Prologue: The Jinki Fragments

Prologue: The Jinki Fragments serves as the beginning events that occur in Part V.

Overture of the God Vessel
Three years have passed since the second Reikai war, and Seireitou and Raian have retired from the on-battle situations, instead finding solace within their respective positions. Kamui has obtained the position of Leader of the Seijin Council. The Reikaitei were starting talks of continued peace, placing the blame on the criminal organization, Akirakyū.

The Start of Something
Minato Kuramoto is introduced, waking up in his bed. He ponders of a strange dream he had the night before, but dismisses it as merely a dream and prepares the morning ritual of bathing and dressing. After school, Minato walks down the street where he is confronted by his best friend, Hotaka Kujiyama. Hotaka asks if Minato plans to head to his Taekwondo school, which Minato confirms with a nod. Before long, Hotaka leaves as Minato approaches the door of the Kawahiru Dojang, opening the door to see the students sparring in class. Minato heads to the front desk, and bows to the man standing behind it, addressing him as Kawahiru-hanshi. Seireitou eyes the young man, noting that he's late for the fourth time this week. Minato nods silently as he heads upstairs to change into his uniform.

Return of Sao Jiang
Nighttime then approached, as Minato bowed to Seireitou, wishing the latter a goodnight. He then took his leave, noting how cold the air was tonight. As he began walking home, he felt a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. Looking up, he noted a massive black hole in the sky. He then recalls this occurring in his dream, as he falls on his back. Out steps a man with long black hair and a striking grin, looking down. Confirming to himself that it must be the target, the man flashes away, reappearing near Minato on the cement. The man addresses himself as Sao Jiang, and proceeds to ask Minato come with him, calling him a "Jinki Fragment". Confused by why he called him that, Minato stands up and states that he has no idea what Sao Jiang is talking about. Sao Jiang then takes a step forward, as Minato feels some force push him down on his feet. As Sao Jiang nears, a voice from afar calls out to him. Sao Jiang sneers as he notes Seireitou's arrival.

Seireitou Kawahiru vs Sao Jiang
Seireitou belays a smile, as Minato's eyes widen, also noting the change in his grandmaster's clothing. Sao Jiang questions how a former Seijin Grandmaster would be "here, with mortal scum." Seireitou placed his hand on his sword's handle, retorting that Sao Jiang is also mortal. With that, Sao Jiang begins to laugh heavily as he rips his uniform where his chest is. He reveals a Hōgyoku implanted inside his chest, saying that he is now immortal, and above all others. Under his breath, Seireitou questions where he obtained that, his eyes slightly widened by surprise. Sao Jiang then materializes a blade in his hand and charges at Seireitou. The two clash swords, and to Sao Jiang's surprise, Seireitou grins and uses his middle finger to flick Sao Jiang's own arm, which has the affect of sending the latter straight through the concrete. As Sao Jiang rises back up, Seireitou appears in front of him and swings his Zanpakutō down on him. However, Sao Jiang dodges and the force of the blow destroys much of the rubble below them. Minato watches in disbelief, his mind zipping through questions on what is happening here, leaving him speechless.