Soul Terror - Shibuya

[Deleted]

Name: Soul Terror - Shibuya

Participants: @iokenpachi (will also be DMing) , Benjiro Hiroto

Location: World of the Living - Shibuya

Difficulty Level: Medium

Setting: DP

Plotline: In a rather surprising twist, Karakura is not the focus of the problem today. Lately, Shibuya has registered more than eight block-sized explosions, happening all too close in time to one another. These are not caused by gas leaks or fire weapons: readings register traces of powerful spiritual energy that still linger from each explosion. Being far from an isolated incident, it has left the human population riled up; Japan is even considering the possibility of a terrorist attack. As such, it is imperative for Soul Society to investigate, lest fingers be pointed and the conflict escalates. For the time being, an initial patrol will be dispatched to assess the situation and find any possible leads.

Benjiro Hiroto, 12th Seat of the Tenth Squadron, has been assigned for this mission. As part of the program to insert Aoshi Kuzan into the squad to gauge whether he is worth keeping alive as a Shinigami, he will be tagging along and under the supervision of his superior officer.

Estimated Enemy Strength: Class 8-4

Estimated Time Until Completion: No idea

Starts: Now

Special Conditions: None

[Deleted]

As usual, Aoshi focused on his breathing. He was alone, confined within the rather non-existent barracks of the Tenth. The level of destruction caused by a certain dinosaur-like Hollow had been nothing short of expansive, and that meant that a lot of repairs would need to be made before the squad would be back on to its 'usual glory', as one of the many seated officers had pointed out. Aoshi understood nothing of what that officer had meant by glory, but he had already participated in the repairs as part of his mandated service. Not that he needed to be forced to do it; it was his duty, and while he enjoyed sleeping under the stars, roofs were a necessary commodity, wouldn't you say? Plus, his squadmates also needed somewhere to bunk. Very few of them were okay with less than a basic bed, a problem that he didn't have thanks to the time he had served while waiting for an execution that, thanks to Celes, had never arrived in the end.

But like I said, Aoshi focused on his breathing. He brought a fist forward at 150 Strength and 100 Speed, careful not to use the full extent of his power. He then retired the fist, and his other one followed the same motion. After aiding with some repairs--mostly by transporting stuff--he had taken his 'free' time to drill basic strikes that day, as a proper foundation was key to bettering oneself as a martial artist. While Aoshi joked about pretty much everything and took things lightly, he truly wanted to attain full control and command over his body. Nothing better than some martial arts to do that, wouldn't you say? Still, the Kenpachi didn't allow himself to use his full power, dreading what might happen if he did. He'd only done it once, and that had ended with the nasty criminal record that would probably haunt him for the rest of his days. Best if he did not add more people to the ones already in his kill list.

After fists were done, it was time for kicks. None of the movements he was practicing would be out of this world; they were the most basic foundations of his fighting style. He was doing all this right in the middle of the open fields--with some debris here and there-- that now made up most of the squad barracks. People buzzed about, Shinigami with better things to do than bother themselves with a convict criminal. Someone would be keeping an eye on him, they probably thought. And they would actually be right, because Viola, one of Celes Shindazu's most veteran officers, approached him to interrupt his training.

"Kuzan", her voice caught his attention. She sounded spiteful and bitter as could be, but Aoshi didn't mind in the slightest. If anything, he understood where she was coming from. Wouldn't stop him from making the most out of it, anyway.

"Viola! My favourite senior is here to pay me a visit. To what do I owe the honor today?" he said with a big, cheeky grin, flashing his teeth. There was absolutely no sarcasm--well, perhaps a little on the 'favourite' part, but just because he still had to set on a favourite--, but she seemed to take it as if it were.

"You'd do well to address me with some respect", she retorted, furrowing her brow. He raised an eyebrow, but ultimately kept his smile. "And before you quip in with anything clever, I don't have time for your idiocy today. I'm here on official business."


"Awwww, no need to be so cold to me. We'll end up being best friends, you'll see", the Kenpachi said while drilling a few more straight kicks, if only to amuse himself. His body felt good, strong, the same way it usually did. He'd better not get too drunk on that feeling, however. Control. Breathe in, breathe out.

"For the love of...", she groaned, already exasperated. Despite his taking pleasure on annoying others, Aoshi was actually quite perceptive. Her patience must have been running thin with all the rebuilding tasks piled upon her usual ones. "Come with me", she said, grabbing him by the hand and dragging him away with her. Aoshi offered no resistance.

"Kyaa! M-Miss Viola, you're so bold! I don't know if my maiden heart can take so much", he dramatized to the extreme.

"You're going on a mission, Kuzan. You'll be briefed on the details once I've dropped you off in the office", Viola said, cutting through all the bullshit. Her tone admitted absolutely no retort or reply, and it was clear that it would only take one more straw to break that camel's back. While Aoshi was the type of guy who would poke a hornet's nest just to amuse himself, his mind was actually on something else now.

The World of the Living.

Needless to say, Aoshi's eyes lit up with excitement. It was the first time that he would be allowed to actually leave the premises of the Tenth, which in their current state, were anything but hospitable; much less to a convict like himself. "Wait, so I get to go to the human world? Awesome!"

"Oh, 'I'? I think you mean 'we'", Viola rapidly cut through his sense of adventure. "You didn't think we would let you, a convicted criminal with seven charges of murder, run around the World of the Living as you please, did you? No, you'll be going with our 12th Seat, Benjiro Hiroto. You'd better give him the respect he's owed."

Well, that was a mood-killer. Not the part that he would be babysat, surprisingly, but something else entirely. "...It's six. Not seven. I killed six people", Aoshi said, his voice suddenly much colder.

"You murdered seven people. Your report, your charges, everything says so. Forgive me, for not trusting the word of scum like you."

Aoshi felt his muscles tighten. He felt a tingling in his stomach, followed with the insurmountable urge to tear a hole though Viola, right then and there, just to see if she could handle him at maximum strength. But he couldn't do it. For starters, he knew he was too weak. For enders, he did not want to kill anyone else, never again. To pacify himself, Aoshi repeated in his mind that all the people in Soul Society would ever see was what was written on that arrest report. Whatever it said on that paper, he couldn't care less. He hadn't killed his own father. That much was undeniable.

"Oh, well. I guess I shall bow to the all-powerful bureaucracy then, the weapon to defeat even the mighty Crispy Jakka", he said, contenting himself with that.

Aoshi would be taken to a briefing room, but not one in the Tenth. It was one in the Thirteenth, since they were the ones handling interdimensional travel. Viola had taken Aoshi and dropped him off a little early, perhaps to get rid of him. Now, it was a matter of waiting until Benjiro arrived. Needless to say, he was curious. What kind of man would he be? Oh boy, he hoped he would be a fun one.

[Benjiro Hiroto]

In the solemn aftermath of the devastating invasion, Benjiro sought solace in the ruins of the once vibrant Squad 10 barracks. With a heavy heart, he meditated amidst the wreckage, his eyes fixed upon the charred remnants of what was once their home. Sorrow etched deep lines on his face as he contemplated the fact that he hadn't been there, that he hadn't been strong enough to protect his cherished sanctuary within the Seireitei. The weight of that knowledge weighed heavily upon his soul.

As he tirelessly aided in the efforts to repair and rebuild, assuming his role as the 12th Seat of the squad, Benjiro led by example. Together, they toiled day and night, pouring their strength into the reconstruction. The devastation inflicted upon the Squad grounds and the lives shattered by the invaders left a profound ache within him. The scarcity of Shinigami, already stretched thin, further compounded the challenges they faced. The World of the Living remained largely unattended, its needs pushed aside in favor of restoring the broken pieces of their own realm.

Today, however, brought a new mission for Benjiro—one that would take him to Shibuya in Japan. Details awaited him at the Senkaimon, where he would meet his assigned recruit for the Tenth Division, a young man named Aoshi Kuzan. Making his way to the 13th Division, where the Senkaimon stood, Benjiro's gaze fell upon Aoshi, who stood noticeably shorter than himself. The man's physique spoke of a skilled combatant, akin to their captain. Unaware of Aoshi's troubled past, Benjiro approached him with a warm smile, his deep bow mirroring his genuine respect.

"You must be Aoshi," Benjiro spoke, his voice carrying a gentle tone. "It is a pleasure to meet my fellow squad member. I am Benjiro Hiroto, Twelfth Seat of the Tenth Division. I hope that today's mission goes smoothly for both of us." His smile, akin to that of an elder brother towards his younger kin, conveyed a sense of camaraderie and support.

In that moment, Benjiro's tiredness and weariness seemed to melt away, replaced by a resolute determination to continue learning and growing, even amidst the ruins. As they prepared to embark on their mission together, he couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope—a belief that through their shared efforts, they could rebuild not only the physical structures but also the strength and unity of their squad, forging a brighter future from the ashes of their past. After all, they were warriors of the Soul Society, and the soul only grew stronger with hardship.

"If I may ask, where do your skills lie? It is important to know each other's strengths on the field of battle, after all." The calming tone of his voice contrasting the appearance of the gentle giant. "I apologize for the sudden mission despite your lack of training, Aoshi. Times have been rough and our numbers are thinning, which often leaves less time for us to teach and train. I'll do my best to impart my learnings today." Warmth spread forth from his soul, like a lantern of kindness and caring. This served two purposes, the first to soothe any nerves Aoshi might have felt, and the second was to assess his ability to sense spiritual pressure. It was a lesson he had picked up from the Okami Butsu, after all. 

[Deleted]

Needless to say, Aoshi was pretty impressed when the 12th Seat, Benjiro Hiroto, appeared through the door. The Kenpachi stared at what could undoubtedly only a hybrid between human and giant, a Shinigami that was more a mountain than he was a man. He towered over Aoshi as the Seireitei did over the rest of the Rukongai, but despite that, the aura that was coming out of him was peaceful, tranquil, gentle, as if he could never do any living creature harm. The gentle giant then proceeded to introduce himself, as if he expected no subservience from

"Man, you are one tall bastard!" Aoshi said with a big smile. His words were not intended to hurt, he had just made an observation of a very, very clear fact, but the newest recruit of Squad 10 was not exactly known for his tact and diplomacy. Well, he wasn't known for anything save for his criminal deeds, but soon enough he would not be known for his tact and diplomacy as well. When Benjiro bowed, Aoshi held up both hands in a conciliatory manner. "No need to do that, Rocky, I'm just like any other guy around here. Aoshi Kuzan, nice to meet you."

Instead of going through all those formalities, Aoshi simply offered his hand for a shake. Whether Benjiro would take it or not, it was up to how the seated officer chose to handle ettiquette. Still, there was something weird about the way Benjiro was treating him. No contempt, no double take, no remarks on his status? That was not what Aoshi had been expecting. Maybe he wouldn't be treated as a child to be babysat--or a murderer to be watched--, but as an actual human (soul?). Aoshi only got more confused when Benjiro even apologized for him being called onto the field. He had a pretty good guess as to why he had been dispatched when he had just joined, but preferred to keep it to himself for the time being.

"Skills, huh?" Aoshi repeated, scratching his chin. He really was going to get a creak in his neck from literally looking up to his superior, wasn't he? "...I guess I can punch stuff pretty hard. The sword's not really my forte, and I kiiinda flunked Kido in the Academy, so they didn't even try to teach me any Kaido either. What about you, tall, white and handsome? What's your strong suit?" he bounced back the question back to him.

Once they were finished exchanging that information, the woman seating in front of them cleared her throat, as if demanding their attention. "Thank you for your service, Hiroto. It puts me at ease, knowing someone as capable as you will be taking this mission. If you don't mind, I would get started with the briefing."

She pushed a button on a remote, no doubt the work of squad 12, and the room went lights out for a moment. Silence reigned absolute, save for Aoshi's "ooooooh" the moment everything went dark. Immediately after, an image appeared on one of the wider walls, fully clear for them both to see. It was, simply put, awful. Large craters around the neighborhood, still crackling with spiritual energy invisible to the humans. Charred corpses left and right, without accounting for those vaporized in the blast. Wanton destruction, seemingly without any purpose.

"As of the past two weeks, Shibuya has registered more than eight block-sized explosions, happening all too close in time to one another. These are not caused by gas leaks or fire weapons: readings register traces of powerful spiritual energy that still linger from each explosion. Being far from an isolated incident, it has left the human population riled up; Japan is even considering the possibility of a terrorist attack. As such, it is imperative for Soul Society to investigate, lest fingers be pointed and the conflict escalates."

"The objective of this mission is threefold. First, you are to look for any possible leads that will clue us in as of what was the cause behind these explosions. The leftover spiritual traces are... undetermined. We do not know what it is that they belong to, so do tread lightly, Hiroto. Second, you are to capture any possible suspects that might seem related to this spree. While your survival and gathering intelligence are our priority, taking any of the culprits, or anyone related to them to Soul Society would greatly help us streamline the next steps to take."

She then stopped looking at them both, and focused only on Benjiro. "Third, you are to keep Aoshi Kuzan under strict scrutiny. While he has graduated and joined the Tenth, his status as a murderer on parole still takes precedence over his role as a Shinigami. Through this mission, we seek to evaluate his performance, to see whether he belongs in the Gotei 13, or if an execution is due instead. Make absolutely sure he does not escape. Once you return, we expect a report on his performance to cement whether he may become an asset or a liability."

"Ah, you have so little faith in me. It hurts. Wounds me, even," Aoshi said, arms crossed behind his head without a care in the world. Of course, he thought Benjiro was already aware of this fact, but he might have not been.

"These are the terms of the mission. Are there any questions, or should I be sending you both on your way to the Senkaimon?"

[Benjiro Hiroto]

As Aoshi's lively presence enveloped the atmosphere, Benjiro couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over him. It reminded him of simpler times in the Rukongai, where rank and discipline held less sway, and camaraderie was forged on equal footing. A smile tugged at his lips, genuine and warm, as he regarded the spirited young Shinigami before him. "To witness such vibrancy and kinship from a newcomer in the Tenth Division is truly uplifting. Our Captain views the Tenth as a family, and I have no doubt that you will find your place among us. If you wish, you may call me 'Big Brother.' It has a much better ring to it than 'Twelfth Seat,' don't you think?" Benjiro's words carried a lighthearted tone, offering a sense of familiarity to his junior.

Aoshi's response shed light on his own abilities, admitting his shortcomings in swordsmanship and lack of prowess in Kido. Instead, his strength resided in the Way of the Fist, Hakuda. Benjiro's eyes sparkled with interest and curiosity. "Ah, a physical fighter! I've heard that our Captain shares a similar inclination. Unfortunately, my own skills lean more towards Kido and Bakudo, though I can hold my own with a blade. The Captain says I have the strength of a fighter, but Hakuda eludes me. I must also confess, for my position, I am a bit slower than the rest." Benjiro's voice carried a humble tone, willing to share his knowledge and skills with his junior, should Aoshi desire to learn.

Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of the woman in charge of briefing them. She began by expressing gratitude to Benjiro for undertaking the mission, to which he responded with a simple yet sincere, "It is an honor to serve." As she delved into the details, a chilling revelation sent a shiver down Benjiro's spine. Shibuya had fallen victim to spiritual explosions, causing panic among the humans who perceived them as acts of terrorism. The mission held three objectives: uncovering the source of the explosions, capturing the possible culprits, and, most unexpectedly, evaluating Aoshi himself.

Benjiro's heart recoiled at the notion of passing judgment on his junior, potentially condemning him for multiple counts of murder. The gentle giant, who abhorred needless loss of life, struggled to maintain composure. However, he remained steadfast, his expression unwavering, as he spoke with conviction. "Understood. Please guide us through the Senkaimon." With those resolute words, he locked eyes with Aoshi and addressed him in a single sentence, laden with unspoken questions. "I have questions for you once we arrive." Gripping the prayer beads on his Zanpakuto's hilt, he offered a silent prayer, seeking guidance and clarity for the mission that lay ahead. "Namu Amida Butsu."

With his spirit fortified, Benjiro steeled himself to cross the threshold of the gate. The weight of his duty and the weight of his inquiries merged, propelling him forward into the unknown. As the portal transported them to the World of the Living, he remained determined, ready to navigate the complexities of the mission while keeping a watchful eye on his junior.

[Deleted]

Well, not that Aoshi was never going to call him 'Twelfth Seat'. That much was a given, considering just how little all that meant to the convict. However, he wouln't take Benjiro's suggestion to call him 'big brother'. Sure, he was big, but it didn't feel right to the Kenpachi, who thought he had just stumbled onto the perfect nickname by accident. "Appreciate the offer, but I think I'm sticking with Rocky", Aoshi said, knowing full well that he would remember much better if he sticked to his nickname. Benjiro also stated that their captain viewed the Tenth as a family, and Aoshi would most definitely find their place with them. Given the cold reception he had been given thanks to the parole officer, those words only clued the Kenpachi further into the fact that Benji was largely unaware of the way he had been assigned into the Tenth; not by personal choice, not by lottery. Still, he did not say anything about it, sure that their mission officer would give Benjiro the full details just a little bit later. None of the bureaucrats were hiding the fact he was a criminal to the squadron, as his epic failure of an entrance when first arriving to the remaining buildings of the barracks could attest to.

As far as his skills went, it seemed that he, too, was physically strong, but the main difference between them was that speed was not one of his fortes, but he was capable of using Kido to compensate. In fact, he was more specialized towards the spiritual arts of the Shinigami rather than the physical side. "Never would've guessed, with your build. I couldn't even learn Sai in the academy, so that was a bust." Well, at least he could count on Benjiro to handle things from a distance, which in many situations would be far better than stepping in to beat something down with his bare fists. Besides, not that Aoshi wanted to push himself to the limit. He wasn't sure what could happen if he did.

After the briefing, Benjiro seemed completely taken aback not just by the wanton destruction caused all over Shibuya, but also by the knowledge that Aoshi was a murderer. Needless to say, his gaze turned more stern than before, reminding the Kenpachi of Celes's look when she had first addressed him right after his arrival at the squadron. It seemed seated officers really took after their captain, huh? Regardless, he asked to be guided to the Senkaimon, and Aoshi followed suit. The portal opened for the both of them, leading straight into the world of the living, where the investigation took place. Following his superior officer, Aoshi, too, ventured forth through the gate, something he had never done since his arrival.

The first thing he did, of course, was nearly plummet toward the ground. "WHAT THE-", he yelled before regaining composure. He hadn't expected to be left right there, in midair, so it took him a second to get a hold of himself via air ground, which was easily doable while on Earth. Once back on 'solid' ground, he let out a sigh, making a note to think this might happen more times in the future. With that done, he turned toward Benjiro. "Alright, Rocky, I'm waiting. What's the plan?", he asked, ready to answer whatever questions the mountain of a Shinigami might have in the meantime.

---

The Senkaimon had left the two on the very night sky above Shibuya, where they would have a bird's eye view of the site of the last explosion. Needless to say, the humans had moved fast, quickly prohibiting access to the grounds zero of that particular blast. All the radius hit by the explosion was still crackling with remnants of spiritual energy, unable to be perceived for those without any Energy Sensory abilities; someone with 50 should be able to perceive its presence with ease, probably why Soul Society had been able to obtain the information as fast as it did. With at least 100, the traces of spiritual energy would actually become visible. Red, crackling flashes like lightning sporadically emerged from the dust of the crater--there was no debris, for everything in its radius had been ground to dust. Just like the briefing had said, the traces could not be pinpointed to a specific race, like human, Quincy, Shinigami or Hollow, but perhaps investigating further while on the field might yield more insight.

Unbeknownst to the human authorities, a small number of Pluses wandered the streets below, but all of them avoided the site of the explosion like the plague as well. Many of them carried anxious expressions and constantly looked back and to the sides while walking, as if they were afraid of something lurking in the shadows, where the postlights did not reach. They advanced hurriedly, with a pep in their step that was definitely not due to happiness, but fear. Humans didn't really give as wide a berth, but they too stayed a bit away from the closed off area. Whether they were scared of the potential terrorist attacks or they felt something ominous in the air, it was pretty hard to tell at a glance.

This was the most recent site, but if Benjiro and Aoshi looked around, they would see similar scenes all over the district, although the leftover spiritual energy in those would be far, far less potent than those right under them.

[Benjiro Hiroto]

The familiar transition through the Senkaimon, a gateway between realms, had become second nature to Benjiro. The disorientation he once experienced during his early visits to the World of the Living had now faded, replaced by a sense of familiarity and purpose. Stepping out onto the sky above Shibuya, he anchored his reiatsu, solidifying the air beneath his feet, granting him an elevated perspective. From this vantage point, Benjiro surveyed the sprawling city below, his gaze filled with a mix of duty and determination.

In this crucial moment, as the weight of Aoshi's murder charges lingered in the air, Benjiro felt the gravity of the situation demand a serious and stern approach. Yet, before he could delve into the depths of this matter, he watched with a mixture of surprise and amusement as Aoshi, in a momentary lapse of understanding, descended and then realized he could stand upon the ethereal ground. Benjiro calmly followed suit, descending to the top of a nearby rooftop, maintaining his balance upon the air.

Aoshi, addressing Benjiro with the affectionate nickname "Rocky," sought to know their plan. Seizing the opportunity, Benjiro's gaze met Aoshi's as he broached the subject that weighed heavily upon them both. "First and foremost, Aoshi, I need to know the charges against you and the reasons behind your actions. To trust one another with our lives, we must understand the choices we've made." His voice carried a firmness, a measured determination to unravel the truth. Patiently, he awaited Aoshi's response, scrutinizing every word that left his lips, as it held the key to shaping their next steps.

The once gentle giant was no stranger to death. The Shinigami Corps, in and of itself, was still a military organization. They were agents of Reincarnation, defenders of the Samsara, but that was a justification for the death placed on their hands. Many times death had been justified, the duty of a warrior in protecting their home, in defending their people. Yet, he knew that not all of it was justified. Hollows, despite their negativity and torment, were still alive. Arrancar were alive. Quincies were alive. Yet all of their blood stained his Zanpakuto, and all of that blood had broken the beliefs the boy had once held. Guilt and regret weighed heavily upon the Shinigami's shoulders, but that guilt and regret was proof of his heart. What he was looking for within Aoshi was this heart, and if he could find it, then trust could be given again. 

Yet, even as he engaged in this conversation, Benjiro's spiritual senses remained attuned to his surroundings. His honed perception detected the telltale signs of spiritual energy, manifested as thick, crimson lightning strikes emanating from the craters below. With expertise born of experience, he sought to pinpoint the origin of this power, familiar enough with the distinctive signatures of Hollows, Shinigami, Humans, Quincy, and even Arrancars. However, the distance proved a hindrance, preventing him from discerning the exact nature of the source. Undeterred, he continued his observation, his senses attuned to the pulsating spiritual energy that permeated the atmosphere.

Once Aoshi shared his answer, unveiling the motivations behind his actions, whatever they might be, Benjiro directed his gaze downward, his eyes fixating on the streets below. "I sense the leakage of potent spiritual energy. It is formidable. We must investigate its origin, but remain ever vigilant. We may be confronted with a Menos or a threat even more dire." His words carried a sense of caution, emphasizing the need for preparedness in the face of the unknown. With resolve etched upon his features, Benjiro steeled himself for the challenges that lay ahead, determined to unravel the mysteries and protect both the Soul Society and the World of the Living from the impending danger.

SPOILER: Click to show

{Stats and Skills}Strength: 200 (300)
Speed: 200 (100)
RS: 220 (330)
SPPR: 180
Instinct: 100
Senses: 100 (50)
ES: 100
HE: 0
LA: 75
DA: 25

---

Learning - 1
Calm Mind - 1
Strength of Will - 2
Weapons: Swords - 1
Pain Tolerance - 2
Bleeding Tolerance - 2
Damage Recovery - 2
Mental Incantation - 2
Kido Mastery - 2

[Deleted]

As expected, Benjiro was pretty quick when trying to assess whether Aoshi would represent a threat or not. Hard to blame him, given the situation, although the Kenpachi would need to make a note that only Celes had been informed beforehand of who he was or what he had done. Again, understandable. He was just the lowest of the low in the Shinigami ladder; he suspected it wouldn't have been the same if he had actually been 'dangerous', at least on Gotei 13 standards.

"I'd love to say there's not much to tell, other than what's already in my sentence. Of course, I can't say that, because some asshole with a chip on their shoulder really tried their best to fuck with me. Since we're at work now, I won't waste too much time with this. I used to live in Rukongai with my family--big shocker, I know. They were not my real parents, but took me in as a baby and we were pretty damn happy. I was pretty well behaved back then, now that I think about it."

Aoshi didn't really debate whether to tell him anything else about his past life. It kind of hurt, remembering easier times. In the end, he opted to summarize; there was no way he would burden Benjiro with the same, useless feelings of regret he had been under since that night.

"Long story short, someone tried to sink the family business, but almost everyone in our neighbor in 45th North had our backs. When that didn't work, they sent a small mob came to our house one day. I don't even know why, but they did. It was just dad and me at home, mom was out. They clearly weren't there to negotiate, or threaten. My father intervened, tried to reason with them."

Aoshi's voice had hardened. The quips and jokes had completely stopped, and his usual lively tone was replaced by a deep seated anger that he usually kept unhealthily repressed behind an easy smile.

"They killed him. Right in front of me, without even giving him a chance to leave or to defend himself. Stabbed with a fucking kitchen knife..."

The Kenpachi had to breathe in and breathe out to calm himself. He hadn't really talked about this with anyone, at least not with anyone that was not directly involved in his case. It caught him by surprise, and not because he was about to break into tears. It was because his fists had curled up into balls so tight, his arms were shaking, and all of a sudden he wanted to tear something apart with them.

"There you have it, my reason and my motivation. Look, Rocky, I'm not going to sugarcoat this. I'm not ever going to say I didn't kill them, because I did. I don't remember the night vividly, but I do remember the feeling in my fists. I may not know how I was able to, but I turned those six bastards into nothing but bloodstains on our floor, all with my bare hands. That was all that was left when my mother arrived and called the authorities: six pools of rotten meat, blood, and ground bones... and my dad's corpse."

He would then look at Benjiro, dead serious.

"But I did not kill seven people. I did NOT kill my father, regardless of what my mother and seemingly everyone else thinks, or what my report says. That's the one thing I'm never going to let slide."

With that out, Aoshi let out a quick whistle, as if to defuse the situation himself.

"Well, that got me worse than I thought. Let's just go back to business, huh? I'm no good when it comes to sensing stuff, but with you around Rocky, I'm pretty sure we-"

B  O  O  M

The loud sound of an explosion, so nearby that it would momentarily deafen anyone over 100 Senses and greatly shake those with average hearing, blasted through the streets of Shibuya. An air shockwave quickly followed suit, strong winds that violently blew outwards from the epicenter. They carried one thing: the same unknown, unstable energy signature that had been leftover in the other craters. Not one second after the explosion, this particular neighborhood in Shibuya fell prey to utter chaos. The humans and Pluses lucky enough to have been stunned the least due to distance to the epicenter began running away without any sort of order, understandably panicking as they screamed for their lives. Alarms and sirens blared through the neighborhood; vehicles caught near enough had been sent flying because of the shockwave, landing on homes that had been unaffected by the direct blast. It was complete and utter mayhem.

This was the biggest explosion to hit Shibuya yet. Even if you were not a true pacifist like Benjiro, it was impossible not to feel the impact of what an explosion that size entailed. How many lives would've been lost? How much damage would've been caused, how would the population be affected?

"What in the gray asses of Central 46 was that?!" Aoshi yelled, still recovering from the blast with both hands on his ears.

The epicenter was not too far from there. It would be up to Benjiro whether to directly tackle the source and plunge straight into the mission, or proceed carefully. For someone with his energy sensory talents, it should be pretty clear: that blast was far, far heavier than any of their Reiatsu Strength combined.

[Benjiro Hiroto]

As Aoshi's story unfolded, Benjiro listened intently, his senses attuned not only to the words spoken but also to the emotions that permeated the air. Aoshi's lack of remorse for the lives he had taken struck a chord within Benjiro, revealing a vindictive anger fueled by a twisted sense of justice. He delved into Aoshi's past, learning of his upbringing in the treacherous Northern Rukongai's 45th district, a place marked by danger and hardship. It was in the latter half of the districts, after all. Aoshi had been adopted by a family running a modest business, their existence shattered when adversaries sought to extinguish their flame. Witnessing his father's brutal murder had ignited a fire within Aoshi, evident in the clenched fist and hardened resolve that etched his features. It was at this pivotal moment that Aoshi admitted to gruesomely taking the lives of the six responsible for his father's demise, yet maintained his innocence in his father's death.

A heavy sigh escaped Benjiro's lips, laden with the weight of Aoshi's tale. His gaze softened as he beheld the complexities of this young man, recognizing that he was not a ruthless killer but rather a soul driven by a distorted sense of justice, of avenging his father. The potential for redemption resonated within Benjiro's heart, a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness. He opened his mouth to share his thoughts, to offer guidance, when a deafening explosion rocked the streets of Shibuya, jolting him from his contemplation. The shockwave surged through the air, threatening to engulf everything in its path.

Instinctively, Benjiro stepped forward, placing himself as a shield between Aoshi and the brunt of the shockwave. His body absorbed the impact, a testament to his unwavering dedication to protect those around him. In the aftermath, alarms blared, and chaos erupted as humans scattered, their screams punctuating the air. Aoshi, still reeling from the explosion, sought answers, his confusion evident.

Though shaken himself, Benjiro knew he had to act swiftly. "Hold on," he murmured, placing a firm yet gentle hand on Aoshi's neck and back. Channeling reiatsu through his feet, Benjiro unleashed a burst of speed, utilizing his Flash Step to carry them both forward in a blur of motion. In an instant, the distance between them and the source of the explosion closed, and Benjiro's senses sharpened as he scanned the area, his spiritual and physical awareness merging to uncover the origin of this chaos. The reiatsu within his body surged, preparing an arsenal of Kido should the need arise.

In this moment of crisis, Benjiro's duty and commitment to protecting the innocent surged forth. Despite the dangers associated with tackling this mission head on, the dangers it posed on the bystanders was too great to ignore. With his resolve unwavering, he stood ready to confront the imminent threat, the weight of Aoshi's past mingling with his own experiences, fueling his determination to bring justice to the Three Worlds, poisoned by unnecessary violence. He only hoped that they could put an end to it before more lives were lost. 

Reiatsu: 1750
-50 for Shunpo (1000 Speed)

[Deleted]

Despite what he may have seemed like at a first glance, Aoshi was actually quite the perceptive guy. Years of carefully treading around the 45th, and then around the courts and the Academy, had made him adept at coming to pretty good conclusions about people in little to no time after knowing them. Despite their limited interaction, Aoshi already knew two things. First, Rocky was the type of guy that would use his own body to literally shield others, even if that 'others' included a Shinigami he had just met and who had just admitted to murdering six people without an ounce of shame or remorse. Second, he quite possibly felt very, very disturbed about what the Kenpachi had just admitted to have done. Conflicting? Perhaps. But it just went to show that, unlike this Seijuro Tanaka guy--also known as chest-hair by Aoshi--that had literally threatened him right after arriving at the Tenth, this was a superior officer they would be able to trust and rely on in the future... provided they had a little conversation that he was sure Benjiro would want to have with him.

However, that future wouldn't wait for that slow chat that he had little intentions of participating in, because between the explosion and Benjiro picking him up like a potato sack--well, that wasn't accurate, he was quite gentle about it--, it was just about time to get down to business! With a quick Shunpo, the massive Shinigami made both of them disappear, took them straight into the source of the explosion. The result, needless to say, was completely and utterly harrowing. If the other craters

"Alright, Rocky, you can let me go now", Aoshi said, although that comment was just to lift some of the tension. He had a hunch, and feared to confirm it out loud, but he said so anyway. "Hey... isn't this one much bigger than the ones showed in the report?" the unseated Shinigami said, a droplet of cold sweat trickling down the side of his face. This was no run of the mill attack. Whatever they were going to deal with here, he couldn't help but to feel a bit out of his league.

---

"Ha. Hahaha! He blew up! He blew up blew up blew up, like, KABOOM!" one of the three people below cackled like a madman, clearly not caring one bit about the damage that had just happened. Then, he broke into laughter, a rippling echo that blew through Shibuya, and that made abundantly clear that he didn't care a single bit about his apparent companion, or the lives he had just taken. This particular man had glowing red eyes, and completely albino hair. His skin was unnaturally white, and he was slowly dripping Reiatsu, the same kind of unknown, mixed Reiatsu that permeated the explosions. He looked completely unnatural.

Then someone else intervened. Someone who, in spite of the destruction caused, looked strong. Very, very strong. "Damn it all. This was not supposed to happen! Do any of you morons have the slightest sense at all? One cut, one scrape, and you can kiss your ass goodbye!" he said, clearly driven to the brink of his patience by the insane man that was still laughing.

"A...aaa... he just... he just exploded..." the other one wimpered, grabbing himself by the shoulders but being extremely careful when doing so, as if afraid that he, too, would blow up. His expression looked far darker and concerned, he seemed in the brink of tears, even.

"Bu-Bu-but what do we care, boss? We're gonna go KABOOM one way or another!"

"Not right now, you idiot! Not when the last impact was so recent! And to think I had to save the rest of you morons. Can't you even walk on a straight line without fucking up?! Now I'm going to have to report that..."

At that moment, the apparent 'boss' became quiet, then gave a nasty side-eye look right toward the spot where Benjiro and Aoshi had both appeared, sensing how Benjiro's Reiatsu had flared in preparation to cast Kido. He didn't boast, or taunt, or make any grandiose speech that would designate him as a stereotypical villain. Instead, he just narrowed his gaze spat on the ground, and muttered a "of all the fucking days today..."

Noticing his reaction, the other two spiritually crackling albinos also turned to face Benjiro and Aoshi.

"Ahahaha. AHAHAHAHA!" "Yes, yes! Are they going to go KABOOM as well? Are they, are they, are they?"

"No, they are not. These two could be dangerous to our operation. Just let m-"

"Then I'll make them turn into pretty pretty fireworks! Fireworks that go boom, fireworks that go KABOOM! THEY'LL MAKE THE BEST SO FAR"

The crazed fiend began running toward them, although the distance was considerable despite his speed. The apparent boss shook his head and spat on the ground once again, utterly done. "Whatever. You're just not worth the trouble. You, though", he said, turning to the other, "you're coming with me. As long as I take one of you back, I don't think anything else will matter."

"B-But...!"

"No ifs, ands, or buts."

Without a word, the mysterious man and the terrified albino attempted to escape the scene, notably running on the ground rather than using any sort of Air Ground. In the meantime, the mysterious being rapidly climbed the sky using said Air Ground, but without the use of a step technique either. That Air Ground was sloppy, as if he were about to fall at any given moment, denoting an incredible lack of control over its own power. Nevertheless, the Reiatsu Strength coming from what little Reiatsu he actually had was, simply put, terrifying.

---

Aoshi braced for battle. It was coming, but at that speed and distance, they still had a few seconds to prepare. The sight of the crazed albino man running toward them eyes glowing red all the while, already meant that things wouldn't be that easy. Or, perhaps, they would be?




OOC:

Unknown enemy stats:
-Class 5-
Type: Runner
Strength: 45
Speed: 125
Reiatsu Strength: 600
Spiritual Pressure: 40
Senses: 75
Instinct: 75
Energy Sensory: 0
Healing Expertise: 0
Light Aura: 0
Dark Aura: 100


Also, because I forgot! Aoshi's stats and skills:

Stat	SP	Ken. SP	Type
Strength	140	190	332
Speed	55	105	183
Reiatsu Strength	25	25	25
Spiritual Pressure	25	75	112
Senses	50	50	50
Instinct	50	50	50
Energy Sensory	0	0	0
Healing Expertise	0	0	0
Light Aura	50 (0)
Dark Aura	50 (100)

• Massacre Demon: 1
• Strength of Will: 1
• Pain Tolerance: 1

[Benjiro Hiroto]

Benjiro's senses were heightened as he found himself in the heart of the chaotic crater, surrounded by the enigmatic trio with skin as white as freshly fallen snow. The unfamiliar energy pulsated through the air, stirring confusion within the seasoned Shinigami. This was no known entity—neither Hollow, Arrancar, Shinigami, Quincy, nor human. It seemed to be an entirely new race, shrouded in mystery and power. 

His gaze darted between the three figures, each displaying a distinct personality. The first, brimming with manic energy, spoke of destruction and chaos with an unsettling excitement. The second trembled in fear, clutching his sides as he peered upon the Shinigami duo. And the third, the apparent leader, appeared wearied and exasperated by their sudden appearance. Still, of the three, it was the cautious and wearied leader that he was most worried about. 

The magnitude of their reiatsu sent a shiver down Benjiro's spine, matching that of even Captains—if not surpassing them altogether. He understood the gravity of the situation and the need for caution, particularly with Aoshi at his side, relying on his guidance. It was imperative to proceed with care. If what the manic one said was true, then they were the cause behind the explosions. They were a hazard to each other and to the numerous innocents surrounding the greater Shibuya. Something needed to be done, and quickly.

Without hesitation, Benjiro sprang into action. His body moved with fluidity and precision as he utilized his flash step once again, positioning himself at the side of the manic figure who dared approach on the air ground. Focusing his resolve, he utilized Eishohaki to abandon the incantation of this Bakudo, uttering the name of the ancient spell like a sacred hymn, flowing freely from his lips. "Bakudo number 30, Shitotsu Sansen."

Three radiant pillars erupted from the space between his fingers, forming a triangle of light. They burst forth like powerful geysers, seeking to ensnare and immobilize the frenzied attacker. The pillars aimed to strike true, pinning the manic individual to the ground in front of his two companions, which were running away along the ground. With the amount of reiatsu that they held, it was easy for his spiritual senses to accurately pinpoint their locations. The plan was to create a momentary ceasefire, to gain control over the situation and bring forth the answers that were desperately sought.

"Stand down!" Benjiro's voice resonated with authority, projecting across the chaotic scene. His eyes locked onto the restrained figure, determination etched upon his face. "I have questions for you, and I demand answers." The words were firm, yet beneath the surface lay a curiosity that burned within him—a desire to unravel the mystery behind this newfound presence and the intentions that lay behind their destructive display.

Reiatsu: 1650/1800
-50 for Shunpo (1000 speed)
-50 for Shitotsu Sansen (330 RS with Kido Mastery) 

[Deleted]

Benjiro displayed his mastery over Kido, more specifically binding spells, by casting a sudden Bakudo onto their opponent. Aoshi was perplexed by just how quickly he was able to create the spell, since it was more on the complex side. He had never been able to cast even Sai, and here was Rocky, casting Bakudo number 30 as if it was nobody's business, without even as much as an incantation. The result was instant, with Shitotsu Sansen immediately taking hold of the opponent and stopping the madman in his tracks. This was, arguably, the best choice the pacifist Shinigami could have taken, since it allowed them to keep this unstable man, or whatever he was, in the same spot. That way, he could not just swing his massive Reiatsu Strength around with disregard for anything else, and it was clear he was the type to do so at a moment's notice. Benjiro had just gotten them a way to get information while also apprehending the foe. Two of the mission goals, in one fell swoop.

So this was what a Seated Officer was capable of doing, huh? "Nice one, Rocky!!" Aoshi exclaimed with a big grin. Had it been him, he would've just punched the guy into submission. Not because he could, but because it was the only option available for him: he was just a one-note guy. Aoshi's compliment may have gone unheard, because Benjiro projected a powerful voice as he commanded the opponent to stand down. He then demanded that the man answered the questions, and instead of being met with the same crazed cackling he had been displaying before, the bound man did the exact opposite. His face contorted into an expression of pure, irrational anger, as if you had taken a particularly spoiled child's toy away from their hands.

"No, no, no! Talking?! Why talking?! We are going to fight, and I'm going to... I'm going to make you go KABOOM! Wouldn't it be more fun if we all just went BAMN, and exploded?! All of us, together! You, you, me, all this town, all these people! BUM, BAM! Why we don't you do that? Why don't you join me on that?! Let's make EVERYTHING explode!"

It was clear that this person was in no state of mind that allowed him to talk. Perhaps the answers didn't lie there, then. Although obscured by this crazy person's obscenely strong Reiatsu, his two companions had left a trail of very similar energy, probably belonging to the more scared white-haired, red-eyed 'human' that had been taken away.

Aoshi couldn't believe what he was seeing. He'd talked to a fairly large amount of degenerates during his time in prison, but he had eventually broken them all via incessant badgering and the fact that he had always been far stronger than them. But this? This was a man who only had one default setting anymore, and he was not breaking out from it. "Holy shit, this guy is a freaking nutcase. I doubt we're getting anything from him, not even if we keep him-" At that point, the man's struggles paid off. Via sheer difference in Reiatsu Strength, he destroyed the bindings, taking a moment to recompose himself before laughing maniacally again.

"Fuck! How the hell did he break free so fast?!" Aoshi said, but was not the last of their problems. The man ruffled his own hair, as if he was rinsing it under the shower, all before he leaned forward and screamed at them with a feral expression. "Come on, come on, come on, no more waiting! It's BOOM time!!!"

The man's spiritual power enveloped the area around them, a sphere of 100ft. From that position, it would not just encompass the air, but also the higher stories of some of the buildings below. Aoshi didn't feel anything, of course, until he saw something that began coalescing right in front of his face. It was as if particles of something were gathering, and then ignited themselves. He didn't even have time to process what was going on before he took steps back, covering himself with both arms. He was only caught by the very end of a Reiatsu explosion that followed mere seconds later. The explosion's range did nick his arms, although his physical strength ensured that he would not take that much damage from a blast that was already fairly weak to begin with.

It was not just around him, though. All over that 100ft space, the same explosions began to occur; one here, one there, appearing at random positions and random intervals. Like the one Aoshi had faced, they were small, and not too powerful, but those that managed to hit some of the buildings did cause some structural damage. For now, nothing life-threatening, or that could not be repaired.

The Failure didn't waste time and rushed towards Benjiro, ignoring his own blasts. With him, the 100ft area also moved, and his energy sensory would be able to pick up on that. "I want to do that, too, I want to do that, too!" He yelled, then... pointed his finger forward. One towards Benjiro, the other toward Aoshi. His aim was as haphazard as everything else, though.

"HADOBLAST #4 - BYAKURAI!"

---

The remaining Failure followed their 'caretaker', as the people that had done this to him had labeled the extremely intimidating man. He was talking out loud, but mostly to himself. "In the end, it probably was for the best that that idiot got so worked up. He'll be covering our extraction nicely."

"Why... why are we doing this?"

"...You're weapons. That's all you really need to know."

"I-I know that already. That's why you're taking us here."

"Well, you didn't really expect me to give you anything else, did you?", he said, rising an eyebrow. "Just... be quiet. No need to concern yourself with anything. After all, you won't be living for too long now. Keep moving; I don't trust you enough to carry you with a Shunpo. Just a scratch, and... well, you saw what happened to Ermak."

The Failure gulped, unsure of his own fate. Since he had no other choice, he continued walking toward the extraction point.

OOC:
Rounds until second Failure extraction, unless intercepted: 1/4

SPOILER: Click to show

{Flood: KABOOM!}
This Flood is just as unstable as the Failure wielding it. Within an area of 100ft around him, multiple Reiatsu explosions occur periodically. These can range from 1 Reiatsu Strength to his maximum Reiatsu Strength: the more riled up he becomes, the more the explosions gain in power. Something happens once they get to the maximum cap. These explosions are elementless, and have visual cues, but someone with at least 100 ES can 'predict' where they might appear by sudden concentrations of Reiatsu.

Current explosion strength this post: 75 RS.

[Benjiro Hiroto]

As the beams of light, born from Benjiro's own reiatsu, held the manic individual captive, a momentary respite settled upon the chaotic scene. The young Shinigami could sense the awe emanating from Aoshi, his rookie companion, who marveled at the ease with which Benjiro had executed such a formidable Bakudo. Yet, before Benjiro could acknowledge the praise or offer guidance to his junior, the manic individual's response shattered the fragile stillness.

In an anguished scream, the deranged being expressed its vehement objection to restraint and any prospect of negotiation. Its desires were clear—to engulf everything in a cataclysmic explosion, an insidious manifestation of nihilistic tendencies. The raw power it possessed was undeniable, and now, as it unleashed its brute strength to break free from the bindings that Benjiro had painstakingly constructed, a palpable sense of urgency gripped the seasoned Shinigami.

Benjiro's own reiatsu surged forth, a testament to the strength he had cultivated through years of experience and rigorous training. However, the manic individual's power transcended the norm, evidenced by the sporadic explosions that erupted in their vicinity. Though the force of these blasts merely glanced off Benjiro's stoic form, their potential threat to innocent lives and fragile structures could not be ignored. He knew he had to end this swiftly. Now, while the manic individual still spoke.

Seizing the opportunity presented by the manic individual hurtling towards him, reiatsu charging for an imminent assault, Benjiro propelled himself forward, harnessing both his own momentum and that of his frenzied adversary to his advantage. He flashed forward, making use of the Flash Step once more in quick succession. His Zanpakuto leapt from its sheath, the steel singing through the air as it solidified, an embodiment of his unwavering resolve to protect and save countless lives. His aim was singular—to vanquish this foe in a single decisive strike, minimizing any suffering that might ensue.

Yet, ever mindful of the potential risks, Benjiro called upon Aoshi, relying on the young Shinigami's agility and burgeoning strength. "Aoshi!" his voice rang out, infused with urgency and a plea for swift action. He entrusted his comrade with the crucial task of joining him in eradicating this manic individual before its ruinous attack could be unleashed upon the world.

In this climactic moment, Benjiro's weariness and exhaustion seemed to dissipate, replaced by a resolute determination to confront the darkness that threatened to engulf them all. With Aoshi at his side, he braced himself for the culmination of their joint effort, hoping that their combined strength would be enough to bring an end to this perilous encounter and ensure the safety of those they had sworn to protect. After all, should they fail, they would suffer bolts of lightning more powerful than Benjiro could ever manage to create. 

Reiatsu: 1600/1800 
-50 for Shunpo 

[Deleted]

Just before the man could shoot his strange Byakurai, Benjiro's reaction caught him entirely off guard. The pacifist Shinigami acted swiftly and without apparent remorse, as he vanished from Aoshi's sight with one Flash Step in order to strike down the foe that was threatening all those lives around them. The Shinigami's Zanpakuto sang as it cut through the air and dealt a certain killing blow to the explosion-crazed Failure. The man cried out in pain, but even that cry had undertones of enjoyment. He was completely unhinged, and taking him down right there was the best call.

As Benjiro called for Aoshi to deliver a second end blow, a double tap of sorts, the reaction of the Kenpachi was nigh instantaneous. That was, after all, what he had been waiting for. Aoshi copied Benjiro's maneuver, using Flash Step--though not with the same level of expertise as his superior officer had done--to move in closer to the Failure. Then, at a Strength of 200, holding back to ensure he would not get fighty during this mission, Aoshi delivered one brutal punch to his midsection, putting his weight behind it so that the force would send the Failure flying upwards. The impact connected without issue, and he felt his fist shatter part of the man's ribcage. In fact, it took everything this particular Failure had to recover from the blow and stand mid-air again, and even then he was only able to do so when he was almost touching the ground. Aoshi flashed a cheeky grin, although it was cut short by a nearby explosion that nearly caught him yet again. They had this in the bag, didn't they? End this fucker, then go back to pursuing the actual boss. All should go smoothly from that point onwards...

But it wouldn't. After all, both of them had made a grave mistake.

Perpahs, it was owed to the strange nature of the Failures, and how many Shinigami were actually ignorant of them. Even Benjiro, a Seated Officer, had been oblivious to one particular fact about these beings, the same fact that turned them into the sort of weapons that were perfect to strike terror in the hearts of the people. It was not just the incredible power contained within the vessel; it was how fragile those vessels were in the first place. Failures were mighty spiritual beings, but their physical frailty left them with one particular weakness that this one did not seem to mind: the fact that being cut or being punched just a bit too hard effectively turned them into a ticking time bomb, ready to blast the entire area around them.

Aoshi and Benjiro had just dealt not just one, but two heavy blows to this same man. It was only natural that this particular weakness of the Failure would be triggered, and there would be absolutely no turning back. Even the Failure himself seemed to notice, and yet his expression didn't turn fearful, but ecstatic, as if he was about to reach the climax of his entire existence. It would be best for this degenerate to die, but of course, the way it was right now... it might take quite a few buildings with him.

"YES! YES! I'M GOING TO GO KABOOM! AND THEN ALL OF YOU, ALL OF YOU WILL JOIN ME IN THE BRRRUUUUM!" he laughed maniacally, as his body began to show cracks from which an incredibly intense, reddish white light began to pour, making the night sky clear again.

With the damage they had caused, they would have but no more seconds to act. In about thirty-.no, perhaps even twenty seconds, the Failure would, as he would say himself, go KABOOM. Aoshi and Benjiro could, of course, take the easy way out and just retreat before that happened. In fact, for the Kenpachi, it was just the smart thing to do. However, he didn't move a muscle, since he got the feeling that his incredibly compassionate superior officer would have something to report if he did. Instead, he turned to Benjiro, and asked.

"What the hell do we do with this guy now?!"


OOC:
Aoshi's Reiatsu: 1120 - 50[Shunpo] = 1070

Rounds until second Failure extraction, unless intercepted: 2/4

KABOOM! Has been cancelled due to the Failure becoming unstable. It will blow up during his next round, at the end of Aoshi's post.

[Benjiro Hiroto]

As the blade of Benjiro's Zanpakuto cleaved through the manic individual with surprising ease, slicing through his form like a knife through softened butter, a momentary flicker of surprise crossed the seasoned Shinigami's face. The immense spiritual power that had initially emanated from the manic individual now seemed incongruous with the fragile form that lay before him. Benjiro knew all too well that appearances could be deceiving, and caution urged him to remain vigilant despite the apparent victory.

Swiftly calling upon Aoshi, Benjiro's junior member, he witnessed with astonishment as the young Shinigami swiftly followed his lead, launching his own attack with remarkable speed and strength. Aoshi's capabilities surpassed Benjiro's initial expectations, eliciting a sense of reassessment within the seasoned officer. Perhaps Aoshi possessed a resilience and skill that would allow him to stand on his own, alleviating Benjiro's need to constantly shield and protect him. It was a glimmer of hope, a reminder that growth and reliability existed even within the ranks of the newly appointed.

However, their triumph was short-lived as the manic individual, despite sustaining severe injuries that should have been fatal, revealed the true extent of his destructive power. Cracks spiderwebbed across his flesh, his deranged screams reverberating through the air as he proclaimed his imminent explosion, a cataclysmic event that threatened the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent civilians nearby. Benjiro's eyes widened in horror as he beheld the imminent catastrophe unfolding before him.

With an unwavering resolve, Benjiro tapped into the depths of his spiritual power, drawing forth the essence of water, the most innate element resonating within his soul. As his mind recited the incantation with fervor, his mouth addressed his companion with a firm command. "Aoshi! Apprehend the others!" His words carried the weight of urgency, the necessity to safeguard lives in the face of impending devastation. "A drop of water ripples across the ocean surface, a leviathan rises from his slumber. Go forth, depths of the sea, rise from your slumber to drown the land in your magnificent expanse; turn earth to sea, air to liquid, bring forth your deep embrace!"

Concentrating his energy, Benjiro traced a line in the ground with a stream of water, channeling the power of his incantation through his outstretched hand. The words resonated within his mind, weaving a tapestry of ancient incantations and potent sorcery. "Hado number 40: Gouzen Demizu!" he declared, his voice carrying the authority of a seasoned practitioner.

In response to his command, a colossal tidal wave surged forth, its towering form aiming to crash upon the manic individual, driving him in the direction Benjiro desired. With precise control honed through no small amount of experience, talent, and mastery, Benjiro deftly manipulated the tidal wave, curving and sculpting it into a protective capsule that enveloped the volatile figure. The water swirled and churned, encasing the explosive force within its aqueous embrace, ready to absorb the impact and shield the surrounding populace from the imminent explosion.

Reiatsu: 1500
-100 for Gouzen Demizu