A sudden, new threat

The scanners at the shinigami research institute exploded with readings. Scientists scrambled to find out the cause of the very sudden alarm. "What's been detected?" One researcher demanded.

"An Arranncar, possibly espada-class, appearing just outside Kurakura town!." A second researcher replied anxiously, typing at his computer furiously. "I've just sent out an alarm, but there are no available shinigami in the vicinity! Quickly, call up a team-"

"That won't be necessary." A curt voice interrupted the researcher, as a black-haired man, Inku Himatsu, captain of the seventh devision in the Gotei 13, walked calmly into the room, carrying his usual book in his hands and a calm look on his face. "I'll go myself, alert the Kido Corps that I'll be needing a senkaimon gate emmidiately." He said, and turned to leave. As he did, though, he bumped into a second man who had intruded, one rarely seen; the captain of the Kidō Corps, Shunketsu, a tall, blond-haired, kind man. "I think I'll tell my men myself, Inku." he stated. "And I'll by going by myself, as well, thank you." He stated curtly.

Inku opened his mouth to protest, but Shunketsu simply raised his hand; "Before you object, I wish to inform you that this is one of the few times I get to go out into the frontlines myself. Don't worry, my trusty lieutenant will be with me. Good day, Inku." Shunketsu said, leaving his fellow captain behind as he left the room.

Less than an hour later, Shunketsu stepped out of a senkaimon alongside his Lieutenant, Nanashi Hito, both appeared in midair a long way from the ground. "Nanashi, set up a barrier, please. I don't want anyone else involved in this." Shunketsu requested simply. Nanashi nodded, and used Shunpo to move off, getting to his assigned task. "Now...where is this Arrancar?" Shunketsu asked aloud, sensing around for a hollow-like energy. "Above-!" He said suddenly, looking strait up, in just enough time to dodge a blade that would otherwise have gone into his shoulder. It's wielder, a green-haired Arracar, followed the blade emmediately after, descending to a point not far below where Shunketsu appeared. The enemy stopped there, and looked up at Shunketsu with calculating eyes.

After a long time of the two just staring at each other, the Arrancar broke the silence; "You're fast, to dodge my Ejecución so fast. I commend you, Shinigami." He said calmly. "However, I wonder, why did you not cut me as I moved past? It would have been all too easy for you if you were able to dodge my attack."

Shunketsu looked confused at this statement. He pondered his response for a moment, before looking down at the Arrancar. "That's not my style, my friend, I'm here to see to it that you cause no harm to the human world, not to kill you." He said simply. "I am the Captain of the Kidō Corps, Shunketsu. What is your name? Reffering to you as 'Arrancar' just seems kind of rude to me." He said.

"My name is Javier. As for your duty here, I'll have to say that you're wrong, Shinigami. There's no way you'll be able to stop me-UNLESS YOU KILL ME!" He shouted the last words for emphasis, as he revealed the full force of his bright-green spiritual pressure, and launched himself forward, revealing his blade, or rather, battle axe, from before; a silver weapon with a gold trim design resembling stars. He swung the blade out at Shunketsu who, instead of drawing his sword to retaliate, raised his left hand, generating a round shield that blocked the attack, the force of which pushed Javier back slightly.

The Kidō captain then instantly raised his second hand, "Shō." He said simply, and Javier was thrown far back, away from Shunketsu. "Tsk." Javier said simply, raising his left hand in turn, firing a fast, Cero-like blast at Shunketsu, a Bala, which was also blocked by the same shield.

"You're quite destructive, Javier." Shunketsu said simply, clapping both hands together. As he did, a barrier of sorts formed around his Arrancar opponent, preventing his movement. "Heh, you think this will hold me!?" Javier demanded, once more showing off his spiritual power, shattering the barrier after much effort.

To Be Continued