Prelude to War

''A two chapter special to celebrate the last arc's 10th chapter! The history of Soul Society...!''

Time Immemorial
One thousand years prior to present events, Soul Society was a much different place. Most of the Seireitei didn't exist and the Shinigami, then called Balancers, roamed and did things as they saw fit. On this day in history, on what would become the, high above Soul Society's vast forests, two groups of Balancers stood across from each other. The first group, the "Genryū", were led by the young man, named. The second, called the Getsueikirite, were lead by a wizened Hyakuoku Getsueikirite. Both men stood between their groups in the center, facing one another.

"Lucifer has gone too far this time, Genryūsai." Hyakuoku barked through his emboldened old voice. "We have to do something or the entire universe may end!"

"Hyakuoku, you old fool!" the young Yamamoto bellowed, "Lucifer is a Sōzōshin of tremendous power. We Balancers must concern ourselves with the plight of the Plus. Let the King deal with Lucifer and his relentless rebels. You and your group of mercenaries are already doing enough to give us a bad name... They call us Shinigami now. Death Gods! How utterly insulting!"

"I will not sit here motionless while Soul Society hangs in the balance, Genryūsai. If you will not stand with us, then stand aside and let us by!" Hyakuoku rebuffed.

"You know I can't do that, Hyakuoku." Yamamoto replied, "I have to stop you and your group for the benefit of Soul Society and the name of Balancer."

Yamamoto launched himself at Hyakuoku, drawing his Zanpakutō as he neared. Hyakuoku blocked the young Yamamoto's blow with just his arm, focusing enough reiatsu into his arm to prevent the blade from cutting him.

"Now, now, Genryūsai." the old Hyakuoku chastised, "Have you already forgotten who taught you to use that blade?"

Yamamoto withdrew as a tremendous burst of flames erupted from his body, signaling the release of Ryūjin Jakka into its Shikai form.

"I have not forgotten, Hyakuoku. I revere your teachings. But your antics have gotten crazed. Soul Society is now directly threatened as a result of your actions." Yamamoto snapped. "!"

The flames of Ryūjin Jakka completely surrounded the elderly Getsueikirite, trapping him an a sphere of tremendously powerful flames. Suddenly, however, an enormous reiatsu fell on the area, originating from within the flames.

"Forgive me, Genryūsai." Hyakuoku sighed, "I cannot hold back. Lucifer's evil must be put to a stop. Sōzōshin or not, I will not allow him to trample on Soul Society and the World of the Living as he sees fit! Swallow all Creation in Floods, Kōdai Kōzui!"