Chapter 5: Kenpachi’s Hunt Begins
The morning sun rose slowly over the Seireitei, casting long shadows across the ancient city. The aftermath of Lucas Grey's video continued to reverberate through Soul Society. Conversations, arguments, and debates about the rankings could be heard in every division, and the captains' meeting the previous day had only fueled the tension.
In the 11th Division barracks, however, the mood was far from tense—it was electric.
Kenpachi Zaraki, captain of the 11th Division, was gearing up for a fight. The ranking video had done more than just entertain him. It had given him a target—several targets, in fact. He had come in fourth place in the rankings, but to Kenpachi, that was nothing more than an invitation to seek out the top three and challenge them.
His lieutenant, Yachiru Kusajishi, sat perched on a stack of crates, swinging her legs happily. "Kenny, everyone's talking about that video! They're saying that if you go after the top guys, you'll prove you're really the strongest!"
Kenpachi chuckled, sliding his massive sword onto his back. "I don't care about proving anything. I just want to fight. If that Ichigo kid or that Quincy king thinks they're stronger than me, I'm gonna find out."
Yachiru giggled, her excitement bubbling over. "Are you gonna start with Ichigo or Yhwach? I bet they'll be fun!"
Kenpachi grinned, his eye flashing with anticipation. "Doesn't matter who I start with. I'll take them all down eventually."
The members of the 11th Division watched nervously from a distance. They were used to Kenpachi's battle-hungry attitude, but the video had given him a renewed sense of purpose. They knew he wouldn't stop until he had challenged everyone who stood above him in the rankings.
"Let's go, Yachiru," Kenpachi said, heading for the barracks door. "Time to find some real fun."
---
Elsewhere in the Seireitei...
Lucas Grey was pacing his small room in the 12th Division headquarters. His mind was racing. It had been a few days since the video's release, and while the initial chaos had been exhilarating, the aftermath was proving to be more dangerous than he had anticipated.
His system notifications continued to flood in, offering him new abilities and upgrades. But each new reward came with a growing sense of unease. He knew the captains were investigating the source of the video, and it was only a matter of time before they got too close.
He glanced at his system interface, his finger hovering over the latest ability he had unlocked: Cloak of Shadows. It would allow him to completely mask his spiritual presence for a limited time. He had a feeling he would need it soon.
"You've stirred the pot, Lucas," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his hair. "Now you've gotta survive the fallout."
He pulled up the data from his system, checking the progress of the captains' investigations. From what he could gather, Mayuri Kurotsuchi of the 12th Division was getting dangerously close to tracing the broadcast's origin. If Kurotsuchi found out it was him, Lucas knew there would be no mercy.
"I need to stay ahead of them," he said, his voice low and determined. "If they figure out who I am, it's game over."
---
At the same time, in the 6th Division barracks...
Byakuya Kuchiki sat in quiet contemplation, the events of the past few days replaying in his mind. The video had stirred emotions in Soul Society that he hadn't seen in years. The ranking itself didn't bother him, but the idea that someone knew so much about the inner workings of the Gotei 13 left him uneasy.
Renji Abarai stood nearby, looking uncertain. "Captain, do you think they'll find out who made the video soon?"
Byakuya closed his eyes briefly before responding. "Kurotsuchi is handling the investigation. He will find the source eventually. But until then, we must focus on our duties."
Renji nodded, though he still couldn't shake his unease. "Yeah, but… don't you think it's weird? Whoever made this video knows a lot. Almost too much."
Byakuya stood, adjusting his scarf. "Whoever they are, they have made their move. It's only a matter of time before they reveal themselves. Until then, we remain vigilant."
Renji watched as his captain strode out of the room, his posture as rigid and composed as ever. But despite Byakuya's calm exterior, Renji knew there was more going on beneath the surface. The rankings had shifted something in Soul Society, and no one could predict what would happen next.
---
Meanwhile, in the 5th Division...
Sosuke Aizen stood alone, gazing out of his quarters with quiet contemplation. The ranking video had certainly captured the attention of the entire Gotei 13, but what intrigued Aizen the most wasn't the chaos it had caused—it was the hidden hand behind it.
He had watched the video closely, analyzing every detail. Whoever had created it knew far more than they should. It was almost as if they had access to information that went beyond the usual scope of the Seireitei.
"Someone's playing a game," Aizen murmured to himself. "And they're trying to provoke us."
Gin Ichimaru entered the room, his usual smirk in place. "Still thinking about that video, Captain?"
Aizen didn't look away from the window. "Of course. Whoever made that video is trying to draw us out. But they've miscalculated."
Gin's grin widened. "You think they'll slip up?"
"They always do," Aizen replied smoothly. "The moment they think they're safe is when they'll make their mistake."
---
Back in his room, Lucas could feel the weight of the world closing in on him. He knew that Aizen, Kurotsuchi, and Yamamoto were all watching closely, and it wouldn't be long before they connected the dots. His power had grown significantly since the video's release, but he wasn't foolish enough to think he could take on the captains directly.
"I need a plan," Lucas thought, pacing the room. "I need to stay ahead of them, but how?"
Suddenly, his system lit up with a new notification:
"Mission Update: Survive Kenpachi's Hunt."
Lucas's blood ran cold. Kenpachi Zaraki—the battle-hungry captain of the 11th Division—was now actively hunting down the strongest ranked fighters, and Lucas knew his name would soon be on that list. The fourth-ranked captain was already on the move, and if Kenpachi found him…
"No way," Lucas whispered, panic rising in his chest. "I can't face him. Not now."
He quickly activated the *Cloak of Shadows*, feeling the cool energy wrap around him as his spiritual presence vanished completely. For now, it would keep him safe, but it wouldn't last forever. He needed to stay hidden—and he needed a way out.
"Stay calm,"*he told himself, trying to push back the rising fear. "I just need to think. There has to be a way to survive this."
But even as he said the words, Lucas knew the stakes had never been higher. The captains were closing in, and Kenpachi's hunt had begun. Time was running out, and Lucas Grey was about to face the biggest challenge of his life.