(Y/N) stared in surprise and amazement as he saw Unohana and Isane alongside a few Squad 11 members come out of a Garganta. He couldn't ask for a better person to show up right about now, but why was she here now?

(Y/N): Captain Unohana? Isane? I-I'm glad you're here but "why' are you here?

Unohana: Well, Kisuke Urahara came to the Soul Society to inform us of the plan that you had in mind and ask for our help.

(Y/N) looked around and saw the amount of people that were injured by one attack from Cien. Had he been more strategic, he could have potentially taken all of them out. Urahara was thinking further than (Y/N) was.

(Y/N): I see... Thank you for your help. The arrancars need more help than I do. And Soi-Fon is pretty exhausted from her overuse of her Bankai.

Unohana: Although I understand putting others before yourself, please remember that you still have to confront Kenpachi Azashiro. You may not have realized it yet but you've taken more damage than you think.

(Y/N) decided to inspect himself. His back showed burn marks that were caused from the explosion.

(Y/N): Oh... I guess you're right.

Unohana: Don't worry about everyone else. We'll make sure that they return to full strength. We'll need the assistance of your friend, Orihime Inoue, if that's alright.

(Y/N): I'm sure she'll be glad to help, but you might have to ask her personally for confirmation.

Unohana nodded and turned towards Isane.

Unohana: Isane, can you be a dear and fetch Ms Inoue for me?

Isane: Of course.

Isane took off as Unohana prepared to heal (Y/N). Unohana turned to Soi-Fon, who was still close by.

Unohana: Once Isane returns, she'll tend to you. Is that alright, Captain Soi-Fon?

Soi-Fon: That won't be a problem.

As Unohana began to heal (Y/N), she began to update (Y/N) on the situation in the Garganta.

Unohana: (Y/N), I ran into Ichigo and your friends on the way here, and apparently Azashiro is no longer in the Garganta.

(Y/N): He's not? Then he must've fled back to the World of the Living.

Unohana: Do you have a plan to face Azashiro?

(Y/N): In all honesty, I don't think I can do any more planning... I just have to confront him head on or we'll either be playing cat and mouse for eternity or he fuses with two realms, which makes taking him down all the more harder.

Soi-Fon: Do you at least think you have a way to avoid being fused with him?

(Y/N): None in the least. The only thing I can do is outmaneuver him and not get touched.

Unohana then gave (Y/N) a serious look.

Unohana: This is a pretty important question that I'm about to ask, (Y/N). Do you plan to kill Azashiro?

(Y/N) froze for a second before he spoke.

(Y/N): I want to talk things out with him first. Azashiro at least has some sort of moral compass.

Soi-Fon: We're talking about the same person that's willing to sacrifice an entire district of people to fight Hollows!

(Y/N): He won't need to resort to that if I can talk him down. Even if Roka is currently unable to come along, I'm sure he'd be satisfied with at least one of us for now.

Soi-Fon: Now I'm the one getting upset. Think about your wellbeing for just a second! You're just going to waltz up to the very same person who's coming after you and talk it out? He'll use that very moment to fuse with you!

(Y/N): Well, not necessarily.

Soi-Fon: Huh?

(Y/N): Remember, he gave me an ultimatum. Either help him or we forcefully fuse. Which means he's at the very least open to a conversation of some sort.

Soi-Fon: You're a handful sometimes, you know that?

(Y/N): Can you blame me for not trying? Azashiro isn't exactly a person to overcome with brawn alone. Besides, don;t you think it's weird how much he's obsessed with this plan of his? There has to be some reason as to why he's still holding on to this absurd plan of his even after failing the first time.

Unohana: So you intend to help him, not by assisting him with his goal but by helping him solve what might be a personal problem.

(Y/N): If I can. I'll admit, I'm still not that mature or educated on Soul Society matters. But it's at least better to try and fail than to not try at all. If all else fails, then we'll just have to resort to a fight as usual.

Unohana: Then do it.

(Y/N) and Soi-Fon: Wait what?

Unohana: I believe (Y/N) and Azashiro are evenly matched. Azashiro's physical body is far too weak to take any damage due to his Bankai. If (Y/N) can land just one meaningful hit, he can defeat Azashiro. In my opinion, (Y/N) is at the advantage in this situation. He can force Azashiro to have a conversation if he really wanted to.

Soi-Fon: But if Azashiro is really in the World of the Living as (Y/N) predicted, then he must be planning something as we speak.

(Y/N): I'm approaching an enemy. Whether I'm trying to talk him down or not, I won't let my guard down. I'll take the steps to protect my own safety at all costs.

Unohana: Then I'll trust you to win this battle.

(Y/N): Thank you, Captain Unohana.

Unohana completed the healing process as (Y/N) got up from the ground. (Y/N) turned towards Soi-Fon before he headed off.

(Y/N): You know, I've never seen you so concerned about me fighting an enemy since Azashiro showed up. You usually have a lot of faith in me in things like this. So can you have faith in me like before?

Soi-Fon: I... I want to but... One mistake and I'll lose you forever-

Soi-Fon quickly covered her mouth as she tried to cover her blush. Why did she think or say that? She felt extremely embarrassed that she let that sentence slip out of her mouth. (Y/N), of course, caught on to what she said.

(Y/N): Well, then I'll just win! Failure isn't an option anymore!

Soi-Fon: Where did all this confidence come from?

(Y/N): From you, of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to meet with Azashiro.

(Y/N) opened a Garganta, but before he stepped into the portal, he took one last look at his friends that were being healed before whispering to himself.

(Y/N): *whispering* Sorry I couldn't do more to help you guys...

(Y/N) then took a step into the Garganta, heading to the World of the Living. As (Y/N) made his exit, Unohana could only think to herself.

Unohana: *thinking* I do hope you manage to talk Azashiro down, (Y/N)... You don't know this but killing a Kenpachi means you take their place. Killing Azashiro means you run the risk of fighting Zaraki in a fight to the death... After all, there can't be two Kenpachi's alive at the same time. I gave up my title as Kenpachi for a reason...

(Timeskip)

(Y/N) knew if he had asked his friends currently waiting in the Garganta for help, it would actually ruin his chances for a one on one talk with Azashiro. Azashiro would take backup as a threat in some way. And knowing his friends, if he had informed them ahead of time, they'd rush to his aid before any real understanding could happen. He remembered how Ichigo reacted to his suggestion of "talking it out" with the delinquents. No doubt he'd double down, now that his life was now on the line. And he wouldn't blame him at all. This was a risk that (Y/N) was taking, but a risk that (Y/N) has done before and succeeded in. He just hoped his luck was just as good as it was in his previous attempts.

In order to give his friends the "OK" to come to his aid, he made sure to type out a text message in advance but decided to not send it. Instead, the moment (Y/N) got to the World of the living, he summoned Ginjo and gave him his spirit phone.

Once talks with Azashiro were done, whether they came to some sort of agreement or fought it out, Ginjo would send the text message to inform his friends about his interaction with Azashiro.

(Y/N): Now... Where would Azashiro be...?

(Y/N) decided to find the least populated area he could find before raising his spiritual pressure.

(Y/N): If I can't find Azashiro, I'll just have him find me...

It didn't take long before Azashiro felt another spiritual pressure arrive.

Azashiro: So you came alone? Can I take that as you agreeing to cooperate with me?

(Y/N): Depends. Before I can even give you an answer I want to know why you're going down this path in the first place. It's becoming more and more obvious that this plan of yours is a result of a past experience. I can't, in good faith, cooperate with someone if I don't understand their line of thinking.

Azashiro stood in silence for a while, thinking it over. As Azashiro did that, Urozakuro materialized to bother Azashiro.

Urozakuro: Keehahaha! Are you finally going to open up to someone about your past? You're really stubborn but maybe (Y/N) can help you work out your issues that you've been refusing to let out!

Azashiro: Only if it means getting his cooperation. Nothing more, nothing less.

Urozakuro: Whatever makes you feel better! Keeheehee.

Azashiro: Silence.

Azashiro turned to (Y/N).

Azashiro: Fine then. I'll tell you.

Azashiro took a deep breath before he started his lengthy explanation.

Azashiro: Hundreds of years ago, there was a struggle for power among the noble clans of the Soul Society. Much fiercer than it is now. The Azashiro Clan was skilled in both Zanjutsu and Kido and gained their status as a noble family through their strength. However, over time, our clan started a family business and began to maintain our position solely based on our financial wealth. But our prosperity didn't last for long. Several members of nobility targeted our fortune and colluded to fabricate charges against our clan to have us executed. Many members of the Azashiro clan, who neglected their training, had no way of resisting. They were thrown in the Spirit-Sealing Pit to be preyed upon by hollows. In the midst of everything... Only one person stood their ground...

(Flashback)

Girl: Don't worry, Soya. I promise I'll get you out of here.

A girl stood in front of a younger Soya Azashiro, attempting to protect him from the Hollows. The girl flashed a smile at the boy.

Girl: Survive and become a strong Shinigami for me, 'kay?

In the end, the girl fought valiantly to save her brother. The younger brother could only watch as his sister got demolished by a huge hollow. Her body was bent in a crooked shape, hanging from its massive jaws.

The young Soya Azashiro could only shiver in despair as tears ran down his eyes. He was hyperventilating, scared for his life and in disbelief seeing his sister die right in front of him.

Soya: *thinking* Don't leave me alone... don't leave me as the sole survivor... Why did she have to die? Why wasn't I taken instead?

Anger and hatred started to swell inside Soya as he wiped his tears. One of the nobles, who stood to witness the execution, spoke up.

Noble #1: It seems the boy has stopped crying and decided to fight. Go on, allow the Hollow to fight!

However, just as the hollow tried to attack Soya, there was the sound of something tearing inside of him.

Noble #1: Hey, what happened to the boy? That hollow won't raise its head, so I can't see what's going on.

Noble #2: It seems he was devoured in one bite.

Noble #1: What? How boring.

The nobles concluded a few minutes later that the boy, who had vanished, had been eaten by the hollow. The nobles shrugged their shoulders at the unsatisfying conclusion to their grotesque show. At that moment, the spectator stands, with the nobles still in them, fell straight into the pit.

The nobles were confused at what happened initially but before harsh reality set in and they realized their lives were in danger.

It was at that moment when Azashiro awakened his zanpakuto spirit, Urozakuro.

...

...

...

Urozakuro: Keehaha! Yes, this is it! The moment I first came to see Ken! That was so much fun! Those pompous bastards were crying and screaming as soon as Ken and I struck back! But I don't hate idiots like them! That's why we took our time and slowly choked the life out of each and every one of them.

...

...

...

A young Soya Azashiro wandered the streets of the Rukon District alone, pondering to himself after just slaughtering the nobles that sentenced his entire family and clan to their deaths.

Soya: *thinking* Despite killing off all of those nobles in every possible way I could imagine, none of it brought me peace of mind. That Seireitei novel I read said that revenge leads to nothing. I see how that's true now. I killed so many and made them suffer so much, but it was all meaningless. I let people die for no reason. And grieving won't bring anyone back to life, either. My sister is never coming back.

...

...

...

"Become a strong shinigami for me, 'kay?"

The final words of Soya's sister rang through the boy's head.

...

...

...

Over 250 Years Ago

The Soul Society: Rukon District

"There's a Menos Grande! A Menos Grande has been spotted!"

A shinigami shouted. A muscular Shinigami with dark messy hair and notable chest hair wearing a sleeveless captain's cloak heard the shout from the shinigami and grew a smile on his face.



Captain Shinigami: Looks like I'll have some fun with this fight.

The nearby shinigamis gained a boost in morale seeing the captain show up.

Shinigami: Captain Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, the most powerful shinigami, is on our side! We're here to support you, sir!

Kuruyashiki ignored the Shinigami, focusing his attention on the Menos Grande that just showed up.

Kuruyashiki: Dance with me, Menos Grande!

However, just then, Kuruyashiki sensed more Hollows.

Kuruyashiki: More, huh? Come on out! I'll take all of you on!

It didn't take Kuruyashiki long before he cleared out all of the Hollows, from Gillians to even a Vasto Lorde.

The shinigamis under Kuruyashiki's orders were surprised to see Kuruyashiki take on the entire group of hollows by himself.

Shinigami: I can't believe Captain Kuruyashiki! Just when you think he'll let the squad in on the action, he takes all the glory for himself!

Kuruyashiki: My bad, my bad! I wasn't trying to rain on your parade; the Hollows just came at me all at once. It's too bad one of them got away, though.

Kuruyashiki thought back to an arachnid adjuchas that he allowed to escape.

Just then, another captain came to the scene. Kuruyashiki turned around and greeted the captain.

Kuruyashiki: Hey, Shunsui, you think you can take on a Vasto Lorde?

Shunsui Kyoraku, donning his familiar pink kimono over his Shihakusho and captain's coat, adjusted his straw hat on his head.

Kyoraku: Come on, it's not as easy as you make it sound. We don't know much about the Vasto Lordes as you think, after all. It all depends on the chemistry, you know? One can beat a Vasto Lorde and still lose to a Gillian. That's just how it goes when fighting hollows.

Kuruyashiki: Yeah, you're right. Stupid question.

Just then a shinigami from Kuruyashiki's squad interrupted the conversation.

Shinigami: Um, Captain Kuruyashiki? I heard a rumor that Squad Zero is trying to scout you? Is it true?

Kuruyashiki: Yeah, we did have a chat. I turned em' down, though. It's not like it was an order from Central 46 or anything. So, I figured I should turn them down the first chance I got. Besides, everyone in Squad Zero's accomplished one big thing or another in the Soul Society, right? I can't really say the same thing myself.

Kyoraku: Maybe you're just not aware of it. Or maybe they just need someone powerful to lead the guards.

Kuruyashiki: Are you sure about that? Can you imagine me as a bodyguard for the king? I'd be holed up in that inter-dimensional palace, waiting for enemies to turn up. IIt'd drive me crazy. Besides, as long as I still carry the Kenpachi name, I need to wait here for the day a Shinigami stronger than me comes along.

...

...

...

And that day surely came. Not long after that exchange, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki was approached by a much older Soya Azashiro, while the Kenpachi in question was having drinks with Shunsui Kyoraku and the rest of his squad.

Azashiro: Excuse me, do you have a moment?

Kuruyashiki turned around and looked the male up and down. He recognized the expensive clothing that he was wearing.

Kuruyashiki: Oh? What's a rich boy like you doing in a place like this? If you're here for a drink, I'll share mine.

Soya: I'm here for you, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki. I heard that anyone who kills you with more than two hundred soldiers present will inherit the Kenpachi name and the rank of captain.

Kuruyashiki: That is true.

Soya: Then there's no need for any further discussion. I'm issuing you a challenge to fight to the death, right here. We can start after you sober up, if you'd prefer.

Kuruyashiki stretched his muscles before taking a more serious expression.

Kuruyashiki: Nope, we can go now. I'd actually prefer to do it while my blood's pumpin'. Sorry you have to witness this, Shunsui.

Kyoraku turned towards Azashiro as he spoke.

Kyoraku: Are you sure about this? I don't know who you are, but there are other ways to become captain, you know.

Azashiro: I don't intend to waste my breath on you, Captain Shunsui Kyoraku.

Kyoraku sensed the seriousness and determination in Azashiro's voice. Kyoraku then turned to Kuruyashiki with a serious expression on his face.

Kyoraku: You be careful, now. He doesn't look like he's just here to die or show off.

Kuruyashiki: I know, This should be fun.

Azashiro: So, do we both agree on the conditions on this fight to the death?

Kuruyashiki: Call this a duel instead, will ya? I don't really know what kinda person you are, or even how weak or strong you are. If we're putting our lives on the line, we should expose each other's limits, right?

Azashiro: I hate wasting time talking about this, but fine. Are you ready for our duel, then?

Kuruyashiki: Let's just say I was born ready.

Azashiro: Good. With this, your life won't go to waste.

Just as fast as the fight started, it ended. Kenpachi Kuruyashiki's body was cut down effortlessly by Soya Azashiro's unbelievable ability. Before the fight, nobody doubted that Kenpachi Kuruyashiki would win. They were worried for his opponent, who they were sure would be cut to ribbons. However, as the contest began, it was already over.

Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, the 7th Kenpachi, fell to the ground with a splash of blood.

Nobody knew how Azashiro pulled it off. He wielded no sword but Kuruyashiki was covered in cuts and slashes. This of course, caused an uproar from every Squad 11 member present.

"You bastard!"

"What'd you do to Captain Kuruyashiki?!"

Every member of the Squad approached Azashiro with their zanpakutos drawn, however Kyoraku stood up and spoke.

Kyoraku: Hold on, now. Do you all really intend to gang up on this man and kill him?

"There's no way Captain Kuruyashiki could lose like this!"

In a fit of rage the entire Squad attempted to attack Azashiro but before they could reach him, a large white sphere with enormous fangs got in between the two groups. The Squad turned their attention to the body of Kuruyashiki that was barely breathing. The Kenpachi had used his Shikai to stop his subordinates from attacking Azashiro.

Kuruyashiki: Wait. What...were you... all trying to do?

"Captain?"

Kuruyashiki: How could the members of Squad 11 ever dream of dishonoring a duel between two people?! I was cut down by this man. That's the most important thing! Do not throw away the principles of Squad 11 for that! From now on, he's the new Kenpachi!

Kuruyashiki turned his head to Kyoraku.

Kuruyashiki: I'm sorry Shunsui. Go tell Old Man Yamamoto that I asked him to take care of this kid.

Shunsui: Kuruyashiki, you–

Kuruyashiki: I wish I could've faced off against you and Jushiro...just once...

Azashiro looked down at the dying man in front of him.

Azashiro: If you had used your Bankai at that moment, it would have been a draw– no... I would have lost.

Kuruyashiki: That may be.

Azashiro: I've heard your Bankai is a huge jaw with a radius of several spirit miles that appears on the ground and devours everything within its range. You should be able to use it in the Rukon District, so why didn't you? If you abstained from using your Bankai to prevent your subordinates from being swept up in it, that is the reason for your defeat. It was your weakness.

Kuruyashiki: You're not wrong. I'm sorry... I couldn't show you what I'm capable of.

Azashiro: I can't believe you are still alive with those wounds. Still, to throw away any chance you had to survive by saving me and reprimanding your men is a senseless way to die.

Kuruyashiki: ......

Azashiro: Once you get caught up in things like pride and dignity, you become unworthy of the Kenpachi name. It's that simple.

Kuruyashiki: You. What's... your name?

Azashiro: Soya Azashiro.

Kuruyashiki: Soya Azashiro. There's... one thing I'd like to tell you, as your predecessor.

...

Don't worry. Don't worry. Only I will die. But... the Kenpachi... will live on.

(Flashback End)

(Y/N) took in all the information he was just told.

Azashiro: I'll give you some time to think about your decision-

(Y/N): Thanks, but there's no need. I think I got the gist of it. You still haven't moved on from your sisters death haven't you...

Azashiro flinched at (Y/N) assumptions.

(Y/N): After killing all of the nobles who were responsible for your family's death, you found out that revenge didn't give you closure. So you thought the best thing was to remove the hollows as they were the one problem that would require Shinigamis to fight. Without fighting, nobody will have to lose a loved one unfairly. Am I right? Though there's still holes in your line of thinking. Hollows don't stay mindless creatures forever. They regain their consciousness and ability to think. They have needs and wants. Their own dreams and goals. The ability to change. Doing what you're doing now is no different from the mass genocide the nobles did to your clan.

Azashiro: You're wrong. Unlike the Quincies, my method would not remove the souls from existence, they're simply being added to the cycle of souls like intended.

(Y/N): But many hollows like the arrancars have already come to terms with their lives and enjoy what they have now. They haven't hurt anyone. Would you seriously take that life away from them?

Azashiro: Yes. For the betterment of all the realms.

(Y/N): That's where we disagree. And not just on the hollows but the humans as well. You want to turn all of us into metaphorical robots. No desires or wants. Can we really call ourselves humans if we don't have any emotions? No motivational drives? We'd be extinct in no time! We wouldn't push ourselves to be better!

Azashiro: The removal of earthly desires would ensure that no more Hollows would be created. If you believe that I will be easily swayed by simple bias, then you're wasting your breath.

(Y/N): Well, you know what they say... Sometimes actions speak louder than words...

Azashiro: I'll make sure your life wasn't in vain, (Y/N) (L/N). I'll put your powers to appropriate use.

And thus, the fight between (Y/N) (L/N) and Kenpachi Soya Azashiro started.

To be continued.