Kazuya Hayashi

*Warning: This character is over 9,000 words long. So, go to the bathroom and get a snack before you start reading him. =P*

Name: Kazuya Hayashi
Age: 710 (Appears to be around 27)
Race: Arrancar / Shinigami
Sex: Male
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Black
Weight: 65kg (140lbs)
Height: 1.7 Meters (5’7)
Division: 12 (Technological Development)
Rank: 3rd seat.
Birthday: April 3rd (Aries)

Race Explanation:

Shinigami: Shinigami are spirits who have sworn to defend all the spirits of the world from the Hollows, a race of evil spirits that seek to destroy both Shinigami and regular spirits. As such, they are trained in several arts such as Kido (Demon arts), hand-to-hand combat, Shunpo (Flash Steps), and Zanjutsu (Swordsmanship). In order to perform their duties, they are given a special type of sword called a Zanpakuto (Soul Slayer). These blades not only destroy Hollows, but help spirits pass on to the next world called, Soul Society. Furthermore, all Zanpakuto have spirits that inhabit the blade, as such they can recover from damage, but there is no hope if it is completely vaporised.

Arrancar: Arrancar are Hollows that have removed their masks and gained Shinigami powers. Few Hollows have the power to remove their mask, and even if they did, the change would not be significant. However, under certain circumstances the transformation (known as Shinigamification) can unlock more power in the former Hollow, thus making them a greater threat. Arrancar also have Zanpakuto, except theirs contains their former Hollow form. Finally, if the Hollow forces the change before they are ready, remnants of their mask, and the hole in their chest will still remain after the transformation.

Weapons:
Ranpuhime (Light Princess): As the name suggests, Ranpuhime’s spirit is that of a princess who can control light itself. It’s sealed form looks like any other Zanpakuto, a simple Katana with some gold on the hilt for decoration. This is the only form of the sword that anyone, apart from a few unlucky Hollows, has seen.

Shikai: When Kazuya says the phrase, “Shine forth, Ranpuhime,” the sword erupts in a burst of light. Blinding anyone in sight, this light then re-shapes the Zanpakuto into a new shape. The hilt becomes broader, like one found on a Viking Longsword, and even more elaborately decorated, with gold covering nearly every inch, save for the gems (Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, etc) embedded in the cross guard, and the grip. However, the most notable change is that the blade turns into light, able to cut any material as though a hot knife through butter. (Items infused with spirit energy cannot be cut as easily)

Bankai: (Named: Hateshiganai Dansu no Ranpuhime (Eternal Dance of the Light Princess)) When he calls the Bankai, the sword glows and dissolves, causing a massive tornado of Spirit Energy as the blade joins the atmosphere. In this, the final release, Ranpuhime turns completely into light. This means the stronger the present light, the stronger the attacks themselves. However, in complete darkness, it is clearly visible and at it’s weakest, although nothing can be done to destroy it in this state.

Furthermore, Kazuya’s traditional Shinigami garb changes from both a black Kimono and Hakama to a white and red one respectively. To control it, all Kazuya has to do is think about where, or what he wants the light to do. Using his hands to direct the movement of the light increases its power by a little more then only using his mind. Finally, Kazuya has yet to learn any special techniques for his Bankai.

Ninjiri: This is Kazuya’s Arrancar Zanpakuto. Always hidden as Ranpuhime’s scabbard, he never uses it, save for when Ranpuhime is broken, or otherwise incapacitated. Initially, it looks exactly the same as the other sword, except the blade is pitch black and has purple decorations along the hilt. When the command, “Shroud, Ninjiri,” is given, it transforms Kazuya back into his previous Hollow form, albeit a little smaller.

When transformed, Ninjiri has one arm that can turn into a massive hammer, capable of creating magnitude 2.0 earthquakes with each strike. Ninjiri himself looks a lot like a bull, with horns that are the trademark of all Vasto lorde, which is the strongest class of Hollow.

Modified Walther P99: On his last mission to the real world, Kazuya happened across this pistol when he encountered a young, recently deceased member of the Japanese Mafia. After killing an attacking Hollow and performing the konso (Spirit burial), he picked up the gun and took it. Later, he modified the gun to charge any bullet that is put in the magazine with spirit energy. This means the gun can hurt both humans and Hollows at the same time.

Other equipment:

Communicator (Cell phone): A vital tool for Shinigami in the real world, these devices serve several purposes. The first, and foremost use of this device is to lock on the locations of both Hollows and regular spirits. In addition, the communicator can be used to contact Soul Society, the place where people go when they die. Moreover, the phone also stores the number of Hollow “kills” which can then be used as currency in the few shops in the real world that cater to Shinigami. Finally, the communicator can be used as a regular cell phone, including options such as personalised ring tones and music storage.

Gigai: Simply put, a Gigai is an artificial body designed to allow the Shinigami to interact with the human world. Also, they are used to help a Shinigami recover, should they lose most or all of their spirit energy. These are absolutely essential for long missions in the human world.

Gikongan (Artificial Souls): When a Shinigami needs to leave their Gigai they simply ingest a pill that separates them. However, in order to ensure the Gigai is not damaged, an artificial soul occupies it until the Shinigami returns. Each Gikongan has a pre-set personality, ranging from outgoing to shy, and nice to mean. Kazuya’s is more to the shy side, seeing as how it won’t get into trouble that way.

Kikanshinki (Memory Replacement): This device is used whenever a human witness’s a Shinigami battle a Hollow, or affect their surroundings in a significant manner. (Say if half their house was destroyed) When the device is activated a bird’s head appears out of the top and produces a puff of smoke. This erases the human’s memory of the affair, and replaces it with a new, random one. This new memory is dependent on what said human is capable of believing.

Ring of Revelation: A personal invention of Kazuya’s, the Ring of Revelation allows even ordinary humans the temporary ability to see and interact with Hollows or Shinigami when it emits a burst of light as soon as they (The Shinigami) puts it on, or leaves their Gigai. Radical when first invented, many of his peers now carry this diamond ring on them at all times. This was due in part to the massive increase in magical beings in the human world, thus the Shinigami would need to be able to defend themselves should they come into contact with a hostile, magical being.

Strengths: Kazuya’s greatest strength is his prowess at Shunpo. Able to move with lightning speed, he easily evades most attacks thrown at him. In fact, he’s so skilled he even has an enhanced version that allows him to move at light speed, but only when his Zanpakuto is released. Another strength he has is that Kazuya has the ability to design and build some interesting devices, and even modify human-made items so they can combat Hollows. Finally, Kazuya is determined to stop and purify as many Hollows as he can while still maintain the balance of the world, so he has a strong will to keep living as a result.

Weakness: Despite his great speed and strength, Kazuya has a few grave weaknesses. The first, and most notable is that he can be rather clumsy at the most inappropriate of times. This often leads to injury or disciplinary action if the situation warrants it. Secondly, he has a sensitive sense of smell. Although this may sound like a strength (which it kind of is) many intoxicating smells such a vinegar or paint fumes can render him unable to battle unless he plugs his nose. Thirdly, he is abysmal at hand-to-hand combat, something his opponent could exploit should he lose all his weaponry. Finally, when in a Gigai his abilities are extremely limited. Therefore, if someone were to perform a sneak attack on him while in it, he would only have a near-human level of speed and weak Kido attacks.

Skills/Magic
~ Independent ~
Light step (Ranpu Sochi): This is s special ability given to him by his Zanpakuto. As the name suggests, this skill lets him move at the speed of light. However, because is drains so much spirit energy he can only do so for a total of 5 seconds every day. Therefore, he does not use this skill often. Yet when he does use it, he can easily score enough blows in a single second to kill 100 Hollows at a time.

Cero / Gran Rey Cero: A highly concentrated blast of energy is formed at the tip of one of Kazuya’s fingers. When released, the red beam of energy is capable of damaging an area half the size of a city block. This is one of the few Arrancar techniques he uses frequently, if not, at all. He is also capable of using the Gran Rey Cero, a purple, and much, much more powerful version of the regular Cero. The GRC is capable of destroying an area about the size of three city blocks, but requires a lot of energy to use.

~ Ranpuhime ~

Rainbow Whip (Niji Kei): Multitudes of colours extend from the tip of the sword, moving a lot like a snake. Like the blade itself, Rainbow Whip and cut through almost anything. However, it can also be used to lasso objects or people and bring them close to Kazuya so he can deliver a close-range attack. The move, however, is slow and easily dodged by people trained in Shunpo.

Solar Blast (Taiyou Bakufuu): Ranpuhime absorbs sunlight in order to power this attack, so it cannot be used at night, or indoors. However, when it can be used it delivers enough power after a full charge to equal the first atom bomb in strength. Unfortunately, he just learned this move so it requires nearly 60 seconds to charge fully and at least 5 seconds to be used at all.

Photon Wave (Koushi Nami): A powerful wave of light is produced and Ranpuhime is swung. On contact with a solid object, the wave can either cut or explode on contact, the latter dealing more damage. However, a mirror, or any other reflective surface, can render the former method of damage of this attack useless. Unlike any of the other attacks, Photon Wave can be use when Ranpuhime is in its sealed state.

~ Ninjiri ~

Earthquake (Jishin): Whenever Ninjiri swings his hammer and hits the ground, it causes an earthquake. However, the attack earthquake is cause by repeated beating of the ground by said hammer. After enough hits, a magnitude 9 earthquake can easily be produced. Yet, due to damage of the surrounding area, Ninjiri rarely needs to produce that magnitude of an earthquake. Due to the size of said hammer, all attacks made by it are slow, thus easily dodged. With this in mind, it requires a lot of hits to accumulate magnitude.

Dream of the Damned (Yume no Bachiatari): All it takes for this attack to be used is for Ninjiri to simply touch the bare flesh of its victim after being called out. What this attack does is send it’s victim into a deep sleep, forcing them to relive their worst memories, or their worst fears. If the attack is used enough times, or for a prolonged period of time on the same person, it can induce madness. Using this skill is very taxing, and requires all his concentration, leaving him open to be attacked, so Ninjiri only uses it in a one-on-one battle. Also, he needs to maintain contact at all times in order for the attack to continue.

~ Kido ~
(Binding) (Bakudō)
#1: Restrain (Sai): This uses Spirit energy to lock the target’s arms behind their back

#4: Crawling Rope (Hainawa): A rope of energy entangles the target’s arms.

#9: Hit (Geki): Completely paralyses the target after engulfing them in red light. Incantation required: “Disintegrate, you black dog of Rondanini! Look upon yourself with horror and then claw out your own throat!” (“Jikai seyo, rondanini no kuro inu! Ichidoku shi, yaki harai. Mizukara nodo o kaki kiru ga ii!!”)

(Destructive) (Hadō)
#4: White Lightning (Byakurai): This attack fires a concentrated bolt of lightning from the caster’s forefingers. It’s hard to avoid due to the speed, but not very damaging.

#31: Shot of Red Fire (Shakkahō): This fires a ball of red energy at the target. It can be quite damaging, should the target sustain a direct hit. Incantation required: “Ye Lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, The sea barrier surges, March on to the south!” (“Kunrinsha yo! Chiniku no kamen, banshō, habataki, HITO no na o kansu mono yo! Shounetsu to sōran, umihedate sakamaki minami e to ho o susume yo!”)

#33: Blue Fire, Crash Down (Sōkatsui): This fires a blue burst of spirit energy toward the target. Although similar to #31, this attack hits a wider area, and with more power. Incantation required: “Ye Lord! Mask of flesh and bone, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Truth and temperance, Upon this sinless wall of dreams unleash but slightly the wrath of your claws!” (“Kunrinsha yo! Chiniku no kamen, banshō, habataki, HITO no na o kansu! Shinri to sessei, tsumi shirame yume no kabe ni wazuka ni tsume o tate yo!”)

#90: Black Coffin (Kurohitsugi): Forms a box of black energy around a target, which is then pierced by dozens of energy "spears", lacerating the one inside from head to toe. Its appearance and function is reminiscent of a common magician's trick. Kazuya does not know the incantation, so it will not deliver as much power as it would have if he recited the spell. Despite the fact that it surrounds the target, it can be dodged if the opponent is fast enough. Although, he has to be very close to said target in order for it to work. Kazuya only uses this move as a finisher.

*Note that every single Kido art can be broken, dodged, interrupted (For ones that need an incantation) or reflected. All it depends on is the strength, speed, and / or cunning of the opponent. Furthermore, the actual power of a Kido attack is dependent on the power of the caster, meaning if a powerful Shinigami uses a lower-level Kido, it will have as much force as a higher-level Kido. Finally, the incantation is not absolutely required to use a Kido. However, not saying the incantation can drastically decrease the power, also dependent on the caster’s power.

Appearance:
Kazuya, whilst in Shinigami form, wears the standard uniform of all Shinigami. The uniform itself comprises of many different traditional Japanese clothes, overall, the entire uniform is called a shihakushō. (Garment of dead souls) The shihakusho is comprised of a white kosode (worn under everything else), a black kimono and hakama, and is finished off by a white obi sash. Officers are allowed to customise their uniform if they so wish. Kazuya customises his by adding an intricate design of silver thread embroidered into the cuffs of the sleeves.

When in his gigai, Kazuya has a more contemporary appearance to blend in with modern society. Normally, he wears a pair of blue jeans, a verity of t-shirts, and running shoes with black and white materiel, with some red highlights. However, whenever he wants to pass himself off as a professional, Kazuya wears a black business suit, complete with thin, white, vertical stripes and dress shoes.

Overall, Kazuya was a deceptive appearance. His body looks a little scrawny, so most people think that he can’t really defend himself in a fight, which is true if it’s hand-to-hand. When it comes to his hair, Kazuya does little to take care of it; save for normal hygiene (washing) or to cut it if it gets too long. Another striking feature is the warmth that can been seen in his black eyes, despite everything he’s been through.


Picture drawn by the super southern belle. Thank you one more time!

Alternate Picture. (Drawn by I)ragon11. Kazuya is the guy running with the snowball. XP)

Personality: Kazuya is a pretty quiet person, usually preferring to stay locked away in his lab conducting experiments. However, on the odd occasion you will find him at a party, although he would be far from the life of it. The main reason he is quiet is because he doesn’t want anyone to get close to him and learn about his shameful past. Yet, despite this he is more then willing to put his life on the line to save someone, and is very kind to both his peers and his underlings which makes him a very respectable person. Even though he doesn’t seem the type to have them, Kazuya has still managed to make a few close friends, including the Captain of his Division. He is also very humble, despite being told how strong he is and that he should try to be a Vice-Captain he remains adamant in remaining only a seated officer because of this.

On the battlefield, Kazuya shows great skill despite being form a division that doesn’t engage in combat often, if not at all. In fact, many people say he should transfer to 11th Division (Combat) because of his prowess. However, he will extend mercy to any creature, except for Hollows. Moreover, unless provoked, he never uses more then 10 or 20% of his power, just because he likes challenges.

When it comes to his work, either his inventions or dispatching of Hollows, he takes it extremely seriously. Therefore, insulting his methods or inventions is grounds for a fight, as far as he’s concerned. During times when he’s more relaxed, Kazuya is a good sport willing to get in on a good game, so long as there is no gambling. Inversely, he cannot stand practical jokes, especially if he’s the one the prank was pulled on, naturally.

Once you get to know him, Kazuya can seem a little harsh, but that’s only because he says what’s on his mind without fear of the consequences. Usually, when in a difficult or awkward situation, he will try to find the best way to resolve the situation while having the outcome end in his favour. Finally, because he was raised on a farm as a child, Kazuya never shies away from a difficult task and completes it to the very best of his ability.

Biography:

Never, no matter how hard he tried, could he forget that day. It all started out like usual, doing his father’s chores out in the fields and taking care of the cattle. Times had been hard on their tiny village, seeing as how most of the men were out fighting in the many pointless wars that plagued the country like locusts. Yet, his father had miraculously sustained a leg injury before the recruiters arrived, though not to his surprise. However, now he was under heavy burden being the only able-bodied male in the household at only ten years of age.

As he wiped his brow on the hot summer’s day he could see something peculiar coming from the nearby hill. It was a large dust cloud, too small to be a forest fire, yet too large to be anything else. A small rumble could be heard from the direction of this cloud, like the sound of a stampede except only a little louder. His mouth hung agape as it dawned on him. Abandoning his chore he ran straight for his families modest farmhouse.

“Mom, dad!” Shouted the young Kazuya. “A whole bunch of people on horses are coming this way!”

“Are you sure they were horses?” Asked his father, a slight hint of worry upon his voice.

“Yes, there was no mistaking it,” answered Kazuya.

Suddenly, his father got up and limped over to his bedroom. Curious, the boy and his little sister followed behind, and stood listening at the door. From beyond the thin, wooden walls they could hear their father searching with great speed. Kazuya’s father had seen battle before, in one of the previous wars he was even an officer, however, he lost his taste for the idea after he returned home.

It seemed only a few seconds passed until he re-emerged from his room, Katana at his side. Limping slightly past his mother, his father said to her, “Hide, take the children with you.” Without a moment’s hesitation, Kazuya’s mother snatched both him and his little sister and hid in the smallest room in the modest little house.

For the longest time they heard nothing. Not the song of the birds or the sounds of steel clashing. Perhaps they were friendly and Kazuya had jumped to conclusions? Thinking along those lines, his mother opened the closet door. For a couple of seconds, all was quite. Until, that is, the yelling, screaming, and cries of pain started. Apparently, they were hostile after all.

A crash came form the front of the house, someone had broken in. “Hurry,” his mother whispered. “Kazuya, take your sister and run away. No matter what happens, no matter what you hear, do not turn back. Go to Grandpa’s house, he will take care of you. Now go!” Grabbing on to his sister’s hand, he and she made a break for it out the back door.

However, the strangers expected someone would try and go out the back door. For in front of their way stood a grizzled and mean looking swordsman. “Trying to run away?” He said, cackling before continuing. “Sorry, but we can’t let that happen.” With that, he swung his sword with great speed, missing Kazuya, and instead chopping his sister in the side of her head, killing her instantly.

Blood splattered all over his side, eyes open wide in horror. He would have thrown up too, had it not been for the cold, steel blade that pierced his stomach only seconds later. The world spun around him as darkness began to form around his eyes, the man who was about to kill him laughed at his dying body before stabbing him in the head.

*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*

Not a month had passed since he had. Already the world was proving to be a strange and unwelcome place from this new perspective. Strange monsters chased him day and night for the past two fortnights. They had bodies as black as night, and masks on their faces as white as snow. Yet, most disturbing of all was the hole in their chest, a hole where the heart should have been.

Sadly, one of these terrible creatures had taken his little sister just days before. He had failed his mother’s wish. Left alone in the world, with no sign of either of his parents and some strange chain attached to his chest, he began to wonder if those monsters had got them, and if he was next. Indeed these were trying times, but he need to at least find out what happened to them.

One night, alone in a cold, dark, and damp cave in the middle of the forest, Kazuya began to wonder something. When people die, don’t they go to heaven? Kazuya thought as he huddled for warmth. I know I’m dead, but how come I’m still here? Is it chance, or did I do some horrible, unforgivable sin that I’m not aware of? These questions popped in his head at least two times a day, and every time he heard the roar of one of those horrifying monsters.

Just then, one of those roars sounded. Although it was far away, Kazuya moved farther back into the cave, sealing his fate in the process. Not more then a couple minutes later, he head it again, this time, closer and louder then before. Would it turn away, or would it find him and eat him like it did his little sister? The sound of approaching footsteps caused him to freeze with fear, unable to move even if he wanted to.

Each new footstep echoed off the cave walls, shaking the ground and loosening rocks stuck to the ceiling above. Several of these pebbles struck Kazuya, but he still didn’t dare move. Then, out of the darkness he saw the red, glowing eyes of one of those monsters. That was when it struck him; he was boxed in, with no hope of escape.

It took a lot of courage for him to do what he did next. He stood up, grabbed the biggest rocks he could find, and began pelting the beast with these pieces of earth. However, it just stood there, laughing at his feeble attempts to injure it. If only he had a weapon that could hurt this creature, but nothing from this world seemed to even tickle it.

Nothing could be done, yet he kept on fighting. It was the only way from him to die again, in his opinion. However, as the creature lunged for him, he found that it did not open its mouth. When he next opened his eyes, he was in a strange, desert-like place where no colour existed but black and white. After only taking a single step, dozens of the monsters jumped out of the shadows and began devouring him.

*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*

Ten years later, the Hollow named Ninjiri had become an infamous legend among those know as the Shinigami, or Soul Reapers as some called them. In fact, the newly crowned King of the Hollows became widely known throughout the county as a giant bull that could kill humans outright, then devour their souls and add to his strength.

On the opposite side of things, the Hollows absolutely adored him and loved him being their new leader. Ninjiri was even so bold as to say that they should kill Shinigami before they even start: as students training in the real world. This and several other popular campaigns would help Ninjiri become to most respected Hollow of all time.

One day bored of sitting around his throne and doing kingly duties, Ninjiri decided to join one of the raids on Shinigami students. Surely with their king on their side they wouldn’t lose. However, the Shinigami had become a lot more cautious of these attacks, sending full-fledged, and powerful Shinigami with the students to protect them. Still, most of them were weak in Ninjiri’s eyes.

After giving a speech of encouragement to his kin, Ninjiri turned around and opened a portal to the real world, just a quarter mile from where the students were practising. Surprise attacks always did the most damage anyway. However, a recent report by a scout said that a couple of strong, high-ranked Shinigami decided to chaperone the affair.

Upon stepping into the real world, he could tell they were there by smell alone. However, they were far from the infamous Captains or Vice-Captains. Maybe 5th or 4th seat at best. Still, it did not matter to him, nor his comrades who thirsted for them like dogs in a heat wave. Not one to keep his followers waiting, he signalled for the attack to begin. They sprung forth as though that word were the only thing holding them back.

Rushing to the soon-to-be battlefield, they suddenly came to a halt as they saw what lay in front of them. Only a couple of Shinigami were students, the rest were all seasoned, veteran fighters by the number of scars that adorned each of their faces. Many jumped to the conclusion that the spy lied. Sadly, or thankfully depending on your view, several of the Hollows were slain by the time their king had showed up.

Rage filled every inch of his body as he saw only a couple of his kin still alive and fighting. Those Shinigami would pay dearly for their actions. Roaring in anger, he hoped that many of them would flee in terror. However, they all stood their ground, refusing to give in to their inner cowardice. How bothersome.

The battle went pretty much as expected from there. Ninjiri had badly wounded many of their comrades, yet more popped up, eager to resume the fight. Several of his comrades tried to flee, but they were trapped in a large barrier that cut off all escape. It looked like this would be his final stand; his only hope now was to take as many damned Shinigami with him as he could.

Managing to slip away from the main skirmish, Ninjiri cornered a student. The boy looked disturbingly familiar to the Vasto lorde, but he could not pin where he had seen him. Defeating him was not a hard task, yet as he went in for the finishing blow, he hesitated. A voice in his head, long since silenced yelled for him to stop. That was when he realised, the boy looked a lot like he did, before he was turned into a Hollow.

Something strange happened. The boy who lay dormant in him for so very long tried to regain control. Ninjiri tried to resist, but the boy’s will was stronger, slowly forcing his hands to his mask. Before he did, the great Hollow gave one last cry, as though asking it’s comrades for help, yet they were all either slain or almost dead as his hands pulled the mask off his face.

The last thing he could remember was pain. Pure, excruciating, unadulterated pain as he felt his world slipping away, and another being born in it’s place.

*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*

A week had passed since that fateful battle, the young Kazuya having regained consciousness only a day afterward. Since his arrival to this new place called, Soul Society, he had been on a mission to find his family. However, his hopes were dashed one day when a woman in the market told him there was only a one-in-a-million chance of finding them again.

He felt dirty, like someone with a highly contagious disease. No one else knew the horrors he had been through, or caused for that matter. He felt sure if they did, then they would try and kill him. Watching children play in the streets of south Rukon made him remember his childhood, even though his body hadn’t aged a day since he died. Such innocence, and he had to kill some of them while he was that … thing.

The afterlife was not all it was cracked up to be. When he thought of heaven it was that of clouds and friendly people wanting to help you at every turn. Not here. Everywhere people stole from each other, killed , or even worse. Kazuya could just not stand there and watch, but he had no choice. Any attempt to intervene and he’d die again. There had to be a way to stop this.

One day, he heard whispers about someone from that area. Apparently, they were going off to the Shinigami Academy. Kazuya had no idea regular souls could train and gain enough strength to become them. Then it struck him like a ton of bricks: Why not? I’ve got nothing to lose. “Excuse me,” he said to the old man who was talking. “I couldn’t help but over-hear your conversation. Is it really true that people like us can become Shinigami?”

“Certainly,” replied the old man. “But, you need to have a high level of what’s called Spirit Energy. Without that, you can’t become one.” After a second of silence he continued, “Everyone has spirit energy, it’s only a few who can manage to control and empower it thought,” added the man seeing the look of confusion on Kazuya’s face.

“Okay, thank you for the information.”

He ran down the street, experiencing a feeling of joy he had not known in a very long time. However, as he ran down the street, he felt his feet trip over something like another human foot. Falling to the ground he heard the voice of a young boy saying, “So, you were asking that old geezer about how people become Soul Reapers?”

“Yeah,” replied Kazuya as he got to his feet. “What business of it is yours?”

The boy laughed before replying, “My entire business. You see, I, along with some of my friends want to be Soul Reapers too. I’ll let you join us, but first we’ll have to see if you’re willing to do what it takes.” Smiling, the boy offered his hand to Kazuya, which he accepted after much thought.

“Okay, what’s the first thing?”

*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*

Two hundred years passed since that moment in time, his body finally taking the shape of a teenager. During those long, unforgiving years Kazuya managed to control his spirit energy, although with great difficulty, enough to apply for the Shinigami Academy. However, the people he trained with, the first friends he made in Soul Society, died at the hands of murderers. Alone he strolled through the gate into the Seireitei (Court of pure souls), the hopes and dreams of his fallen friends on his shoulders.

Upon stepping beyond the threshold of the gate a wondrous sight met his tired eyes. Instead of the wooden and grey walls of Rukon, Seireitei had beautiful, white tiled streets and marble walls. Finally, something closer to his idea of heaven. However, after walking in a little more he realised the grandeur he saw was only at the front gate. Still, as he followed the signs to his destination, he could not help but look in awe at the peaceful atmosphere this place offered.

He was not exactly alone in his trek to the Academy. However, he seemed to be the only one coming from Rukon this year judging by the clothing of the other people. Nothing was certain yet, seeing as how today was the entrance examination day. If he passed, he could stay in this beautiful place and become a Shinigami, if not, well, he didn’t like that option at all.

Kazuya had great visions of what the academy would look like, and at his first glance he wasn’t disappointed. It was the single biggest building he had ever seen, three floors tall with a massive front yard. Closing his mouth from the sheer awe of the moment, he walked toward the entrance. Only now did it hit him where exactly he was, suddenly becoming nervous about the whole affair. As he entered he was ushered over to the classroom in which the evaluation would take place.

“Welcome everyone,” said one of the teachers after everyone had taken their seats. “As you all know, today is the day in which we evaluate each student before allowing them entry to the school. You will be tested in three areas, which are as follows: Intelligence, physical strength, and most importantly, control over your spirit energy.

“Therefore, since we are all in our seats we will commence the first portion of the test immediately.”

This bit of information disturbed Kazuya quite a bit. How was he expected to take a test if he had no idea what to study, or no time to study it in? He was not alone in this school of though since several of the other students began to murmur, sounding like the buzz of hundreds of bees. Hell, how could he write it or even read the questions? He had no time to even worry about it because next thing he knew, the paper was on his desk, writing tools lying beside and waiting to be picked up.

Glancing around, he could tell that everyone else in the room could at least read or write, their writing devices scribbling in the blank spaces rapidly. Unsure of what to do, he raised his hand in order to get the sensei’s attention. The gesture seemed to work, seeing as how he walked up to Kazuya and asked, “Yes? What is the problem?”

“Umm,” said Kazuya sheepishly. “I-I can’t read or write.”

“I see,” said the sensei. “Very well then, you can take the oral version of the test after this one is done.”

The paper and instruments in front of him vanished; he could not help but get the feeling that many of the students were laughing at him in their heads. It felt as though he was a side-show freak, a feeling he would never wish on any other person. However, that feeling soon ended when the others happened across an extremely hard question. Many of them would chew the writing tools or recite some speech wordlessly then write it down. Even he had to admit the sight was funny, even if he was illiterate.

An hour after it had began, the written exam ended. Every other person left the room, save for Kazuya, to go on to the next segment. When the door shut for the last time, the sensei approached him. “Before I give you your exam, you have to know that in order to attend this school you must have basic reading and writing abilities. As such, even if you pass you will not be allowed to come until next year at the earliest. However, the school does offer a literacy course for people in your situation, should you pass.”

“I understand,” replied Kazuya.

“Very good, first question…”

It took an hour and a half for Kazuya to answer all the questions, being unable to hear the questions at any speed and having to ask the sensei to repeat some. However, the last one seemed to be the one everyone else got stuck on in the exam.

“… Final Question,” said the sensei. “Why do you want to become a Shinigami?”

Thankfully for Kazuya he had been asking himself this question for the past eight years, so the answer came with little thought. “When I died my sister was with me at first, however, one of those weird monsters with those white masks attack her and ate her.”

“They’re called Hollows,” interjected the sensei. “Continue.”

“Right, I want to find this “Hollow” and kill it. More then that, I want to stop this from happening to as many people as I can. I just can’t stand the thought of them going through that after dying.”

“Very good, this part of the exam is complete. I will contact you and tell you your results personally. Seeing as you are from Rukon, you are allowed to stay here until your test results come.”

“Thank you, sensei,” Kazuya said before bowing and making his exit.

*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*

Kazuya had absolutely no trouble with the rest of the exam. However, something in the back of his head kept ebbing away at him. Maybe it had something to do with knowing the name of what he had become? Yet, he did not dwell on it since he wanted to impress the teachers as much as possible. Finally, the day came when he learned his test results to find out he had, indeed, passed.

The six years at the Shinigami academy, plus the one doing the literacy course, passed basically without incident. In the two hundred and three years since Ninjiri’s downfall there had not been a single attack on students training in the real world. However, one event stood out in particular about his time at the academy. Little did he know, at the time, that this event would be pivotal for the rest of his career.

It was early spring in Kazuya’s third real year at the school. Every student was hard at work studying for the third year exam, a test of all their knowledge and abilities so far. However, for this and the sixth year exam, not one of the teachers would preside. Instead, one of the Captains and Vice-Captains would volunteer to oversee the examinations.

Rumours spread like wildfire as to who would look over the exams. This was normal for this time of year, but for the first time, these rumours actually concerned him. Not him personally, but his chances of graduation, or so he worried at the time. In fact, there were so many of them flying around that Kazuya had to do his best not to listen, or else he would be too busy trying to discern reality from fiction that he would be too distracted to study.

When the day came for them to arrive, a wave of ultra formality washed over the school. Everyone was being polite to each other in practice for when the two would arrive to administer the big test. When the moment itself drew near, the entire populace of the building was forced outside and organised into long lines adjacent to the entrance of the school.

Although he had been through this whole song and dance twice before, this was Kazuya’s first time being in a line that directly flanked the literal red carpet. Looking around, he saw similar discomforted looks, more so in his own year then the sixth years directly opposite. It was a chilly spring day, a crisp breeze blowing through the crowd as they waited in anticipation, the first years more so then the rest.

“Everyone,” said the principal over the loud speakers. “Stand at attention for the arrival of Captain Kato of 12th division, and Vice-Captain Kimura of 3rd Division.” Immediately, every single one of the students stood at attention, a lot like an army except not dressed the same way. This had to be one of the tensest moments of Kazuya’s life. Not because of the arrival of a Captain, but who the Captain was revealed to be.

The very second he walked past the school’s gate, the student could tell who he was. It was the Shinigami student he tried to kill when he was a Hollow. It took all of his will power to stay rooted on the spot and not run away in fear. Surely he would tell everyone what he once was, and maybe even kill him because of it. In the sea of nervous students, his particular fear was easily mistaken for the fear of all the others.

However, as the Captain passed, Kazuya and him glanced into each other’s eyes for the smallest amount of possible time. Although to him, it felt like an eternity had just flashed before his eyes. A sudden wave of cold ran over his entire body, he knew he was here, but what would he do? Would he turn him in, or worse? These questions and many more circled his head as he walked back to his quarters with his roommates.

Later that evening, a student came knocking at their door.

“I’ve got a summon for Hayashi Kazuya,” said the young woman after knocking. “The principle wants to see you in his office for something.”

“Why does Ito-sensei want to see you?” Asked one of Kazuya’s roommates.

“Don’t know,” lied Kazuya.

The walk to the office had to have been the longest walk of his life. Unfortunately, he could not take a longer route because the messenger seemed hell-bent to stick with him and make sure he didn’t do just that. Never in his life had he been more sure of something then this instant. He was going to die, and that was the end of it.

Turning around one last corner he saw it: the door he was sure would be the last he ever went through. Slowly, he pushed open the heavy wooden door and entered the principle’s office. Never before had Kazuya seen a room of the like, handsomely decorated with all kinds of art and sculptures. The centrepiece, a desk made of a wood he had never seen, had the man whom sent him sitting behind it.

“Hayashi-kun, I’m glad to see you arrived so fast,” addressed the principal. “Kato-sama asked to see you.”

“W-why would he want to see me?” Asked Kazuya nervously.

“I don’t know. However, he instructed that upon your arrival I am to leave.” With that, he stood up and left the room, letting Captain Kato come inside.

This was the moment he had been dreading all day, the confrontation with the man he tried to kill almost two hundred and four years ago. He stood at attention the entire time as he made his way to the principle’s desk and took his seat. The Captain surveyed Kazuya from top to bottom, as though trying to find some flaw in his appearance. However, when he found none, he motioned for him to sit.

“I assume you know why I came?” Captain Kato asked.

After thinking about it for a second, Kazuya replied, “Yes, Captain Kato-dono.”

“Please, just call me Kato-san,” replied the Captain.

“Yes, sir.”

“Anyway,” started Kato. “I came to talk to you about the events the transpired over two hundred years ago. Moreover, I want to ask you a couple of questions, and you can do the same. Let’s start off with one of your questions first.”

“Yes, Ca- I mean, Kato-san. I have but only one question: What am I?” Kazuya asked.

“You, Hayashi-kun, are what we call an Arrancar.”

The rest of the interview became lost to Kazuya after a number of years, only remembering he was an Arrancar, what that meant, and that Captain Kato was not going to kill him, but inform the General (Captain of 1st Division) of this fact. At the time, that sounded just as bad as being executed, but it turns out he was okay with it because Kazuya had many opportunities to kill but had yet to give in to any urges.

*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*

When Kazuya left the academy three years later, he had finally learned how to read, write, and control both his Shinigami and Arrancar powers. More then that, he was able to conjure his Arrancar Zanpakuto at will, and even disguise it as his Shinigami Zanpakuto’s scabbard. During his final year at the academy, he had given great thought as to what division he wanted to be stationed in after leaving. Initially, he wanted to be in one of the divisions that largely patrol the real world and kill Hollows.

However, all his requests were denied, and thus was more or less forced to go to 12th division. At first, he was a little sore with the idea, but a little while after arriving he found the field fun, if not, exciting. Kazuya had his suspicions that the Captain-Commander wanted him in twelfth division so that Captain Kato could keep an eye on him, just in case.

Alas, four hundred years later he still remained in Soul Society, finally having the appearance of an adult. Although he was now a 3rd seat, Kazuya still felt as though he had not come another step closer to his goal, and his Captain seemed to recognise that fact. Even after inventing such devices as the Ring of Revelation, or achieving Shikai and Bankai (Although he told no one) he was still not allowed to go to the real world. Until, that is, Captain Kato approached him with an offer.

One day, while reading a book in his room, the Captain knocked on the door.

“Come on in,” said Kazuya without realising who knocked.

“Why am I not surprised? You always seem to have your nose in a book these days,” said Captain Kato.

“Captain Kato-san!?” Shouted the Arrancar, jumping to attention.

“Cut that out, Hayashi-san, you know you can call me Taro in private,” said Taro with a smile on his face.

“Sorry, force of habit.”

“Not a problem,” continued Captain Kato. “Anyway, I have a proposition for you, Kazuya. I need someone to go on a very important mission.”

“It isn’t another Sake run, is it?” Kazuya asked jokingly.

“Haha, no, I’ve got plenty right now. Anyway, I had to get this mission cleared by the General. You see, I want you to go on a mission to the real world.”

“Really!?” Kazuya said with excitement in his voice.

“Really. I want you to go to Tokyo and do some research on where Hollows in that area like to congregate. That way, we can station enough Shinigami to accommodate them. What I want to know though is will you accept?”

“Of course, Taro-san! I’d love to go!”

“Very good, I’ll tell him you accepted with enthusiasm,” Taro Kato turned for the door, but stopped before he opened it. “Kazuya, the world is a much different place then you remember, so be careful. Oh, and you leave in two days, so finish anything off if you have to.”

“Yes, Captain Kato-sama, you won’t regret this,” said Kazuya since his door was open as Taro left the room.

*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*

It wasn’t until the closing days of his mission until anything exciting happened. Mostly, all he did was go around and take readings of spirit energy, a boring a monotonous task if he ever knew one. However, it was worth seeing the real world again for the first time in six hundred years. He marvelled at such wonders as trains, airplanes, heck even escalators. Yet the one thing he loved most of all wasn’t a technical development. Culinary techniques had advance far beyond anything he ever knew, he even packed some of this wonderful food for when he got back to Soul Society.

One night, during a routine walk around the area, Kazuya heard a man cry out in pain. Not thinking of anything else, he rushed toward the source of the sound. Back then, the modern communicator did not exist, so he had no idea it was a Hollow attack until he arrived on the scene. There were two men lying in the street, one lying flat on his stomach, while the other sat on the pavement, shaking like mad.

As he drew close, the conscious man turned around and saw him. Quickly, the man reached for the gun that lay beside the other man, however his hand passed through it. A look of shock spread across his face, and he looked down to find a severed chain attached to his chest. Kazuya knew what had happened, the man had died.

“Are you okay?” Inquired the Shinigami, although disguised by his Gigai.

“I don’t think so,” replied the man, his voice trembling like mad.

“Do you know what happened?” Kazuya asked.

“Yeah, I was walking along when suddenly the streetlights started to flicker. That didn’t scare me, but what did was when the ground in front of me suddenly collapsed … in the shape of a giant footprint!” The man continued to shake, very distraught by the looks of it before he continued, “Then, I went flying through the air and hit my head. Next thing I know, I’m sitting here while I’m also lying there!” The man then pointed toward the body lying on the ground, he then broke down and cried.

Defiantly a Hollow, thought Kazuya. Sure enough, just seconds later he heard the cry of a Hollow. Although the sound haunted him deeply, he had no choice but to kill it. Reaching into his pocket he withdrew a small, yellow candy-like object and put it in his mouth. The dead man cried out in surprise as Kazuya hopped out of his Gigai and revealed his Shinigami form. “Don’t be afraid, I’m here to help,” he said to the man to comfort him.

“Go hide,” Kazuya said to the spirit now inside his Gigai. It responded soundlessly and hid as the Hollow made it’s way towards them. It was like the cave all over again, except this time, Kazuya was armed. Drawing his Zanpakuto, he waited until the Hollow’s mask was in sight. He charged at the monster, his sword high in the air as he ran down the back street.

When he got close to the Hollow, he jumped high in the air, raised the sword above his head, and then swung down as gravity pulled him back to the earth. It cried out in pain as the sword cut it’s dark body cleanly in half. Dissolving away into the air, the Hollow was now purified, the spirit it once was now in Soul Society, not to remember a single thing that happened. Lucky ba*****, thought Kazuya acidly as he turned around to face the spirit.

“No,” the man called out. “Please don’t hurt me!”

“I said I’m not going to harm you. What are you, deaf or something?” Kneeling in front of the sitting, sobbing man Kazuya held out the pummel of his Zanpakuto. “I’m here to help you on to the afterlife, nothing more.”

“I can’t do that,” said the man. “I-I’ve done too much evil in my life. I’ll go to hell for sure!”

“If you repent here and now, and if you truly mean it, then you won’t go to hell,” Kazuya reassured him.

With tears still running from his eyes, the man nodded and said, “I’m truly sorry for all the terrible things I’ve done. All the deaths, all the suffering, all of it. I’m so sorry!” The man broke down again and grabbed his Kimono to support himself. Kazuya smiled and told him all was forgiven. “Wait,” said that man. “Take the gun beside my body and destroy it. It’s caused too much trouble.”

“Of course,” replied Kazuya. With that, he tapped the man in the forehead with the pommel of his Zanpakuto. The man in front of him glowed a bright, sky-blue colour before dissolving and turning into a black butterfly that flew straight for the sky. After seeing it fly off, Kazuya did as the man said, but stopped before he destroyed it. “Hmm, I wonder if I can use this to kill Hollows?”

*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*/\/\/\*


Ten years after that mission to the real world, Kazuya finally succeeded in turning the man’s gun into a weapon capable of hurting both Human and Hollow. When he unveiled it, most Shinigami were hesitant to try it out. However, after testing it successfully on a few dozen Hollows, Kazuya was told that it had the potential to be added to the list of items a Shinigami needs in the real world.

One day a few years later, Captain Kato offered Kazuya another mission in the real world.

“… It’s different from last time though,” Taro said while the two of them sat in his incredibly ornate office. “You won’t be there for a set period of time, just how long it takes to complete the mission.”

“What’s the mission, Taro-san?” Kazuya asked.

“We need someone to gather as much information about the real world as possible. Stuff like the customs of different countries, the people, the technology, area hazards, stuff like that. This is all in effort to make a series of guides for use to give Shinigami when they go on a patrol abroad, so they know what they’re in for.”

“Sounds good to me. What about my research and projects though?”

“They’ll be waiting for you when you get back, should you accept,” said Captain Kato.

After thinking about it for the next fortnight, Kazuya then went to see his Captain and agreed to take on the mission. Two days later, he ventured out into the real world again, this time to stay for basically as long as he pleased. The rest of his life story has yet to be written, but if his future is going to be anything like his past, Kazuya Hayashi will defiantly have a life worth remembering, and telling for ages to come.

*I got most of the translations off the Internet, so they may not be accurate.

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
~~ Battles and RP's ~~
... When along came a spider. - Abandoned
Reasons for Fighting. - Complete!
A Chnage of Tide - In Progress

Have at it. *Approvedeth*