A Union of Souls 2

Consider the Facts...
The overlooked most of the Seireitei. Sitting high atop the highest cliff in Soul Society, it was connected to the Senzaikyū, the palace of remorseful sin, which held the prisoners of Soul Society. A little over a decade ago, the hill was the home of the ; an immense blade that use to execute criminal Shinigami. On the edge of the immense cliff, Raian Getsueikirite and Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto stood side by side staring out over the horizon.

"What did you wish to inquire of me, Getsueikirite Raian?" Yamamoto asked in his aged yet deep voice.

"The war is nearing its second day." Raian began, "As I'm well sure you're aware. I faced Akujin briefly, so I know this for sure... no person on either side currently has enough power to defeat him."

The ancient Captain-Commander stayed silent for a moment before speaking, "You are wise to recognize this. I too have come to that conclusion. That is why I believe this united spiritual force stands the best chance. No one person may be able to, but together, we stand a chance." he explained.

"Maybe so... but in the event that the army fails..." Raian began, though he was interrupted.

"Someone who has a chance should be present?" Yamamoto finished. "That I have also considered. However, not even among you Yonkō, does anyone exist that can fight him and survive."

"It's not like you to just give up like this, Yama-jii." Raian joked to break the tension.

"Foolish whelp!" Yamamoto comically roared in retort, "As the leader of the Gotei 13, I don't have the convenience of quitting! That's why I've come up with a plan."

Raian's eyes widened at this, "What is it?"

Yamamoto sighed, "We could join together. A 'union of souls', if you will." he replied silently.

"You mean, like Fusion?" Raian asked loudly, shocked by this answer. "Does such a thing even exist?"

"Silence!" Yamamoto bellowed, shutting Raian up. "It is a technique that was forbidden nine hundred years ago by the Central 46. For Soul Society's sake, however, I am willing to break the rules this once."

"But why me, Yama-jii?" Raian asked truthfully, "There are plenty of Shinigami stronger than I am. Kamui, Seireitou, and Echo among them."

"Good god, boy! Be silent!" Yamamoto snapped. "I will unite with you because you have the strongest heart."

Raian's eyes widened yet again. The tremendous weight of the words the ancient captain levied on him was overwhelming. It was a great honor to have such things said about oneself by Yamamoto.

"Kamui is too prideful. His heart could never contend with Akujin. Seireitou has wit, he has conviction, and honor. But his heart isn't in this like yours. You were the one to defeat Akujin in the last Crisis. You had your brother torn away from you by this man of evil. Only your heart could ever defeat Akujin's hatred." the aged captain continued.

Raian bowed his head and remained silent. He was bound by a sense of modesty not to agree with Yamamoto, but in his heart, he knew it was true.

"And only you," Yamamoto concluded. "Could ever hope to lead this army. That's why tomorrow, they will vote on you to lead the new Spiritual World Army. The Espada have been swayed to join us by your courage during the last war. The Humans of MisQ] respect your love and compassion because of your time spent with them after the Central 46 exiled you following the war."

Yamamoto slammed his staff down and raised his baritone voice to denote the seriousness of his message, "And I speak for the Gotei 13 and Shinigami of Soul Society when I say, we respect you heart. The heart you showed when Mashū Getsueikirite needed you and you protected him. The heart you showed with Akujin's men took his life and so, in holy righteous fury, you avenged your comrade while protecting the numerous other comrades that were present for your battle. Your courage swayed the Hollows, your love swayed the Humans, and your heart swayed we ancient beings of Soul Society! That's why I will join with you."

Raian could no longer hold back the tears that poured now from his eyes. He had failed to recognize it. For decades, he had impacted the lives of many people. During Akujin's initial invasion, he had allied with renegade Espada to fight Akujin. During his exile in the Human world, he had helped and protected the Humans of MisQ. And even though they initially had outcast him, he had always been a fierce ally of Soul Society. Throughout his battles and his achievements, he had failed to notice how many lives he had impacted and how many people had changed because of him.

"Dry your tears, Getsueikirite Raian!" Yamamoto roared. "I will explain to you the mechanisms of what the Fusion consists of. But first, I must tell you about one thousand years ago. Long before a whelp like you was born. I must explain to you the real reason behind Akujin's actions in this war. His real plan!"