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Chapter Text

『250 Years Ago | Soul Society, somewhere in Rukongai』

In a plain, somewhere in the outskirts of Rukongai, there’s the sound of metal clashing. Shinigami are the protectors of spirits in the human world and the Soul Society, but they are also hunters. Hunters who cut down Hollows with their Zanpakutou. These hunters are dancing on the battlefield, slashing through a group of Hollows that appeared in this area.

They are Shinigami.

They are warriors.

They are the edge of the blade.

They are swordsmen.

They belong to the 11th Division, the division most specialized in ‘battle’ among the 13 divisions. They are smiling because they love fighting in battles that threaten their lives, but also because they have absolute faith in their leader. This man seemed to radiate "danger." The size of the reiatsu around his body made the masks of the Hollows tremble.

The captain of the 11th Division: Kuruyashiki Kenpachi.

『Several hours later』

The battle ended, and the 11th Division is having a drinking party. The 4th and 8th Divisions arrived to offer support, but seeing that the battle had already ended, they decide to return, though Kuruyashiki forces them to join the party.

The members of the 11th Division are impressed by their captain’s strength ("Only Captain Kuruyashiki can face a Menos like that!"). Kuruyashiki tells them not to forget about Captain Yamamoto, or Captain Hikifune of the 12th Division, or those from the Kuchiki and Shihouin clans. But his members reply:

“But you never hear of anyone taking down a Vasto Lorde like you did in the past, Captain.”

Kyouraku Shunsui is also present, and Kuruyashiki pulls him into the conversation.

– Could you take down a Vasto Lorde?

– It depends on compatibility – Kyouraku responds – I might defeat a Vasto Lorde and lose to a Gillian, you never know. But is it okay for the soldiers to be drinking like this? Yama-jii might yell at you again if Kuruyashiki-san doesn’t arrive on time. Also, what will Captain Unohana say if she finds out you’ve gotten her soldiers drunk?

– Truly, Retsu-neesan is scarier than any Menos when she’s angry.

They discuss what had happened earlier.

– It’s already strange enough that several Hollows appeared, even more so with a Gillian, an Adjucha, and perhaps a Vasto Lorde at the same time.

– Do you think the Hollows are starting to organize and form battle formations? – Kyouraku questions.

– Maybe in the future, but not yet. Despite Kuruyashiki’s response, he still remembers the Vasto Lorde he defeated in the past screaming “Barragan-sama!” before being killed. Apparently, it was a Hollow general. He would love to fight this “Barragan,” but he believed Kanō Ashido might kill him first.

Ashido disappeared in Hueco Mundo a few years ago with some subordinates while chasing a Hollow. The way Kuruyashiki and Kyouraku spoke about him made it clear they believed he was still alive. Thus, Kuruyashiki continues to talk about what he thinks of the future.

– Even if the Hollows keep evolving, the Gotei 13 will also improve. In two hundred, three hundred years, all captains and even vice-captains will be able to face Vasto Lordes.

– By then, we might have to retire, haha – Kyouraku jokes, but Kuruyashiki replies:

– By then, I might already be dead, but that’s no problem because the 11th Division will always be led by a "Kenpachi."

One of his members asks if it’s true that the Zero Division invited him. It is, but he declined. He is not suited to protect a king, hiding in a different dimension until the enemy breaks in. And it’s not like he was officially ordered to join Central 46 either. Besides, as "Kenpachi," he must wait here until someone surpasses him.

–– "Excuse me. May I have a moment of your time?"

A young man uttered these words. He spoke softly, but somehow his words resonated clearly in the ears of the Shinigami, despite the party.

His appearance made it clear he was a noble, yet he wore the minimum of decoration. Even Kyouraku, the second son of a noble family, did not recognize him.

Kuruyashiki asks the young man: "What do you want? A drink perhaps?".

The young man hears a female voice behind him ("That’s him! That’s Kuruyashiki Kenpachi!"). The black-haired woman laughs loudly. She’s wearing a white kimono in a way that exposes much of her skin and an excessive amount of decorations. Two wide leather straps crisscross over her face, covering her eyes.

“Don’t state the obvious… stand aside,” he orders the woman, and she does as told, replying:

– Cold! Hope you lose this fight!

– Kuruyashiki Kenpachi. I’ve heard that... if I kill you in front of more than 200 soldiers, I will earn the title of "Kenpachi" and the position of captain.

Kuruyashiki merely laughs, confirming:

– That’s right.

– I would like to duel you to the death now. But I don’t mind waiting until you’re sober.

Another Shinigami laughs at his request, asking if he wishes to die. However, Kyouraku, the members of the 4th Division, and Kuruyashiki are not laughing.

– I don’t need to sober up. – Kuruyashiki stands. His members are shocked but quickly step aside when they realize he’s serious, sending pitiful laments to the young man:

“He’ll lose!”, “Die already!”, “He’s not even carrying a Zanpakutou!”.

They form a circle around Kuruyashiki and the young man.

– Kyouraku, I need you to be the witness. – After receiving these words from Kuruyashiki, he turns to the young man, trying to keep the peace.

– Boy, there are other ways to become a captain.

– I have no interest in idle talk.

– Kuruyashiki, be careful with him. – Kyouraku notices a lack of emotion in the boy’s voice, despite the arrogant words. He realizes this is someone dangerous. Shunsui, thinking to himself, believes the absence of a Zanpakutou doesn’t necessarily mean he is weak. For instance, the leader of the Kidou Corps, Tsukabishi Tessai, could compete with a captain solely through Kidou. However, seeing Kuruyashiki’s smile, Kyouraku knows it’s pointless to try and stop him. Kuruyashiki has won many such duels.

– Have the requirements for the duel been met? – The young man asks.

– We can start at any time.

– I see… then your life won’t be in vain.

In the next moment of this brief dialogue, blood bursts from Kuruyashiki’s entire body. It was as if a tornado of blades exploded from his body.

No one saw the young man reveal a Zanpakutou, nor cast a Kidou.

He didn’t even move. Yet, he was now the new "Kenpachi."

A man stronger than Kuruyashiki had appeared, just as Kuruyashiki had desired.

To everyone's astonishment, Azashiro defeated Kuruyashiki as soon as the duel began, making him the new Kenpachi by consequence. But the soldiers of the 11th Division did not accept it.

– Wait… impossible! He didn’t even move!

– He cheated!

– Treacherous, he used some trick!

The soldiers accused Azashiro of this strange victory. In unison, they all rushed with their Zanpakutous toward the young man who hadn’t moved from his spot. Kyouraku tried to stop them, but before anything could happen, Kuruyashiki halted him with a punch and released his Shikai, Gagaku Kairou, forcing them to retreat.

Kuruyashiki’s Shikai was a living creature, reminiscent of Unohana’s Zanpakutou, Minazuki. In the case of Gagaku Kairou, it was a white monster, the size of a bear. It had no eyes, nose, ears, or limbs—just a mouth with large fangs. There were 13 of them floating around Kuruyashiki.

Kuruyashiki somehow managed to stand, even though he was nearly dead. And beyond that, he gathered enough strength to shout at his subordinates.

– What the hell do you think you’re doing!? I lost! Accept it! Don’t bring shame to the 11th Division! He turns to Kyouraku and asks:

– Tell Yamamoto to take care of this young man. You know, I would have liked to fight you and Ukitake someday.

At this moment, Kuruyashiki is on the verge of death and falls to his knees. Azashiro looks at Kuruyashiki kneeling and admits:

– You could have beaten me if you had released your Bankai immediately.

Which was true. Kuruyashiki’s Bankai was well known throughout the Soul Society. It summoned a massive jaw with large fangs from the ground, devouring and pulverizing everything within its reach. It made no distinction between animate and inanimate, friend or foe—it devoured everything except Kuruyashiki himself. But his Bankai had two drawbacks.

First, Kuruyashiki couldn’t use his Bankai and Shikai for six months after invoking it.

Secondly, he couldn't control his power correctly, meaning anyone within the area would be killed. Central 46 considered his power too dangerous and forbade Kuruyashiki from using it within Seireitei.

– You could have used your Bankai here in Rukongai, but you probably didn’t to spare the lives of your subordinates. How foolish! – Azashiro comments.

– What is your name?

– Azashiro Soya.

– Azashiro Soya, I acknowledge you as my successor and -” but to everyone's surprise, as Kuruyashiki awaited his death, falling to the ground without strength, he was stopped, gently held in the hands of the Young Heir Kenpachi.

–Don’t talk too much, you idiot. Save your strength– Azashiro scolds while gently laying the man on the ground, a green glow emanating from his body.

–W-What?– Kyouraku was as confused as everyone around him. First, the young man challenged and in seconds brought Kuruyashiki to the brink of death, and now, he was holding him tenderly with the gaze of a loving partner? This young man made no sense!

–What, you ask? It’s simple. I KILLED Kuruyashiki Kenpachi, I purged him, and now I am the Current Kenpachi. Since there is no longer a “Kuruyashiki Kenpachi,” there’s no reason to let him die. Now, his life belongs to me, “Kuruyashiki of Soya”!– While closing the wounds of the ex-Kenpachi, the young man explained his reasoning.

Strange indeed, was a way to define the Current Kenpachi.

–Hehehe, what surprises we are witnessing, huh?– Kyouraku commented while sipping his drink, wondering where this would lead.

Kuruyashiki looked on in confusion and amusement as his head was placed in the lap of his young successor. He was in a lot of pain, even after the healing that denied him such privileges. He only smiled and nodded; his successor was strange, and his logic equally so, but he had lost, and as Azashiro said, he now belonged to him. All that was left was to accept it.

As he took a cup of sake that conveniently appeared in the young man’s hand, who tilted it towards him, he turned his eyes to his scared subordinates and, with a big smile, shouted:

–A NEW KENPACHI HAS RISEN! LET’S CELEBRATE!–

–YEAAAAH KURUYASHIKI-SAMA! YOSH AZASHIRO-SAMA!–

Meanwhile, Azashiro looked impassive at the scene.

“I’m surrounded by idiots.” In his mind, he could clearly hear the laughter of a woman, who wouldn’t let him forget this.

---

Chapter Text

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– "Azashiro Soya, I acknowledge you as my successor and—" However, to everyone’s surprise, as Kurayashiki expected to fall to the ground to his death, drained of all his strength, he was stopped, being gently held in the hands of the Young Heir Kenpachi.

– "Don’t talk too much, you idiot. Save your energy." Azashiro scolded as he carefully laid the man on the ground, a green glow emanating from his body.

– "W-What?" Kyouraku was as confused as everyone around. First, the young man had challenged and in seconds left Kurayashiki at death's door, and now, he was holding him tenderly, with a loving gaze of a sweet lover? This young man made no sense!

– "What, you ask? It’s simple. I KILLED Kurayashiki Kenpachi, purged him, and now I’m the current Kenpachi. Since there’s no longer a 'Kuruyashiki Kenpachi,' there’s no reason to let him die. Now his life belongs to me, 'Kuruyashiki of Soya!'" While closing the wounds of the former Kenpachi, the young man explained his reasoning.

Strange indeed was one way to define the current Kenpachi.

– "Hehehe, what surprises we’re witnessing, huh?" Kyouraku commented as he went back to drinking, unsure where this would lead.

Kurayashiki looked with both doubt and amusement as his head rested on the lap of his young successor. He was in great pain, even after the healing, too weak to refuse such comforts. He merely smiled while nodding his head. His heir was strange, and his logic equally so, but he had lost, and as Azashiro said, he belonged to him now. He had no choice but to accept it.

As he took a sake cup that had conveniently appeared in the young man's hand, he turned his eyes to his shocked subordinates and, with a broad smile, shouted—

– "A NEW KENPACHI HAS RISEN! LET’S CELEBRATE!"

– "YEAH! KURUYASHIKI-SAMA! YOSH, AZASHIRO-SAMA!"

Meanwhile, Azashiro watched the scene impassively.

"I’m surrounded by idiots." In his mind, he could clearly hear a woman’s laughter; she wouldn’t let him forget this.

______________________________

『WEEKS LATER, 1ST DIVISION HEADQUARTERS』

In the headquarters of the Gotei 13, in the meeting room of the captains.

“This concludes my report, Yamamoto-sama,” said the new Kenpachi, Azashiro, handing in yet another report after searching for more "fissures" that had recently been appearing in Rukongai.

“I see. Very well, YOU ARE ALL DISMISSED! Return to your posts!” The Head Captain concluded his order, tapping his cane on the ground, thus ending the captains' meeting.

Soon, the captains began to leave, some using Shunpo, others walking. The young Kenpachi walked with his usual taciturn expression before being stopped by a few of the pesky captains who had taken a liking to him since his entry.

Kyouraku Shunsui

Juushirou Ukitake

And Retsu Unohana

The first two he could understand. After all, they were friends of Kuruyashiki and were somehow tasked with “looking after” him. But the captain of the 4th Squad? Unohana was terrifying in her own way and seemed, for some reason, to watch him like a hawk.

(“Kihahahaha, Azashiro-chan! Are you scared?”) In his head, it was possible to hear Urozakuro laughing. She seemed more active now.

“YO! Aza-chan, how are you? I hope Kuruyashiki didn’t give you too much of a headache! Hahaha!” The captain of the 8th Division laughed as he walked beside the young man who, just a few weeks ago, had nearly killed his friend.

“Don’t tease him too much, Kyouraku! He’s been working hard to contain the fissures in the Rukongai districts!” At his side, the Captain of the 13th Division reprimanded his friend while giving a warm look to the youngest one.

“Ara ara~ I really like Azashiro-kun. Under his leadership, the division has become more civilized. I no longer have so many of its members coming to me as before. Right, Azashiro-kun?” And there she was, the current source of Azashiro's nervousness: Retsu Unohana, or rather, Yachiru Kenpachi! The woman he was trying to avoid. Whatever this woman had, she was terrifying even to him.

As they left the hall, Azashiro quickly turned to the trio and spoke—

“Thank you for your words, Kyouraku-san, Ukitake-san, Unohana-san, but I must take my leave. I need to keep an eye on the more chaotic members of the division, and I fear Kuruyashiki might throw another party out of my sight!” Without another word, the soft-voiced young man used Shunpo to quickly distance himself from the three.

As they watched the young man’s departure, Kyouraku chuckled and murmured to himself.

“Still nervous around Unohana-chan, I see.”

“Hm? Something to say, Kyouraku-kun?” said the captain with a smiling face, eyes closed, sending shivers down both captains' spines. They quickly apologized before fleeing as well, leaving her alone with her thoughts.

After seeing everyone had gone, the captain allowed an unsettling smile to cross her face.

“Azashiro-kun… what kind of secrets are you hiding… I wonder… could you be a match for ‘that person’?”

With this thought, the captain used Shunpo like her companions and returned to her division.

______________________________

『11TH DIVISION HEADQUARTERS』

“AAAH!”

BOOM!

“Come on~ that can’t be all, right boys?” The voice of the former captain, Kuruyashiki, now lieutenant, was heard throughout the complex as he helped a fallen subordinate to his feet.

Today was one of the “Training Regime” days imposed by the new captain, a day when everyone had to spar with each other, especially against Kuruyashiki, in an effort to improve their Zanjutsu techniques.

The former captain, now lieutenant, wasn’t far from hearing the groans and complaints of the subordinates. Even the bloodthirstiest feared the training sessions supervised by Azashiro.

“Captain, can we go drink now?”

“Yeah! Azashiro-sama must have gone to do one of his observations. We’ve got time!”

“Come on, come on, Fukutaicho!”

Kuruyashiki could only laugh as he nodded to his subordinates. He didn’t enjoy beating them up like this either.

“All right, all right! YOSH! Let’s take a little break and have a drink! Right?!”

However, a cold and calm voice soon spoke behind him.

“You pamper them too much, Kuruyashiki-san!” Behind Kuruyashiki now stood Azashiro, looking at his predecessor with cold and accusatory eyes.

But, to anyone’s surprise outside the division, the former captain wrapped an arm around him in a side hug, smiling.

“Come on, Aza-chan! Let’s have some fun! If you keep working like this, you’ll end up getting wrinkles!” said Kuruyashiki. “Besides, we’ve been working non-stop these past weeks because of the fissures. We need a break, don’t we?”

Azashiro merely stared at him indifferently, locking eyes in a brief standoff.

After a few seconds, he could only sigh as he freed himself from his lieutenant’s arm and advanced toward his office.

“Don’t bother me! And Kuruyashiki, finish your paperwork!”

THUMP.

“Well… that went better than expected…” said Kuruyashiki nervously, before being called back to the attention of his celebrating subordinates.

______________________________

In his office, Azashiro reflected on what had brought him here while reading and signing his paperwork.

The last thing he remembered was injecting himself with the same poison developed by Mayuri that led to the death of the Eighth Espada Szayel, and suddenly, he woke up in the past, right after escaping to Rukongai.

He had a few years to plan what to do and whether to change anything. He thought about going back to his plan of creating super-soldiers and lobotomizing humanity, but he gave up later, having seen where that had led him in the past and not wanting to repeat the same mistakes. Besides, thanks to the new Shinigami he faced in the future, he knew the Gotei was more than ready to defend itself. Aizen Sousuke’s defeat had proven that to him.

And as he was determined to change his ways and regain what he had lost, he started with Kuruyashiki. He knew this man would be of great help in the future against Aizen's forces, he was certain.

Besides that...

“Heh... Kenpachi of Zaraki... I’ll be waiting for our future rematch, my successor...” The current Kenpachi smiled calmly as he looked out his window.

240 years... he could wait all that time to face his successor. But first, he had to deal with a problem... a problem called "Aizen Sousuke."

--- 

Chapter Text

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In his office, Azashiro thought about what had brought him there as he read and signed his paperwork.

The last thing he remembered was injecting himself with the same poison developed by Mayuri that had killed the Eighth Sword Szayel, and suddenly he woke up in the past, just after fleeing to Rukongai.

He had a few years to plan what to do and if he should change anything. He thought about perhaps returning to his super soldier plan and lobotomizing humanity, but he gave up later. He saw where that had led him in the past and was not going to repeat the same mistakes. Besides, thanks to the new Shinigami he had faced in the future, he knew that the Gotei was more than ready to defend itself in the future. Aizen Sousuke's defeat proved this to him.

And how determined he was to change his ways and recover what he had lost. He started towards Kuruyashiki, who would be of great help in the future against Aizen's forces. He was sure of that.

Besides that.

"He...Kenpachi of Zaraki...I will be waiting for our future rematch, my successor..." The current Kenpachi smiled calmly as he looked out his window.

240 years...he could wait all this time to face his successor. But first, he had to take care of a problem...a problem called "AIZEN SOUSUKE".

:

---

『Five years after Azashiro assumed the mantle of Kenpachi, District ZARAKI:80』

Rukongai is the largest and most populous area of the Soul Society. It is divided into 320 districts (80 districts in each cardinal quadrant), each numbered in descending order based on their distance from the center. This results in the higher-numbered districts (which are the furthest away) degrading into slums. While District 1 is peaceful, resembling the antiseptic lifestyle of the early Edo Era, District 80 is a harsh, violent area infested with crime, more reminiscent of the Heian Era.

The duties of the 13 Gotei Divisions include defending the allocated districts of Rukongai. However, which Division is responsible for each district varies due to the vastness of the area, so multiple divisions rotate between districts. Living standards in Rukongai drastically decline after the 50th district, with life resembling that of countries suffering from extreme poverty. It is precisely in these distant districts, neglected by many Shinigami, that bandit tyranny runs rampant. For this reason, the 11th Division, which has the highest percentage of Rukongai-born members, is more familiar with the situation. 

Thanks to orders from their captain, the 11th Division now conducts regular patrols in all the distant and neglected districts. Due to the high number of criminals, battles between the squad and the bandits are frequent. Just like now. 

The sound of battle echoed on the barren, dusty street, now painted red as Shinigami and bandits fought for supremacy. Further away from the crowded fight on the road, three figures could be seen. Two of them were the leaders of the 11th squad: Azashiro Kenpachi and Kuruyashiki de Sōya (yes, Azashiro made him sign up for this). The bandit leader was a stereotypical figure from a modern perspective. Both sides stared at each other with different emotions. Indifference and amusement from Azashiro and Kuruyashiki, respectively. Irritation from the bandit leader. 

("Let’s end this quickly.") thought the young Kenpachi. For Azashiro, this was nothing more than taking out the trash. However—

“Ha! So they sent a noble girl and her bodyguard to deal with the KING of the bandits? Tsk." The self-proclaimed "King of the bandits" seemed eager to brag about something, as he quickly continued. "Did you have to sell yourself to some noble for your position, princess?"

Upon hearing the bandit's words, Kuruyashiki could be seen gritting his teeth and stepping forward. However, before he could act, he was halted by a signal from Azashiro, informing him not to interfere, which he reluctantly accepted.

"If you think I'm that weak, you wouldn't refuse a duel with this 'maiden,' would you? Mr. King of beggars?" Though his face remained indifferent and his voice calm, it was clear from his tone that Azashiro was mocking and disdainful of the bandit.

With a growl of rage, the "King" drew his sword and, with an impressive display of speed, appeared above Azashiro, aiming for a vertical slash.

“DIEEEE!” screamed the bandit. 

However, with a faint smile, Azashiro passively stared at him and said: "Idiot... you're the one who’s already dead."

The false King only had time to look confused before his body was instantly shredded to pieces in a single moment, exploding into grotesque chunks of flesh and blood that fell like rain. Before they could land on and drench the young Kenpachi, an umbrella appeared above him, keeping him clean. This was done by Kuruyashiki, who had a tense smile on his face.

("No matter how many years pass, it’s still terrifying to see that ability of his, and to think I'm the only one who’s ever witnessed it and survived.") Kuruyashiki thought as he walked behind Azashiro, following him toward the rest of the squad.

Upon reaching the scene, he could see that the Shinigami had already dealt with the bandits and were piling up the bodies in the center. They acted as a real unit rather than the wild brutes they had been in the past, all thanks to the leadership of their two Kenpachi, who had organized the rebellious warriors of the Eleventh Squad into a formidable army.

As both approached, the soldiers, noticing their presence, stood at attention and saluted—

"YOSH! AZASHIRO-TAICHOU! KURUYASHIKI-FUKUTAICHOU! WE ELIMINATED THE CRIMINALS AND HAVE COLLECTED THEIR LOOT!" In an impressive display of discipline, all the soldiers saluted and spoke in unison.

Azashiro looked at the pile of corpses before pointing a finger and casting a Kidō: 

"Hadō #31. Shakkahō." In an extreme demonstration of control and power, Azashiro summoned the Hadō without an incantation. From the captain's palm, a fireball was launched at the pile of bodies, immediately setting it ablaze.

After years under his command, the members of the Eleventh Squad had grown accustomed to their captain's prodigious level of skill, so such a display did not surprise them.

As soon as the pyre was completed, Azashiro turned, preparing to walk away from the scene with his lieutenant, or at least that was the plan.

"Hm?!" Azashiro suddenly stopped, his eyes widening as he sensed a familiar Reiatsu approaching quickly.

"Hm? Is something wrong, Aza-chan—" Kuruyashiki's words were cut short as he found himself pushed aside by Azashiro, who materialized his sword, a weapon Kuruyashiki hadn’t seen in years!

And from above, jumping like a demon with a devilish grin, an attack came with an explosion. 

“Shikai: Urozakuro!”

The young Kenpachi barely had time to raise his luminescent white blade before stopping a strike from a worn Odachi aimed at cleaving him in half.

**CRUNCH**

The ground beneath the captain’s feet cracked like a web before the worn blade finally overpowered and shattered the captain's Shikai, continuing its path down Azashiro’s body—

**CRUNCH!**

“GAH!” For the first time in their lives, the Shinigami of the Eleventh Squad saw their captain Azashiro Kenpachi bleed.

Azashiro’s left shoulder had been completely sliced and torn by the unknown blade.

“Tsk, hehehe, I intended to split you in two, but you blocked it and even attacked me at the same time... hehehe, you’re strong...” The attacker laughed as he rubbed his free hand over his chest, now bearing a bloody cut inflicted by the captain, who gasped and leaped back to gain distance. 

The figure laughed again before releasing an explosion of Reiatsu, making the nearby civilians faint and causing the Shinigami to fall to their knees. "LET'S FIGHT!"

“Ah, ah... damn.” Despite the wound on his body, Azashiro smiled at the scene, but before the captain could advance into battle, he was stopped by Kuruyashiki.

"Hm? What are you doing? This fight is mine!" For the first time, Azashiro seemed to show the bloodlust of a Kenpachi. However, he was soon halted by Kuruyashiki slapping his head.

“Tsk, you can barely stand, Azashiro. Normally, you should have killed this guy instantly with your Bankai, but for some reason, you deactivated it and activated your Shikai, even though you know how vulnerable your body is in this form.” While reprimanding the captain, Kuruyashiki stepped forward. “I think even a lieutenant could take you down right now. You’ve been cleaning up Rukon for an entire week without stopping until the last district. You're definitely not at 100% for this fight... so—” With a confident smile, Kuruyashiki continued as he drew his Zanpakutō. “As your lieutenant, I, Kuruyashiki de Soya, will fight. And this time, I won’t underestimate my enemy!”

As he finished his words, Kuruyashiki stabbed his blade into the ground, concentrating his Reiryoku and increasing his Reiatsu. Azashiro slightly opened his eyes wider than usual, knowing what that pose meant!

The unknown figure before Kuruyashiki only smiled as he felt the rising power of his new opponent, grinning before saying:

“HAHAHAHA, YES! EVEN FROM A DISTANCE, I COULD FEEL YOU! FIGHT ME! GIVE IT YOUR ALL! I WANT TO FEEL MY BLOOD BOIL LIKE NEVER BEFORE!”

With unmatched bloodlust, the young man unleashed more than double the Reiatsu from before, as if, in just one moment, his power doubled! “PREPARE YOURSELF, KURUYASHIKI DE SŌYA!”

“Hahaha, well, since you know my name, don’t you want to introduce yourself, boy?” Kuruyashiki asked humorously.

The young man in front of him smiled before answering—

“My name... is—

"ZARAKI!”

---

Chapter Text

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“Tsk, hehehe, I attacked with the intent to split you in two, but you held it back and even countered at the same time... hehe, you're strong...” The attacker laughed as he ran his free hand over his chest, now with a bloody cut made by the captain, who was panting and jumping to a greater distance. Soon, the man began laughing again before releasing an explosion of Reiatsu all around him, causing nearby civilians to faint and shinigamis to drop to their knees. “LET'S FIGHT!”

“Ah, ah... damn it.” Despite the wound on his body, Azashiro smiled at the scene. However, before the captain could charge into battle, he was stopped by Kuruyashiki.

“Huh? What are you doing? This fight is mine!” For the first time, Azashiro seemed to show the Kenpachi bloodlust. However, he was soon stopped by Kuruyashiki, who slapped him on the head.

“Tsk, you can barely stand, Azashiro. Under normal circumstances, you should have killed this guy instantly with your Bankai, but for some reason, you turned it off and activated your Shikai, even knowing how vulnerable your body is in this form.” While scolding the captain, Kuruyashiki stepped ahead of him. “I think even a lieutenant could take you down. Besides, you've been cleaning Rukon all week long without stopping, even reaching the last district. You're definitely not at 100% for this fight... that's why—” With a confident smile, Kuruyashiki continued as he drew his Zanpakuto. “As your lieutenant, I, KURUYASHIKI of Sōya, will fight, and this time, I won’t underestimate my enemy!” As he finished his words, Kuruyashiki stabbed his blade into the ground, focusing his Reiryoku and increasing his Reiatsu. Azashiro slightly widened his eyes, for he knew what that pose meant!

The unknown figure in front of Kuruyashiki only smiled as he felt the power level of his new opponent rising, grinning before saying:

“HAHAHAHA YES! I KNEW IT! EVEN FROM FAR AWAY, I COULD SENSE YOU! FIGHT ME! GIVE IT YOUR ALL! I WANT TO FEEL MY BLOOD BOIL MORE THAN EVER!” With an unparalleled bloodlust, the young man released more than double the Reiatsu from before, as if in a single moment, his power had doubled! “PREPARE YOURSELF, KURUYASHIKI OF SŌYA!”

“Hahaha, well, since you know my name, wouldn't you like to introduce yourself, boy?” Kuruyashiki asked humorously.

The young man in front of him smiled before responding—

“My name… it is—

ZARAKI!”

---

**POV Zaraki**

Zaraki had wanted this for a long time. He’d been hearing rumors about the so-called “division of super-soldiers” of the Seireitei, and that they had the two strongest Shinigamis of this generation as leaders. He made a point to travel back to his home just to find them!

And he couldn’t have made a better decision!

The short captain with a frail appearance might seem weak, but since *that woman*, he hadn’t seen anyone else withstand one of his killing-intent attacks! On top of that, he could feel the latent power hidden inside that man's blade.

The big guy was also very good. He had raw power that rivaled his own. Zaraki couldn't be happier, so excited that he felt his power EXPLODING within him!

This was what he lived for!

**POV 3rd Person**

“RAAAH!” The soldiers of the 11th Division could only watch in astonishment as the nobody of a young man leaped into the air like a demon, with a sword almost larger than himself raised above.

“Tsk, brats like you—” In a display of speed and strength, Kuruyashiki charged forward to meet his opponent in the air—

*CLANK*

“SHOULD RESPECT YOUR ELDERS!”

Thanks to intercepting Zaraki’s advance mid-air, the impact of the blow was reduced, but it still contained enough force to cause shockwaves to spread.

“Captain!” The soldiers shouted to their wounded captain, who watched the scene apathetically.

(“This is strange... in my past life, even while patrolling Rukongai and being a captain, I never encountered Zaraki, but now? It seems my arrival is already altering the timeline.”) Kenpachi didn’t even blink amidst the shockwaves and gusts caused by the clash of the two beasts.

(“KIHAHAHHA hey! Aza-chan! What do you think will happen? Will your toy of a man die? Or will your expected rival fall before his potential?”) Behind Azashiro, a woman with black hair and noble robes, similar to a courtesan’s in purple, manifested herself.

“Kuruyashiki isn’t weak; he has the potential to even defeat me if he uses his Bankai. Zaraki, on the other hand, gets stronger the longer the fight drags on. For now, I’ll just observe.” The captain murmured to his Zanpakutō spirit as he called upon a healing Kaidō for himself, restoring his Reiatsu and soon his body. It wasn’t a perfect healing, but it was enough to stop the bleeding and start regenerating.

At least he’d have some time before—

“HAHAHHAHA YOU LUCKY BRAT! YOU FORCED ME TO DO THIS!”

His companion gave in to his bloodlust.

Looking back at the “battlefield,” he could see that in just a few seconds, both Kuruyashiki and Zaraki already had several lacerations on their bodies.

It had been a while since he’d seen Kuruyashiki so excited.

(“Maybe it’s okay to leave this to him for now.”) The prodigy captain thought as he deactivated his Shikai and returned to his Bankai, using its power to slowly restore his body. (“Besides... this Zaraki isn’t as strong as he’ll be in 200 years...”)

**POV Zaraki**

(“It’s been a long time since I’ve felt so thrilled!”)

At that moment, a quick and powerful strike echoed—

*CLANK*

Sizing him up, Kuruyashiki’s opponent attacked with the intent to cut him down, and though the blade was deflected, the resulting impact was like an explosion. It was a fierce and intense attack that couldn’t be described any other way.

The repelled blow also resulted in a bombardment, producing a boom that seemed impossible for the clash of steel on steel, causing the atmosphere itself to scream in agony.

“FUHAHAHAAH!” The one who delivered the first blow, whose limbs trembled with the propagated impact, welcomed the situation with pleasure. Zaraki laughed, relishing the brutality and the fight.

With immense joy, he directed his complete delight toward the one who stood his ground and repelled him with equal force. Though there was a mix of surprise, frustration, and anger, it was all just a variant of the desire to fight...

(“Yes, where else could there be so much happiness? Where else do I belong but the battlefield? It’s wonderful to have something that doesn’t break easily, even if it hurts me.”)

This man’s strength exceeded human limits. It was just a matter of having his target and an object in his hand and striking with all his might—something simple but in his hands, his speed and power took on a demonic nature.

In Zaraki’s mind, one thing was certain. No weapon could resist him.

(“I’m tired of seriously fighting ants.”) The man’s joyful thoughts wandered. (“Maybe... this old blade will finally break?”)

In front of him, his opponent, who bore lacerations across his body, seemed to analyze him while retreating in the air.

“Boy... be careful with your blade... it’s your greatest companion... breaking it now will end our fun.” The hairy man in front of him spoke with a strange aura of wisdom.

(“Annoying.”) Zaraki growled in frustration before smiling again.

“Nah! HAHAHA IF THIS BLADE BREAKS, THEN WE’LL FIGHT WITH FISTS!...”

『"The essence of a sharp sword lies in its bond with its owner."  』

It is generally considered that a strong sword belongs to the most careful owner, but for this man, a sword is merely an object to kill with. Without that purpose, in his mind, a sword is dull and worthless. Since it is only a tool meant to kill, there is no need to attach sentimental value to a weapon.

**3rd PERSON POV.**

And once again, both clashed—

The blade was aimed at cutting the arm that the shinigami wielded his sword with, but—

**BOOM**

With an explosive impact, he bent his sword into an inverted position, blocking the attack in a way that only a professional swordsman could have such reflexes and fencing strength.

“GAH!” And with a direct kick to Zaraki's stomach, he was sent flying, crashing to the ground with a bang.

"Boy, don't get distracted."

“Grrrr. AAAAAAA...!” Growling in frustration and euphoria, once again, the young swordsman's reiatsu seemed to triple.

This made the Shinigami narrow his eyes.

(“Exponential evolution? How interesting... He gets stronger as the fight goes on... Where have you been hiding all this time, boy?.. Such potential... Such will... Such strength... If you had arrived just five years earlier... Back then... I might have given you the mantle of Kenpachi.”) Kuruyashiki thought to himself as, with extreme agility, he used shunpo to dodge a wave of condensed reiryoku in a golden energy blade launched by his enemy. (“But now it's too late... As Kenpachi Kurashiki, I would have given you the mantle... but as Kuruyashiki of Soya... I must stop you here and now for injuring my captain... It is frustrating to have to eliminate such potential before it evolves... Farewell, young Zaraki.”)

“GRAAAAAAH!” With a wide smile on his face, ZARAKI advanced in a wave of attacks like a wind of death, and if even one strike hit, Kuruyashiki's head would undoubtedly fly off instantly. The slashes spread in all directions, preventing Kuruyashiki from getting close to his target.

With the corners of his mouth raised, teeth exposed, and a ferocious grin on his face, Zaraki spoke, his voice no longer sounding like anything other than the growl of a hungry beast.

“FIGHTING YOU—IS SO MUCH FUN HAHAHAHA!” Although only one of them voiced it, this thought was present in the minds of both savage warriors. Rivals facing each other with a hunger for victory.

An animal was the best way to illustrate the current Zaraki, who wielded his worn-out blade as if it were part of his body, his claws. Even though he saw nothing special in it. He was cruel enough to understand that there was no point in personifying weapons with confused feelings like friends, lovers, or siblings.

("It's madness to depend on something other than yourself, whether in life-or-death situations or in any aspect of existence. Besides yourself, what else is there to believe in, except that you're the only one in the world?") These were the core of Zaraki; he neither depended on nor wanted to depend on anything beyond his own strength. A bloodthirsty beast.

This is common sense in this era and this world. Everyone follows only their own image, believing they are gods and absolutes. Respect for others, friendship, love, and everything else is just a way to embellish the glorious "self." After all, from the poorest resident of Rukongai to the highest noble of Seireitei, everyone's goal was to be at the TOP.

That is why, despite everything, Kuruyashiki could not disagree with the young man—

"Oh, I completely agree. I, too, was underestimating you, boy... but now... I won’t do it anymore. Get ready to feel my power... 『Devour, Gagaku Kairō』."  

While moving away from the rain of slashes that shredded the space in front of him, Kuruyashiki stabbed his blade into the ground and unleashed the first form of his Zanpakutou, summoning his familiars.

You see, Kuruyashiki’s Shikai is a living entity, much like Unohana Retsu's Zanpakutou, "Minazuki."  

Gagaku Kairō summoned white monsters shaped like spheres, the size of a bear. They had no eyes, nose, ears, or limbs—only a mouth filled with large fangs. There were 13 of them floating around Kuruyashiki.

Upon seeing his opponent's reiatsu increase and witnessing such monstrosities, instead of fear, Zaraki grinned with joy.

(“This... is the power of a Shinigami?... the power... of a Zanpakutou?”).  

Kuruyashiki raised his sword toward his opponent.

“As I said before, boy, it’s been fun... but I can’t let this game go on any longer... 『Devour... Gagaku Kairō』.”  

As ordered, in extreme speed, the 13 heads attacked!

The first one aimed directly at Zaraki's head, but—

**CLANK**

Its jaws were repelled by Zaraki’s Zanpakutou.

“More... more... more... SHOW ME MORE!” Zaraki smiled as he dodged and parried each attack from the giant jaws with ferocity and strength. He didn’t just use his sword—his fists, feet, and teeth—he fought like a beast!

As he stabbed one sphere, he leaped over another trying to tear off his legs, and in mid-air, he punched one squarely and slashed another behind him.

Even cornered, young Zaraki seemed to be adapting more and more to each of them that took turns attacking him. Until... Kuruyashiki's whisper echoed through the devastated battlefield—

“Rend them all... Gagaku...”

As if understanding its master's orders, Gagaku Kairou’s spheres withdrew from Zaraki, creating an opening. In his bloodlust and frenzy, he didn’t let the chance slip, vanishing instantly, and with a swift step, appeared with his blade raised above Kuruyashiki—but—

**CHRUNCH**

**CRACK**

**SLASH**

In a single instant, all 13 jaws closed in around Zaraki, biting down on him, their fangs sinking into his flesh deep enough to pierce him from side to side.

“C-Cou-BLEH!” Young Zaraki could only vomit blood as his flesh and organs were chewed by the jaws of Gagaku Kairō.

The last thing Zaraki saw was the melancholic gaze of Kuruyashiki, the same look Zaraki had when his opponents died from his first strike...

Zaraki's final thoughts, strangely, were of admiration, even in the face of his possible death.

(“Such strength... take care of your Zanpakutou, huh?... Tell me... old man... could I have had more fun with you if I had the same connection with this old blade? Maybe... I could have fought better against that woman?... Could it... have been possible th—.”)  

And before he could finish his thoughts... Zaraki Kenpachi fell unconscious.

And this was the end of the battle between the Former Kenpachi and the future Kenpachi…

Far away, Azashiro watched the scene with the same melancholic eyes as Kuruyashiki.

(“...For some reason... why do I feel disappointed?... Why... do I feel so empty... watching Zaraki fall?”)

And so, the cleanup of Rukongai ended.  

With the 11th Division finally completing their mission and returning victorious... But for some reason... both the captain and lieutenant... seemed to lament the loss of something...

Chapter Text

*"SOME TIME DURING THE 5-YEAR STAY OF KENPACHI AZASHIRO"*

At the top of the Reiokyu (Palace of the Soul King), Oshou could be seen sitting, seemingly lost in thought. Solitary... or so it seemed, were it not for the listening figures behind him. Soon, Oshou began to speak, narrating a story already known by the King's guardians.

"A long time ago... in eras as distant as time itself... the world did not always have its current form. Without a boundary separating life and death; within this chaotic world... initially, there was the original guardian between Hollow and Human. Quincy, Shinigami, Fullbringer... A being that could be called the progenitor of all three... He was a Quincy, as well as a Shinigami; also a human. A symbol of hope governing the chaotic world with countless abilities like those of the Fullbringers. The three worlds were created by sacrificing a being that was both a devil and a messiah. By five individuals; whom we now know as the ancestors of the Five Great Noble Houses. The ancestor of the Tsunayashiro house was a man of power; however, he was more distrustful than anyone else."

Thus spoke the monk; in front of the repeatedly affixed seal. The rest of the Zero Division members were gathered around him; silently listening to the story.

They were not the only ones present there, before what was both a throne and an altar. Others had recently joined as soldiers. At the top of the throne were 'sealed' the remains of. The new soldiers, who had been informed that this was the Soul King, were extremely confused. 'Observing' the commotion occurring before him, the monk thought that perhaps this was a good opportunity for them to learn the secrets of the Soul Society. After discovering that the soldiers guarding the Phoenix Palace had arrived, the monk asked Ouetsu and the others to gather so everyone could delve into the past.

Oshou gazed at the horizon as a pause was made in his narration, seeming to immerse himself in his memories... until returning to the present again.

"During that time, all creation was in a state of ambiguity. There was neither life nor death; progression and regression swayed from side to side. Swinging and swaying slowly; this world, in decline and growth, waited a hundred million years to cool. Eventually, Hollows became part of the soul cycle."

The monk spoke in a practical tone, silently reminiscing about the world that existed before the birth of Hueco Mundo and the World of the Living. "But soon, Hollows began to devour humans. And then, the cycle ceased. All those souls merged to form a giant Hollow, a Menos. The world went completely silent. But you know, it's a strange thing. A new life came as if the world itself naturally rejected it, destroying it and turning it into reishi sands; thus, the circulation began once again."

"Was that the Soul King of the first era...?"

One of the new recruits whispered involuntarily but quickly closed his mouth, fearing he had said something profane. But the monk nodded and told him not to worry.

"That's right. Others, with special powers, including me, appeared, but it is fair to say that the Soul King stood out; his powers were very close to omnipotence and omniscience." The monk paused, recalling the Soul King in his time.

"As the Soul King continued to protect the world from the Hollows, annihilating them; to prevent the world from stagnating, the world itself slowly began to sink into chaos," the monk continued, scratching his beard. "However, there were those who did not find this state of affairs pleasant. There were five of them. Although not as powerful as the Soul King, they were strong. They were the original founders of the Five Great Noble Houses, including the Shiba Family," the monk told them.

At that time, each of them had different motives.

The ancestor of the Tsunayashiro feared that this great power might one day be used against them.

The ancestor of the rival clan said that a world was needed to serve as a lid to cover the 'well' that would later be known as 'Hell.'

The Kuchiki ancestor believed that a new order was necessary to further solidify the world.

The Shihoin ancestor said it was necessary to form a greater spiritual circulation to advance the stagnant world.

And the Shiba ancestor wanted to explore the path of purifying Hollows instead of destroying them, as they too had hearts.

But their widely varied motives strangely led to the same final objective: dividing the world. A world of order, a world of implementation, and also a sandy paradise where the Hollows would reside. Perhaps another form of world could have been born, but the essential goal was a clear separation between the world of the 'living' and the world of the 'dead.' To make this division a reality, the power of a man who transcended all things was necessary.

"Although the Shiba ancestor tried to dissuade the Tsunayashiro ancestor from this, it is said that the Soul King was bound and sealed within the crystal. The rest of the Soul Society's history was witnessed directly by me," the monk continued. A man who later came to be called the Soul King. Using the powers of the Almighty as the 'cornerstone,' the five created the foundation of a new world.

"Soul Society, the Human World, and Hueco Mundo." Life and death were separated. The Soul Cycle ushered in a new era. And then, one day, those who administered the Soul Society became known as 'Shinigami.'

"Perhaps it was because he could see a distant future... Perhaps he couldn't escape his fear; or maybe he found some hope in the new world... I truly don't understand. But the Soul King did not dare resist." The monk lowered his gaze and repeated his earlier words.

"But the Tsunayashiro ancestor doubted even this non-resistance. Afraid the Soul King would escape his seal on his own, he didn't want the Soul King to live, but he didn't want to kill him either. Continuing this spiral of contradictions, the right arm of 'stagnation' and the left arm of 'progress' were torn away."

The four members of the Zero Division, except the monk, wore inscrutable expressions on their faces, but remained silent. The monk then declared a cruel fact in a neutral tone, as if he were discussing the weather.

"Well, I suppose that wasn't enough. The ancestors, including Tsunayashiro, tore out his heart and internal organs, and dismembered his legs. By doing so, they destroyed his power, creating a king that was convenient for them."

Upon hearing the monk's story, Shutara Senjumaru, who had remained silent until then, spoke with a smile. But that smile was laced with traces of rebellion.

"Convenient, indeed. He continues to be the central axis, never having a word to say about the workings of this world, while the real business is carried out by others." Everyone else agreed with her words. But the monk said:

"Oh, he certainly had his own will. It may have disappeared over time, but I think he was aware of the general situation. That shows he had his own will. I could feel it. If the bone is the Ōken, then part of his soul was entrusted to this Reiōkyū." In fact, long ago, the Soul King's Right Arm and Left Arm found their way back to Reiōkyū along with their respective 'wills.' The Right Arm had been enshrined in Soul Society as a protector of this world, while the Left Arm, under Yhwach's influence as a Quincy, was made to restore this world.

As if agreeing with the monk's words, Tenjiro Kirinji raised his voice, the tone rising and falling:

"The lineage will always tell. The Shiba ancestor rebelled against the Tsunayashiro ancestor for forcibly sealing the Soul King. He tried to find a way to sacrifice himself instead of the Soul King. I had hoped that the innocent would be exempt from the other crimes."

"Ho..! That mentality certainly fits the Shiba House," the monk said.

"In a way, it was a very foolish thing for him to do. If he had failed to persuade them, then he would have had to prepare to become the cornerstone of the three worlds. It's ironic, really. The Shiba lineage was only allowed to prosper because the Tsunayashiro ancestor decided to seal the Soul King," Hikifune Kirio shrugged her broad shoulders, reflecting on the past.

"And so, the Shiba ancestor was erased from history by the Tsunayashiro House." The monk sighed, looking up at the ceiling.

As the monk's story came to an end, he noticed the pale, ashen faces of the newcomers. They were nervously glancing at each other. But Zero Division understood. The monk's words could also be interpreted in this way: This is, the history of the Shinigami is built on sins far crueler than the murders and crimes that Soul Society currently has in its two lands.

『Time Cut』

Sitting at a large table, the Monk and a young man were seated, surrounded by an abundance of delicacies. Alone, as the other members of the guard had already left with the new recruits.

The Monk sat in front of his most important guest among the new recruits.

"Why?...," questioned the guest, who even after hours had not touched the food.

The Monk, in turn, raised his eyes with a jovial smile as he responded:

"Oh? Any doubts, my young one?"

Soon, the immediate response came:

"Why reveal all of this to me? Why call me here? And most importantly... WHY shouldn't I deal with you right here and now... Ichibei Hyousube?" the voice spoke with a cold rage, the tone never changing, but the reiatsu growing exponentially with his anger.

In front of him, the Monk, Ichibei, stopped eating, his jovial smile transforming into a terrifying grin on his face, before he responded in a playful tone, though with a veiled threat.

"Well, well, young one... you shouldn't use my name so freely like that... or else..." The Monk was someone dangerous, someone who could hardly be stopped. Compared to the Head Captain, the Monk was the highest authority in the Soul Society, and there was reason to fear him.

After a few minutes of silence, the Monk manifested a large scroll in his palm.

"Look, my boy, you're a curious young man... just a few decades ago, your name and that of your Zanpakutou were written normally, after all, they were given by me... but... I wonder... Azashiro Kenpachi... why is your name in my Ichimonji... fragmented? As if you had lived through a thousand lives... young Sōya?"

Finally revealed, the young Azashiro in front of the Monk looked at him coldly.

"...," the young man remained silent, refusing to contribute to the Monk.

The Monk sighed, putting on a melancholic face, but for someone like Azashiro, accustomed to masks, he could see the clear lack of emotion beyond the Monk's amusement, who soon returned to his monologue.

"You know... I brought you here because I was curious about your answer... but if you're not going to reveal it, that's fine... you know, young Sōya... I was hoping to resolve things peacefully... but since you refused to touch the food... we'll have to do this... practically..." and as if by a silent command.

Before young Azashiro could react, all the members of Division 0 leapt upon him, each one blocking his limbs and body with a mix of brute force and kidō.

Azashiro couldn't even merge with the air, as the Creator of the Zanpakutou cut his contact with Urozakuro while removing his Zanpakutou from its sheath without him being able to stop it, pinning him to the ground with Kirio's roots.

Immobilized, Azashiro could only look incredulously at Kirio, a fellow captain who had recently become a member of Division 0, yet quickly did not hesitate to attack a comrade.

A hand was placed on his head, belonging to the Monk.

"If you won't reveal your secrets... I'm afraid we'll have to let your actions tell us... right? Azashiro Sōya?" As he felt his mind being torn along with his memories, Azashiro could only express his curses in screams.

"CURSE YOU! ICHIBEEEEEEI!"

『PRESENT DAY』

"AAAH! ugh ugh!" In his bed at the barracks, Azashiro woke up from a nightmare, startled and drenched in sweat.

His memories were scrambled, and he feared he was forgetting something.

"What... what did I dream?... a nightmare?... why can't I remember?... what… happened five years ago?"

Azashiro was confused. All he remembered was returning from the Rukongai cleanup mission, injured, and heading straight to his quarters, only taking off his captain's robes and collapsing into bed, ignoring his lieutenant. But for some reason, he felt like he had forgotten something important...

The anguished captain stared out his window, gazing at the starry night sky. He and his lieutenant had brought back the renegade Zaraki, who was now recovering at the 4th Division barracks.

Perhaps... it wouldn't be strange to go out and clear his mind. He hadn't felt this way since witnessing his sister's death…

『Outside the barracks』

A solitary Azashiro wandered through the gardens his squad controlled, which he had personally cultivated. He allowed himself to roam aimlessly, his mind lost in a fog... until he found himself sitting on the calm grass, admiring the starry sky.

"You look pitiful… Aza-chan…" A serene female voice spoke next to the captain. He closed his eyes as he felt delicate hands pull him down to lay on her lap.

Opening his eyes, he was met by someone he knew very well—his closest companion and friend.

"Urozakuro..."

Urozakuro, *his* Zanpakutou. She no longer wore the double bandages over her face, revealing a visage that was almost identical to his sister's. A face now filled with sorrow and sadness, from a source Azashiro couldn't comprehend. He had long ago left all his emotions within Urozakuro, something he now regretted, as he felt an overwhelming emptiness in his chest…

But seeing the face so similar to his sister's, with unshed tears in her eyes, he couldn't help but feel a tightness in his chest. He raised his hand to wipe away the unshed tears from Urozakuro's eyes. Despite being annoyed by her irksome personality, he could never allow his sister's face to be stained with sadness.

"Oh... Azashiro... if only I could…" Urozakuro seemed as if she wanted to reveal something, but her voice faltered and went silent, as if something was holding her back.

Azashiro simply nodded in understanding, lowering his hand to her lap, resigning himself to remain in the dark. He closed his eyes, allowing the emptiness of sleep to reclaim him as he dozed off in the lap of his eternal companion.

And finally, Azashiro had a peaceful night's sleep. Unaware of the eyes that were now watching his every move…

Chapter Text

__________________________________

A solitary Azashiro was seen walking through the gardens his squad controlled, gardens he had personally planted. He wandered aimlessly, his mind lost in a fog... until he noticed that he was sitting on the calm grass, admiring the starry sky...

“You look pitiful... Aza-chan...” a serene female voice spoke beside the captain. He closed his eyes as he felt delicate hands grabbing him and laying him down on her lap.

Opening his eyes, he came face to face with someone he knew very well, his closest companion and friend...

“Urozakuro…”

Urozakuro, HIS zanpakutou, who no longer wore the twin bandages over her face, revealing a face so much like his sister's. A face now full of sorrow and sadness, from a source Azashiro himself didn’t understand. He had long since poured all of his emotions into Urozakuro, something he now regretted, as he felt an immense void in his chest...

But looking at the face so similar to his sister’s, with unshed tears gazing at him, he couldn’t help but feel a tightness in his chest. He lifted his hand to wipe the corners of Urozakuro’s tearful eyes. Though often irritated by Urozakuro’s annoying personality, he could never allow himself to see his sister’s face stained by sadness.

“Oh... Azashiro... if only I could...” Urozakuro seemed like she wanted to reveal something, but her voice faltered and went silent, as if something prevented her.

Azashiro simply nodded in understanding as he lowered his hand back to his lap, resigning himself to remain in the dark. He closed his eyes, allowing the emptiness of sleep to claim him as he dozed off in the lap of his eternal companion.

And finally, Azashiro had a peaceful night’s sleep. Unaware of the eyes now watching his every step...

______________________________

**3RD PERSON POV**

Back in his room, Azashiro was awakened by the sun’s rays hitting his face, forcing him to sit up and rub his eyes.

‘Strange... I don’t remember coming back to my room,’ he thought as he adjusted his long hair, which was obstructing his vision.

This made him miss the lieutenant sleeping beside him on a couch in his room.

Azashiro could only look impassively at the boldness and carelessness of his lieutenant, who was snoring away on his couch as if it were his own room. Something that earned an irritated “tick” from Azashiro.

Soon followed by—

“Urozakuro!!!”

**BOOOOM.**

**OUTSIDE THE ROOM, IN THE BARRACKS HALLWAY**

Two officers passing by to inform their captain had sweat running down their faces. This was a common occurrence: the captain would fall asleep somewhere outside the barracks, and Lord Kuruyashiki would carry him back to his room, only to fall asleep in it himself, resulting in him being thrown out by his captain's bankai.

The door was violently thrown open before they could knock, and with practiced precision, the officers moved out of the way of the flying lieutenant, who crashed into the wall, shattering it into pieces.

“I TOLD YOU TO STAY OUT OF MY ROOM!” An irritated Azashiro was seen storming out of his room, his robe disheveled and his hair a mess.

The officers wisely chose not to ask where this came from.

“Ah! Aza-chan!? I bring you back safely to the barracks and this is how you thank me?” Still embedded in the hole in the wall, Kuruyashiki spoke in a playful tone. The former captain was strangely affectionate and childish in Azashiro's presence, behaving like a hyperactive puppy with his grumpy owner.

“Tsk... you're a nuisance... huh?” The captain seemed to finally notice the officers standing at his door. A silent command was issued, and trained not to question their superior, they promptly delivered the message.

“Hai! Unohana-Taichou said that the man you brought in yesterday is stable now, and it looks like he could wake up at any moment!”

Upon hearing this, Azashiro merely nodded before, with a wave of his hand, his hair and clothes seemed to fix themselves to perfection. Without another word, he used Shunpo, most likely heading toward the 4th Division Barracks.

With him finally gone, Kuruyashiki crawled out of the hole in the wall, massaging his jaw with a smile.

“Ne... I think Aza-chan almost broke my jaw,” the lieutenant murmured with a grin as he dusted himself off from the debris.

Before the lieutenant could use Shunpo to leave as well, he was stopped by one of the officers, who had a look of curiosity. They seemed to be holding back, but one finally decided to speak:

“Sir Kuruyashiki... if you don’t mind, we’re curious... why do you treat Lord Azashiro so... ‘informally’... even though he always seems displeased by it?”

This question wasn’t just on the minds of the two officers, but many, even among the captains. They didn’t understand how this relationship worked.

Kuruyashiki, on the other hand? He smiled as he looked in the direction Azashiro had gone.

“Azashiro is... lonely. He likes to act as if he’s invincible and untouchable, apathetic toward everyone... but he’s the loneliest of them all... as if there’s an invisible wall between him and others. He looks at people as if they’re characters in a story he’s heard his whole life. That’s why I act this way... if Azashiro finds it so hard to connect with people... I want to be that connection for him... when he loses himself in his humanity, I’ll be the one to pull that puppet back... after all... being the Kenpachi (strongest)...

It’s a lonely thing...”

____

**KURUYASHIKI'S POV**

Kuruyashiki remembered the previous night, when he sensed a disturbance in Azashiro’s reiatsu. He went to check on what had agitated his always-calm captain, only to be surprised to find him lying on the lap of an unknown woman. Despite everything, they didn’t seem to be lovers. He sensed a familiar aura around that woman... but let it go and just observed from a distance.

After his captain fell asleep, he approached to carry him, and that was when the woman left him a message.

“Please... Kuruyashiki-san... take care of Azashiro... my little Sōya... he doesn’t deserve to lose so much... he always casts aside his humanity... I fear the day he discards his life so he can live without pain...”

And with those words alone, the woman disappeared from sight, as if she had never existed... Those words echoed in his head all night.

Azashiro...

As he carried his captain, he wondered if Azashiro had always been so light. Did he eat properly? When had he last seen him eat? He was also very pale, deathly pale...

He couldn’t help but worry about Azashiro... he was... just a lonely boy... and it was his duty to look after him... after all... what kind of ‘property’ would he be if he didn’t house his owner?

**END POV**

______

**4TH DIVISION BARRACKS**

**3trd POV**

In one of the rooms in the 4th Division, Zaraki was lying in one of the beds, still asleep and recovering from the battle... until—

**TAP**

Hm?...

**TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP**

“ENOUGH!” He sat up abruptly, irritated, raising his hand to punch whoever was tapping him.

“Huh?”

Only to hesitate when he saw a little girl with pink hair sitting in his lap, dressed in rags like him but looking clean and pure.

“Where did you come from?” he murmured as he grabbed the small girl by the collar and lifted her up to his eye level.

“Haha Ahh ah ahh!” She laughed in amusement and poked Zaraki’s nose. She didn’t seem to be afraid of the scarred giant before her.

“Heh heh heh, brave, huh?... what’s your name, brat?” he asked as he released the girl, who immediately climbed him like a monkey, proudly laughing and clapping her hands.

“Tsk... you probably don’t even know your name, do you?... fine, then... I’ll give you one... just like I gave myself mine... your name will be...” He grabbed the girl again (who now had one of her fingers in her mouth and was drooling) and held her in front of his face.

His face scrunched up in a rare moment of contemplation... until—

“Yachiru... that will be your name... in honor of the only woman I can give my respect to...”

Upon hearing her new name, the child clapped her hands excitedly, as if she understood the importance of it.

“Since you’re handing out names, I’d like to introduce myself!” A calm voice was heard in the room, startling both occupants. Zaraki instinctively, without realizing it, pulled the girl behind him and moved his hand toward his blade.

“If you’re reaching for your Zanpakutou, it’s been confiscated by me. It’s safe in my barracks—”

“Who are you?” Zaraki interrupted before he could finish.

Azashiro frowned in irritation before sitting down in a nearby chair and looking at him.

“My name is Azashiro Kenpachi... pleasure to meet you, Zaraki.”

"...Huh?... HAHAHA! You're the strong guy who withstood my attack, right?" Zaraki, who had been tense just moments earlier, now seemed excited and ready to jump at him.

"Yes."

"FIGHT M-"

"No."

Zaraki's shout was cut short. Before he could finish his demand, he froze, frowning as he stared at the unflinching Captain in front of him.

"Why?"

Despite being a brute almost 2 meters tall, Zaraki's face strangely resembled that of a child whose favorite toy had been denied.

"You will actually be imprisoned and perhaps even sentenced to death for attacking a Gotei 13 captain," the man, Azashiro, stated, still maintaining a calm expression.

However, instead of retreating or feeling fear, Zaraki’s grin widened at the prospect of fighting the man before him. Even the child on his back seemed excited.

"Unless... you agree to join my division."

Upon hearing the man’s offer, Zaraki frowned. The idea of being bound to obey authority didn’t sit well with the young demon, but before he could refuse, Azashiro smiled subtly as he revealed his trump card.

"And! If you accept, you can fight me and Kuruyashiki, the man who defeated you, whenever you want, as long as it doesn't interrupt our work shifts and missions... And who knows... You might even find stronger enemies by our side... So, what do you say, Zaraki?"

After a few moments of deep thought, Zaraki broke into a wide grin as he gave his answer.

"HAHAHA, I ACCEPT!"

And thus, Zaraki officially joined the 11th Division, something that Central 46 and Captain-Commander Yamamoto would come to regret, thanks to the massive wave of paperwork for property destruction and disturbances of the peace that this demon would cause.

"Oh, and Zaraki! Sign these papers here with your name and these with the name of your little protégée!"

"Huh?"

_______

『Later』

A shocked Kuruyashiki, torn between laughter and panic, looked at the papers on his desk and then back at his calm Captain, who was sipping his tea leisurely.

"Y-you... really had him sign papers changing his name to 'Zaraki of Sōya' and 'Yachiru of Sōya'?"

In response to the question, Azashiro merely continued sipping his tea, savoring it, before slowly placing it down on the table and simply replying—

"Yes."

...

.....

"And you... adopted him... as your son... and the girl he just found... as your granddaughter?... And me as the second father?"

Once again, for the question that the lieutenant, torn between crying and laughing, asked, the captain calmly sipped his tea and simply answered—

"Yes..."

...

...

"Azashiro... I give up on understanding you."

"I'm an old man, Lieutenant Kuruyashiki. I need grandson's ..."

Chapter Text

---

Kuruyashiki with a stunned expression, torn between laughter and panic, looked at the papers on his desk and then back at his impassive captain, who was calmly drinking his tea.

“Y-you… really had him sign papers changing his name to ‘Zaraki de Sōya’ and ‘Yachiru de Sōya’?”

In response to the question, Azashiro simply sipped his tea, slowly lowering the cup on the desk and giving a simple reply:

“Yes.”

…

…..

“And you… adopted him… as your son… and the girl he just found… as your granddaughter? …And me as the second father?”

Again, the lieutenant, caught between tears and laughter, asked his question. The captain calmly drank his tea and simply replied:

“Yes…”

….

“Azashiro… I give up on understanding you.”

“I’m an old man, Lieutenant Kuruyashiki. I need grandchildren…”

---

[Somewhere in Hueco Mundo]

The Shinigami weren’t the only ones to witness the battle of the seventh Kenpachi. Even though the concept of a "surveillance camera" didn’t exist in the Human World at the time, there were bug-type Hollows that had this kind of ability.

And a certain humanoid Hollow, who had these small Hollows under his control, used them to watch everything. He was a Vasto Lorde, and was behind the Hollow attack on the Soul Society from a few years ago, which had been happening more and more frequently.

He had planned to dissect Kuruyashiki’s corpse at that time, but his plans were interrupted by that kid’s new development. However, he didn’t care about that development. He would rewind the spirit bug recordings to analyze what he could from this new experiment.

The man let out an insane laugh.

He then turned his eyes to the white spider-type Hollow.

“Feel honored, I had planned to kill you, but these events have inspired me to try a new experiment, so I’ll let you continue being my toy.”

The spider lowered its head, feeling slightly pleased. It expressed its gratitude to the Vasto Lorde, who would eventually become an Arrancar and an Espada, thanks to Aizen Sousuke.

“Thank you very much... Szayel Aporro-sama.”

---

**[A few days after Zaraki’s admission]**

---

**[Training Field in Rukon]**

The wind cut through the open field, kicking up dust as a young Zaraki, towering in size and strength, faced Azashiro Kenpachi across the field. Zaraki’s eyes gleamed with raw excitement, his insane smile widening as the scent of a good fight began to fill the air. He made no effort to hide the bloodlust in his spiritual energy that exploded around him.

Azashiro, on the other hand, remained still, with a serene and cold expression, his hands lightly crossed in front of his body. The contrast between the two was striking: uncontrollable chaos against calculated calm.

“I never thought I’d get a chance like this so soon.” Zaraki said, his voice rough and heavy with anticipation. “You, the current Kenpachi, right? I’ve heard of you from back in the day, but no matter how strong they say you are, I’m going to tear you apart with this sword!” He raised his Zanpakutō, the worn blade enormous in his hands, clearly eager to start the confrontation.

Azashiro showed no reaction to his adopted pupil’s proclamations. “Raw strength, without direction... without control,” he muttered, almost to himself. His analytical eyes watched every movement of Zaraki. “You have power, more than I do... but you don’t know how to use it. That just makes you an animal with a sword.”

These murmurs from the Kenpachi drew a deep laugh from Zaraki, who surged forward with brutal speed, his sword cutting through the air with the intent to crush his opponent in a single strike. Azashiro, however, disappeared from his view before the blade could reach him, leaving only a light breeze in his place.

“Tsk!” Zaraki growled, spinning around quickly. “Running away, huh?”

“Run away? I’ve never needed to flee.” Azashiro’s voice came from all directions, echoing as though the training field itself were speaking. He had already activated his Bankai, merging with the environment, watching the field as an invisible and omnipresent entity. “Fighting isn’t about blind force, Zaraki. It’s about control. About turning the battlefield into your weapon.”

Zaraki laughed louder. “Blah, blah... talk, talk. Show yourself already!” and suddenly, with an extreme burst of energy, he turned to one side and swung a massive blow at a nearby tree, splitting it in half in an explosion of splinters. “I don’t need strategies. When I find you, you’ll regret not running." Suddenly, a wave of spiritual pressure collided with Zaraki. Azashiro, who had fully integrated with the environment, attacked invisibly, creating air blades that appeared from all sides. Each strike cut Zaraki’s skin, but not with enough force to take him down in one hit.

“Can’t you see, Zaraki?” Azashiro said, his voice now distant, but full of an almost irritating calm. “I am the field. I am every particle of air around you. There isn’t a single point you can strike me. Every step you take is a movement I’ve already predicted.”

Zaraki growled, feeling blood trickle from small cuts on his arms and chest. However, instead of retreating, his smile only grew wider. He loved this. The pain, the invisible strikes, the fact that he was being truly tested. “You talk too much... but that’s not going to work.”

Suddenly, Zaraki planted his sword into the ground, raising his hands as if inviting more strikes. “Go ahead! Keep hitting me until you get tired! And when you’ve shown me everything you’ve got, I’ll crush you with my hands!”

Azashiro stood silent for a moment, observing Zaraki’s insanity. He could see what made him different from the others: Zaraki didn’t care about pain, strategy, or disadvantages. He wanted to be pushed to his limits, and the more he bled, the fiercer he became.

“You’re a beast…” Azashiro said, almost admiringly. “But a beast can still be slain.” He reprimanded him, almost like a father would speak to a spoiled child.

Zaraki raised his face and suddenly slammed his feet into the ground with incredible force, cracking the earth. His smile grew even wider when a violent wave of spiritual pressure exploded from his body, distorting the air around him. It was pure raw power, unfocused, but enough to break Azashiro’s subtle defenses.

“You may be the battlefield, but if I destroy everything, you won’t have anywhere to hide, right? AZASHIRO!!!”

The earth beneath Zaraki’s feet began to shake, and cracks spread everywhere. Azashiro, still watching from within the environment, realized that Zaraki’s strength wasn’t something he could simply contain. “Impressive... but if you destroy the field, you’ll destroy yourself too.”

“Then let’s see who’s left in the end!” Zaraki roared, taking another step forward, forcing Azashiro to consider his next move more seriously.

---

**At a distance from the battlefield, a few captains observed the exchange between master and pupil.**

These included Kyouraku Shunsui, Kuruyashiki de Sōya, Unohana Retsu, and the newest addition to the family, Yachiru, who was clinging to her “Grandfather’s” back.

The latter had a slightly excited expression as she watched the battle. Kuruyashiki scratched his neck while watching.  

“You know, Aza-chan seems strangely excited, more than I’ve ever seen in the 5 years I’ve been with him.” the former Kenpachi commented, watching the wild fight.

“Hahaha, well, what can we do? He seems to have found something to focus on. I must say I don’t envy him, this kid, ‘Zaraki,’ seems like more trouble than he’s worth.” Kyouraku commented with a tense smile, watching the battlefield being devastated by both fighters’ attacks.

“Ara~ The young ZARAKI seems to have grown a lot since the last visit… interesting.” Unohana’s words sent a chill down the spines of the men beside her.

(“What a scary woman,”) they thought.

“GO KENNY! GO GO!” On his shoulders, little Yachiru shouted with all her tiny lungs, adoring her adoptive father, she was an extreme fangirl.

But, it still softened the 3 members of the family, she was daddy and grandpa’s little girl. Even the division’s rough subordinates didn’t dare complain about the little one, fearing the family’s overprotective backlash.

____

**[BACK TO THE FIELD]**

“Ah ah ah… hehehe DAMN IT!” Zaraki panted while smiling, he was excited, damn it!

The field was filled with the smell of burning. The Souren Soukatsui spells hadn’t hit Zaraki.

Azashiro, who had reformed himself, turned to Zaraki:

“Let’s see... how far your resistance goes... young man.”

Floating above Zaraki, Azashiro focused and created a yellow lightning orb above his palm and then began chanting:

“Scattered across the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become calm. The sound of  the flames! Come, might of the Forbidden!”

BOOOOM!!!

An explosion follows!

Something that could normally kill regular Shinigami or seriously injure Lieutenants, but not Zaraki.

("He didn’t die... he's too stubborn and strong for this... but I still need him STRONG, if my memories of that time are correct, he grows exponentially in power during combat, so come on, prove me right, Zaraki Kenpachi!") And just as expected, the thick cloud of dust was torn apart by Zaraki's sword strike. He was burned from the attack, but still wore a satisfied smile. And everyone could feel it—his power had increased once again!

"Tch… you old… BASTARD! HAHAHAHA!" With a burst faster than Azashiro could dematerialize, Zaraki collided with him in midair, creating a shockwave that shook the surroundings.

However, Azashiro had already anticipated something like this!

"Bakudō 81: Danku."

A translucent barrier received the impact of Zaraki's surprise attack, but soon a web-like pattern began to form within it. It cracked

And as quickly as this Bakudō fell, Azashiro had already set up another trap while slowly descending to the ground.

"Bakudō 4: Hainawa."

A Reishi rope wrapped around Zaraki, binding his movements. The Reishi cord slithered around his arms and body, immobilizing him and pulling him towards the ground.

"DAMN IIIIT!"

BOOM!

Zaraki fell with force into a crater in the ground, driven down by his own weight and previous momentum.

"Enough, this fight is over. I don't wish to kill you, Zaraki, I wish to train you! Now learn your first lesson: always be prepared for your opponent to have backups."

The 11th Division Captain said as he walked towards his comrades, ignoring Zaraki's cries of "LET ME GO!" and "FACE ME AGAIN!" behind him. He passed by his colleagues, grabbing a smiling Yachiru by the waist and leading her along. Ignoring Zaraki's shouts and the gazes of his comrades, he loudly expressed his thoughts.

"Zaraki is on time-out until he learns how to control his Reiatsu and break this Kidō, not to mention..." The Shinigami paused for a moment as he looked intently at his "granddaughter," before turning to face the other Captains with a furrowed brow. "I fear it’s time for Yachiru’s snack." And with no further explanation, Azashiro used Shunpo to leave, with Yachiru’s playful laughter echoing in the air and leaving three confused Captains behind.

Kuruyashiki had a stress tic as he sighed and muttered to himself.

"Great, Azashiro is now a doting Granny." Before walking off, also ignoring Zaraki's shouts. He was soon called by his friend.

"Ham?... Kuruyashiki-san, are we leaving him here?" "He" referred to the 1.90-meter worm wriggling on the ground, still tangled in the ropes—Azashiro’s "son." Kuruyashiki merely glanced at it before turning his gaze back to Kyouraku.

"He’ll be fine. In a few minutes, he’ll break those ropes and come after us. Just give him some time to remember he can use Reiatsu to break them." And with that, Kuruyashiki disappeared behind his companion. Behind Kyouraku, a cheerful Unohana poked the captain and calmly spoke.

"You forgot to tell him that Kirio-chan is calling him to help with a project in Squad 12, Kyouraku-san!"

"AH! DAMN IT, YOU’RE RIGHT! KIRIO IS GOING TO KILL ME!" With this reminder, Kyouraku used Shunpo to rush to inform his colleagues about their fellow Captain needing them.

Soon, a laughing Unohana followed, leaving an enraged and shouting Zaraki behind.

"GET ME OUT OF HERE, DAMN IT!"

____

[Meanwhile in Squad 12]

Kirio was standing, eating snacks at her desk while looking at a box full of her projects and data.

"Ah! When will Aza-chan come visit me? I hope he doesn’t take too long," the Captain of Squad 12 smiled while moving on to her next snack, unaware of a subtle change in the atmosphere around her.

"Ah! Sometimes being the Captain of the Research Division is soooo boring..."

Chapter Text

Hello! Good morning/afternoon/evening everyone❤️ I wanted to thank you for supporting my stories and this one in particular! I wanted to put this note to let you know that I will be rewriting this story, why? Because I really believe that it could be better and more solid, this story, like 99% of my stories, was made without a script, so they often seem disconnected between chapters, that's why I'm redoing it, aiming to put a more cohesive line between them! I appreciate all of your support and thank you!