277 277. A Visitor

The captains had long arrived at the battlefield. Their faces were solemn when they saw Leo's speed and power. Among all of them no one could say with confidence that they could defeat Kenpachi in a head-on clash.

After a few exchange they saw Kenpachi being thrown out. There was a depression on his chest. He spat out blood as he sailed through the air.

Crashing through a few structures Kenpachi came to a halt. This time he didn't get up. Even for a monster like him, that head-on collision was too much.

His eyes were a bit blurry as he tried to focus on Leo.

Stepping on air Leo landed softly beside him.

"Ha... that was great. One thing though... you didn't draw out your sword."

Kenpachi spoke with a bloody grin.

Leo curled his lips into a smile, "I used my full strength in that punch. As for me not using my sword... well, if I did, you would be dead. We don't have any deep enmity, so why would I do that?"

Kenpachi wanted to speak something but his body finally couldn't hold on and he lost consciousness.

Leo looked up to the sky and disappeared.

A moment after he left the other captains landed beside Kenpachi. A woman with her hair tied into a braid checked Kenpachi's wounds.

"Nothing life threatening."

The man wearing a flower kimono rubbed his chin and said thoughtfully, "This human is very interesting. He can strengthen his body using spiritual energy and his movement technique is quite similar to our Flash Steps."

Hearing Shunsui the other captains also agreed.

The woman checking on Kenpachi held her zanpakuto and whispered something.

Her sword glowed for a second before it morphed into a huge manta like creature. Unohana touched it's body and said.

"Take care of it, Minazuki."

The manta flew down and swallowed Kenpachi in a gulp.

"No matter how many times I see it, it's still... peculiar."

Shunsui spoke.

Unohana faintly looked at him and turned away.

The other captains showed no interest in the rest of the affairs and disappeared.

...

Leo returned to his residence and saw Ichigo and the rest looking at him strangely. He didn't mind their inquisitive eyes and sat down beside Shinobu.

She smiled and poured a cup of tea for him. Both of them sat calmly and enjoyed their tea.

Uryuu nudged his glasses and asked, "Shouldn't you be saying something?"

Leo looked at Uryuu curiously, "Say what?"

Before Uryuu could reply Ichigo spoke, "What the hell happened? How did you start a fight with a captain?"

"Oh, that. Nothing much. Someone with a hole in his head started a fight, I ended it."

Yoruichi rolled her eyes at him.

Suddenly she thought of something and asked, "A test?"

Leo smiled lightly, "Captain Yamamoto hasn't lived for over a thousand years for nothing."

Yoruichi fell in thought. The others weren't dumb, they understood the underlying meaning behind her words.

Uryuu narrowed his eyes at Leo and said, "If you had lost...

Leo shrugged, "Then we would have lose our right to speak."

Everyone fell silent.

Shinobu clapped her palms and said, "Enough of that, let's eat."

As soon as she spoke the door opened and several servants walked in. They set up a table and placed plates of mouth watering dishes on it.

"VIP treatment."

Ichigo muttered before starting to eat.

...

The day passed. When night fell a shadow flashed inside the Kuchiki residence. The shadow went straight towards the backyard.

Leo was sitting calmly outside, seemingly waiting for this person.

"I had hunch you would visit me."

The other party didn't immediately speak. Leo waited.

After a long while the figure hidden by the darkness spoke, "The entirety of spiritual techniques within the Soul Society."

Leo curled his lips into a smile, "That's a deal."

The shadow seems to have nodded it's head. Just before it left Leo's word echoed through the air.

"You are a good person."

The shadow paused for a second and disappeared.

...

The next day came.

Leo and his group had nothing to do so all of them strolled around the Seritei. Though they were here for Rukia, right now, they were the guests of Gotei 13. They couldn't just act blindly.

Ichigo whispered to Yoruichi, "Hey, what's the plan?"

Yoruichi raised his head and stared at Leo when she heard Ichigo. A faint glimmer passed through her eyes.

"We wait. Her punishment hasn't been announced yet. If it's light then it's fine, with this guy's strength we might be able to make a deal."

"If it's not?"

"Then we can only fight."

Shh!

Right at that moment Shunsui flashed infront of Leo's group.

"Good to meet you. My name is Shunsui Kyoraku."

Leo nodded, "Leo Heart. Nice to meet you as well. What's the word?"

Shunsui shook his head, "We found nothing. Also... Kuchiki Rukia's punishment has been decided."

The group was startled when they heard him. Ichigo quickly asked, "What are they gonna do?"

Shunsui faintly looked at them and said slowly, "Death."

"The hell!!"

Ichigo cursed out. His face exposed how angry he was. He rushed to Shunsui and tried to grab his collar. However he grabbed nothing but air.

Shunsui appeared behind him and patted his shoulder, "Sorry to be the bearer of the bad news."

After saying his piece Shunsui disappeared.

Ichigo only broke from his shock. He turned serious and asked, "What should we do?"

Leo turned around towards the direction of their residence and said, "We go back, eat and sleep. Then, we'll go to her execution."

"Hey, what are you saying?!"

Ichigo was ready to erupt. Suddenly Yoruichi jumped up and smacked his head with her paws.

"Idiot, he is giving us a free pass to the execution site."

The group understood her words and stayed silent.

Leo turned to look at Ichigo and Yoruichi, "If you have any last minute preparations, now would be the time to make a final run on it. As you are right now, none you stand a chance against those monsters in Gotei 13."