Chapter 7: Sekiken Zansatsu

AN: Alright chapter 7 is here! I know that I've been updating the Bleach story more frequently than my RITWON PT2 story. Don't worry I'm working on it. It's just nice to have a change of pace with writing the Bleach story after spending my time completing the first RITWON story. Anyways, on with the story. Thanks everyone for your continued support!

Reading the story:

-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 7

The next morning Kishin got up early and dressed in his standard black shihakusho, however he left his Zanpakuto behind as he was heading to the maggots nest today. As he was walking through the compound he took note of someone lurking in the shadows which greatly annoyed him. After walking for several minutes without that person revealing themselves Kishin halted in his steps and said annoyingly, "Lieutenant Omaeda. How long do you plan to stalk me around?"

Omaeda nearly jumped out of his skin in shock and awkwardly stepped out from behind the shadows. "Ahhh...hehehe...how long ago did you know I was there?"

"Since the very beginning."

"Ehhh! No way!"

Kishin just let out a sigh. "Did you need me for something?"

"Uhhhh...no no. I was just ahem...wondering what you were doing today. After all you're a member under my patrol squad. It's only natural that I keep tabs on my subordinates."

Kishin just shook his head. "Lieutenant, are you really a member of the Onmitsukido?"

"Ehhh, what kind of question is that? Of course I am."

Kishin gave a doubtful look. "Really? Then aren't you supposed to be good at gathering information or something? Even if we don't factor that into account you're still the Lieutenant right? Shouldn't you be aware of the changes happening in the division?"

Omaeda crossed his arms with confidence and responded, "I do know what's happening around here."

Once again Kishin gave him a doubtful look. "Then, surely you know that Captain Soi Fon promoted me to 3rd rank officer yesterday and I am now in charge of the detention unit."

Omaeda smirked and replied, "Hahaha! Of course I kno-...EHHHH?! Y-You're the 3rd officer now?!"

"Lieutenant, are you sure you're alright?"

"AH! I-I'm fine. You know me. As the Lieutenant I'm super busy and sometimes the changes happening in the division don't reach me right away."

It was then they were interrupted by another division member. "Lieutenant! The air conditioning isn't working in building three!"

Omaeda nodded. "I know. I had it fixed already."

"The floor heaters in building two are overheating."

"I know. I had it replaced already."

"The roofing on building 8 needs to be replaced."

"I know that already. It's been taken care of."

"Ahh, as expected of you Lieutenant. You know the changes that are happening within the division as soon as they occur." It was then that division member took notice of Kishin's presence and saluted in respect saying, "Congratulations on your promotion, 3rd officer."

Kishin nodded amusedly. "Thank you. You can take your leave."

They nodded and disappeared, once more leaving Omaeda alone with Kishin. The atmosphere became a bit awkward as Kishin commented, "Well...Lieutenant. You certainly are quite aware of the changes happening in the division. At least we'll never be hot in the summer or cold in the winter or wet when it rains. I very much appreciate your efforts."

Omaeda's face flushed a bit red as he realized that even that random division member knew of Kishin's new appointment. He had been too focused and used to renovating the division grounds all the time that it just became normal for him to keep up on stuff like that. It was then Kishin recalled Kasumi's request so he broke the silence in the air speaking with the most convincing flattery he could.

"Lieutenant. I was wondering if you can humor a request of mine."

"Hm? A request? What is it?"

"Well, you're a very capable person Lieutenant and you have many wonderful subordinates under you. I on the other hand am very new. There is someone in your unit called Kasumi. She was a graduate from the academy about 6 to 7 years ago. I was wondering if it's possible for you to let her transfer to my unit. It would help me out a lot. I doubt a Lieutenant as amazing as yourself would mind the loss of one member. My Shunpo isn't even as good as yours. I know that I only won by luck and that you were taking it easy on me since I was a newcomer."

Omaeda smirked as he took in the praise Kishin was giving him and let out a loud laugh. "Pwuahahaha! I see I see. So you do realize how great I am. Mn. I guess you aren't hopeless after all. Kasumi huh? Alright I'll look into it. It shouldn't be a problem to let her transfer under your unit."

Kishin grinned in triumph.

I had a feeling he was quite vain. Give him some praise to boost his ego and sense of self worth and negotiating becomes pretty easy with him huh.

"Well then Lieutenant, I'll be on my way. As the 3rd officer I should take a look at what the detention unit is like. And thank you for accepting my request. This humble one can only hope to learn to be as magnanimous as yourself one day." He then turned around and began walking off as he heard the loud joyous laughter of Omaeda behind him. Kishin could only shake his head as he continued on.

"How did this guy really become the Lieutenant…"

It wasn't long before he crossed a bridge and strolled through a dark forest coming across a large stone cave with a metal door leading inside. Two Onmitsukido guards stood outside and greeted him as he walked through. The door led to a spacious cavern with a long flight of stairs heading downwards. After a few minutes of walking he ended up right before a giant double door. After taking a moment to observe the surroundings and noting that there were several Onmitsukido guards stationed nearby as well as several Kido barriers set in place should someone attempt to escape, he nodded his head approvingly.

"So no actual lock and key to the door huh, but enough manpower is stationed here along with Kido barriers for redundancy and precaution."

He then opened the door revealing a bright large and spacious interior. The ceiling was made of complete rock but the floor was made of sleek blue tiles. The moment he entered he caught the attention of every prisoner there.

"Huh? Who's this? Another inmate?"

"Hahaha! Kid, what did you do to end up here?"

"Idiot, we didn't do anything but we're here. Maybe he's like us and Soul Society deemed him to be a threat."

"Man he's young."

"Poor kid."

"No! Look guys he's still wearing a shihakusho, not the white prisoner clothing."

"Ah?! What are you trying to say? They just decided to let a kid in here? Are they tempting us to use him as a hostage to break out?"

It was then Kishin clapped his hands very loudly catching everyone's attention. "Ahem! Hello everyone. I'm your new overseer. Shall we get along?"

Immediately the room went deathly silent. Everyone took a moment to take in what they just heard before they all burst into laughter. "Pwuahahaha! What? You? You're just a little kid. You're gonna be our overseer? The 2nd division is really mocking us!"

It was then a giant burly man dashed right at Kishin attempting to grab hold of him, however Kishin blurred in a flash and disappeared before reappearing right in front of that large man and thrust out his palm.

FFFWHAM!

In a mere few seconds the giant prisoner flew across the room and crashed into the hard rock wall of the cave. Kishin then smiled innocently and once more addressed everyone.

"Ahem. Maybe you all didn't hear me the first time. I said, shall we get along."

It was then he was attacked by several more prisoners, however Kishin easily dodged, blocked, and parried before he quickly and mercilessly knocked them all to the ground. He then stood atop of their unconscious bodies.

"Yes I may be a kid and you may not like that I am your overseer, however you don't have a choice in the matter. I am your overseer starting today and that is a fact." He took note that there were still some disapproving eyes lingering in the room so he flared up his reiatsu immediately causing everyone in the room to feel as if a sharp knife was pressed against their neck. They began having trouble breathing and keeping their eyes open until Kishin stopped his torment of them.

"So then. Do any of you still have any complaints?"

The room was once again deathly silent as Kishin nodded in approval and addressed them amiably. "Okay. Now that that's over there's nothing for you all to fear. I won't bother any of you as long as you behave. Maybe I'll even bring you all some candy next time if I feel like it. Now for official introductions. My name is Kishin. Chigetsu Kishin. 3rd rank officer of the 2nd division and currently your overseer. This is the last and final time I'm repeating this. I hope we all get along."

The prisoners could only nod in agreement and nervousness accepting Kishin as their overseer. After confirming everyone's new change in attitude he amiably walked around taking a look at the place. He even chatted with numerous prisoners getting a better understanding of them and played some card games with some. After spending nearly two hours there he took his leave.

Hmmm...so in the end most of the guys in the detention unit are people who have some pretty extreme thoughts but no spine to act on them. Well I suppose they might if given enough time. It's all about taking that first step. Soul Society might see them as a threat but as they are right now, I could kill most of them with my eyes closed and one hand tied behind my back. A few of them can be considered Lieutenant class level and 3rd or 4th seat level. The majority of the rest of them range below 5th seat level. I guess the incredibly dangerous criminals on the Captain class level are the ones who actually have the backbone to act on their ambitions and are sentenced somewhere under the 1st division barracks underground prison. The guys in the detention unit are still technically innocent. Wait, if I recall from the information documents that Kasumi gave me it seems that in the records Captain Kurotsuchi used to be in the detention unit. Apparently Urahara, at the time as the 12th division Captain, had freed Mayuri and made him vice director of the Research and Development department. After Urahara disappeared not long after Mayuri became Captain. So in that regard I suppose there could be Captain class Shinigami placed in the maggots nest.

Kishin was snapped out of his thoughts as he noted someone waiting for him at the end of the bridge leading back to the main division grounds. He smirked and stopped right before their kneeling form and said, "Kasumi-senpai. No need to be so formal. You don't need to kneel like that in front of me."

Kasumi shook her head as she replied, "It's customary in the division for members under each unit leader to show the utmost respect."

Kishin simply shrugged his shoulders and continued walking on as he replied, "Suit yourself. Then you may rise."

Kasumi happily nodded and stood up as she followed behind Kishin. "How was the detention unit?"

Kishin simply replied nonchalantly. "Nothing too special."

"I-I see. Hopefully the inmates didn't give you too much trouble."

"Nope. We exchanged greetings. That's all."

Just as they made it back to the main division grounds Kishin felt the brush of a cool breeze behind him so he immediately dashed to the side.

Fwish!

A hand swipe flashed by his shoulder just missing him. He grinned both nervously and amusedly as he remarked, "That was close...Yushiro."

Yushiro laughed and reappeared right behind Kishin as he tagged him on the shoulder replying, "Hahaha! Not bad Kishin! But you haven't won against me yet. Tag! You're it!" He then disappeared dashing off into the distance leaving a completely baffled and stunned Kasumi and an incredulous looking Kishin.

"Haaaaah...he's fast as always."

Kasumi ran over to Kishin as she asked concernedly, "Are you alright? You aren't hurt are you? How dare that person attack the 3rd rank officer like that!"

Kishin could only shake his head amusedly. "Don't say that Kasumi-senpai. That person is actually Shihoin Yushiro. The 23rd head of the Shihoin clan. As you know they have deep ties with the Onmitsukido."

Kasumi was completely stunned by this revelation. "T-T-That's! The Shihoin clan head?"

Kishin lightly chuckled at her expression. "Yup. Unfortunately I became acquainted with him the other day. Bastard is incredibly fast. And I thought I was fast."

Kasumi could only widen her eyes in shock. "The Shihoin clan head, I heard, hasn't come to visit the Captain in a long time yet they came to see you? How? Why?"

Kishin just shrugged his shoulders. "Eh...it was my fault. I regret asking him to race. Now he thinks that we can just play tag whenever he wants. It's because I know about his sister, the 22nd clan head of the Shihoin clan. Shihoin Yoruichi. He's super obsessed about her. And...I reckon that he doesn't visit Captain Soi Fon much since...I think Captain Soi Fon somewhat holds a grudge or something against Yoruichi-san."

Kasumi widened her eyes in shock again. "Grudge? Like what? And you know about Yoruichi-sama?"

Kishin raised his eyebrow in curiosity. "Do you know about Yoruichi? Kasumi?"

Kasumi nodded. "Well, I mean I only know a little bit. I heard that she was the fastest person in all of Soul Society and was given the moniker of Flash Goddess Yoruichi. I hope to one day be as fast as her and gain a cool title like that of my own."

Kishin nodded in understanding. "I see."

It was then they were interrupted again by the sound of Yushiro's voice. "Heeeeey! Kishin! How come you aren't chasing after me?"

Kishin shook his head in amusement. "Kasumi. Since you'd like to be my shadow do you happen to know if I have anything else I need to do today?"

Kasumi took out a notebook from her pocket and flipped through some pages before shaking her head. "No special assignments have been given to you currently and you already paid a visit to the detention unit."

"Alright. Then I guess I'll go practice my Shunpo against Yushiro for a bit. If I don't, he won't leave me alone."

Kasumi could only awkwardly nod at the predicament Kishin found himself in. Without another word Kishin disappeared in a flash right by Yushiro's side and tagged him on the shoulder before dashing off with his greatest speed into the distance.

Yushiro frowned and shouted, "Hey! That's not fair! I was purposefully waiting for you!"

Kishin just smirked and replied in the distance, "If I don't use underhanded tactics then how can I beat you?"

As they continued dashing about through the Seireitei a certain spiky white haired Shinigami took note of the commotion and tilted their head in confusion. It was precisely Toshiro.

"I-Is that...Kishin? What is he doing? And who's that person chasing him?"

He was slightly intrigued so he dashed off with his own Shunpo arriving right before Kishin startling him.

"Eh? Toshiro?!"

That one second of startlement slowed his speed down just enough for Yushiro to arrive by his side and tag him.

"Hahaha! You're it Kishin!" Yushiro then dashed off into the distance causing Kishin to let out a curse.

"Damn him."

Toshiro could only give a look of confusion as he asked once more, "Who's that?"

Kishin paused in his steps and replied, "That's Shihoin Yushiro. 23rd head of the Shihoin clan. Tsk. Why am I the one officially introducing the head of the Shihoin clan? Anyways he keeps bothering me wanting to play tag. What about you? What are you doing here?"

Toshiro rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged. "I wasn't really doing anything. I was just taking a walk around the Seireitei after finishing some paperwork for Captain Shiba."

"Oh, I see...ah, then that's perfect. You can play tag with Yushiro."

Toshiro widened his eyes in shock and pointed to himself as if making sure that Kishin wasn't referring to someone else.

"M-Me?!"

Kishin smirked and nodded. "That's right."

"What about you?"

This time it was Kishin who pointed to himself and replied, "Me?"

Toshiro scrunched up his face and remarked, "Oi! Stop mocking me!"

Kishin just laughed. "Hahaha, alright alright."

Before he could answer they were interrupted by Yushiro's voice. "Oi! What's taking you so long? Why do I have to come back and ch-...eh? Who's this kid?"

A thick vein popped on Toshiro's forehead as he stared down Yushiro. "K-Kid?! Me?!"

Yushiro ignored his angry look and grinned as he responded, "Another playmate? Sweet! You must be pretty fast then if you're friends with Kishin. Alright it's decided. Why don't you both chase me."

In less than a second Yushiro arrived behind Toshiro and tagged him on the shoulder before disappearing off into the distance. Toshiro gave Kishin an incredulous look but Kishin could only shrug his shoulder. "Well, now you know what I'm dealing with. C'mon. If we don't chase him for a bit he'll keep bothering us. Truthfully I can't catch him alone."

Toshiro was startled at that piece of information. "Wait, what? Even you can't catch him?"

Kishin nodded in seriousness. "While I hate to admit it I do know my limits. I won't be able to catch Yushiro, but with your help we might be able to catch him off guard. What do you say?"

Toshiro cracked his knuckles as he recalled how Yushiro called him a kid earlier and grinned with determination. "Fine by me. Let's catch that bastard."

About an hour into their game of tag Yushiro came to an immediate halt atop a roof. His sudden stopping startled both Toshiro and Kishin causing them both to crash land right into Yushiro.

"AH!" All three of them shouted as they tumbled down to the ground.

Toshiro grumbled as he rubbed his sore head. "Why the heck did you stop all of a sudden Yushiro?"

Yushiro groaned and slowly sat up as he pointed right in front of them. "There was a small girl in the way. I was distracted by you two chasing me, I almost hit her."

Kishin raised his eyebrow curiously and turned in the direction that Yushiro pointed to taking in the sight of a small girl. She wore the standard Shinigami shihakusho and had bright pink hair with the Lieutenant's badge on her left shoulder.

"Ehhh? Lieutenant Yachiru?"

Yachiru grinned and nodded. "Mn. You three are weird. Why are you running around?"

Yushiro stood up and amiably replied, "We're playing a game of tag!"

Yachiru's eyes widened with joy as she exclaimed, "Tag? Yay! Let Yachiru play too!"

Kishin face-palmed as he didn't want to continue this farce anymore.

Toshiro noticed Kishin's expression and smirked amusedly. "Hehe, what's wrong Kishin? You and I used to play tag all the time back in the day."

Kishin glared at Toshiro as he responded, "That was fun. This is torture. And...I'd rather not get too involved with Lieutenant Yachiru. Her Captain is a maniac."

It was then Toshiro realized that Kishin was right. If Yachiru was here then it meant that Kenpachi might not be too far away. And lone behold, not a moment later they heard Kenpachi's loud voice.

"Oi! Yachiru! Where did you go?!"

Immediately Toshiro and Kishin stood up and dashed off disappearing from sight leaving only Yushiro and Yachiru behind. Kenpachi appeared soon after as he exclaimed, "Oi. Yachiru, what are you doing here? Huh? Who's this little girl?"

Yushiro frowned as he retorted, "I'm not a girl! I'm a guy! I'm Shihoin Yushiro. The 23rd head of the Shihoin clan."

Kenpachi remained silent for a moment completely unfazed by Yushiro's introductions, but then he grinned maniacally as he responded, "Oh? You're the head of the Shihoin clan huh? Then you must be like Byakuya. Hahahaha! Great, another noble from a famous clan. Let's fight! You must be strong right? Don't disappoint me!"

Yushiro felt a bead of sweat drip down on the side of his face as he wasn't expecting that answer from a Captain so he turned around to confer with Kishin and Toshiro, however he widened his eyes in shock.

"W-What? Where did they go?!"

Yachiru smiled and said, "They ran away already."

"Huh?! T-Those bastards! They didn't even say anything to me."

Kenpachi cracked his neck as he geared up for a fight. "Oi, I have no idea what you're saying. Nothing should be more important than fighting me right here and right now clan head. Let's do this!"

Yushiro laughed nervously and awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "Ahahaha...Oh! I just remembered. As the clan head I have important business to attend to. Bye!"

Before anyone could make a move Yushiro disappeared in a flash of Shunpo with extreme speed. Kenpachi frowned and clicked his tongue.

"Tch. How boring."

Yachiru just smirked and climbed back on top of Kenpachi's shoulder. She then pointed in a direction and said, "Ken-chan. Go that way. I'm sure we can catch up to them if we follow this route."

As that took place Toshiro and Kishin had already dashed off safely into the distance. They both huffed and puffed for a good minute before getting their breathing back under control.

"I didn't realize we were that close to the 11th division's barracks." Toshiro commented.

Kishin just shook his head. "We weren't. Most likely Lieutenant Yachiru got Captain Zaraki lost. I hear she's not good with directions."

It was then they both nearly jumped out of their skin as they heard a voice behind them.

"Are you guys okay?"

As they both turned around Kishin let out a sigh of relief before widening his eyes with surprise.

"Kinji?"

Kinji smirked and nodded. "Surprised to see me Kishin? It's been a long while. Since you graduated first I haven't seen you since the academy. It seems you're doing well though."

Kishin nodded. "Kinji, let me introduce you. This is Hitsugaya Toshiro. 3rd officer of division 10. Toshiro, this is Tsunayashiro Kinji, my old classmate and roommate back at the academy."

Toshiro was slightly shocked at the realization that Kinji was from a great noble clan like Yushiro was, but in the end he politely greeted him.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Kinji nodded in kind. "And I you. I've heard about you before. You also graduated from the academy in a single year."

Toshiro shrugged his shoulders. "It's not too much of an impressive feat."

Kinji awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "Ahaha...I see. Kishin said something similar about how easy the academy was too. You're just like him."

Toshiro widened his eyes in shock and retorted, "Me?! Like Kishin? Am not!"

Kinji was a bit shocked at Toshiro's little outburst but laughed. "Hahaha! Well, then I guess not."

Kishin grinned amusedly and elbowed Toshiro on his side. "Oi, what's wrong with being similar to how I am? That's a compliment for you."

Toshiro crossed his arms and grumbled. "Only you would see it as being a compliment."

Kishin shook his head and turned his attention back to Kinji. "So, what squad did you join?"

Kinji smirked and replied, "I didn't join a squad. I joined the Kido Corps."

"EHH?" Toshiro and Kishin both exclaimed.

"Surprised? Well I can see why as you don't hear too many people directly going into the Kido Corps these days, but Kishin, you know already that my Zanjutsu skills aren't too great and my Hakuda skills are subpar. My Hoho skills are okay but what I'm best at is in Kido."

Kishin nodded. "I see. Well I suppose joining the Kido Corps was a good fit for you then. How is it? What's it like? Is it okay for you to be out here? They don't coop you up or anything right?"

Kinji frowned and shook his head. "What kind of books or rumors are you reading and listening to? Do you think the Kido Corps is some sort of dark cult or something?"

Both Toshiro and Kishin nodded their heads making Kinji drop his jaw in disbelief. "Y-You two! Ahhh...seriously. Ah well, I guess it can't be helped. Most of the members of the Kido Corps keep to themselves and when they perform official duties most members choose to mask their appearance and face. Ever since the incident a few decades ago causing the Kido Corp commander Tsukabishi Tessai and Kido Corp Lieutenant Ushoda Hachigen to disappear, not many have elected to join the Kido Corps. Also many strange and weird rumors about the Kido Corps go around so I guess I don't blame you both for thinking that way."

Kishin patted Kinji's back comfortingly. "There there. It's okay Kinji. We aren't judging you."

A thick vein popped on Kinji's forehead as he remarked, "Oi! Why are you treating me like a kid? I'm almost twice your age, you know that right?"

"Hahaha! Alright, I thought you were sulking."

Kinji just shook his head. "I'm not. I just wanted to correct both of your warped ways of seeing the Kido Corps. Anyways, what are you both doing hiding behind this wall? Looks like you both just ran a marathon."

Toshiro just let out a sigh. "Haaaah...it's a long story. What are you doing?"

"Me? I was on my way to Rukongai south district 60. I was supposed to meet up with some of my fellow members there. Some people from the R&D department are there as well. Supposedly there was some strange phenomenon happening."

Kishin frowned. "What kind of phenomenon?"

"Ummm...let's see. About a few years ago I think there was a report about a family that went missing. A few weeks later a soul or two would disappear every now and then from different parts of Rukongai. North, South, East, and West districts. At first it didn't seem like anything to be concerned about as it was only a few souls here and there from far away districts so Soul Society didn't really take note. Plus this was happening over the span of a few years so if there was a pattern it was very inconsistent and didn't raise much red flags. Soul Society attributed it to the workings of Hollows as when those sites were investigated they found traces of Hollows. Hollows appearing in Rukongai every now and then are a pretty normal occurrence, but just recently there have been reports of a strange creature seen on the outskirts of Rukongai south district 60 at the same time as reports of three souls missing in that area. It could just be another Hollow incident but the reports about a strange creature roaming about for a few days in a row piqued the R&D's interest, so they sent some members out there and requested assistance from the Kido Corps to see if it would be possible to capture this creature. That is, if it actually exists. Anyways that's where I'm heading off to."

Toshiro and Kishin looked at each other before facing Kinji and said at the same time, "We're coming with you."

Kinji raised his eyebrow questioningly but simply shrugged his shoulders. "I mean...I suppose you could. I guess there isn't a rule stating that you can't."

Kishin nodded. "Then, let's go."

The three of them dashed through Soul Society towards southern Rukongai to district 60 with great speed in order to meet with the team already there, however the moment they arrived near the site they could only stare in utter shock. Blood stains were splattered all over the ground and walls of the buildings nearby. The dead corpses of many Rukongai citizens and even the team sent from the Kido Corps and R&D department were lying around torn up and battered. Kinji's entire being shook. His face paled and his eyes widened in disbelief. His voice quaked as he attempted to say something.

"W-What...What is this?...What is this?! WHAT HAPPENED?!"

Toshiro couldn't move from his spot as he stood motionlessly in disbelief. "How did this happen?!"

Kishin was just as shocked as the other two, however he quickly came to his senses first and commanded, "Kinji, Toshiro, don't just stand there! Check for any survivors!"

They both snapped back to reality at Kishin's voice and nodded.

Standing above a tall building nearby were three cloaked figures as they witnessed Toshiro, Kishin, and Kinji's arrival. They were precisely Gin, Tosen, and Aizen. Gin broke the silence first as he commented, "Ah? This is unexpected. Was there s'posed to be reinforcements sent?"

Tosen frowned and was about to unsheathe his sword when Aizen said, "Wait. Tosen. Don't do anything yet. This is a pleasant surprise. Who would have thought that these three would appear here like this. Black didn't choose anyone to infect with the Hollowfication virus from the earlier batch of Shinigami, but perhaps he will choose from these three."

Tosen released his hand from the hilt of his Zanpakuto and commented, "Black is still in the early stages. It may not work."

Aizen simply smirked. "So it may seem, however it is also possible that it will evolve beyond what we could have predicted. After all, it didn't choose one of these Shinigami to infect. Instead it killed all of them even though its sole purpose is to find a Shinigami host."

Gin glanced around at all the dead bodies and chimed in, "Even if Black did choose to infect someone there's a very low probability that the person would live. The experiment hasn't been completed yet."

Aizen kept his amused grin on his face as he gave a simple answer. "It's fine. That is why it's called an experiment. Gin. Whether it works or not we only have to wait and see. If it does work then it'll give us valuable data for our next creation. If it doesn't work then it will give us equally valuable information. Either way let us simply watch the show. Thanks to Urahara Kisuke's reiatsu concealing cloak no one will be able to see or sense us. This is quite a nice parting gift we acquired from him."

At this moment Kishin took out his denreishinki and was just about to call for reinforcements when he sensed something dangerous behind him. Just as he ducked his head he heard the sharp whirring of the wind like a blade cutting through the air. Before he could be struck again he Shunpo'd off into the distance and faced whatever attacked him. He took note of a strange looking creature that seemed to be a Hollow, however the hole in its chest was much much smaller than normal. It was about 3 meters tall and was completely white with a black Hollow mask. It's left arm was humanoid and its right arm was shaped in a curved-like blade. It had one horn on the left side of its head and one on the right side.

"W-What the hell is that?! Is that a Hollow? What the h-"

Kishin couldn't finish his sentence as he was attacked by the Hollow again.

Fwish! Whish! Bang! Boom!

Kishin dashed around with Shunpo avoiding every strike, albeit just barely. He unsheathed his Zanpakuto and blocked the Hollow's sword-like arm before it could cut him in half.

Cling!

Kishin grit his teeth with shock and alarm as he felt the powerful force behind the Hollow's attack reverberate through his arm.

This damn thing is strong! And it's fast! It could keep up with my Shunpo! This is bad!

Ting! Cling! Clang!

Zing! Ting! Clank!

Cling! Clang!

Kishin continued to move around doing his best to gain some distance from the strange Hollow while deflecting and parrying its attacks. He wanted to counterattack but if he made one wrong move or careless mistake he'd be paying a huge price for it. Just as it dashed down from the sky right at him he heard Toshiro shout, "Sit upon the frozen heavens! Hyorinmaru!"

FWISH!

A giant elongated ice dragon flew through the sky aiming right for the Hollow, however before it could hit, the Hollow expertly twisted its body and dodged it. Toshiro widened his eyes in shock.

"No way! How is that Hollow so agile and nimble?! What the hell is that thing?"

Just as that Hollow landed on the ground they heard Kinji shout, "Hado #33: Sokatsui!" Just as the blue fire closed in on the Hollow it dashed to the side avoiding the blast before running straight for Kinji. Toshiro and Kishin both widened their eyes in shock and alarm and dashed right after it. Kishin quickly took out his denreishinki once more and called for reinforcements before quickly stuffing it away.

Kinji frowned and placed his palms together as he shouted, "Hado #58: Tenran!" A giant whirlwind burst forth from his palms and sucked in the Hollow thrusting it into the air. Toshiro took this chance to create another ice dragon aiming right at the Hollow, however that Hollow did something that none of them expected. It fired a Cero right at the ice dragon.

BOOM!

A giant smokescreen filled the air obscuring everyone's vision, however in the next moment another Cero was fired out from that smokescreen.

"MOVE!" Kishin shouted in alarm.

Bang! Boom! Bang! Bang!

Several more Cero's were fired from its mouth forcing the three Shinigami to separate from one another. Kishin stood opposite of Kinji as they both placed their palms out and shouted, "Hado #58: Tenran!" Two giant whirlwinds gusted through the air and dispersed the smokescreen catching the Hollow right in between their attack. That gave Toshiro the chance he needed to fire another one of his techniques.

As Aizen was watching everything happen Gin let out a small comment. "Ohya ohya, seems like Black will lose at this rate. Those three are pretty good."

Aizen kept a smug look on his face as he temporarily closed his eyes and said, "It can't be helped. I'll give it a little assistance."

Tosen slightly flinched in shock as he replied, "Lord Aizen, let me instead. There's no need for you to raise your hand for something like this."

"There's no need to worry. Kaname. I won't even need to move from my spot. Just watch."

At this moment the Hollow was starting to get beaten back by the combined might of Kinji, Kishin, and Toshiro. Kinji then stuck out his palm and shouted, "Hado #63: Raikoho!"

Kishin widened his eyes in shock as he noticed that Kinji wasn't pointing at the Hollow, rather he was pointing at Toshiro. He dashed with his quickest speed and shouted, "Toshiro! Look out!"

Just before Kinji's Kido attack could hit Toshiro, Kishin appeared and slashed out with his sword, however even though he managed to stave off some power from the level 63 Hado that Kinji used with his sword he still felt the brunt of the attack.

"GUUH!" He groaned in pain. In the next instant he felt a massive pain on his back as Toshiro's sword slashed him from behind.

"UGGGHH!" Kishin groaned once more in pain and shock.

Everything happened too fast and too suddenly for him to register what was going on. Before he could even say anything, do anything, or move, he was blasted on the side from a Cero by that Hollow and crashed through the walls of several buildings in the vicinity completely battered, worn, and bloody. He was currently stuck in the cracks of a giant wall with barely any strength left.

Kinji realized what he had done at this moment and was completely confused and horrified.

Toshiro wasn't feeling any better as he couldn't understand what was happening either. He too was completely mortified at what he had just done to Kishin. His hands trembled and his mind cracked.

"W-What have I done? What did I just do?! KIIIIISSSSHHHIIIIINNNN!"

He turned to run towards Kishin's direction, however the Hollow appeared right before him. Toshiro's mind went blank as he lost all rational thought. He was completely filled with rage and hatred.

"You bastard Hollow! WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME!"

He swung his sword blinded in hate, however that Hollow was faster and slashed Toshiro in the chest before punching him straight into a giant building. Kinji was just as angry and blinded in hatred as he started firing off one spell after another in rage. Sokatsui, Shakkaho, Raikoho, Hado spells flew left and right as he began to become incredibly exhausted from his reiryoku expenditure. In his flit of rage he didn't care for aiming or timing and just shot spell after spell wherever he saw the Hollow. As he began to pant heavily for air the Hollow appeared behind him and slashed at his back before knocking him into the ground.

Just as the Hollow was about to stab Kinji and kill him, Kishin, who could barely remain conscious at this point, used whatever energy he could muster and pointed his finger at the Hollow saying with an inaudible voice, "Hado #4: Byakurai."

Crackle!

The blue lightning flew through the air right at the Hollow forcing it to dash off to the side before it could kill Kinji. It took note of where the blast came from and noticed that Kishin was still alive. Losing interest in Kinji and Toshiro it began making its way to Kishin who was still stuck in the sunken rock wall from earlier.

He breathed heavily gasping for air. He knew that taking on Kinji's Kido attack had numbed his body. Toshiro's sword strike left a deep wound on his back and that Cero blast he took sending him crashing through several buildings broke several of his ribs and bones. Even though he learnt Kaido from Captain Unohana he couldn't muster up any strength to move his arms or hands anymore to begin healing his damaged body.

"KUH!" Blood spurted from his mouth once more as he lay ingrained in the wall. His vision became blurry as his mind was going in and out of consciousness.

Damn...it…

As he began to lose his focus it was then he heard a voice inside his head. A voice he hadn't heard in a long while, but a very familiar sounding voice nonetheless. It was deep, but not too deep, resonant, but not grating to the ears.

Hahahaha! What's wrong? I've never seen you so beaten before! Where'd all your spunk go? Your bloodlust? Your pride? You've always been a cunning guy. Sagacious. Mischievous. Vicious. But otherwise loyal and dependable. But look at you now! Your current state is pathetic to look at.

Kishin could only smirk self-mockingly at himself as he tried to move his body.

Ah...huff...you're right...this is pathetic of me. Damn it...huff...Damn it! Damn it! DAMN IT! MOVE!

Heh! Hahaha! Pathetic. Truly pathetic. You possess so much potential and so much power. For you to be in the state you are in right now because of a thing like that? Tsk tsk.

Heh...huff...talk and mock me all you want. Huff. I'll show you. I'll tear that thing to ribbons! Just...huff...give me...huff...a minute.

Hahahaha! I'd like to see that. Young master. I really would. But it seems it may tear you to ribbons first. Look. It's about to attack.

As Kishin did his best to open his eyes he saw the blurry image of that Hollow right before him and all he could do was smile in frustration.

So you saw it huh? You know what's about to happen.

Kishin inwardly frowned as he tried to move his body again, but he was completely drained of strength and so he could only remain silent. He had no words to respond to the voice in his head.

You know who I am, don't you?

Y-

Before Kishin could complete his mental sentence he was cut off.

That's right. I'm your Zanpakuto. All these years I held off on meeting with you. I did so for a reason. I had hoped you would learn to face your demons first...that you would engage in more life threatening battles to unshackle yourself, but I guess not everything goes as planned. I suppose this experience you're having right now is good for you, but unfortunately it won't be much help if you also end up dying because of it. And so be it. I shall reluctantly lend you a hand, but I'm warning you now young master. My power is not to be taken lightly. Don't let yourself be consumed by madness, for it is not what I desire either. Are you prepared?

Kishin didn't hesitate for a moment as he mentally replied.

I am.

Then hold tight of my existence. The Blade of Crimson Carnage! Give the command and call forth my name! I am-

Kishin widened his eyes in the next moment with a newfound resolve. He gripped his Zanpakuto that laid ingrained in the wall beside him, and just as the Hollow bit into his shoulder he wrapped his left arm around its neck locking it in place and shouted, "Wash all things in a river of blood, Sekiken Zansatsu!"

EEEEAAAARRRRR! WHOOOOOOSH!

A loud sinister sounding noise rang through the air as a burst of incredibly powerful, dense, and heavy crimson red reiatsu that gave off a murderous, sinister, and ominous aura erupted around Kishin. His Zanpakuto transformed into its Shikai release state and took on the appearance of a completely black colored double edged katana with blood stain marks on the bottom portion of the sharpened edge as well as the tip. The hilt of the blade was obsidian black in color with blood red lotus flower patterns carved in it. The guard of the hilt was in the shape of four obsidian colored crescent shaped moons that sparkled with a hint of crimson red. The crescent shaped guard on the top and bottom had the concavity of the moon faced towards the center of the hilt and blade, while on the left and on the right side of the hilt the crescent shaped moon had the concavity facing outwards and away from the hilt and blade. The blade of the newly transformed katana was 90cm long not including the hilt.

Kishin gripped his released Zanpakuto and stabbed it straight through the jaw of the Hollow and right through its skull. An insatiable thirst to draw blood and kill filled his entire being. He felt his heart race pumping with adrenaline and his eyes began to dilate. A sinister maniacal smile graced his lips as he let out a dark sounding laugh.

"Heh! Hehehe! Hahahahaha! Die! Die! Die! Die! Die!" He shouted over and over and over again as he gripped the Hollow tightly and removed his blade from the Hollow's head before stabbing it over and over and over and over again and again and again as if he were drunk on madness. The Hollow had completely died at this point, but Kishin didn't care nor did he notice. His actions only stopped because after a few seconds from the Hollow's death, its dead body expanded in size before exploding. The force of the explosion at such a close proximity effectively knocked Kishin unconscious whilst also causing him great damage flinging him crashing and rolling through the air and ground.

Gin, Aizen, and Tosen who stood hidden in the nearby distance watched with intriguement.

"Ehhhhh? It seems that Black chose the Hollowfication host to be Kishin." Gin commented in a semi-relaxed, semi-intrigued tone.

"Black...the fact that its body exploded on death meant it was able to reach the last stage needed for the final transference process. The question is whether or not Kishin will survive. It is a bit unexpected though. I did not think that our preliminary trial would actually be able to complete this phase." Tosen remarked.

Aizen simply stood unconcernedly with a bit of a bemused expression. "Whether he survives or not does not matter in the end, though the stronger the host the more likely they aren't to die. Although Black is in the preliminary stages of our trial run experiment it's still a more stable version of Hollowfication than the experiment performed on Hirako Shinji and the others several decades earlier. Since it chose Chigetsu-kun I'm curious to see the results. Will he live? Will he die? What will he become in the end? I'm looking forward to it."

Tosen furrowed his brow and commented, "It's also possible that he wasn't infected. As Black was a preliminary experiment it's uncertain whether it was able to successfully transfer the virus or if the virus even survived the process even if it reached the final stage. If he hadn't killed Black at that moment very likely Black would have simply killed him and wouldn't have undergone the transformation."

Gin simply replied to Tosen's comment in his nonchalant voice, "In truth, if we didn't interfere then those three kids would have definitely killed Black an' the chances of the transference process happenin' would have definitely been near zero. I'm a bit surprised though. He's been having trouble trying to communicate with his Zanpakuto and learn his Shikai, but it seems that isn't entirely the case. I personally found Kishin sorta entertaining. I kinda hope he doesn't die from something like this."

Aizen smirked. "Whether he lives or dies is but a matter of whether he will succeed in evolving into a higher being. It will be quite interesting to see. As for his Shikai, most likely he hadn't yet learnt how to wield its powers hence he did not use it during the entire fight until the very end. Perhaps in the end the spirit of his Zanpakuto refused to let him die. Like Kaname said, had he not killed Black when he did then Black would have ended up consuming him instead of being forced to start the Hollowfication transfer. Mn. I'm quite intrigued on how he will progress. It would also appear that his Shikai is quite interesting. Not only did it reinvigorate his strength, it almost seemed to have driven him mad. Regardless, although their appearance was unexpected, in the end everything seems to be going quite smoothly."

Gin could only keep his smiling expression on his face, however he secretly glanced at the back of Aizen's head inwardly full of spite for him.

Captain Aizen...What exactly are you thinking right now you crazy bastard…

It was then they witnessed reinforcements from several different divisions appear in the area who began to treat Kishin, Toshiro, and Kinji's injuries. Aizen lost interest so he began to leave. As he began walking away with Tosen and Gin following in tow Gin curiously asked, "What of the Hogyoku?"

Aizen simply smirked. "There's no need to worry. Gin. I've already laid down the foundations. It is only a matter of time before the Hogyoku in Urahara Kisuke's hands are in mine."

MISC:

Zanpakuto Name: Sekiken Zansatsu (赤剣惨殺 or 関剣惨殺)Intended Meaning: Blade of Crimson Carnage (Literal translation in google is Red Sword of Slaughter)Release Command: Wash all things in a river of blood.-I did my best with getting as close to the intended name as possible from English translation to Japanese translation. Hope I did okay...-Also, if you are wondering why his Zanpakuto isn't actually completely crimson or red, there is a reason.

Kido Spells Used:-Hado #4: Byakurai (Pale Lightning)-Hado #31: Shakkaho (Red Fire Cannon)-Hado #33: Sokatsui (Blue Fire)-Hado #58: Tenran (Oracle Sky)-Hado #63: Raikoho (Fiery Lightning Howl)