Preventing a Disaster

Tenkai arrived at the entrance to his manor in quick time. He was sure Sansuka was only a second behind him and would show up in only a moment. Looking up at the giant gates that led into the compound he waited to be addressed by the gate guards. A few moments passed before a voice could be heard from within the compound. "Announce yourself! Who wishes to gain entrance into the manor?!" "It's me, Tenkai. I have a guest that will be entering with me as well. Sansuka Setsune, Captain of the Ninth Division." Tenkai prepared himself for what he was going to hear from the other side of the gate. It was what happened every time that he announced himself for entrance. He had grown accustomed to it since he knew it would never change no matter how many times he told them not to do it. It was just the way of things and changing it would just take too much effort. "The master is here, open the gates!!! The master has returned!!" Shaking his head Tenkai stood back a few feet to keep clear of the opening gates. The large doors swung open granting him and Sansuka entrance into the compound of his family. As Tenkai walked inside several servants rushed up to him to greet him and tend to their standard duties. "Master, welcome home. Is there anything you need of us?" Gritting his teeth it was obvious that his right eye twitched for a few moments before he regained his calm. "How many times have I told you guys not to call me master. I just want to be referred by my name, just like anyone else." "But you are the master, we could not be so rude to you." Rubbing the bridge of his nose Tenkai just continued on into the compound with the servants following close behind him. "Prepare a meal in the dining hall for, seven people and then for the servants as well. The rest of the family will be gathering momentarily for a meeting. You already know my guest from the many times hes been here in the past. I expect him to be treated as he is always treated, a member of the family."

"Of course master, as you wish." With that, the servants vanished to tend to their duties and get everything ready. Continuing forward into the main building of the compound Tenkai stopped for a moment grabbing hold of the door. "That is the only part of being a member of a noble family that I can't handle. People just can't treat you like a normal person." Sighing, Tenkai slid the door open into the main compound and stepped inside. The first room they came into was a large meeting room. It was meant for guests when they came to discuss important matters with the family. A board room of types, so to speak. Taking a seat at the designated position for the head of the family, Tenkai signed for Sansuka to take a seat next to him. "The rest of my family will be here shortly, then we can begin discussing our suspicions. If Gervas is still truly alive this is not something we can take lightly."

SC: 34

Sansuka appeared as the gates opened. Oh how he loved to be at this manor. Though that was only partially sarcasm as he really did love the beautiful building. Sighing at how the servants appeared and bombarded Tenkai with questions and such Sansuka would find himself, in an odd way, missing the life of a Nobleman. After shakign this thought from his head he would start walking forward and keep in line with Tenkai until the door. Once there, he would stop for a moment and rest his left hand upon Tenkai's shoulder after the comment. "It's the one part I actually miss. It's rare to actually have people care of your likes and dislikes to an extent they do." He smiled for a moment as they entered the meeting hall Tenkai would sit at the head's seat. There Sansuka would take a seat next to him. Resting his Zanpaktou in such a way that she was able to rest upon the chair lightly. Smiling, he would rest one hand on the tsuka gently stroking it. Almost like he was petting her head.

------
12sc

"To each their own I suppose." He spoke in response to Sansuka's opposite opinion about being treated differently. Everyone was entitled to their own opinion and everyone had their own perspective. Tenkai just didn't like being treated like he was some kind of god. He didn't mind them waiting on him too much, that was their job, just like his was protecting the Soul Society. It was the fact that they did it in a manner that irritated him. If they could just treat him as just another person then he would be fine with it. Some of the servants had been there longer then him, having known him since he was a child. They were all like family to him which was the only reason he put up with the way they handled things. Sighing, Tenkai dismissed the matter from his head as he waited for the rest of his family to arrive. One by one they walked through the entrance to the room and took their seats. First was Yumiko, always the prompt one, never late in her life. The next one to arrive was Ume, his daughter in law and Tsunkai's wife. As strong as she was beautiful, not to mention quite opinionated. She had managed to subjugate his son, which was quite the feat. Another few minutes had passed when they entered the room until finally Rei had entered and taken a seat. She was her sister in law, Hayashi's wife. Quite the intelligent one, even more so then Hayashi. Considering Tenkai even had to admit his brother was wiser then himself, that spoke volumes of her abilities. However, he noticed now that both she, and Rei, looked quite downtrodden. Something was wrong, perhaps they were arguing with their respective betrothed? That could wait until later, and was best dealt with between them and their husbands. Tenkai didn't really like to interfere in more, delicate, matters. Tapping his fingers on the table he grew impatient waiting for his son and brother. It had been a half hour of sitting around waiting for others to arrive before Tenkai decided to speak up.

"Eh ehm, do any of you know where my son and brother are? We've been waiting here for quite a while and this discussion is rather important." As if he had prodded at an open wound Rei began to openly weep and it appeared that Ume was holding back feelings of her own. All but baffled at what was going on, Tenkai turned to the only member of his family that seemed to have their feelings under control. "Yumiko, what the hell is going on? Is there something that I don't know about." "I see, so you really don't know grandfather...." Turning her head to look at Tenkai he could now see tears welling up in her eyes as well. "Father and Great Uncle Hayashi are dead!!" Tenkai had to take a moment to process what he had just heard. He thought that his granddaughter had just told him that his son and brother were dead. But, that couldn't be possible. He had seen Tsunkai only a few days ago, in great health no less. But, how could it not be true looking at the prostration of emotions before him. Lowering his head to the table and cradling his skull between his hands, he spoke only a few words trying to keep his composure. "How...,how did this happen...." This time it was Rei who spoke up managing only a hand full of words between sobs. "They were found dead, out in the rukongai......their bodies were...were...mangled!!" At the recollection of the events it was no doubt she would only break down once more into tears. But still, this only opened up more questions. Why were they in the rukongai, and what could have possibly been strong enough to take down a retired Vice Captain and Third Seat Officer so easily. "What were they doing in the rukongai and what was Hayashi doing with Tsunkai, he's retired." "Hayashi went with him because your son couldn't get a hold of you. There were reports of unusual activity and they went to investigate...."

"Unusual.....activity....no....no...." It had to be Gervas, there was no one else that it could have been. Hayashi's strength rated close to that of the Captain's. He had acquired his bankai and was fully capable of using it. Tsunkai was strong enough himself being a Third Seat Officer and having more then enough combat experience. Clearing his throat and trying to remain calm, he only had one more question to ask of them. "What district were they investigating...." His granddaughter spoke up again, anger could be felt in her words aimed at Tenkai for there was no one else to aim them at. "What does it matter!! They're dead, dead!!! They're never coming back..." Not even he, the great Tenkai Bushinji could keep his composure under these circumstances. Springing up from his seat he slammed his fists down on the table causing the fine mahogany to splinter under his strength. "You fools!!! Whatever killed them is still out there!! It's my job to find out what it was.....and destroy it...." "The seventy second district,....of south rukongai. That was where they were." Ume had finally spoken for the first time in the entire meeting giving him the valuable piece of information that he needed. That had to be where they were camped out, or at least somewhere nearby the seventy second district. Gervas would rue the day that he and his men killed members of his family. He had robbed him of his only brother and the only child he had left. Any scrap of mercy he could have possibly been willing to offer was gone now, he would destroy Gervas and every single quincy that he found. "That is all....you may return to your duties." The three grieving women were quick to leave the room most likely going to rest and recover their energy. They were physically and mentally drained to be sure from the shock of loss. The Bushinji Clan had taken a massive toll and lost two of its most powerful members. It would take them a while to recover from the loss, but they would never be able to forget.

Standing up slowly from his seat Tenkai turned to look at his friend. "Sansuka, you know what we have to do. The seventy second district.....that's where he is...." Pushing his chair back, Tenkai walked at a quick pace, exiting the room. He would stop at nothing to get to rukongai and destroy everything that he found in the seventy second district. They would pay with their lives, no one would be spared....

SC: 73

Sansuka could do nothing but sit in aw as he managed to single handedly watch an entire clan fall to shambles with in a mere moment. It was almost as bad as what he himself went through. That being said, he could understand most of what Tenkai was feeling and that, was an evident fact. Standing once the party of women had left he would feel the anger flow through Tenkai. It was only reasonable, at least, he thought he felt it. Nodding to his mention of a needed must he would agree but there was a time and place they needed to get things done. Taking off at a pace that matched Tenkai with every motion he would begin to speak. "Tenkai, no amount of words that I can say will bring them back. But you have to realize that there is a time and place. Do you really think we're ready to face this monstrosity a second time? We barely made it out alive before. What if he's grown in power, to a new height that we can only dream of. Are you sure now is the time to catch him. You know I've always been one for plans, so I have to suggest we at least wait for them to make a move or mess up. Hell, they have to be getting supplies from somewhere right, so lets start there?" He had asked. He made a bold question towards Tenkai. It was a fact only few could challenge Tenkai's will in the affairs of his family. Sansuka believed himself to be one of those favored few. At times, he felt like Tenkai's reason in off times but oddly enough, more often then not the roles were surely reversed. Why, just not that long ago in the past it was Tenkai who had suggested that Sansuka himself apply for a Captain's position. Yes, perhaps the poor man San was not always the eyes of reason, but at times of great despair to who he believed to be a brother it felt only natural. Sansuka felt the regal-ity of his Zanpaktou tug at his heart. There were things in this world that couldn't be understood by reason or planning.

But of course he'd try in the very least to avoid such an outright destruction of a whole district that would be otherwise inevitable given the two's power stature. Of course being a noble, no, being a true man he couldn't help but think of the women of the Bushinji clan. How his heart sank for their loss. He could feel the whole weight of the clan it seemed on his shoulders even though it technically wasn't his burden to bear. He thought of these people as family, even if they may not. It was how it was and how it would always be. Sansuka's eyes snapped back towards reality as he realized the levity of the situation they were heading to face first. "Tenkai, you realize we're going to march through the front door and destroy anything in our path. This may or may not include innocent souls that have nothing in this quarrel. Are you sure you want that blood on your hands Tenkai. Are you Absolutely sure that is what you want to take with you to your grave?" He asked as he kept his speed with Tenkai. By now they were most likely in a full on Shunpo induced run. His eyes would not waver as he would listen for Tenkai's response. If it was as he predicted then he was ready. He had but one more thing to say if it was true, "Very well. This day, we are not Shinigami Captains. This day, we are brothers avenging the name of Bushinji. Let all those who preside in Rukongai's district perish by our sword. And may we take this secret with us to our graves." Oh how serious he was about that. This was something that could get them both killed for sure if they indeed spilled innocent blood. There was, also, the possibility that souls still resided inside of that district even if they didn't want to believe it.

------
44sc

As expected Sansuka tried to sway him from what he was about to do. He offered alternatives and suggestions that may have been a better course of action. In all honesty they would have been, at least more tactically sound. But Tenkai's fire was burning now, he could not be stopped. The Vandenreich had taken too much from him, he would not let them rest. It was because of them that his Wife had to die. Though they did not kill her themselves, their actions resulted in her life being lost. They had also taken his son and law and nephew as well. Now, they had killed his brother. But above all, they were responsible for the death of his son. Tsunkai meant everything to him, he was the only child he had left after his daughter had been killed during a mission in the World of the Living. Tsunkai was his pride and joy, he was his world. He was an accomplished officer and had attained his rank and power in short time. He was well on his way to becoming a Vice Captain. Without a doubt, he had the potential to be a Captain as well someday. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father, and the perfect son. He was all Tenkai had left of his wife other then the memories he carried in his heart. Now they had taken both Retsu and Tsunkai from him. The Vandenreich had to pay, they had to die. He would make them feel his pain, the loss of a child, a brother, a lover. Stopping in his tracks, he put his hand up to stop Sansuka's words. His friend, most likely realizing his words could never stop Tenkai, then offered to join him if this was what he truly wanted to do. "Sansuka, if you are truly willing to help in this endeavor then you are welcome to come. I will not force you into this as it goes against every single moral I've ever held myself to. But, this is not something that they can simple get away with and not expect retaliation. They have taken too much from me, they have to die. If your determined, then meet me there in one hours time. I have something I need to take care first."

Making a B line for the gates of the manor Tenkai was prepared to head to rukongai. He knew where he had to go and he knew who would be there. There were no puzzle pieces left to fill and his course of action was clear. As the servants opened the gates to the manor Tenkai took one last look at his home and the people within it. It could very well be the last time he would ever see any of it. Whether he perished in this fight, or was marked a criminal for his actions, he had to do this. Looking away for what could be the final time Tenkai vanished into a gust of wind as he shunpoued off to the rukongai. Not where he needed to go, but someplace else where he wished to meet with someone he had not seen for a long time.

SC: 41

((Exit with Tenkai))

Tenkai had made quick time back to the manor with Sansuka right alongside him. The manor was ablaze with light from the flames within it and the great gates that barred entrance to the inner sanctum had been rend asunder. Sansuka vanished in a quick blur stating he was going to go and protect the women. Tenkai nodded though he knew his friend would not see it. This would leave locating Gervas to him until Sansuka had completed his task. Walking casually into the now destroyed manor Tenkai knew he would not have to look far to find the man he seeked. After only taking a few steps into the compound he heard a booming voice surround him from all sides. "Tenkai, so glad you could join me!! I hope you like the redecorating I've done with your home!! Its a vast improvement from its previous appearance if I do say so myself!!" Stopping dead in his tracks Tenkai's right hand found its way down to his sheath and tightly gripped the hilt of his zanpaktou. "Come out Gervas, quit playing the coward and face me. You have to answer for what you've done, with your life." Cackling came from the flames surrounding Tenkai before a shadow appeared before him. From out of the flames emerged the man that he had pledged himself to kill. Adorned in his full Sternritter uniform he certainly looked flashly and regal. Though anyone who had known the man for more then five minutes knew his mind to be quite the opposite. "So Tenkai, I see you have come to die. You should know well enough that your power is no match for mine. How do you think yourself capable of matching up to my power?" Flaring his reiatsu wildly Tenkai glared straight into the eyes of the man he vowed to kill. His heart burned with anger and hatred and that was reflected in his sword as it cried out to do battle. "I have become much stronger since our last meeting Gervas. Your folly was to allow me this long to develop my skills. I do appreciate it though, now I'll be able to test them in earnest on you."

"Hah, hah, hah...., you certainly are the talkative one today. I thought you wanted to kill me!!" Gervas lunged forward materializing his spiritual weapon in the form of the sword Tenkai had seen before. The two matched blades and were at one another's throats within moments. Being within only inches of one another, their blades sparked as they struggled for supremacy in combat. Tenkai could feel himself slowly losing the clash but he would not allow it to be that easy for Gervas. He was much stronger then before, but he could sense the same could be said for his opponent. He still outclassed him like in their previous bout. But whether that gap was the same had yet to be tested. Tenkai gritted his teeth and pushed with all his might shoving Gervas back a few inches before the standstill returned. "My my Tenkai, you have indeed grown stronger. Perhaps I will have to not hold back against you this time. It would only be fair since you've been brave, or perhaps stupid enough, to come and fight me on your own. I'm especially surprised you didn't bring your father with you, he was more then powerful enough to defeat me without breaking a sweat. But perhaps, you wanted to do it on your own. Isn't that right, Tenkai?" His words stung as they bit deep into Tenkai's psyche. This bastard knew him inside and out somehow and it unnerved him. He knew everything about him, his abilities, his thoughts, his family and friends. Every aspect of his life was out in the open, and it drove him mad. He had never met an opponent that was so well researched, and so able to dig right into his subconscious and rip out the most vital parts.

Gritting his teeth, Tenkai allowed his reiatsu to flare wildly once more and he moved his left hand from the hilt of his zanpaktou. He moved it only inches below as he held his open palm right next to Gervas' abdomen. "Frisky aren't we Tenkai, I didn't realize that you leaned that way." Paying it no mind Tenkai slowly recited the incantation under his breath and he prepared to use the kidou that he had learned only days before. "What the hell are you muttering about boy, I don't have time for your nonsense. Speak up!!" With the lack of both of his arms Tenkai could feel himself quickly losing the battle of power. His zanpaktou was being forced back and along with it, himself. But he had earned all the time he needed to do what was necessary. Turning his eyes to stare into Gervas', a smirk appeared on his face as he fired the kidou. "Hadou number eighty eight, Hiryugekizokushintenraihou!!" "What the...!!" The blue orb that had formed in Tenkai's palm exploded outwards violently into a massive beam of energy. The immense power of the blast ripped through the landscape and Gervas along with it as a ploom of smoke and debris was left in its wake. After a few moments the blast had traveled its course and exploded loudly in a vast array of reds, oranges, and yellows. Lowering his guard for a moment Tenkai smirked and spoke into the cloud of smoke that was left in the wake of his power. "All of that boasting and it was that easy of a battle. You disappoint me Gervas. So much for the Commander of the Vandenreich Invasion Force." At that remark a hand soon followed after by a body emerged from the smoke and delivered a swift punch to Tenkai's chest sending him back several yards. Clutching his chest with his left hand, Tenkai leaned his body forward to try and fight the momentum. After a few moments he came to a skidding halt and turned his eyes up to look at what he knew was standing there. "You dare mock me boy? You haven't come close to defeating me yet. But I will tell you what you've done, made me mad...." Gervas' reiatsu could be felt in the air as it was released unrestrained for the first time that Tenkai had ever felt it. The power of his reiatsu was crushing as it bared down on the Captain. Now the real fight would truly begin.

SC: 73

Sansuka managed to gather up the Women and lead them to the safety of Senbonzakura's small fort outside of the House Grounds. Nodding to the women he would speak lightly. "There's no time. I know you are all wondering wha'ts going on. All I can say is Hayashi-san, Tsunkai-san are safe. They are with Tenryuu-Dono at the moment." Even with his back turned to the women he could feel their unnerved nature but yet, happy at the same time. It seemed though, they knew that there was something up about how Sansuka was acting. As it seemed they all had something to say or do. Suddenly the world was against him it seemed as his body and mind were assaulted by the three women. First at his throat was Rei-chan. As he felt the tinge in her voice she abruptly went straight to the point. "What is going on Sansuka! Why has Tenryuu Shown up after this long!" Sansuka felt the deep sting it left in her. Just hold on Tenkai, it seemed Sansuka would need to explain things as quickly as possible. " Several moths ago when we started to take back the Seireitei. Myself and Tenkai found the leader of the Invasion force below Juhabach. We defeated him and took the last piece of Soul Society back from their grasp. But to our un-knowledge Gervas escaped with his life and healed only to become more powerful. Now he's to exact his revenge on Tenkai and the Bushinji clan for having Disgraced him in the battle of East Rukon." He said as suddenly he was assaulted by Ume as she spoke up. " Sansuka! I'll come with you. At the very least I can  as-" She said where Sansuka lifted his hand and spoke in his more serious tone. "If you come, I can not gurente your safety. And we both know Tenkai-san would have my head if I allowed it. Not only that, he'd have my servant's heads if even a scratch showed up on you." He looked sincere in his attempt to sway her decision. So far it seemed to work. But he couldn't be sure as a time like this was most certaintly going to bring out the worst in all of them. Sansuka felt yet another question bombard his leave as he ceased movements. "What about my Father!" Sansuka would stop for a moment and speak lightly, yet somehow cold. "Tsunkai is alive." He said as suddenly he was assaulted once more. " You didn't tell me if he was alright!" Sansuka looked back for a moment before looking forward and started to run. He could feel a presence shortly behind him. Of course it was Ume, there was no doubt about it. His body stopped as he spoke up. "Ume-chan, please don't make me do this. Go back with the others. We all need you back there." She stood there seeming to almost cry as Sansuka bolted forward in to the distance towards the Manner once more.

Almost as if on cue he arrived at the moment of a horrible attack. It seemed that Tenkai had used a very powerful Kido on the man, one that could only be matched by Sansuka himself at the moment he knew. His Reiatsu would be twisted to stay close to his body allowing for more control against the onslaught. This also helped him keep himself consealed as Gervas' full Attention were on Tenkai. He was able to Manuvre behind the Vanderich as sansuka would enter an Iaido stance with his body. "Secret Technique: Shi no houyou." He said as suddenly he would dissipate in an array of Visual Architecture that was rarely matched. As he appeared between Gervas and Tenkai he would stand up and speak lightly. "You heard it didn't you? The voice of the death." He said as a mirage before Gervas's eyes would appear softly. It was almost as if to show the Reaper himself reach up and speak the Technique's name. Sansuka held a lot of ancient techniques with in his soul given to him by his master of the secret arts. As he would face Tenkai he would speak lightly. "Judging by how quickly he recovered by your attack this will only buy us a few minutes at most. Prepare yourself Tenkai, you're about to see a succession of Techniques never before seen by the living." He said as his body shifted to face Gervas. What was Sansuka's Intention? He knew all too well that he couldn't beat Gervas alone. Sansuka entered the Iaido stance once more as he spoke lightly while drawing his sword. "Secret Technique: Tengoku no mou." He said as the blade seemed to glow bright white. Moving in a Kenpo style quick forward step the light would flash as Sansuka appeared behind Gervas. In an instant Sansuka laid forth the next Technique. "Secret Technique Succession: Kami" He said as his body disappeared during a backwards slice from his left side towards Gervas' hip. He would appear to the left of Gervas as his voice echoed once again. "Secret Technique Succession: Tadashii" He said as a stabbing cut in the form of a horizantal motion erupted from his body only to make him disappear once more. "Secret Technique Succession: Final Act: Gekido." He would disappear witho ut seeming to draw his blade. He would reappear before Tenkai once more as he drew his blade holding it high over his head. It seemed to shake and glow with a Pink Aura as he spoke. "Mumyo Jinpu Ryu Satsujin Ken:Mizuchi" His blade would lift high in to the air and vibrate with enough force it seemed to be that of a Shee Lee Shnider. Bringing it down in a Kendo like strike the wave of Pink energy would burst forth through Gervas. As it flew right threw him with out harming him in any way, the world seemed to stand still and fall silent as Sansuka would Sheath his blade and turn to Tenkai once more. Looking over his shoulder for a moment he spoke. "You heard it too, didn't you? The voice of the Wind." He said as suddenly the wind seemed to pick up a small breeze that flew past them but it was odd as it seemed the wind itself carried the name of the technique upon it's lips for Gervas to hear. In that moment Gervas sprayed with a great amount of blood from all over his body. Large gashes appeared around his body in multiple places but the battle was far from over wasn't it? Sansuka fell to one knee as he caught up a bit of blood. It seemed the Strain on his Reiatsu to preform the Master Succession was too great in the time he preformed it. Looking up at Tenkai he spoke lightly. "Heh, try to beat that, Nii-san." He chuckled a little as he fell forward slightly.

----------
75sc

Tenkai cursed silently under his breath as he prepared to lunge back into combat. His opponent had been hiding his strength and for some reason felt as though there was still more that he hid. Despite being much stronger perhaps he wasn't ready to face Gervas after all. This doubt was replaced by amazement as Sansuka came out of left field and unleashed a barrage of hellish attacks upon the Elite Sternritter. His friends blade sliced through the air, and Gervas' body with fluid and precise movements. Each attack slicing a vital point spreading blood across the battlefield. Though, never a drop of blood could be seen upon Sansuka's zanpaktou. It was truly a beautiful and chaotic attack that would leave even the greatest fighters in awe. The downside to this however was the fact it had apparently drained a large amount of his comrades reiryoku. Blood leaked from between his lips as the great strain on his body became apparent. Tenkai rushed to his friends side and grabbed hold of him as teetered forward slightly on his feet. "Damnit Sansuka, why would you expend so much of your reiryoku so quickly. Your reiatsu has fallen considerably and its more then obvious the strain on your body is considerable." Keeping his left hand on his friends arm he looked out at the wounded Gervas. Their opponent didn't teeter, he didn't move, it didn't even seem that he was breathing. This was when Tenkai had noticed something both awe inspiring and terrifying at the same time. Gervas' was manipulating the reishi around him to heal his wounds. He was using the Sternritter's go to technique, Sklaverie. It literally enslaved the reishi around them allowing the quincy to use it to their full extent. It was yet another ability that made the Vandenreich so much different then the quincy that the shinigami had grown to know.

They were much darker, and more powerful, then their more lawful counterparts. "Damnit...." Tenkai could only watch as Gervas' wounds healed one by one leaving only a few scrapes and scratches left across his body. Gritting his teeth, Tenkai could feel Gervas' reiatsu rise as well making way to his full power. "You foolish, foolish shinigami. When will you ever learn that your powers are no match for those of the Vandenreich. We are more powerful then you in every way and yet you continue to struggle against us. Allow me to use this divine might given to me by our god to smite you and show you the light!!" Tenkai could only get out a quick 'shit' before Gervas was upon him with his rapier stabbing violently. Swinging his zanpaktou upwards quickly he parried the first of the volley of strikes and then backed away with shunpou. Gervas' was quick to match his movements though staying on top of the Captain's location. It was all Tenkai could do to defend himself and keep from being impaled on that blade yet again. He knew what the Commander's blade felt like in his gut from when they last met. But when they last met he was also only a Vice Captain, much weaker then he was now. He would not allow Gervas to treat him like a child as he did then. He had only used a fraction of his power, only playing with them. They thought him to be dead, how naive they were. Seizing the moment, Tenkai pushed forward against the flurry of attacks. Parrying away another strike he slashed horizontally with his blade aiming for the Commander's abdomen. His blade did not meet its mark but it gave him the opportunity to breath for a few seconds. The onslaught had stopped for a moment allowing him the chance to think and possibly come up with a plan of attack. He had to release his zanpaktou, he would need at the very least his shikai to even think about combating Gervas.

To defeat him though, he knew his bankai would be needed. Even their combined power would not be enough to take down the Sternritter. He knew Sansuka was weakened as well by his powerful attacks and it would take him a little time to recover. He was on his own for a little bit and would need to use every trick at his disposal. Placing his hand down along the flat of the blade, Tenkai slid it across and returned it to his left side as he released his zanpaktou. "Unari, Oni Kokouo!!" In his left hand a duplicate of the blade he held in his right appeared. Flames erupted from both of the blades as a portion of his true power was released. The powerful reiatsu that surged around him as well transformed into a blazing inferno right before the eyes of his target. The air itself would be hard to breath as the temperature would begin to drastically change from the inferno that emanated from him. Flaring his reiatsu he allowed it to reach the height of its power turning everything around him into a singed inferno. The dirt and grass beneath him turned to ash under the intense heat of his zanpaktou. Even through this mighty display of power, Gervas' simply stood and laughed. Tenkai could not help but be confused as laughter was not the reaction he was expecting. "Heheheh, it's been a while since I've seen this form. Last we fought I believe you used your shikai as well. Though this time I must say, it's much more impressive. It would seem your alias is well earned, God of Flames indeed." Tenkai couldn't help but smirk at the use of that old name. It wasn't one that he had given himself, it was one he had earned from his enemies and allies. The basis of his powers made it more then a logical choice though.

He was the most well known user of a fire type zanpaktou and currently had the most powerful fire based zanpaktou out of all the shinigami. It's power was rumored to match that of the destructive power of the old Captain Commander, Yamamoto, and his Ryuujin Jakka. Though his power itself was certainly paling it comparison, he was well on his way at the very least. "I thank you for rubbing my ego, but we have more serious things to attend to. Without further delay, let me start your funeral pyre!!" Tenkai rushed forward with both of his blades leveled at his sides. Holding them out straight creating one hundred eighty degrees between both of his arms, he began to gather and condense additional flames in his blades. As he did so Gervas only stood and pointed his rapier out towards Tenkai with a wild grin on his face. "Hahaha, I remember this attack. I won't fall for it a second time!!" The ploy had worked, so far at least it seemed. He was sure that Gervas assumed he was using his Yuuen Nami. That was the reason he had placed his arms out. However, from the position that he was in, he could easily utilize any of his shikai techniques. Quickly approaching Gervas, Tenkai used Utsusemi while being only eight feet from his target. To the Sternritter Commander it would look as though Tenkai was still approaching him. However he was now behind him with both of his blades poised to strike. "I've got you now?" Gervas' rapier pierced through thin air as an afterimage vanished before him. "Behind you Gervas!!" The Sternritter Commander turned just in time to have his abdomen ran through by both of Tenkai's blades. "Oh, you are the tricky one...aren't you." "It's your fault for underestimating us, once again. Ketatamashii Haretsu!!" The condensed flames in Tenkai's blades exploded outwards violently causing vital damage to Gervas and cooking him inside and out.

Pulling his blades from the quincy's abdomen, Tenkai backed away unsure of what his opponent's next move would be. He knew that this battle was not over by a long shot despite how much damage he thought he had inflicted. He could see Gervas turning to face him, a smoldering sound coming from his abdomen. His body crinkled and crackled as his singed muscles and flesh forced themselves to move. It was grotesque in the least but satisfying in some way to Tenkai as well. "You, perhaps I have underestimated you again...but this isn't over. You haven't even touched the tip of my power yet, you will rue the day you challenged me to combat. You shall know the power of Gervas Reier, Commander of the Vandenreich, Adjutant to the Emperor!! Vollstandig, Golichetoben!!" An explosion of reiatsu raged from around Gervas obscuring his position. Tenkai feared for what was about to happen as he felt the monstrous power from his opponents true form. He could only pray as he realized that he had indeed messed with the power of a god. This was the true power of Gervas Reier. For the first time in his entire life, Tenkai prepared himself for death.

SC: 123

Gervas Vollstandig-Golichetoben: 110,000 Reiatsu

Sansuka had taken long enough to allow himself to recover, if not fully but enough to work forth. His body lifted upwards as he would point his blade towards Gervas' position. Suddenly a wave of petals appeared high in the air forming what looked like that of a storm. With out warning nor provocation the storm would funnel in to the point where the man stood, or at least where he should have been. It was then that a female voice echoed through the air. "Tsugi no Mai: Gouu Botsuraku" His body would then move the blade to point downwards as the air turned dark. The world seemed to stop as the three were engulfed in to the ever darkening death that seemed to tear the very worlds apart. It was the act that Senbonzakura had done to give Sansuka enough time to preform this technique. Suddenly, countless large blades arose high above the three as Sansuka's words rang out. "Bankai: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi." The blades would tear in to countless petals that seemed to fade away in to the air. But on top of this action another was formed. Sansuka's blood on his lips, the ground, and perhaps a few droplets upon Tenkai's arm would glow bright pink. It was then that Sansuka spoke the name of the most mysterious technique he held in his arsenal. "Senkei, Senbonzakura Kageyoshi." rows of glowing pink swords would revolve around the three forming a dome. Each row moving the opposite way as the two next to it. It was there that the true levity of the situation could be shown. If the man was going Bankai then it was surely a bad spot. Suddenly the world trembled at the power Sansuka himself exuded. Granted it wasn't as high as Gervas, but it at least made him an opponent. Sansuka could feel the Reiatsu of Gervas still pounding at his body which made him slightly more weak. He'd push through as he forced his body to it's limits and perhaps beyond.

One of the blades shot down in to Sansuka's right hand as he would lift it upwards. The pink glow would enlarge two fold as the visuals returned to that of a carbon copy of his Sealed form. With the blade held high he would bring it down with immense power causing a wave of energy to shoot forth in a curving motion that shot around Tenkai only missing him with by mere centimerers. As this was being done Sansuka spoke once more. " Mumyo Jinpu Ryu Satsujin Ken: Mizuchi." Suddenly it seemed the wind carried forth the name of the attack 'mizuchi' upon it's own lips as it would pass by Gervas' ears. " You heard it too didn't you?" Sansuka said as he paused only to turn away from Gervas. His eyes would close for a moment while the blades rotated once more. "The voice of the wind?" It was then that the affect would reach Gervas if it connected. But that wasn't all, no indeed. From there Sansuka's body kicked in to overdrive as he bolted forward. It seemed he was running away from the battle but when he reached the perimeter of his swords he would stop only to push backwards and now dart towards Gervas' location. If Tenkai realized what was going on he'd preform the perfect maneuver to follow his. If all went according to plan the whole top row of swords would descend upon the point where Gervas would move to, or parry from. It would be in such a  way that he shouldn't have been able to see them. Sensing is, of course another story but this was a large attack that could kill the most Elite of captains for sure. But would he actually get struck, or better to ask, would it actually have the full affect he hoped it would?

------
37sc

Tenkai knew he could not stand alone against this power, not if he desired to win. That was when he heard the voice of Sansuka from behind him. He had uttered the words of his bankai, releasing his full power to unleash on the Vandenreich Commander. It was a dangerous act, considering the Sternritter carried the bankai stealing medallions, but he didn't believe Gervas would use it. The man was far too prideful and far too powerful to resort to such a thing. Tenkai prepared himself to battle alongside his long time friend in defeating this massive threat to the Soul Society. If they fell in battle here, then there would be no one left who could defeat him. The only Captains that were strong enough to stand a chance against him were away in the world of the living. By time they returned, the Soul Society would belong to the Vandenreich. It was now or never, kill or be killed. The future of Soul Society was left to them. Moving his blades out in front of him Tenkai observed as Sansuka unleashed one of Senbonzakura's more powerful abilities, Senkei. It trapped all three of them within a dome of swords. With the two of them inside it was essentially a dome of swords with a whirling inferno of flames within it. One could compare it to being trapped within hell itself. But that was enough of standing on ceremony for him, it was time to fight. He watched as Sansuka launched a wave of swords from up above down on Gervas while he attacked him himself as well. Not one to be left behind Tenkai unleashed his own bankai as well ready to rejoin the fray. "Bankai, Kagayakashii Oni Kokouo!!" An explosion of reiatsu occurred followed by the disappearance of the massive inferno his power has transformed into. The pressure of his reiatsu could still be felt but only wisps of flames emanated from his presence. A light coating of fire that gently flowed around him. His blades had turned jet black, sleek and deadly in appearance.

A gentle layer of fire composed over them as well simply sparking around the blade every few moments. The most notable change though was the fact that the heat in the dome had now increased vastly, being much greater then before even though the inferno had died down. It was due to the fact that all of the flames that once raged violently, now were compacted to his immediate vicinity coating his body and blades. He was essentially a walking flame with the heat of the sun at his disposal. The moisture in the air could be felt evaporating as it became dry and humid. The only things left in the air would be the very chemicals his flames fed on, oxygen, hydrogen, and helium. Any traces of water would vanish leaving those in the effect of his flames choked for fresh air. Raising his right blade into the air Tenkai swung it down towards the ground cracking the earth itself open and creating a massive chasm that run under Gervas and past the realm of the dome around them. "Jigoku Kasai Kouretsu." As those words were uttered flames boiled up from the depths of the chasm as the fires of hell themselves reached up to smite his enemy. A massive column of flames roared up from beneath Gervas reaching high above them to the peak of the dome engulfing the upper half of the area in flames. There would be nowhere for Gervas to flee as the blades from above descended on him and the flames from below engulfed him. He was as good as dead despite the great power he wielded. Though something made Tenkai uneasy, he refused to believe their foe was dead. He was just too strong, too unimaginable a power to be defeated so easily. That was when his fears came to life manifesting themselves in something that looked like it was conjured by god himself. "Kirchenlied: Sankt Zwinger." Staring into the diminishing flames that returned back to the hell they came from it left an image of Gervas in the midst of a dome of his own. Several pillars of objects that looked like quincy relics surrounded him creating a protective barrier. He had protected himself from harm against both of their attacks despite the use of both of their bankai.

"A splendid attempt, but a failure nonetheless. This is the quincy spell of ultimate protection, Sankt Zwinger. It cannot be pierced by the powers of you pathetic shinigami. Your powers are as a child's fist against a wall of steel. No matter how hard you strike, you will never break through." With that Tenkai could see a bright glowing light emanating from within the barrier. Cursing silently to himself he dodged to his right using Utsusemi once again to place himself in safety. As he did so he yelled out to Sansuka hoping he would do the same. "Sansuka, run!!!" As his words rang out into the dome around them five massive Heilig Pfeils roared from within the barrier lashing out at both of them. Tenkai knew a hit from one of them would not only mean the end of this fight, but their lives as well.

SC: 57

Sansuka felt the ground tremble at the oncoming attack. He could feel the power of the enemy surging through the air itself. It was almost as if it bled through time and space in a way. It was true fear that finally struck Sansuka's eyes. It tugged at his heart and played him like a small child in a candy store. It completely wrecked havoc on his body. But no, he wouldn't give up here. He wouldn't stand idly by as his brother in arms fought against this beast. He would not let this man down by dying upon the battle field where they called home. Sansuka rose his right hand as he began to speak with his loud demonic like voice. "I WILL NOT FALL. I AM THE LAST SETSUNE TO WALK UPON LIVING SOIL! I AM THE MAN WHO WILL INSTILL FEAR IN GOD HIMSELF! I WILL SHOW YOU, THE TRUE POWER OF THE FALLEN SETSUNE CLAN! FEAR ME GERVAS, FOR IF YOU ARE GOD, THEN DECLARE ME SATAN! AND THIS, IS MY HELL!" He said as suddenly all the petals from the swords, and more that seemed to appear from thin air gathered around Sansuka in a near tight bubble. As it did, the projectiles struck the barrier of pink beauty and shattered in to parts that seemed to fray every which way. It was in that moment that a large hand shaped wave of petals reached out, grabbing the second projectile. With all the force he had, he would swing the projectile around him and sending it back towards Gervas, giving him a taste of his own medicine. But that wasn't enough. By now, his ultimate defense would be neigh usable for the power he expended. The petals, instead, would form the next most devastating ability in his Arsenal. "Feast your eyes on this Gervas. As you watch your Impending doom from your own attack, WATCH AS THE MIGHTY LORD OF THIS HELL SHOWS YOU HIS TRUE FORM! SHUUKEI: HAKUTEIKEN." He said as all of his petals would now disappear and form a white beautiful sword which grew wings. This would lift him upwards high in to the sky where he would prepare his next attack. But he wouldn't strike yet, he'd wait for the right moment, the right time, and the right angle to do so. No matter what, one would have to realize that he was fighting an unimaginable power. Even that being said, only two people could fight better then him. They, were elsewhere. But alas, Sansuka would use the last of his power to form a singular assault which could, of timed correctly, destroy even Garvas himself. He'd need, of course, the combined power of Tenkai to do so.

-------------
32sc

Tenkai observed for only a moment as he prepared to charge into the fray again. They would need to pull their aces out to try and end this. They were the only cards left they had to play, and if they didn't work, then it was over. Never had they fought an opponent so powerful. He was something else, a beast that was created from pure malice and hatred. His hate for the shinigami and their offenses in the past fed him and created what he was now. They were facing the strongest being in existence next to the Emperor Yuwach himself. But he should not forget who they were as well, Captains of the Gotei Thirteen. They were two of the strongest shinigami in existence and had a great deal of pride to carry as well. They could not be allowed to fall until every last bit of energy was exerted from their bodies and only a husk to be destroyed would remain. Sansuka had taken it upon himself to make sure this was the case as he protected himself from one of the Heilig Pfeils and then engaged his most powerful technique, Hakuteiken. Tenkai had felt the power of it once before more then three hundred years ago. Byakuya Kuchiki used the technique against the savior of Soul Society, Ichigo Kurosaki. It's power was just as frightening now as it was then even in the hands of a different master. It was time for them to get down to business, Sansuka was just waiting on him now. Tenkai's reiatsu fluctuated wildly as he summoned the full extent of his power. As he did so he watched Gervas simply place his hand out towards the returned arrow and stop it with his bare hand. Blue veins ran across his arm as he did this using a power that the Vandenreich were known to have as well, Blut Vene. It was the defense technique of the Vandenreich that afforded them great enough power to protect themselves bare skinned against attacks from even Captains. Yet another card that Gervas held over them, with still more he was sure to have in his hand. It seemed hopeless as things continued on, but there was always a glimmer of light amongst the darkness.

Shunpouing up into the air as high as the dome would allow, Tenkai began to compress and focus every ounce of reiryoku he had in his body. Even converting his protective flame cloak into raw power he prepared himself for his ultimate attack. A visible crimson aura could be seen pulsating around his body as every ounce of power he had at his disposal was ready to be released at once. It was his greatest technique, one he had only used in training prior to this. "Fenikkusu Shougeki!!" Ripping down from up above on Gervas' position, Tenkai put all fear aside and was ready to do whatever it took to destroy the monster before them. Roaring loudly as he soared through the air the reiryoku that now closely surrounded him burned brightly as if he was now fire itself. Blazing wings spouted from his sides as he moved through the air giving him the appearance of a Phoenix. Though as beautiful as the technique would appear, it was more destructive then anything it could let on to being. Colliding with the Sankt Zwinger, Tenkai ripped through the barrier with the raw destructive force of the attack and released every ounce of energy he had gathered at once. The result was an explosion of massive proportions that would rip throughout the entire dome sending flame in every direction. The entire inner column would turn into a blazing inferno that would rip up into the skies above putting a hole clean through the top of the dome. For miles around the pillar of fire could be seen by anyone in the area that had sensed the battle. It stood as a beacon of sorts of their battle for survival and justice. As moments passed by and the flames died down leaving only smoldering earth and clouds of super heated smoke, Tenkai lay motionless on the ground with only the most shallow of breathing showing a sign of life. Gervas stood only several feet from him in only slightly better condition then himself. His body covered in third degree burns and his skin melting away having only protected himself in the slighted from the use of Blut Vene again.

He slowly plodded his way over to the incapacitated Captain raising his rapier above his head. "You will die, if it's the last thing I do, you will die for the humiliation you have afforded me!! Your friend may kill me, but you will not be saved!!" Stabbing the rapier down aiming directly for Tenkai's heart only moments were left before his life would come to an end. Though completely unaware of what went on around him, Tenkai was satisfied in his subconscious with his efforts. He had played a great part in destroying this evil and would be able to rest easily knowing this.

SC: 51

It all was coming to an end. A close to the Immortal being that held the power that few could rival. It seemed the day would be of defeat for him, and for Tenkai. The Rapier neared Tenkai's heart with only centimeters away. A quick flash of light, the sound of a sword cutting through skin, and it was all over. Blood would pool at the ground next to Tenkai's chest as the world seemed to cease. No, not the world, it seemed as though the universe seemed to just stand still. As if time had no more meaning to the people of the battle. "It's said that Samurai did not talk of heart felt sorrows or happiness. Instead, those feelings were rung true when they swung their blades. In essence, a fight between two Samurai was an exchanging of ideas, feelings, thoughts, and emotions. When two swords connect, it was said that both men would enter a still moment where each other's minds would connect and become one." The voice rang echoed across the battlefield to a point where even the women felt it. They started to come running over as the voice rang out once more. "I have felt your sorrow and understand it as you now understand mine. We share a similar sorrow that none could truly see. My past, obscured by the darkness that I veil it in only known to few who tread past it. Rest now, for your fight has come to an end. You shall be remembered, not as a Villain but as a Hero for your cause, Gervas Reier." The smoke and energy would clear to show the Rapier had been stopped only half a centimeter from Tenkai's skin with the Tsuba of a white blade. The blade itself had entered deep into the chest cavity of Gervas where it pierced his heart clean through. Sansuka could be seen holding that blade as a singular tear dripped from his left eye. He fought to keep his body from collapsing. It was so bad, he was even too tired to cry. He could feel the last bit of power leave his body as Gervas would cease to breath. One could see his very soul begin to leave his body. It was then that the most spectacular sight had happened.

The world darkened as a large gate appeared from the ground. This gate bore two skeletons engraved with billions of souls trying to climb out from their grasp. Suddenly, the doors would creep open as chains flung forward grasping hold of Gervas. The chains enveloped him, pierced him with hooks, and dragged him to the deepest crevices of the world beyond. The gate would close with a creaking sort of sound. That, would be the end of it. Gervas was dead, Sansuka barely alive, Tenkai followed suit, and the rest of the Bushinji clan saved. As Sansuka began to fall forward he felt the gentle hands of two women grasp him tightly. They would lie him on the ground in a gentle manner where he was able to see but a glimpse of their faces. Seeing those two, Sansuka smiled lightly as he seemed to fade from consciousness. He spoke one last set of words before he drifted off. "I'm glad you two are safe."

---------
36sc

Minutes, hours, days, there was no telling of time for the exhausted warriors. Sleep was the only thing that enveloped their minds until they would rouse to consciousness once again. His head swimming and uncertainty plaguing his mind, Tenkai slowly came too in a room that was quite familiar to him. It was his own bed room with the clan manor. This meant that he had survived the battle, which also meant that Gervas had fallen. But that was when a thought had popped up in his head as well. He had fallen unconscious before the climax of the battle, what had happened to Sansuka, did he succeed in killing Gervas? It was clear that the man was dead, but everything past his own attack was a blank in his mind. So many questions swirled through his conscious that it made him dizzy. But the sound of someone else breathing in the same room as himself stole his attention away. Three feet to his right lay the man that he wondered about, Sansuka. He was resting on the other side of his rather large bed. Relaxing now that he knew his best friend was still alive, he laid his head back down against his pillow and stared up at the ceiling. Everything had turned out for the best it seemed, Gervas was gone and peace could truly be restored in the Soul Society. His forces had been wiped thoroughly wiped out and the final attempt at a Vandenreich control Soul Society had failed. They were for all intents and purposes, the saviors of Soul Society. However this chapter of their lives would go unsung as only a choice few would even know the events of what happened. It was for the best though, the people did not need to know of the threat that lurked right under their noses. It would only cause a panic and cause for worry among them. Even though the threat was gone it would not stop them from wondering if it could happen again. Insecurities could grow rampant and uncertainty was a fear that did not leave easily. Yes, it was would be for the best to keep this chapter of Soul Society's history a secret. What was one more secret on the pile that they had already kept anyway.

If it was for the good of the people, then it could not be wrong. Sighing, Tenkai placed his hands behind his head and ran a few fingers through his hair. He noticed for one that his hair tie was not in place allowing his long onyx colored hair to flow freely, something he rarely indulged in other then bathing or sleeping. Secondly, he had noticed that he was donning a white robe that he had certainly not placed on himself. Thirdly, his wounds had been cleaned and treated and, from what was apparent, his body had been cleaned as well. Tenkai's face went a light shade of red as he tried to figure out who the hell had not only changed his clothing, but cleaned his body too. The only people that had ever seen him naked were his mother and father, and his late wife Retsu. It scared him slightly contemplating the fact considering he would hope that it was a woman that did it. But that would only leave his sister in law, daughter in law, and his granddaughter. None of those people he would ever want seeing him naked to begin with, especially if he wasn't conscious. He hoped that it was at least one of the servants that did it, even if it did turn out to be a male. It would have been better then a member of his own family. Getting shivers down his spine Tenkai found himself looking over at Sansuka to observe what he was wearing as well. Just as he had on, his friend was donning a clean white robe as well. "Oh boy, I guess they scrubbed both of our asses." Laying his head down on his pillow again, Tenkai pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes trying to relax despite the awkward realization he had just come to.

SC: 46

Sansuka felt drained, more so then anything. The last parting gift he left Gervas was almost but a blank in his mind. Though the words he spoke were nothing short of ringing in his head still. He was always somewhat Jittery while sleeping, though this was caused from having sleeping on the streets of the Rukongai a few years. His eyes wouldn't move an inch as his body reacted with instinct. He flew upwards and spun around with a movement that seemed like it was from a movie. With in seconds a glinting shine of bright steel was seen as it would rest mere inches from Tenkai's throat. It was now that Sansuka would open his eyes and see that, well it was just Tenkai. Placing his free hand under the blade, he would gently slide the palm of his hand across the Ha. After sufficient blood had been drawn, Sansuka would preform the cleaning snap, and sheath the blade with elegance. Resting the beauty next to him he would sit up, allowing his body to relax. Clenching his fist tightly to attempt and stop the bleeding. "Yeah, it seems we did get cleaned. I hope mine was done by them" He said when suddenly he realized what came out of his mouth. Turning quite red he would look away from Tenkai. He felt somewhat embarrassed that slipped out. He knew that slip ups like that were less then acceptable to the Nobles. That clicked in his head once more as, technically speaking he wasn't a noble. At least not now. He would continue to look where he stared and suddenly, his mouth would begin to erect words from thin air. "Tenkai, I have been plagued by the most awkward of thoughts. I'm not sure if, I should reclaim my house and honor or not. I know that there are things I can never mend. Perhaps the name itself will forever be bode in dishonor. But at the very least, I could save the true clan. The Ancients of the Clan. Perhaps it's just too much to bother with. Maybe I should forget the whole clan and let my past fade from existence." HE said as he simply bore his mind deep in to the thought of this newly arisen issue. Granted it wasn't as awkward as, Tenkai's thought process about now with both of them being cleaned, however it was indeed an awkward thing for Sansuka to think about. Most that knew him as an Individual knew his past was a touchy subject that was only discussed when he himself felt ready. Perhaps now, was the time to decide the fate of the Setsune clan.

------
31sc

Tenkai allowed himself a simple swallowing as he felt his adams apple graze the edge of Sansuka's blade. Apparently his friend was still on edge from the battle as opposed to himself. He watched as his friend slowly returned his blade from whence he came allowing Tenkai to exhale the breath that had forced itself upon him. "Good morning to you too..." Thoroughly awake now, Tenkai sat up from the bed not wanting to relax any longer despite having still felt tired only moments ago. Yawning lightly, he listened to Sansuka speak and smirked slightly at the last of his words. Tenkai knew well enough the pair that he was referring to and found it amusing that he had stifled himself after he spoke. Sliding himself off the side of the bed, he stood a moment on wobbly legs until he found his balance. He had a feeling that they were sleeping for quite a while, most likely a few days considering how much energy they expended in the battle. Stretching out and letting his body move around for the first time in a while, he listened to his friend essentially think out loud. Though the question was technically addressed to him, he knew that Sansuka was debating on the inside as well. It wasn't an uncommon thing for them to seek the advice of the other in pressing matters. It was clear that this particular one weighed heavily on his friends mind, and rightfully so. It was dealing with the status of his clan and everything that had happened since he had left them. His parents had been in some shadier dealing from what he understood and had paid the price for it. The result of such was a slandering of the Setsune name and casting them into the obscurity of history. It was certainly a fate worse then death, especially since he still carried the name of his ancestors. Sighing, Tenkai sat back down on the bed and stared at the sheets beneath him as he thought of the proper words.

"Sansuka, I can't really tell you the right or wrong, or the yes or no of what you want to do. I've never had to face a situation like that so I really wouldn't even know where to start." Placing a hand over his mouth with his thumb drawn to his right cheek, he exhaled loudly and tried to sort out a few more words. He knew what he wanted to say but just not quite the correct way to say it. "Well....I guess, the situation is entirely in your own realm to decide. But...ummm, just remember that you'll always be a member of this family as well Sansuka." Returning his hand back over his mouth he put a few more words together before giving Sansuka a chance to respond. He felt himself as almost, dismissing the matter, which he really did not intend to do. "However, I think regardless of what you do you should always remember your past. Your heritage is part of yourself, the good and the bad. We learn from it, and grow from it." Smiling warmly at his friend Tenkai moved his right arm out and placed his hand over his friends. "No matter what you decide to do though, you will always have my support Sansuka."

SC: 32

Sansuka sighed as he allowed his eyes to fade from reality. He kept thinking slightly and finally decided what to do. Standing up, albeit only half so, he reared his head to the sky and spoke. "I'll do what any man would do in this situation. I will cast off the Setsune name, only in part. I will move the Jurisdiction of the Ancients to the Bushinji Clan. That, is what fate would have us do anyway. I just hope that it's the right decision." He said as he would stretch a little bit. Hearing his back crack a little he would let out a soft sigh of happiness. He allowed his body to regain it's composure and now he was feeling quite well. He was ready to take on the world! He would close his eyes and sense the two women behind the door. laughing a little he would speak. "So I take it that you heard? Well then, make it known to the Ancients. Have them create a new Tunnel, and destroy the old one. Behind the Manner grounds will do. Now, Let us prepare to meet the Ancients." He would walk to the door and realize he needed clothes. Sighing a moment he spoke lightly. "Um, could one of you get me a new Shihakushou? I kind of destroyed my last one." Sansuka chuckled lightly as he opened the door when suddenly the women disappeared. Before leaving he would stop for a singular minute and speak. "Will you be coming Tenkai?" He'd wait for an answer, and then go to get his clothes.

------
23sc

Sliding himself off the bed once more Tenkai stood up on now firm legs. It appeared that Sansuka had made his decision, albeit it one that he was not particularly expecting. He would place his clan into subservience under his own clan. Its not that such a thing was ever unheard of, it was actually quite common. Many noble houses had lesser clans that served under them as vassals. It was just that the Bushinji clan had never undergone such a thing having been more then sufficient on their own. But he would not deny his friend the choice that he had made. It would bring them closer together as both friends and actual family and strengthen both of their houses. It would form an autonomous machine that would work together for the good of both houses. Walking quickly to the closet attached to his room, Tenkai would vanish for into it for a moment and come back out donning a more formal attire. He typically wore his shihakushou and haori since he had acquired it, but from time to time he actually wore regal clothing. It was a rarity, but he needed to wait for a new haori to be made for him. Considering the old one was pretty much torn apart in combat with Gervas, he would wait until it was prepared to return to his standard shinigami attire. Taking only a few minutes to change Tenkai emerged from the closet now prepared to meet with whomever Sansuka had to see. "Join me in the sitting room when your prepared and have finished changing. I'll be there when your ready." Patting his friend on the back as he walked past him he expected the rest of their day to be rather interesting. Granted, not as interesting as the last time that they were together, but a unique event all the same.

SC: 23

Sansuka nodded for a moment before his body would walk out. He'd follow up with with getting dressed and appearing in the Sitting room. There, his two women would appear behind him. He'd smile lightly as he placed his hands between the opposite sleeves. Standing there, he couldn't help but think on how he felt about this whole situation. He would finally put this whole situation behind him. Perhaps now it would be best for both clans. Yes, it would be the best solution to both problems. Sighing a moment, his body would tense up knowing he was about to meet, for the second time, the most oldest people of the Setsune clan. These people were legends in the assassin underworld. It was defiantly the most interesting feeling he'd ever felt before. He would feel the very power of the Ancients run through his veins and know, one day, he would become one of them. His life would be tossed in to seclusion in an underground labyrinth, no, the underground city of the Practitioners. It was inevitable for sure, but at least it was something to look forward to. At that time in one's life, he'd ascend to the title of Ancient and become more powerful then those who held it previous. It was, the fate of all Setsune. Perhaps, one day, it would not be left to him alone to hold that torch. If he was lucky, he'd have a wife as well as a Son or Daughter to uphold the future line. If only, for sure.

------
19sc

Tenkai sat in, well, the sitting room waiting patiently. He wondered exactly what they were going to be doing. He had never known much about Sansuka's clan even in their childhood. He had never spoke much of his parents and had cut ties with them at a young age. There were a great deal of questions that he had even before this topic had come up. Tenkai had always been fearful of asking them though. Digging through someones past, whether it be dark or not, was not always a welcome thing. There were few who were completely opening to talking about the whereabouts and doings of their lives. Even he did not particularly like talking about certain aspects of his past. Granted, he had a great upbringing though he had missed his father for a large portion of it. His mother had died from illness shortly thereafter, but he was never a deprived child. Even in his families absence, his father made sure he and his brother were well taken care of. They had plenty of money, a home, and people who they could depend on. These individuals helped formed them into what men they were now and the families that they had produced. Sure, there were a great number of things he would wish he could change, the top of that list being resurrecting of the dead. Having lost his wife nearly three hundred years ago and his daughter shortly after, he had more then enough cause to want that. Those were also only a few of the losses that he had suffered over time. Many others of his family had perished, all of them other then his wife younger then himself. It was truly a shame, a loss that dug deep into his being, but nothing could be done about it. But that was himself and enough for even him to want to think about for the time being. He wondered if Sansuka's past was just as dark as his own. He wondered if his friend had suffered the same pains he had undergone, in one form or another. It was a touchy subject to be sure, but just as the subject was sure, so was his reservation in the fact that answers would come soon.

Being drawn from his thoughts Tenkai looked up to see his friend had entered the room. Standing up and straightening out his robes, he stood by his friends side and waved a hand out towards the door. "So, shall we go?" He then waited for Sansuka to lead the way to whatever place they may have been heading off to. The whole ordeal was certainly a mystery. One that beckoned to him though in the strangest of ways.

SC: 34

Sansuka could feel the uneasy thoughts of the two women that bore next to him. They themselves have enver actually met the Ancients of the clan. On top of that, Sansuka felt worry in his own right for seeing, perhaps some of the most powerful unsung heroines and Heroes of Soul Society. It was truly a magnificent thought indeed. But he worried not of seeing them, nor of how to act! No, he was worried they would reject the new motion. Hell, even if they did he could force them for sure. But alas, if he forced his hand as he so desired not to, repercussions would be had. The Ancients may have been old, some perhaps bitter in that age. But of course they were not all like that. Sansuka nodded to Tenkai as he motioned to leave. He felt that his best friend would have many questions as he himself did about the man's past. But it was something even his own feelings knew to stray from. There were things in this world that most beings were not meant to know. However he knew, deep in his heart that things he didn't want to be left open would be revealed to Tenkai about his past. It's something he wished wouldn't be necessary. He knew as well as all the Ancients that the Family head that controlled the Secret clan would indeed hold secrets that even the Shihouin clan knew nothing of. Sansuka felt the Tension in his body as they would near the old manner of his parents. The building was, somewhat well kept by what little staff still served the Noble house. Sansuka would stop just inside the gates of the manner where he'd lift his right hand in to the air. The pulsating of his Reiatsu would seem to light two torches along the path. These torches would pulsate and light the next set. The cascade reaction would chain the front door to light up with a pink fire. Sansuka's body took him straight to that door where his right hand would grip the indentation to open it. He could feel the very blood of his clan boiling inside him. As he slid the door open it appeared several servants greeted the bunch. They looked somewhat skinny as well as tiny. Almost worth the word of Midget but not quite.

"We've been expecting you, Master Setsune. They know of your decision and would like to accept your request of Council." Sansuka would pause for a moment and open his mouth to speak but the words were halted by the second person speaking. "Yes, we know the questions you ask before you ask them. It is the knowledge you seek that has been sought by all Lords of the clan. You are no different Sansuka Twelve Onyx Setsune." Sansuka felt his very will wane from this conversation. Nodding to the two, he would follow them down a hall. Entering a room he would close his eyes for a minute. Opening them, he could see the floor begin to rise giving way to the tunnel. He would walk down the tunnel and enter a large room. After entering the room, Sansuka would feel a seal in front of him. It reacted to his very blood it seemed as it would appear only when he got near it. Moving his right hand towards it, he would feel a surge of energy coming through it. After it shocked him, the wall would open up to a small tunnel with windows on either side. Looking out the windows as they walked forward, he could see the vast city below. The city of the Ancients.

------
43sc

The word interesting summed up everything that had been going on around Tenkai lately. First his impending promotion to the rank of Captain. Then there was the reclamation of Rukongai from the Vandenreich invaders. The first battle against Gervas then took place which was followed by his actual promotion to the rank of Captain. Then, after a few weeks of training, came the second and final showdown against Gervas which culminated in what was going on right now. He found himself marching off behind his friend to an unknown location to deal with unknown people in an unknown political event. Yes, interesting was certainly the word that would describe his life at the moment. The pair found themselves shortly at another estate, this one of Sansuka's family, the Setsune clan. Once a higher noble family having fallen into obscurity from the inner machinations of his own clan. His friend had only been spared the disgraces of such having cut his ties with the family at an early age. Beyond this though, there was little that Tenkai actually knew of his family. He never spoke of them much over the years and when they did speak of them it was in only the sparsest of detail. Shrugging, Tenkai waited behind Sansuka as they waited to gain entrance to the compound. He observed as his companion raised his hand and release his reiatsu in the slightest to cause a reaction among the torches spread before them. They would glow with a pink fire which created a trail of blazing torches leading right up to the door of the manor. Now standing before these doors his friend flung them open revealing a small party of what appeared to be servants of the house. They stood, and spoke quickly not giving Sansuka a moment to speak already knowing why they were there. One of them spoke Sansuka's full name which Tenkai raised an eyebrow out. He had know that his middle name was Onyx, but not that he had two of them. It wasn't particularly that fact that was strange either, it was what the name was itself. Having oneself named after a number was, in lamest terms, unusual.

But it was not a decision that Sansuka had to himself as it was a naming that fell to his parents. Internally shrugging, Tenkai followed along behind him companion and the two servants that had greeted them. They made there way down a corridor that lead to what appeared to be a tunnel of sorts. It appeared they were going underground for some reason or other. Perhaps some type of underground compound where the elders of the clan resided. But there were any number of reasons for this and Tenkai could have spent hours trying to guess. It wasn't particularly worth his time either considering he was going to find the answer in only a matter of moments anyway. Moving slightly to the right to get a better view of what was going on in front of him, he saw his friend interacting with some form of disruption. It barred their path until it shocked Sansuka granting them access further into the tunnel via a wall sliding away. Now on the move, Tenkai followed close behind his friend as he occasionally glanced out the windows that now dotted the walls of the tunnel. As he did so he only spoke a few words, ones that he was sure Sansuka would not even expect given the variety of things that were going on. "So, you never told me you had two middle names. Let alone that the second one was a number."

SC: 41

Sansuka chuckled a little as he heard the statement of Tenkai. As they walked forward he spoke lightly. "Well as you know that my name is not my choice. But in reality the name Setsune is but a formality. My true name is Sansuka Twelve Onyx. Those born in to the subservience of the Ancients are chosen a name that befits their ranking in the underground society. They're given a name which they call their own, a number to decide their ranking in the Ancient sect, and lastly a color that befits their Personality. As you know, I keep to myself so that's Onyx. The shadows of my mind. Twelve, well there are only Ten Ancients in the whole of the clan. And lastly, Sansuka is the given name my Father and Mother gave me." He said as the group found a singular elevator type object. The floor began to move downwards with what seemed like Kido. When they reached the bottom of the shaft they appeared to enter the city. But they actually did not, the city was so vast they had only entered the outskirts. The two men stopped and signaled for Sansuka's Zanpaktou. Positioning it forward, they opened a portal not unlike a Senkaimon. After entering that portal they would immediately appear before the Grand Council of Ten Ancients. The room was high in the spire which was centered inside the city. Looking above them, they saw a high platform on the edges of the room where the ten men and women sat. They stared down at Sansuka, Tenkai, the two women, and the two servants. Then, with out warning the middle man spoke with a deep voice. "Sansuka Twelve Onyx Setsune. You have come here to exorsize your right as Heir to the throne of the Setsune clan. We will now Subjugate your past, present, and future." The man said as the middle of the room lit up where Sansuka was standing. The middle man spoke once more. "You were born to the Noble Family of Setsune. Cast aside to the Rukongai by your father with the intention of destroying your reputation and power. There by in, you were expelled from the Shinigami Academy, your family slaughtered by those that expelled you, and your name wiped from pride. Yet, you rejoined the Academy after that fact. You forgave the Shinigami for destroying your very family, YOUR VERY SOUL! And now you bring this burden with you for your whole life. You made Captain, be friended a Shinigami and laid claim to his house as your own. And now you stand before us, declaring your the leader of us. You don't Deserve that title in the least Sansuka!" The man said as Sansuka felt rage well inside his body. Lifting his voice, his Reiatsu, and his very power he held he spoke out to the men and women of the Council. "THAT MAY BE TRUE! BUT I'VE ENDURED LOSSES THAT RELATE TO THAT OF GERVAS BUT I DO NOT SEEK TO DESTROY THE SHINIGAMI! I SEEK TO CHANGE IT FROM WITH IN AND BETTER THEM FOR THE FUTURE! CAN YOU SAY THE SAME!?!?!? YOU LIVE IN THE SHADOWS AND HARPOON THOSE THAT CROSS YOUR PATH! THE DAYS OF MY FATHER SERVING ARE GONE! I AM THE NEW MASTER OF THE SETSUNE CLAN! I COMMAND YOU ALL! HEAR MY WORDS AND OBEY ME, ANCIENTS OF THE CLAN!" He said as the fire was shown in his eyes. The clan leaders looked at each other and nodded with one another. The man would speak once more. "I see. You are set in your ways and proven yourself with past actions to be Unchanged. We accept your rule, Sansuka Setsune. We pass the command of the Society of Kido and Assassination to you, Tenkai Bushinji. Sansuka, you will be granted no title in this effort, You are but Atache to us and him. You are nothing but his Servant. DO YOU UNDERSTAND!" Sansuka would kneel before the man and nod. "As the Ancients Command." The man would laugh at that. It seemed the whole battle was won by the Ancients in the end anyway.

------
55sc

"I see. That's rather, intricate, I suppose. But who am I to question the culture and regulation of another." With that Tenkai was just about done with conversation with now. He was in a strange, foreign place, with little to do with being here other then accompanying his long time friend. He was primarily their for support as a friend and to help Sansuka with whatever may come up. Little did Tenkai know what he was actually in store for and what was going to happen in the near future. Their entrance into this, city, as it seemed, was rather unusual in itself. Though the concept of a portal being used was far from unorthodox, the fact it was used privately was. Sansuka's zanpaktou itself being the key he watched as he unlocked a passage for them to travel through. The travel itself lasted less then a second as they appeared in a room where several individuals sat peering down at them. Whomever these individuals were it was clear that they were important. It reminded him of Central Forty-Six back in the Seireitei. Clearly these men and women were some kind of ruling body within Sansuka's clan. Perhaps the actual leader being only a figurehead granted power by these individuals? It was merely an assumption but things were starting to seem somewhat cultish in his mind. Then again, the same could be said about any civilization and its faith within government and religion. Before either of them, primarily Sansuka, had a chance to speak the individuals above began to speak to them. They announced Sansuka's presence with full name and correctly guessed his reason for coming. Interesting was the only word that came to Tenkai's mind as he simply observed the situation. He felt somewhat out of place there for obvious reasons. After a bout of argument between Sansuka and those who were apparently, the ancients, Sansuka was found on the losing edge. Especially considering the twist that the whole situation had taken at its climax.

Tenkai was apparently named some sort of leader of the clans administrative positions? It was less surprising and more dumbfounding in its entirety. He had no idea what was going on and ever more questions to match his curiosity. Sansuka had apparently bowed to whatever ruling these individuals had given though. Despite his brain telling him to just go along and accept whatever came out of it, his gut told him otherwise. Tenkai's more brash and defensive nature came out questioning with great audacity the ruling these 'ancients' had made. Perhaps it was not his place to do so, but neither was it there's to include him in something that wasn't his. The second they named him commander of these groups, in his mind he gained the ability to provide an opinion on the situation if he so desired. Stepping forward and speaking up Tenkai questioned just what was going on and why he was being included in something he had just become a part of. "I don't mean to come across as rude but I must question what has just happened here. I have only just become acquainted with Sansuka's clan and the inner machinations of it. Why am I being appointed as some sort of psuedo-leader of a clan and organization I know nothing about. Above that, why was I not at least asked of this before simply being appointed? I know nothing of any of you and likewise you most likely don't know a great deal about me." Crossing his arms and turning slightly sideways he gazed across the room sending his piercing gaze to each and every ancient in the room. "That being said, I would like some kind of explanation as to whats going on. My friend Sansuka may bow to your authority since he has been a member of this clan, but I, the leader of my own clan, am not so keen to do the same." Standing firm, Tenkai waited for some sort of response from the ancients. Despite being treated beneficially, he found it somewhat rude to not really speak with him, but rather at him. He was not some child to be spoken at and do as he was told. He was a grown man and one of the most powerful individuals in existence. He would make sure they would respect him for what he was.

SC: 51