The War of Four: The Eye of the Storm

Is this Legal? Invitation to the Seireitei!
The atmosphere felt ominous.

As V-14's Avian steed flew them across the airspace of the Soul Society. Below, their usual hideouts within the Rukon Districts, passing them by as they flew closer and more in the open than usual. With looming thunder clouds, rumbling above them and with occasional fierce winds blowing by them, the feeling of an invitation to their long enemies' headquarters became less and less appealing. At least, to some of them...

"So..." Hyōryū asked pointedly, sitting backseat with Anton in front of her and Shinshin behind her, rolling her neck side to side, "where are we going to park? Considering we're allowed into the Seireitei, I'm not sure exactly what we're supposed to do with Rika's pet."

"The Soul Society holds an alliance with Yūrei, and their police commander works very closely with the forces of the Gotei 13." Angelika explained, looking to the ones on the bird. She also had her radio earpiece on so that her allies traveling by teleportation or other means could listen it. "As far as landing zones are concerned, they won't have a problem with identifying and helping us land. Rest assured, our ride will be safe and sound." She looked over to Rika. "Frau Nakamura, keep yourself at the bird at all times. With our bad luck streak, I don't want to take any chances."

"Yes, ma'am..." Rika nodded readily.

"The rest of you, keep yourself at an alert, composed level. Remember that these aren't our enemies anymore. Any personal vendettas you hold must be suppressed. I don't care if one of the Captains kicked your pet puppy or drowned your favorite goldfish." This earned a few snickers. "We're here for negotiations and discussion, not another fight."

A slight scowl came across Anton's face. "Oh, that's right. If I had known we would be negotiating with these bastards, I would have just offed Shindō right then and there and be done with it." He said coldly. "At least then, I wouldn't have had to worry about seeing his smug face again."

"Well, negotiations probably would go less well if you killed one of their Captains, right?" Kaitlyn asked, albeit holding no patronizing or reprimanding tone. "I think that'd be a worse option than having to deal with the face of someone you hate..."

"It'd be especially unwise, as a certain enraged Lieutenant managed to calm himself and work up the courage to approach Angelika-senpai on the insistance of creating this alliance," Shinshin implored to Anton, sitting directly in front of Kaitlyn, so it was easy for him to intercede on the point further, "We haven't killed each other yet, besides a few of their footsoldiers and us being wounded by them, so its nothing of consequence they can't overlook. Yet..."

"Which is good that we haven't killed any of them, right?" Hyōryū asked to Anton, shrugging as it all made sense to her. Despite her dislikement to most Soul Reapers, a good fraction of them were actually on their side, so she couldn't say they were all bad. That, and the Lieutenant Hayate would be better as a friend than an enemy...

"Yeah, but that doesn't mean I'm willing to let this type of water go under the bridge..." Anton muttered, jerking his head to gesture to Angelika. "For one thing, did you see what that guy did to Angelika? That wasn't wounds. That was a full-on human barbeque. I don't even know how the hell you lived through that. I mean, I could smell the flesh sizzling, her insides were literally falling out of her body, not to mention I got a good view of the intestines, liver, kidneys and--"

"BLURGH!!!"

Rika didn't take it as well as the rest of them. She bent over the side and heaved her stomach's contents, much to Oliver's amusement. As she continued heaving, he started laughing heartily. "Gee, Anton!" He jeered, switching his gaze over to the surprised Russian. "You really get into description when talking about stuff like that, don't you? What, did you take anatomy class before you joined V-14 or something?"

"Oops..." Anton muttered. "My bad, Nakamura."

"For someone who has a girlfriend, you sure don't know the meaning of restraint, do you, Semenov-san?" Mōka asked with a snicker, sitting up front and was able to pat Rika on the back as she looked at him with an upraised brow.

"Well, my girlfriend isn't one of those pussy-foots who'd faint at the sight of a mouse." Anton answered, folding his arms across his chest. "Besides, you can blame my service under the destruction battalion for my detail. If you had been in my shoes, you'd be having the very same thing in your mind, too."

"Oh, I've got one better..." Oliver said immediately, smirking. "During my time as an Aethian soldier, I got to use a flamethrower as a weapon. When I got to using that thing, there was a whole bunch of fried chicken everywhere. I even got to seen the skin and muscle melt right off of their bones. You could even hear the flesh bubbling and splashing right on the ground--"

"O-okay, could you two please stop back there?!" Rika begged, her face a sickly green. She found herself having to lean on Mōka for support, trying to keep herself from puking again. "I think I'm going to pass out!!"

This time, both Anton and Oliver were laughing at her, and she attempted a glare over her shoulder at them.

"Making the pilot pass out is not a good idea, Anton," Hyōryū sighed, jabbing a slight punch into Anton's side before turning to glare daggers back at Oliver, "neither is it to make such dialouge in our more innocent listeners, Ollie..."

"Yeah, Ollie! Think of the children, hahahahaha!" Yajū gafawed over Oliver's joke, snickering at the dialogue as it wasn't even close to being grotesque enough to phase him.?

"Rika, I believe we're in the Seireitei's airspace," Mōka nodded to one of the barracks' courtyards, whispering to her as she tried to support the barely conscious, nauseous-feeling girl while whispering calmly, "just hang in there a little longer and we can get away from this brutes, okay?"

In response, Rika managed a grateful nod. "Y-yeah..." As best as she could, she raised her head up in order to look below her. As her eyes squinted, she could see the silhouettes of Shou and Genesis running below her, leaping from building to building. She could also see the silhouettes of what appeared to be Gotei 13 sentries, some of which were motioning in the direction of the designated landing zone.

"Kachō, this is Yoshizawa." Shou reported via radio. "I've just gotten word that the 9th Division had a landing zone within the midst of their barracks set up for us. Their Captain will be there to greet us, and I presume the Phoenix will be there as well. So at the very least, our introduction won't be as tense."

"We took out a lot of the 9th Division troops..." Yusuke said, a frown of concern on his face. "Won't they be at least a tiny bit furious at us for killing off their soldiers?"

"What, you didn't hear what the big guy said?" Oliver questioned, cocking an eyebrow and (pointedly) ignoring the glare given to him. "It's not like he's going to have his troops jump us. During my and Sis's fight against those 9th Division troops, I could practically see it in their eyes. If they're anything like their Captain, they'd prefer to destroy us in direct combat rather than something so cowardly as an ambush."

"Say, Kaitlyn, was it?" Anton, after wincing at the slight punch his girlfriend gave him, turned a curious look to the blonde girl. "I've heard that you're the head of the Taikodansō Company, which apparently has influence within the Rukongai as well as the Seireitei. Won't the Gotei 13 have issues with if it when they realize what recent operation you've been helping out with?"

"I'm willing to take my chances." Kaitlyn said simply. "Like I said before, I would've faced the very wrath of the Paladinus Primus herself if it meant saving my father. The status of my company won't override that."

Oliver grinned, wrapping an arm around his daughter's shoulders. "That's the ideal kid for you! Supporting you whenever you need it the most!"

Kaitlyn rolled her eyes. "You're still a moron, though." She added, inwardly smirking at the mock look of hurt on his face. "Getting yourself captured like that was something I'd expect from my sister, but you?"

"Oh, haha, very funny, blondie..." Genesis grumbled under her breath, though making sure her radio was turned off.

"So would you mind sparing me a weapon or so?" Hyōryū leaned around, giving her best impersonation of a "puppy eye" face, as she begged, "like, the really shiny and deadly ones? Pretty please?!"

"Reduced to begging, Hyōryū-san? I'd never thought I'd live to see the day," Shadō spoke over the radio with a bemusing tone, as he ran through the shadows, weaving in and out to keep up with the two Daitenshi's pace.

"S-Shut up, Shadō!" Hyōryū blushed slightly at the remark before returning her begging gaze to Kaitlyn, entirely serious in wanting to recieve a weapon in exchange for a brief drop in her dignity.

Of course, Kaitlyn didn't mind.

In fact, she seemed all too ready. Her eyes widened, and she gave an enthusiastic smile at the request. "Of course!" She said. "After all, I do owe you after your assistance, even if it was indirect at best. I'll even put a discount on what you choose to get for the occasion."

The dialogue made Oliver roll his eyes, and he slid his arm off of Kaitlyn's shoulders to fold both of them across his chest. "Of course. The moment she knows about a weapons dealer, the first thing she does is attempt to make friends." He drawled. "You're such a whore when it comes to bullets, sis."

"O-okay..." Gently, Rika pushed herself off of Mōka as soon as she saw flashing lights below - the indication for the landing zones. "I think that's the landing zone up ahead. Everyone, brace yourselves for landing!"

With a couple of clicks of the tongue, she got the bird to start its descent. There was a slight jolt at the downwards movement. But it was nothing that any one of them would've paid attention to. As they got closer to the ground, they would see the familiar figures of the 9th Division standing around the landing area and looking up at the animal aircraft. It was clear that they, as well as the rest of the Captains, had long expected their arrival.

"Mōka?" Angelika questioned, turning towards the said woman. "Can your partner perform teleportation? If she can, I'd like her to bring Sakura and Shinji here, as well. Giving the Gotei 13 any reason to suspect us of deception is the last problem we want to come to the surface..."

"Sure thing, partner,"? Mōka smiled to Angelika, understanding whom she meant. Raising a hand to her earpiece, she adjusted the frequency to reach her stationary subordinate and lover, at the base as they began to descend onto the ground, "Kari-chan? Can you do a favor for me?"

"Exactly what, pra tell, should I do this time? I've been having to deal with this Soul Reaper's sweet talk and having her trying to understand me for the past day or so and its starting to piss me off. Do NOT ask me to-"

"Kari-chan, please focus,"? Mōka spoke in a commanding, yet soft tone as the avian creature touched down, not wanting to look unpleasant in front of her hosts, "I want you to bring Sakura-chan and Shinji-san with you to my location. Please use the fast-way but don't get carried away, okay?"

"Yeah yeah...I'll get right on that-"

"Glad to see you all could make it," Daisuke spoke out initially once the group finally arrived onto the courtyard of the 9th Division Barracks, his eyes bulging slightly at seeing the additional occupants. He quickly recovered, however, and began clearing his throat, continuing in front of his men and his superior beside him, "I see you had more comrades than I anticipated. Going to be a full house for this debriefing, I suppose..."

Angelika quickly switched her gaze from the Lieutenant to the Captain, who had his hands folded behind his back and a pondering look on his face. "We'll explain everything once we get to the meeting room." She said coolly, bringing herself to stand up and walk off of the Dragonbird. "I'm sure all of the rest of you will want to hear about our recent endeavors."

A grin came across Hachiro's face. "That we would, you one-eyed brat." He remarked, though having a clearly jocular tone within that voice. "I'm sure all of you have quite the story to tell." He turned his gaze towards Rika. "You needn't worry about your steed, pilot. My men will stay here and ensure that no one has any funny ideas about doing anything with it..."

The reassuring tone was enough to make Rika relax, a relieved smile crossing her face. "T-thank you, sir..." She said softly, allowing herself to move after Angelika. She slid off, with the bird letting out a light caw as she did so.

"Easy there," Mōka spoke to Rika, sliding off in sync with her, making sure she kept a light hold of her form in case she fell over, "I don't want you suddenly tipping over just because we're on solid ground, Rika-chan..."

"I hope the numbers aren't too much trouble for you?" Asuka questioned, following straight after the two of them.

"While it might make some of our colleagues and subordinates understandably nervous around you, I think its all the better," Daisuke spoke honestly, rubbing the back of his neck with a nervous smile as he emphasized, "if we are truly to have a coherent alliance, having more allies on our side is better for us, right?"

"And us, as well as you..." Angelika agreed, allowing herself to slide off of the bird. She dusted herself off, paying a glance towards Mōka and Rika. "As promised, one of my subordinates will bring Lieutenant Keikai back here shortly. We took special care as to ensure that she was in good health the entire time she was in our company."

That prompted Hachiro to give a slight nod of appreciation, though he scoffed afterwards. "Eh, I doubt that her Captain would've missed much of her, anyway." He commented. "Considering problems he's been dealing with, however, I can't say I blame him for it..."

"What exactly happened, if I might ask?" Mōka looked over to the 9th Division Captain, her brows perked up with interest as to hear what precisely would've happened while she has been away from the Soul Society, "did the Clan have issues that caused him to let us go in the first place?"

As they talked, Yusuke regarded the scene with a bit of a downtrodden attitude. As he slid down the bird, he became noticeably quiet and withdrawn. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, his head was slightly lowered and his eyes were fixated on the ground. It wasn't exactly pleasing to him that a recent friend would have to leave them so soon....

"Hey Yusuke, don't worry about Sakura-chan," Daisuke noticed Yusuke's attitude shift immediately. Bending over to reach out and pat him on the shoulder, "if this goes as smoothly as I hope it will, you can visit Sakura whenever you want, and she to you guys..."

"Wouldn't that be precious," Yajū scoffed aloud, rolling his eyes but kept his mouth shut. He didn't like this whole charade of a "ceasefire" with the very enemies that had been dogging them this whole time. But, he was just muscle, not the brains so he knew better than to voice anything more than a complaint...

Despite Yajū's sarcastic comment, Yusuke allowed himself to smile a little and nod. "Yeah... I hope so, sir..." He answered lightly.

"All right, you all!" Hachiro clapped his hands together and regarded all of the V-14 members with a respectful and polite gaze. "I'm sorry to interrupt the conversations, but Shin'en would kill me if I wasted too much time talking. I'll show you to the meeting room. Follow me..."

With that, he turned around in order to lead them towards the designated area. As he walked, he spared a glance towards Mōka. "You wouldn't happen to have a problem with that, would you, miss...?" He questioned her, cocking a slight eyebrow.

"Nah," Mōka shrugged nonchalantly, before discreetly cocking her head back towards Anton's direction as they all began trekking behind Daisuke and Hachiro, "I'm just worried about our Aethian friend becoming victim of a vendetta your 10th Division Captain has developed during their last clash in the Rukon Districts..."

Anton immediately raised his hands up in a slightly defensive motion, though having a clear scowl on his face. "Hey. I'm not going to act foolish in the presence of the rest of you." He answered. "As much as I'd like to run a sword through his throat, I know the consequences of what will happen if I do. I can keep myself cool if he can. But if he gets any ideas, don't expect the peace to be kept."

"We'll try to make sure our colleague doesn't do anything brash, right, Captain?" Daisuke tried to reassure the pointedly mentioned Aethian to his superior. He had forgotten how enraged Captain was during their attempt to take down V-14. He heard that he nearly killed the Aethian, and would've decimated the rest of them hadn't it been for his family's political problems intervening...

"Of course." The Captain said smoothly. "The same goes for the rest of us as well as the rest of you. We keep ourselves in line and no trouble-making. So," He turned towards his Lieutenant, once again cocking an eyebrow and smirking. "I trust you'll see to keeping your succubus in line. It would be bad if another mother-daughter family reunion took place in the midst of our meeting room..."

"I-I'm not her Master, Captain! She's her own person, and I can only encourage her to just act courteously is all," Daisuke acted in a flustered manner, blushing as he turned his head away from his superior, quite embarassed on how he addressed Sakura.?

"So...you're him, huh?" Mōka spoke pointedly, in a subtly intimidating tone that caused Daisuke to be thrown out of his nervous state of mind. As he turned to look over his shoulder, Mōka could only smile wryly, seeing the young boy too naive for her to believe that he harnessed the very ashes of Hell to his side, "you're a lot younger than I imagined you to be..."

"I...umm...thanks...I guess?" Daisuke acted timidly in front of the beautiful woman, having a nostalgic appearance in a semblence to someone he knew. Rubbing the back of his neck, he tried to stutter out, "ummm...do I know...you?"

Anton could only cock an eyebrow. "You mean she didn't tell you?" He commented, almost allowing a smirk of his own to cross his face. "And here I thought with all the time you spent with her, the first thing she'd talk to you about is her children..."

"Ch-Children?!" Daisuke's eyes widened with shock.?

"What? You didn't know? I'm that bitch's daughter, Mōka Komori," the said Dominator spoke aloud, smirking as she crossed her arms and raised a brow in amusement, "but my Hankami title is that of the Dominator, but I'd rather you just stick to my first name, kay?"?

"S-S-Sure!" Daisuke felt himself blush up a storm, despite the risque greeting and introductions, he never thought such a beautiful woman was a near identical replica of Sakura herself. If he didn't know that they were mother and daughter, he'd almost assume that they were sisters, "m-my name is Daisuke-"

"Yeah, we covered that already," Mōka rolled her eyes, walking past him to leave a dejected Lieutenant in her gait, "let's get this over with already. We can gossip and giggle if your Captains' Meeting is delayed for some reason..."

"I can guarantee you Shin'en will probably be late..." Hachiro muttered, rolling his eyes. "He's always the type to get everyone else on time and then wait for a good while before showing up himself. Really gets on our 7th Division Captain's nerves..." Inwardly, he was relieved at the nonchalant attitude she was showing at the mention of her mother. Now, if Sakura could show the same amount of temper...

"As long as there isn't any nasty surprises waiting for us, it will be good for us to get acquainted with the other members of the Gotei 13's bravest and strongest," Mōka nodded with affirmation as they once again set off towards their destination.

Looking up ahead, the group could see that the large series of steps leading up to the 1st Division Barracks also doubling as the Captains' Meeting Hall and the Head Captain's quarters.?

"Geez, talk about huge!" Zaii commented as his eyes bulged out to see such a large palace-sized Barracks, not to mention the wide gait the stairs had while they traversed up the solid tiled treads, "how many Soul Reapers are housed here?!"?

"Its more for show than anything," Daisuke commented, putting his hands behind his head as they walked up the long series of stairs, "the 1st Division has about as many Soul Reapers as any other Division has, but it has to retain a sense of presence and superiority due to them being direct subordinates underneath the Head Captain himself..."

"It must have its own strategic defense advantages as well," Shinshin mused lowly, looking side to side, seeing as the building seemed to be one of the highest points of the Seireitei, "it almost appears they have a complete vantage point over the whole Soul Society. It would be a good view for those with expert tactical analysis..."

"It sure is impressive," Shito nodded in emphasis to Zaii's comment as he cupped his chin, "I wonder how much space is actually inside?"

"We'll find out, won't we?" Oliver muttered, chuckling a little. "Or, we'll find out if they don't decide to chop off our heads at the last minute..."

"Captain Horikawa." Kaitlyn's voice called the said man's attention to her, and she regarded him with a slightly curious gaze. "Is Qilin still Captain of the 7th Division?"

He raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes twinkling with confusion. "Yes, he is... why do you ask, dear?"

Kaitlyn managed a small smile."Let's just say we were business partners a while back. When the debriefing is over and done with, I wish to speak with him."

"Well, that's up to him, if you must ask." Hachiro gave a light shrug of the shoulders. "It's not like I dictate or keep track of what he does... even if he can be a little troublesome at times--"

"Dayum, gurl! Why yo ass so fine?"

"I know, right?"

"Damn it, Captain!"

"..." Hachiro's eye twitched a little at the sound of Qilin, Sakura, and Tetsuyo's respective voices as they got closer to their respective location. In turn, this was followed by laughter from both Qilin and Sakura. "Scratch that. Make that very troublesome."

"Did someone say, fine ass?!" Yajū's eyes widened with a disturbing glee as he saw Tetsuyo and Sakura before most could say anything, "that is a fine-"

WHAM!

"Behave, Yajū!" Mōka said with a berift sigh, stamping on his foot with enough force to quell his debaucherous thoughts, and allow her a moment of quiet, "we're supposed to arrange an alliance, not a room for you to rape someone..."

"Yeah, we really don't want that kind of reputation you know," Shito spoke with a derrisive tone of annoyance, rubbing his temples at being surrounded by such impulsive comrades.

"Suit yourselves...ow...ow...," Yajū scowled, but not before limping over to the back side of the group, not wanting to attract anymore attention from his real boss.

Ignoring his new allies-to-be antics, Daisuke approached Sakura with a bright smile, waving out to her as he approached ahead of the group, "Hey Sakura-chan! I see you got here before we did..."

"He's not even the least bit concerned about the cat-calls..."

Tetsuyo had to sweatdrop as Daisuke approached the Hankami with a nonchalant gait. He folded his arms across his chest, turning to his grinning Captain. "You were very lucky this time, my friend..." He muttered lowly. "The Punisher is known for her indulgences. If she was anything like Captains Sazuke or Ikidori, you and that man would've had your kidneys and stomachs rearranged by now."

"Wouldn't have done it if I knew I wasn't going to get away with it..." Qilin answered nonchalantly, chuckling a little. "You have so much doubts in me, my dear Lieutenant..."

The Punisher folded her arms across her chest as she looked at Daisuke. "You should know by now that I'm always early to events that I come to." She answered smoothly, nodding her head towards Qilin and Tetsuyo. "I ran into these two on my way there, told me that the rest of them were waiting up in the meeting room. With the exception of the Captain-Commander..."

"Figures..." Hachiro rolled his eyes, having already expected it. "Well, I suppose that's plenty of time to get acquainted..."

Hello Gov'nor! Revelations of a Common Enemy...!
"That's good to know," Daisuke sighed with relief, realizing that Sakura hadn't gotten into anybody while he had been away. As he looked to Qilin, he realized that the man's infectiously easygoing mannerisms often deflected sarcastic and course talk. Of most of the Captains, he is the example of a good social person, "I'm just glad you are finding each other's company pleasantly enough, despite circumstances..."

"Whoa! They're here already?!" Ryōken called out, appearing directly behind the now ascended collaborative of V-14's currently appeared forces, "geez, that's a lot of you..."

"Don't change the subject of your tardiness, Captain Aizen," Lieutenant Fiaresu spoke derisively in an annoyed tone next to his lax acting superior, "its better to be honest of your bad habits than trying to poorly disguise them with inept execuses."

"Ah, that's cold, Senshi-san!" Ryōken raised his hands in protest of mock surrender to his being late.?

"The only reason why you showed up is because I came to get you," Kukkyōna, appearing on Ryōken's other side while ascending with his Lieutenant to meet the rest of V-14, "I swear I forget that you're a Captain sometimes..."

"Sometimes I like to sleep in! Is that so much to ask?" Ryōken rolled his eyes as he spoke with a playful tone, walking up with them to meet the others of V-14.

"I apologize for the influx of numbers if they were unexpected..." Angelika said smoothly, motioning to the group behind her. In particular, Asuka was walking up to stand by her side as she was speaking, her hands folded behind her back. "But under the circumstances, I truthfully wasn't expecting to bring so many with me. We'll make sure to explain everything once your Captain-Commander gets here."

"Then I suggest you get comfortable..." Qilin muttered, putting his hands on the back of his head. "It's probably going to take a while before the big boss gets here, so you might as well hang out and--"

However, he abruptly cut himself off upon the sight of Kaitlyn, who blushed slightly in embarassment at his sudden lock-on to her.

"Kaitlyn? It is you, isn't it?"

His expression brightened, and within an instant, he was in front of her. Before she knew it, he had scooped her up in a bear hug and lifted her off her feet, ignoring the slight yelp that had come from her person. "Oh, it's been far too long!" He exclaimed, quickly setting her down and looking over her. "How exactly did you end up with such a band such as the V-14? With your white slate, I'm pretty sure that recruitment couldn't have possibly been in the question."

Kaitlyn's smile got a little sheepish, and she chuckled nervously as she glanced at Oliver. The man, in return, was giving her a cock of the eyebrow of question. "Let's just say that one of my family got himself into a lot of trouble and we had to walk him out. I wouldn't want to spoil any of the explanation the bosses are going to give..."

"Hm?" That was when Qilin's gaze drifted to Oliver. Although it relaxed considerably, it was clear he was still enthused. "Oh, so this is your father?" He guessed, nodding in acknowledgement. "Yes, now that I think about it, Hachiro did mention something about a blonde-haired gunman that made up one of the enemy's assault on the convoy."

"You heard about that, huh?" Oliver drawled.

"Something like that doesn't exactly get by unnoticed, Black Eagle..." Qilin answered. "The Captain told me that you," He nodded over to Hyōryū. "And a woman that displayed just as much skill as you did fought off several squads of the 9th Division's seats by yourselves. Two gunmen, and without any special powers of their own nonetheless! It's quite obvious that you're going to garner a reputation upon yourselves, positive or otherwise..."

"Well we're not that special,"? Hyōryū blushed slightly from the compliment given by the ecstatic man, rubbing her neck while turning away, "its the other guys you should be praising. We're just the helping hands, really..."

"Are you...being bashful?" Shadō asked incredulously as he looked over at the young woman whom he knew only as a partner.?

"N-No I'm just...a little...umm...-"

"Excuse me," Shinshin approached Qilin directively, effectively saving? Hyōryū from further embarassment, uninentionally. His eyes cool and dispassionate, nearly unreadable as he asked the man, "are you the aledged Spirit-Smith I heard so much about? I was wondering if you could do something for a blade of mine," he pulled out his katana from his sash, holding it out in a horizontal presenting manner, his manner expectant, "its name is Kakushin..."

Daisuke rolled his eyes. The fact they were able to save as many as they could from death was incomprehensible, considering neither said gunman had been holding back in their assault on the convoy. He personally rather not dwell on it, so he just simply turned his eyes away to gaze on an unfortunately close pair of eyes. Crimson eyes, as fiery as Sakura's, locked directly onto hers, "Uh-oh..."

"Hello, mother," Mōka spoke in a sarcastically enthused tone, crossing her arms just below her impressive bust and cocking her smooth, hourglass hips to the side, she looked at her mother dead in the eyes that was borderline murderous intent, "it has been too long, hasn't it?"

"Well, well, now isn't this a surprise?" Ryōken approached Asuka's direction with a haughty tone, with the unintentional audience of Kukkyōna and Senshi, "I can't believe the next Head of the Sakamoto Clan graces our feet with her presence! You remember me, Asuka-hime? I used to pay your Clan visits when I was working on our Clan inter-relationships...you still look as radiant as ever by the way!"

A beaming smile crossed Asuka's face as Ryōken approached her. "Ah, Aizen-san! I could never forget that face if I tried. How is my brother Akimoto doing? He hasn't been giving the Aizen Clan too much trouble, has he?" Although he was a member of the sub-branch Raven House, he was one of the few R.H. members to have dared to take up a leadership position within in the clan. He was heavily known for his rallies and sermons promoting anarchy and self-government - something that wasn't looked upon lightly by the Gotei 13. It had gotten him constantly in trouble with both the Clan Elders and the Chamber 46, but he still held them. Surprisingly, a massive number of people had taken to these sessions and supported his cause.

Their conversational talk was a heavy contrast to what was beginning to transpire between the Hankami mother and daughter.

"You have some nerve to take that tone with me, you disgusting whiner." She said venomously, returning the stare with a glare filled with unrestrained venom. As much as she wanted to wring the other female's neck, she kept her arms folded across her chest. Even she knew there was a limit to everything. But that didn't stop her from undoing the chains for her words. "Why aren't you somewhere playing with the "mortal children", as you always wanted to? Little kids shouldn't be involved in adult things like this."

"Spiritsmith?"

Qilin's eyes regarded the man with confusion, and he placed a hand to his chin in thought. They drifted towards the blade "Son, I'm afraid that whoever told you that name's been digging up too much in the fiction and fantasy books." He said, closing his eyes and shrugging his shoulders. "The Spiritsmith's nothing but some legend made up by folks with too much time on their hands. I mean, I could probably take the blade to someone who can actually fix it, but that's all anyone can do..."

"A...are you... blushing?" Oliver snickered, looking at her face. "Aw, aren't you the cutest little thing, yes you are~!" Off to the side, Kaitlyn couldn't help but snicker as well at the woman's unfortunate attention.

"SH-SHUT UP!"? Hyōryū shouted in protest, stamping her foot with indignation as she fixated a glare of daggers towards Oliver, "I will kick you so hard, you'll wish you had something manly to brag about!"

"Easy, Hyōyū," Shadō raised his hands, trying to calm his associate down, "let's not start nut cracking people in front of our hosts please..."

"No, I shouldn't be," Shinshin narrowed his eyes at Qilin with suspecting certainty, "from what my colleague has talked about, it seems that you were the one supplying him with all the unique spirit blades he requested on many occasions. I was wondering if you could fasten one for me, or at least, find a Spiritsmith of near caliber to you who is able..."

Mōka could only smirk as she placed her hands on her hips, flipping her hair from one side to the other, "Oh? You dare pull the age card on me? You with the temperment of a child, whom is no older than a century and a half, to call me a child? Try again, witch, and I might be offended, but that would be childish of you, now wouldn't it?"

"Okay, time-out you two," Daisuke tried to intervene between the two volatile behaving women, raising a hand to each of them with a nervous smile on his face, "why not postpone whatever reunion you two are planning to transpire after we're done here, okay?"

"Do you always let him boss you like this, or do you pretend to do as he asks?" Mōka had to ask, much to Daisuke's chagrin, pointedly towards her biological mother.

"Well, considering the recent events we've had over in Yūrei and the recent incidents we've had to handle culminating with both, well, your organization and the leftover rabble the Ahijados retained, his cause is as strong as ever. I pacify him with good natured visits and it usually keeps him in a good mood. As long as I don't directly tell him to stop his protests and sermons, he's pretty receptive to debates and small talks," Ryōken spoke to Asuka with good cheer, appreciative that Asuka remembered him as well as the last time they spoke.

"Funny, I remember it was usually me who had to talk sense into Akimoto rather than you," Kukkyōna spoke with a dry toned, sideglancing his partner before smiling back at Asuka, "its been quite awhile, Asuka-san. I don't know if you remember me, but my name is Kukkyōna Hayate, the Clan Head of the Noble Hayate House. I accompanied Ryōken-san during our trips to your estate..."

SHFT-SHFT-SHFT-SHFT-SHFT-SHFT-SHFT!

Within a series of simultaneous Flash Steps, nearly all of the Captaincy was present. With people like Taiyō and Sazuke moving with their respective Lieutenants to take their positions without being distracted, others like Kaze

"Well, look who we have here?" Taiyō spoke out, smiling toothily as she walked past the assembled group to take a position assigned to herself, crossing her arms as she observed the gathered mass, "it seems like we'll be forming a circle rather than horizontal aligned lines instead today, huh?"

"They do seem like a lively group, don't they?" Nozomi asked, her other onlooking more observing colleagues.?

"I just hope they aren't up to any tricks," Kaze muttered as he stared at them with suspicion, but held his ground, "of course of all the times I would like him around, Meikurai is insisting he's busy. Stupid boy should know when to be present..."

"Please wake me when this pow-wow is over," Yukiakari spoke allowed as she closed her eyes while crossing her arms over her chest, dipping her head only slightly, "I'm not interested in making small talk with mercenaries, friendly or not..."

Tap-Tap-Tap!

"Mercenaries, eh?" Shindō whispered, appearing directly before the culminated group of V-14, walking straight towards Anton before stopping just short of the well-built, larger man. His gait composed, yet had a barely restrained menace, and his eyes stared stoically towards the Russian, with a obvious glare behind the cold onyx eyes of his, "so you survived, Anton Semenov..."

Suddenly, the tension within the room had increased tenfold, and the majority of the occupants had ceased talking. The V-14 leaders, particularly, took an eye of caution towards the two pairs that were in the process of arguing with each other. On one side was two Captain-level opponents. On the other were warriors far beyond that. Both of their attitudes seemed to be deteriorating bit by bit, and it would only be a matter of time until one side snapped.

Anton paid no heed to it. A malicious smirk crossed his face as he stared down at Shindō's slightly smaller form. "Yeah..." He whispered, lowering himself so that their faces were inches away from each other. "I know it must disappoint you to see me alive and kicking. I probably would have died, too... but, you know, I started to think about you a lot since then. Needless to say, I wouldn't be able to carry out dreams of gutting you, ripping every organ from your body and hanging your entrails on the Seireitei's gate if I was dead, now would I?"

"Unlike what you've heard from the castrated sheep," Sakura said vehemently, placing her hands on her hips. "I'm quite capable of being nice. Of course, you would've never thought that. Your head was always so far up the ass of humanity that you'd never once stop to pay attention to what was happening to your own kind, wasn't it? I don't know what's worse; the mortals who are so full of themselves that they think they're on level with us, or the immortals who loathe themselves so much that they want to become just another sniveling human..."

"Why you-?!"

"You bi-!"

TAP-TAP-TAP-TAP!

"Now now now, children," the Head Captain spoke as he suddenly appeared, fashionably late as always. He managed to move with such deft speed and grace that he slapped all four bickering entities at once, ending with Mōka and starting with Shindō, with a ruler no less, "while it would be a morbidly attractive thing to see innards hanging from the Seireitei gate, it wouldn't suffice as there are four gates and wouldn't be enough to spread the joy of your dream effectively. That, and the fact as interesting as your two philosophically involved family squabbles are, the Hankami are not Immortal, just long-lived and are about as emotionally parallel as everyone else is. Now, without further interruption..."

SFT!

"...welcome to the Seireitei, V-14!" Furuidenshō spoke aloud with a cheerful tone, waving a near ecstatic hand towards the large group of mercenaries and affiliates involved with the infamous organization.

Anton's reaction was the comical one.

"Did," He stared at the Head Captain with widened eyes, one of them twitching slightly. His mouth was agape, and the look on his face could simply be described as priceless. All of his fury had disappeared, replaced by nothing more than comical shock. "Did you just hit me with a ruler?!" He asked in disbelief, holding the back of his head with one hand and using the other to point at Furidenshō. "Who does that?!"

"Apparently, he does..." Gina muttered, putting on a small smile of amusement at the man's expression. She folded her arms across her chest. "Takes you back to your school days, doesn't it? When the teacher always threatened to spank you in front of the class if you misbehaved. Good times, huh?"

"Get over here, you all..." Noriko said bluntly, fixing her eyes on the Captains who had brought themselves over to the V-14. "Just because there's more people here than anticipated doesn't mean we have an excuse to act out of line. You can speak with all of your friends later."

Qilin huffed. "Yes, mom..."

However, he allowed himself to turn towards Shinshin one last time, leaning forward so that his mouth was close to his ear. "We'll talk later..." He whispered so that only the other man could hear. "I prefer not to speak of my other... business... in the presence of the Captains. I hope you understand." With that being said, he retracted himself away and stepped back in order to head to what would've been his own spot.

However, the Punisher's reaction was less than humorous. In fact, it was downright malevolent.

Once the words about the Hankami hit her ears, her narrowed crimson eyes filled with murderous and furious intent. "Say that again." She said lowly, her voice quiet but the venom unrestrained. "Speak as if you know everything about our kind once more, and I'll make sure you'll be giving the Togabito my regards!!" In a way, Mōka had been right. She had a short temper, and when it was set off, she rarely bothered to stop herself. This time, she felt justified. Who was this man to talk about her race so casually, as if he were Izanagi himself? The fool knew nothing.

"All is one and one is all," Furuidenshō spoke softly in response, unphased by the Punisher's angry shout. Turning his eyes to face her angry visage, he spoke simply, "when it all comes down to it, we are all insignificant. Death can come to anything and anyone. Where something begins it also ends. I've learned it the hard way, that taking a high stance above the masses, means you have to set the example for them, otherwise it is simply folly and arrogance. Wars start because others belittle those weaker than themselves or those who couldn't understand them. I may not know everything about your kind, nor do I possess powers that allow me to justify my existence is greater than your own, but I am simply speaking in facts. The fact that you are able to mingle with humanity's living and spirit realms, speaks volumes of your emotional disposition being far more alike to the masses than what you would admit....

But regardless, if you want to have a more personally vocal discussion, feel free to speak to me alone in my quarters. I promise I'll be as hospitable as your young friend is to you," the Head Captain added, winking at Daisuke, causing the latter to blush and look away from the insinuation.

The the conflict from the Hankami allowed Shindō to forget his current vendetta long enough to walk away without trading blows. Inwardly he knew he would attain the opportunity to strike back at his enemies. It was only a matter of time...

As soon as the rest of the Captaincy lined up, with the respective three V-14 leaders standing in front of their ragtag group to face the now seated Head Captain respectively. During the confusion as well, Karitori appeared via dark disturbing flash of light and vibrations, revealing the unharmed Sakura to return to her Captain's dispassionate side and Shinji to walk relatively recovered to Asuka's group.

And of course,

"Shinji-kun!"

"Shinji!"

Rika and Yusuke were quick to rush to their partner's aid, quickly moving to each side of him to support him. At that point, he was still having difficulty walking and had nearly stumbled. "Easy, big guy..." Yusuke encouraged. "You've been through a lot of mental stress, and it's still a bit too early for you to start up and running just yet. How do you feel?"

"I'm still in the process of regaining my motor functions..." Shinji's voice was slightly hoarse, but otherwise normal. "I... only need a few minutes to recover myself fully..."

"All right... Rika, help me set him up against the wall. He'll need all the time he can."

"R-right..."

As they coaxed Shinji over towards the wall, Angelika nodded over towards Sakura. "You are free to check her for any potential anomalies within her external or internal system." She said to Shindō. Unlike Anton, she made sure to keep her tone professional and polite. "But as of this moment, she is in good health and possesses no such problems."

As they began to speak, the Punisher's expression began to change from anger to a sullen thoughtfulness. She folded her arms across her chest, turning her head away for a moment. There was at least some truth to the words that the Head Captain had spoken, even if she would never acknowledge it outright. It was a rather scary thought, knowing that someone you considered to be lesser than yourself to have such a viewpoint. Of course, this sentiment had always been shared by Daisuke himself. His faith within her own humanity had been enough to rattle her to the point of mental breakdown, and he was nothing more than a Shinigami Lieutenant. She was a blood-born god, and yet she had been brought down to size by him. All of it was because she failed to recognize the full potential and ability of the mortals.

"...but your alternative, is to strip away all freedom, thought, and hope and plunge them forcefully into a world you only assume is perfect because you say it will be..."

"That, and the fact as interesting as your two philosophically involved family squabbles are, the Hankami are not Immortal, just long-lived and are about as emotionally parallel as everyone else is..."

"...I may not know everything about your kind, nor do I possess powers that allow me to justify my existence is greater than your own, but I am simply speaking in facts..."

The memory of Kukkyōna's words to her as well as the Head Captain's was enough to make her lip curl briefly. She had been within existence long before any of them had even been born, long enough to justify her own status as an immortal. If Shin'en claimed to not know everything, how could he also claim to speak in facts? As far as she was concerned, he was being nothing more than a hypocrite. In fact, he had no right to speak to her about anything regarding the Hankami.

"...taking a high stance above the masses, means you have to set the example for them, otherwise it is simply folly and arrogance..."

Then again, maybe that had been her fault, too. Maybe she had not made a proper example of her role. Maybe she had not projected her image in the manner of what would be expected of a goddess. Her informal, carefree and borderline-reckless behavior may have been what constituted to the majority of opinion here. As far as the rest of them were concerned, she was nothing more than another empowered being... just like they were.

Suddenly, she felt a lot more disappointed in herself...

Mōka found herself stunned. Despite the youthfullness of the Head Captain before her, as well as the initial lax and carefree introduction, he held both the wisdom and poise to speak in an unshakeable resolve of his own beliefs. She knew as a fact very few who knew their true origins would dare speak to them as if they were equals. The fact she managed to talk her mother, the virtual Queen of Hell, into submissive pause, made an incredible impression onto the Hankami born woman.

"I like him," she thought with a smile, looking at his back as he turned to sit at his seat at the head of the Captaincy, awaiting for debriefing patiently, "he and I could get along very well..."

"You okay, Sakura?" Daisuke asked Sakura with an empathetic tone. During the few times he spoke alone or within the same room with the Head Captain, he knew at times he seemed unreasonable or stern at times, but he never talked down to someone like that before the Lieutenant. Especially not a woman, "I'm sorry if he offended you. I guess he sometimes might get a little carried away when he's trying to keep the peace..."

"That isn't necessary," Shindō spoke solemnly, not bothering to project any hatred or resentment to the leader of the enemies he swore to destroy. With a mere flicker of his eyes, they changed into the infamous red-black eyes of Tamenkyōme, examining Sakura Keikai's form within a few moments before disengaging the Kidō altogether, "I find that she is in the exact shape you claimed she's in. You have my thanks for being courteous to her, at the very least..."

"Th-Thank you, Captain, for understanding," Sakura bowed her head to her superior, thankful that her superior understood. When she raised her gaze, she saw that Shinji was barely standing, causing her to rush over to the bandaged man and stand before him, "are you alright? Are you still having trouble breathing?"

"My psychology is fine..." The man answered readily, allowing for Rika and Yusuke to place him on a sitting position against the wall. "I only need a few minutes to regain full control over my motor systems..." His crimson eyes stared into her own, his gaze stoic as it always was. But the slight waver within his irises showed the extent of the state he was in. "I... thank you sincerely for your kindness, Lieutenant Keikai, for I know you did not have to help a recent enemy recover..."

Rika herself was quick to join in with a smile. "Well... if Konno-san feels comfortable enough to thank you, you couldn't have done any wrong..." She said softly. "You have my thanks also, Keikai-san."

"It's not something we can't handle if it's worse than it looks..." Yusuke said in reassurance, looking at Sakura and giving his own grin. "Run along, Kei-chan. We'll be but a moment..." He turned back towards Shinji, kneeling down to the man's level in order to start checking him for any possible anomalies.

"...there's still so much I've failed to realize about you mortals."

As the three prepared to give the debriefing of the recent events, the Punisher's gaze softened to a more sullen look. "How long has it been? A little over two millennia, and yet I still haven't brought myself to see what the Monitor and Oracle had. I'm pretty sure they would've realized it by now. Just what exactly am I missing...?"

"We'll start from the beginning..."

Angelika cleared her throat, preparing herself for what was to be a long speech. "The first encounter we had with the Inner Circle was through one of the Dragons. His name is Yashin Shiyōnin, and he came under the guise of a client needing assistance in terminating Kenja Kōdai, a.k.a, the "Burning Knight". Needless to say," She motioned towards the said man with one hand. "One thing came to another, and I came to decision to reject the contract. Doing the Inner Circle's dirty work wasn't under my method of operations. However, they seemed to take this as a sign of defiance and decided to make us a primary target for elimination."

Asuka was quick to pick up where her leader left off. "After Captain Takuji's encounter and retreat from his ambush of Alpha and Beta Teams, Yashin was quick to follow up and finish their weakened forces off. Luckily, Kenja and my Gamma Team was there to reinforce the area. That was where we detained Lieutenant Keikai."

The Head Captain looked onwards with a serious gaze of contemplation and acknowledgement of the two female leaders. He inwardly mused the hilarity of a die-hard mercenary organization was being run by three females with a good majority of their subordinates being male. Readjusting his focus, however, he realized something was amiss,

"Now I can concur with Captain Aizen and Captain Horikawa's reports upon the Inner Circle threat, they have never attacked openly. From what I've gathered on them, the Inner Circle has never attacked openly and prefers their operations done in secrecy or vaguely masked rumors. How could they attack you when any skilled Gotei 13 user was within the Seireitei?"

"If I may," Kenja stepped forward, a known thorn in the Gotei 13's side as well as a begrudgingly accepted ally thanks to their resident Substitute Soul Reaper within Karakura Town, he cleared his throat before elaborating, "I've personally fought Yashin and his minions before. One of the main reasons he can preform such open acts is because he remotely controls the bodies of both Spirits and Humans from afar. It is child's play for him to take on groups such as V-14, and do so without your knowing. He had done so only minutes after the 10th Division pulled out, hence the mess that was left out of Captain Takuji's report..."

"So that's what happened," Shindō thought, passively observing and listening to their conversation but remaining stoically silent, "could it be...that the information I was given was also leaked by that man? Damn that Yashin!"

"Yashin is like a Chessmaster among the Inner Circle's Lieutenants," Mōka spoke aloud in admittance, crossing her arms as she stood forward, "he plays out every scenarior in the field in order to accomplish his objectives. However, it seems like he's doing most of his mistakes on purpose, unlike that Dragon Kunō. She only pulled out because I arrived, and she didn't intend to lose anything within the initial assault, as she was searching for Shidai Kagai..."

"Speaking of which," the Captain Commander spoke in sudden elation, turning to Angelika, as he believed her to be the most informed of the three, "I heard that you went with our 9th Division Lieutenant in an attempt to retrieve those prisoners but encountered some problems. Was one of those problems, Shidai Kagai as well, the one whom was originally your contract to free and the whole intention of the Prison Escort debacle?"

"The very one..." A faint scowl crossed Angelika's face at the mention of her former client. "My forces ran across him while attempting to intercept and subdue your designated targets. Apparently, he was after an artifact called the "Eye of Ragna". However, from what Asuka has told me, he created an empty replica and left the real Eye of Ragna for whoever could grab it first before fleeing the area." She quirked a slight eyebrow. "How did you know?"

"Lieutenant Hayate was debriefed by Captain Horikawa, of course," The Head Captain shrugged in a matter-of-fact manner, "but it still concerns me is that he might have something to do with the chaos within the Underworld as well as the vast information network the Inner Circle possesses. That, or he's a loose cannon that will undoubtedly wreak havoc on any side he chooses to deem an enemy. I do have an inquiry though," Furuidenshō leaned forward, his hands forming a bridge for his chin to lean on, speaking to all of V-14 in general, "have any of you determined his true origins? I cannot find a record nor recall who this Shidai Kagai is, or what he was doing in a prison to begin with..."

There was but one voice who would answer him - Shinji.

"His eyes..."

All eyes turned towards him. Asuka's eyes widened in surprise when she saw the look on Shinji's face. His normally unbreakable and stoic expression had contorted to a look of fear, beads of sweat falling down his face. "They were the same as the Dragon's..." He whispered. "I could see the emblems within those crimson eyes of his, just as I saw them within our battle with Yashin. The way he spoke, the way he carried himself..." He slowly placed a palm to his face, covering one half of it. "It was exactly the same as him...!!"

"?!?!?!"

Nearly everyone did a double take from what they just heard. The fact one of the most seen and manipulative of the Inner Circle's lieutenants, a Dragon no less, had been identified as being both Shidai Kagai and Yashin Shiyōnin? The idea seemed maddening, but...

"Are you sure?! They are one in the same?!" Hyōryū asked Shinji, directing her worst fears of the Demon they've all come to know and fear. The one whom summoned a real Demon from the Underworld in an attempt to annihilate the Black Blood Sect. The one who hard injured and attempted to dispose of them all...was the same man as the aledged and infamous man who posed as a criminal mastermind who needed out of a prison?!

"No, they're not entirely the same," Shadō spoke aloud, having been one of the few to have seen both Shidai and Yashin up close and personal, though for entirely different purposes all-together, "Yashin showed his face flamboyantly, having no reason to even use an identity or a mask to keep secrecy. Shidai spoke subtly, seemed to have a more hidden and vague agenda, and I barely got a glimpse of his face. That...and he had a left sided red eye instead of Yashin's right..."

"So far, it appears as if the Inner Circle has allowed Yashin to be their front man," Kukkyōna analyzed aloud, looking over to the three female leaders of V-14, "it seems almost as if he has an innate fascination with your organization. And it sounds almost...coincidental...that he hasn't destroyed you or any allies you have with the power he possesses..."

"What's that suppose to mean?" Mōka spoke out, her eyes flashing challengingly to the 6th Division Captain, "are you saying Yashin has been taking it easy with us? From what I've heard and witnessed, his very existence alone is frightening to any or all of his subordinates. He very nearly succeeded in destroying us on several occasions..."

"If that were the case, why did they send another Dragon to hunt Shidai?" Ryōken countered, having been there to witness the ordeal for how much effort both V-14 and the Inner Circle made into retrieving the man, "if Yashin was indeed Shidai, why would the Inner Circle try and use so much unnecessary force into capture or kill him? That, and why would they not work alongside their usual frontman?"

"Are you saying," Shindō spoke aloud for the first time, his eyes narrowing across the line of Captaincy and V-14 to Ryōken, a hidden anger lingered behind the onyx orbs of his as he spoke, "that Yashin has been allowing V-14 to survive up to this point? And that he's using both Inner Circle and mercenary resources for another reason?"

"It could very well be. After all, the Inner Circle is officially a Mercenary Organization, from what we know of. I can't imagine all of their subordinates and lieutenants are in it just for undying loyalty and good pay," Ryōken deduced, shrugging as he merely hypothesized.

"It gets worse..."

A grim look donned Asuka's face as she looked at each of the Captains. "Prior to our movement here, we were contacted by one of the Dragons after she had somehow sliced our comms. She goes by the name of Brina McTavish - a name I, by the word of my subordinate, can safely assume you've heard of. She managed to hack our communications and hear everything, including the proposal of alliance. Even now, I can bet she's listening on every word spoken here..."

Once again, a number of alarmed looks and reactions could be seen among the Captaincy. The name of Brina McTavish brought Yukiakari out of her faked stupor, causing her to sweatdrop that the name was mentioned aloud, especially in the Captains Meeting. Especially when...

"WHAT?!"

...Onmitsukidō Corps Commander, Sazuke Tensai, could hear it.

The said Sazuke emanated a sudden shift from her cool, collected self into a seething and dangerous bloodlust. With almost red eyes, she locked her gaze at Asuka, as she tightened her hands with a handful of audible snaps, clenching into fists, "Where and When did you hear that voice?!"

Divide and Conquer! Begin, the War of Four, Has!
"The 43rd's armored airships are en route and approaching the Soul Society's airspace..."

Within the space of the Horseman's personal meeting room, Tsukishima folded his hands within his lap and looked towards the other three of his colleagues with a small smile. "Aerial bombardment will begin within, E.T.A. three minutes." He reported. "Once it does, our forces will assault the Seireitei and take it within the hour. The Gotei 13 will be powerless as their power is destroyed from both the inside and the outside. It'll be one step closer to complete and total dominion..."

"I expect to see a great deal of war out there, my friends..." Suna said, a satisfied smirk on his face. "Our Dragons will march, burn a path straight through the Shinigami's homeland, and come back with the heads of their leaders on a platter. There will be nothing left but acres of ash and blood once we are done demonstrating the extent of our power."

"And we won't even need to step foot on the battlefield," Kyōaku spoke with a revelling tone, his sing-song voice dropping an octave only due to a regretful sigh, "its a little unfortunate. I wanted to squash some of those Nobles with my bare hands, but I guess I can always collect data from their mangled bodies. Who knows? If any of them are alive I can take them apart in one of my laboratories..."

"I'll make sure that my subordinates will keep some alive, just for your sake..." Tsukishima said smoothly, reaching into his pants pocket in order to pull out his phone. He flipped it open, dialing a number combination before pressing it to his ear. "Is everything ready over there?"

"Ground forces set up and ready to go over here, Tsukishima-sama..." The voice of Brina was quick to answer him, just as pleased as they all were. "The airships are set within their airspace, and cannons are prepped for an artillery barrage to soften up their defenses. All we need now is your word..."

"Hehehe, it will be fun to take the gloves off," Yashin spoke on another line to Tsukishima, his pleased tone could be heard over the speaker, "my own subordinates should be quite capable of stopping any if not all of the Seireitei's Military forces from retreating. I'll make sure to take care of the Kidō Corps so they don't aid the Gotei 13's fracturing forces..."

This was where Shikyo would pull out her own cell phone in order to call her own subordinate. "Kunō, Tsukishima has his Dragons fully prepared and equipped. He's ready to give the green light. Are you all set on your end?" She asked.

"I'm ready to deliver some pain to the enemy, Shikyo-sama," Kunō spoke with a guttural tone, obviously alive with Dark Energy and ready to descend into the battlefield, "and I'll be capable of intervening in any battle that you see fit."

"Hmmmm," Kyōaku rubbed his chin thoughtfully with his black glove, looking over at Tsukishima with curioisity, "I just realized I didn't see Meikurai's report as being active. What is he up to right now? Is he planning to partake in this battle, or not face his comrades when they're being slaughtered like this?!"

Here was where Tsukishima was tempted to roll his eyes. "He's in a undisclosed location, currently in courting the Yūrei-Seireitei liason Rukia Kuchiki." He said, a slight deadpan in his voice. "Considering his role in allowing us to learn more about Yūrei and its system, I decided to allow him a bit of vacation time from his work."

This caused Shikyo to cock an eyebrow at him. "That... is awfully nice of you, Shūkurō." She said, a bit of suspicion within her voice. "To give your own subordinates a bit of peace time during an event like this? I would have expected sentiments from Suna..." She ignored the light and somewhat pouting scoff from Suna himself.

Tsukishima gave a light shrug. "I'm quite capable of being nice, regardless of what you've heard..." He stated calmly. "It's all a matter of opinion." He placed the phone back up to his ear. "All right, Brina. I want you begin with a nice, warm introduction. Give Kuno and Yashin a chance to say their piece, as well. I want them to fully understand the situation they're in right now."

"We'll drive the fear right into their souls, sir..." Brina said darkly, and the smile could be heard within her voice. "They'll understand..."

"Good hunting, Dragons. Out."

---

"Captain Tensai."

Noriko's voice was immediate to keep the surprised Asuka from speaking any further, stern and firm. "Stand down. This isn't the time or place to allow the emotions to get the best of you." She ordered. "It doesn't matter what kind of personal vendetta you have with the enemy."

"You have no idea," Sazuke snarled back at Noriko, her reddening eyes glaring at her, "no idea what that psychopathic bitch is capable of! We need to know where she is, right, n-"

"Stand. Down. Commander Tensai," Furuidenshō's voice suddenly penetrated the air, causing Sazuke to be knocked out of her current fit of rage. As she looked over, a smooth stare was fixated upon her with a hidden tone of menace laced within his voice, "I don't want you speaking in that tone in front of me, do you hear me?"

"..." Sazuke curled her lips, stepping back into her designated spot before bowing her head in apology, muttering, "Yes...Head Captain..."

"Better," Furuidenshō smiled, his tone immediately picking up as he directed his sincerely intrigued eyes to Asuka, waving his hand to her, "can you please tell us what she was informing you about? It might give us a clue for her intentions and what they're planning to do next."

"Yes, Commander..." Asuka gave a respectful bow, thankful that he had managed to subdue Sazuke's rage. "Brina was kind enough, for lack of a better word, to inform us of what was happening. As of now, Aether's being ransacked by their forces and possibly reduced to rubble by artillery fire. With what she told me, I fear that the Soul Society may be next to fol--"

What would cut her off was what would also shock the entirety of them even more.

"To the protectors and the backbone of the Soul Society! To the self-preserved and overestimated whores that are the V-14! The Inner Circle bids you greeting, and hopes that you will enjoy the show as your world is torn apart piece by piece before your very eyes. Throughout your history, you have shown yourselves to be honorable, fearsome, and formidable foes. But as of this minute, you will be known as the entire civilization dogs and pigs who died drowning in their own filth. There is no escape, and there will be no compromise. Today, death comes for you!"

It was Brina.

"A Tenteikūra spell broadcasted to every living mind within the Seireitei..." Gina muttered, a bead of sweat falling down her face. "How did she--?"

"Wow, incredibly bad timing for someone who just cooled off-"

"You bitch!" Sazuke snarled out, slamming her left foot down with enough force to make an indentation within the floor she stepped upon, "where the Hell are you?! You make a declaration of war, I intend to end you! Once and for all!"

"Calm down, Sazuke-"

"Don't even!" The Stealth Force Commander snarled at Yukiakari, as the latter attempted to calm her down, but was ignored by the renewed fury filling within the rival of the one broadcasting.

"Are we too late?!" Mōka exclaimed with widened eyes, realizing what this could only mean if Brina was the one giving the message.

"It certainly seems that way," Shinshin spoke lowly, his eyes narrowing as he fastens his katana back within the sash of his kosode, "I just hope we're prepared enough to take them on this time..."

"Hahahahahaha!" The irrefutable laughter of none other than Yashin Shiyōnin also filled the minds of everyone within the Captains Meeting Hall, sending chills down every living thing that heard his voice whisper in the back of their minds, "we're not messing around like before. We're intending to crush the life out of all you insects! V-14...its a shame I couldn't use you anymore. Had you joined us willingly, you wouldn't be on the receiving end of this slaughter..."

"Oh, it's on now, boss..." Oliver muttered, rising himself up and checked his submachine gun to see if it was fully ready. Yashin's voice was enough to rattle even the likes of his foundation. But that wouldn't mean he would sit back and allow himself to do nothing in what would seem like a mass invasion. He, as well as the rest of his comrades, would see this through to the very end.

A bead of sweat fell down Kaitlyn's face as she raised her head up. "This is it..." She muttered to herself. "Another war's starting, and we're in the middle of it..." Subconsciously, she moved herself closer to her father. The last time a scenario like this happened, she had been separated for so many years from her family. This time, she wanted to ensure that wouldn't happen again. She checked her sniper rifle, switching the round type to a more lethal setting.

"Commander Setsuko," Hachiro was quick to radio in to the leader of the Dragonbird air forces. "We have reports of potential enemy contact within your sector. Recommend you maintain a defensive position and report when--"

"THEY'RE EVERYWHERE!"

He had not expected an alarmed scream in response. Hachiro's eyes widened in shock, his heart tensing up within his chest. "Say again, Setsuko, repeat!" He said, a bit of surprise and dread within his own voice.

"I'm seeing enemy aircraft sweeping over the Senzaikyū and Sōkyoku Hill!! A full fleet of ATG Wasps and Mantas sweeping through the Sekiseki barrier!! HOW THE HELL ARE THEY GETTING THROUGH?!"

"That's a good question!" Sazuke snarled out, her body already taking off in a blurring wind across any observers, disappearing into the air, her Haori flourishing, "I'm going to silence the connection between them and us! I'll summon all available Stealth Forces immediately!"

"Sazuke, wait!" Yukiakari shouted after her friend and comrade, watching her rush out and into the fray without a second thought. Lowering her hand, she hissed, "dammit! Head Captain, what should we-"

She too, was cut off short as she saw the Head Captain immediately stride across the walkway, bypassing the V-14 members with ease as he walked with purposeful steps to the exit, "Captain Kūshinsai. I want you to prep your Division immediately. I will contact my Lieutenant to deploy the 1st Division to contain the situation from leaving the Seireitei. If those bombers get into the Rukonagi, it will be a mass slaughter..."

"Yes, sir," She replied without question, nodding to the other Captains as she walked in step just behind the Head Captain, "what are you going to do? And the rest of us?"

"Let me get out there and contain the chaos to the Seireitei," Furuidenshō, spoke as he stopped at the front, seeing what would be dozens of Air Ships in a chaotic, nightmarish dogfight with what few Dragonbirds Avaron had within the Soul Society, "you will be aiding me in the effort on the groundside. This chaos will be a good mask for any enemies infiltrating on the groundside. As for the rest of you,"

Furuidenshō spoke in a commanding tone, his Haori flourished in sync with his hair, as the raging sounds of battle could be heard throughout the meeting Hall, "I want all Captains and Lieutenants to be in a standby here. I don't know the extent of what's happening, but if we all rush out at once, we could be causing more chaos and leaning the battle into their favor. V-14," he turned to the three leaders at the far grouping of the mass collective of the V-14 mercenaries, "feel free to do as you see fit. From your record, I've seen enough to know how to get results and do things with the least minimal collateral damage. Use any means to destroy the enemy and engage upon your own discretion. Now if you excuse me..."

TAP-BWHOOSH!

"...I got some asses to kick!" Furuidenshō spoke in a battle-fueled tone, slamming one foot onto the ground before propulsing himself like a rocket, sending a gust of wind behind him as Yukiakari herself rushed off to organize her own Division to secure the Seireitei from extending its collateral damage zone into the Rukon Districts. Shortly after, a series of explosions could be seen in the air, as the Head Captain began his assault upon the airborne squadrons, relieving Avaron from the immense disadvantage she possessed within the air...

Kaze, in the meantime, used the distraction and confusion between all of his colleagues to walk back into the shadows, disappearing from sensation and sight, "This isn't good. If the Inner Circle has penetrated the Sekiseki barrier, who knows how many places of security they have compromised and penetrated. I must secure my laboratory and secure the Department. I don't have much time, by my estimates..."

"So?" Mōka smiled grimly, looking over at her two companion leaders of V-14, crossing her arms over her chest and cocking her head to the exit, "how shall we do this? Should we wait it out and come when things get messy, or just run with it? We'll need some sort of strategy to engage these bastards..."

Angelika closed her eye, her mind working to calculate. "The enemy is moving in a blitzkrieg formation. Air support and artillery will be used to soften up any fortified defense. While there are openings, both troops and equipment will be deployed on the ground in order to break through what survives of the opposition. We have to beware of any aircraft or other forms of vehicular support once we're out there."

"Where exactly will we be headed?" Anton questioned.

"We'll be going after the Dragons themselves." Angelika opened her eye slightly, looking over at all of them. "Captain Tensai has Brina covered for the time being. We'll go and focus on the other three. If we can take them out of the picture, their Dogs will have no one to pull their leash and the Gotei 13 will have a much easier time dealing with them. Not one of them is to be left alive. Destroy any who oppose you."

Oliver chuckled darkly, a gleaming smile crossing his face. "I've been waiting a long time for this... far too long..." He said lowly, raising his submachine gun to point in the air. In turn, this caused Angelika to gain a smirk of her own, as well as elicit a slight chuckle from her.

"Haven't we all?"

"Those airships are going to wreak havoc on our ground forces." Asuka said, looking towards her own subordinates. "Yusuke, take Shinji and Rika and head to the 12th Division HQ. Don't think their Captain or Lieutenant would mind if a helpful hacker came to their side. You're in charge of them, so make sure you all get there safe and sound. I'd send Rika to the Dragonbird, but considering what's going on, I don't think she'd be up in the air for very long."

"Yes, ma'am!" Yusuke said, his hand jerking in a respectable salute.

"Y-you aren't coming with us?" Rika asked hesitantly.

"Consider this a test..." Asuka gave a gentle smile. "Since you've always shown yourselves as very good subordinates, I want to see how well you'll cope without me for once. I have full and utter confidence in you all."

Rika's eyes widened briefly in surprise. But once the moment ended, she gave a bow of the head in respect and humility. "Yes, ma'am. We will not disappoint you..."

"Don't worry, Angelika," Kenja spoke with resolve, placing a reassuring armored hand on Rika's petite shoulder, winking at her superior, "I'll go along as additional security. With how unpredictable things are, its a good idea to have some muscle go along to make sure things go right..."

"I'll take the guys and we can go airborne," Mōka said with a smile, looking to Karitori with a nod, "we've done a few operations that have been considered battlefields, and this isn't any different. We can help the Head Captain anyways, as well as provide aerial support..."

"Hell yeah!" Zaii shouted in affirmation, raising his fist up in emphasis of his excitement.

"Sounds wicked," Karitori said with a feral grin, licking her lips in emphasis as she pulled out what looked like an archaic Kidō shotgun, "time to use this baby for some good ass-kicking..."

On the Captain's side of things, Hachiro couldn't help but smirk a little. "Aren't they just spry and youthful today...?" He joked lightly. However, he was quick to turn into a more serious. He turned his attention towards the rest of the Captains. "You heard the man. Keep your earpieces and radios on and keep constant contact with your subordinates. The last thing we want is for them to get overwhelmed without us knowing it..."

"Yes, Captain," Daisuke nodded in affirmation, looking to Sakura nervously, reaching his hand to place it on her shoulder, "we'll get through this. I promise..."

As he continued talking, however, he would be unaware that some of them would block him out... in exchange for a completely different voice.

"It is time, my little children... time to remember who it was that opened your minds."

It was the devil within the back of their heads, the demon on the opposite of the angel that sat on the affected's shoulders.

"I have granted you the opportunity to sleep. But now is an opportunity. Show me what you have learned. Show me your loyalty, your comradeship and the extent of your abilities. Your enemy is in front of you, unaware and ignorant of your intentions."

But in this instant, there would be no defiance.

"Show them no mercy. Death to the ones who oppose you."

It was during that moment, the pupils contracted on all of the affected. A faint smile came onto Ryōken's face, Taiyō narrowed her eyes, and Shindō glowered at V-14 as they strategized. And...within an instant...

Shindō moved with immense speed, releasing his Zanpakutō automatically upon unsheathing it, releasing a sudden discharge of Spiritual Power and lightning, intending on striking down the unaware clustered V-14 members within an instant, using his mass spreading blast of electricity to catch them all.

Ryōken unsheathed his blade within an instaneous maneuver to Kukkyōna's backside, slashing outwards in an expert Iaijutsu swing, discharging his own burst of imbued Spiritual Power and innate pressurized water within the swift blast of his sword stroke.

Taiyō rushed over to Hachiro via Flash Step overhead, having raised her clog-sandled right leg, before descending with a vicious axe kick, imbued with a masterfully weaved Sōkatsui spell, surely to cause an incredible blast below her and into the thick ceilinged floor below.

Tōshi Yūhi, Taiyō's Lieutenant, rushed over to Gina's blindspot, unsheathing her blade with swift position, aiming for her left leg's hamstrings to impede her efforts from escaping. Within the same sword stroke, she masterfully weaved into a figure eight slash towards her left arm as well, aiming to further disarm her target...

Senshi Fiaresu, Ryōken's Lieutenant, unsheathed his blade as he rushed towards the 11th Division Captain, aiming to cut her off from below her waistline and crouched below. With a swift rising thrust, Senshi aimed to deliver a powerful upheaval in sync with all the other attackers.

All of these attacks would be swift, and unexpected. Precision and movement were parallel, as if they had always trained and fought together within an instant. It was uncanny...and devious for the enemy to utillize against the currently dormant warriors...

Time stopped.

Angelika and Asuka's eyes widened as they heard the unsheathing of the sword and the crackling of the lightning. They turned just in time to see the bolt of lightning rush towards their position. Out of the corner of their eye, they could see the Captains attacking their own allies, with the victims holding shocked and surprised expressions on their faces. Asuka herself only had time to open her mouth, but couldn't bring herself to say anything in time. The ambush was perfect, and they had let their guard down at the worst time.

"LOOK OUT!!!"

Within an instant, instinct took over for the V-14 mercenaries.

Kenja moved within an instant via Bringer Light, raising his arms out and utilizing his metalic avarice to catch the stray lightning bolts heading towards Rika, Yusuke, and Sakura Keikai. The soles within his boots instinctively grounded the electrical energies, allowing them to sizzle around him with vibrant affects and little to no damage to himself and his Fullbring.

Shito raised his forearms up, pumping the inside of his muscles and reinforce his bones to absorb the incoming force. While his feet skidded a meter back, he managed to deflect the majority of the dangerous volts, only surface scarrring marred his muscular limbs, wincing in sync with the shocked look on his face. "I knew it! The Inner Circle already got to the Gotei 13!"

Shinshin also acted upon instinct, happening to feel it much quicker than the battle borne instincts. The sudden, intoxicating feel of malevolence and hatred made his spine crawl, just before all of the Captains and Lieutenants began to attack. Knowing he couldn't intercept or take on the brunt of the attack, he did the only thing he could do.

"Kaitlyn!" Shinshin shouted out, using a Flash Step to move with unprecedented speed before placing his back and arms in front of her, taking on the brunt of the attack sent by the Zanpakutō. While his body writhed and screamed in pain, Shinshin just grit his teeth and bore it, locking his eyes onto Kaitlyn when the majority of the attack was over, "are you...alright?"

Mōka's side of things were a bit baffled themselves. While Mōka reached out and utilized her own body to protect her two leader comrades, Karitori and Zaii got hit by the initial blast of lightning, sending them a couple meters while crying out in shock and anger.

Shadō, on the other hand, held out his hands and absorbed his own side of the Spiritual Energy within the electrical energies, causing him to growl at seeing the volatile Captain strike at them, now of all times. But, seeing the other Captains and Lieutenants combat, he realized it was more than just personal vendetta.

But on the Captain's side of things, things had been a little bit quicker.

Hachiro instinctively swung a hand up to meet her leg, gritting his teeth as he felt the full weight of her kick against him. The added energy within the kick forced him to utilize his own energy. He executed a Sokatsui of his own, counteracting her energy and creating a brilliant burst of light and power between himself and his foe. Then, he thrust his hand out in order to hurl her back with his own tremendous strength. Throughout all of it, he had a dumbfounded expression on his face. It wasn't the fact that he had been attacked by one of his own comrades - but rather, it was who he was being attacked by.

"What the hell?! Taiyō, what's gotten into you?!"

For Noriko, she didn't have to lift a finger - although she had been just as ready.

Her eyes widened when she saw blue wires move around the Lieutenant's body and secure him in a tight hold, effectively stopping the cutting edge from reaching her. Off to the side, she could see Masahiro himself standing with his side to his target, his blue eyes glowering at the one who had dared to attack his Captain. His hand was outstretched, holding the culprit strings. But he made no move to pull on them and slice the man into pieces. Either he didn't have it in him to kill another member of the Gotei 13... or he understood that something was off.

Gina, however...

SLICE!

"TACHIBANA-TAICHOU!!" Tamiko yelled out in horror and disbelief when she saw the blade tear through her Captain's hamstring. Her hand was on the hilt of her sword, but she had been too late to intercept. She could only watch as Gina let out a shocked hiss, stumbling away in order to avoid the next strike. What she was witnessing was absolute madness. Why were the Captains attacking each other in such a manner? Were they all working for the Inner Circle all along? She couldn't believe it!

The only one who seemed to be the least undeterred were Qilin and Tetsuyo.

Although they had a cautious gait about themselves, they also held varying expressions of calmness on their faces. It was almost as if they had expected this to happen and were fully prepared to defend themselves in the case that it happened. How they predicted it was uncertain. Maybe they simply had the reflexes and could hold themselves better than anyone else. Either way, they were no novices to attacks from their own allies...

CLANG-SKID!

"?!?!" Kukkyōna could only widen his eyes in shock at seeing his partner and closest friend among the Captaincy strike out at him. Within raw instinct he managed to step forward before using an Iaijutsu counter slash to parry Ryōken's, causing a vibrant flash and shockwave to push the two combatants apart. Upon noticing the other interactions, he knew now what happened. The Inner Circle had already planned for the Gotei 13, using their own best members as pawns in their game.

Taiyō managed to backflip away from Hachiro, but not before slapping both of her wrists together, palms outstretched. She aimed for the Captain, before letting loose a Sōren Sōkatsui, sending a screaming powerful gale of explosive, incinerative energy to cause some real damage towards her opponent. Her eyes showed a cold, emptiness she never displayed before. As if she willingly wanted to slaughter her supposed comrade, and upon her own initiative...

Senshi, while eyes narrowed upon being caught, simply allowed a rare and uncharacteristic smile don on his face. His body shimmered out of view, his body literally phasing through the wire cutting material as if he was a ghost, and moved directly above the Lieutenant, whispering as he slashed towards his shoulder, "Found you!"

Tōshi backpedaled, leaving the wounded Captain behind before she turned to Tamiko, rushing towards her with the same tenacity as she did the the girl's superior. With several fast swings directed at the Lieutenant's joints, intending on disabling her, she spung around on her heel before launching her own roundhouse kick towards the Tamiko's chin, intending on sending her flying back before she reassumed her fighting stance.

Nozomi's eyes widened with horror at what she was seeing. All of her friends were attacking each other, in the most brutal and unforgiving manner, while the true enemy was outside bombing and assaulting their citizens and subordinates. It wasn't right, it...

"Stop it!" Nozomi took a step forward while throwing out the golden chains of Sajo Sabaku to ensare Shindō, her eyes on the verge of tears as she begged the child prodigy before her, "stop it, Shindō-chan! Don't hurt any-"

SHRRRRK--SPLURCH!

"-one..." her eyes widened with horror, as she looked down and saw Shindō mercilessly swung his weapon around, discharigng a pike of elongated lightning energy, holding its solid form of a ten foot long blade while squewering her gut.

"CAPTAIN KASUMIŌJI!" Suiren shouted out, her voice shaken with pain and her eyes widen with stricken horror of all the things happening around her. It was like a nightmare. She didn't know what to do or whom to fight. She unsheathed her blade and rushed to her Captain's side, cutting the blade that held her adrift before grasping her superior's limp form, "please, Nozomi-sama...hang in there..."

"S-S-Shindō...kun...why...are...you...?" Sakura herself felt her body dropping to her knees. With wide, unbelieving eyes locking onto the unforgiving, previously attempting to kill her form of her superior and the one her heart adored, she couldn't function. With faint gasps, she felt herself choking...not being able to see clearly...and then falling into a spasming, gasping pile on the ground.

"Oh, no..."

Yusuke's pupils dilated in horror as he saw the Lieutenant fall over, the horror of the situation having taken a massive toll on her. Had it not been for that, he would have been immediate to thank Kenja for his actions in saving the three. But as it was, the first thing he did was run over towards the fallen body of Sakura. He kneeled over, placing his hands on her face and turning her towards him. Her lack of response was what cued him into the state she was in.

"No, no, no, damn it, no!" He shouted in desperation, spinning his head around to look back at the rest of his compatriots. Rika had instinctively crouched down into herself, holding the back of her head with her hands and keeping it low. Like Sakura, her breaths were unsteady and irregular. But he could tell that she wasn't as bad as Sakura was. "She's gone into shock! I need to move her out now!"

"I'll carry her." Shinji's voice was quick to answer him, his form quickly approaching. He seemed to have regained his stoic and unflappable attitude to an extent, as none of the fear that he had displayed before was in his voice. He reached over to scoop Sakura up in his arms, standing back up and looking down at Yusuke. "I trust in you to give me appropriate cover in order to preserve both our lives."

"Th...thank you, Kenja-san..." Rika managed to say, looking over at him with a wincing expression. She didn't have the speed to move out of the way as quickly as the others did, so she most definitely would have been caught in the attack had Kenja not intervened. "Are you all right...?" Despite her own fear, the concern for her teammates had not been lost.

The same would go for Kaitlyn.

"M-me?!" She asked in disbelief, lowering her arm away from her face in order to look at Shinshin. "You just got hit by a bolt of live lightning, and you're asking me if I'm all right?!" Because he had taken the brunt of the damage, she had come out virtually unscathed. Of course, she had been taken off guard by the sudden attack made by Shindō. But she wasn't as rattled as the rest of them might have been. She was someone used to ambushes and sudden attacks.

"What in the...?!" Oliver could only stare in disbelief, having leaped out of the way just in time. As he got out from the roll he performed, he turned his head to look over at Hyōryū and Anton. The Russian, like Shinshin, had placed himself in front of the woman and made himself a shield against the lightning. Fortunately, he used his own spiritual energy as a better so that less damage would come to him. It didn't protect him completely, though. "Hey, you two! You all right?! Talk to me!"

"Unnngh...." Anton let out a groan, staggering back a little from Hyōryū. His figure was hunched over a little, and singe markings were prominent on his clothing. "Fuck, no matter what I do, lightning's still going to hurt... you all right, Hyōryū? I tried not getting too badly damaged, considering we're going Dragon hunting..."

"This is bad..." Asuka murmured, peering at the Captains and Lieutenants as they began to fight amongst themselves. "I'm sensing a faint wave of someone else's spiritual pressure within the bodies of the 4th, 5th and 10th Divison Captains. The 4th and 5th's Lieutenants have also been infected. Whatever that's doing this has quite the control over their bodies. It's as if they're moving on their own will, and yet they're not at the same time..."

SLICE!

"Tch...!"

Masahiro let out a hiss as the blade slashed through his shoulder, barely being able to move in order to lessen the wound's impact on his performance. He skidded to a stop beside his Captain, standing back up in a slightly hunched position. "Not to worry, sir..." He said softly, a grin crossing his face. He narrowed his eyes at the one who had delivered the blow to him, summoning his wires to him. "I've suffered worse blows than this. If you would, grant me permission to fight this one alone."

"... you're sure...?" Noriko asked quietly, cocking an eyebrow. "You don't mind--"

"If it means that peace has to be kept..." Masahiro cut her off. "Then I shall do whatever it takes. Even if it means dirtying my hands with the blood of my comrades." In turn, this brought the Captain to breathe out a heavy sigh and look on with solemn eyes.

"Very well. Do what you need to, Lieutenant..."

"RRRRRRRGGGGGGH!!!!"

Once again, Hachiro found himself having to use a countering Soren Sokatsui in order to battle against her own. Because she had unleashed it so quickly, it had reached him just before he could summon his own. He gritted his teeth, digging in his feet as he fought against the power of the spell. But it took only a few seconds before both of them cancelled out, and he was left staring into those cold eyes. "That's not the look of our 4th Division Captain, that's for sure..." He thought to himself, his lips curling in a furious snarl. "Damn it... what did they do to you, Ikidori?!"

Tamiko quickly unsheathed her sword just in time to counter the swift assault delivered by Tōshi. Quickly, she found herself being forced on the defensive as she fought to hold her opponent back, alarm and confusion written on her face. "Tōshi, stop it!!" She tried to reach out to the other Lieutenant in an attempt to get her to cease her movement. "I'm not your enemy!! It's me, Tamiko--"

Then the roundhouse kick came.

"Gak--!!"

As she was sent flying into the walls, the Punisher watched all of this with a morbid fascination. She stared as Lieutenants went up against Lieutenanst, Captains went up against Captain, and the like. She was possibly the only one standing who had not been attacked, other than Daisuke. But, unlike him, she had been early to notice the anomaly within the affected Captains. Somehow, the enemy managed to pull them under a state of mental control where they would act under their own will, but have their perspectives switched entirely. She couldn't help but take admiration to that.

But now, she had to figure out what to do. In all honesty, she could've let them fight it out just for the sake of amusement. She could've let a good amount of them die right then and there. But Shin'en's words had struck a chord within her head, and now she was starting to feel conflict within herself. Staying out of it meant that Mōka would get in the crossfire. While normally this would've been a good thing for her, there was something about it now that made the notion seem so... wrong.

And how could she figure out what it was if her daughter was hurt or had died?

"They're being controlled!" Mōka declared aloud, catching on within the same moment as she saw the battles taking place around her, using the same senses that the Punisher had, "something re-written their consciousness. Whatever they're doing, they're not in their right minds..."

"Let's knock them into the pavement," Karitori announced, raising her gun to level it at Shindō, "that should bring 'em back to reality-"

"No, it might not work!" Shinshin winced as he turned around to face Shindō, watching him release his hold over the wounded Captain to gaze at them with a keen pair of eyes, "they're bound by whomever is controlling them. Its almost as if they themselves planned for this. I think either silencing the source of control or killing them is the only way to break their control..."

"What do we do then?!" Shito spoke aloud, his eyes wide with shock and horror at the situation they were presented with.

"We have to leave this to the Captains!" Kenja spoke aloud, standing up while turning to the others with a serious look in his eyes, "they know their comrades' weaknesses and strengths best. If anyone can stop them, it would be the Captains and Lieutenants here."

"Besides, we were given an order by the Head Captain to protect the Seireitei," Zaii replied with a shrug of his shoulders, "I don't feel right not pummeling the Dragons and beating on Captains instead..."

"Captain! Father! What's going on?!" Daisuke shouted out with panic, not sure of whom to go against and whom to support.

"Get out of here, Daisuke!" Kukkyōna shouted out, holding his own against Ryōken with a single blade of his two, looking into the man's eyes of whom he known and trusted, "we can handle things here! You need to...protect...our Clan...and...the Soul Society!"

"B-But I-"

However, before he could make up his mind...

"SHINDOOOOOO!!!!" Suiren flew out towards the 10th Division Captain in a blind rage, attempting to avenge her fallen and wounded superior. That was...until...

SHFT-BRACK!

"You should keep your guard up better," Taiyō spoke lowly, having quickly switched places from Hachiro's battle. Utilizing the fantastic explosion as cover, she moved with unrivaled speed in comparison to the Lieutenant, appearing behind her before slamming her fist into the young woman's backside. Within an ear-splitting shockwave, the Lieutenant was knocked into the floor and down into the next one, knocking her officially unconscious. She then returned her guard to face Hachiro, slowly and methodically walking back to her opponent's direction, while an unsettlingly cold, malicious Spiritual Pressure radiated from her.

In fact, each one of them radiated a deadly aura of Spiritual Pressure, unlike what the others would've ever felt. Now, they will demonstrate the powers and skills they have learned in secret...from their master.

"...you heard your father."

Hachiro's gaze slowly grew into a solemn one as he watched Taiyō approach. But he was sure to keep his tone directed towards Lieutenant, supporting Kukkyōna's order. "I expected the men under my command to point blades only at their enemies... not like this. Not at their own comrades..." He said lowly, a hint of bitterness heard within his tone. "Help get the wounded and incapacitated out of here. Don't worry about us..."

He balled up his fists, glaring straight into the 4th Division Captain's eyes.

"We'll... clean up here..."

"Nnngh..."

Weakly, Tamiko stood herself up and used a free hand to wipe away the blood dripping down the corner of her mouth. "Captain, with that injured hamstring, you won't be able to move as fast..." She said, pointing her blade at Tōshi. "Go, find a place to heal yourself. I'll handle Tōshi!"

The resolve and determination in her voice had effectively silenced any protests her Captain was about to say. She gave a hesitant nod, doing her best to stand on her affected leg. "Fight like a warrior, Tamiko-san..." She said softly. "I can only hope that you'll come out alive..."

A smile came across the Lieutenant's face. "Don't worry, Tachibana-taichou. I will."

WOOSH!

With a Flash Step, Tetsuyo quickly moved to the side of Nozomi, lifting one of her arms around his shoulders and his arm around her waist for support. He lifted her up as he stood on his feet, looking towards Daisuke. "C'mon, Lieutenant Hayate." He said. "Help me with these two. These wounded aren't going to look after themselves here!"

"R-Right!" Daisuke hesitated only for a moment, rushing over with a Flash Step of his own to scoop up the wounded Captain into his own arms, looking to Qilin's Lieutenant with a nod of his head. He then looked to V-14, shouting out, "clear us a path, that way we can treat them!"

"Well you heard the man!" Mōka spoke out, unsheathing a blade and pointed to the exit, "everyone head out the door! We'll let the professionals handle their own mess! Let's go, let's go!"

"Don't need to tell me twice!" Shinshin spoke aloud, scooping Kaitlyn into his arms swiftly before rushing out via Flash Step, along with the others, in a clear attempt to leave. She let out a slight yelp of surprise, but did not protest against it.

Taiyō though narrowed her eyes, turning one hand to face the retreating band of V-14, charging what looked like a Hadō #88, without incantation or needed gesture, "I'm not letting you all get away from us..."

BLAAAAAAAAAAM!

And without hesitation, she discharged a large pillar of electrical, volatile energy, intending on catching them all within the blast and kill the weaker ones without resistance to the ammount of damage they'd recieve. Even those of higher caliber wouldn't be able to leave totally unscathed and would be easy prey for their associates...

"!!"

Hachiro's eyes widened at the sudden shift in targets. He turned his head towards the blast as it raced towards the group of V-14. The action had been unpredictable, and he could only bring himself to shout a warning at them. "WATCH YOUR SIX--!!"

However, it turned out that he didn't need to.

VOOM!

TZZZZZZZZZT!

The electric wall stopped inches from hitting the group, much to the surprise of some. Within the light, the silhouette of a figure could be seen by the V-14 and whoever else was behind it, its hands outstretched in a blocking motion. The blinding light only enveloped the room for a brief, tense moment before the lightning currents ran out and dissipated. When it all cleared, the figure could be seen within all its glory.

"You wanna kill them? You're going to have to get through me, you little bitch."

After she delivered that jeering statement to the hypnotized Captain, the Punisher looked over her shoulder at them. It was one of those instances where she would truly appear to be stern and commanding. "Go. I'll make sure no one tries to sneak past to follow you." She said firmly.

"Thank you, Sakura," Daisuke smiled, grateful that someone he admired and loved so much put herself out like that to save them, "I'll wait for you to come back," he then turned, and began running down the steps before leaping into the air, using Flash Step to disappear out of view.

Mōka herself was to be the last one to see her mother place herself in harm's way for everyone else. Unlike herself, she was never ashamed or regretful of utilizing her natural god-like powers when she wanted to. Now, she could see why it would matter...especially those who would be harmed without her intervention...

"Thank you," she silently said to her mother, following her comrades down the Seireitei's steps from the 1st Division and down to a safer location, "now, I'll do my part in protecting everyone else..."

SLAM!

"Dam you, Hankami bitch!" With a blood-curtling growl and a vicious smashing stamp of her metal plated, wood tower clog left foot onto the ground, sending cracks and fissures around from the imprint she made. Her eyes gave off an unnatural anger and hatred towards the Punisher, standing in her way from destroying her enemies, "you're always in the way! Why can't you just stay in Hell where you belong?! It would be so much easier just managing the worst of humanity instead of meddling in the affairs of mortals, wouldn't it?!"

"V-14 bastards!" Shindō snarled, his red-black eyes traced back in a cold sideglance to where they exited, "I'll kill anyone who stands in my way! The price for slaying my comrades...is untold screams of agony I will wreak upon you! Not even the Hankami will stand in my way!"

"Upstuck sympathizers," spoke in a cool, cold tone towards Masahiro, briefly gazing at his Captain, "think your high and mighty act can fool anyone? You are all fools. Wretches who are more than willing to kiss the feet of would-be gods and goddesses in exchange for their protection, when you can't even defend yourselves!"

Tōshi walked over to the fallen Tamiko, cemented partially in the wall she kicked her into, walking methodically with an angry vibe etching from her soul, "The poor cling to their lives bitterly as you all live bountifully! Wars break out in the Rukon Districts and you have no problem demolishing their homes! You are all guilty of hypocricy and ignorance!"

"I can't believe what sorry lot you are," Ryōken smirked as he slide his blade across Kukkyōna's, seemingly enjoying his former partner's shock and emotional pain, "you have no idea what its like to be blacklisted from any Division of the Gotei 13. I fought with my soul, tears and blood to earn the title I've gotten. I've barely retained my family name because of one ambitious cousin, and you all stick me in the same shoes as him! Well guess what?! You were right after all!"

"It seems like the Head Captain's decided to get some action in. Our Wasps and Manta bombers are getting picked off cluster by cluster. So much for suppression tactics..."

Brina gave a heavy sigh as she stood on the edge of Sokyoku Hill, listening to the reports of a soldier and watching the air battle commence. At this rate, artillery fire from the airship seemed like less of an option and more of a necessity. She knew she should've given the order to bomb the entire area before sending troops in. But Tsukishima did say to leave some alive for his fellow Horseman. "We never get the easy jobs, do we, Corporal?"

A light chuckle. "No, ma'am, it seems like we don't."

"At the very least, the Head Captain is distracted with something. I want you and your men to move in and secure sections Two-Echo and Four-Alpha. Use indiscriminate targeting and disregard the locals. If you can, notify your Captain to call out targets for artillery. We may need them soon enough.

"Yes, Colonel."

With that, the transmission was cut off. Brina lowered her binoculars and placed them on the ground beside her, folding her hands behind her back and observing the spectacle above and below her. "Tick, tock, tick, tock..." She whispered, smiling. "Enjoy your last breaths while you can, residents of the Soul Society. Time is running out..."

SHFT!

"Time is running out..."

WHAP-POW!

"...for you to breathe!" The voice of Sazuke shouted out in sync with her murderous appearance suddenly hovering just above the crouched Brina. Within an instant of her declaration, she deployed a swift axe kick, deploying enough force to smash into the edge of the cliff toe to obliterate it with a popping sound. The pocket of air pressure being split caused the cliff to be blasted and shattered upon contact with her sandal-heel.

For a moment, it was unsure of whether or not Brina had been hit. The dusty smoke obscured everything, enveloping the spot where the cliff edge used to be. The massive piece of rock would collapse downward, descending towards the forest below. In that instant, it seemed that Brina had truly been taken off-guard and that the blow had crushed her skull in.

That is, until her voice was heard a distance behind Sazuke's location.

"Twelve seconds late..." She remarked coolly, her arms folded across her chest and her head tilted to the side. Despite the fury of the enemy that appeared before her, she didn't seem too phased. "You've gotten a bit slower in the time that we've been away, 3rd Seat. Did your reflexes really dull that much?"

"Way of the Onmitsukidō #5, Suturobo Hanten..."

Within an instant of Brina laying eyes on Sazuke, she seemingly disappeared upon finishing her kick...

SHFT-WHACK!

...only to reappear directly above Brina, throwing two fists to strike her opponent from either side of her head, intending on dealing some damage to her temples and to disorient her. Having purposely gave her position away to the former Stealth Force prodigy, Sazuke utilized a high-speed variant that hadn't ever been shown to the traitorous Dragon of the Inner Circle. She was determined to any or all skills at her disposal to eliminate her!

The pupils within those shimmering blue irises dilated - but not out of shock.

It was excitement.

With a motion of her own hands, she swiftly caught Sasuke's wrists before they could come within reach of her head. She drew her and her foe's arms inward while twisting her body around. She swung Sazuke into the ground with enough force to both leave an indent within the earth as well as make the body bounce off like a ball. With her arms coming out of their pendulum swing, she thrust out one of them with the palm outstretched in a Tesshō strike towards the forehead.

She wouldn't mind if Sazuke had no words for her. She wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Even though Sazuke indented the rock face, her body didn't spasm in pain as she tightened her muscles instinctively, causing her body to absorb and dispel the damage masterfully. Even so, when Sazuke's eyes opened with a murderous reddened glint, she merely growled as her own hand reached up and grasped the hand coming towards her face, stopping it mid-lunge...

"Is that all you got, bitch?!" With an unspoken gesture, Sazuke swung her own palm up towards her currently stationary opponent, letting loose a wide arc of yellow Ōkasen blast at point blank, making sure she increased its output and radius, intending on catching her off guard and mark her for daring to strike her down.

It was at that split-second moment that Brina almost considered breaking out her Shunkō. It would have certainly broke the hold that Sazuke had on her, as well as provided a decent defense against the point-blank blast that would've certainly done some serious damage to her. But she knew that would've been the easy way out. That would've been too early and too soon. For the moment, she wanted to play around and see just how powerful this woman was.

And so, she acted in a different manner.

With her hand, she summoned up a variant of Enkōsen. The shield spawned just in time, coming up and completing itself a millisecond before the energy blast connected with it. As she felt the waves wash over her, a violent shudder went down her spine. Her grin seemed to widen even more, gleaming along with her blue eyes in the bright light. It made her expression seem just as murderous as Sazuke's was, with just a slight touch of insanity. It was a rather chilling sight to see.

When the lights cleared, the hand that had summoned the Enkōsen spell thrust out to grab Sazuke's other hand. Her fingers intertwined with her opponent's and pushed downward, intending on keeping the other woman pinned down. She knelt down a little, her knee a few inches above Sazuke's forehead. "Apparently," She said. "It's enough if it gets you on your back, just like a helpless turtle. It's clearly enough if it puts you beneath me, just like you should've been all those years before. If it's enough to put you in your place, it'll be more than enough to crush you until there's nothing left..."

Then, she took in a deep breath.

PWOOM!!!

When she blew outwards, the flames of a Nenshō spell were unleashed upon Sazuke's face. The flames would continue to spread outward, enveloping everything within a considerable radius.

However, even as she was pinned, Sazuke couldn't help but feel both a murderous intent flare out while inwardly feeling lucky. Within the inhalation, recognizeable of a certain deadly technique, the Stealth Force Commander knew what form of counterattack she would use. One that would counter the flames that were about to billow out of her adversary's mouth...

BWHOOOSH!!!

Sazuke's entire upper torso discharged a billowing, over-powering twister of pressurized wind, dissipating and blowing the flames back upon its user. The force would be tremendous enough, it would allow Sazuke to push her opponent high into the air, allowing her to free her hands...

SNIK-WHIZ-WHIZ-WHIZ!

...and throw a handful of precisely guided kunai knives into the arcing currents of the wind, aiming to hit her in a way she analytically calculated she would fly into their paths. She would show her, just how much power she attained...and how much stronger she was than the "Child Prodigy" student formerly under her own mentor. She would show her the true gaps in power between them both, once and for all!

"Ngh--!!!"

Brina had to grit her teeth and shut one eye as she was blown upwards. Her reflexes kicked in, and she swung her body backwards as it was flying. The result was a backflip flowing into a reverse cannon ball. As she was coming out of it, she channeled spiritual energy to land on the air with her feet. As she bent herself into a crouched position, she would see the kunai knives rushing towards her form. It would be a matter of seconds.

But she would make it.

With incredible speed, she had moved her hands to intercept and catch the kunai knives within her fingertips. It was a remarkable display of precision, timing, and accuracy displayed by the ex-Lieutenant. Without hesitation, she hurled them all back at their captor with incredible speed and force. Of course, she doubted that this was going to do anything.

But then again, she was very eager to play.

Sazuke smiled ferally, her eyes glowed red as she her adversary sought to utilize her own Kunai against her. Her eyes caught each projectile coming close to her, awaiting the perfect opportunity to show her powers to her rival and sworn enemy. As the projectiles drew closer, without even moving a finger...

BWHOOSH!

A fully frontal kintetic blast was shot from her body, repelling the projectiles with enough force to shatter a few of them upon impact. The shockwave rolled forward with enough momentum to send the rivetting and awe-shocking blast of force towards the one who threw the kunai back at her. The root of the power she mastered...was Shō, the most basic of all of Hadō.

"If you think you're going to beat me with my own tools, think again!" Sazuke snarled out, walking methodically slow towards her target. Currently, her eyes were filled with a cold, merciless intent to kill. Her rage slowly building from its core, she will soon show her...why she is known as the Demon of the Gotei 13!

When Brina landed back on the ground with her feet, she looked up just in time to see the kunai being repelled and shattered. She couldn't help but give an impressed whistle. The most basic of the destructive spells had been utilized in such a dangerous manner. Another chill raced down her spine as she felt the murderous intent radiate off of her bitter rival. Her tongue escaped her mouth, tracing her upper lip in sensual, anticipatory manner.

"Yes..." She whispered, standing tall with her hands folded behind her back. "Think of Lady Yoruichi, who rests so peacefully in her grave. Think of our master, who fell so pitifully by the hands of her student right before your very eyes. We left as equals, you and I, and when we met once again, you would be superior. You would be stronger. That's what you told me, isn't it?"

She tilted her head to the side.

"Well then, show me that power. Drive your fists straight into my heart and tear it out for our precursors to see. Shout down upon my broken body that you have crushed me underneath your feet. Put an end to my dreams of destruction and pain... my beloved rival..."

Stopping for an instant, Sazuke narrowed her eyes dangerously. She raised her hands up to the collar of her Haori, her form radiating a foreboding aura as she spoke, "Do you really want me to crush you? Obliterate that puny body of yours? Well, let me show you something that will disgrace your fighting abilities. While you have been training and hiding in the dark, I aimed to strengthen my mind, body and spirit higher than Soifon-sama and even higher than the legendary Yoruichi-dono. I aimed..."

SHFT...

"...for the pinnacle of physical power!" Sazuke spoke aloud, unfastening her Haori entirely, allowing it to fall from her arms and down onto the ground. But instead of it falling gracefully as all Haori do, instead...

BOOOOOM!!!

...it crashed with such dense force into the cliff, it indented and caused a slab of the cliffside to fall off, sending an uproaring fissure of earth to fly up intinimidatingly behind her. Wearing nothing but a matte black body suit, showing off her generously sized chest underneath as well as well toned and honed physical muscles, Sazuke showed off her form to her rival, allowing her to witness the beauty of her strength before she crushed her with it.

It was here that Brina broke her predatory gaze. An eyebrow was cocked slightly as the weights collapsed, taking a portion of the cliff with it. She actually seemed to be looking at her opponent's physical form with genuine interest. For a moment, she didn't say anything. It was a rather abrupt mood change in comparison to her previous attitude.

Her next words didn't help.

"Huh. I'd tap that. I'd tap that real hard."

Sazuke felt herself blankly stare at Brina for saying the unprecedented comment. If there were a crow flying over the Soul Society, it'd be cawing very loudly at the awkwardness the scene presented. Unintentionally, Sazuke did bring it upon herself, but...

She chose to simply brush the comment off, rolling her neck side to side, allowing the painful popping sounds to be heard as she stretched her body around. She then lowered herself to the ground, much in the fashion a martial artist or a race track runner would. With her left knee tucked just underneath the cleavage of her chest, and her right propped back, she leaned forward on all ten of her fingertips.

"I'm going to break you into small pieces..."

FZZZZZZT!

"...BRINAAAAAA!!!!" Sazuke shouted out in a loud KIAI, with so much pressurized air within her lungs, that it visibly distorted the air around her. Within that instant, she moved, causing her body to disappear before Brina's eyes, with only a blast of earth from where her body was to uproar after her form's rapidly speeding...

CRACK-WHOOSH!

...before reappearing beside her archrival, launching a Lariat style attack to Brina's abdomen, intending to carry her across the cliffside, before launching her down towards the forest far below the high heights of the execution mountain they did battle.

As much as Brina regarded Sazuke to be one of the most dangerous threats she would ever encounter, a bit of underestimation had been dealt. It was a simple and straightforward move, after all. So when her opponent appeared beside her, she expected to recover quickly and deliver a counter-attack of her own.

Imagine her surprise when she realized that the blow was much more powerful than she guessed it to be.

The air had been forced out of Brina's lungs once Sazuke's arm connected with her stomach. It might as well have been the equivalent of getting hit by a freight train, sending waves of pain through her body. Her pupils dilated, and she found herself struggling to regain breath as she was swept off her feet. In the few seconds that she was hauled along by Sazuke, she found herself unable to regain herself in time.

Then, she was plunged into the forest.

Her body slammed into the ground and skidded through the dirt, leaving behind a massive ditch. Trees unfortunate enough to be in her path were knocked over, their weight causing the ground to shake in brief bursts. She would go for a total of three miles before she finally stopped, buried underneath a pile of pushed-up dirt and rocks.

Needless to say, it wasn't a pleasant experience.

"Look who's looking down on you now, loser," Sazuke snarled as she looked down from the cliffside from which she threw her foe down towards the forest far below. The large uproar of earth and cracking of trees below confirmed that she made direct impact into the earth below. But she wanted to make sure...

SHFT!

...utilizing a deft Flash Step, she moved from the top of the cliffside to nearly right ontop of the large pile of debris, her sandals clapping with near soundless qualities. Observing the pile of which Brina had laid into, she sneered as she brought her foot back...

BWHOOSH!

...and sent enough force to shatter the earthen pile on Brina, as well as aim to send her tumbling a good few meters away.

"Stand up, you coward!" Sazuke growled as she began to stalk her way, wanding to beat the woman she called her rival and equal for so many years rather than kick her on the ground, "I want you to fight me like your life is depending on it! You were willing to slaughter tens of thousands of innocents for your own satisfaction just a few minutes ago, but you had no fear for your life! Show me your will to fight, Brina McTavish, so I might tear it from you utterly!"

"Hey, 3rd Seat!"

Fortunately for Brina, and much to the possible chagrin of her enemy, she had not been within the dirt pile when Sazuke had made her appearance. Instead, she was standing on the trunk of a tree with her head tilted towards Sazuke. She had performed a Flash Step in order to evade just in time and position herself accordingly. She regarded her enemy with a mock look of surprise, her eyes widened and her mouth contorted into an innocent frown. After the jeer, she remained silent for a few moments in order to make sure she had the Captain's attention. Then...

"You-missed!"

Then, she broke into a high-speed run deeper into the forest, laughing in a comically manic manner as she did so.

"Has she lost her mind...?"

Sazuke narrowed her eyes as Brina tried to escape, rushing with impressive speed as she cackled in a taunting manner. What her rival would fail to see, however, despite being able to narrowly dodge a surface attack, she wouldn't be able to keep distance from her for long. For, as soon as Sazuke took a step froward...

BWHOOSH-SHFT!

...a blast of earth and wind uproosted from her original footing, before a blinding blurring form raced towards Brina, catching up with her within an instant, appearing directly in front of her racing form. And once again, she took a step forward, while slamming her palm towards her racing abdomen...

BWOOM!

...causing a blast of concussive and directed force, intending on knocking Brina back onto her haunched once more, with a cool, collected yet murderous glazed look within her eyes.

The physical strength that Sazuke was displaying had become one of the factors that would serve as advantage. Although Brina herself was no scrawny lightweight when it came to physical strength, Sazuke was showing herself to be the stronger one. Had it not been for the concentration of her spiritual energy upon the first impact, there was no doubt that the bones in her body would've been shattered to pieces.

But of course, strength was something she learned long ago not to rely on.

As the attack came towards her, she used her wrist to parry and batter away the offending arm. Any impact the concussive force had was indirect, the wind blowing in her face pointless to worry about. She was quick to get under her enemy's guard with her other hand, starting up what would be an aggressive assault. A flurry of chops, slices and kicks would come Sazuke's way. But they would not aim at random parts of the body. Instead, they would aim at pressure points that happened to be exposed at the time. Any counter-attacks delivered by Sazuke would be either parried away or blocked with her forearm.

"She's adapted her fighting style well. She's using a variant of Ninjitsu to aim for my pressure points and physically disable me, while using Jujitsu counters to divert my blows," Sazuke analyzed as she began to backpedal, using her own swift movements to counter the series of assaults sent by her prodigious rival, "however...her moves are sporadic and have no focus, just aiming for openings. If I allow an opening to arrive for her..."

SNAP!

Within an instant as she allowed Brina to slam a pair of knife-handed fingers into her left shoulder, she had instinctively tightened her muscles to allow a dense cushion over her pressure point being aimed. Within that moment, Sazuke used her daunting speed to grasp her arm, twisting it to the side while swinging her elbow with incredible pivotal precision and power, aiming to smash into Brina's right eye socket as she passed by...

"Ah--!"

In the twist of her arm, Brina allowed a sharp gasp of pain to escape her lips. But it didn't stop her from providing an effective counter.

With her free arm, she swung upwards and blocked the oncoming elbow with her forearm. Within that instant, she found herself being pushed back against Sazuke's momentum and strength, having to dig her feet in against what might as well have been a raging bull. Yet still, she smiled serenely as she defended against herself. Unlike the red and murderous eyes of Sazuke, her own eyes told nothing to her enemy. She could have been hiding any emotion within herself and no one could've realized what it was.

Then, her eyes widened briefly.

A pulse of spiritual energy, courtesy of a very brief release of her Shunkō, would shoot through her opponent's body and cause the muscles within the dominant form to spasm in a painful manner.

"NNNNGH!" Sazuke couldn't deny the sudden blast of Shunkō, the very same variant that had incapacitated her mentor. The painful waves spasmed through her muscles, raging pain receptors felt ready to burst, and her body halted its momentum, if just a moment. But then...something unexepected happened...

"This painful sensation...is what my mentor experienced...what she went thrugh...because of her!!!"

"HRRRRRRRRRRR!!!" Sazuke raised her eyes, now truly reddened with rage and no longer of focus, with teeth bared behind her Demon mask. Despite the pain radiating her body, she knew she had trained for this. The one thing that had been the undoing of her mentor, wouldn't be her own. As her muscles tightened and constricted, she forcefully closed her pain receptors, making her skin temporarily numb as she pushed back against Brina.

And then...

BOOOM!!!

Her body suddenly became alight, with a bright red aura before discharging a frontal shockwave in sync with another thrust of her elbow shouting out, "IS THIS ALL YOU GOT?!"

WOOSH!

Quickly, Brina pulled herself away from the oncoming attack with a Flash Step, skidding away. As she brought herself to a standing position, she stared in awe and anticipation at the energy released. She met the gaze of the enraged Captain with a delight and satisfaction that could've come only out of the heat of combat. The waves of energy being released by her foe sent shivers down her spine, bringing about a sense of nostalgia. It almost made the reality of her death seem closer and closer.

"The Soul Society is falling all around you. Your Captains are slaughtering each other as we speak, having fallen under my commander's spell. Yet you pushed yourself forward, determined to end my life. If there had to be anyone that I had to pick to kill me, it would have to be you, Demon of the Stealth Force. There's no other place I would be within this armaggeddon right now than with you, clawing your throat away..."

Slowly, she settled into a stance, and this time, her Shunkō flared up in full effect. "Hardly..." She said mockingly. "I would be disappointed if a mere pulse was all it took to bring you down. No, I promise much greater pain and agony upon you, dear 3rd Seat. Come, and experience it for yourself!"

"Your masters depend on it..."

"Finally...this is the moment I've been waiting for, Psychic Flash of the Stealth Force," Sazuke narrowed her eyes at the flaring Shunkō of her adversary's creation. The vibrant light in contrast to the usual silver transparent energy surrounding one's back and limbs was no more than a psychic attack to her enemies, lacking in fire power and speed what the original incomplete Shunkōs.

But, this is when that demon look of rage finally bore a malicious grin of her own. Laughing aloud, Sazuke let her hatred filter the air, causing the red aura to dissipate as electrical energies from her own Shunkō began to disperse from her very pores.

"Pain? You think because you can cause pain to others you know something about it? I had to watch my mentor struggle through life, knowing that her prodigious successor turned her back and tried to kill her. I had to endure the knowing that the Stealth Force's reputation had been tarnished and ended up forcing her to reassign her position as Commander. I had to keep my rage at bay every waking moment, for allowing you the one small piece of mercye within me to keep something precious alive for my mentor. But, NO MORE!"

BRRRAAAAAACK-VROAAAAR!

A magnanimous projection of the chaotic, crackling and destructive energies of her Shunkō flared about wildly, nearly as large as an exertion of her own Spiritual Power. Her eyes glowed vibrantly red as she smiled with a potent hate and bloodlust. Stretching out her arms to either side, she spoke through the roaring currents with a surprising audible tone, "I've done what you, nor any Stealth Force Commander has done in over a thousand years, Brina. While you and my mentor had powerful Shunkōs, they were never complete. Now, witness..."

SSSSSRRRRK-FZZZZZT!

Pulling her arms into herself, drawing int all the projected, chaotic energy that caused frighteningly powerful winds and an initial shockwave at her core, blasting a good ten meters of landscape from the sheer pressure of its release. The rain itself began to come down in earnest, as the thunder rumbled ominously in sync as the energy drew directly into Sazuke's pores and body. With only distinct electrical currents running vaguely around her body, Sazuke directed her nearly permanent red-eyed gaze behind her demon mask, "...my Perfect Shunkō."

For the first time in the battle, Brina's serene expression changed to that from a calm euphoria to complete shock. Her pupils dilated, and she took a step back as she felt the shockwave wash over her. The fact that the landscape was breaking under the stress of it did not help her matters. She did not even notice the rain that continued to pour down so heavily, so surprised by the power that was Sazuke's Shunkō. She didn't even remember her master's being this strong.

"You are really taking this a bit too personally, 3rd Seat!" She called over the intense winds. "Have you forgotten what it means to be a true assassin? Have you forsaken the shadows for the sake of nothing but pure power and strength? This is nothing but a shame to our predecessors, expelling so much power for the need of terminating only one individual!"

Sazule stared stoically, even as the rain pelted the surface of her skin, leaving her body suit drenched as were hair. Her eyes glowed deep, bright red-white, with almost no signs of her backing down from her opponent now. But as the words emanated from Brina, chastizing her as if she would know the arts of assassination, Sazuke did something unexpected...

Tap...

"But you forget," Sazuke spoke, placing a hand on her shoulder from behind, with such speed that she still looked as if she was still standing a few meters away from her, before fading away from sight. Her whisper bore a malicious, reprimanding tone, "I'm in your shadow right now...striking you..."

WHA-BOOM!!!!

"...from your blind spots!" Sazuke then disappeared from behind her, reappearing in her front, slamming three snap kicks of incredible force. This action began causing thundercrack projections as a wave of pressurized air ripped apart the ground beneath them to a severe degree. She intended to be the one with her foot on her adversary's skull...and split it when she would mock her for her own weakness.