https://youtu.be/3e9I8C_F3No

Azashiro stared down Lille Barro in his new angelic form. Lille Barro spoke with a high and mighty tone of voice.

Lille Barro: Soya Azashiro. You are a blight just like the others! I'll purge all of you sinners with my divine light. It's my duty as the one closest to God.

Azashiro: Did I not just say I hate meaningless tangents? Why not just take action.

Lille Barro, without hesitation, shot a beam of light towards Azashiro which the former Kenpachi simply ignored. The light passed through his body like it was nothing.

Lille Barro: You found a way to ignore the light?

Azashiro: Just as I'm unable to hurt you, you're unable to hurt me. We're at a stalemate.

Lille Barro: Absurd!

Lille Barro tried shooting Azashiro with light again but the phased right through the shinigami.

Azashiro: "The very idea of dodging or evading it is absurd." Those were your words to Captain Kyoraku, wasn't it? That was true until you met me.

All of a sudden, an invisible slash cut through a building and the debris fell on top of Lille Barro. This gave Azashiro time to change locations with teleportation.

Azashiro was attempting to lure Lille Barro away from Kyoraku to give him time to recover.

With Azashiro's hit and run tactic he had time to think about the situation.

Azashiro: *thinking* Being in the Muken for hundreds of years means that the Quincies don't have updated information on me. That much is true since he doesn't know about my weakness that was discovered by the Court Guards during my escape.

Azashiro was taken out of his thoughts as he began to use his hyper awareness to view Lille Barro's location. He was close, which prompted Azashiro to cast another spell.

From every surrounding building, gigai's that were fused with the buildings began to explode as Azashiro casted Hadō #73. Sōren Sōkatsui.

Azashiro watched as Lille Barro shook off the kido spell.

Azashiro: He surely wasn't lying about nothing piercing his skin.

Urozakuro then manifested herself.

Urozakuro: Keeheehee! You seem to be in a pickle Ken! What do you think you can do in a situation like this? Shouldn't you just give up? Perhaps now is a good time to run away for good! Maybe you can hide out in the World of the Living.

Azashiro: I'd appreciate it if you didn't insult my courage. Simply because my attacks didn't penetrate his skin doesn't mean I'm out of options. There's more than one way to skin a cat.

Urozakuro: Oh? What do you have in mind, Ken?

Azashiro: Take a close look.

While Azashiro was talking to Urozakuro, Lille Barro locked onto Azashiro's spiritual pressure and then fired multiple orbs of light out of his wings in that direction. The building was instantly riddled with holes.

Azashiro, however, was fine and was behind Lille Barro standing on another rooftop.

Azashiro: You're quite a poor shot for a Quincy.

Lille Barro: Don't speak so lightly, sinner!

However before Lille Barro could attack again, a multitude of blades rip through the insides of his body. For the first time since using his Vollstandig, Lille Barro took damage.

Lille Barro: B-but how?!

Azashiro could hear a maniacally laugh coming from Urozakuro.

Urozakuro: Nice work Ken! You used the same attack that you used on Kenpachi Kuruyashiki that ripped his poor insides apart! Keehahaha!

Azashiro: The nickname seems to be unfitting now that I'm not a Kenpachi.

Urozakuro: You're completely right! But the nickname Ken is so nostalgic, you know? How can I possibly give it up?

Azashiro: *sigh* Whatever...

(End Song)

(Meanwhile)

It's been a few minutes since Azashiro acted as a decoy for Kyoraku while he caught his breath and took a few minutes to adjust to his wounds.

Kyoraku: Azashiro sure is fighting his hardest out there. I should repay him for his hard work but taking that man down in one fell swoop. Surely everyone is far enough to be unaffected. However, Nanao might be here sooner. If that's the case I'll have to ask Azashiro to take her away from here so she isn't caught up in it.

Kyoraku got to his feet and went after Azashiro.

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Azashiro knew that his surprise attack wouldn't be enough to kill Lille Barro, but to heal that wound instantly means that he was once again at a stalemate.

After a few more minutes of delaying the inevitable, Azashiro saw Kyoraku at his side once again.

Azashiro: Have you figured anything out?

Kyoraku: I do have an idea, but I need you to find Nanao and take her away from her. I don't want either of you getting caught in it.

Azashiro: Then I'll trust you to get the job done. I've done all I could to buy you time, so make it count.

Azashiro then teleported without a trace.

Kyoraku then sat down as he held his two swords in front of him.

Bankai

Katenkyokotsu Karamatsu Shinju.



(Meanwhile)

Nanao ran towards Kyoraku's location in a hurry before she was suddenly cut off by Azashiro teleporting in front of her. Azashiro wasted no time warning her of the danger.

Azashiro: Turn around, it's not safe here anymore.

Nanao: Soya Azashiro. I have no time to be talking to you. Move out of my way.

Azashiro: I can't. Captain Kyoraku gave me specific orders to take you away from here.

With no hesitation Azashiro grabbed Nanao's arm and teleported her and himself a huge distance away.

Nanao opened her eyes and found herself almost to the exact spot where the entire Court Guard started their journey in the Royal Palace.

Nanao: W-what did you do?

Azashiro didn't answer as Nanao got her answer. Everyone in the Royal Palace felt the power of Kyoraku's Bankai. The Spiritual Pressure was harsh.

Azashiro: Bankai... That's what you were planning.

Nanao: That's... Captain Kyoraku?

Azashiro: He told me he didn't want you to get caught in it so he asked me to get you to safety.

Nanao: I-I see. Well I'll apologize for the way I acted but you have to take me back there.

Azashiro: Why should I?

Nanao: Captain Kyoraku needs my help. He has my zanpakuto. If he can give me my zanpakuto, perhaps we can defeat that enemy for good.

Azashiro was surprised at Nanao's claim. Even Urozakuro made a comment on it.

Urozakuro: She's talking crazy, isn't she? Even you had a hard time fighting that guy Ken.

Azashiro: We don't know what she's capable of. I've not seen or heard of what her zanpakuto does. Maybe she truly has what it takes.

Urozakuro: What? You're saying you're going to ignore orders and still bring her along?

Azashiro: I've ignored orders before. What makes this time different?

Urozakuro: Last time, you did it because you were selfish. But this time it's because you want to help someone else.

Urozakuro was referring to when Azashiro ignored the orders of Central 46 to turn Rukongai citizens into mindless soldiers to fight hollows. That was totally for his own benefit and Azashiro himself, with his new outlook knew that. But this time he was helping a fellow shinigami fulfil her own selfish desire. A desire to help her Captain.

Azashiro: Fine... I'll take you to him. I'll hold off the enemy while you retrieve your zanpakuto.

Nanao looked in surprise before replying.

Nanao: Thank you.

Azashiro teleported the two back to Kyoraku's location.

(Timeskip) Kyoraku's POV

Kyoraku honestly thought he won. Decaptiating Lille Barro with his Bankai, he fell to the rooftop of a building in the arms of his Zanpakuto spirit that he nicknamed "Ohana".



Kyoraku: The occasional bankai isn't so bad if I get to rest my head on your lap.

In retaliation, Ohana tried to shove her finger in Kyoraku's eye, which caused the Head Captain to panic.



Kyoraku: Hey, what are you doing? Oh, come on. Give me a break, Ohana. I've only got one good eye left.

Ohana: The same as me. How ironic. Fate has a way of playing games with us, doesn't it? Hmm. But be that as it may, I am glad you won.

Kyoraku: Hey, what's this? Why are you being nice all of a sudden?

Ohana: Oh, shut up. You almost died.

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Kyoraku: Ohana, you know what?



Kyoraku was cut off as a beam pierced his stomach and Lille Barro's headless body materialised in front of him. Lille Barro spoke to him in a condescending tone, despite being headless.

Lille Barro: I told you, didn't I? You were a fool to imagine that a mere Soul Reaper's Bankai could ever kill the messenger of God!

Lille Barro then transformed again, this time regrowing a head that resembled a bird.

Kyoraku: You gotta be kidding. I mean, come on, he's still alive even after I cut his head off? Give me a break, will you?

Lille Barro: Yes, Shunsui Kyoraku. This is what despair feels like. Your weapon could not kill me, nor could severing my head with your Spiritual Pressure kill me. All those who are sinful feel despair when they see me. I am immortal. I am invincible. I am God's messenger endowed with special privileges. There's nothing in the entire world, nothing at all that you sinners can do to defeat a messenger of God.

Lille Barro's new form then grew an arm. As Lille Barro raised his newly grown arm, a beam of light covered the area. When the light diminished, Kyoraku was nowhere to be found.

Kyoraku opened his eyes and noticed Azashiro and Nanao with him behind a building.

Azashiro: At ease. You're safe for the time being.

Kyoraku: I thought you- What's Nanao doing here?

Nanao: Don't try to say anything. Quickly, let me have my Zanpakuto!

Kyoraku: Huh?

Nanao: This is no time to think about it, sir. Just do it! That promise you made to my mother, you've simply got to put it aside!

"What's this? I thought it was getting a little too noisy over here for just one person. So the lieutenant you tried to save has returned, I see."



Lille Barro appeared behind the trio.

Lille Barro: She doesn't seem to grasp the preciousness of life. How sinful she is.

Another beam of light was fired as the three shinigamis were forced to flee the area.

Lille Barro: Hmm, they've run off again. Ugh, my eyes are getting terribly dry! This is why I detest having to look at sinners! My eyes get so dry!

"And I quite frankly find you repulsive to look at."

Lille Barro found Azashiro as the only person who stayed behind.

Lille Barro: Sinful. Absolutely sinful. It seems I have to get rid of you first.

Azashiro: Good luck trying.

(Meanwhile)

Kyoraku dragged Nanao into Lille Barro's shadow. Nanao looked in confusion.

Nanao: Where's Azashiro?

Kyoraku: He stayed behind to distract the enemy. But back to the topic at hand. You knew about your mother and me?

Nanao: Yes.

Kyoraku: All along?

Nanao: Yes.

Kyoraku: Well, as always, you surprise me. All right then. You can have it, your Zanpakuto Kyokotsu.



Nanao: Kyokotsu? I'm not sure I understand. Katenkyokotsu is comprised of Katen and Kyokotsu, that much I know. But you are saying that she's my Zanpakuto?

Kyoraku: That's right. Actually, come to think of it, there's a little more to it than that. You see, Ohana gave birth to Okyo to hide your Zanpakuto. It was your mother's wish, and I saw that it was carried out.

Nanao: But why? Why would she want that?

Kyoraku explained everything to Nanao. How every male married into the Ise family died shortly after. Kyoraku's brother was no exception. In the end Nanao's mother thought the zanpakuto itself was the cause and asked Kyoraku to hold onto it for her. In the end, she was executed for the misplacement of a sacred treasure. As a family of priestesses, the Ise Zanpakuto was passed down from generation to generation and because of that, it was mandatory to keep it safe.

Nanao: I understand. You do not want me to have this sword, captain. But is that truly for my sake?

Kyoraku: Hmm.

Nanao: Just as it was my mother's decision to end the curse, I've made my own decision, and I have chosen to embrace it. Besides, even if I am cursed, I wouldn't let that... In fact, why should I even worry about a curse when the man I admire most in the world would only smile and tell me it's a ridiculous superstition.

Kyoraku wasn't expecting an answer like that, and conceded. He handed the zanpakuto over to Nanao.

Kyoraku: All right then, take it. Against him, it should work.

(Meanwhile) Back with Azashiro.

Azashiro was doing his best to keep Lille Barro distracted as Nanao got her zanpakuto. All of a sudden Nanao came out of the shadow of Lille Barro's eye with her zanpakuto in hand.

Lille Barro: You were able to come hopping out of a shadow that small?

Nanao landed next to Azashiro.

Lille Barro: Well, well, what's this? It seems only the lieutenant has reappeared. Don't tell me the lieutenant intends to fight me all on her own.



The sheath on Nanao's sword fell off revealing Shinken Hakkyōken. The sword shined brightly, blinding the Quincy.

Lille Barro: What is that sword you've got there? It's very shiny, isn't it? Garish. In fact, it's so bright, I can't even see the blade. It's unsightly.

Nanao: Is it really? That's good.

Lille Barro: Hmm?

Nanao: This sword can confront gods and reflect their powers. If it shines that brightly in your eyes, that's because it's reflecting the light of a god, the light you yourself are emitting.

Lille Barro: Well, I haven't the slightest idea what any of that means, but I have absolutely no problem with being called a god.

Nanao jumped towards Lille Barro with her sword.

Lille Barro: Is it really your plan to slay me with that sword? Fine! Then go ahead and try. There is no sword that could kill me!

However, in a split second, Lille Barro instinctively blocked the attack, almost as if he felt danger coming from Nanao's sword.

Nanao: *thinking* He blocked it even though he'd let down his guard.

Lille Barro looked at his hand saw that it was cut off despite Nanao's sword not having a blade.

Lille Barro: Huh. A sword that has no blade. The fact that you would attack me with such a peculiar sword must mean it's very dangerous. To think that it could actually cut me. But now, it's all over for you.

Lille Barro raised his arm and light began to gather in his fingertip.



Lille Barro: You should have made certain you killed me with your first strike because a messenger of God never lets his guard down twice!

Nanao struggled to her feet after getting knocked away from Lille Barro.

Nanao: *thinking* I had no idea that fighting with a sword would be this terrifying.

Nanao's ankle was bleeding, making it hard for her to stand properly.

I've been cut. Was it that deflected light? It hurts. I never knew getting cut would hurt this bad. It hurts. I'm scared. My legs won't move.

"Stand firm, lieutenant Ise. You're not alone."

Nanao was snapped out of her thoughts as she heard Azashiro speak. He kept his stoic demeanor as he talked.

Azashiro: Remember that you have allies.

At that moment, Kyoraku emerged from the shadows and held Nanao's hand.



Nanao: Captain.

Lille Barro then spoke up as he saw Kyoraku.

Lille Barro: So there you are. Really, to come out of hiding only to hide behind your lieutenant. You are a very bad captain. Hear the sound of my trumpet and die!

Lille Barro prepared to launch his attack as Kyoraku reassured Nanao.

Kyoraku: Nanao, let's go. Don't worry. I'm right here and I've got your back.

With new determination, Nanao stood firm and watched as Lille Barro fired his trumpet of light at the three Shinigamis.

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However, Lille Barro was simply met with his own body being cut in half.



Lille Barro tried to touch the side of his body that was missing and sure enough it was gone.

Oh, yes, I remember. You did say it could reflect a god's power, didn't you? Reflecting a god's power, eh? How very sinful.

Lille Barro then exploded into many pieces as the light fell from the Royal Palace.

After a harrowing experience, Nanao fell, prompting Kyoraku to catch her at the last moment.



Kyoraku: Well done, Nanao. You did great.

Nanao: Captain...

The Head Captain then turned to Azashiro.

Kyoraku: Thanks for your help as well.

Azashiro: Think nothing of it.

Kyoraku:Now, come on. Let's catch up with the others.

Kyoraku tried to walk but collapsed. Thankfully Azashiro caught him.

Azashiro: You're in no condition to go anywhere.

Kyoraku: Seems like you're right. Maybe we should take a break...

Azashiro: I'm not proficient in Kaido so I unfortunately am unable to heal you or your lieutenant.

Kyoraku: Think nothing of it. You've done enough already. I feel like I owe you a favor now.

Azashiro: Is that so... Then I'll use that favor right now, if you don't mind.

Kyoraku: You're not going to ask me to drop your sentence, are you?

Azashiro: No. Let me ask you something. What squad do you think (Y/N) will join?

Kyoraku was surprised. He wasn't sure where Azashiro was going with this.

Kyoraku: Can't say. Squad 2, 4 and 13 seem like the obvious choices. But who's to say he doesn't continue to be the ambassador of Hueco Mundo.

Azashiro: As Head Captain, you should perhaps consider making a squad separated from the original 13 Court Guard Squads. Similar to the Kido Corps. One that expands on the duties of the ambassadors. Don't you think it's worth looking into?

Kyoraku: I guess so. So what's this have to do with your favor?

Azashiro: If you do create this new division. I would like permission to work under (Y/N) as his lieutenant after I'm done serving my sentence.

This really left the two shinigamis present astonished.

Kyoraku: That's a serious favor... but sure. I'll have to run it by (Y/N) once he officially joins the Court Guard though.

Azashiro: That's understandable. There's no rush, I still have a lot of time before my sentence is completed.

"You picked the best shinigami in existence to serve under. I approve of your decision and dedication!"

The three Shinigamis turned around and saw Azoth standing behind them.

Azashiro: An arrancar. Who are you and state your business.

Azoth: Hmph. I'm glad you asked. Wipe those feelings of fear and trepidation as I am an ally. I am the loyal subject of The Grim Reaper who resides in the World of the Living and the Witch of Hueco Mundo. I've been summoned to help you defeat those villianous Quincies that have caused destruction on the realms! I am Azoth, the alchemist who's intelligence has no equal! Remember the name well!

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Nanao: Who?

Azashiro: I see. So you're a being created from the spiritual energy of (Y/N) and the one known as Waleska, are you not?

Azoth: That's quite right. Having someone of your calibre work with Master (Y/N) is welcomed.

Azoth then waved her staff and healed both Nanao and Kyoraku with ease. The many holes that were caused by Lille Barro's sniper were magically closed up. Kyoraku had to say, he was amazed by the amount of things that had happened in the last few minutes.

Meanwhile Nanao's legs were healed, allowing her to walk again.

Azoth: That should do it. I should still have a wealthy amount of reishi for a real battle. Now then. How about we meet up with the other shinigmis?

Kyoraku: Having someone with your ability seems to come in handy. Fine then. Let's head out, you two.

Azashiro and Nanao simply nodded as they ran off to catch up with the group.

To be continued.

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Daichi found himself standing in the hallway where Harribel and Starrk was stated to be located.

As he walked closer and closer to the cell, Daichi could feel rumbling and sounds of explosions going off.

Daichi: Now what might that be?

Daichi could feel multiple spiritual pressures inside of Wahrwelt. One was heading towards Haschwalth. No doubt that was another Quincy.

Daichi: That's strange. I was under the impression that only us Schutzstaffel members were in this castle.

But the other two spiritual pressures he felt were coming in his direction. Another Quincy and... A Hollow?

What was going on here?

Daichi: Strange things are happening indeed. This situation is just as complicated as I thought.

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Azashiro casually having a no damage run with a Sternritter. What a guy.

And speaking of Azashiro, it seems we have a slight glimpse of what may happen down the road in terms of (Y/N)'s life in the Soul Society. A potential new squad with (Y/N) as the captain and Azashiro as a lieutenant was something I thought would be interesting after writing SAFWY.

Think about how the guy that was trying to wipe out every Hollow in existence now having a change in perspective to the point that he's willing to work towards peace with them. Feels fitting imo.

With that out of the way. Azoth is now heading into battle with Kyoraku, Nanao and Azashiro. Let see how that plays out.

Also it seems as though Daichi is about to find himself in a confrontation soon.