Lille Barro stood in a building with his sniper observing the Court Guard shinigamis.

"The line is slowly falling apart. Each individual's stamina and their ability to adapt to the high-density Reishi environment of the Royal Palace, the extent of their injuries... All of those factors are splitting up the pack. And..."

*Bang*

Lille Barro shot Hisagi. Omaeda and Kiyone ran back to help the lieutenant who was shot in the arm.

All living creatures die when they stray from the pack. All I have to do is wait... as they stray from the pack one by one.

This gave Lille Barro the opportunity to snipe both Omaeda Kiyone, leaving them with gaping wounds. Seeing Kiyone fall, both Isane and Sentaro turned back to help her but this just led to them also becoming victims to Lille Barro.

The group was forced to leave the wounded behind and split up so that they weren't a target for Lille Barro.

Lille Barro: Do they still think they can get away from me? Such sinful people.

During this dreadful encounter, the other Court Guards felt Mayuri's spiritual pressure.

Kyoraku: That was Captain Kurotsuchi.

Urahara: I know, but let's not start panicking because if anyone can take care of himself, he can.

Kyoraku: Couldn't agree with you more. The bigger issue right now is that the surrounding Spiritual Pressure has decreased to such a point that we can sense fluctuations in it from so far away.

Shinji: We've got other problems, like the fact we don't know where the enemy shooter is. If we slow down and try to locate them, we're playing right into their hands.

Kyoraku: That is an issue. It's ridiculous to have suffered this many casualties and still not even know where the enemy is.

And Kyoraku was right. The enemy had shot down multiple shinigami. Kyoraku turned to Azashiro.

Kyoraku: I'd like your assistance if you don't mind.

Azashiro: I can lure out our opponent if you want.

Kyoraku: No it would be better if I'm bait. They probably know you're immune to normal damage. Just keep your eye on the enemies' whereabouts.

Kyoraku then stopped abruptly.

Kyoraku: I think it's about time for us to change the game plan.

Shinji hadn't heard the conversation between the two shinigamis and was confused.

Shinji: What are you doing, you dumbass? You're playing right into their hands!

Immediately Kyoraku saw a beam of light.

Kyoraku: I found yo-

The Head Captain got shot directly in the center of his chest, leaving a perfect circle of a hole.



The culprit of this was Lille Barro, the leader of the Schutzstaffel.

Lille Barro: No matter how perfectly unified a pack may be, one panicking beast and the pack goes to pieces. I've seen it happen time and time again. I was hoping you Shinigami would be better than that, but I see I was wrong.

Bo...

...dhi...

...dhar...

Lille Barro: That voice.

...ma...

Lille Barro: Where is it?

Falls down!



Kyoraku somehow survived the attack with no wounds to be found on him, and in the process, destroyed Lille Barro's gun.

Kyoraku: Good reflexes. You're quick all right, but all the same. Now that you've lost your weapon, your life will be next.

Lille Barro was rightfully confused by the turn of events. He was confident he shot Kyoraku, so how was he here?

Lille Barro: *thinking* What just happened? How did he get from down there to behind me so quickly, without me even sensing him?

The serious look on Lille Barro's face gave away his confusion which prompted a response from Kyoraku.

Kyoraku: Wait a minute. You don't know "Bodhidharma Falls Down?" Haven't you ever played this game?

Lille Barro: "Bodhi-who falls down?"

Kyoraku: I see. Obviously you haven't. Well, I guess that just shows our cultures are very different from each other. And by the way, in case you thought I hadn't noticed, I'm very impressed that you were able to keep up with me, Nanao.

From the shadows, Nanao made her appearance known.

Nanao: Thank you. Though I'm not sure that was meant as a compliment.

Kyoraku: It's too dangerous for you here. Go back with the others.

Nanao: I refuse, sir.

Kyoraku: Well, all right. Then tell the others to go on ahead without me.

Nanao: I will, sir. And then I will return as soon as I do. Captain, if you go and get yourself killed, I will shave off your chest hair.

Kyoraku: Please don't. No one could identify me then.

Nanao: Also, in regards to A-

Kyoraku immediately put a finger on his lips to tell her not to speak.

Kyoraku: Not in front of our "guest".

Nanao was able to get the idea and took her leave.

Kyoraku: Good grief. That woman's beginning to act and sound a lot like Lisa.

Lille Barro: Enough of this nonsense.

Kyoraku: Nonsense? That's a bit harsh.

Lille Barro: We know you. We have data on every battle each one of you has ever fought. We know all about your Zanpakuto, that it can turn children's games into reality. Was your attack just now such a game?

Kyoraku: Yep. "Bodhidharma Falls Down" is a game where players try to reach the one who's "it" while its back is turned. When "it" turns around, all the other players have to freeze. There are three rules. First, the one who's "it" must be in a location that's clearly visible to all the other players. Second, if any players are caught moving by the one playing "it" when he turns around, they lose. Third, if a player manages to touch the one who's "it" before they're caught, they win.

After Kyoraku's lengthy explanation, Lille Barro came to understand what was happening.

Lille Barro: I get it. We call it "Chocolate Ingles."

Kyoraku: Well, if you already know the game, why didn't you tell me? Could have saved a lot of time.

Lille Barro: I see now how you played this "game." When the Spiritual Pressure released by the one playing "it" became visible during his attack, you were able to follow the shortest path of Spiritual Pressure to reach and touch the "it" before the "it" could see you. Instead, the "it" was seeing an illusory static image of you. Is that about right?

Kyoraku simply chuckled at Lille Barro's deduction.

Lille Barro: At first glance, the rules of this game seem to favor you, but nevertheless, if you are caught moving, you lose. So if I can differentiate between the real you and the illusion, you die.



Kyoraku: Bravo. I'm glad you pick up on things so quickly.

Lille Barro: Why are you glad? You shouldn't have explained the rules to me. Now you can't play the game anymore.

Kyoraku: Oh, that's not true. What's the point in playing if both sides don't understand the rules? Oh, and by the way, that static image of me you saw earlier, it wasn't an illusion. That was in fact me that you saw.

Lille Barro: What?

Kyoraku: All of us naturally rely on our sense of sight and our Reikaku in order to perceive objects. In the heat of battle, we start relying more on our Reikaku rather than trusting our eyes. Knowing that, I solidified traces of my Spiritual Pressure and left it down there so that you would mistake it for the real me.

Lille Barro: No way. I couldn't possibly make a mistake like that.

Kyoraku: Oh, but you did.

Lille Barro: Hm?

Kyoraku: I think you've forgotten who I am. I'm Head Captain of the 13 Court Guards, I am Shunsui Kyoraku.



(Meanwhile) Azoth POV.

Azoth was still at the same location where (Y/N) and the others originally came out of the Valley of Screams. As per (Y/N)'s instructions, Azoth was waiting for the time in which her assistance was needed.

In the meantime, to pass the time, Azoth was... well...

Let's just say she was practicing making first impressions to everyone.

Azoth: My power...? No, that's not right... My zanpakuto...? No, that's not quite fitting either... My intellect...

*gasp*

Azoth: Let my intellect manifest!

Azoth smiled to herself.

Azoth: Yes, that sounds much more captivating. Now from the top.

*ahem*

Azoth: I'm-

Azoth immediately felt the spiritual pressure of multiple shinigami dropping one after another.

Azoth: Approximately five bodies.

Azoth was able to analyse the spiritual pressure of all five of the weakened shinigamis despite the distance between them. Azoth took one step and immediately vanished, closing the distance between herself and the shinigami who were miles away from here in an instant.

As Azoth arrived, she saw the panting, nearly unconscious bodies of the lieutenants and third seats lying on the ground.

The only thing the bleeding shinigamis could do was move their eyes to the shadow that towered over them.

Azoth: Bad wounds indeed, but nothing I can't fix.

Azoth took out her zanpakuto resting it gently on the back of Hisagi. In a mere moment, Hisagi felt himself being filled with energy and his wound closing up instantly. Azoth repeated this process with the other shinigami members.

Hisagi and everyone got off the ground and brushed themselves off before looking at Azoth with scepticism.

Azoth: Such suspicious looks. Is it because you're in disbelief at my ability?

Hisagi: It's not that... But who are you?

Omaeda: Yeah and where the heck did you come from?

Azoth then smirked. This was her chance to introduce herself after rehearsing so many times.

Azoth: Hmph! So you desire to know my identity? Very well! I'm an Arrancar born from the generous souls of the Grim Reaper and the Witch!

Omaeda whispered to Hisagi.

Omaeda: *whisper* The hell does that mean?

Hisagi simply shrugged his shoulders.

Azoth: My name is Azoth! My calling is that of an alchemist, one who discovered the secrets that no other alchemist has!

.

.

.

Kiyone: She's weird...

Sentaro: You're telling me...

Isane: Y-You shouldn't say that out loud. *ahem* So your name is Azoth, correct?

Azoth wasn't offended in the least.

Azoth: Indeed it is. Though I was hoping that my introduction would have left you all wonderstruck.

Omaeda: Wonderstruck?

Azoth: Yes, wonderstruck. I wanted to leave an impression of awed delight and wonder. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm and my words meant little to you all. It seems it's back to the drawing board.

Isane: You said your name and that you're an arrancar but I'm still confused of who you really are. Are we to assume you're an ally if you healed us?

Azoth: Undoubtedly. I was given orders by my creators to assist if things become dire. And considering all five of you fell one after another, I took it upon myself to heal you all with my powers.

Kiyone: Wait a minute. You said you were an arrancar. Sure, Hollows may have the ability to heal themselves but never others.

Azoth gave a wide grin as she took this chance to boast about her powers.

Azoth: That was until you had the privilege to meet me! Behold my zanpakuto, Magnum Opus!

Azoth flaunted staff to show off its flashy appearance.

Azoth: I casted my ability known as Panacea to heal you all.

Omaeda: Some nifty zanpakuto you got there...

Sentaro: Then who's this creator of yours? How can we know for sure we can trust you?

Azoth: Sentarō Kotsubaki.

Sentaro: Huh? How did you-

Azoth: I know all of your names. Such as Shuhei Hisagi, Marechiyo Omaeda, and the sisters, Isane and Kiyone Kotetsu. I know all of your names because I hold the memories of both of my creators! You may not be familiar with Waleska Inez Zulema but you've all been introduced to (Y/N) (L/N)!

This revelation left the five stunned in amazement.

Azoth: That's a much more satisfying reaction.

Kiyone: (Y/N) created you?!

Sentaro: If he can create someone this strong then we have nothing to worry about!

Azoth: Not so fast! I appreciate your words of flattery but my mere existence hinges on the amount of spiritual energy I consume so listen to me well. Do not do something reckless. Something as regenerating wounds that you all had was simple because of how clean they were but anything more dangerous will require vast amounts of strength. I can very well disappear before the real fight starts if any more of your allies fall victim to the enemy.

Azoth then turned around.

Azoth: Now get going. The others require your help. I'll reconvene with you all once I know no one else in trouble.

(Meanwhile)

Nanao relayed the information that Kyoraku left with her to the others.

Nanao: The Head Captain's orders were clear. He said to keep going.

Shinji: All right, then let's keep going without him.

Momo: Yeah, I agree. We should all go back and help Captain Kyoraku.

.

.

.

Momo: Wait, what? Sir, with all due respect, don't you think we should go back and help him?

Shinji: I'd love to, but we're a little pressed for time.

Momo: Yes, but it's Captain Kyoraku.

Shinji: Let's ask her. What do you think, Nanao?

Nanao: You all go ahead. I'm going back. Besides, Captain has backup if you haven't noticed.

Gin: Now that you mention it, Azashiro's gone.

The realization kicked in to everyone.

Shinji: Well, whaddya know... Just one more question. What do you think Ukitake would say if he were here?

If Shunsui says he's okay, he's okay.

Shinji: Well, there's your answer. So come on, let's go... Oh, and one more thing while we're on the subject. If it was old man Genryusai who was staying behind, he'd say to go on without him, too. That's what it means to be Head Captain. They carry the lives of their officers on their shoulders.

(Meanwhile)

Inside of the building that Kyoraku and Lille Barro were standing on, Azashiro seemed to have been planning something.

Urozakuro then made herself present.

Urozakuro: Keheehee! That's quite the meticulous plan you have. You were quick to set the entire area up with Gigai! Must've been nice that you made your way to the R&D lab before you departed to the Royal Palace, huh?

Azashiro: Yes. Captain Kyoraku is buying me time with drawn out conversation so that I can make this happen. Once I'm done I'll strike that Quincy down when he least expects it.

Urozakuro: Really? If you're going to kill him in one strike, then why bother setting up traps for him?

Azashiro: You can never be too careful. If all else fails, I'll have a backup plan.

Urozakuro: You're always so diligent in this sort of thing. What will you do if your backup plan fails too?

Azashiro: I'll take a risk.

Urozakuro smiled widely.

Urozakuro: Just like what (Y/N) did when he fought you! He really did have an impact on you!

Azashiro: If it will stop you from bringing it up constantly, then yes. If it wasn't obvious already.

Urozakuro: See? That wasn't so hard to admit, wasn't it? Keeheehee! Despite being the older one, you seem to be the one looking at (Y/N) as the role model!

Azashiro: You got it all wrong. (Y/N) simply provided me with a different outlook that's worth looking into. Now then...

Azashiro then planted one last Gigai into the building.

Azashiro: This building along with the surrounding area is a landmine for the enemy. Its time to launch my assault.

Back with Kyoraku

https://youtu.be/SggZl8rfSsQ

Kyoraku ran towards Lille Barro while the Quincy raised his sniper. Kyoraku then began to play a game once again. However, all of a sudden Lille Barro felt a large slash cut into his back, a huge puddle of blood leaking down his back. Lille Barro was caught off guard, his one eye that was normally kept closed was now opened.

Kyoraku smirked. He knew Azashiro had completed his preparation and decided to increase the aggression. Kyroaku began to chant again.

Bo...dhi...dhar...ma.

Lille Barro wasn't sure what was happening. Surely that wound he got in his back wasn't from Kyoraku. At that moment, Kyoraku appeared behind Lille Barro and attempted to stab him in the back, but Lille Barro reacted at the last minute and turned around attempting to shoot Kyoraku but his gun was suddenly destroyed. This forced the Schutzstaffel Leader to play defensive as he narrowly dodged Kyoraku's attack.

Kyoraku: What's the matter? You look surprised. I thought you said you understood the rules to "Bodhidharma Falls Down?"

Lille Barro: What did you do? Did you cheat in some way?

Kyoraku: I didn't break any rules.

Lille Barro knew there was foul play in some way. First the attack that cut his back and then his gun being destroyed. None of those were by Kyoraku. It felt as though...

!!!

Lille Barro: I see. You neglected to tell me that there was another player in our midst.

Kyoraku: You said you knew this game, so you should've known that "Bodhidharma Falls Down" can have more than just two players.

Lille Barro: Hiding an important fact like that. You're not intending to have a fair fight.

Kyoraku: Come now. We were just having a bit of fun. Besides, you said it yourself. You have information on all of our previous battles. We don't know what your ability is either. Surely having another player evens the odds a bit.

Lille Barro: I see. Well I suppose telling you doesn't really increase your odds so I suppose there's no harm. I am Stern Ritter "X." "The X-Axis," Lille Barro. My power can penetrate anything. The very idea of dodging or evading it is absurd. I'm sure your ally has the ability to hear or see me if you're both coordinating attacks.

Lille Barro then recreated his sniper.

Kyoraku: After all that hard work we did to get rid of that thing.

Lille Barro: This gun is my bow. No matter how much it is destroyed, I can always fix it. Now, get ready.

Kyoraku: One shot, One kill, eh? Well let me tell you something. The scary thing about kids' games are that you never know ahead of time just what the game is gonna be or how long it will take. No matter how much you'd rather avoid it, once they take you by the hand, forget it. You're stuck playing their game until it's over. We all have been taken by the hand. We've gotta play this game until we die.

Lille Barro: All it takes is one shot to kill you.

Kyoraku: But you seem to have already forgotten something.

Kyoraku swung one of his swords at Lille Barro which he dodged by crouching.

Kyoraku: If you take your eyes off me even for a second, and instead catch a glimpse of my shadow, everything your eyes see will just be afterimages of me.

In place of where Kyoraku was standing originally was a silhouette of the Head Captain. Lille Barro tried to run but all of a sudden he felt something cut into his ankles. Lille Barro looked down and saw his ankles bleeding.

Lille Barro: No doubt, that was his ally.

Lille Barro then looked up and saw multiple shadow clones (pun intended) of Kyoraku surrounding him.

Kyoraku: Brings back memories, doesn't it? Of how when you were a kid, you'd sometimes imagine shadowy figures following you. It scared the shit out of you, right?



The multiple shadow clones all flocked to Lille Barro but only one of them was real. The one that stabbed Lille Barro in the back.

(End Song)

Just then... Lille Barro opened his left eye again.

Lille Barro: Oh, no. That was the third time.



https://youtu.be/5pdITuiw8Go

Kyoraku: Hm?

Lille Barro: It's only when both my eyes are open that I can draw on the full power of the X-Axis. In other words, my shots can penetrate your body and my body can penetrate your sword.

The moment Lille Barro said this, Kyoraku's sword phased through Lille Barro's body.

Kyoraku: Oh, I see. So when both eyes are open, that changes the rules, huh?

Lille Barro: Right. At this moment, there's no weapon in this world that can kill me. I'm allowed to open both eyes only when I am in real danger during combat, and only then for the briefest moment. If I kept both of my eyes open throughout the fight, it would be unfair to sinners.

Kyoraku: Is that a fact? Well then hurry up and close that eye, why don't you?

Lille Barro: Sorry. Once I've opened my eyes three times in the same fight, I am then allowed to continue the fight with both eyes open. I am the very first of the Quincies to be granted powers by His Majesty. I am his masterpiece. The one closest to God. Being forced to open my eyes three times is absolutely unacceptable.



Lille Barro's left eye began to glow as he exploded in power. Lille Barro had activated his Vollstandig.

From inside the building, Azashiro could hear Urozakuro laugh hysterically.

Urozakuro: Keehahaha! We're in some deep shit Ken! I hope you aren't regretting helping out the Court Guards!

Azashiro: Far from it. This kind of foe is exactly who I promised to protect the Soul Society from.

As the light from Lille Barro's Vollstandig died down, the Schutzstaffel leader was shown with a new appearance.

Lille Barro: Zilliel.



Kyoraku then felt unable to move.

Kyoraku: I can't move.

Lille Barro's newly acquired wings flashed and at that moment, Kyoraku was filled with holes.



Kyoraku stumbled back.

Lille Barro: Still alive, aren't you? Quite sinful of you to resist the light of God.

Lille Barro was about to flash his wings again but was taken by surprise as the building that the two fighters were standing on began to collapse.

Hadō #73. Sōren Sōkatsui

A torrent of blue energy erupted, swallowing the building whole. Kyoraku began to flee as Lille Barro became a victim of the kido spell. As the explosion from the spell cleared, Lille Barro was unscathed but taking Kyoraku's place was Azashiro, standing on a nearby building.

Lille Barro: So you're the one assisting the sinner Shunsui Kyoraku. I know about you Kenpachi Azashiro.

Azashiro: That's Soya Azashiro to you. Now stay quiet. I hate unnecessary talking.

To be continued.

I had fun writing Azoth, Azashiro and Urozakuro this chapter.

Fun fact: Azoth practicing her chunnibyou intro and her introduction to the Lieutenants after healing them were direct references to Megumin from Konosuba.

In short, Azoth is a huge dork.

Also speaking of Azoth, the reason why Azoth is able to heal is because the Philosopher's Stone was believed to also be used in the creation of elixir of life. The very thing that grants immortality and rejuvenates the one that consumes it.

Onto the actual fight of the chapter.

I love the idea of Azashiro being involved in the fight for multiple reasons.

1.) Bodhidharma Falls Down is just "Red Light Green Light". Which means its not a 2 player game. Having Azashiro involved is basically cheating because his Bankai allows him to see everything without him being seen. Lille Barro was essentially trying to catch two people without knowing he was playing against an extra person for most of the fight.

2.) Both Azashiro and Lille Barro literally say "Nuh uh" to damage with their ability, so imagine how that fight is going to go next chapter.

3.) I love the idea of Azashiro and Kyoraku teaming up because when Azashiro first became a criminal, Kyoraku and Ukitake were the first two to confront him about his actions. It now comes full circle that Azashiro is now helping Kyoraku in a way.

But that's all from me.