Fate Plays its Hand: Meeting of Rivals

 The sky above Fake Karakura Town shattered like glass, as a black-haired man with a blue kimono bearing the Ying and Yang symbol on its back, exited the Garganta-like variant made by Zieg Yoso. "Fake Karakura Town..." Kenji recalled the fierce battles fought here, with the likes of Aizen and Isshin, Ichigo and Gin and felt a chill run up his spine. The place was still showed the damage from those past battles, as the Soul Society had opted to leave it alone as a battleground should it ever be needed. He had only been a child during the Winter War, scared out of his wits when he watched the captains leave for battle.

And now he stood on that historic battleground, drawn as though by fate. He began wandering around the ruins, envisioning the war that had very nearly brought the Gotei 13 to their knees. "How could one man be so powerful..." He said aloud, silently thanking whatever led that Kurosaki-kid to defeat the ex-Captain. He kicked a small stone, the dust from the motion causing him to cough a little. "Great. Just great."

A man with dog-like ears appeared falling from the sky in a lifeless motion with his clothing tattered. Thinking to himself he looked around as he descended rapidly to the ground. "Heh. Looks like that experiment wasn't too successful. I suppose I shouldn't have tried for that 3rd zanpakuto. Two seems to be good enough for now. Ha! Its a good thing Atsuya was around to send me away when the chaos began to really unfold."

Turning, Kenji spun around three times before settling on a direction, which he immediately set off toward. He wasn't in Fake Karakura Town for any particular reason, except that he felt he needed to be here. Like fate itself was directing him. "Huh. Don't admit that out loud," He thought with a grin. "People will start to think I'm losing my mind..." His thoughts were interrupted by a figure falling from the sky. "Now there's something you don't see everyday." He arched his eyebrow a little and began walking.

Rotating his body in the air Van slowed his descent as he grasped onto the side of a building sliding down and onto the ground. "Hmm..Fake Karakura Town? I suppose I can always get some candy from here instead of the real thing." Stopping and looking around Van began to think aloud "Then again, would anything even be stocked? -sigh- I guess I can just look around and see if I can find anything."

"This place is deserted," Kenji thought, feeling a slight chill. He was used to the sound of Horiwari Village and how the children played in the streets amongst his feet whenever he went for a walk. He focused on the figure sliding down a nearby building and found himself grinning like a chesire cat. "Is that...? It couldn't be... Van?" Walking towards the fellow, Kenji soon found himself thinking about his last meeting with Van. "That was a fun day," The tall, dark-haired man thought with a shake of his head.

Sniffing the air Van smiled "The scent of blood, burning flesh, and what's this?....Cupcakes? That's a new one. I suppose some questions are in order. If this is who I think it is then why is he holding out and keeping all the sweets to himself?" Van looked around attempting to find the person giving off the compound scents. Looking around a bend Van found a look of surprise plastered across his face. "K-Kenji! Yo! Kenji!"

Kenji's eyebrows rose in surprise as the sight of the dog-eared man, though a smile soon broke across his face as he flashed right in front of him, catching Van in a bear hug! "Van!? It was you! It's been too long!" He released his friend and laughed. "What the hell have you gone and done to yourself? And I don't mean looks here. Your energy... Its completely different... but enough about that." The words left him in a rush, eagerness to know what his old friend had been getting up to since their last meeting evident. "So, hows the kids? Sorry I wasn't at the weeding - still owe ya a pint, by the way - I was kinda running loose in the future a little bit." He scratched his head as though it were the most natural thing in the world.

Cracking his back in response to the bear hug Van laughed. "In the future? You have to tell me about that! How did I die? Did I live longer than Shiro? Does Atsuya ever find someone? But we have all the time in the world since we're in this creepy place. But my energy is different? You're one to talk, your whole aura seems to have changed. Its like you're a whole different person entirely." Van began to pull on one of his ears "Hmm the kids? Well...they're odd and fiery as usual but with me and Anna as parents what do you expect?"

"Fair point," Kenji said with a thought for Anna. "My boy spoke about your Haruki and Yurei in his last letter, saying he found their battle pretty fun." A nostalgic look crossed his face as he shook his head. "He hates it, but he's just like me and you were. But I have no idea how you died, or even if you did die, or what happened the rest of the crew. All I know is that Kusaka was the only one not to die in battle, his injuries did him in, and Ino was killed whilst she was pregnant." Kenji watched Van's expression grow darker by the word, but a smile split Kenji's face for a brief second. "I killed the bastard responsible." His fists tightened and a flash of anger crossed his face. "But I do know one thing; Averian's piss scared of both of us. And I don't mean your average scared. I mean completely terrified of the ground we walk on. Apparently, the kicking we gave him the first time we met him was a little long lasting." he barked a laugh at that and tapped his friend on the shoulder. "Well, that's how I became stronger. Lost my hollow powers, though..."

"Averian? I haven't seen him in a fair bit of time. Heh. I feel as though he should be showing himself sometime soon in order to get some revenge.' Van started laghing as he pointed to a table where the thwo could sit and chat. Sitting down with Kenji, Van continued on "Back to the future (no pun intended)..Hm...I'm thinking that something dreary must have happened to me and my group in order for us not to have been there assisting you guys in any way that we could." A smirk suddenly appeared across Van's face "I don't think I would even believe it if I saw with my own eyes Kusaka's death. That's one smarmy guy. I bet he could find a way to beat the death in the face in order to get another chance at the world. But yea you're right the kids at a fun go at it. Haruki has even increased his training to get stronger. I'm so proud. But at the same time it made me realize I have to get off my hind limbs and become active once more."

Kenji collapsed into a make-shift chair of stone and sighed with relieve at having a place to park his bones. "Whatever happened you all, I went through Averian like a shortcut." Reaching over, Kenji tapped Van's zanpakutō with his own and used that link to show him everything that transpired through the use of resonance. "More active, though?" A playfulness entered his tone. "Wanna try your hand at running an organization about half the size of the Gotei 13? Believe me, you'd think its easy; but you'd be wrong." He said with a cheery smile. "But Kusaka's alive and kicking - I made it in time to save him. What I don't get, though, is that some things played out differently. For one, Ino was saved by Kusaka and didn't die, meaning Kentaro lived as well. But I'm not gonna strain my brain thinking about that." He leaned back on the stone and ended up on his back looking up at the sky. "Kentaro can focus on nothing else but beating the living tar outta me, and his friends are a little to eager in facing me head-on in training sessions. The kid may not see it, but he's a natural avenger. Don't have a notion where he got it from. Oh yeah, I've got an older brother and two other siblings I never knew about until a few weeks ago."

"Oh? That was all that occurred hm?. It seems to me that only thing that allowed for things to be taken that far was everyone concerned on where you could've vanished to. That greatly lowered the morale of everyone but, its to be expected when you have the charisma that you do." Van smiled as he spoke to his friend. "But running an organization? The Ryu Order you mean?..Nah. I'm no good at things like that, however, Anna could assist...just kidding. She's much too wrapped up in the training of the twins. I swear that women is gonna cause them to be stronger than everyone in town based on that training instead of their own experiences. But I can't complain, I had to stand back and watch as they and their friends got their tails handed to them by this Inshu fella. In fact they all plan on going to the Soul Society to get revenge. I would go but I think I'm gonna have this shinigami that I have been training in secret go with them in my place to make sure nothing happens and because he needs more hand's n experience. But hm...and older brother? Is he anything like you?" Van began looking into the sky as if he were imagining what he would look like.

"What can I say? I'm a popular guy," Kenji said with a fool grin. "My bro's... difficult. He hates the way I still call myself an Hiroshi and not Shiba. Bah, he doesn't seem to complain much when he kicks me up and down the street. Yup, he's stronger than me." A level of annoyance at that entered his tone. "But I'll return the favor soon. But you've got yourself a secret trainee? Tut, tut. What would Anna say... I'm kidding. She's scary enough without that to add to it," He grinned, remembering their last encounter. "But kids surpass their folks... Its just the way that this damn world seems to turn." He rose and cracked his neck and knuckles. "I'm gonna get stiff with all this sitting down. Must be getting old," He took a slow look around the deserted area that had once been filled with Shinigami and Vizard fighting Aizen - now abandoned. "You know, this place is perfect." The wall behind him was reduced to rubble as he exerted spiritual energy, an anticipating look filling his eyes. "When we fight, we're always interrupted or can't really let loose because of one thing or another. Time to break that trend," His hands hung loosely at his waist and a fierce wind was beginning to blow. "Besides, I wanna see if those new swords of yours are for show, or if they're what I think they are."

Tapping at the two blades at his side Van smiled. "I'm sorry I would act more interested in the rest of the words you just said but you ended on a note about a battle. And you just have my blood pumping. I don't know if its healthy but whenever I'm around you I just feel like fighting for some reason. Eh...you're right though. That whole interrupting thing gets really old. But here....in this deserted area, we can cut loose. And Kenji..." Van let some of his spiritual energy go free causing the ground around him too begin to crumble and vanish "I have more than just a few new tricks to show you."

A static discharge followed Kenji's deepened grin and his hands tightened into fists as he leapt into the sky; Van following suit. "To hell with being healthy! Ino's trying to force that healthy crap down my throat at every turn - tells me to slow down. That I try too hard." He imitated her annoying tone and shook his head. "When I get home, I'll be lucky If my limbs are intact if our last clash was anything to go on. So will you," He began the proceedings there and then, dropping into an offensive stance with his right leg forward as he closed the distance, aiming an upward palm thrust for Van's chin!

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Van smiled sheepishly as he leaned back from Kenji's thrust "Whoa oh oh. When did you become so aggressive? You have to learn to relax my friend. Then again it IS us. Since when have we ever done things the normal way?" Van then began a crystal sword in his hand before taking a rapid swing at Kenji's chest.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Flowing to the right and turning, Kenji's back-handed strike diverted Van's wrist and the crystal blade aimed for his chest. His left foot came forward, while his right found solid spiritual energy beneath it and propelled him past Van towards his back. "Sorry." He actually sounded apologetic. "I've been training with Meian - my brother - and the guys a natural. Beats me and Kusaka in swordsmanship at the same time," Spinning round to face his rival, Kenji gathered an electrical current around his hand before striking the air, releasing that current towards Van! "I wonder If he can still pull the old tricks?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Oh that brother of yours...is he truly that much more stronger than you? Seems to me like I need to give him a call to train my little apprentice as well." Smiling as he threw a shard of crystal into the electrical current Van laughed "Did you forget those tricks don't work? Not to mention I learned a few new ones?" Van's eyes narrowed as he opened his hand toward where the shard collided with the lightning causing the crystal to grow into a mutated mouth shape and begin to surround the current. Then closing his hands tightly, the mouth swallowed the current in its entirety before flying back to Van and reconstructing itself into an electrified spear. "Hm. Now then are you gonna get serious? Heh."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Not once did Kenji's face show surprise. "Meian's powerful. So much so that he beats aside anyone in the Ryu Order. But its good to see the core of your abilities are the same," Standing straight and sighing casually, the black-haired man made a waving gesture with a comical look covering his face before his expression became serious. "You want me to get serious, eh? Not yet, old friend." He slapped his thighs and barked a laugh. "The old bones don't warm up as quickly as they used to, I'm afraid. Too much time in the Dangai, I guess." He did vanish from sight, though, appearing in the heavens above Karakura Town; moving with the speed of a much younger man. "Throw out a convoy for the damned, let them disintegrate before you as they are abolished in the unholy flames. Hadō 54: Haien!" A blast of purple spiritual energy collided with the tip of the electrified spear, reducing the crystal to ash in a plume of smoke. "Can't have you using my own lightning against me," He said with a playful grin.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Looks like Meian is theright one for the job then. Seems to me as if he would be the right one to set my student on the right path, heck he may be able to even deal with that pesky zanpakuto of his." Van smiled as he rubbed his shoulders. "But Kenji...." Van eyes narrowed once more. "That electrified spear isn't everything that I can do." Van began pointing his fingers toward his old friend "Mekura." A rift opened behind Kenji as a copy of Van's hand slid through while firing a massive silver beam from its tip. "Oi! Kenji! Why don't you show me some of your new tricks?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Kenji turned swiftly, instinct guiding his hand as a silver-colored light shown over his shoulder to alert him to the danger. Lightning crackled and flowed forward as he threw a javelin-shaped projectile that began to spin like a drill in the air, allowing it to cut right through the blast and part it to either side of the black-haired Shinigami. Turning again, Kenji wore a slight grin as he breathed out. "Amatsusashijou, that's called. I made that to honor Aoi Inazuma." He reached towards his back and drew a single sword with a cruelly hooked tip that he stared at longingly. "Sadly, Aoi Inazuma ain't around anymore, so everything I throw at you will be new, Van." He suddenly vanished, the crescent-shaped guard of his zanpakutō aimed for Van's back as Kenji performed a single, powerful punch from his new location! "There's more where that came from!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"SO you got a new zanpakuto huh? That's a shame. I wanted to see what she would like in her manifested form if I ever got the chance." Van smiled as the fist collided with his face causing him to soar into the ground before shattering into pieces of crystal. Van appeared behind Kenji sitting on a lamp post "Whew! That would've been bad if I didn't switch out from the start. Hm. Looks like things are gonna get more dangerous the longer this progresses. You just became a titan in the time we were apart didn't you?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Turning, Kenji flashed a two-finger salute and took a few steps away for extra distance before speaking. "She was beautiful, with long hair and a kind heart. The best partner a guy could ask for," He looked at his new zanpakutō and sighed. "My new one - Sanmiittai - is wise, sarcastic, strong as an ox and a guy, unfortunately. But I needed to get stronger, regardless of price. The Order looks to me as a leader - they call me Head-Captain. But the title I like the most has got to be The Archon of Storms." Kenji's grin was wide as he drew a circle with his sealed zanpakutō, a lightning aura coming from his body to give the area an extra amount of light. "But its time to see what we're capable of now, Van. Warm ups over!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Ah...so literally an electrifying beauty. Heh. Oh well. Too bad me and her never got the chance to meet." Van cracked his neck as he looked around the area taking in a deep breath. "If you want this to get serious then I'm afraid you may be in for some serious bruising. BUT....its you so I'm pretty sure you can handle anything that I throw at you." Smiling Van vanished in a rift in the air before he appeared behind Kenji throwing a large pillar made of crystal at his friend. "Time for you to take a quick nap pal!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"I had a nap earlier. I'm good for a battering. Haven't had one in a while." Everything about Kenji changed in an instant after he spoke, though. His face became darker in expression, his stance less loose and more practiced. And his eyes shown with a predatory light the black-haired man hadn't shown in a long time. Turning to his back, spiritual energy coated his palms as he drew them back and cupped them at his waist. The energy hardened as he brought them forward, smashing his now clenched fists against the crystal pillar and diverting its course! A smile showed as he appeared in a crouched position before Van, a faint discharge of lightning leaving his ankles. Slowly he raised his head as he aimed two palm trikes towards his foe; one to his chin and the other to his stomach quickly!

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Being caught off guard, Van was struck in the gut causing him to fall forward before being struck in the chin causing him to go reeling back. Falling down to ground below, Van caught himself on the side of building before looking up at Kenji. "It seems you have finally gotten serious. Looks as if playtime is over." The slits of Van's eyes narrowed as he drew out a small pendant. "I'm sorry Kenji but today I'm in a good mood so that doesn't bode well for you. Dance into the River Styx, Ryoiki!" A surge of flames began emitting from the pendant and surrounding Van. As he emerged he was seen holding a large spear with many different cards floating around him. "Let's dance pal."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Kenji stood nodding at Van's release, his expressionless face giving way to a slight grin. "That's new," He joked before reaching to draw both hook swords held on his back. He neglected Kyo's katana, because Van knew those abilities quite well. Kenji's crimson eyes shone with a brighter light before his hook swords began to slowly meld together. "I guess I can show off a little, to. Let the God's Run Free! Sanmiittai!" He brought his new weapon to his side with the sound of splashing water filling the air as Kenji wielded a trident with an aqua-marine shaft, three sharp prongs and counter weight on the bottom resting against his palm. "Dance, eh?" He asked, eyes reflecting a blue hue as his spiritual energy rose with the release of his Shikai. "I guess we'll be dancing the tides, then." Water seemingly fell from Kenji's body, landing around him in a pool. "First moves yours, pal."

The Friends Reveal their Shikai
<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"He's in for some surprises with this new zanpakuto. If he isn't careful this could get ugly." "Hahaha Ugly indeed!" Van stopped as he looked around "Er...that was supposed to be an inside thought. Anyways..let's continue." Van surged forward with his zanpakuto lunging toward Kenji with his new spear along with a flurry or cards. "Oi Kenji! I hope you don't expect much out of these tides. They could end up being used against you pal...then again you probably have something planned. Oh well!" Van grinned wide as the spear continue towards Kenji's chest.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"I see you're as crazy as ever," Kenji remarked with a wry grin as he spun his trident between the four fingers of his right hand. "Use them against me, eh? Thanks for letting that slip, Van." Water spilled from the blades with every spinning motion, creating a circular ring the height of the trident itself as Van's spear came closer. Moving his trident from its continual spin, Kenji shifted his weight to the left and used the motion to move the trident towards the spear, triple prongs clashing with Van's singular point in a flash of sparks. The circular ring of liquid then moved, spinning quickly between Kenji's body and the wall of cards as he directed a current of electricity through the liquid.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Heh?" Van quickly created a cascade of crystal mouths around Kenji's torrent. "Hm it seems we both have some new tricks. But..." Van spun his spear downward out of the trident's grasp and back into the air above him as he brought it back down with tremendous force coating the the tip of the spear in crystal as he did so. "I still have a few more new things to show you. I'm glad this brawl is in the works. Otherwise I fear I might've gotten out of shape." Van smirked as the crystal-coated blade came at Kenji from above.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Kenji switched to the Yuengiri styles more of reflex than actual thought, tension leaving his body seemingly with a single breathe and awareness becoming as clear as the crystal coating Van's lance. He could feel the currents of the wind and force behind his friends strike as though he were the one delivering it. Fluidly calm motions that appeared almost dance-like in their execution took him to the side and away from Van's lance; Kenji using the force of Van's own motion to break free of his trident providing the speed to allow it. "Sorry, but I've been practicing." He said happily, the multiple shredding strikes of Saidanodori coming from a trident that had broken down during his evasion to form a hand-and-a-half-sword that glided through the air. "While I have learned new tricks, Van," Kenji uttered as he began the motion, "The old ones have only become that much more dangerous!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Van smiled before his face gained a rarely seen serious look. "Oh? You think you're the only one with some new techniques? This spear is the anti-thesis to someone such as yourself Kenji. Prepare yourself! Ryoiki let's go! Tejina!" The air around Van's spear began to spin as it solidified around Kenji's body. "I'm sorry friend but this one is going to hurt."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">The structure closed around Kenji's location, but when his voice sounded, it sounded from a roof on the opposite side of the street. Kenji's body emerged from a shadow lining the wall, though burn marks were present on his left arm. "Your right. That did hurt, so allow me to return the favor, Van!" Lightning arced from his body and followed the movement of his hand as he drew it past his head and then forward, the bolt moving towards Van. "I say this a lot, but don't misjudge." The bolt suddenly grew well beyond the normal speed the eye could follow, directed through his vision. "Aiboruto." Kenji thought, finally directing the bolt towards his friend!

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Marveled by the dance of lightning arcs, Van was distracted so he didn't use his crystals to absorb the lightning fueled attack. With the lightning flowing from his eyes and mouth upon impact, Van emerged from a cloud of smoke with a cough. "Tch...Kenji. I see you truly have become more powerful than anything I could've hoped to prepare myself for. I can honestly say that I'm incredibly happy to have such an intense battle. It gets my blood pumping like no other!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Shrugging his shoulders in an off-hand way, Kenji simply nodded agreement. "Your telling me? This has been my life since I lumbered back from the future. Battles day in and day out, but if half were as good as this, I wouldn't feel as old as I do now." He laughed at that, glad he could still have a laugh despite how close he'd come to losing him arm to the flames during his hasty escape from Van's last attack. "But I reckon we've come to the point we're gonna seriously main one another." He held up his burned arm to further his point. "Van... I'm glad I met you all those years ago, buddy. You've always been on the same peg as myself, no matter how hard I tried, and its refreshing to know there's always someone I can get thrashed with."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Laughing as a spark of electricity shot through his body, Van suddenly stumbled foward. "Looks like you aren't the only one who had a number done upon their body. Heh...I reckon we may kill each other ifwe aren't careful, then again...we'll probably continue fighting in this life and the next if given the chance. And even if we aren't given the chance we'll still probably end fighting the one that decides whether or not we can come back or not.hahaha." Pointing his spear at his friend Van smiled. "You right, if we didn't stumble across each other who knows how things may have turned out for each of us. But no need to even think about that because we're here now and that's all that matters! Heh!. Well let's continue shall we? Gusha!" Creating three clones, Van mixed himself in as the 4 charged at Kenji assaulting him with a storm of fists.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">As the clones had formed, Kenji began the deconstruction of his hand-and-a-half-sword into that of a hawthorn staff just as the clones closed on him! He twisted around the first copy, hitting him in the base of the spine with the metal-topped butt before twisting the staff to catch the second coming in from the right across the temple! "Hope that one wasn't Van," He joked internally, but his burnt arm twinged painfully, with the two remaining clones capitalizing and raining blow after continues blow before they smacked him towards the floor at an angle! "Ooof!" His grunt was quickly masked by the sound of falling rubble and crashing stone.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Crashing through a building and kicking up a dust cloud, Kenji remained shrouded among the impact zone for several minutes before the sound of tutting sounded behind Van, Kenji stepping out of a shadow on another nearby building to regard his friend with a grin. "That one hurt," His left arm hung uselessly at his side, the only movement seen when the wind caused it to swing like a pendulum on a clock. "One thing I miss about my hollow powers," He said, "is the high-speed regeneration." Regardless of the injury, Kenji burst forward, his right hand resting in the middle of the staff that he twirled gracefully between his fingers as he brought it to bear on the twin figures standing before him!

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">The clone dissapating as it was struck, it broke intoa flame that quickly covered Kenji, allowing Van to shield himself from some damage. Holding his side as he picked himself up, Van spat up some blood. "Ugh. Whew! That was highly unpleasnt. I think you ruptured some organs there pal. No worries, I don't think its fatal. At least not for now." Tightening his grip on his spear Van wobbled to his feet. "OK. Now I think I can't hold back, I'll fight like its life or death, as I doubt even death can keep you back from this fight." Spinning the spear overhead, Van fired several shards of crystal toward Kenji. Stepping back and swinging the spearhead around him in a circle, crystal particle followed the trail created by the spear and formed into a large tiger that Van mounted as he began his charge toward his friend.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"We'll manage," A dimensional void opened beside Kenji and seconds after it formed, he was whizzed to safety by the form of a large, three-headed dog. Growling loudly and somewhat angrily, the beast welcomed Kenji onto its back where he patted it affectionately. "Let me introduce my good friend..." He paused, looking around comically as though something important were missing from this scene. "What? No drum roll!?" He sighed, doing a quick one with his good arm. "Ta da! I give you, Cerberus!" Three heads regarded Van's tiger, each head accompanied by a set of razor sharp fangs; the claws on each paw no joke either. "This, I have never seen." He admitted, somewhat excited. "You ready, old friend?" Cerberus bounded forward, its powerful limbs taking him toward Van and his mount!

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Charge!" Surging toward Kenji and his conjured creature, Van appeared to have a smirk on his face. Swinging his spear in a similar fashion to that of a pendulum he began to speak. "You know Kenji, they say when there's a tiger in the east, there is always a dragon in the north." Directing his spear, Van conjured a large dragon in the area besides his friend that came rushing in with its fangs as Van jumped up to lunge his spear into Kenji's chest.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"And yet all is below heaven," He muttered as his hand moved. With a swing of Sanmiittai, lightning flashed from the heavens as though the swing had been a call for the heaven's to flash at his command. The dragon was split in two by a speeding bolt before Kenji's own body broke down into the form of a lightning ball that allowed him to avoid Van's stabbing motion. Reforming behind his ally, Kenji's eyes met the many eyes of Cerberus and understanding passed between the two. They pounced towards their foe, man and beast united. Cerberus' paws and Sanmiittai's hawthorn staff moved towards the tiger Van rode!

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Petting the tiger, Van jumped up and watched as it was mauled by the Cerberus. "Sorry friend." Forgetting about Kenji's incoming attack, Van was struck by the staff and send flying through a building. Landing on top of a steel pillar, Van stood bloodied from head to toe. "I see. It looks like the old conventional methods aren't going to work. Very well." Resealing Ryoiki, Van put the pendant around his neck. "Kenji...this battle has brought us to new heights of power but I'm afraid, I must bring it even higher!." Tapping a sword on his side, Van began to chant "The wind flies through the trees, setting into motion the start of something fierce. The smell of decay drifts around the empty field, informing the spirits of past and present of what is yet to come. Voids around us shake as we fill them with hatred, everlasting pain accompanies us to the depths of soul." Drawing his sword, Van smirked. "Ahh. Poetry. It does great things to refresh the soul. Now then let's continue."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Surprise gave way to a chuckle, which ended with Kenji patting his left arm in pain; though he was able to flex the fingers now. "Too bad that same poetry couldn't fix my busted arm. If this doesn't heal, I'm afraid I'll have to hold a grudge, Van." He joked with a fool grin. Cerberus vanished with a wave of Kenji's staff. "Well I'll agree that our battles fierce, and the smell of decay is no doubt coming from my roasting carcass." Moving forward slowly and confidently, Kenji's Sanmiittai returned to sword form and was sheathed on his back before he drew Kyo's katana at his waist. "I have no idea what that poetry was for old friend, but knowing you, it means something that generally means something bad for me. I'll let you make your move, friend." The black-haired man dropped into a defensive posture.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Walking foward Van sheathed the sword slightly as he began to lean foward. "Bad for you? Nah. That's not really the case. Its more or less....oh who am I kidding....things are usually bad, but with this my friend. Things are going to get a whole lot scarier before they get better." Smiling, Van chuckled before uttering "Ame No Furasshu." Van draws the new sword out of its sheath even more before he fell forward using the ensuing gravitational pull to accelerate his body by kicking off the ground with his right foot and using his left to balance himself. Van suddenly flashed ahead with his blade to slice through Kenji's torso.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">A knowing smile crossed Kenji's face as he recognized the attack for what it really was. "Coming at me with the Yuengiri-styles, eh? That really isn't a good idea, pal. This may actually turn out worst for you, Van." Van's attack came close, but the confident expression Kenji bore never altered a hair. Van's blade nicked the stubble on his cheek momentarily before Kenji's body shimmered and the blade tore through the afterimage's skull. "Shōshitsu Merodī." The black-haired man stated calmly, Kenji appearing at Van's back with Kyo's katana ready to perform the pin-point piercing strikes of Saidanodori!

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Its you that this will turn out badly for." Van smiled as he turned taking the blade directly in his stomach. Smiling, Van winked at Kenji as he pointed behind him shattering into crystal pieces in the process. Charging up a Mekura, Van smiled as he released his large silver colored blast. "Sorry friend but did you really think I would use something you thought me against you in real combat? Of course not!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Lowering his head and raising his enclosed fist, Kenji uttered "Sutorobo Kagayaku" and a green blast that very much resembled a Cero shot forth, striking against Van's Mekura! The two opposing forces pushed for dominance briefly before Kenji purposefully overloaded his own, causing both to intermingle and eventually detonate in a violent display of power! Avoiding the blast by sinking into the shadows the explosion caused, the black-haired man reemerged and watched the fire and smoke carefully. "If I know Van, he'll try and attack me with clones. He always was a fan of mis-direction."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Hiding in the building he crashed in earlier, Van looked through the hole his body created. "Looks like Kenji got around it. Hmm let's send a few more at him." Van created a few more clones out of the crystal he was making and sent them at Kenji. "This should be able to deal some damage to him." Motioning his hand foward, Van sent the clones charging at the smoke allowing them to burst through to the otherside and throw their fists at Kenji.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Kairyū." Kenji stated calmly, his body overflowing with water-based spiritual energy. The liquid flowed around him, forming a type of shield as he shifted into a defensive style that favored his right side. A grin formed on his face as he stood behind the wall of liquid. Palm covered in a soft green light, Kenji repaired enough damage on his busted arm to be able to move it effectively. "Now," He stated simply, "lets go!" He sheathed Kyo's katana and burst through an opening in his water wall, moving towards the clones of his friend with hardened spiritual energy sheathing his clenched fists! Eyes shining crimson in the darkness, the black-haired man appeared more like a demon on the move than a Shinigami.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Smiling the two clones each placed a hand toward Kenji. Speaking in unison they chuckled "Aren't you forgetting something bud?" Firing a storm of crystals at Kenji the twin clones continued "At your speed, moving through this is going to rip you to shreds."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Kenji stopped abruptly at their words. "I'm not operating on logic," Kenji focused his spiritual energy outward as the crystal neared, coating the tips in the electrical-based energy his body exuded constantly. "Aiboruto." The crystal stopped in mid-air as a smile crept across Kenji's face. "This allows me to control lightning through my eyesight," He explained to the clones, and hopefully to Van himself, "alongside anything my lightning happens to be cloaking." He drew Sanmiittai once again and raised it high before releasing a powerful wave of spiritual energy that completely blew away the suspended crystal, continuing on towards the clones! "That doesn't have a name," He said, the statement aimed towards his friend. "Apparently, its to dangerous for me to learn more than the basic usage."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">The clones eyes widened as the energy wave crashed through their bodies causing them to shatter into pieces of crystal. The real Van suddenly appeared from the mist created by the shattered clones "Kenji!!!!!" Charging at Kenji, Van surged a portion of his spiriual energy into his sword as he swung it causing the two forces of energy to collide and massive explosion. Coughing from the smoke, Van could be seen bleeding heavily from different parts of his body as he started forming the crystal shards into a fine powder than he spread into the air around Kenji. "This shouldn't hurt too much pal. I would be careful breathing for a while if you don't want your insides torn to pieces. Then again its not like you're gonna avoid it completely cause I'm gonna follow you like a mongoose after a snake."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">The remnants of Van's attack struck Kenji head on, blowing the top of his kimono clean off, creating several lacerations on his chest that burned as the initial powder seeped in. Acting swiftly by leaping back a tremendous distance, Kenji reached into his side pocket and removed a single smooth, circular object that glowed brightly in the palm of his hand. Shattering it, a barrier made stronger by pure souls engulfed his person, the barrier continually moving and pulsating as it surrounded him. "A precaution," Kenji said as the crystal powder reached the barrier and was seemingly repelled by the elastic nature of the shield in question. "Bakudō 94: Kurotoku Shiroseishin, sealed within the very beautiful Bakudō 46: Kagami." Maintaining the barrier, though, required energy which he was willing to expel as he waited for the powder to be blown away by the wind.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Meian taught me that, though truth be told, he copied it after seeing Kentaro's second Shikai." Pride entered his tone at his son's growth, but he kept his gaze locked firmly on Van. "Snakes are tricky, Van. Some can leave a poison that would kill in minutes, while others can camouflage themselves perfectly to mimic their environment. I'm a tricky customer, so in many ways you could call me a snake." He grinned widely, obviously enjoying himself despite the pain he was going through.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Then my previous statement of being the mongoose was correct friend." Spitting blood, Van laughed. "Hm. looks like the crystal has lost its effect. I suppose after all of our clashes, you learned how to combat against me and my simple tactics." Letting his blood flow into the air, Van mixed some crystal into it. "I'll save that for later." After wrapping his arm witha piece of his tattered clothes, a devious grin came across Van's face once more. "Well pal..." Van began bopping his head as if he was listening to music as he began speaking to the sword in his hand. "It looks like it has come down to me using you for this fight. Be a good partner, because you know that I wouldn't call you out if it wasn't an extremely powerful opponent." Looking up at Kenji, Van hopped three steps foward as he held his sword toward his long-time friend "Terrorize, Jishaku!" Van's sword began to glow as it took on a silvery appearance. "Kenji......shall we do battle once more?"

Kicking Things up a Notch!
<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Kenji regarded Van's new release with a steady expression that didn't betray much of what he was thinking. The wind was beginning to pick up, he noted with a quick glance around his surroundings. "About time. Fitting," He thought with a chuckle. "You always bring something new to each of our battles." The black-haired man mused. "The first was hollow powers, then Blank powers and now this? Allow me to do that for a change." A smile finally began to show. The wind became fierce suddenly as the skies began to darken, rain spilling down in sheets as the heavens opened with the rain they'd been promising for a while now. "We've been fighting for quite a while now," He began looking around at the weather and took a deep breathe through his nostrils. "My spiritual energy is attuned to lightning as you know, and when I move around with Shunpo, I chip away at surfaces to create dust, and when enough dust mixed with my own energy is released into the air," He made a gesture to the weather and grinned. "This happens. Now, we can begin again!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Slight weather manipulation? Heh...you never fail to amaze me." Van flicked his wrist, slinging the water off of his blade while activating his zanpakuto's ability as well. A field of energy seemingly enveloped Van causing the rain that fell to him to disperse into small particles before they changed into nothing but vapor. "This time Kenji, I'm afraid that we won't be making it out completely unscathed. This zanpakuto, is far more dangerous than my previous friend. There are still some secrets I'm not entirely clear on. But I suppose we can dive more into that later."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"What can I say? I'm a complicated fellow with a complicated power and zanpakutō." But his eyebrows were rising at the rain dispersing into mere vapor. "Interesting, Van. Is that some kind of water-type with an edge over the rest? But when were you thinking we'd come out unscathed? It is us two, after all." It was the sort of thing he'd expect though, so he discarded the thought about a simple water-type and worked through the possibilities but came up with nothing. "Only way to find out what it does is to find out through battle, or wait for him to slip up." Doubting the chances of his last thought, Kenji directed his arm towards Van and loosed a bolt of lightning seemingly dragged from the very heavens that circled his body once before blasting forward from his open palm!

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Really that fast? My you catch on quickly to zanpakuto abilities Kenji. Well that's what I would say if you correct at least." Allowing the lightning to come near him. Van began to smirk as the lightning from his friend's palm cascaded into the distance instead. "Come now Kenji, I know that's not all you have in you! When are you really gonna cut loose on me? I'm sure I can handle it. Er.....don't pay attention the bleeding or anything when you make your decision pal." Charging forward, Van prepared his strike to go for his friend's chest.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">With a smirk, Kenji severed his emotions and a look of concentration crossed his face in its place as Van flew through a tear in the air and out through another at Kenji's back after a small amount of time in the Dangai. "Right now." Kenji said as he turned, lightning shifting around his body. He sounded cold and distance; nothing like the usual tone his voice carried. Turning quickly and advancing with precise, dance-like motions and two flowing blades of steel, Kenji brought the full mastery of his Yuengiri styles to bear, attacking with pin-point strikes and delicate maneuvers made all the more deadly by the increased perceptual abilities that came by severing ones emotions and leaving fear and uncertainty floating on the edge of your conscious mind. "Let's go, Van." His tone sounded cold and somewhat lifeless.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Struck by Kenji's initial attacks, Van stumbled back as he turned his hand with blade in tow. "Sorry Kenji, but Jishaku here may be your very anti-thesis." Watching as a near invisible sphere emanated from his body, Van watched as Kenji's strikes slowed as they neared him allowing Van to easily dodge them. Spinning his body, Van launched a kick toward Kenji's midsection.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">It was a mere... tickling sensation that alerted him to the change in the atmosphere and made him slightly more cautious in his approach. "Is this... time manipulation!?" Caught by complete surprise, nothing short of his reflexes in hardening spiritual energy in response to harm allowed him to escape without aggravated damage to his side as he twisted to the right at the last second. The force knocked him back and sent the air rushing from his lungs! Kenji actually felt like one of his ribs actually broke, or at the very least cracked, and a trail of blood ran down from his right-hand side. "Was that some kind of time manipulation?" He asked, still sounding distant. He had experience in the field from his battles against his father, 'cause he'd become quite used to Van's movements and habits over the course of their encounters... and something there had definitely changed. "You have improved, Van. Whatever it is, its an interesting little skill."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Smiling Van scratched his head. "Of course pal! I may be lazy but that doesn't mean I forget how to handle a precarious situation such as this one. But as for your suggestion on this being time manipulation...heh. Ley's just say that's a part of it. There are a few more things Jishaku here has hidden for you friend. But I'm afraid that you're gonna have to force me to reveal them to you. Hahaha." Forming a ball of water near the tip of Jishaku's blade Van looked at Kenji as his eyes narrowed. "Prepare yourself pal. Heh."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Kenji chuckled and shook his head, almost as though he had expected nothing less. "I wouldn't have it any other way, pal." Sheathing Kyo's katana and reforming his trident, Kenji began spinning it in an arc around his head, until he finally completed a circuit around the majority of his body. Directing the liquid that now surrounded his limbs with hand motions from his left arm, the black-haired Shinigami released a wave with all the force of a tsunami crashing against the shore! The buildings between himself and Van were swept away in the torrent, Kenji wearing a grin the entire time. "You still don't know the full powers of Sanmiittai, do you? Guess we're both on a learn-as-you-go basis? Heh." The heavens stormed and rage, lightning flashing and thunder roaring. "Don't you think this backdrop is perfect for a showdown?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Full powers? Awww...you've been holding back on me all this time? That's no good pal!" Swinging his blade to his side, Van shot the water into the air allowing to rain down on the area, slowly dissolving everything it came in contact with. "But, youre right about one thing. This is the best backdrop for a showdown for a pair of devils like ourselves. I don't think I could have asked for something better."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"So sorry to disappoint," Kenji replied with a bowing flourish. "Good to know your enjoying the show, though. We need to do this more often, Van." Kenji's aura intensified, though he kept it continually shifting around his body so the corrosive aspect of the rain wouldn't reach his body. "Now this stuff is just plain nasty." He said in regards to the rain falling. "Can you imagine what would happen if I lost an eye to this? I do. The ladies around Horiwari wouldn't think I'm so beautiful anymore," He joked. "Ha, even though we're half killing one another, we can still stop and have a laugh. Not a bad system, in my opinion."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Of course pal! If we couldn't joke with each other, I think our friendship would consist of nothing more that pointless fights where we speak about ridiculous prophecies and such." Van formed the water around the tip of his blade before continuing. "Hm, I wonder how things would work out if you did lose an eye. I think you may develop that cool factor of being a one eyed warrior. Think about Ken....how many of shinigami can say they fought off a thousand warriors with nothing but one eye? Personally now I wish I had one eye. Heh heh. Sorry about the rambling there. But Shall we continue pal?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Kenji couldn't help but laugh at his friends words. "Its obvious its been a long time since you last seen Yoshiro. He is a one-eyed warrior, who fought off close to a thousand Hollow who just happens to be a pretty cool guy." Kenji mimicked his friends actions and formed a torrent of water around the blade of Sanmiittai; all the while wearing the grin that was his trademark. "I'll have to disagree, though. We do spout a lot of prophecies, but none of our meetings have been pointless. Anyways, its time we got back to matters for the crowd we seem to have attracted." Kenji directed a look over his shoulder, as a young boy stepped from a nearby shadow.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Shinrei Kurosaki regarded his mentor with a scowl. "I've never been able to sneak anything past you, have I?" Looking to Van, Shinrei bowed his head in greeting. "My name is Shinrei Kurosaki, of the Ryū Guard. Your Van Satonaka right?" Excitement filled the youngsters eyes. "Apart from Kusaka and Meian, I've never seen anyone stand up to Kenji as long as you have!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Ohhhhhh? Why thank you! Are you one of Kenji's students? Well if you are, then you should probably step away from the area to be safe." Thinking to himself for a moment Van looked around. "Wait....how did you even know he was here to begin with? Never mind that....in any case, let us continue pal." Firing the strange liquid toward Kenji, Van then quickly maneuvered it to aim for Shinrei instead. Van's eyes narrowed toward the boy as all that was heard was a faint "Heh."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Shinrei's body remained perfectly still for a time, until an impressive series of flash steps maneuvered him away from the strange liquid and into the air. "You of all people should recognize whats coming next," Kenji said with a proud grin. "Shinrei's soul is quite similar to my own... you'll see just how much in a moment. And yes, he's my student, with spiritual strength and potential to rival old-man Yamamoto himself." Kenji managed that level of praise without a shred of doubt in his tone.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Strike," Shinrei began, face devoid of emotion due to them being severed as soon as Van had made the motions toward Kenji. "Aoi Inazuma!" The zanpakutō Van no doubt remembered formed in Shinrei's hand, a nodachi length of steel brought alive by a flowing current of electricity along its length. "Tōhō Seiryū!" A serpentine dragon of violet electricity loosed from Aoi Inazuma's tip, the dragon slithering through the air to collide with the liquid. "Your a fool if you choose to underestimate me based solely on my appearance. You'll find my skills are greater than you might think." The look the young prodigy cast both his elders was as frosty as a mountain peak.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Why am I getting death glares?" Kenji asked with a shrug of his shoulders. "Not bad for his age, eh?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Not bad for one of your students Kenji. Hmm I should've expected it to Aoi." Van smiled as he gave a thumbs up to his friend before turning back to Shinrei. "However, as much potential as he may have, that doesn't equate to having experience now." Flicking his wrist, Van watched as the liquid clashed with Shinrei's dragon before it bubbled up and began corroding it away. "Sheesh, I hope this doesn't become a two on one. I'm not sure I could handle it. Heh heh heh." Van sighed as he began forming a ghostly aura around his blade before placing it on his shoulder. "But if it comes to that, I'm more than willing to try."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Stepping forward, tutting no less, Kenji made one flash step towards Shinrei and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Stand a good distance back, but close enough that you can still watch and analyze our movements." Using a weak Shō spell to send the youngster on his way, Kenji turned to Van and sighed. "Kids these days... I don't know if they're just foolhardy or have a death wish. But no my friend. I can't allow this to become a two-on-one. Shinrei's strong, but prolonged battles don't agree with him." Taking a deep breathe before moving away from the liquid, and then began explaining. "To cut a long story short, Shinrei's got too much spiritual energy to handle. At its current peak, it can match my own and he still hasn't realized his full potential. But because he can't control it, he runs out of stamina incredibly quickly. Think of him as a floodgate. The water gushes out, but stops surprisingly quickly."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"I can hear you, Sensei." Shinrei shouted back over his shoulder, a little annoyed.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Then cover your ears and open your eyes instead. You came here to... wait, why did you come here?" Waving it aside, Kenji returned his attention to Van. "Right! Enough with the sidetracking. Let's take it from the top, eh? I think we we're both about to do something flashy, right? Right." Spinning Sanmiittai's trident form between his fingers, Kenji re-summoned the torrent of water which had been present before Shinrei's appearance. "Your turn, Van."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Ha. Floodgate huh? Hmm...so when he get's older he's gonna surpass us both? Ah. The new generation these days never fail to amaze me. Heh. Maybe I should go out and find my own students to compete with yours. Hell, I'll even start my own school.....then again that's a bit too much work for me. Heh." Swinging his sword downward, Van smirked. "I've been ready, I was waiting on you." Charging forward, Van suddenly opened a rift before appearing almost directly beside Kenji. "Let's go!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"No doubt," Kenji said in response, but when he opened his eyes Van was gone. "Did I miss something?" He joked before a serious look overcame his face. The water surrounding his trident formed a ring around Kenji's body which effectively repelled Van as he appeared, though it didn't leave so much as a scratch on him. "Someones full of surprises today," Smiling and shaking his head, Kenji's zanpakutō began glowing as he uttered "Sanmiittai Ninaruichi". A man baring many similarities with your basic samurai appeared beside Kenji, violet hair spilling down his back, with a nodachi in hand. "You summoned me, Master? Just to let you know, I refuse to change diapers like last time."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"That was years ago and I was hungover! Besides, your just angry because Kentaro pissed on ya a little."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"I was drenched from head to toe!" The samurai replied, somewhat angrily.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Good! Now do me a favor and can it, we've got work to do. Van, meet my annoying zanpakutō. Annoying zanpakutō, say hello to Van Satonaka."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"You have my sincerest apologies for having this idiot as your friend." Sanmiittai replied snidely.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Haha you two are quite friendly. Though...I must say. I'm jealous I don't have the sort of relationship with Jishaku. He's more lazy than I am, not to mention usually quite busy handling school duties." Van sighed before continuing. "Hmm. So is manifesting him a similar ability to Muramasa's?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Not as powerful," Kenji admitted as he casually back-handed his zanpakutō; which earned him a knee in the back for his trouble. "Ouch! When this is over... Anyway, I can only manifest Sanmiittai, not other zanpakutō. Handy for tag-teaming." Master and zanpakutō stood side-by-side now, Sanmiittai's violet-colored hair blowing quite wildly in the wind. "School duties, though? He a teacher or something?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Rolling his eyes, Sanmiittai walked forward and bowed his head formally. "Shall we begin then?" Sanmiittai leveled his nodachi at Van's head, a smirk clearly visible.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Oh? If that's the case..." Van breathed deeply and narrowed his eyes as the wind blew through his hair giving him a frightening appearance. "I don't have to take it easy on you at all if you're not actually there. Hmm. Two on one? Hardly seems fair but then again when is anything in life fair?" Van's mouth widened into a demonic grin as a ghostly aura came over his blade. "Come now, let's play a game of tag shall we?"

Invitation to Disaster
<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Time for Kenji seemed to stop and his eyes began to widen with something that could only be called a degree of fear and surprise mixed. "Van! Get back!" Van listened thankfully and moved just as a circle-shape appeared where he had been standing, slowly winking out of existence - its grasp catching not but air. Shinrei was beside Van in a heartbeat, asking if he was alright. He knew, yet held himself in check regardless. Remarkable. Kenji, though, regained himself surprisingly quickly and turned to face the ground, his eyes burning with such a level of hatred that Sanmiittai revealed his caring side and told him to calm himself. "You." Kenji breathed.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Clapping followed the shapes disappearance and a figure wreathed in shadows stepped forward, the light revealing delicate clothing colored white and a pale blue, hair of the same white color as his clothing spilling down his back in a ponytail tied with a thin piece of pale blue material. "We meet again... Kenji Hiroshi." The sneer he placed on the name was easily evident, and the eye he cast over those aligned before him was as cruel as it was weighty. "And who is your friend? I planned on imprisoning him and facing you alone, but the arrival of that student of yours-" Shinrei drew his zanpakutō "- made me stop and think otherwise. You were both so enthralled in the joys of competition that you failed to perceive my presence." His lip curled and his eyes shone. "Your slipping in your old age, Kenji."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"And your look is, as always, nothing short of laughable. That attire makes you look like a woman... without the chest." Sanmiittai again warned his master, this time placing himself firmly in their way. "Van, you'll remember the second time we met, right? We ended up sparring then too, only for a certain Arrancar to cut short our fun." Kenji's eyes slid over the figure who had interrupted them again. "That's him."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Disengaging his attack as he turned to face the new entry, Van wiped his eyes in disbelief. "That's the same guy!? No way! He has an entirely different feel to him, almost as if he isn't of this universe. A part of me wants to run and hide but the other part is anxious and ready to charge at him even if he woud stick me into the ground like a piece of driftwood." Shouting at the Arrancar, Van had a grin on his face, "Oi!!! You there with the funny face! How have you been since we last near put you out of commission?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Averian turned to regard the loud-mouthed one with a degree of annoyance reflected in his eyes. "Van... Satonaka," He said with utter contempt. Though laughter soon followed as he made a flourish with his hands. "I don't sense the aura that surrounded you before... have you fallen in power, Van?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Nudging his comrade in the side, Kenji slowly shook his heads as he returned Sanmiittai to his Inner World and leveled his Shikai at his foes head. "Don't let him bait you," Kenji said. His entire outer attitude and feeling had changed, as though someone had replaced the real Kenji with the new one who stood beside his friend. He had a straighter back, exuded an air of calm authority and his eyes burned with an intensity he rarely showed. Kenji Hiroshi was out for blood. "He'll say anything to make you attack in anger. Don't listen. Don't let your guard down." He met Van's eye then and his spiritual energy became sharper. "Or he will kill us. Same goes to you, Shinrei. Don't let him feed your anger, Shinrei, and you'll have little to worry about."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Van had already began to crouch down near a pile a rubble like a child upon hearing Averian's words. "Hmph. I didn't lose any power. Your senses have just become too dull and old to sense them anymore. Stupid freaky looking guy." Patting off his outfit, Van sighed before joining up with Kenji. "An anger baiter huh? Haha I had plenty experience with that type of person by dealing with my brother and his son. All you have to do is just say something just as mean and they'll learn their lesson. Watch this." Van smiled before turning to look at Averian once more. "Hey old useless guy! You look like you haven't avoid hitting the ugly tree everyday for quite some time now. Bleh!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Kenji couldn't help laughing, the seriousness momentarily washing away before reaffirming itself. "I find this works better," Turning, Kenji formed a lightning figurine in his hands and split it into three - one of himself, Van and the third of Averian. The two allies struck Averian and danced around his fallen body. "here you go," He tossed them towards the Arrancar below and awaited the response that would probably trigger war.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">And it did. Averian loosed a Cero that was both wide and powerful merely by shifting his stance a little. "Allow me to put both your pathetic comebacks and your little parlor tricks permanently out of business."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Laughing, Van barely noticed the large Cero that came flying toward him. "Yeow!!!" Hopping out of the way, Van was struck in the side of his body causing him to go careening into a large nearby building practically destroying it with the sheer force of the impact. "Looks like the old guy is alot stronger now. Hmph." Van yelled toward Averian once more from inside the rubble. "Did you fire that because you couldn't actually think of a good comeback even with all that knowledge in that massive head!?"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Kenji dodged with a like-minded method, his arm being caught in the blast which was now left dangling at his side. "See how you've made my arm all but useless, Van? How about the next time we end up fighting this asshole, we do it at full strength, eh- Ohff!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Averian walked forward and flashed beside Kenji, his closed fist meeting Kenji's jaw and sending him flying at an angle into the streets below! "I did not think such childish actions and remarks required a reply, Van Satonaka." His tone was polite and quite formal, and the small smile he wore made him appear like a friend speaking with another friend. "Now, why not focus your energy on defending, rather than insulting me? I think you'll find it serves you better, in the long run." The Arrancar's zanpakutō gleamed above Van's head, his movement almost unreadable; that insufferable smile still plastered on his face.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Van began smiling as he opened his mouth to shout out another remark before his eyes widened as he felt Averian suddenly appear in front of him. "No...way." Van shuttered as he realized the difference in their abilities due to his weakened state. "I couldn't even sense you coming." Van curled back before forming a small ball of fire in his hand "Hado 86 Tentai Hi." Eyeing the Arrancar, Van set loose a flurry of fireballs.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Appearing behind his hated foe, Kenji tried to hold the Arrancar where he was so the fire would connect; though Averian held other plans. With a twist, he grasped Kenji's ankle, twisted and hurled the Shiba clansmen into the firing line instead; all the while remaining relatively safe himself. Kenji was bombarded with the flames before falling in a heap, where Averian promptly kicked him square in the ribs towards Van as though Kenji were nothing more than a football!

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Grabbing Kenji's flying body, Van caught him as the two went careening through the opposite side of the building. "Heh. You know, Kenji...you're not as light as you look." Spitting up some blood, Van crafted a crystal bird as he helped Kenji to his feet atop of it. "I'm gonna take a guess and say that bastard grew stronger since the last time we tangled. You could've mentioned that before I went and insulted him. Heh."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Coughing a mini puddle of blood and whipping his mouth with the back of his hand, Kenji slowly got to his feet; a tad breathless as he clutched his ribs. "All muscle my friend, though Ino reckons I'm putting on some flab." The goofiness didn't last long, though. "The bastard broke some of my ribs." His voice was laced with a good bit of agony and all of it showed in his expression. "Remember what I told you about my brother Meian being stronger than me? Averian's stronger than that again... and by a fair margin. I only survived my last encounter with him because of Kusaka- Fuck!"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Kenji barely avoided the spin kick flying towards his head, his open palm impacting Van's chest so he too was clear of the danger. "Okay, you die!" Kenji declared, hand shining with light as his mouth worked around a pretty long Kidō incantation.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Why so angry, Kenji? It would appear that you and Van are nothing more than-" Averian began, but a bolt of violet lightning careered into his back, though Kenji was still spinning and chanting. "Van! Now!" Shinrei shouted from the heavens, zanpakutō crackling with the aura of his Shikai release.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Huh? Yea..on it! Reveal, Tensūshin!" Van's sword begin to glow with a yellow aura as he swung his blade creating several floating swords that appeared around Averian each utilizing the same slicing motion as Van. "Now get out of here Shinrei! We don't need you dying too...though I have to admit. You do Aoi incredible justice."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Hadō 90: Kurohitsugi!" The black coffin formed around both Van's swords and Averian, lacerating whatever was held within, though the box held its place; buying them both time. "Of course... he does. But he's right, Shinrei. Back up... a little." It was obvious Kenji was pretty winded. "Van, that'll only slow him down. If you've got a suggestion to get us out of this calamity, I'm all ears."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Gasping for breath from all the comotion, Van thought to himself for a moment. "Well...there is one thing. But it'll take some time to accomplish. Its called the Fusion Technique, I learned it from an old man a while back. I never had anyone to utilize it with and besides, to be honest I never found an opponent strong enough for me to need against until now. I'm not sure of the side affects but to be honest....this may be our best bet."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"May be our only bet," Kenji corrected. "Just as long as I don't have to prance around like a fool, I'll do it. Saw that once in a comic my son was reading... didn't half give me nightmares. Anyways, what-"

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"How much time do you need?" Shinrei broke in, chest rising and falling from rapid breathes. "I won't be fit to do much, but I can give you a few minutes at the worst." Shinrei was obviously a little sharper than his mentor at the minute. "Bankai! Aoi Inazuma Kasou!" A bolt of lightning struck his blade, and when the light finally receded, Shinrei stepped forward a changed man. His hair lengthens considerably, spilling down his back and changes in color to sport a violet coloration throughout, with the fringe spiked and styled to cover more of the right side of his face. His Shihakushō lengthens and flares out in ragged, violet colored edges and his ears become somewhat pointed. A thin belt colored in extravagant yellow-golden colors forms around his waist which is tied in the shape of a bow over the his normal white ōbi sash. A cloak colored a deep, dark green also appears, mostly hung over his right shoulder where it is tied in a tight not. A necklace of pure gold, dangling from a chain of the same material also forms around his neck in a pyramid-like shape, the point pointing downwards. "I'll do all I can."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">A sword broke free of the black coffin, with the sound of steel snapping filling the air immediately following the crack. In seconds the coffin was shattered, with Van's summoned blades falling snapped at the middle. "You? Stop me? The last time you attempted that Shinrei was with the entire Ryū Guard beside you. I defeated you all if I recall, and I didn't even need to release." His lip curled into a snarl, and any respect his tone may have held when addressing Kenji or Van faded as he spoke to Shinrei.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">"Ok Shinrei, buy us as much time as you can." Van looked around trying to identify a good spot to perform the fusion before deciding upon a distant building's 12th floor, opening a rift in order to transfer his and Kenji's mangled bodies there with ease. "Ok Kenji, we will have to meditate and enter each other's spiritual world in order for this to work. We must essentially familarize ourselves with one another enough that our spiritual signatures intertwine like DNA and we become one and the same."

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Shinrei's battle cry sounded as he surged forward, Aoi Inazuma Kasou meeting Averian's Shōhisharei, causing sparks to fly and a degree of electrical discharge. "You will lose everything, Shinrei." Averian began, mouth baring a smile. "The little woman who dotes on you, the bandanna-wearing reject and, of course, the pathetic Fōrun-juu." Shinrei's eyes bulged, not knowing Averian simply wanted to goad him. "Tōhō Seiryū!" The two were hidden behind a veil of electrical energy, Averian's laughter booming over the cracking sound.

<p style="border-style: initial; border-color: initial; ">Only Van's hand stopped Kenji moving to help, a growl escaping his lips. "Shinrei...! Right, meditation." Kenji dropped into a meditative posture, as though entering Jinzen, but his face was far from calm or his posture far from detached. His senses kept brushing the conflict raging behind and his eyes snapped open as a white blur - noticeably smaller than Averian - was sent hurtling through a nearby building, Averian soon appearing to grasp his skull in his hand and drag him bodily through two more structures! He shut out his students cries and pain and severed his emotions. "What now?" He asked, tone cold and distant.

Symphony of a Comeback
Breathing deeply, Van relaxed himself despite what was going on around him. "Well, allow me to enter your inner world. Once there we just have to make a pact of sorts and after that occurs, the process begins to happen by itself. Now I must warn you again...I'm not sure what will happen when we do this. We may not be able to go back to who we are now. But in this sort of situation, I don't even care about that. So I have to ask, are you ready?"

Kenji didn't even hesitate as the words left his mouth. "Let's get this done." Even with his severed emotions it wasn't difficult to tell the Shiba clansmen was about as angry as he'd ever been, the narrowness of his eyes and his lip curled in a snarl being only two of the indications. In the meantime, Shinrei wasn't having an easy time.

Sliding along the skyline, bringing himself to a stop with Shunpo, young Shinrei was panting heavily despite the short length of his engagement with the mighty Arrancar thus far. He was pushing close to his limits already, concentration covering his face like a mask. Aoi Inazuma Kasou shook in his white-knuckled grip, fear reflected in the youngsters blue eyes. With Averian's sudden appearance fear was forgotten momentarily as instinct, pure and animalistic, governed the youngsters movements. Swift Zanjutsu strikes and precise Hakuda blows, followed with the two in conjunction as Shinrei fought with his blade between his teeth cast sparks as Averian calmly and effortlessly blocked or diverted the strikes coming towards him; not once looking like he was in danger. Finally chuckling, his clenched fist caught the youngster in the jaw and sent him flying to the streets below; impacting the ground with enough force to crack the road up the four streets that branched off in crossroads.

"Pathetic. Is this all your precious Ryū Guard is capable of, Kenji-" He arched an eyebrow at the state of Van and Kenji, sitting opposite one another in a meditative pose; events transpiring around them seemingly forgotten. Taking quick steps towards them, red energy began forming in the Arrancar's free hand, signaling his intended use of Cero. "No matter. You have been an interesting diversion over the years Kenji, but this is where I must say farewell-" An armor-clad figure whizzed past Averian's body, standing firmly in the Arrancars path. No voice was heard except for the sharp exhale of breathe that misted in front of the figures face, the left-hand side covered with a skeletal mask with several thick red lines running down its white, bone-like surface. Van would remember it as the mask Kenji himself once donned during their first meeting. "Your a weakling," A dual-voice sounded from the mask wearing figure. "To think your staminas already spent." Tilting his head, yellow eyes of a Hollow reflecting cruel intentions; laughter soon drifted through the air in Averian's direction. "Who are you?" Averian asked of the figure, only for him to laugh psychotically. "None of your concern!" A quick Cero impacted Averian's, the crimson blasts canceling one another out. In the confusion that followed, Hollow Shinrei burst forth and as quickly as round one ended, round two began.

Calmly placing his hand on Kenji's chest, Van breathed deeply as his spiritual energy began to flow into his friend and hs own spirit began to leave his body in pseudo-jinzen style. "Here goes nothing." Van muttered calmly, as he 'rose' from his own body and entered Kenji's Inner World. Once there, Van began looking around the area in astonishment before re-focusing on Kenji. "Now then. Allow our energies to merge into one. This will more than likely drain us heavily so we only have one shot at this to get it right or we're going to be sitting ducks for a good bit."

Kenji didn't hear a thing aside from Van's voice, for if he opened himself to the sounds of his Hollowfied pupil clashing with his greatest enemy he'd likely abandon everything else just so he could try and help, regardless of risk to himself. But he also knew he'd be powerless. So Kenji did as Van instructed even as Shinrei's predicament became all the more perilous...

... an entire building crumbled into itself as a white-clad blur was hurled through stone until he collided with the foundations below. Falling debris surrounded him and the thick shroud of dust hid him from view. Though everything that had covered him was pulverized mere seconds later as Hollow Shinrei released a concussive blast of sheer spiritual force that repulsed all around him! Even the dust ceased to exist. With a battle cry more bestial than humane, Hollow Shinrei rejoined he frey, a lust for blood and carnage clouding his judgment. Averian cut a slash deep into his back as he side-stepped, though it healed moments following the contact. Hollow Shinrei turned and struck too quickly for he careered past his target only to grab the tyrants zanpakutō to steady himself. "Cero," For a time Averian was engulfed in a wide beam of majestic crimson energy, though it was painfully clear even to someone as psychotic as the Hollow controlling Shinrei's body that the Arrancar had barely been hurt beyond superficial burns - and even they healed over quickly.

"I expected more of the Order's supposed prodigy." Said Averian. He casually deflected his young foes attack, all the while wearing an all-knowing and mocking grin which soon grew all the more mocking as Hollow Shinrei grazed his shoulder with a desperate gambit that turned into a quick counter-riposte. It barely even drew blood. "Really now? Allow me to show you a real attack!" Two quick slashes followed by a third down Shinrei's body signaled the end of their conflict, for Shinrei's Hollow form broke and the youngster's body fell back and then downwards to the rubble he'd previously been hurled. "I hope you are watching, Kenji. Because this time neither your siblings or Kusaka will arrive in time to save anyone. Shinrei dies... because of your weakness." A sphere of crimson light formed in Averian's open palm, its destination Shinrei Kurosaki!

Inside Kenji's Inner World, Van breathed in deeply as the spiritual energy of both Kenji and himself began spiraling around the two shinigami taking on a glass-like appearance before reforming into a crystalline prism. As the prism remained motionless, if one were to come close to it, they would be able to see a faint smile appear through the tinted sides. Suddenly the prism erupted into a pillar of light as a Van began speaking to himself. "This is it Kenji. This is the power we have been waiting for, the power we need to defeat that bastard."

As the the energy blast aimed toward Shinrei neared its destination, not one person could be seen in miles. Exploding before it reached the young shinigami, long black hair could be seen billowing in the wind before a dual voice began to speak. "Shinrei....you did well. Looks like that hollow form of yours came through to hold Averian off for a bit. However, I do apologize for making you carry this burden alone." Turning to look through the smoke at Averian, the dual voice echoed once more. "Averian! You think you can carry on as you please! Well, I grow tired of dealing with you. Its time we deliver to you a swift and harsh punishment."

For a time Averian merely regarded this change of events with an appraising look minus his usual mocking grin. It was quite obvious that Kenji and Van ceased to be single entities; that they had fused their very souls into one being was clear. Saburo Ryū had once reported a similar phenomenon being performed by the Yūdai brothers some sixteen years ago, which had resulted in his defeat at their hands. That in itself lent the tyrant a level of caution as he regarded the entity before him, which explained his calm reaction to the form his two enemies had taken. The figure was a blend of Kenji and Van, with Van expressing more dominance in terms of appearance. The fusion had the same facial structure and physique, while his eyes were an even blend of the two fusees though noticeably more weighty. His hair was black and reminded Averian of the form Kenji took when using that annoying Souruejji form due to its silvery undertones. He was also clothed in the classic Shihakushō which was half the reason Averian's lip curled into a snarl. He hadn't even so much as made an offensive action, yet it was painfully clear that this man was stronger than Meian and Rosuto both!

"I should have expected this." Averian finally said. "It has the air of a desperate gambit and I figured out a long time ago that you two in particular have a knack for the unexpected." Was it strange he sounded strangely respectful? "But do you honestly believe that this will be enough, Van? Kenji? Merge two insects together and you simply get a bigger insect. It might require slightly more effort to squash, but in the end nothing changes. You have simply put off your own demise."

"... You're wrong..." Shinrei whispered from behind the fused figure. He could feel his power, like Van and Kenji's but noticeably different. It had traits similar to but was ultimately different. Unique. But any further observations were lost as the young Shinigami slipped into unconsciousness.

"You did well Shinrei. Rest now." The man's dual voice died down into a whisper as he looked over Shinrei. Turning back to look at Averian, he glared at the man as if staring directly into his soul. "Van? Kenji? No. Our name is Shiba Satonaka, we are the epitome of justice. This time you have met your match and its time you felt the pain you inflicted on everyone ten fold!" As he spoke, Shiba's spiritual energy began emanating from his body as a wispy blue flame laced with red electrical sparks.

"Justice?" Averian sneered. "A truly foolish concept. But tell me, Shiba Satonaka, what do you think you can accomplish? The sum of your parts fell before my strength. What makes you so special?" The fusees were quite easily goaded, which Averian was counting on for the fusion. This Shiba was stronger than both apart, that much was clear. Yet he was simply them combined. On at least some level he'd have the same strengths and by that logic the same weaknesses. Leveling his zanpakutō, Averian made himself look open; defenseless.

"What makes me special? Nothing. I'm a nobody as far as you're concerned." Shiba's voice was filled with disgust as he began taking a step forward, nearly vanishing in an instant before reappearing with his own back placed against Averian's. The speed of movements was swift enough that there was even a delay in the sound of his foot tapping on the ground. "You may have dealt with me when I was two separate beings, but now we are one and we more focused than ever on taking you down. I want you to know something....I don't do this because I enjoy fighting, I do this because I must." Drawing his blade, Shiba suddenly surged his spiritual energy through it causing the katana to burst into feathers before revealing a pair of silver Tessen.

Averian hid his growing surprise at Shiba's speed well. His eyes remained widened for only the briefest of seconds before he was calmly composed once again. "If this is the pinnacle of your so-called focus, not to mention your speed, then you are still centuries too early to challenge me, boy." But his strike ate nothing but air, for Shiba had already moved. "I see you are fast. Perhaps you'll be troubled more by this?" Averian blurred in place. It wasn't even a Sonído. That was a transportation ability gained from a Shinigami many years ago; sixteen to be exact. Now behind his fused foe, the Arrancar aimed a pinpoint strike for the small of the back with every intention of causing lasting harm!

A growing smirk coming across his face, Shiba barely flinched as a large crystal lion's maw appeared from his back catching Averian's hand as it neared the fused man's back. "Boy? Heh. I suppose you could look at us as something like that, seeing as this is the first day we were 'born'. However, you are still far too old and too outdated to keep up with my rising power." Flashing from his stationary position to floating above Averian, Shiba move his two Tessen from side-to-side creating a powerful vacuum around the two combatants, that was made in order to rip into Averian's body or at least distract him for a moment as Shiba prepared his next attack. "Alright its about time I get serious. I grow tired of dealing with cannon fodder like yourself." The cockiness in his voice highly visible as he began moving his fans in a dance-like motion causing a large cloud of small particles to burst throughout the area.

"Your cockiness only serves to highlight your childishness," Averian remarked before a yellowish light formed in his palm shaped like a sphere. His free palm enclosed the sphere shape completely, shattering it, which served to engulf the Arrancar in a narrow beam of light for several seconds - all the time he needed to avoid the worst of the vacuum created by his fused nemesis. "Kenji is familiar with my spatial prison. It is based on the same principal as ." The technique may paralyze those within for the entirety of its execution, but it also made them invincible as long as the light fell upon their skin. As the light vanished Averian surged forward, zanpakutō at the ready, a Cero blossoming in his other palm but not yet fired.

"Cocky? No. You misunderstand." Folding and unfolding his tessen, Shiba surged forward as well. "You're already under our spell." Pointing up toward the sky, Shiba was nodding toward several scale like objects barely visible as they were reflectiing light floating in the air around the two men. "What you hear from me is simply confidence as this battle is already won." Spinning the tessen in his hands, Shiba caused the local wind currents to begin circulating around him. "Gin'iro Fūsoku!" As he spoke these words, the wind seemed to become a part of Shiba's determination to defeat Averian as it began racing towards him gaining speed in the process.

Averian loosed his earlier charged Cero and allowed the recoil to hit him fully, which propelled him free of Shiba. "This battle won't end until I've squeezed the life from your collective parts. This battle is over? Nothing over! Sōdai Nagare!" A massive flame-wreathed dragon of epic proportions loosed itself from Averian's position. Suddenly the winds became Shiba enemy, as the oxygen fed the flames, lending the summoned dragon ever greater strength. "Spread, Dāku Seizon." The battlefield became permeated in a foul black miasma. "Breathe and you die."

Noticing the poison in the air, Shiba sneered as he covered his mouth. "Parlor tricks huh? Well.." Placing one fan in front of him and the other behind him, he took on a defensive stance as he began surging his spiritual energy. "Urrrrrrrrrrgggggghhhhhhrrrrraaaaa!!!!" As he charged up, Shiba let loose a frightening roar pushing the black miasma away from his body before he directed his attention toward the large dragon. "Hey Averian. You should be familiar with this trick." Jumping toward the dragon's head, Shiba placed a hand toward the massive amount of flames around the dragon's body. As his hand began reaching closer, he cringed from the immense heat before small shining particles began floating from his hand crystallizing the flames and the dragon they surrounded in the process. Landing back on the ground, Shiba stumbled a bit as his vision clouded over for a moment. "Tch. Gotta end this fast, the fusion is starting to wear off."