(Where we just left off)
"Hahaha!" Odin guffawed, drawing everyone's attention to him. "Sorry about that lad! I've been working on a little 'payback prank' of my own to get back at Loki for this mess he caused." He said with a shit eating grin between his laughs and making Rossweisse pout at him in irritation, but something told Ichigo the old god was covering for him.
"Lord Odin!" The Valkyrie cried out indignantly. "Can't you take anything seriously!?"
"Oh stuff it you spinster. Maybe one of these Soul Reaper guys might take pity on a girl that can't snag a date to save her life." He said, making her drop to her hands and knees in despair as she mumbled about just waiting for the right man. "But enough about that. Go pack your things from our hotel room. I would think that the lord Shogun would like to get you settled in as soon as possible." He said while turning to Ichigo. "Wouldn't you lad?" The Captain Commander caught the meaning immediately.
"I would indeed." He said, nodding in agreement. "Though I would've preferred at least some warning beforehand so I could start planning that instead of the late night I now have ahead of me and my lieutenant." Odin started chuckling.
"Sorry, sorry." He said before turning back to Rossweisse. "Go on. I'm fairly certain I'm in the safest place I can be." The dejected Valkyrie got to her feet and slowly shuffled away. "Seriously, help that girl get a man. You can think of it as a dying grandfather's request for his grandchild." Odin said after Rossweisse left the room, getting a shocked look from Ichigo. "Oh come off it you brat. I may not be of the oldest generation of my pantheon, but I was still around to know of Adnyeus and the Ginnungagap. Or the Soul King and the Primordial Sea as you might know it. My brothers and I didn't get around to using Ymir to craft the Nordic realms until after the Soul King separated Life and Death. It's been a long time since then but I've never forgotten what True Hell felt like." He said before feeling his chest. "It's subtle and quiet, but I know I first felt it when we shook hands that first time and again just now." Ichigo looked to the god's chest where the Hell Chains flashed into existence for a moment, wrapping around the old man in a loose manner but still seemed to grow ever tighter on his being.
"I became Hell's Champion over about a decade ago," the hybrid started as he explained his connection to the realm of the Damned to the ancient god, "I was aware of this ability and its conditions to activate, but I was unaware that it would act without my control." Ichigo got to his knees and bowed his head, his fists keeping his balance as his crown touched the floor. "You were meant to be under our protection, but I'm the one that gave you a death sentence! I'm sorry!" The two chief gods watched as the Shogun shamed himself.
"Ichigo, you didn't know-" Amaterasu started, her motherly side reaching out to her child before Odin spoke up again.
"But he did intend to kill me. Didn't you?" He said, shocking Amaterasu before she glared at the old man. "Don't think I can't recognize Rune magic when it's being cast. I recognized that tracking spell you put on Fenrir from the moment you used it." The sun goddess turned to Ichigo who got up with a stoic scowl.
"The main plan was to protect you from Loki's assassination attempt and then claim Fenrir under my care since he hates the Aesir so much for what you did to him. After that I would use Tsumibito no Fuhai to give you a slow and peaceful death, as ordained by the Soul King for your actions in trying to avoid fate." The hybrid answered, getting a furious look from Amaterasu at this breach of honor while Odin sighed.
"Well, if even he demands it then I guess I can't run anymore." The old chief relented, though Ichigo noticed how one of his fists tensed in frustration at what was ultimately a wasted effort before he visibly relaxed. "AH~HAHAHA! I've lived in fear and denial for so I dare say I actually feel somewhat relieved!" He said, surprising the two before sitting down again. "I was planning on finally stepping down soon anyway. Granted I was hoping to enjoy my retirement, but considering all I've done in my life that was probably not in my cards." He said before thinking. "Well, I already know my first pick of the Gotei captains, so why don't you pick your other three companions then?" He asked, getting a raised eyebrow from Ichigo while Amaterasu looked aghast before glaring at him.
"Lord Odin! I understand the breach of honor but I can not allow you to take the leader of my nation's military." She declared while Odin matched her glare.
"How else shall he pay his weregild then?" He asked, getting a flinch from the goddess. "The price of my life as the standing chief god of the Norse Realms is not a light one and I doubt his own honor would permit him to leave this unpaid."
"Let's renegotiate the number of Gotei Captains then." She attempted. "You can-"
"I intend on letting news of my coming death spread, gather all of the enemies of Asgard and members of the Khaos Brigade that wouldn't let such a chance slip to throw the Realms under my jurisdiction into chaos. I want only the most powerful to wipe out the armies of the dishonored Dead, the Frost Giants, and the Flame Giants of Surtr. I was quite impressed with what I saw of him fighting Crom Crauch and I have no doubts that this coming battle will demand such power." Amaterasu held her tongue as he spelled out his plan. "Can you promise another five, ten, or fifteen that can match one of him? You may have limited my investigation efforts lad, but I've heard enough to know that the entirety of the Shinto and Gotei can't match you at your strongest. Something I suspect we still haven't seen." He said to Ichigo, looking the Shogun in the eye as he mulled over the information he was given.
"You mentioned armies of ice and fire, right?" Ichigo asked after a moment, getting another nod from Odin. "I've got the perfect people in mind then." Two that would be perfect counters and someone that's just been really bored lately.
(Hyodou Residence)
"Gatonden~, Gatonden~, can't wait to go to the Gatonden~!" Issei sang as he got himself into his bed, a stupid happy grin constantly on his face with even Ddraig humming along.
"So you can get this excited over something other than breasts?" Vali asked as he came in, wearing pajama pants and leaving his muscular chest bare. "Or am I asleep and dreaming this?"
"You're not dreaming Vali. This is going to be the best meal you'll ever have!" The Gremory Pawn answered with a smile. After the battle ended and getting Ichigo's promise of a vacation of their choice they made their ways to their respective homes, the groups agreeing on having the Gremory Peerage house the Team Vali members since they had more of a connection to each other. Kiba and Arthur immediately started talking about swordplay with Bikou being the odd one out in that group, Kuroka and Koneko immediately took to their own room, Le Fay and Gasper were with Irina and Asia, and Rias chose to sleep with Akeno to give Baraqiel some peace of mind. Which left Issei and Vali to room together.
"To make a boob freak like you drool over food instead of tits. Must be akin to divine intervention." Vali said while slipping into his futon on the floor. Sona wanted to hold off on discussing their coming vacation options, but the girls of the ORC and Xenovia immediately starting talking them into making an Onsen trip to the Kirinden in Soul Society along with eating at the Gatonden again. The Sitri remembered their meal at the best restaurant of Soul Society and hearing about the many hot springs of the Kirinden won them over.
"I heard that Kirio Hikifune was nicknamed 'The Ruler of Grain' because of her cooking." Issei muttered out. "Can't say many positive things about MY experience at the Kirinden though."
"No mixed bathing?" Vali asked with a chuckle, guessing that his rival was upset at missing that kind of chance.
"Nah. My soul was damaged when I used Juggernaut Drive and the guy that healed me had the roughest treatment. Felt like I was gonna drown." Vali blinked in confusion but shook his head.
"I'm more interested in fighting that Captain Commander, but if the food is that good then this might be worthwhile."
"Maybe you should drop by Squad 11 while we're there." Issei suggested, turning to his rival who copied the action. "Kiba and I trained there with master Okita a couple of times and from what I heard, they're all people that live for fighting with their captain being one of the few that put up a fight against Commander Kurosaki. Haven't met him myself yet but I heard that his love of battle apparently matches my love of oppai."
"And he's alright with the world as it is now?" The white Dragon asked in confusion. "How could that be possible?"
"I tried to find that out but near as I can tell; it involves a blood oath with Commander Kurosaki to fight whenever he wants and that apparently keeps him content." The Red Dragon said as the two laid on their backs, a pregnant pause filling the air. "Hey Vali?"
"Yeah?"
"If I can get strong enough to satisfy your thirst for battle, would you switch sides?" Issei asked, waiting for an answer that didn't come after a minute. "I actually enjoyed sparring with you and would like to have a proper fight... but I don't want to kill you. I want to enjoy fighting you." Still silent before the Hyodou boy heard a loud sigh.
"If you ever beat me in a straight, fair, one on one fight, I'll consider it. Good night Issei." Vali said, turning away from his rival and ending the conversation.
(The next day: Soul Society)
"Seriously." Ichigo sighed out as he stepped out of a Senkaimon with the Kuoh ORC, Student Council, and Team Vali members with Issei, Saji, and Bikou carrying their respective groups' bags of luggage. "I say 'whatever you want' for vacation, and you want to spend it here?" They were currently in the Seireitei as various Soul Reapers and Witches went about their respective tasks. "You really want to spend the next three days here?"
"Kirinden hot springs and Gatonden cooking!" All of the women cheered out. "We'll figure the rest out later." Rias finished with a smile, prompting another sigh from the hybrid as he scratched the back of his head.
"Honestly? That's fair." The Commander conceded before turning to the south east. "First, to get you lot settled in. Now if memory serves me right, she moved somewhere along the border of East and South Rukon district 99." He said before they heard the sound of static and found an annoyed Ichigo facing them. "Okay, huddle up. Close together. Let's make this easy." He instructed as the teens shuffled closer and closer together. "Good. Bakudo #63, Sajo Sabaku." He quickly cast, holding his hand out as a rope of golden light appeared and wrapped around the entire group, binding them together. Ichigo immediately grabbed the Kido and flashed away, dispelling the Kido and freeing them as they landed. "We're here."
"Is... is that Kame House?" Issei asked in disbelief, looking at a small building with pink walls and a burgundy roof on a small sandy island in the middle of a lake. The exception to the replica being the words above the door reading 'Shiba House'.
"Yep." Ichigo dryly said, hanging his head in annoyance before muttering to himself. "How did he talk her into this?" He walked to the edge and started walking on the water. "There's no tricks about getting here, just do whatever to get to the island! And yes, this water is real!" He called out before he flashed to the island in the center of the lake. He kept walking toward the lone building before the door snapped open and two figures jumped out to kneel before Ichigo.
"Welcome back master Ichigo!" The two shouted out before raising their heads. They were both tall and muscular and were wearing a red hat with a gold trim and white tassel on top and a light blue scarf tied at the front by a red fastener with gold highlights, the one on the left wore white clothes and had a broad cleft chin while the other wore yellow and had a long face. "AND GUESTS!" They continued as the rest of the group caught up to the Shogun. "To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"Hey Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko. I need to see Kukaku and ask a favor. Is she available?" Ichigo asked as the two stood up and nodded.
"Yes sir. Her condition is stable." The white one, Koganehiko said. "May I ask what this is about?"
"I made a promise and I'm keeping it." Ichigo answered as he headed for the building while Shiroganehiko stopped everyone else, claiming that it's not safe right now. "I'm not looking forward to this talk." He mumbled as he opened the door which revealed a staircase leading down and a bunch of crates and a chemistry table. Taking another deep breath before descending the stairs, the scent of gunpowder hitting him like a freight train before he entered a hallway. He heard some voices as he walked pass numerous sliding doors before reaching one in particular. He took another breath and pulled it open. "Hey Kukaku."
"Come to pay your cousin a visit now? I heard things have been busy since your promotion." The woman inside said with a tomboyish grin, lounging on a few pillows while eating from a fruit platter. She had long spiky black hair wrapped in loose bandages and wore a loose white skirt with a thigh high split and a loose red top with the Shiba spiral on it that did nothing to hide her bountiful cleavage or her slightly protruding stomach. "Sorry about missing that by the way. Making a kid is tough work and I was too tired."
"That's what you get for drinking till you black out." Ichigo muttered before taking a seat in front of the head of the Shiba family. "How's things with Love by the way?"
"Fine, trying to give it his all to be a good dad and husband... despite the fact that the Shiba are back as a prominent clan." She said, giving her belly a rub. It was a pairing no one expected, but as the noble family head that essentially ran the majority of the Rukon Districts and the Captain in charge of squad 14, the Rukon Police Force, they tend to meet and work together a lot. Then one day they drank a little too much, had sex, and Kukaku forgot to take any birth control. She didn't mind too much since the Shiba needed an heir, but Love was insistent on taking responsibility and the two got married earlier this year. "So, what is it and does it have anything to do with that group you brought to my house?"
"Uhhh, yes." Ichigo admitted sheepishly before explaining what happened and what he promised. "Honestly I was expecting them to want to go... literally anywhere else in Japan, but they were insistent on coming here for the Kirinden and Gatonden." Kukaku took a moment to study him before walking over to him.
"Can't say I blame them, especially since I moved here just to get closer to both. Now, what is it that you seem scared to ask?" She asked with a glare and a fire in her eyes.
"Kukaku! Please stay calm, you don't want to agitate-!" He tried saying before she grabbed him by his shihakusho and pulled him up.
"Spit it out brat!" She roared in his face.
"Please take them in for the next three days! I'll cover all the costs!" Ichigo shouted out.
"Sure. I can do that." Kukaku calmly said while letting him go, surprising him. "Yeah, it's annoying that it's literally the last minute, but you said that you'll cover the costs right? I'm sure my dear cousin can spend an arm and a leg, right?" Ichigo flinched at her basically admitting to wanting to gouge out his wallet. "And at least you're better about this than Yoruichi tends to be. She'd just show up, be shameless about it, and not even offer to pay." Ichigo nodded, the former Shihoin head was a cat through and through.
"Thanks Kukaku." He said, opening a portal and pulling out a large and full bag. "Here's a down payment." Ichigo set the bag down and opened the tie, revealing golden coins. "Now, if I may take my leave, I need to set up their reservations at the Kirinden and Gatonden." Kukaku nodded as Ichigo flashed away.
(Kirinden)
"Okay, next thing." Ichigo said as he landed in front of the entrance to the Kirinden, walking through the gate and going to the reception desk that was currently manned by a metallic Reigai figure. "Hello there's going to be a large party of mostly Devils, an Angel, a Yokai, and a Soul Reaper that will be coming here for the next three days. Anything monetary, bill me." The Reigai nodded and got to work on that while Ichigo went deeper into the complex, pulling out a phone and dialing the Gatonden.
"Hello. Thank you for calling the Gatonden, how may I help you?" The familiar voice spoke after two rings.
"Hello Miso. I'm need to reserve Kirio's service for the next three days. Tell her it's a feast for twenty-two." Ichigo said as he proceeded, just now realizing how many of the teens there were. "She's... she's going to need some help. Won't she?"
"Very likely Captain Commander. Please supply her with some potent Reishi restoratives."
"Right... this calls for a visit to Kisuke then." Ichigo said with a sigh before hanging up, looking out to an large steaming lake where Fenrir was sleeping... despite Hati and Skoll running around while chasing Kazuo and Kazuhiro.
"AHHHH! I TOLD YOU THEY DIDN'T WANT TO BE GROOMED! MASTER ICHIGO HASN'T TAMED THEM YET!" One of them yelled out.
"BUT BIG DOGGOS~!" The other cried as they kept running. Ichigo blinked a couple times and just decided to keep walking. He'd save them later if they weren't dead by the time he was done. Another few minutes of walking and he got to the deepest part of Tenjiro Kirinji's medical lab. He opened the door and found the man in question spraying water into Uryu's eyes as he laid in a reclined chair.
"Hey, how's it going?" Ichigo asked as he approached the pair.
"Well, the good news is that I've restored the flesh and blood parts." Tenjiro answered as Uryu sat back up, reaching for his glasses.
"But the rest of my sight is still gone." The Quincy said, Ichigo seeing his still cloudy eyes. "I'm sorry Ichigo, but I don't think I can use the Almighty for quite some time." The hybrid took a deep breath to calm himself, the years of training to maintain a calm and collected mind at war with the news that they just lost one of their most valuable weapons against the Khaos Brigade.
"Okay. What about Orihime?" Ichigo tossed out, hoping their was still an option to get back their omni-precognition as quickly as possible.
"We can try that, but don't forget that her powers do have limits beyond her emotional state." Uryu advised his cousin as he got to his feet and made a cane out of Reishi. "There's a chance that it might not work."
"We still have to try. We can't afford to lose the edge in knowing every possible action our enemies might take." The Hybrid said, the somber quiet almost immediately being ruined by a loud snarl followed by two whimpers. "Well, at least we have some vicious guard dogs now." The Quincy and Shinigami medic nodded in agreement as they left to find the three wolves now walking into a massive lake of boiling blood.
"I'll do what I can for them and I still want samples from that group you brought in." Tenjiro told Ichigo before heading over to the wolves. Ichigo nodded before grabbing Uryu's shoulder and flashing away.
(Later that day at the Kirinden: The Kuoh Crew and Team Vali)
"BLI~SS!" The collective group sang out as they sank into the hot spring waters of the Kirinden, one specific to muscle relaxation and blood circulation, with a bamboo wall dividing the two groups. A good portion of the day was spent getting them settled in to the Shiba household, again getting separated by gender. Rias attempted to get a room just for her and Issei, only to get punched in the face because Kukaku didn't want anyone having sex in her house. The reason having nothing to do with being a prude or them being underaged, but because she wasn't in a stable period and if she couldn't have sex than no one was doing it in her house. She then spent two minutes crying about the troubles of pregnancy before forcing Rias, Asia, Akeno, Kuroka, Irina, and Xenovia to sit in front of her before giving a lecture about careful family planning before demanding that they and Issei spend any amount of time babysitting before even thinking about having kids themselves before gently rubbing her own belly and apologizing to her baby for being a scary mommy.
'Maybe I can talk to mom and sister Grayfia about this.' Rias thought to herself as that lecture made her really start thinking about her own future as a mother, possibly after college and maybe after establishing her own company. That way she'd have time to prepare and Issei would also be ready, that was something she'd be sure about.
"Okay," Sona started, "we all agreed on spending the rest of today soaking and then eating at the Gatonden, but what are the rest of our plans?" Everyone paused as they just realized they didn't really plan this trip beyond food and hot springs.
"I want to see this Squad 11 group!" Vali called out from over the wall, apparently having heard the girls. "I'm interested in meeting this Kenpachi guy!"
"Kiba, Bikou, Arthur, and myself are going with him!" Issei's voice followed after that. "Seems like it might be good training!"
"I think Captain Zaraki will be available!" Xenovia shouted. "Commander Kurosaki said he'll be spending the next three days here so he'll spend some time with his wives and kids! He'll probably take in young Yachiru as well!"
"I believe I'll visit Shin'o Academy." Sona said suddenly, getting confused looks from the other girls. "I still plan on opening my own Rating Game school Rias. I'd like to take every chance I can to prepare for that future." She answered, before giving a sly look to Rias. "If your intention is to start a family, maybe you can ask some of his wives what being a mother is like. I'd recommend buying some presents before asking them though." 'And this should give me plenty of time to visit little Celdia!' Sona mentally added.
"Sounds like they're having fun." Saji said as the sounds from the girls side became incoherent in the wake of all of the talking going on at once. "Anyway, I was planning on visiting this Shin'o Academy as well to learn what teaching techniques they employ."
"Sounds like this is mainly becoming a work project for us instead of just enjoying a vacation." Issei added. "Oh well, let's make the most of this." He said, getting a nod of agreement as the men just lounged away in the water.
(Squad 11 Barracks)
"And here we are, Squad 11." Kiba said, being the designated guide for his group that consisted of himself, Issei, and the men of Team Vali. Xenovia was the guide for the Sitri Peerage to Shin'o Academy while the ORC decided to explore and check out some of the other available shops.
"Good thing you remembered Kiba, cause I can't even recognize half these buildings." Issei said before looking down at the badge he was wearing, bearing a horned skull. They were told that it signified them as guests of the Captain Commander so no one that recognized it would bother them... but they were all to steer clear of the SRDI and to be wary of anyone that reminds them of clowns. A confusing warning but one they felt would be critical to their lives while in the Seireitei.
"Thanks for guiding us." Vali said with an excited smirk. "Now let's see this Kenpachi Zaraki." He took the first step and opened the door, revealing Ikkaku leading the squad in drills with a Bokken in his hands. "So which one is he?" He asked while scanning the group, being rather unimpressed with the majority of who he saw but understood right away that the bald lieutenant was definitely a skilled fighter.
"Break!" Ikkaku called out, getting a resounding 'Sir!' as they all relaxed for the moment, while the lieutenant himself turned to the group of visitors. "Hey Kiba, Issei, and new people." He said with a smirk coming to his face. "Here for some more practice? I wouldn't mind helping you guys out."
"Hello Lieutenant Madarame." Kiba greeted with a bow before waving to the members of Team Vali. "These are Arthur Pendragon, descendant of King Arthur, Bikou, grandson of Sun Wukong, and Vali Lucifer, descendant of the original Lucifer and the current possessor of the Sacred Gear: Divine Dividing. He's interested in meeting and fighting your captain."
"Really?" Ikkaku asked as his eyes narrowed on Arthur and Bikou. "You two, I wouldn't mind having a round with." He said pointing at them with a free hand. "You on the other hand... are you sure about this?" He asked Vali, his expression turning to one of concern. "It wouldn't do for one of our guests to get himself killed." A tick mark appeared on Vali's head at the idea of being underestimated.
"That just makes me more excited." The Lucifer heir said, clenching a fist and getting a series of cracks as he did so. "Please, do bring him out. I want to understand how someone that loves fighting could tolerate a world at peace." Ikkaku looked him over again and sighed.
"Fine. Your funeral kid." He said before walking off. "Wait here. Do some warm-ups, stretch out, whatever. This won't take long." He went through a door and disappeared, the guys looking to each other before shrugging and started to do some stretches. Five minutes later while in the middle of their stretches, they all froze. Something deep within was telling them, screaming at them, to run as far as they could. Even Ddraig and Albion were stunned at this presence, something so filled with bloodlust and madness that even a few Dragons known for their evil nature would choose to flee as far as they could. It was terrifying but also nostalgic in a way, a reminder of the Heavenly Duo's own pasts before being turned into Sacred Gears. A monster that seeks the thrill of battle, not for the sake of proving itself the strongest but to indulge in the thrill of putting their life on the line in a fight.
"So, you wanted to fight me?" They snapped out of their stupor to find a giant of a man standing in front of Vali, his frayed Haori and rugged scarred looks giving the impression of a beast rather than a man. "Kid. I'm asking if you wanted to fight me." Kenpachi said more forcefully, making Vali shake his head before grinning in excitement.
"Yes. Yes I do!" He exclaimed, pushing aside that primal sense of fear to focus on the fight ahead. Zaraki hummed in thought before he started walking to the open air training grounds on the barracks.
"Come on." He ordered, prompting the group to follow him outside as he stood in the center of the field. Vali joined him while the others stood back to watch, unwilling to tear their eyes away from the coming match. "Now, take your first shot." The captain ordered while opening his Shihakusho and Haori, revealing his defined sculpted and scarred frame. The others raised their eyebrows in confusion while Zaraki kept a stone faced expression. "This is a test. I want to see if you'd actually be worth the effort of me even drawing my sword." Vali glared and donned his Balance Breaker armor, flashing in front of the captain and shooting his fist directly into Zaraki's gut. A resounding crack rang out in the air as Vali stared at his gauntlet in shock, the armor shattering like glass, but what was more terrifying was when he tried to use his Divine Dividing on him. Vali had a sense for the amount of power others had when he tried to divide their strength from how often he used his Sacred Gear, but what he sensed from Zaraki was overwhelming. A storm of bloodlust and madness raging in what seemed like a vast galaxy of power.
"What was that?" Zaraki asked in disappointment while the boys gaped at him in shock. "How disappointing." He said, raising his fist before hammer punching Vali.
(Squad 4 Healing Springs)
He recognized the feeling of his own mindscape, a realm he normally shared with his lifelong partner, but for now it was nothing but an oppressive blackness. As if nothing but he himself was existing in this very moment, alone in an empty void with nothing but his thoughts as he tried to remember what had happened to bring him to this moment. All that came to his mind was this massive skull wrapped in yellow fire that seemed ready to devour him but only continued to disregard his existence. Then his world suddenly became freezing as he jolted awake, gasping for breath as he shot up out of a pool of ice water.
"AH! WHAT THE HELL!?" He shouted, attempting to escape the pool but was held down in the water by a metallic humanoid. "What happened?" He turned to find Issei with Bikou and Arthur, a beautiful woman with long black hair that wore a similar captain's uniform and a motherly expression that reminded him of a sheathed blade, and she was sitting next to the man that definitely knocked him unconscious as they both enjoyed some tea.
"You broke your armor punching him and he knocked your lights out with one punch." Issei answered as the metal Reigai left him.
"Pretty much kid." Kenpachi said before taking a drink. "Told you brats he'd be fine." He directed that part to the rest of Vali's group while the female Captain sighed.
"That remains to be seen darling." Unohana told him. "You did shatter his armor and fracture his skull. Good thing these springs wash away damage." Everyone tried to back away from the Kenpachi at that news while Vali tried to come to terms that he almost died and the Kenpachi didn't even seem to try too hard to do it.
"Oi! Kid!" Zaraki called out, walking up to the Lucifer heir, filling him with a primal sense of dread. "You wanted to know how I can tolerate this peaceful world? Right?" He asked, getting a slow nod from Vali. The Squad 11 Captain sighed as he scratched the back of his head. "It's nothing too complicated kid. I got married, had a kid, I want to keep my family safe, and I have a fighting partner that manages to match and exceed me. It's not that complicated honestly." Vali raised an eyebrow while Issei was gawking at Unohana and pointing at her and Zaraki, trying to figure out what insanity brought what seemed to be complete opposites together. "Now answer a question for me. Do you actually like fighting?" Kenpachi asked, confusing everyone that knew Vali and his desire to fight.
"Of course I do." He immediately answered. "Why else would I-"
"You're either ignorant or you're lying." Zaraki interrupted, again confusing Vali. "Ignorant because your approach to fighting is all wrong, lying because you know it's wrong but only really want to win." The two Captains rose to their feet and walked over to him. "There's nothing wrong with wanting to fight strong opponents, that's the desire that drives fighters like ourselves, but where you're messing up is with that Sacred Gear thing of yours. I could tell that it was meant to weaken me and that's where you're messing up." He explained while Unohana held a glowing hand to Vali's head before nodding and pointing to the steaming hotspring, prompting him to switch soaks while Zaraki continued to explain.
"If you're truly trying to cement yourself as a strong being, you can't ever try to weaken your opponent like that. It only states that you're too weak to fight them at their strongest." Vali wanted to retort, but something about what he was saying stopped him. "Never stifle your growth by fighting an enemy at anything less than their strongest! If the point of the battle is simply to fight then don't do something so asinine as to give yourself an edge over your opponent! Give THEM the edge so you have a harder time, a greater challenge, a better fight, and to make it more fun!" Zaraki gained a mad glint in his eyes. "A true lover of the fight will always seek a way to prolong a battle where the only meaning to it is the enjoyment of the one that loves the thrill of the fight. Gain power to fight and fight to gain more power! After that, try to find something else worth fighting for." Kenpachi wrapped an arm around Unohana's shoulders and pulled her in, making her giggle as she wrapped her own around his torso. "Because it truly is lonely at the top. I managed to avoid it thanks to Ichigo being able to match me, giving me the chance to marry the person I admired the most."
"Flirt." Unohana said with a tease before licking her lips. "How about we carve each other up and make Yachiru a big sister?" Kenpachi then threw her onto his shoulder, earning an excited laugh from the woman.
"Goodbye. Gotta take care of this." Zaraki said hastily before flashing away.
"Huh... so that's why I never got perverted thoughts about her." Issei said, thanking Ddaig for that danger instinct to avoid whatever mess that was.
(Shin'o Academy)
"Let's see, it should be around here." Sona said as her peerage toured the school grounds of the original Shinigami in groups of two, looking to interview every major factor of the institution that they could. Saji was with her to check on the 'Advanced' Combat classes, Tsubaki was with Ruruko interviewing Headmaster Juushiro Ukitake, Momo and Reya were checking in with the Kido classes, and Tomoe and Tsubasa were looking into the Flashstep classes hoping to improve the Magic Jump. Xenovia left them to talk to Headmaster Shunsui Kyoraku about some things and they left her to her own devices.
"I would've thought that you'd rather interview the Headmasters yourself Sona." Saji said as they heard an animalistic roar further down the hall they were walking to, giving them some pause before they started moving faster. "Isn't that the position you'll be holding when we open our school?"
"I've actually talked to them a lot already Saji." The Sitri King answered as they heard shouts and the sounds of battle. "But I heard one of the teachers here lived in isolation for centuries in the realm of the Hollows, doing nothing but fighting them and surviving on his own before he was finally rescued and offered a position as a teacher due to that experience. Maybe we can get him to come in as a guest lecturer for adaptive combat classes."
"Let's hope it's not as utterly insane as it sounds." Saji added as they reached the room, opening it to reveal a class watching and cheering a lone Shinigami man within a Kido barrier with varying sized pillars as a truck sized green Hollow with a human torso, spiked spider legs, and a stinger tail chased and swung at him. Around the perimeter of the barrier were various students lending their power while a pair of Arrancar women, twins with one wearing red and the other blue, stood at the ready to jump in. The Hollow roared in frustration as its prey evaded another swipe of the tail, revealing a mask that looked like a bull's head if it was a cyclops. It made a stab at the man who dodged it again before grabbing it just at it started to retract, getting pulled along until slicing off the tail and one of the back legs. The Hollow roared in pain as the Soul Reaper dashed to the side he cut the leg off of before cutting off another and another, making the Hollow lose its balance before falling onto its side. He ended it with a swift decapitating strike and removing the beast's head.
"Alright. Drop the barrier." He said as the students cheered, praising 'Ashido-sensei. The barrier dissipated and let the students crowd around him, singing his praises. The Devils closed in and got a better look at him, noting his peach colored skin and brownish red hair. "Remember students; if you're confused by your opponent's body or abilities do your best to take a step back and study their abilities and movements. Everything has a vulnerability or a weakness and your duty is to figure it out. I hope you understood that from my demonstration." He got a resounding thanks from the students as he dismissed them, leaving him and his twin assistants with the two Devils. "You're not Souls. What can I do for you?" He asked after noticing them.
"Mr. Ashido," Sona started as she took a step forward, "my name is Sona Sitri of the Sitri Pillar of Devils. My dream is to open a school that'll accept any kind of student among my people as we strive to improve ourselves. I would be honored if you would accept in invite to be a guest lecturer for us when the time finally comes." There was a pause as the two looked at each other before Ashido shrugged.
"We'll have to ask the Headmasters and the Captain Commander, but I don't see why I can't."
(Soul Dragon Candy/Squad 15 Kuoh Bureau)
"I was wondering when I might receive a visitor." The mischievous Giant said Odin stood across from him in a sealed room. Loki was still restrained in the magical binds of Gleipnir when he was transferred to a holding cell in the Kuoh Bureau and he remained tied up when Rossweisse came in a few hours later and used a special spell to seal away his magic. He was stuck in that lone prison cell for two whole days before Odin finally came to visit with a bottle of mead. "To what do I owe the pleasure, my dear oath brother?" The chief God of the north summoned his spear Gungnir, a blue polearm longer than he was tall with a gold crescent shaped guard with a protruding blue and gold spear head, and leveled the blade at Loki.
"I caught on to that Kurosaki boy's scheme and he revealed everything. After he managed to poison me with my own sins. My life is coming to an end like you wanted, so I might as well congratulate you." He growled in low tone, bringing the blade closer until it was pressing against the bound trickster. The two locked eyes, glaring at each other, before Odin deftly freed Loki from his binds. "You win Loki, good for you." He said, dismissing his spear before pulling out the bottle and taking the cork out. "Let's have one more drink and discuss things going forward in the wake of my coming demise." He offered before taking a drink of the mead.
"Like what?" Loki asked, taking the bottle himself when the God offered it.
"My successor, your return to a place of honor and respect among the Aesir for all you did and to keep the balance of order and chaos from the inside, and arranging for all of our enemies to come at the news of my death." He said with a smirk. "If I'm to die, let this war be my swan song. I've already got some powerful allies to fight with us." Loki snorted and kept his own smile.
"Making mischief and the Aesir will be better off for it? Just like old times."
(Omake)
Rossweisse's New Home
The Valkyrie was muttering to herself while following Ichigo Kurosaki, trying to sort her thoughts out as she had time to process what had happened. Did Odin trust her with this mission of trade or was this a clever way of getting rid of her because she was a useless Valkyrie? Was this his way of helping her live out a life he felt to be more fitting for her or was he just sick of her always being such a stickler for rules and etiquette? Would she offend anyone by making a cultural faux pas? Would she even be able to connect to her students? Weren't most of them older than her? Would they take her-
"Hey bro." She heard Ichigo say, looking to see Byakuya Kuchiki in a less formal cherry blossom yukata. "This is Rossweisse the Valkyrie, she's going to be staying with us to teach us the more up to date runic magic, Odin dumped her on us with nothing more than the clothes on her back and that suitcase, and I'm leaving her in your very capable hands." Ichigo immediately turned to leave. "Single by the way!" He finished before flashing.
"Why did he have to mention that?" The Soul Reaper and Valkyrie said at once before looking at each other, realizing what just happened.
Sona on a mission
'They went through Shin'o faster than I thought.' Sona thought as her head popped out from a corner as Tsubaki ran down a street calling for her, along with the rest of the Sitri peerage, Xenovia, and Rias's group when they heard about her being missing. 'Dang it! Why did they have to get Rias involved!?' She mentally cursed as she made her way to the Squad 1 barracks as quickly and quietly as she could, hiding in various unlikely spots and even got dressed up by this weird Gyaru Soul Reaper that let her evade any notice. By the time she got Ichigo's office, she was mentally fried, weakly knocking against the door that was opened by Kazui.
"...Aunt Sona?" He guessed as Sona used magic to wipe away the make-up.
"Hello Kazui-kun. Is she here?" She asked tiredly. The young boy nodded, knowing why Sona was here, and escorted her inside. Most of the kids were playing cards or reading while Ichigo was walking back in, holding her target.
"Sona? Did you come to see your niece?" Ichigo asked the frazzled Devil. She nodded as she made her way to him, arms reaching out to the baby. She looked at Celdia's face and saw her niece smiling at her happily. Sona decided that everything she went through was worth it.