The Retrieval (Kuro - Semi-Open)

Kuro was almost as surprised as Raiden was when Tatsuya disappeared and returned to deliver the finishing blow. But seeing it carried out with such skill and timing made him very proud. It wasn't like he'd done anything to bring about such skill, but the fact that a member of his squad had just handled himself that efficiently brought about a feeling of pride. The fight soon escalated with Tatsuya overcoming a group that came in an effort to assist Raiden and proceeding to engage one of the two Kuro was now fighting. He was thankful for the help, as the two's coordination was beginning to annoy him as they didn't give any pause for counter attacks. The Raiden left to him was the one he'd wounded earlier. But despite his injuries, the now former commander wasn't showing any signs of giving up. As he and Kuro separated from a long clash of hacking, slashing, and dodging each other, Raiden's appearance began to change before Kuro's eyes. Instead of the cross looking man he'd been fighting before, a gentle looking man with long black hair and soft gray eyes was standing in front of him. The large, two bladed zanpakuto had also disappeared, replaced by a shiny, curved white dagger held in the man's right hand. Raiden had taken on a new form, with unknown new powers. The wound Kuro had caused remained though, still seeping blood out into the shihakusho Raiden wore.

Spoiler:

But before Kuro could make a move, Raiden raised his right hand...and plunged his dagger into his own chest! Kuro flinched at the sight, wondering why he would do such a thing. The answer was soon given, as white light began to shine out from Raiden's dagger and the cuts on his front closed and disappeared. He removed his dagger and faced Kuro, healed and rejuvenated ready to fight again. Kuro cursed at the sight of these events. As long as Raiden kept using that zanpakuto, any wounds Kuro inflicted would be quickly healed. It was surely to turn into a battle of endurance, with the likely result being Kuro running out of strength and falling to Raiden's trickery. He needed more power so he could settle things in a single blow. Raiden obviously wasn't going to let him have such time. But fate had a different plan in mind. The moment Raiden made motion to charge Kuro again, a flutter could be heard on the wind, accompanied by a metallic clinking sound. Out of the sky zoomed a Haori clad figure with two large metal wings, brandishing a sword glowing red with energy. Kuro was happy to see another ally on their side of this fight.

"Kai. What timing you have." he said with a grin as Raiden's face blanched in obvious fright at the appearance of another captain as an opponent. To make matters worse, this captain was one that he knew of well. Kai Shiorai had been used by the second division and the central in the past to make use of his unique abilities. Now those abilities were present to usher in Raiden's defeat. Such a turnout was extremely unsettling for the ex-commander. Kuro however was in delight, finally having the piece he needed to put his plan in motion. "Just keep him busy. If you buy me enough time, he won't have a prayer of winning this."

Kai nodded in an extremely calm manner. Regardless of his situation, he was the kind to remain collected and keep his thoughts under control. But even still, he let a small devilish grin play across his face in Raiden's direction as he stated, "I will do my best, but I make no promises that there'll still be an enemy for you to defeat once you're ready." Wish a flap of his wings and a surge of his power, Kai shunpoed at Raiden as the commander did the same. The two met with blades crossed, but Raiden didn't stop there. Striking with hand-to-hand combat, he threw his left fist at Kai, but found his punch blocked by a metal wing which folded down to interrupt the attack. Kai's other wing swung down as he spun on the spot and delivered a nasty slash to Raiden's stomach. But just as he'd done before, Raiden simply stabbed himself with his dagger and the wound healed right up. Kuro frowned at the sight and knelt himself down on the floor to begin to concentrate. Separated from the fight, he was able to better focus on his power and the rings on his sash began to light up with impressive speed. He had four lit up and the fifth well on its way within a minute. It was hard to resist the temptation to check on the fight, but he had confidence in Tatsuya and Kai's skills and trusted them to hold off Raiden until he was ready for his move.

Outside the closed gates.

The samurai was still holding his position when the first onmitsukido member charged headfirst at him. Tatsu knew it would not remain that way, because these members had no much pride in a decent fight, using his instinct from his rogue days, the shinigami took a step ahead twirled on himself seeing the onmitsukido member appear where his back would've been if he had no experience. A flash of fright appeared in the face of the ninja then a splatter of gore spread on the ground as Tatsu turned around to face the assaulting horde.

Planting his sword in front of him, blocking a flying kick from one member, Tatsu pivoted around his sword, in a hand to hand fight with this member, kicks and punches flying at him, it took him little time to see an opening, grabbing the onmitsukido member by the ankle and breaking it with his now spare hand. The flash of pain that followed wasn't only felt by the ninja member. Tatsu could feel the cold iron of a blade in between his ribs, t'was only a flesh wound though.

Quickly stepping out towards his sword he picked it up, swinging it around him wildly to get himself some space to breath in this fight. The space between him and the door was now grand enough for the ninja squad to circle him, this wasn't going anywhere decent for the samurai. So he threw his sword straight at the door, making it pierce through and through easily noticable from the other side of the door, shunpoing over his sword to stand on it Tatsu quickly chanted. ''Byakurai'' on a nearby onmitsukido.

Stepping down from his sword keeping a hand on the handle while it was still in the door, Tatsu proceeded with his favorite kick, a round house kick to the face of a ninja, sending him homewards again. A path openned up as if meant towards the courtyard, and far ahead Tatsu could spot three members chanting, as if they had been for a very long time. They all shouted at the same time launching their blue flame towards the shinigami. ''Sōkatsui!!'' A wave of fire rushed towards the samurai.

A smile on the samurai's face lighted up as he twirled his blade in front of him. ''Kami no Shi-Rudo'' a blue shield of water appeared in front of him and as the fire crashed on and around the shield, every bit of energy that was used against it was gone, absorbed, twirling his blade another time, in front of the wall, who was now on fire Tatsu shouted ''Kami no Houfoku!!!'' Sending the equivalent of all the absorbed energy everywhere in an arc in front of him, burning most of the present onmitsukido members.

Planting his sword back into the ground, Tatsu took a breath and waited for the second assault.

Another captain entered the fray. Both Tatsuya and Raiden turned to look at the newcomer and both quickly turned back to each other so that they wouldn't be caught off guard. Tatsuya knew of Captain Kai Shiorai, but nothing of what he had to offer, other then an able body and skill. He was glad for the extra support. Raiden was running out of options. Both stared at each other, only the warring sounds of clashing metal and groans of pain from the 2nd squad and Omnitsukido could be heard in the background. The fires from before were quickly spreading. It would only be a matter of time before the entire complex would be burned to the ground. Tatsuya took a deep breath. Both quickly disappeared with shunpo and clashed their blades together when they reappeared.

"You are at the end of the line, Raiden." Tatsuya stated as they pushed against each other. "It doesn't matter. I'm still going to kill you, Vermin." Raiden shot back with a flared anger in his eyes. Both disappeared and reappeared numerous times as they fought. Even if Tatsuya was stronger than Raiden while in Bankai, there was no doubt in the former Omnitsukido Commander's skill. Raiden matched and countered Tatsuya's attacks with little trouble. Raiden kicked Tatsuya through a nearby burning building wall and charged in after him. Tatsuya's wings compressed against the inner walls of the building, adding more fire to the building. He jumped back through the flame covered hall as Raiden came in. He was about to launch a wave of fire at Raiden but quickly remembered the zanpakuto's ability. Raiden grinned at Tatsuya's predicament and quickly charged forward coming down with a slash from his right blade. Tatsuya blocked with his left arm and kicked with his right leg. Raiden ducked under the leg and tried to slice Tatsuya's other leg. Tatsuya quickly jumped up, into the flame covered ceiling and disappeared within. "So you finally decided to use it? No matter, it won't help you." Raiden commented arrogantly as he stood calm and composed as he waited.

Tatsuya shot out from the wall on Raiden's right side and came across with a right back hand towards Raiden's body. Raiden twisted out of the way and slashed Tatsuya, cutting his left side as he passed. Tatsuya continued through and entered the opposite wall he exited. The cut was deep. He ignored it and attack Raiden again, This time coming from over head straight down. Raiden successfully dodged and countered with a vertical slash to the chest and Tatsuya quickly retreated back into the flames. Two deep cuts now. "Alright, now for a new trick." Tatsuya thought to himself before punching through flames behind Raiden. "Tch." Raiden grunted as he twisted out of the way to counter, but the punch quickly retreated back in to the flame and a second punch from his left came. "What?!" Raiden's eyes shot wide open as he tried to get out of the way. The blades cut into his left side as he barely managed to avoid the full blow. Just as quickly as they appeared, they disappeared back in to the fires. Tatsuya had purposely let himself be open for counter so that Raiden would think he had a chance. Tatsuya kept up the assault from behind the fire, following Raiden as he tried to evade. Raiden received cut after cut trying to avoid getting killed.

Tatsuya followed until he could follow no more. He hit the limit for how far he could travel for a single instance of Kaen Kyuutou. Tatsuya jumped out in front of Raiden, who was a bloody mess. None of the cuts had been life threatening on there own, but with all that he had, he was losing a lot of blood. Raiden was huffing and puffing for breath as he looked at Tatsuya furiously for making a fool of him. Tatsuya had a labored breathing himself with the few deep gashes he had and the amount of energy he put into his last technique, but he could still fight longer then Raiden could at this point. "Don't count me out yet." Raiden uttered as his fingers loosened and re-gripped the handles of the zanpakuto. Tatsuya jumped back into the flames and disappeared. Raiden jumped back and slid back as he started to transform. Tatsuya narrowed his gaze from behind the flames at the new form. Raiden had transformed into Tatsuya and quickly jumped into the flames as well. "Surprise!" Raiden stated as he met Tatsuya on the other side.

Raiden took the instance of Tatsuya's shock and plunged a bladed fist into the left side of his abdomen and quickly pulled it back. Tatsuya coughed up blood as he got punched. He had never thought he would feel his own blade used against him. He always thought the flames were his personal sanctuary, yet here was Raiden, in there with him. Raiden threw another punch at Tatsuya, but this time, he was prepared. Tatsuya blocked and they were at each other again. The fought inside their personal dimension, and occasionally moving back and forth to the outside. As they fought each other within the flames, fire would shoot out to the outside sporadically from where they were in random directions, not caring where it hit. Even into the fray of the two warring parties of the Omnitsukido and 2nd squad, injuring friend and foe. They would move back and forth through the complex, where ever the fires touched. From one side to the other. Moving unnaturally through the fire, causing mass destruction. Some would only catch a glimpse as the two Tatsuyas' jumped out of the fire and quickly into another. Blood flew from there wounds and painted the ground where ever they exited.

Tatsuya flew back from the flames and soared through the air, semi conscious, landing on the ground with a hard thud.

Kuro's figure did not budge as the fighting screamed out around him. Raiden's continued struggles against Tatsuya and Kai shook the ground beneath him and the building surrounding him. Still however, he kept his concentration centered on his power, painstakingly building up its level of power. The fifth ring and finally, after several long moments of hard focus, the sixth ring of his sash were lit up with golden color. Still, Kuro did not move. The real task was powering up his final ring on his sash. With that lit up, his full power would be released. So he kept out of the fight, not leaving his knelt position and leaving the responsibility to the others to hold the enemy at bay.

The Raiden fighting Kai saw Kuro on the ground, and he knew that whatever Kuro was doing, it couldn't be good for Raiden's chances of victory. After healing himself after another successful slash of Kai's, Raiden darted to the side, trying to slip past the meddling captain to get back at his true target. His path was blocked as Kai moved with him and refused to allow him his goal. "I'm your opponent now." were the words that so coolly addressed the commander as he felt himself being backed into a figurative corner that threatened to destroy everything he'd worked so hard to build over time. He wouldn't let his ambition be stopped by such undeserving bugs. A crazy grin played across his lips as a new idea came to him and he charged Kai again. The sixth captain was ready and raised his sword and wings in preparation. But as he brought one of his wings to block Raiden's strike before countering, he was blown back by a surprisingly strong blow that knocked him off balance and crashed him into the wall behind him. Standing where Kai had previously stood was now an exact duplicate of Kuro.

Raiden's new form was Kuro as much as anyone could tell. The only thing setting him apart from the real Kuro kneeling on the floor at this time was the difference in attire. Not donned in Kuro's bankai apparel, Raiden wore Kuro's normal outfit of shihakusho cloaked in the white captain haori. Another difference was that Kuro's gauntlet zanpakuto, which normally was equipped to Kuro's dominant left hand, was affixed on Raiden's right, strengthening Raiden's own power. He cackled with the rush of the small victory coursing through him. "I can see now how such a low man was given a chance of captaincy." he declared to the winded Kai who was slowly regaining his footing after the unexpected blow. It sickened the sixth squad captain to hear his enemy speaking with his friend's mouth and voice. "This zanpakuto would make anyone seem strong!" As if to demonstrate that statement, Raiden aimlessly fired a blast of compressed power out of the gauntlet into the wall of the main estate building. The power blasted through the wall, shaking the building's support and showering the surrounding area in the wall's shards.

"Now you can't stop me!" Raiden declared as he made to attack Kuro again. Despite using Kuro's body, he was still only as fast as his own talent, so he found himself blocked by Kai like before.

"I can stop you." the captain said solemnly, "And I will continue to do so until Kuro is ready."

"Your funeral fool!"

The fight between the two resumed, now at an escalated level. Even out among the fighting of the main two forces, the sounds and power spikes of the combatants could be detected. The random appearances of two Tatsuyas added to the confusion of battle as former allies continued to fight each other. Mika and Keita were joined up with a small force of nobles now, keeping their ranks locked as they pressed through the melee with a purpose. The added help of the nobles had brought the outside courtyard mostly under their control, and now they moved to secure the interior where the fighting had all begun. Mika's shuriken sliced like a buzz saw, flying through the air with a deadly intent towards all who stood in its way before returning to her hand. They found themselves sandwiched by the foe, with non-friendlies both behind them and before them. Not wanting to back down and waste time, they continued their forward advance. But many of the enemies they came across were taken down without even opposing them. For they had their focus on a different target. A lone shinigami was standing in front of the central room's door as onmitsukido regrouped and prepared to rush him. Their plans were disrupted as Keita and Mika's team rushed in and broke their lines. The two quickly organized the group and soon had Tatsu backed up with a full line of squad 2 members helping to defend the door. Keita rushed inside himself to utilize the remaining forces that were there to defend the hole that Tatsuya and Kuro had exited through. Mika and Tatsu were left to defend the door so that the elders inside were protected.

Tatsu had been fighting for a long time, the efforts of the onmitsukido had been repelled for now, but Tatsu was reaching his limit, exhaustion was climbing he had been using most of his spiritual pressure to lower the spiritual pressure on his shoulder. A field of slain or unconscious foes presented itself in front of Tatsu yet they never stopped coming that guy they came to defeat had to be someone very important for this many people to come and defend them. Another brave onmitsukido came in, lifting his sword he slashed in front of himself but his strike had become slow and easily dodged. Ducking below the obvious strike the onmitsukido dashed in the length of the blade and sunk his sword in Tatsu's stomach. Quickly feeling the pain, Tatsu didn't leave this man any chance to do it again, or any chance to remove it, slamming his foot on the ninja's and holding his clothes, Tatsu lifted his sword and cut the man clean in half.

Breathing heavily covered in blood his vision was dropping he could hear his heart beat. His vision blurred for a moment and then most of the bulk of enemies were scattering in front of him, some reinforcement had arrived. This was a sight to behold, a smile drew on his face and he allowed himself to drop his massive blade for a moments rest. ''I'm...I'm glad your here...'' He said between two exhausted huffs. The blade in his stomach hadn't moved and he didn't want to remove it scared it would allow the bleeding to progress faster. ''W-we need to finish this quickly....''

A red liquid slowly dropped down from the samurai's wound but he remained on his feet steadfast another wave of onmitsukido rushed at them and the whole line that was defending the door clashed blades. None came after Tatsu, yet the samurai moved forward, slamming his blade against a fow that was caught in a clash, mercilessly killing him. Another fell by Tatsu blade and another, it seemed like the samurai wouldn't go down even with a blade in his stomach. Before he knew it the samurai was far off the ranks, in the middle of the courtyard, slashing down foes like a storm of blades. Before he knew it another sneaky member of the onmitsukido had made its way into striking range, stricking from a blind spot..from behind, it didn't take long for Tatsu to feel yet another strike perforate him and by the sounds he was making while breathing..it had hit his lungs. Seeing the golden opportunity, a swarm of onmitsukido all assaulted the samurai. When they all cleared, certain of themselves that they had made the kill the samurai's blade was still in shikai state, its tip on the ground the handle in hand.

He was looking to the ground wondering if all the blood he was looking at was his own, looking at his own body...he couldn't felt light...as if all the weight on his shoulders had been removed, glancing around faces of astonished shinigami, allies and foes alike were looking at him, some wondering why he wasn't dead and the others realizing what really had happened. ''I....I am Tatsu Chirako... My will......my will.....my way....it'll never die...I.....i-I..I do this for you....for all the corruption that's gotten you killed...one last great action.

Before the circle that surounded Tatsu could notice that he was taking action, Tatsu proceeded with his signature move, shunpo'ing and ending his move right after the shunpo. With this most of them were caught savagely by the swinging blade. Stumbling back towards the door where most of his allies had been fighting a wave of onmitsukido, which is why they couldn't help him. He threw his blade in the bulk of the enemy numbers killing some making others fall. The same bunch that had launched the first kido had waited for this moment and launched their Kido towards the group. A large ball of red fire crashed on the samurai sending him flying through the estate doors with a huge cracking noise of broken wood.

Half burnt, what seemed to be the samurai remained on the ground unmoving, his bandana in his hands, those close enough could maybe hear, if not read lip those few last words. ''Finally, I get to be....''

Tatsuya flew back from the flames and soared through the air, semi conscious, landing on the ground with a hard thud and grunting on the impact. His body was badly beaten, deep cuts covered his body as he lay there, gasping for air. Through the same fire he emerged from, Tatsuya slowly stepped out, looking in no better shape then the one on the ground. His breathing was labored, but still steady. Tatsuya could feel Tatsuya's spiritual pressure fading as he looked at the prone body. Tatsuya struggled as he rolled over on his stomach, coughing up blood as he held himself up with his arms.

"Tatsuya!" Sumiko shouted as she ran over and then skidded to a stop when she saw both Tatsuyas' before her. "What the hell?!" Tsuneo commented as he stopped close to Sumiko upon viewing what she saw. "Shit, which one is the real one?" Tsuneo asked out loud. "I don't know." Sumiko replied, frantically looking back and forth between the two, trying to find any type of distinction. "Stay back!" Both shouted in unison. "Shut up!" Tatsuya shouted to Tatsuya, who was slowly getting to his feet. Sumiko winced as she held herself back from approaching either Tatsuya. "It ends here Raiden!" Tatsuya boldly stated. "You're right, Raiden. It will end here." Tatsuya retorted between labored breathing. Tatsuya's eyes narrowed in anger at Tatsuya.

"Get away from here!" Tatsuya turned to ordered Sumiko and Tsuneo. Rage flared in Tatsuya's eyes as he watched Tatsuya order them away. He needed Sumiko's healing abilities. He wasn't sure if Sumiko would listen. "That's enough!" Tatsuya shouted and his spiritual pressure started to rise. "Go!" Tatsuya shouted at Sumiko and Tsuneo once again. "I'm going to kill you like the rat you are!" Tatsuya charged Tatsuya, arm pulled back for a final blow. Tatsuya stood there unable to move his exhausted body away from the attack. As Tatsuya punched at Tatsuya an arrow connected with his gauntlet and deflected it away. Tsuneo quickly appeared with shunpo and swung his bladed bow at Tatsuya, surprising both Tatsuyas'.

Tatsuya raised his gauntlet to block the attack. "What are you doing, Tsuneo?!" Tatsuya asked in an unsettling tone. "I'm buying Sumiko some time to heal Tatsuya, Raiden." Tsuneo replied in a confident manner and pushed Tatsuya away. "You're wrong! That's Raiden!" Tatsuya exclaimed in protest. "Please. Raiden is the only one I know to call anyone a rat or vermin." Tsuneo explained his observation. "Hurry Sumiko! I'll keep Raiden busy!" Tsuneo told Sumiko. "Right!" She quickly ran over to Tatsuya after processing Tsuneo's reasoning and recalling that Tatsuya had never called anyone a rat. "No Sumiko!" Tatsuya called out before having to block a slash from Tsuneo. "You can cut the act now." Tsuneo stated and began attacking, not giving Tatsuya a chance. "I told you. That one is Raiden." Tatsuya defended against the onslaught.

"Hold on, Tatsuya." Sumiko caught on to him as he fell over from exhaustion. "Thank you, Sumiko." Tatsuya weakly stated as he went down to one knee. "Don't worry, just don't move." Sumiko stated from behind him as she created several blue green needles and began placing them around Tatsuya's wounds. "No!" Tatsuya whispered out loud as he saw Sumiko starting to heal Raiden. "What's the matter? As the head guard of the Omnitsukido, I expected more of a challenge out of you." Tsuneo taunted Tatsuya. "You're making a mistake, Tsuneo. Get out of my way before it's too late." Tatsuya pleaded with him. "Only way that's going to happen, is if you strike me down." Tsuneo asserted with determination. "So be it." Tatsuya stated as he stopped playing defense and went into offensive mode.

Tatsuya began to attack with a flurry of punches and kicks. Tsuneo was getting pushed back by the renewed vigor of his foe. Tsuneo knew he would be a difficult opponent, but he had never thought there would be this big of a gap. Tsuneo's eyes shot wide open as his bladed bow was grabbed. Before he could react, he was quickly picked up and slammed to the ground. Tatsuya turned his attention back to the kneeling Tatsuya and Sumiko. Both Tatsuya and Sumiko looked at Tatsuya. Sumiko had just barely started healing Tatsuya, there was no way he could stand a chance. Tatsuya stood up with the needles still in his body, in an effort to defend himself as Tatsuya charged forward. Tatsuya let out a war cry as he closed the distance, arm pulled back. He was not going to miss this time. Sumiko quickly appeared between both of them with shunpo. Tatsuya was surprised by Sumiko's action, but Tatsuya expected as much from Sumiko. Tatsuya quickly disappeared with shunpo and reappeared behind Tatsuya, throwing his bladed fist right into his back. It happened so fast, Sumiko couldn't follow the movement. She only turned when she heard the sickening sound of Tatsuya's bladed fist entering Tatsuya. "NOOO!!" She screamed in horror as she saw Tatsuya being impaled.

"YOU BASTARD!" Tsuneo shouted and quickly flash stepped into the air, drawing an arrow from his quiver and shooting down at Tatsuya. Tatsuya quickly withdrew his bladed fist from Tatsuya's body and jumped back to avoid the arrow. Tsuneo quickly reengaged with a flash step and a slash of his bladed bow. Tatsuya fell forward and Sumiko caught his falling body. He couldn't speak, his breaths were shallow as the life began to fade from his body. "No. No. Tatsuya. Tatsuya. Look at me." She laid Tatsuya on his back as his breath lessened more and more, fear in his eyes and in hers. "Everything is going to be alright." She assured him as she held out her hands. Her hands began to glow in a pink light as she poured her energy iout. "What's she doing?!" Tatsuya thought as he caught a quick glimpse while defendng against Tsuneo. "Kaji Hari!" Sumiko called out as a pink energy dagger formed in her hands.

Tatsuya took one last breath as he slipped into Death's grasp. Sumiko quickly raised her hands into the air with the dagger pointed at Tatsuya's body. "NO! STOP!!" Tatsuya yelled in protest as he clashed with Tsuneo. Tatsuya kicked Tsuneo out of his way and made a mad dash for Sumiko. An arrow stuck Tatsuya in the back of his shoulder and sent him stumbling just as Sumiko plunged the dagger in to the seemingly lifeless body of Tatsuya. A blinding pink light surrounded Tatsuya's body. A moment passed that felt like eternity as all eyes focused on the glowing body. The light soon faded, and Tatsuya's body was injury free. A single breath escaped his body and was soon followed by another. Then another. Sumiko stayed conscious only long enough to see that her technique worked, collapsing on the ground soon afterwords.

Unaware of the predicament of Tatsuya's Kai continued to defend Kuro so that he could finish preparing to fight. Now in Kuro's form, Raiden was proving to be a very troubling opponent for Kai to deal with. Even knowing that it was simply an impostor, the psychological strain of having to fight against his old friend was making the battle much harder than it had been previously. Raiden was also quite knowledgeable about the functions of Kuro's zanpakuto, having seen and read about it for many years. After the first punch and energy blast, he had come at Kai with many short, compact attacks that left little time or room for Kai's large wings to be of any use. The former onmitsukido commander was making full use of his close combat expertise combined with the threatening power of Kuro's zanpakuto to keep Kai on the defensive. In such a close range, the captain couldn't make a quick or even any sort of attack with his longer weapon. He ended up being backed up to a wall, where he was forced to dive to the side rather unsightly to avoid a finishing thrust from Raiden with Kuro's gauntlet with smashed the wall to pieces with ease. Raiden turned to face him again, still apparently drunk on the power of such a find in a copied weapon.

"You may be a captain, but I've been fighting a lot longer than you...Sir." he spat out the last word with the highest tone of disrespect. The stone on his gauntlet's palm glowed as he extended a blade of spiritual energy from it. "I've seen the captain do this enough times. It's actually quite simple I think." He brandished the new weapon and closed in on Kai once more. The captain this time had enough time and space to swing his own blade in opposition and parry, leaving the two of them pressed up against each other. "Don't take Kuro's skill lightly. You don't have what it takes to wield his blade." As he spoke, Kai's sword began to turn red in color. His zanpakuto's ability had been activated that focused the sword's cutting power. But even still, their clash continued. Raiden grinned. "What was that you said about me not having what it takes?" He used the gauntlet's ability to boost his physical strength and push Kai back before nimbly turning and making a slice across Kai's chest.

Kai stumbled backward, but was right back in the fray, not willing to let Raiden win that easily. Raiden laughed as he sliced again, but this time found himself surprised as the blade extending from his hand was shorn off from a few inches from his fist by a swift cut from Kai. His face burst out in shock as he stared at his foe's blade, which was now blue. "You surprised me," Kai explained as he pointed his newly colored blade at Raiden. "You have a decent focus on the stability of your formed weapon. But unfortunately for you, my zanpakuto was able to disrupt the flow of your will and energy in the blade and cut through it with ease. Now your advanta-" Kai was cut off as Raide spun on the spot with amazing speed. His appearance changed in a flash. Kai was now faced with non other than himself. Raiden was now wielding his shikai blade in its red state. Blocking with his right wing, Kai managed to escape injury as he hurried back from their close proximity. Raiden followed slowly, testing the length and weight of the new weapon.

"Don't look so surprised. You spent a decent amount of time in squad two. The Shihoin have your zanpakuto and its abilities recorded in quite a vivid detail. It's a fair weapon if I do say so myself. Too bad you'll have to die by its hand."

The two resumed their fight, but this time with much greater care. Both were wielding the same dangerous blade now, with the power to interrupt spirit power and also cut with deadly precision. As much as Kai hated to admit it, Raiden had the upper hand. They both had the same weapon now, and Raiden's close combat skills were proving a valuable tool to turn the tide in his favor. Kai couldn't even attack with his wings because he had to keep them folded down ready to block the quick attacks that the ex-commander threw at him between their clashes. He was finally overcome as Raiden darted in and switched back to Kuro's appearance with great speed and slammed him in the chest with Kuro's gauntlet zanpakuto. Kai was hurled down the hall past Kuro, who was still down on the ground concentrating. Raiden smirked, confident that he had nothing to fear now. But he had to reconsider as he spotted Kuro's sash. The top most ring was just finishing filling in with golden color. Kuro's eyes shot open, glowing brilliantly with the power that was heavily focused within his body. Energy shot out from his body upward, where it folded out into a golden colored lotus flower. This shape immediately collapsed in on itself again and the power rushed back into Kuro's body. The second division captain stood up once again, staring down Raiden who was not frozen with the nervous wonder of what he was up against.

Tatsuya stood up from the ground just as Sumiko collapsed, unconscious, on the ground. He reached for the arrow embedded in his shoulder and tore it out with an acclamation of pain. Before he could run towards Sumiko and Tatsuya, Tsuneo appeared directly in front of them with shunpo and with an arrow at the ready. "Not another step." Tsuneo ordered as Tatsuya regained consciousness. "You alright there big man. Gotta say, your girlfriend is something else." Tsuneo stated when Tatsuya sat up and looked over himself in shock. "Tsuneo." Tatsuya uttered through gritted teeth. "Get away from here and take Sumiko with you. Before it's too late." Tatsuya stated urgently as Tatsuya got to his feet. "HA! It's already too late, but only for you. Your time is..." Tsuneo was interrupted when Tatsuya's bladed fist plunged in-between his shoulder blades.

"TSUNEO!" Tatsuya shouted, but it was too late. "You should have listened to him, Shihoin-sama." Raiden stated with a deeply contemptuous tone before ripping his fist from Tsuneo's back, letting him fall to the ground like a rag doll. "Damn you, Raiden!" Tatsuya uttered, but remained where he was. Raiden was too close to Sumiko for Tatsuya to do anything without putting her in more danger. A wicked grin crossed Raiden's face as he dropped his bladed fists to his sides. His fists opened and closed. Tatsuya's eyes narrowed as he watch Raiden transform into his original form. "I see why you kept her around. The little bitch can be useful in a pinch." Raiden slowly knelt down next to Sumiko. "Stay away from her!" Tatsuya took a step forward. "Ah!" Raiden placed the edge of one of his swords against her neck, causing Tatsuya to retract his forward step. "We don't want any mishaps, do we?" Raiden used his other hand and began to caress Sumiko's face knowing Tatsuya wouldn't try anything with her life on the line. "Such a nubile young woman." He slowly let his hand slide lower, passing her neck. "How do you keep yourself from just ravaging her body, night and day?" Raiden's hand stopped at her chest and forcibly grabbed her through her shihakusho.

Sumiko didn't react in the slightest. On the other hand, Tatsuya's face was stricken with a rage unseen by any other. "RAIDEN!!" Tatsuya yelled out in a blind rage and let his reiatsu flood out before charging forward. Raiden grinned sinisterly as Tatsuya recklessly charged forward. Raiden quickly got to his feet and kicked Sumiko's unconscious body away. Tatsuya was severely blinded by his rage as he charged forward, fueled even more when Raiden kicked Sumiko. Tatsuya swung at Raiden, who stepped out of the way. Raiden saw a big opening in Tatsuya's form while he was enraged. Taking his chance, Raiden swung at Tatsuya to end him once and for all. Before the attack could connect, Tatsuya was pulled out of the way when Captain Shiorai grabbed his face. Captain Shiorai slammed the enraged Tatsuya head first into the ground, cratering it just a few yards away from Raiden. Raiden was surprised by the captain's appearance, as well as his action.

Captain Shiorai had been hurled through a hallway just a moment ago. When he made it back to the Raiden he and Captain Akarui had engaged, Captain Akarui had finished preparing himself. Captain Shiorai had figured that Captain Akarui no longer needed his assistance and decided to seek out Tatsuya. By the time Captain Shiorai located Tatsuya, he was already charging Raiden in a blind rage. He was lucky enough to intercede when he did. He knew Tatsuya's rage wouldn't be easily dismissed and they couldn't afford the time to have him cool off. So he opted for the less conventional means of slamming him into the ground. Painful? Definitely. Effective? Indeed. But a better outcome then being cut down by Raiden. "No time for napping, Tatsuya." Captain Shiorai turned away from the crater and towards Raiden as Tatsuya groaned. "I'll take it from here. You clear up the residual resistance within the Omnitsukido." Captain Shiorai stated as Tatsuya slowly got up from the crater. "No. He's mine." Tatsuya refused to let Captain Shiorai fight Raiden. "That wasn't a suggestion." Captain Shiorai stated as an order. "I know. But seeing as I'm not officially back in the Gotei 13, I can refuse your orders." He stated as he walked right next to Captain Shiorai. "Heh." Captain Shiorai grunted out and lowered his guard. Raiden watched carefully as they interacted. He knew he couldn't handle both of them at the same time.

"Captain." Tatsuya called back after taking a few steps forward. "Hm?" Captain Shiorai inquired. "Get Sumiko out of here." He looked over to where she lay and after a brief moment turned his head to Tsuneo's lifeless body. "Keep her safe." He stated solemnly as he wished he could do the same for Tsuneo. "I got her." Captain Shiorai stated before disappearing and reappearing by Sumiko. He picked her up and jumped into the air, using shunpo to get her away from the battleground.

"Was that wise?" Raiden inquired after Captain Shiorai left. Tatsuya just stood by silent. "With him here, you had a very good chance of beating me. But now. In your current condition. You'll be lucky to last a few minutes." Raiden boastfully stated. Tatsuya closed his eyes and took a deep breath, spreading out his arms at the same time. "What? You want to give me a hug?" Raiden laughed out loud. The four blades attached to each of Tatsuya's fists broke free and hovered around Tatsuya for a moment before shooting into the air. "What!?" Raiden exclaimed in surprise. Once the blades reached a hundred meters into the air, they shot out in all directions. One of the blades landed a few meters away from Raiden and Tatsuya, while the others landed in other sections of the estate. Some of them even punched straight through the building itself as they drove into the ground. "I was hoping to avoid using this, but I grow tired of your tricks." Tatsuya finally spoke to Raiden when a line of fire shot out from the grounded blade into the air. The other blades soon followed suit and intersected in the sky. The heat quickly began to rise at an incredible rate. The fire from Tatsuya's large wings quickly began to disappear, being absorbed into the air like the fire from his blades. "You bastard. What are you doing?" Raiden shouted out as they started to be enclosed in a gigantic dome of fire. "Hōōran." Tatsuya stated when they were completely enclosed inside. They were completely cut off from anyone else. An entire section of the building and estate was now enclosed within the hundred meter dome. "It's just you and me now, Raiden. No matter what form you take, it won't matter." Tatsuya affirmed. The heat on the outside of the dome was unbearable and was even worse for the two caught on the inside.

Raiden stared with widened eyes at Kuro, who was peering at him through half shut eyes with a face that made him appear tired or lazy. Raiden could see through that with ease though. The look staring him down was not one of a careless person. It was the relaxed face of one who is in complete concentration and free of distracting elements. As Raiden continued to stare in fear and amazement, a crumbling sound caught his attention and caused him to stare up at the surrounding building structures. Before his eyes, the walls, the roofs and even some of the stone walkways of the Shihoin estate were starting to disintegrate into specks of blue light that began to flow through the air into Kuro's body. As the light entered, it was dominated and integrated into his own energy reserves, becoming bright and golden like the rest of his reiatsu and power. The massive pool of energy caused his power levels to fill to the brim, making his whole body glow with an outline of yellow light. This caused the last of Raiden's nerve to fail and he turned his back on Kuro and ran for his life. Kuro guided a short burst of his surging power into his boots and took off like a cannon in pursuit, keeping Raiden in sight the whole time while planning his move.

Raiden was furious with himself as he ran from the captain, trying to think up something he could use to counter the insane amount of power he was facing. The fact that he was being forced to retreat from battle with mere scum of the Rukongai had him angered more than anything. He tore down the path he'd on before, back in the direction of the main fighting group outside. But as he neared the main archway that opened up into the courtyard, a wall of flame formed blocking his path. Kuro came up behind him, eyeing the wall with an intrigued look on his face. "That must be part of Tatsuya's bankai. Lots of power flowing in that flame. So hot..."

Kuro's statement was true. The amount of heat being given off by the flame that barred Raiden's path was clearly making him extremely uncomfortable while being at such a close proximity. But the other option was heading back towards Kuro. He was trapped. Trying to buy time, he called back. "Tell me captain. What is it that you intend to do today? Do you want to destroy everything that we've built over the years? Throw away our ways and traditions?"

"Shut up." Kuro cut in. "You're not talking your way out of this one. You speak of tradition, but you've already corrupted that by weaseling your way into higher levels of influence in the family. You dared to murder the elder, my friend, showing that you have no respect for what we are and who we are meant to serve. So I don't want to hear any of that crap from you."

Kuro finished by shunpoing at Raiden with his fist pulled back, ready to deliver a punch with the force to blow the foe's head clear off his body with ease. Raiden knew that he couldn't outrun the captain at this speed, so he hastily made the decision to use dirty tactics instead. His appearance changed again, making his figure shrink and slim down. Kuro's fist froze as he came upon Raiden to find himself staring into the eyes of Mika. He shook with strain as he fought internally against himself. He knew that it was Raiden, but couldn't bring himself to make the punch. It was rather frustrating because he'd once been faced with this same predicament and had no trouble striking Raiden. But he had to admit that his feelings for Mika were much more developed now than they'd been then. As Kuro stood by, Raiden moved quickly and swung up with his blade, now resembling Mika's initial release of a machete shaped blade. The weapon found its mark, driving into Kuro's gut with a splatter of blood as he was brought back to reality by the move.

The heat inside the large dome soared to new heights. Just standing was a challenge in itself. Sweat poured out of their bodies from every available pore. Tatsuya's already beaten and fatigued body felt even more impaired under the sweltering heat. He knew it had to be extremely hot inside, since he never once had a problem with hot places. Maybe he shouldn't have used that technique in his condition. Too late now though. He would have to see it through to the end now. Raiden was taking it worse than Tatsuya though. Even being completely healed by Sumiko's technique, it was painfully obvious he couldn't take the heat. How long would he last?

"So it won't matter what form I take? Are you sure about that?" Raiden inquired in a mocking tone as his hands opened and closed around the hilt of his swords. His form began to change more drastically then the others. He grew significantly taller then Tatsuya, possibly around twelve feet tall. He had no hair, solid red eyes and his body looked dense and heavy, with a greyish color and rock like texture, and he carried no weapon of any kind. He bore a strong resemblance to a hollow. "You have truly fallen, Raiden. To take on a hollow's form. Have you no shame?" Tatsuya stated in disgust. "Bite your tongue, Vermin. Rukongai scum has no right to look down on me." Raiden retorted, his voice low and booming. "You're wrong." Tatsuya declared. "You dare!" Raiden challenged.

"I have every right to look down on you. You who has betrayed the Omnitsukido. You who has killed countless allies, only because they had the potential to gain a reputable status among the Gotei 13. It's you who does not have a right to look down upon those from Rukongai. You were born here, in the most prestigious area of Soul Society. You will never understand what those from Rukongai feel when they finally manage to get accepted into Seireitei. We put our heart and soul into protecting this great society. A society you take for granted. We are willing to sacrifice everything. We fight and die for this place so that everyone can have a tranquil and peaceful life. Unlike the nobles, who have everything given to them on a silver platter, we work hard to earn every single bit of a better life for the opportunity we have been given." Tatsuya proclaimed in a poetic manner. "Pathetic!" Raiden enunciated with disdain. "Only vermin would try to justify their own existence in the midst of their own destruction." Raiden added with great arrogance. "Raiden. Before now, I hated you with all my being. But now. Now, I can only pity you. Blinded by your own selfish desires, you fail to see everything you already had." Tatsuya stated and got into a fighting stance. "Save your pity. It's better used for yourself." Raiden replied and just stood there.

Tatsuya charged forward and dropped kicked Raiden, sending him crashing into one of the enclosed buildings and being covered in debris as a portion of the unstable building fell on him. Raiden stood up with easy and cracked his neck as Tatsuya dashed in and stopped at the new opening. "I see why you chose that form." He said in realization. "The hollow I fought gave me so much trouble, I just had to add it to my inventory. Though I never thought I would actually use it. After I finish you, I'll do the same to the others." Raiden stated before his eyes started to glow. "Good luck with that." Tatsuya sarcastically replied and charged forward just before Raiden let loose twin beams from his eyes. The beams zig-zagged, but Tatsuya managed to avoid them and land a powerful uppercut into Raiden's jaw sending him up and through the wall of the building. Raiden flipped through the air and landed on the ground, skidding back to a stop. He looked to the new hole in the building and fired the same beams from before, catching Tatsuya just as he jumped out. Tatsuya was sent back, hitting the corner of the building. The force of the blast sent him bouncing back on the roof and to the other side of the building. He bounced on the ground and continued to roll to a stop on his back. He looked up in shock, seeing Raiden coming straight down at him. He didn't have any time to get out of the way and was crushed with a double stomp into the ground, sending dirt and debris into the air as he was cratered into the earth.

Raiden grinded one of his big feet into Tatsuya chest as if he was squashing an insect. Tatsuya shot a fire ball at his head, causing him to jump back. As Tatsuya sat he threw both his arms forward. "Hinote Soujuu!" He unleased a constant wave of fire at Raiden. Raiden threw his right hand forward and created an energy field that diverted the flames around his body. Raiden slowly began to walk towards Tatsuya, who continued to try and break through the field. With his other hand, Raiden punched Tatsuya in the face and quickly grabbed his head with both hands. Raiden effortlessly lifted Tatsuya and slammed him into the ground hard enough to make him bounce, and kicked him straight back. As Tatsuya tried to right himself in the air, Raiden attacked him with another set of energy beams. Tatsuya was sent back flying as he was hit with the beams. He rolled as he skidded along the ground for a large distance. Raiden almost casually walked towards Tatsuya as he tried to get up from the ground after he had finally stopped. His shihakusho was now just a set of tattered rags, almost nothing was left.

Raiden stopped a distance away and charged his eye beams again, firing twice at Tatsuya. Tatsuya jumped into the air, making the beams hit the ground. Raiden stayed at his current position and quickly fired three more sets of beams. Tatsuya charged Raiden from the air as he fired the beams. He moved through the air left to right, up and down, back and forth, as the beams seemed to home in on him. When he finally managed to get the beams behind him dove down to the ground, staying wide right away from Raiden, who merely followed with his eyes. He passed Raiden's position and continued for a little then quickly hit the ground and strafed left until he was behind Raiden. The beams circled around and headed for Tatsuya, who dashed and skidded backwards, keeping an eye on the beams, and coming up at Raiden's back, who had only turned his head. Tatsuya jumped and reached up behind him, grabbed Raiden's head and pressed his feet into the back of Raiden's knees. Tatsuya flipped Raiden around and hit the ground just as the first beam hit Raiden. Raiden was sent flying as he was hit by his own beams, one after another.

Raiden hit the ground hard and skidded along as Tatsuya quickly gave chase. He caught up with Raiden just as he was getting up from the ground and punched him in the chest pushing him back and going along with him. As Raiden was being pushed back Tatsuya kept punching into his chest before flipping backwards and kicking Raiden in the chin, sending him up into the air. Tatsuya landed and quickly jumped into the air chasing Raiden and continuing his assault. He threw several powerful punches into Raiden's face and flipped backwards again connecting the heel of his foot squarely on his chin, flipping him around once. Raiden quickly retaliated with his energy beams. Tatsuya quickly flash stepped out of the way and behind Raiden, hitting him in the back with a drop kick, sending him careening to the ground. Raiden plowed into the ground sending up dirt and debris. Tatsuya landed right next to him and kicked at him, getting blocked, but quickly pushing him away with both hands. Raiden was sent back and bounced twice on the ground. As he tried to get up Tatsuya landed on top of him with a double stomp. Tatsuya jumped back after pushing Raiden further into the ground and waited for Raiden to rise from the hole before attacking again. Raiden double punched his chest and quickly kneed him hard enough to pick him up out from the hole. Raiden landed back on the ground seemingly unfazed by any of the punishment Tatsuya seemed to be dishing out. He quickly punched at Tatsuya who managed to dodge it and jump up, firing back with a round house kick to Raiden's face. Tatsuya landed and quickly pushed the dazed Raiden through a wall of what appeared to be a large empty store house.

Tatsuya charged in as Raiden got to his feet and hooked around Raiden as he ringed his neck with his forearm. Tatsuya tried to choke out Raiden, but was quickly stopped when Raiden reached over and grabbed Tatsuya's arms. Raiden raised Tatsuya over his head and slammed him back first into the ground. Raiden lifted Tatsuya back up and quickly followed up with a one-two punch that sent Tatsuya back and to the ground. Tatsuya got to his feet and charged at Raiden throwing a one-two punch of his own. Raiden grabbed both arms respectively and kneeing him in the gut before punching him, and sending him to the top of the store house. Raiden gave chase and continued to pound away at Tatsuya, sending him into a wall and then kicking him through that wall and down to the exterior ground. Tatsuya landed hard and stayed there unmoving as Raiden approached, calm and collected as if nothing happened. "You see. You are nothing but pure vermin. You are not worthy enough to stand as equals with the nobles. Even with your bankai it makes no difference how much you struggle. You will never be better then us." Raiden stated cold heartedly as he stood over the exhausted Tatsuya. "But I am better than you." Tatsuya stated before getting hit full force with Raiden's eye beams.

The dust cleared and smoke rose from Tatsuya's battered and seemingly dead body. "Hmph! Vermin." Raiden grunted as he turned to walk away. He looked at the dome as it still burned. "It should have been sealed by now." Raiden thought. "We're not done here." Tatsuya uttered as he struggled to get to his feet. Raiden turned to stare at him. Surprise filled his eyes. "Why isn't he dead?" He thought, but as he did, he notice something different about him. Sparks of red electricity were emitting from his arms and back. "Until you die, I will never give up." Tatsuya stated with unhindered determination. Tatsuya's eyes glowed fiery red as his reiatsu soared to new heights. Tatsuya took a deep breath, the reiatsu seemed to be leveling off and then in an instant it skyrocketed and the sparks that Raiden first saw quickly ignited into full blown lightning as it escaped from his back, arms, and legs, blowing off the rest of the upper portion of his shihakusho. Raiden quickly crossed his arms in front of his face as Tatsuya expelled this new power. "I'm wondering if you know what this technique is." Tatsuya stated as he stared at Raiden, who was in complete shock at the new development.

Kuro grunted as his body took the blade of his loved one. It was merely an imitation, but it still wounded him in more than just a physical way. But even more, it ignited a fury in his heart. That Raiden would stoop so low in the middle of a fair fight as to use the image of someone dear to his opponent's heart pushed any shreds of mercy Kuro still housed inside of him straight out. With little warning movement Kuro's left knee shot up, fueled by the spirit power in his boot. The strength he now possessed was enough for the strike to blow Raiden back away from him and go crashing into the wall. Kuro brought a hand up to his stomach before holding it in front of his face and gazing upon his crimson stained palm. It wasn't a mortal wound, but it was bleeding rather bad. He'd have to finish this quickly to avoid becoming weaker from blood loss. Raiden, having been repelled, had dropped his disguise and was frantically trying to think of a way to buy even more time. His eyes came to rest on the fire wall near them and he took off running straight at it as his body changed again, this time growing much taller. In a flash, it looked to Kuro as if Tatsuya with his bladed glove zanpakuto was running at the flames. Catching onto what Raiden was trying to do, Kuro shunpoed in front of him and sliced with a blade formed onto his hand. Raiden, fueled by desperation, jumped over the attack and tried to keep running. Kuro followed the escape and caught a hold of the back of his clothing and roughly tossed him back down the walkway, away from the fire. Clapping his hands as if cleaning them of dirt and dust, he berated the overpowered ex-commander.

"I'm not letting you use Tatsuya's zanpakuto to escape. He'll finish things with the other you and you're mine. I've been waiting for this day for a long time ever since I found out it was you who murdered the elder. I won't be denied the chance to deliver my personal justice."

Kuro shot across the distance between them faster than anyone in soul society could possibly follow, leaving Raiden with no chance to counter or even prepare before he was impacted roughly by an open palm strike from Kuro which glowed with overflowing power from his left gauntlet. Every trace of air was driven from Raiden's lungs as his torso was pounded in and his body flew back at a tremendous speed. Tumbling again and again against the pavement, he came to a very undignified and painful halt about 40 yards away from Kuro. He found himself unable to stand right away and his whole body aching with pain. He gave a noticeable grimace before his body retched and expelled a large spray of blood from his mouth. Kuro's attack seemed to have caused internal damage that Raiden was feeling now. But even still, he didn't appear to have any intent of surrendering. In fact, all traces of even escaping were gone. Kuro was truly confused as he was sure that the differences in their skills should have demonstrated by this point that Raiden had no chance of winning. He was getting back to his feet, though his balance clearly was poor and he stumbled greatly while trying to find his proper footing.

"No bastard from the Runkongai has the right to speak to me in such a way. You need to be punished Captain." He held his head up as if catching a sound on the wind. "Ah, I guess I should follow my other self's example..."

Kuro watched as Raiden's large Tatsuya disguise faded, with his figure standing there with no features on it for several moments. He looked like a black silhouette standing in the middle of the path. Without warning, his body mass exploded in a burst of growth that seemed impossible. His top shot up to tower over the estate and his arms and legs extended with his feet branching out in front of him. Kuro stared up into the face of a gillian-class menos grande hollow. He wasn't surprised that Raiden could take such a form, gathering how much data he must have gathered after reading reports about them and fighting them himself over the years in service. But even though he wasn't surprised, Kuro still found the deal distasteful. Raiden looked down on him through the giant jester mask face he was now wearing and let out a sound that echoed across the grounds sounding like a laugh before talking from an unseen mouth that Kuro couldn't locate.

"Hehehe. I'm sure that you could handle an army of menos captain, but how good will you fair when facing one with a brain and speed?"

"I don't know," Kuro answered as he leaped into the air and gave a slash across Raiden's giant new midsection, "I'll let you know when I meet one." His attack did little to the massive bulk Raiden was now possessing. The next moment, he was forced to retreat to the ground as a massive hand swung at him like a person swatting at a mosquito. Kuro reached the ground, but found himself flying back as one of the giant clown feet met him almost as soon as he touched down and kicked him back away from Raiden. The assault didn't stop there as Raiden leaned back his head and began charging a very familiar ball of energy in front of his mouth. Using all four of his limbs, Kuro covered himself with a full body sized barrier like a shield as Raiden fired the cero. The power rained down on Kuro, pressing his feet into the ground; but his barrier did not fail. Raiden, giant body and all, flinched back as Kuro's vengeful gaze shot up after the attack was over. "My turn."

Kuro leapt back and took position near the fire that was of Tatsuya's bankai. Holding both hands up high above his head, he concentrated again and began to draw more power out of his surroundings. More pieces of the building, random power specks from around the estate, and even energy from the burning wall of flame; tons of power from all the estate answered the summons of Kuro's bankai to fuel an attack he was preparing. He spoke to Raiden one last time before he attacked. "You've committed terrible crimes against the Shihoin, our division and special forces, and even the Seireitei itself with your acts of personal hatred and ambitious greed. In my body now flows the energies of those you have wronged, including the man you hoped to use as your scapegoat. As the Captain of squad 2...as the black lotus of the Rukongai...I, Kuro Akarui, shall deliver the only judgment fitting of your treason."

Kuro's body shone with the absorbed power, but soon underwent another change. It started out appearing like a trace of visible static dancing at the ends of Kuro's hands. But soon, the power spread, dancing up the whole length of his arms and across his back in the form of arcing white lightning. "Shunko?!" Raiden shouted in surprise seeing the rare technique in action. Kuro focused hard and used the power he'd absorbed to generate higher amounts of kido energy that filled his body. Raiden tried to interrupt by firing another cero down on him, but Kuro calmly held up one hand. Instead of forming a barrier to hide from the attack this time, he fired a measured blast of kido energy from his hand to meet the cero and cancel them both out. With the distraction dealt with, he poured the shunko kido energy into his four limbs' boots and gauntlets. The jewels on the gear glowed with such intensity that they seemed like they would explode from the amount of power contained within. Kuro kicked off from the ground and flew like an arrow up at Raiden's face, ensuring that this attack would leave no chance for Raiden to transform and recover. He pulled back his left hand and headed straight for his target at top speed. "Mimi o Tsunzaku Kibaku Shunko!" (Deafening Exploding Flash Cry) He shouted out the first name that came to mind as he let his open palm lash out in front of him as he came level with Raiden's head and unleashed the power he had stored. Having been concentrated to an amazing degree by Kuro's charged up bankai outfit and gauntlet, the white power of the shunko burst out of his hand in a widening stream of power resembling a solid white ray of light through which electrical resembling power streaked. "NOOOOOOOOO-" Raiden roared as the attack blasted at him and ended his life instantly as it shot right through the middle of his face. The giant body of the menos, robbed of the living consciousness of its head, wobbled a bit before stiffly crashing down backwards to the ground, making the whole of the estate grounds shake like an earthquake. Kuro came back down to the ground and smiled grimly at the sight of his fallen enemy. Turning to look at the fire, which he now could perceive to be a giant blazing dome, Kuro took a breather while quietly encouraging Tatsuya. "Finish him. I know you can Tatsuya."

Raiden screamed in rage after he witnessed the new development. "HOW?! HOW CAN YOU VERMIN ACHIEVE OUR HISTORY'S GREATEST TECHNIQUES WITH SUCH EASE?!" Raiden shouted in a blind rage. His eyes soon started to glow in a deep crimson red as he charged to fire the beams. Before he could fire them off, Tatsuya appeared right in front of him and threw a devastating right punch into his gut. Raiden's eyes shot wide open from the unquestionably painful blow as his gut caved in around Tatsuya fist. The air from his lungs was pushed out from the force of the attack. Raiden dropped one hand on Tatsuya's shoulder as the other grasped his gut. He tried to keep himself from falling to the ground. Tatsuya swatted the hand away and Raiden started to fall forward. As he did Tatsuya connected with a backhand across Raiden's face, sending him off to the side. Tatsuya made his way to Raiden, who lay on the ground in a half fetal position gripping his pained gut. "Lets get on thing straight. It definitely wasn't easy to achieve these abilities. " Tatsuya finally started to reply to Raiden's shouted questions. "Honestly. The only reason I was able to achieve them was because I had great motivation." Tatsuya continued as Raiden managed to get to a kneeling position but still kept his head low. "You see. It was all because of you." Raiden's head shot up in shock. "I can say with an absolute certainty that if you hadn't done everything you did, I wouldn't have these powers. So allow me to say something." Tatsuya looked Raiden dead in the eye. "Thank you." Tatsuya stated with genuine gratitude.

Raiden stared at Tatsuya in disbelief as he processed the information. He couldn't believe. No. He refused to believe what Tatsuya had told him. He refused to believe that he had a hand in being the reason for Tatsuya's newfound powers. "DIE!" He pushed off the ground and charged Tatsuya. Tatsuya met his charge, jumping up and kneeing Raiden in the jaw, lifting him off the ground. Tatsuya quickly followed up with a reverse heel kick. The blade on his heel dug into Raiden's cheek before sending flying off in the direction of the kick and slicing open his mouth. Before Raiden could touch the ground, Tatsuya had moved in at lightning fast speeds with the aid of Shunko. Tatsuya kicked Raiden in the gut, plunging the two front blades, before sending him up into the air. Raiden soared high into the air, almost nearing the top of the dome.

Tatsuya stayed on the ground as Raiden flew up. His arms began moving in a fluid-like motion and as they did, the fire from the dome began to react. Flares began to shoot out from the dome, just like a sun's solar flares. Tatsuya moved his hands and arms around, commanding the fire. Raiden had lost all momentum going up and began to fall. As he did a flare from the dome struck him and pushed him off to the side. After it traveled with Raiden for a distance, it soared back up to the dome, but another quickly took its place and pushed Raiden in the other direction. After that flare went off back to the dome, another found Raiden. Tatsuya kept Raiden in the air, unable to recover in a seemingly endless juggle. One blast would end and another would take over. A deadly ballet of fire. Moving so majestically yet so dangerous. Using the technique was taking its toll on Tatsuya though. He balled his hands into fists, and with a quick thrust downwards several flares shot from the dome and began to merge together. The gigantic fused flare crashed down on Raiden and thrust him down right in front of Tatsuya, engulfing them both in fire.

The flare soon returned to its origin, lifting straight up from Raiden and Tatsuya. The dome's once active state was now returned to the calm and flowing behavior that it had when it first started. Tatsuya was breathing heavily virtually unharmed from the fire. Raiden on the other hand lay on the ground, smoking from the toasting he had received. The form's skin was definitely durable, but even so, Raiden still had to be feeling the effects of the fire. The gashes he received had cauterized and fused together from the immense heat. "How did you like that?" Tatsuya looked down at Raiden as he rolled over on to his back. "That was Syouten Suzaku's most basic ability in its most powerful form. Tatsuya stated. His eyes quickly narrowed on Raiden as he began to transform back to his original form. Raiden slowly began to rolled on to his stomach and struggled to push himself up. Though the hollow form he took didn't show like it took much damage, it couldn't be the same for Raiden's true form. His skin was obviously burned, only first degree, seeing as it was only a bright red color. Saved only because of the tough rock like skin of the hollow. But the charred gashes were easily visible.

Raiden slowly began to get up. Tatsuya did nothing to stop him. Raiden wondered why he felt so weak and slow. Being fully healed by Sumiko, he should have been able to defeat Tatsuya so easily. Yet, here he was, getting pummeled. After a moment he looked up at the dome. "Painfully obvious, isn't it?" Tatsuya asked when he noticed Raiden silently figure it out. "Even after getting healed you couldn't stand the immense heat from my Hooran." Tatsuya pointed out. "So it's only a matter of stamina." Raiden stated with a new determination in his eyes. He opened slowly loosened his grip around his sword hilts and then start to flex his fingers tightly around them. Tatsuya quickly flash stepped and landed a powerful right punch across Raiden's face, causing him to drop one of the swords and tumble backwards. "Yours on the other hand isn't so obvious." Tatsuya stated as Raiden looked up in shock from the ground. "I knew before coming here that I had to be extremely vigilant concerning your ability." Tatsuya added before explaining his observations. "When you first transformed into that female house maiden I was not able to see you do it, so I couldn't make any notes of it. And seeing as you stabbed me in the back before you transformed back, that did little to help me as well. When you transformed a second time into the male with the Kusari-gama, I noticed that you did not have to call out the technique name in order to utilize it. So I figured that you didn't need any type of ritual to activate it. But I was still weary. When you transformed into me I thought I might have picked up on something, but felt I was being overly critical cosidering my situation. But then you transformed back to your original form, and I thought I noticed the exact same thing as before. But I still wasn't sure. It wasn't until you transformed into that hollow creature that I actually figured out what you did to activate the technique." Tatsuya stopped just long enough for Raiden to realize Tatsuya did in fact figure it out. "It's your hands. Well, more of a combination with your swords. You loosen your grip on your swords and then retighten your grip. Very subtle. Very sneaky. I'd expect nothing less from an Omnitsukido commander." Tatsuya confirmed Raiden's fears. "I doubt you ever fought anyone long enough or had to transform so many times, that someone had time to figure it out." Tatsuya started to walk over to Raiden.

I wonder if you even pose a threat if you can't transform." Tatsuya stopped, but Raiden started to scoot back on the ground in fear for his life. "Let's find out." The fire all around Tatsuya began to swirl around behind him. "Go to hell, Raiden!" Tatsuya controlled the fire, taking it over his head. However, before it could hit it began to dissipate. "No!" Tatsuya stated in a loud whisper as he looked up at the dome. He had run out of time and the energy necessary to hold the technique up. The fire began to recede from the top to the bottom. But not just the fire from the dome. All the fire that Tatsuya had unleashed and from the fires that spread from his own began to disappear. The glorious fire that had lit the night sky had now fallen to the light from the moon and the stars. But it wasn't just his flames that burned out. Even the shunko technique faded.

Tatsuya looked around quickly. All eyes appeared to be on him and Raiden. The Omnitsukido rebellion had been quelled by the Second Squad and the loyal members of the Omnitsukido. Only Raiden remained now. He locked eyes with Captain Akarui as everyone began to approach his position to apprehend Raiden. "Keep them back! This is my fight!" He shouted out loud. Raiden had taken this time to get to his feet. "Looks like it truly is over for me." Raiden stated in an almost solemn tone. "But at least I'll take you down with me!" Raiden shouted as he gripped his only sword with on hand. "You think just because I no longer have flames that I'll fall to you?!" Tatsuya exclaimed. "Then come on! This ends right here, right now!" Tatsuya charged forward with a battle cry.

Tatsuya blocked and punched. Raiden parried and sliced. Both trying to end each others life. It was a wonder how they could still continue fighting, given the amount of punishment they received. Surely the amount of blood each lost should have been enough to flood the entire Seireitei, but neither backed down. It was a battle of will. Both fought with everything they had left. Raiden made the mistake. He stepped on a loose rock and stumbled. Tatsuya reached out for his neck and lifted him up, chocking him. Raiden was not out yet. He stabbed his blade into Tatsuya's gut and twisted. Tatsuya's gripped loosened at the pain. Raiden tried to get free, but Tatsuya punched him in the face sending him flying back and making him release his sword, staying stuck in Tatsuya. Tatsuya ignored the pain and stumbled to Raiden, who rolled over on his stomach trying to push his exhausted body up from the ground. Tatsuya reached down and hooked his arm around Raiden's neck, picking him up off the ground and strangling him from behind. Raiden fought to get free and then his flailing arm managed to find his sword handle sticking out from Tatsuya's body. He pulled on the handle as Tatsuya tightened his grip on his neck. Raiden tried desperately to pull the sword from Tatsuya's body but the lack of oxygen and energy had taken its toll. Tatsuya fought through the pain, however difficult. Raiden's grip relaxed on the blade as he began to slip from consciousness. Tatsuya knew this was it. With one hard torque on Raiden's neck, a loud deafening snap could be heard. Raiden's body went completely limp. Tatsuya twisted Raiden's neck in the other direction just to be sure before dropping is body to the ground. Tatsuya's breathing was so heavy, he might as well have been having an asthma attack. He started to stagger weakly away from the body, wobbling from side to side. Raiden's sword was still embedded in his stomach. Tatsuya only made it a few small steps before he started to fall over in complete exhaustion. His body was a bloody mess.

Kuro watched as the fiery dome began to lose stability and eventually faded from view. Standing where the interior had been were Raiden and Tatsuya, both looking like they'd seen better days. The forces surrounding their battleground made motions to assist and finally arrest Raiden, but at Tatsuya's request, Kuro took charge of the situation. "Not one shinigami interferes until this dual has a clear victor!" his voice barked out over the grounds with a volume and intensity that was rare for him. Everyone who heard understood that his orders were not to be ignored, or there would be consequences.

The fight of the two dragged on, with both combatants showing remarkable tenacity and a thirst for victory, though in Raiden's case it was merely a panicked and pointless struggle. Even if he managed to overcome the revenge and justice of Tatsuya, he was surrounded on all sides by Kuro and the whole remainder of their forces. All he had going for him now was his pride. Pride that wouldn't let him simply accept defeat from a Rukongai native. Kuro jerked forward as Raiden's blade made its way into Tatsuya's gut, but he held back and was rewarded by a continuing effort from Tatsuya as he punched Raiden to the ground and caught him in a hold that slowly stole the remaining life he had. Silence fell as thick as a blanket in Raiden's final moments, leaving no room for doubt as the telltale snap that echoed across the ground signaled the end of the bout. Shock swept through the minds of all who watched, unbelieving that it was all really over. Within a few moments, such feelings passed and a hearty cheer rang out for all to hear and join in with.

Kuro shunpoed to Tatsuya's side and reached out to hold him up as his strength failed and the exhaustion overcame him. The larger man's size made Kuro's knees buckle with a stab of pain, reminding Kuro that he himself was not in perfect condition. Using his bankai's ultimate ability, especially with the added power of Shunko, had worn him out and turned his whole body sore. But he endured the pain like Tatsuya had and refused to let the victor fall to the ground in his winning moment. Not sure if he could even hear him anymore, Kuro praised his squad member on a job well done. "You did it Tatsuya. It's finally over." Slowly but proudly, he began to help move Tatsuya inside the estate to find a place for him to rest. As he moved, he made an order for the forces to fetch members of the fourth squad and for others to bring Sumiko to them. Now that the fight was over, it was time for recovery.

Tatsuya was practically dragged to what was left of the estate. Which wasn't that much after what had just transpired. As Captain Akarui dragged him, what remained of some exterior walls quickly toppled over and the immediate area collapsed within itself. "Heh..." Tatsuya swallowed hard as he tried to talk through his exhaustion and pain. The sword in his gut didn't help matters. He took a deep breath. "I'd rather not have a mansion fall on top of me, Captain." Tatsuya elicited and let out what he hoped was a chuckle, trying to make light of his situation. "I agree with him, Captain Akarui. It would be much harder to work with you two underneath so much rubble." A male's low toned voice came from the left side of Tatsuya and Captain Akarui. Tatsuya painfully looked over the captain and saw the man. Average height, slightly heavy set, with light brown skin. He was bald, had brown eyes, and a thin stripe of facial hair from just above the corners of his lips to his chin. He also wore a Captain's haori, which prominently displayed the Fourth Squad emblem; Captain Mifune. Captain Shiorai was also with him, likely the one who brought him along with another man. "Captain Akarui, I'll take Okibi-san off your hands." Said the man standing next to Captain Mifune as he walked around and lifted Tatsuya off of Captain Akarui's shoulder. He was tall, with light skin and short spiky black hair, he also wore black square framed glasses; Vice-Captain Sadaharu.

Captain Mifune and VC Sadaharu:

Soon, more Fourth Squad members began to arrive, running through the main gates and quickly looking for any injured person they could find. Which wasn't too difficult, given the situation. "You two. Over here." Vice-Captain Sadaharu quickly called over two fourth Squad members and had them hold Tatsuya up. Tatsuya grunted in pain as he was handed over. Vice-Captain Sadaharu stepped up close and shoved his forearm into Tatsuya's mouth; a thick piece of leather providing a barrier between teeth and skin. "Hold him tight." He ordered the two holding Tatsuya up. Without warning he gripped the sword embedded in Tatsuya's gut and quickly & mercilessly ripped it from his body. Tatsuya bit down hard on the leather guard, his scream muffled, and body thrashing as the sword was removed. Had the two men not been holding him and had he not been so exhausted, he surely would have struck the vice-captain. "Always so rough with the patients, Sadaharu." Captain Mifune stated as he tended to Captain Akarui's wounds. "It couldn't be helped, Captain." Sadaharu replied and adjusted his glasses as the other two lay Tatsuya on the ground. They quickly began his first aid treatment, then they could transport him to the Fourth Squad barracks.

"Su..Sum." Tatsuya struggled to speak as the tried to heal him. "Try not to speak, Okibi-san. You need to save your strength." Sadaharu advised. "Sumiko...I... need to know..." Tatsuya painfully stated. "Unconscious." Sadaharu informed Tatsuya, knowing now what he wanted. "Wh-What?" Tatsuya asked, wondering why she was still not awake. "She's unconscious, and she will remain that way for a few days." Sadaharu said with an uneasy tone. "She used Kaji Hari. I can tell." He stated before Tatsuya could burden himself by talking."It's her Hari Sakana's most powerful technique and its use heavily taxes her whole being. Which is why she uses it only under the most dire of circumstances. It draws in all of her energy to a single needle capable of healing all injuries and ailments along with transferring her energy to the target. The strain on causes her to enter into a coma-like state as her body recovers. All we can do is wait for her to regain consciousness on her own. We don't have a definitive duration time as she has only used the technique once before. Sadaharu explained the technique Sumiko had used earlier. "There is no need to worry though. Other then a few scrapes and bruises she will just be fine." He reassured Tatsuya with a half smirk. Tatsuya let out a sigh of relief and closed his eyes. "Thank goodness." He mumbled as he finally started to relax.

"Help! I need help over here!" Mika shouted as she came from the estate. She saw the Fourth Squad Captain and quickly raced over. "Captain Mifune! Please come quick. Someone is gravely injured and the current relief squad is having trouble and don't dare move him." She rapidly blurted out. "Excuse me, Captain Akarui." Captain Mifune quickly stood up. "Show me. Sadaharu stay out here and control the area." He spoke calmly and followed Mika as she led the way towards and into the estate. "Right over here, Captain." Mika rounded the corner where four relief members were trying to help the injured man. Tatsu Chirako. "Let me see." Captain Mifune stepped forward as the two closest relief members quickly moved out of the way. "We're not sure how he is still alive Captain. He has suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns to half his body and several deep lacerations. We can't stabilize his condition either." One member informed to save the Captain on precious time. "We don't have much time." He stated after looking over Tatsu's body.

Tatsu had been laying there, the door hadn't be breached by any member of the onmitsukido, the courtyard in front of him had been turned into more of a graveyard filled with troops. He could hear sounds, but nothing definite. His hand was tightly shut down on a bandanna in his hand, a red bandanna known as Kaiyo's. In his other hand his now unsealed sword.

Most of his body had been his by a full fledged Sokatsui, he hadn't been able to block it, and even then blocking a sokatsui wasn't something you did without effort. Most of his body was burnt set aside for his legs, the member of the onmitsukido really did want to kill him as if he had been one of the larger threats of this conflict.

He focused on the noise, he was sure that he would die there but if he focused on the sounds he could hear some of them, of course a part of his face, and most of his body had been burnt to the 3rd degree so his earing wasn't the highest. He could make out some words, such as captain and stabilize, it made him smile. He had been laying back to the ground so people could notice his consciousness and the fact that he was smiling.

''Guess I ain't done yet.''

He said as he remained on the ground not truly hearing himself or anyone around him, he looked like a mess about to die, but a proud mess.

Kuro looked over the area of what had previously been the majestic estate of the noble Shihoin family. The wreckage that now covered the ground, accompanied by injured and fallen fighters from both sides of the conflict, gave no indication of the marvel that had been standing there less than an hour ago. Kuro didn't think that the family would take kindly to this. Sure the murderer that had walked in their midst for so long had finally been brought to justice, but they probably weren't going to be pleased with the fact that their home had been ruined to get it done.

"Captain Akarui!"

Kuro slouched at the sound of the voice that suddenly rang out across the ruined grounds. "Speak of the devil." he muttered under his breath before turning and moving to greet the elders who were now being escorted out onto the grounds by a hastily formed company of guards and squad 2 members. Kuro saw that their faces were indeed very upset. But he had expected nothing different. Though they had a decent side to them, they were still nobles with a superior air and attitude about them. He took a deep breath and tried to use the few moments he had to prepare himself for the oncoming tongue lashing.

"Look at our estate! It's ruined! How did this happen?!"

"Easy there." one of the other elders tried to intervene, "Did you at least catch the traitor Captain?"

Kuro sighed in relief as the elder showed he had enough control to worry about the important things in this situation. "Yes sir. Though much damage was done to the noble family's grounds in order to get it done, the Grand Elder's murderer has been brought to justice."

"Much damage is an understatement!" the female elder shrieked. "Do you know how much it will cost to get everything rebuilt.?"

"Not more than I'm sure you have at your disposal ma'am." Kuro replied slyly. It was probably not the best way to say things, but he wasn't that concerned about big fancy buildings. To avoid any further protests, he added in. "I also want to say to you all..." he lowered himself to one knee in a deep and low bow in their direction, "I am forever grateful to the Shihoin family for playing their part in this struggle. Things would not have gone as well as they did if the young members of your family hadn't shown up to assist. I was deeply moved by the display of unification shown by our forces today. It was something that would make the Grand Elder very happy."

The elders all seemed dumbfounded by Kuro's submission and praise. Pale blushes could be seen spreading on their faces and they shuffled back and forth as if uncomfortable with the situation.

"Lift your head Captain. You have done us a great service today. Not only did you expose a dangerous man and bring him to justice, your faith in your subordinate and determination to find the truth saved an innocent man's life. You have no need to bow to us. There will be much restructuring and rebuilding to be done after this, but we shall do it together."

Kuro looked up and smiled, taking the hand the elder offered him and rising to his feet again. This was a momentous day for their forces. Despite all of Raiden's efforts, the ties between the second squad and the Shihoin family were ironically at the highest strength that they had ever been after what had transpired here today.