247. Sternritter
Soul Society...
Unlike the past magnificence, here was stretch of ruins. Explosions rumbled through different locations. Bodies laid torn everywhere, Shinigamis beneath Lieutenant rank could only watch on as they were slaughtered.
The initial war with Quincies have passed, what remains is just some skirmishes between Wandenreich ( Yhwach's soldiers ) and Shinigamis.
Within the fourth division building, several people including the lieutenants and Captains were gathered. From their serious expression it was evident about the war conditions.
" Kisuke, how long? "
" Couple of hours, maybe even more."
" We don't have time!! "
Toshiro yelled at Kisuke. Hearing his voice Kisuke didn't lash out instead calmly said.
" No matter what I do, it will take two hours best to create a gate towards the Soul Palace! I never imagined Yhwach to make such a move, he used us to get up there."
Jushiro Ukitake calmed Toshiro
" Don't be rude Toshiro, the war isn't over. Even if they get in, it doesn't necessarily mean they can win. After all Zero squad is there and Ichigo managed to squeeze in time."
He looked at Retsu Unohana, the fourth division Captain and asked
" How is the Head Captain? "
She shook her head
" Very bad. His internal organs are on the brink of collapse, it is by pure will he is still alive."
The mood got heavy as Head Captain was mentioned.
The Quincies first attack was to remove First Division's Lieutenant but Head Captain was wary of Ryu's words and always kept tabs on Chojiro and thus was able to save his life in time.
From that point onwards it was full on war against the Quincies.
They invaded the Soul Society and attacked recklessly. Casualties piled up due to this sudden attack, many lives were lost including friends but they had keep on fighting.
Head Captain fought with the leader of Quincies Yhwach and killed him or atleast that's what he thought but it was merely a dupe. The real one lurked in the shadows, because of Ryu's words he reacted.
Yhwach missed, taking in his attack Yamamoto returned the favour. He cut open Yhwach's chest and would have stabbed his heart if not for his soldiers interference.
Thus their first contact ended with severe casualties on the Shinigami side.
With the arrival of Ichigo they pushed back their enemies, for now.
After their crushing defeat, Zero squad came down and took the severely injured. Yamamoto was beyond saving so he was left here with others, they deemed it would be good to take his last breath here.
What Toshiro and the others were discussing was about what happened several minutes ago.
Yhwach used the central palace to open a gate towards Royal Palace. They don't know how he did it, but it had something to do with Zero squad's arrival.
" So all we can do is wait, the enemy could attack any moment. Captain Byakuya and the rest have already made contact, we have to...
Before he could finish the air around soul society rippled. The space cracked producing violent tides of storm before disappearing.
Everyone looked up.
A man wearing white clothes stood above them, his body didn't give off an ounce of riatsu. But the amount of bloodlust he gave off was frightening.
" Is that.... Stark? "
Shunsui asked.
Jushiro nodded. All go them jumped off, quickly reaching him.
" What are you doing here Stark? "
Stark looked at Shunsui, that one look made Shunsui tremble.
" Well.... what gives? What are you looking at me like that? "
" Where are they? "
" Who? "
" Enemies."
The Captain's were astonished. Before they could get any further in their conversation
" Whooo, that's a lot of Shinigamis and Captain rank to boot."
A man's voice rang out. Stark lifted his eyes and saw several forms wearing white clothes stand in the distance.
The one who spoke was a man with a Mohawk. He had a cocky expression on his face, the others behind him were the same.
Stark unsheathed his sword but unlike before his Qi was completely suppressed. Not an ounce leaked out, two globs of light shined in both his hands before fading.
Toshiro, Shunsui and the rest got ready to attack but before they could
Bang!
The Mohawk man looked back, he saw Stark stand behind him with one of the Sternritters body beneath his feet. His head was gone, only blood poured out from that gap.
The other Sternritters were five woman and a man, They were
Sternritter E, Bambietta Basterbine
Sternritter T, Candice Catnipp
Sternritter Z, Giselle Gewelle
Sternritter G, Liltotto Lamperd
Sternritter P, Meninas McAllon
Sternritter H, Bazz B
All of them stood stupified. They couldn't react, it was the truth. They couldn't react till they heard the shot and when they did, one them was already dead.
They immediately jumped back, riatsu flared as they got into battle mode. Weapons and wings made of reishi emerged as they prepared to attack.
Toshiro was about to jump in when a voice stopped him.
" Hold on Captain Toshiro. If you interfere I am afraid even you might be killed."
All of them turned around and say Ryu stand behind them, Yoruichi, Harribel and several others stood beside him. Harribel was till unconscious, her sisters were carrying her.
" It's you! And Kenpachi!! Whoa, Yachiru?? "
" Ha! Look at you, all beaten up."
Yachiru protested
" Hey! What do you mean? You don't recognize me? Are you really a Captain? "
Shunsui smiled lazily. He looked at Ryu and asked
" Why would Toshiro get killed? "
Ryu pointed at Harribel then towards Stark, he spoke no words but Shunsui got the idea.
He didn't know how strong Stark has gotten but he knew he was pissed.
" Oi! This Fu**er is mine! "
" Shut up B! "
" Anyway, I am gonna kill him! "
One of the five woman, Candice attacked. But....
Stark was already beside her. Time seemed to have slowed down, she was in mid air, in motion of attacking. Stark stood beside her, with his gun pointed to her head.
Bang!
Her head popped, blood rained down while her body flew forward due to momentum.
The other Sternritters watched as her lifeless body fall down. Their heart grew cold seeing such a scene.
Stark lifted his eyes, bloodlust brewing within them.