely forbidden to all except the members of the Central 46.
*Daireishokairo = Great Spirit Book Gallery. A repository of all the knowledge and history of the Soul Society with restricted access to very few. Even many Captains are unaware of its inner workings.
*Negacion (Negation): A pillar of yellow light that Menos use to envelope their comrades to save them. Within the light is a completely isolated space that cannot be interacted with from the outside.
*Auswahlen (Holy Selection): Forcibly steals the power of a Quincy and returns it to the Quincy King.
*Oken (Royal Key): The method in which one can open the path to the Royal Palace where the Soul King resides. The conditions needed to create one is an enriched spiritual zone of at least half a spirit-mile in radius (1 spirit-mile across) and the sacrifice of 100,000 souls.
*Wild Lands: Unexplored and undeveloped lands beyond the perimeter of the 80th districts of Rukongai.
*Tekai Kecchu (World Shifting Binding Posts): A variation of the Senkaimon on a much larger scale where four giant pillars are erected at four different corners replacing the space inside with the space of a different area.
*Garganta (Throat/Black Cavity): Void between worlds that is mainly used by Hollows to travel between the World of the Living, Hueco Mundo, and Soul Society.
*Jokaisho (Emblem of Buddhaksetra): A powerful large spherical looking device that was used by Ran'Tao and her fellow scientists to control the generation of reishi for their experiments. They were sealed away by the Kido Corp under the command of the Central 46 Chamber all around the Seireitei.
*Canyon of Rift and Sorrow: A location somewhere far beyond the 80th districts of Rukongai in the Wild Lands of Soul Society where The Great Hollow War took place 870 years ago.
*Zankensoki: A term referring to the 4 basic combat techniques of a Shinigami. Zanjutsu, Hakuda, Hoho, and Kido.
*Gentei Reien (Soul Limiting Symbol): A seal placed on Shinigami that possess Lieutenant and above level of reiatsu while in the World of the Living to prevent them from adversely affecting the Living World. The seal locks away approximately 80% of the Shinigami's total reiatsu leaving them only at 20% strength.
*Gentei Kaijo (Limiter Release): Removes the seal of the Gentei Reien granting a Shinigami full access to their power.

Reading the story:

-Scene change: "888"

-Rated M Scene: "XXX"

-Hello, how are you? (Someone in their own thoughts)
-Hello how are you? (Zanpakuto Spirit speaking in a Shinigami's mind)

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach.

Chapter 40

A warm sweet aroma slowly filled a cozy room within the Urahara Shop as Kishin sat on the opposite side of a circular wooden table from Urahara. The two of them remained silent in each other's presence as the break of dawn had just come to pass. Rangiku, Ikkaku, and Renji had left not too long ago as they were all in a Gigai attending Ichigo's high school in disguise. Kishin was also in a Gigai wearing black pants, a white dress shirt with the collar and neck portion unbuttoned and the sleeves rolled back to the elbows. A loose red tie was hung around his neck.

Urahara finally broke the silence as he questioned, "Are you sure you aren't going to join Rangiku-san and the others? You've never been to high school before right?"

Kishin dismissed the comment by waving his hand in annoyance. "Not necessarily. Besides, what's the point of me going in disguise? There's absolutely no merit or reason for me to attend."

"Hoh? Well, I suppose so...but wouldn't it be fun?"

"Not at all."

"Hahaha, I see. So? You said you had stuff you wanted to talk to me about yesterday. What is it exactly?"

"Before we start, how's the progress with the Tenkai Kecchu?"

Urahara furrowed his brow at the mention of the Tenkai Kecchu and took a moment to formulate his thoughts before answering, "It's...coming along. It should be finished sometime soon."

Kishin noted the hesitance in Urahara's answer so he further questioned, "Is something wrong?"

Again Urahara seemed a bit lost in thought. "I'm sure it's nothing to worry about but…"

"But?" Kishin asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Ahem. But before I began working on creating the four large obelisks that would function as a Tenkai Kecchu to transport something as large as Karakura Town into Soul Society, I made a few prototypes as tests."

"Okay, and?"

Urahara's expression then became serious. "One of them is missing."

"Eh?" Kishin was just about to sip his tea when he paused after hearing Urahara mention a missing prototype. "You sure you didn't just misplace it?"

Urahara shook his head. "No. I'm definitely sure I didn't misplace it. Not all of them are missing. Just one. One prototype is gone. Most likely stolen."

"Was it Aizen?"

"Hmmm...no. I don't believe it was him."

"How can you be sure?"

"Ehhh...well call it a hunch."

Kishin blinked in confusion. "Then who else would be skilled enough to steal something from you?"

A sigh escaped Urahara's lips as he shook his head completely baffled. "That's the thing...I'm not sure myself. It's only a prototype and only one is missing so not much can be done with it. But if someone stole it then it means they at least have some sort of plan for it. I have no idea what it could be though."

Kishin merely scratched the side of his cheek not knowing what to say. "Well, don't look at me. I don't have a use for something like that and I definitely have no idea who would steal it."

Urahara sipped his tea and nodded in understanding. "I know I know. Anyways, progress for the Tenkai Kecchu is going well as I said before. So? What is it that you actually wanted to talk about?"

"Mn, well there's several things I wanted to discuss."

"Oh? Then I suppose we should start with matter number one. If I have some answers then I'll be glad to share."

"Alright, then matter number one. Kukaku told me how Masaki died."

Urahara instantly frowned at the mention of Masaki's death and sighed. "I see. You want to know about Auswahlen."

"That's right."

"Then...I presume that Kukaku has told you about the Quincy King and what Auswahlen does?"

Kishin nodded. "She did, but who exactly is the Quincy King and why steal Masaki's powers? I also learnt from Ran'Tao that Soul Society fought a war against the Quincys 1000 years ago. Is that true?"

Urahara brought out his fan and started fanning himself trying to collect his thoughts. "Where to begin...let's see. I suppose, since you know about the war 1000 years ago I should start there."

"Oh? So it's true then?"

"Yes. 1000 years ago after the Gotei 13 were first assembled there was a war the Shinigami had against the Quincys. And the leader of the Quincys at that time was named Yhwach. After a prolonged and bloody war the Shinigami were eventually victorious. The Captain Commander Yamamoto was able to defeat Yhwach in battle, however he failed to kill him."

"Hm? Are you suggesting that this Yhwach is still alive?"

Urahara's frown deepened as he seemed to be staring off into space. "Yes. Well, it would be more correct to say that I presumed that he was still alive. Though it was merely a speculation of mine until the day of Masaki's death where I learnt that her powers were stolen by the light of Auswahlen. Though I would still be skeptical if it was only Masaki who died that day since she also encountered a Hollow, what truly solidified my assumption was the fact that Uryu's mother lost her powers the same exact day."

"Eh? Uryu's mother? She lost her powers as well? Is she still alive then?"

"No. She died 3 months later after losing her powers. You see, those who have their powers stolen from the light of Auswahlen will inevitably die. Masaki would have died even if she didn't fight the Hollow Grand Fisher."

"Then where is this Yhwach person?"

Urahara merely shook his head. "I don't know. The fact that my assumption that he was alive is surprising enough as it is. I tried to find more information on where he might be residing, but to no avail. I've asked Uryu's father Ryuken about it, but even he doesn't have any answers. Either that or he is refusing to tell me. Tell me Chigetsu-kun, have you ever heard of the old Quincy song called Kaiser Gesang?"

Kishin furrowed his brow thinking to himself before shaking his head. "Can't say that I have. What does that have to do with anything?"

"Hm. Well, to summarize there are verses in the song that can be interpreted as a prophecy. It speaks of a sealed King in which the seal would eventually break and the King would regain his heart in 900 years. The song then goes on to say that the King's intellect would return in 90 years. Then 9 years after that his powers would return. So? What do you think?"

Kishin frowned as he let that information sink in. "900 years to to regain a heart, 90 years to regain his intellect, and 9 years to regain his power. That would equate to-"

Urahara nodded as he saw that Kishin was catching on. "That's right. If the war with the Quincy's took place approximately 1000 years ago then according to the song and the fact that Masaki and Kanae, Uryu's mother, lost their powers several years ago can only mean that we can't completely disregard this old legend."

"Wait...are you suggesting that Masaki and Kanae losing their powers is the beginning of the 9 year period when the Quincy King will begin to regain his powers? That would suggest that a little more than 990 years have passed since the sealing of the Quincy King."

"That's right...which means this matter with Aizen is quite urgent. If the legend is true then it's more important than ever that Aizen is dealt with before the situation can get more complicated. Anyways, that's all I really know about on this matter."

Kishin stared down at his cup of tea lost in thought for a long while before shelving the topic to the back of his mind. He then decided to shift the subject. "Alright, then let's move on. What can you tell me about the Beast Realm?"

"Hm? Beast Realm? Now this is a surprise. How did you hear about that?"

"Is it that important?"

"Ah, not really I suppose. I was just curious as not many people bring up the Beast Realm these days. The Beast Realm is largely a mystery as it was sealed off long ago. To my knowledge it was sealed off during the time when the Five Great Noble Clans were first established. This makes the event predate even the founding of the Shinigami Academy which was named the Genji School 2100 years ago by the Captain Commander."

"I did hear from Yushiro a little bit about it. According to him there were once Demi-Humans in which the Shihoin Clan were part of that race. The Demi-Humans were sealed away after rebelling against the idea of the formation of the Soul Society. It was the Shihoin Clan who helped prevent an all out war between them and the other races, and in the end the Soul King had sealed off the Demi-Humans in what is known as the Beast Realm, casting them off from the cycle of reincarnation."

Urahara sighed and simply nodded his head. "So you already know about it. There isn't too much more I can actually tell you aside from what you already know."

"That's fine, I'm curious anyways so tell me what you do know."

"Haaah...very well. I don't mind sharing, though just so you're aware I haven't actually verified the validity of the things that I'm about to tell you. Oh, and let me correct you on one thing while I'm at it. Over the years many began calling the people of the Beast Realm Demi-Humans, but this is wrong. The correct terminology of their race is known as the Jujin race. They dislike having the prefix Demi attached to who they are, ahem. So I've heard."

Kishin raised a curious eyebrow and suspiciously questioned, "So you've heard?"

Urahara simply ignored the suspicious look that Kishin was giving him and continued on like normal. "So where should I begin? Ah, the Beast Realm. It supposedly has a King of their own much like how there is a King that exists in the Soul Society. Well, unlike the Soul King however the Beast King apparently takes on a much more active role in the ruling over the Beast Realm, so I suppose their society functions more like that of the Gotei 13. From what I've been able to gather it seems like the structure of the Beast Realm is similar to that of the Soul Society and the Seireitei. In the Beast Realm there is a place known as the Bi'an Kingdom. And just as the Soul Society is split into the Seireitei and Rukongai the Bi'an Kingdom is supposedly split into what is called the Sky Claw Citadel and the Shinrin-ju. Furthermore, just as the Soul Society has its five-well, now four Great Noble Clans, the Bi'an Kingdom has what is known as the three Alpha Clans. There's not much else I can tell you other than this. I don't know where the Beat Realm is nor can I tell you if what Yushiro said is historically accurate. What I can say with certainty is that the Beast Realm exists."

"The three Alpha Clans and a Beast King huh? Interesting, and I thought you didn't have much more to tell me from what I already knew...by the way, Urahara-san. Does this so-called Beast King and the Soul King actually have a name? It's been bothering me for awhile now but is there a reason why no one refers to the Soul King by his name?"

Urahara kept on his best poker face deciding how best to answer Kishin's question.

Exactly what should I tell him? That the Soul King has no name? But that might spark his curiosity into looking deeper into the truth of the Soul King and...I'm not sure how Chigetsu-kun will react if he finds out the truth of what the Soul King is...for now I'll...

"Ahem." Urahara coughed to clear his throat and amiably responded, "Ahh, actually even I don't know what the name of the Soul King is. Unfortunately I don't know everything Chigetsu-kun."

Kishin sighed and nodded his head in understanding. "That's fine. There just seems to be a lot of secrets regarding the Soul King so I'm not surprise that the name of the Soul King is kept under lock and key. Then? What about the so called Beast King? Do they have a name?"

"Ah, the Beast King. According to the Shihoin Clan records the name of the Beast King is Shukenja Amo, but not that it really means anything to me...for now at least as I still don't have much information regarding the mysteries of the Beast Realm."

"Hm. I see. Ah, then...what about Captain Komamura? Is he a Dem-ahem, Jujin?"

"Oh? Captain Komamura huh? My answer would be yes. I do believe that he is of the Jujin race."

Kishin cocked his head to the side somewhat confused. "If the Beast Realm exists and is sealed away then how is it that Captain Komamura resides in Soul Society? Aren't the members of the Shihoin Clan the only remnants left of the Jujin race?"

Urahara shrugged his shoulders. "That I can't answer since I don't know myself. I can only say that Captain Komamura is most definitely a Jujin. The world is vast. It's not out of the realm of possibility that one of Captain Komamura's ancestors managed to escape the Beast Realm with him as a baby from long ago."

"Hm...alright. Then-"

Urahara quickly waved his hand in the air in shock. "W-Wait wait wait, you've got MORE questions?"

Kishin smirked and nodded. "Yeah. Of course I do. Why?"

Urahara awkwardly scratched the side of his cheek. "Ehhh...how about we call it a day?"

Kishin simply ignored the suggestion and continued, "What can you tell me about The Great Hollow War approximately 870 years ago?"

Urahara sighed in defeat and sipped his tea. "Chigetsu-kun, is it really okay to be spending our time discussing things like this when the threat of Aizen is so near?"

Kishin merely dismissed the comment by taking a sip of his own tea. "Why not? We've got free time don't we? Unless you've somehow figured out how to open a Garganta then I'm more interested in learning about the War and this place called the Canyon of Rift and Sorrow." He then noted the grin on Urahara's face and questioned, "What's with that smile? Wait...don't tell me that you've actually figured out how to open up a Garganta?"

Urahara let out a triumphant laugh as he nonchalantly fanned himself. "Hahaha! I've been intrigued ever since Aizen gained access into the Garganta and so I was doing extensive research on my own. Lone behold I happened to stumble on the secrets that give Hollows the ability to open up such gates. Since the Tenkai Kecchu project is going well I decided to spend some time seeing if I could replicate creating a Garganta, aaaaaaand...guess what?!"

Kishin shook his head amusedly and replied, "And you figured out how to do it, didn't you."

"Bingo! I have successfully figured out how to open up a portal leading into the void of the Garganta that can connect to the other realms."

As Kishin heard that his mind wandered back to his suggestion in his first Captain's meeting about modifying their plan against Aizen. "Urahara-san, would you mind sharing that information with R&D?"

Urahara snapped his fan shut and curiously glanced at Kishin. "Sure? I don't mind. Did you come up with something?"

Kishin furrowed his brow deep in thought. "Yeah. If we can utilize the Garganta and open up our own whilst in Hueco Mundo then it means we don't have to wait for Aizen to invade. We can directly invade Las Noches and bring the fight to Aizen."

Urahara narrowed his eyes in seriousness as he thought about what Kishin just said. "If you do that then...indeed if I share what I learnt with Mayuri then it would be easy for him to create a tool that allows for travel through the Garganta in Hueco Mundo. Hmm...but what about me?"

Kishin blinked in confusion. "What about you?"

"Ah sorry sorry, not just me but...what about me and the Visoreds? And Yoruichi-san? If the Gotei 13 plans to fight in Hueco Mundo then there's no need for the creation of the fake Karakura Town right? And that also means that the Visoreds and myself would be heading to Las Noches to join the fight as well."

Kishin glanced at the ceiling for a moment before shaking his head. "Actually no."

"Eh? What do you mean no?" Urahara questioned confusedly.

"I mean no. Stay here. The Visoreds too."

"Eh? What do you mean?"

A dark light flashed in Kishin's eyes as he continued, "Aizen has always been several steps ahead of me. I won't let him draw me into one of his traps so easily. Maybe he already expects a direct attack on Las Noches, therefore you and the Visoreds remain in the fake Karakura Town. Just in case he somehow manages to trap us in Hueco Mundo."

Urahara furrowed his brow. "So you want to divide and conquer? I see. With the Gotei 13 invading Hueco Mundo and the Visoreds and myself here in the World of the Living, what about the real Karakura Town in Soul Society?"

Kishin smirked and replied, "We'll leave several Lieutenants, the Captain Commander, and Captain Ukitake to watch over Soul Society. Communication between you and the Soul Society can be maintained through Akon and the R&D Department. That way if Aizen manages to somehow trap us in Hueco Mundo and shows up in either the fake or the real Karakura Town you, the Visoreds, the Captain Commander and Captain Ukitake can respond accordingly. Even if Aizen manages to trap us in Hueco Mundo I doubt his trap would hold us forever."

"I see. In this way even if you all are trapped you all would be able to escape given enough time to return. That's where we come in. Stalling and engaging Aizen in combat. That is...if things reach to that extent."

Kishin nodded. "That's right. Aizen may have his army of Menos, however I've already met three of his Espada. Two in Hueco Mundo several years ago and Espada number six last night. To be honest, of the three Espada that I've encountered thus far only one of them makes me somewhat wary. As for the other two I wasn't very impressed. Number 8, Nnoitra and number 6, Grimmjow."

Urahara rubbed his chin intrigued at the new information. "Oh? So you've met number 8 and number 6? How would you compare them?"

"Grimmjow was definitely more powerful than Nnoitra."

"I see I see. Then that means that the lower the number the more powerful they are. At least that seems to be the correct assumption."

Kishin nodded. "That's right. That means there are probably only 5 Espada stronger than Grimmjow. In that case if the Gotei 13 invades Hueco Mundo I don't foresee us losing in the end against Aizen's Espada. Of course it's also possible that the scale and difference in power between Espada 5 and Espada 6 are exponentially different, for now I'll assume that the difference isn't entirely out of the ballpark."

"Hm. And what about Aizen? Disregarding the Espada his own power is quite fearsome."

Kishin leaned back and rested on his arms as he somewhat confidently replied, "I don't know. At the very least I'm not worried about the power of his Kyoka Suigetsu."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"Because I've pretty much completed my Kido spell designed to counter his Zanpakuto's power. Even if I see the release of his Kyoka Suigetsu I'm confident that it won't affect me."

Urahara was slightly taken aback by Kishin's answer. "You...devised a Kido spell that counters his Kyoka Suigetsu? How did you manage that?"

"I invented a new category of Kido, that's all."

Now Urahara was greatly shocked. "E-Ehhhh?! New category of Kido? What do you mean?"

Kishin smirked and explained, "Kido can essentially be divided into three main branches. Hado, Bakudo, and Kaido. No matter what, all three forms of those Kido spells have a limit of 99. Then, within those three main branches of Kido you get subcategories such as Forbidden Kido, Hidden Kido, or Sacrificial Kido, but even then those types of Kido are set within the bounds of 99 as the limit."

Urahara nodded as he was a Kido master himself and deeply understood these principles. "I follow you so far Chigetsu-kun, however I too have thought about ways to utilize Kido to counter Aizen's Kyoka Suigetsu and yet I was never able to figure it out."

"That's because you're working within the limits of Kido spells set at number 99 and below. Your soul can only take so much and hence you aren't thinking of devising spells even more powerful than the limit that might grant you the necessary effect that you wish for."

Urahara widened his eyes in shock and realization at Kishin's words. "You're saying that you've managed to break the boundary limited on your soul and have managed to not only devise, but can actually utilize, with practical application Kido spells beyond that of number 99?"

Just as Kishin was about to answer they were interrupted by the sound of Urahara's Shop door opening. The loud clamor of Rangiku, Renji, and Ikkaku shuffling in could be heard as they made their way over.

"Finally! We're back!" Rangiku said somewhat exasperated after attending classes all day.

Renji plopped down on the floor resting his head in his arms. "Yeah, what a pain going to school is."

Ikkaku clicked his tongue and leaned his back against the wall. "Tch. Those guys in the Kendo club are all worthless. What kind of training have they been doing up until now?"

Kishin and Urahara simply blinked in amusement.

"And that's why there's no point in me going in disguise." Kishin commented.

His voice snapped the three tired Shinigami out of their thoughts as Rangiku said, "Ah, Captain Chigetsu! I have a report."

"Eh? You have something interesting to report even though you were attending high school?"

Renji then chimed in as he said, "Ichigo wasn't at school."

Ikkaku also interjected. "Yeah, and it seems he's not at home either. We went to check before coming back here. Where the hell did that guy go?"

Kishin and Urahara silently glanced at one another and thought the same thing.

Seems he left to see the Visoreds.

"What should we do Captain?" Rangiku asked.

Kishin just waved his hand dismissing their concerns. "It's fine. Leave him be. I know where he is anyways and it's nothing you all need to concern yourself with."

"Eh?" All three of them blinked in confusion as they thought that Ichigo's missing whereabouts would be a more pressing matter, but since Kishin wasn't worried then they all decided to drop the subject as well. Rangiku then thought of something else. "Oh, Captain. While I'm not sure if this is important or not I found it somewhat strange."

"What is?"

"Well, it's just that I thought I saw a couple Shinigami roaming around the streets in town earlier. There also seemed to be a little girl with them. Do you know if Captain Ukitake assigned some extra members from his division to oversee Karakura Town?"

Kishin furrowed his brow and crossed his arms as he mulled over his thoughts. "No...I would have been informed if there were going to be even more Shinigami stationed here. If I'm not wrong there should only be one Shinigami stationed here from the 13th division and his name is Kurumadani Zennosuke."

Rangiku nodded in agreement. "Right? That's the same information that I have. Then...who could those other Shinigami be?"

Renji sat back up and doubtfully questioned, "Oi, are you sure you weren't seeing things Matsumoto?"

Rangiku simply gave an angry glare. "Hmpf. I was not!"

Before the situation could escalate or get more confusing the sound of Kishin standing up drew everyone's attention.

"Where are you going Captain Chigetsu?" Renji curiously asked.

"Mmm...to take a look around I suppose. Contact me if something happens."

As he opened the door he paused as Rangiku added, "Ah, Captain Chigetsu. I forgot to mention something else. While I'm not sure if this is concerning or not that Quincy boy Ishida Uryu was also missing from school today. It can't be a coincidence that both Ichigo and Uryu disappeared right?"

Kishin thought for a moment before shrugging his shoulders. "I don't know about Ishida, but at the very least there's nothing you have to worry about regarding Ichigo."

"Then...what about the two strange Shinigami I saw from earlier?"

"I'll go take a look myself. You three continue your watch over the town."

Fwish!

Before anyone else could get in another word he walked out shutting the door behind him. As he walked down the streets around the town he stopped and took note of a Hollow's presence nearby.

"Hm? Guess I should go take a look."

Walking around the corner of a building he turned and saw a 6 meter tall spider shaped Hollow chasing several people. One of those people Kishin recognized.

Eh? Isn't that Ichigo's sister Karin?

Bam! Boom! Bam!

The walls of the street and ground of the concrete broke and shattered with every step the Hollow took. Just before it could snatch up one of the Humans Kishin pointed his finger at it and chanted, "Hado #4: Byakurai."

CRACKLE!

A flash of blue lightning crashed into the mask of the Hollow creating a giant gaping hole right through its head before it fell and dissipated in a flutter of reishi. He then continued to casually walk on by whilst the Humans who were being chased from earlier kept running unaware that they had been saved from what they thought was some sort of earthquake or natural disaster. They didn't even bother to register that a giant bolt of lightning flashed past them since they only thought about getting out of there. The only one who stopped was Karin as she watched Kishin walking closer and closer towards her.

As he was currently in a Gigai the other Humans could see him too, however they paid him no mind as they continued dashing off into the distance. He stopped once he arrived several feet away from Karin.

"Yo." He nonchalantly greeted.

Karin simply blinked a few times in shock before she questioned, "Did you just...shoot lightning out of your finger?"

Kishin smirked at her reaction. "Cool huh? Too bad your brother sucks at reiatsu control. If he didn't then he could do cool stuff like that too."

"Brother...wait, do you know where Ichigo is?"

"Hmmm...what if I do?"

Karin's worried look lightened up as she heard his answer. "I see. That's good then. If you know where he is then that means he's probably okay."

"What makes you say that?"

Karin just shrugged. "I don't know. Just a feeling I guess. Yuzu is all worried and dad is acting like he has no clue. I'm the only one who really knows what Ichigo is. If you say that you know where he is then that's enough for me. I'm sure that even if you told me where he was I'd be powerless to do anything about it anyways."

Kishin took a good long moment to observe her before he commented, "Did you want power?"

"Eh?!" Karin looked up at him somewhat confused at his question yet also somewhat hopeful. "Is it...is it really possible for me to gain some kind of power?"

"Heh, you seem kind of eager to gain power. Why's that?"

Her expression became somewhat conflicted as she responded, "I...just don't want to be a burden on anyone. I'm not good at doing anything, but if I have any talent in getting rid of those monsters then at least I can be of some use to everyone. I can protect Yuzu and dad and Ichigo can do what he needs to do without having to worry about us."

…

A long moment of silence loomed in the air between them before Kishin smirked and started raising his spiritual pressure around them. Karin immediately widened her eyes in shock as she felt her body begin to slowly get heavier and heavier with each passing second.

"What do you feel?"

Karin gritted her teeth doing her best to remain standing as she strugglingly replied, "H-Heavy…"

Kishin nodded in approval. "Great. This is called reiatsu. What you're feeling is my ability to exert my reiryoku as a physical pressure."

"What's...ugh...what do you mean? Why're you doing this?"

"You said you wanted to gain power right? Since I'm bored I thought I'd give you a quick lesson. Want me to stop?"

Karin widened her eyes in realization and immediately shook her head. "N-No! Don't stop. I want to learn-ugh…" Her breathing started becoming heavy as she struggled to remain standing on her own two feet.

Kishin nodded in approval and continued, "Listen. I sense that you have some potential inside of you. You have some strong reiryoku and you can use that to do what I'm doing. To create reiatsu. Remember this pressure that you're feeling. Now I want you to lift up a finger and point at an object nearby."

Karin did as he instructed and slowly lifted her right pointer finger at a rock.

"Great. You don't realize this but your body is constantly leaking off reiatsu because you don't know how to control it yet. It's faint but it's there. Now feel how my reiatsu is constantly knocking against your own and how you're unconsciously trying to resist being crushed under the weight of my power?"

Karin slowly nodded her head. "U...Uh-huh."

"That resistance you're putting up is your reiatsu. Now that you know, make that unconscious resistance into a conscious voluntary resistance. In other words, try to shape that invisible forcefield around you into a perfect circle." Kishin waited only 10 seconds before he titled his head somewhat intrigued and somewhat impressed at the fact that she had actually succeeded.

Honestly I didn't think she'd be able to do it. She may not seem to have as much reiryoku as Ichigo does, but her talent in controlling her own reiatsu isn't as sloppy as his.

"Alright, now focus your reiatsu into the point of your finger and repeat exactly what I say." He then pointed to a rock in the distance and chanted, "Gather in focus, the point of a needle, fire and swiftly fly. Hado #1: Sho."

PEW!

The rock he pointed at instantly shattered into pieces from the powerful force of his reiatsu smashing into it. Karin widened her eyes in shock whilst Kishin simply smirked. "Remember, chanting the incantation and speaking the name are very important since there is power in words and names."

He immediately stopped forcefully exerting his reiatsu in the surrounding area as Karin said, "Gather in focus, the point of a needle, fire and swiftly fly. Hado #1: Sho!"

Pew!

The small rock she was pointing at instantly flew off into the distance knocking into the wall on the other side of the street. She then huffed and puffed as several beads of sweat dripped down the side of her face. A huge smile formed on her lips as she turned back around to stare at Kishin with beaming eyes. "I-I did it!"

"Huh." Kishin nonchalantly responded. "You really did." He then started walking away leaving Karin a bit confused and baffled.

"W-Wait? You're leaving already?"

Kishin simply waved his hand in the air. "Yeah. Honestly that's all you can probably manage for right now. Actually I'm impressed since Ichigo can't even do that much. Anyways keep up the practice, but just forewarning. Don't go fighting monsters just cause you can perform a level 1 Kido spell. You'll only anger them."

"Huh? T-Then why did you teach me?"

"Out of curiosity maybe? Well, if you train long enough and condition your reiatsu then who knows? Maybe you'll really be able to kill one of those monsters in the near future." He then disappeared out of Karin's sight. An amused smile plastered on his face as he glanced behind him.

Fancy that. She's not really Kido oriented, but she's at least got more talent than Ichigo in that regard. I was right when I saw her before. She has potential, though I doubt Ichigo would be happy to see his little sister putting herself in harm's way.

"Eh?" He halted his step and turned to glance at the direction of the Kurosaki Clinic. The sky had already started to darken as dusk was beginning to turn into night. "Something's off. For a moment I thought I felt hostile reiatsu."

He reached into his chest pocket and pulled out a green colored Soul Candy popping it into his mouth which instantly separated him from his Gigai. Without exchanging any words with the artificial soul inhabiting his Gigai he instantly dashed off into the distance. It wasn't long before he was standing atop the roof of the Kurosaki Clinic.

"I'm sure that I felt the hostile intent come from around this area. Eh?"

He took note of the barrier erected by the entrance of the residence that was located next door to the Clinic and furrowed his brow lost in thought. "A Kyomon? Are there Shinigami living in that house?"

Just then what appeared to be random was a Shinigami who jumped out landing on the roof of that house. Kishin noted that they were male with short blackish bluish colored hair wearing the standard Shinigami shihakusho with grey colored gloves.

"Who's that?" He silently questioned to himself.

The next moment left Kishin somewhat baffled as he noted the flash of light in the sky as the sound of a mirror shattering echoed in the air as if someone had been using a technique to conceal themselves in plain sight until now. Appearing on the opposite side of the Shinigami that he observed earlier was now someone who dressed in a dark navy Onmitsukido clothing with red shoulder pads and a red mark running across the top of their head covering. A strange weapon with a silver blade and a large circular mirror-like guard seemed to be fused on their right hand.

"Eh? Those aren't the clothes of the Onmitsukido. Is it an assassin?"

Again Kishin was left somewhat speechless as running out of the front gate of the house was another male Shinigami who was quite tall with a small lightning bolt mohawk wearing thin black sunglasses, and in their arms was a small girl with green eyes, light blonde long flowing hair wearing a pink flowery kimono.

"What in the world is going on here?" He silently questioned to himself again.

He elected to sit back and watch the events before him transpire as the man and the little girl dashed away whilst the Shinigami on the roof battled against the assassin. He watched as the assassin began to overpower the Shinigami by using the strange weapon on their arm to reflect the moonlight in the area causing the Shinigami to remain momentarily dazed and paralyzed. A minute didn't even pass on by when he noted that the Shinigami was about to be killed. Kishin sighed to himself and figured he should get to the bottom of what was going on so he decided to intervene. Before the assassin could make the finishing blow he was immediately paralyzed as six yellow rods of Kishin's Bakudo spell suddenly bound them around the waist.

Kishin then appeared behind the Shinigami and said nonchalantly, "Yo."

"UH?!" The Shinigami nearly died in shock as they stood back up and glanced at Kishin with wariness. Kishin just shook his head in amusement. "Don't be so jumpy. So? Who are you?"

The Shinigami hesitated for a moment before replying, "It is I who should be asking who YOU are."

Kishin merely sighed, losing his patience. "Since I saved your life I believe you should answer the first question. Now talk. Who are you and what are you doing here? From the looks of it you are a Shinigami, though I don't recognize you. Aren't you aware that unauthorized personnel in Karakura Town at this time will only cause more chaos and confusion?"

That Shinigami simply ignored Kishin's questions and replied, "I thank you for saving my life, however I cannot tell you the things you wish to know. I must take my leave."

Kishin simply watched that Shinigami disappear into the night. He then glanced over to the assassin still trapped in his Bakudo and asked, "What about you? Feel like talking?"

…

Silence.

Kishin smirked and shook his head. "I didn't think so. As an assassin you probably have been trained to kill yourself if things go wrong. Well, for now I won't give you that luxury."

A look of fear and alarm flashed in that assassin's eyes, however Kishin merely placed his hand in front of their face and said, "Bakudo #14: Inemuri."

The assassin instantly fell unconscious as Kishin draped them over his shoulder. With incredible speed he then dashed off in the same direction that the other Shinigami dashed off to just prior. It didn't take long for him to find them including the little girl and the other taller Shinigami that ran out of the house. They were located on the side of a river. Kishin stood in the shadow of a tree and laid down the unconscious assassin on the ground simply observing and listening in on the three unknown people.

"Kenryu, Enryu, what's going on?!" The little girl said upsettingly.

"A-Ah...I'm sorry Rurichiyo-sama. Please just bear with the situation for a moment. I'm trying to think of what our next course of action should be." The Shinigami that Kishin followed here named Kenryu replied.

The one named Enryu didn't seem to speak as he instead made several hand motions and body movements to convey his thoughts whilst Kenryu translated. After listening to their banter for several more minutes Kishin finally had somewhat of an understanding as to what was going on. Essentially the assassin was after the little girl named Rurichiyo and the other two named Kenryu and Enryu were her body guards. For reasons currently unknown to him, they came to the World of the Living to hide as they found it unsafe to remain in Soul Society. He decided that he needed more information and he wasn't willing to let things simply play out as it was possible that doing so would only make things more complicated with the ordeal Soul Society was facing against Aizen. Especially so since there were Arrancars that invaded Karakura Town already. He didn't want to face some other unknown anomaly while stationed here so he walked out from his hiding spot and made his presence known.

"Yo." His voice instantly startled them as the two guards quickly dashed forwards in front of Rurichiyo to protect her.

"Who is it? What's going on?" Rurichiyo questioned.

Kenryu frowned and unsheathed his Zanpakuto. "You again? How did you find us? What do you want? Who are you?"

Kishin decided to simply be straightforward with them and replied indifferently, "My name is Chigetsu Kishin. 3rd division Captain of the Gotei 13. As for how I found you? Well, you're very slow. And for what I want? I want to know who you three are and what you three are doing here when no unauthorized personnel should currently be stationed in Karakura Town aside from the team sent by the Captain Commander."

At the realization that Kishin was a Captain of the Gotei 13, Kenryu and Enryu immediately felt a formless pressure weigh down on them.

Kenryu slowly lowered his sword as he attempted to talk his way out. "M-My apologies, Captain Chigetsu. I meant no disrespect against a Captain of the Gotei 13, however I ask that you please not pry into our matters any further. It'd be best for you not to involve yourself anymore than this."

Kishin merely shook his head. "I see that you don't understand your situation. We are at War with Aizen Sosuke. A few Arrancars have already infiltrated Karakura Town and now you three are here with an assassin hunting you down. I don't like having unnecessary variables around when Aizen is already a headache to deal with."

Rurichiyo popped her head out from behind her guards and interjected, "We won't be a bother. I promise."

"Rurichiyo-sama!" Kenryu nervously remarked.

Kishin just shook his head in disagreement. "Your promise means nothing. One assassin sent means more assassins will come. Unless you can control the assassins being sent after you then your words hold no weight."

Kenryu immediately bowed his head apologetically. "Please forgive Rurichiyo-sama. She didn't mean to undermine your warning, however we must remain. Please understand."

Kishin waved his hand in dismissal of Kenryu's plea. "Unless you tell me who you are and why you are here then you can forget about staying here."

Kenryu grit his teeth struggling to think of a way out whilst Enryu was mute unable to say anything. It was Rurichiyo who stepped out and nodded her head in agreement. "Very well. I will tell you who I am."

"AH?!" Kenryu exclaimed in shock, however Rurichiyo ignored him and continued, "Don't worry. He's actually very handsome so I'm sure he's not a bad guy."

Kenryu and Enryu immediately felt like a bucket of cold water was dumped on them. Rurichiyo just smiled and took up a graceful and dignified stance with her right hand placed across her chest as she said, "My name is Kasumioji Rurichiyo. I am the heir to the Kasumioji Noble Clan."

Kishin just stood with an unmoved face unimpressed and waited for her to continue her explanation, however after several seconds went by in silence he questioned, "Is that all?"

Rurichiyo instantly pouted. "What do you mean is that all? Didn't you hear? I'm the heir to the Kasumioji Noble Clan!"

"And?"

"A-And...well what else? I'm a Noble! Doesn't that mean you should just let us go?"

"No. Why should I?"

Rurichiyo was left speechless as she didn't have a good counter argument. It was her first time meeting someone who completely disregarded her status as Nobility.

Kishin simply continued, "Why are you, someone of Nobility, here in the Human World? You can at least answer that much."

Rurichiyo opened her mouth to answer, however as she thought about it even she wasn't entirely sure. It was Kenryu and Enryu who suddenly suggested they come here and she wasn't even entirely sure why she was being targeted for assassination either. With an unhappy facial expression she turned to face her guards. "Kenryu, Enryu, he has a point. What is going on here?"

Both Kenryu and Enryu immediately felt a pressure on their shoulders not sure how they should answer, but in the end seeing no easy way out they sighed and gave up in defeat. Enryu began to make signs with his hands and body trying to explain, however both Rurichiyo and Kishin had no idea what the guard was trying to convey. In the end Kenryu motioned for Enryu to stop while he proceeded to explain.

"Very well...I shall...explain. Enryu and I have been Rurichiyo-sama's stewards since she was born. We were the ones who raised her."

Kishin crossed his arms as he listened. "And her parents? If she is the heir then who is at the Head of the Clan?"

Kenryu frowned in seriousness as he continued, "Ah, that. Currently no one is at the Head of the Clan. Rurichiyo's mother died giving birth and her father died not long after from illness. We believed it was best to wait for Rurichiyo-sama to grow a bit older before she took her place as the next Head, however this turned into a problem."

"Hmm...how so?"

"There is a man named Kumoi Gyokaku who is the current provisional administrator of the Clan. He currently handles most of the family affairs. Lately many vassals have begun disappearing along with several other high ranking elders in the Noble Clan."

"Ehhh...so you're suggesting that this Kumoi person is the one responsible for the disappearances of the vassals as well as the one behind the assassination attempts on Rurichiyo's life?"

Kenryu nodded. "Yes. It would appear that he is getting rid of anyone who does not agree with his views on things. There are strong signs that he is taking advantage of his position in order to take over the Kasumioji Clan. And recently there have been strange and dangerous incidences happening around Rurichiyo-sama."

Rurichiyo was slightly taken aback at hearing all of this and interjected, "W-Wait? It's Kumoi who is making the attempt on my life?!"

Kenryu immediately bowed apologetically. "Please forgive us my lady! We only wished to protect you and didn't want you to worry about any of this."

"How is me not knowing any help at all when it involves my life?!" She angrily replied.

Kenryu merely continued to keep his head lowered in silence. In the end Kishin brought everyone's attention back to him as he commented, "And what exactly are you planning to do moving forward with this? Apparently the assassins know where you are." He then pointed to the knocked out assassin he left by the tree. "Surely more of them will be sent after you. Besides, what is that weird weapon he used? It seems to be attached to his arm. It's not a Zanpakuto, but it's also not some ordinary weapon either."

Kenryu furrowed his brow and glanced over to the unconscious assassin beneath the tree taking in the appearance of the strange looking weapon. It had an average sized blade with a circular mirror-like guard and a mollusk-like organic tentacle handle that seemed to fuse and ingrain itself in the assassin's arm. He then replied, "I'm not entirely sure myself. Those assassins belong to Kumoi as he began amassing and training a secret group that would serve only him. As you may know the Kasumioji Noble Family is responsible for manufacturing ceremonial swords for the Royal Family. Furthermore our records show that long ago the first Head of the Clan, Kasumioji Kanata had experimented on creating weapons of war."

Kishin slightly frowned as he recalled that name before. "Kasumioji Kanata? The first Captain of the 8th division? And what kind of weapon did he create?"

Kenryu's expression became serious as he continued, "According to the records of the Kasumioji Clan it was a weapon called a Bakkoto. Unlike a Zanpakuto, the Bakkoto can be used by anyone so long as they have reiatsu. Although the records also reveal that Lord Kanata had failed in his creation and shelved the project. I suspect that Kumoi is using the sealed research data to create his own versions of the Bakkoto. Most likely the weapon that the assassin is using is a newly modified Bakkoto. Though I am not sure how Kumoi obtained the sealed files in the first place."

Kishin nodded in understanding. "Hm. So that's how it is. Well it seems you all have your hands full. As you come from a Noble Family the Gotei 13 can't really interfere."

Kenryu nodded. "Then you'll let us go?"

Kishin smirked and started walking towards the assassin. "Don't you want to get rid of this Kumoi person? If you don't he'll only continue to hunt you three down."

Rurichiyo frowned in confusion and asked, "How do we do that? Even though you're a Captain of the Gotei 13 it'd be problematic for you to involve yourself in Noble affairs wouldn't it?"

Kishin shrugged his shoulders and unsheathed his Zanpakuto.

"Eh? What are you doing?" Rurichiyo questioned.

"If you don't like the sight of blood then close your eyes." Kishin indifferently responded.

Kenryu immediately understood what Kishin was about to do and quickly placed his hands over Rurichiyo's eyes. "Don't look my lady!"

PSH!

The sound of Kishin's sword cutting off the arm of the assassin echoed in the dark night. Just as the assassin woke up from the pain they felt inflicted on them they were knocked out once more by Kishin slamming their head against the tree. Whilst completely unfazed he then sheathed his sword and picked up the so called Bakkoto giving it a once over.

"So this is the weapon that Captain Kasumioji created. Interesting. According to Ran'Tao it should drain one's life force the more they use it. I wonder how similar this model is to the original."

"W-What did you do that for?" Kenryu questioned, completely bewildered as he stared at the now one-armed assassin.

Kishin smirked and flashed the weapon in front of them. "Isn't it obvious? In order for the Gotei 13 to be involved we need incriminating evidence against a Noble Family. If this weapon is anything like the defected weapons created by Captain Kasumioji and Captain Nakayama then it would be quite illegal to be producing them. Especially when it's a project not being sanctioned by the Soul Society. And especially so since his research was supposed to be sealed away."

Kenryu merely blinked, still confused. "What are you planning to do with it?"

"You three will be returning with me to the Soul Society and you will be giving a testimony to the Captain Commander. Then I'll present him this Bakkoto as evidence. That should be enough to give the Gotei 13 justification in interfering with Noble matters."

Rurichiyo removed Kenryu's hands from her eyes and questioned, "Why are you helping us?"

Kishin just shrugged. "Two reasons I suppose. One, I was bored. And two, your presence here in the World of the Living while we're at war with Aizen is a nuisance. We have enough problems on our hands already so I don't need you lot causing more waves while here." Without waiting for their response he dragged over the assassin by the collar of their shirt and stabbed his Zanpakuto in the air opening up a Senkaimon.

"Now walk through." He commanded with a nonchalant tone of voice.

Kenryu, Enryu, and Rurichiyo were somewhat speechless at how Kishin still indifferently treated them, but given how powerful they realized Kishin was they decided to simply do as he said. Furthermore they really didn't have a better plan than the one that Kishin had mentioned to them earlier so they decided to take a chance. As Kishin watched them walk inside he sent a quick message to Rangiku and the others about the situation telling them to continue their job whilst he was temporarily away. With that taken care of he walked on through the Senkaimon himself as the doors shut behind him. Since there wasn't a Hell Butterfly to guide them they all passed through the Dangai. Luckily the Kototsu wasn't present so they made it back to the Soul Society unharmed.

"What now?" Rurichiyo asked.

"We go see the Captain Commander." Kishin replied walking off towards the 1st division barracks.

"E-Eh? Right now? But it's already so late into the night." Rurichiyo replied.

"It's fine." Kishin simply continued walking away with the other three following close behind. It wasn't long before they reached the large door leading into the office quarters of the Captain Commander.

"Err...security is pretty lax around here…" Kenryu commented, noticing the lack of personnel stationed around the division barracks.

Just as Kishin was about to knock, the sound of Yamamoto's voice echoed from within. "Captain Chigetsu. Enter."

Rurichiyo and the others were somewhat nervous whilst Kishin opened the doors relaxedly revealing a large open room with golden brown wooden flooring. The view of the Seireitei could be seen as the wall in the back was completely open with a wooden railing erected on the ledge. Yamamoto sat by his office desk located to the right of the entrance as Chojiro stood behind him. There was a small teapot and teacup in front of the Captain Commander as he watched with great interest at Kishin and the others. The sound of Kishin dragging the assassin by the neck into the room caught Yamamoto's attention as he waited for Kishin and the other three with him to situate themselves.

Chojiro closed the doors once everyone was inside prompting Yamamoto to question, "What is the meaning of this Captain Chigetsu? You are supposed to be stationed in Karakura Town."

Kishin dropped the assassin on the floor and presented the Bakkoto in his hand. "Captain Commander, I detained this assassin infiltrating the World of the Living using this weapon. They were after the life of Kasumioji Rurichiyo."

Yamamoto was somewhat startled as he glanced at the little blonde headed girl. "Oh? So this is the young heiress to the Kasumioji Clan."

Kishin nodded and continued, "This weapon, according to these three, is called a Bakkoto."

"Hm?!" Yamamoto shifted in his seat and turned his full attention to the weapon in Kishin's hand. Chojiro walked over and took the weapon before setting it down on the desk for Yamamoto to observe. Kishin then motioned for Kenryu to relay the events that he had told him to Yamamoto.

After listening and inspecting the weapon Yamamoto furrowed his brow and let out a troubled sigh. "Hm. I see. It appears one problem arises after another. First the Bounts and now this. We must end this matter quickly before even more chaos disrupts our focus on stopping Aizen Sosuke. The Bakkoto is an illegal weapon and information regarding its research should have been sealed away by Kasumioji Kanata long ago. Chojiro, send out an emergency message to all Captains of the Gotei 13 to search the Kasumioji Clan grounds and arrest all parties involved with the creation of the Bakkoto as well as those involved in the attempted assassination on Kasumioji Rurichiyo's life."

"Yes!" Chojiro quickly responded getting straight to work.

Kenryu, Enryu, and Rurichiyo felt immediate joy at the fact that they no longer had to run and hide. Just as Kishin was about to excuse himself as seeing that the matter was being handled he was halted by Yamamoto. "Wait just a moment Captain Chigetsu."

"Hm? Is there something else you need of me Captain Commander?"

"Indeed. Seeing as there are assassination attempts on the heiress of the Kasumioji Clan I am assigning you the role of her temporary guard until this matter is over. I will instead have Captain Hitsugaya head over to Karakura Town as your replacement."

Kishin was somewhat taken aback by the Head Captain's decision and wanted to interject, however Yamamoto didn't give him a chance. "That is my decision, Captain Chigetsu. Do not misunderstand. This is not a punishment. As it remains that you are the one who discovered this matter it is only right for you to see it through to the end."

Kishin sighed somewhat annoyed and nodded. "Very well." He then headed for the door and motioned for Rurichiyo and the others to follow. As the four of them were leaving the 1st division barracks Rurichiyo smiled and leapt forward taking hold of Kishin's hand.

"What are you doing?" He curiously questioned.

She grinned and wrapped her arms around his even tighter. "I'm thanking you for helping us out. You're actually a lot nicer than you seem and on the plus side you're much more handsome than Kenryu and Enryu! You're different from what I imagined a Captain of the Gotei 13 would be like."

"Really? I think that you'll find every Captain somewhat different since each of the 13 Captains have different thoughts and ideals."

"Hmmm? Is that so? Well, whatever. At the very least I don't mind you anymore. Say, can we go and see Shu?"

"Shu? Who's that?"

"Kannogi Shu. He's supposed to be my fiance. He's also my childhood friend."

"Ehhh? So you're already engaged huh? Aren't you a little young to be getting married?"

"Maybe...but Shu is a good person, and…"

Kishin raised his eyebrow in curiosity at her hesitation. "And what?"

She frowned and continued, "And it's better if I get married sooner than later anyways. That way Takaki will stop bothering me."

Kishin was about to retort when he recalled hearing the name Takaki before. "Wait a second. By Takaki do you mean Kasumioji Takaki? As in the kid who always has three bodyguards with him all the time named Oda, Ita, and Haru?"

Rurichiyo blinked in confusion and questioned, "What's this? You know who Takaki is already?"

Kishin took a moment to let the information sink in before he let out an amused laugh. "Ha! Hahaha! I totally forgot about him! Hahaha! That's right, he was from the Kasumioji Clan. It's been a long time."

Rurichiyo again blinked in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Kishin let out a huff, catching his breath before explaining, "Kasumioji Takaki. We attended the Shinigami Academy the same year. Back then he thought that he could do whatever he wanted and tried to pick a fight with me so I ended up teaching him a lesson. To think that he's one of your suitors. But isn't he from your Clan?"

Rurichiyo pouted and nodded her head. "Yeah. Well, he's technically from a branch family within the Clan so it's not like we're directly related. We share a same last name is all. Anyways that's besides the point. Shu is way better than that guy, but Shu is too nice. What if...what if Takaki is working with Kumoi and plans to harm Shu? We have to stop him!"

Kishin pinched the bridge of his nose somewhat annoyed. "Look, just leave the matter be. The Head Captain has already mobilized the Gotei 13. There's no way Kumoi and his followers will end up victorious."

Rurichiyo remained unconvinced as she argued, "But what if something goes wrong?"

Kishin turned a corner in the dark streets of Seireitei and replied, "What could go wrong?"

BOOM!

The sound of a large blast with a plume of smoke rising out from the direction of the Kasumioji Manor sounded out in the dark night of the Seireitei causing Kishin to halt in his step and blankly stare.

"Ahem. I stand corrected. It seems...that something has gone wrong."

MISC.

*Kaiser Gesang (Emperor's Song/Kings Hymn): A Quincy folklore that tells about a sealed King who will regain his heart in 900 years, his intellect in 90 years, and his power in 9 years.
*Jujin Race (Beast Person/Beast Man): They are a race that have qualities of both Humans and Animals. The Shihoin Clan and the Komamura Clan are part of the Jujin race. All those locked in the Beast Realm are also part of the Jujin race.
*Sky Claw Citadel: A place in the Bi'an Kingdom of the Beast Realm that is similar to the Seireitei.
*Shinrin-ju (The Forest of Beasts): A place in the Bi'an Kingdom of the Beast Realm that is similar to the Rukongai. It is where Jujin souls that are not part of the Sky Claw Citadel live and reside.

KIDO (Demon Way): Original Spell/Incantation
-Hado #1: Sho (Thrust): Gather in focus, the point of a needle, fire and swiftly fly.
-Hado #4: Byakurai (Pale Lightning)

-Bakudo #14: Inemuri (Forced Slumber)
-Bakudo #40: Kyomon (Mirror Door)
-Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro (Six Rods of Light)

POINTS OF INTEREST:
-Aizen and his Arrancars/Gin and his message to Kishin
-Kishin's level 100 Kido Spells/Kishin's Bankai
-Kishin's Division/Kira Izuru, Ran'Tao, Ichinose Maki/Kishin's Relationship with Rukia and the Kuchiki Clan
-Kinji's Shikai and Bankai/Kido Corp and the 9th Division
-The Bakkoto and the Kasumioji Clan
-Azashiro Soya, the 8th Kenpachi locked down in Muken/Unohana Retsu, the 1st Kenpachi
-The assassination attempt on Ran'Tao's life
-Tokinada and his killing of Kakyo/The shady way he became Head of the Tsunayashiro Clan/Tsunayashiro Clan Hidden Archives
-Karin's growing involvement with the Shinigami/Awareness of the Soul Society
-The stolen prototype of Urahara's Tenkai Kecchu
-The Five Great Noble Clans and their Ancestral Weapons.
-The Dark World Mirror
-The truth of the Soul King/Origin of the World
-The Beast Realm/The Beast King, Shukenja Amo/Bi'an Kingdom/3 Alpha Clans/Jujin Race
-The First Gotei 13 Captains
-War with the Quincy's 1000 years ago/The Quincy King Yhwach/Kaiser Gesang
-The Great Hollow War/The Wild Lands/The Canyon of Rift and Sorrow/The Great Hollow Lord

APPROXIMATE TIMELINE: Hope this helps put things into a bit of perspective and hope I fit the timing of things to make sense...there may be slight nuances from this timeline and actual Canon timeline which I adjusted to fit my story.

More Than 2100 Years Ago (Jujin Race sealed away into Beast Realm)
More Than 2100 Years Ago (5 Great Noble Clans Established)
~2100 Years Ago (Yamamoto establishes Shinigami Academy)
~1000 Years Ago (Gotei 13 established)
~1000 Years Ago (Shinigami war with Quincys)
~870 Years Ago (The Great Hollow War/Captain Kasumioji Kanata's death)
~600 Years Ago (Ran'Tao joins division 4 under Captain Nakayama)
~590 Years Ago (Captain Nakayama dies)
~570 Years Ago (Ran'Tao and other researchers experiment on eternality/immortality and creation of the Bounts)
~200 Years Ago (Eradication of most Quincys)
~200-110 Years Ago (Tokinada kills his wife Kakyo)
~110 Years Ago (Assassins kill the main lineage of those in line for the Head of the Tsunayashiro Clan/Kinji's parent's death/Tokinada becomes new Head of the Clan)
~110 Years Ago (Vanishing Souls Incident/Visored creation/Urahara and Yoruichi disappear)
~60-50 Years Ago (Rukia is adopted into the Kuchiki Clan)
~50-40 Years Ago (Kishin reincarnates)
~25-20 Years Ago (Isshin is exiled)
~16-15 Years Ago (Ichigo is born)
~10-9 Years Ago (Kurosaki Masaki and Katagiri Kanae dies/Auswahlen)
~1-2 Months Ago (Sokyoku Execution and Aizen/Gin/Tosen defects)
~1 Week Ago (Bount insurgents enter Soul Society)
~1 Week Ago (Kishin/Kinji/Amagai become Captains)
~1 Week Ago (Bounts Defeated)
~1 Week Ago (Ran'Tao and Ichinose Maki join 3rd Division)

Time left until Hogyoku fully awakens = ~2 months and 4 weeks