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>>948046
“When did you last see her?”

“She was supposed ta call in after her mission,” Shinji begins to tell you the details of the situation. “That was fourteen hours ago.”

“So about six last night,” you muse, doing the math in your head. “What was this mission of hers?”

“There are old barriers throughout Japan, usually at shrines. Sometimes we get calls from humans about somethin' being wrong at one of 'em, so we send someone to investigate. Make sure the barriers are stable, you know?”

“So which shrine was Lisa sent to?”

Shinji sighs, rubbing the back of his head. “Bodai-ji, actually. In Aomori. Got a call after the festival this July but didn't think much about it, then we got another call two days ago.”

Bodai-ji? The one that Japanese buddhists treat as the entrance to purgatory, where every year or so a bunch of old blind women get together and claim to channel the spirits of the recently departed? That can't be good, why would they send a Lieutenant there alone?

“What sort of incident are we talking about?”

“A blind seer died during the festival,” Shinji recounts. “Then just recently a priest went missing.”

“Any chance he was just floating face-down in the lake?” you ask hopefully.

Shinji shakes his head. “Lisa's first report said she didn't find anything right off.”

>Then I'll go to the temple. You all should stay here, this could get... weird.
>I'll need Hachi and one of your Captains as support. No one else.
>I'll need Hachi and someone from back home. You can send one person.
>What the hell, bring everyone. Just don't hold me responsible for what happens.
>Other?

>>948050
>Then I'll go to the temple. You all should stay here, this could get... weird.

>>948050

>Then I'll go to the temple. You all should stay here, this could get... weird

>>948050
>other: lemme go check up on the inari shrine, there was definitely a reason why I ended up there when I came to KuraKara

>>948046
>Inoue reprimands your nephew in a tone that makes you want to claw your ears out with your fingernails for some reason.
How grating is Orihime's voice?

>>948050
>>Then I'll go to the temple. You all should stay here, this could get... weird.

>>948084
It's not particularly. However note the use of -kun in a quest where honorifics aren't ordinarily used.

I'll start writing now while the last few votes trickle in, but it seems like we're going to be quite slow today.

>>948050
>Other?
Rope in Hachi and Tessai. If it's shrines and barriers, two former Kidou Corps officers plus your expertise should be more than enough.

Besides, Tessai's easier to strong-arm relatively speaking.

Okay, gimme a 3d10 roll, best of 4. DC is 17, 21 will crit.

Rolled 5, 7, 1 = 13 (3d10)

>>948101

Rolled 8, 3, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>948101

Rolled 8, 8, 1 = 17 (3d10)

>>948101

>>948103
Well, at least we passed!

>>948109
Still one shot to crit.

>>948102
>>948103
>>948108
yaaaayy mediocraty

>>948112
>>948109
Anons, stop bitching and roll the last goddamn dice

Rolled 17, 14, 1 = 32 (3d20)

>>948101

>>948115
....goddamnit man

>>948115
Wrong dice. d10 not d20

Rolled 7, 4, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>948101

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>>948115

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>>948101
“I'll go to the temple and investigate,” you tell Shinji, who opens his mouth to protest. “I'll let you know if I need backup, but given where you sent Lisa... alone mind you... this might get a little weird.”

“What do you mean weird?” Ichigo asks, frowning as he tries to puzzle the statement out.

You shrug. “Osorezan is important to Japanese Buddhism as an entrance to the afterlife... and not a nice part of the afterlife like the Soul Society. More like what you'd imagine if I told you it looked like Hell.”

“You don't think...” Shinji narrows his eyes at you.

“No, I don't,” you interrupt. “Shinigami aren't allowed to meddle with the affairs of Hell, but I'd struggle to find a reason Hell would want to interfere with a shinigami.”

“And why's that?” Ichigo asks.

“Because it's never happened before. I'd have nothing to base the hypothetical on.”

You excuse yourself from the school entirely, retracing your steps to the Inari shrine you first arrived at. After passing through the handful of vermilion-painted torii along the approach, you glance around the shrine's grounds to make sure that you're alone. Then you let yourself into the main shrine, taking off your shoes and padding quietly across the tatami to the center of the room. There you seat yourself quietly.

“You can show yourself at any time,” you announce into the empty room, feeling that you're not alone. Sure enough someone steps out of the shadowy corner of the hall, walking so smoothly and quietly she seems to glide across the floor rather than stepping.

Inari seats herself before you amid a radiating sea of golden tails.

“I see you have concluded your business?” Inari speaks to you, her tone very businesslike to the point of coming off as lifeless. “I desire to speak with you in confidence, there has been an... incident.”

“Did this incident perhaps involve a certain exiled shinigami?” you ask, sensing a connection if for no other reason than the timing.

“Indeed. I suppose you are by now aware of where this shinigami went missing?”

“In Osorezan,” you confirm. “What's happened there?”

“I cannot say for certain,” Inari admits quietly. “However what we can say is that the Kushanāda, the guardians of Hell, have never been so agitated.”

>We shinigami aren't supposed to deal with Hell at all.
>Tell me what you can of Hell. Then I'll decide what to do.
>Why me? What do you actually think I can do?
>Other?

>>948134
>Hi mom!

>Tell me what you can of Hell. Then I'll decide what to do.

>>948134
>Tell me what you can of Hell. Then I'll decide what to do.

>>948134
>>Tell me what you can of Hell. Then I'll decide what to do.

Like, what's the extent of influence that a demi-goddess would be able to do in this jurisdiction.

>>948138
>>948134
>hi mom
>tell me about hell
>it's likely I might have to venture into hell itself.

>>948134
>>Tell me what you can of Hell. Then I'll decide what to do.

>>948134
sure this>>948138

the irreverence is kind of funny

>>948134
this >>948138

It's got to be done.

Have we ever revealed the divine revelation to ichigo that Imari is his great-aunt? Or was the surprise spoiled?

>>948177
>Imari
Damn you autocorrect

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“So you can come here when the guardians of hell are throwing a fit,” you playfully accuse her, “but you can't be bothered to call for my anniversary? Thanks, mom.”

Surprisingly, you see a faint twinkle in Inari's eyes and a smile creeps across her face. “Take care, Captain. You are beginning to remind me of my daughter.”

Tenkotsuki feels warm somewhere in your mind, but chooses not to speak.

“I need to know more about Hell before I can commit to anything,” you admit, changing the subject to focus back on the business at hand. “Shinigami lore on the subject is pretty spare with the details.”

“It has five distinct levels,” Inari explains, starting with the basics, “each with a different character. The whole thing has always struck me as rather like the Inferno. I have only ever had cause to view the first among them however, as doing so is something of a problem for full-divinities.”

“Will that be a problem for me?” you ask, to which Inari shakes her head.

“I do not believe so. We deities must seek permission in advance to enter Hell, however a shinigami sent as a messenger is protected under certain ancient agreements between the realms of existence. Announce your intent to the Kushanāda and they should leave you in peace.”

“What are these guardians like?” you ask, contemplating the possibility that Hell's natives might not take kindly to your presence. “How will I know them when I see them?”

At this Inari laughs softly to herself. “They are difficult to miss, Captain. You will know them the moment you see them, and you will see them the moment you arrive. More likely your difficulties will come from the other denizens of Hell, the Togabito.”

“Sinners?”

Inari nods. “Sinners. Those whose crimes in life warrant damnation are rarely of the sort to welcome outsiders, though in time even the most hardened criminal who finds themselves in Hell will be broken by the experience.”

“Any centralized organization I should be worried about?”

“None that I know of,” Inari shakes her head. “If you would not mind allowing your zanpakuto to manifest briefly? I have a desire to speak with my daughter.”

Tenkotsuki appears at your side, looking curiously at her mother. “Yes?”

“I desire to speak with you in private,” Inari gently insists. Tenkotsuki glances back at you, seemingly uncertain of how to respond.

>It's okay, I'll wait outside.
>I don't like it, but I'll go.
>Not happening, Inari.

>>948214
>>I don't like it, but I'll go.

>>948214
>It's okay, I'll wait outside.

>>948214
>>It's okay, I'll wait outside.

>>948214
>>It's okay, I'll wait outside.

>>948214
>It's okay, I'll wait outside.
Not like we can't ask later.

>>948214
>>I don't like it, but I'll go.

>>948214
>I don't like it, but I'll go.

>>948214
>>It's okay, I'll wait outside.

I trust best fox.

>writing

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>>948258
“My personal feelings on the subject aside,” you sigh, “I'll step out.”

As she watches you leave Inari makes eye contact, offering you a bow almost too subtle to be noticed, and you step outside. The evergreens sigh on the breeze, still warm enough that the trees here aren't starting to turn yet, and you wait quietly outside the main shrine while the two deific forces within speak in private. You briefly shut your eyes and continue to wait patiently.

“Excuse me, miss,” one of the custodians of the shrine announces his presence, prompting you to open your eyes again. “I'm not sure you should be here.”

“I'm from the head shrine in Kyoto,” you quickly lie. “Sorry I didn't announce myself.”

“Ah,” the older gentleman nods thoughtfully. “From Inariyama, I see. How are things there?”

“Fine,” you shrug dismissively. “The Keihan line had some issues last week, made it difficult to get to work in the morning. My apartment is over near Kyodai.”

“Well then, please take care while on the grounds,” he nods, continuing to walk past you. If only he knew of the meeting within the walls of the shrine he tends to... you're almost tempted to point him in that direction yourself.

Finally, Tenkotsuki rejoins you by de-manifesting herself. “Very well, my dear Riku. We may go at your leisure.”

>Return to the Seireitei, maybe discuss the possibility of moving a few officers to Osorezan as on-site backup
>Ask Tenkotsuki what her mother had to say that couldn't be said in front of you
>Head straight to Osorezan in person, begin assessing the situation firsthand
>Other?

>>948281
>Head straight to Osorezan in person, begin assessing the situation firsthand

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>taking some time for lunch, will be back in ~30 minutes

>>948296
Later queen!

>>948281
>Head straight to Osorezan in person, begin assessing the situation firsthand

>>948281
>>Ask Tenkotsuki what her mother had to say that couldn't be said in front of you

>>948281
>Head straight to Osorezan in person, begin assessing the situation firsthand

>>948281
>Head straight to Osorezan in person, begin assessing the situation firsthand

I feel like we're really falling behind the curve.
We're not powerful enough on a basic level anymore, and i remember that while fighting tatsuki at her level, she was beating our ass because out technique had gotten sloppy.

We need to find someone as strong as us or stronger and fight them for a solid week.

>writing

>>948046
>and if someone had done something to Kensei you'd track them down just so that you could shake their hand.
Kinda sad really. Kensei was the vizard we got along with the best.

>>948360
Are you retarded?
Our technique is flawless.
Our zanjutsu, hakuda, kido and hollow abilitues are as high as is possible for a soul reaper.
We are seekimg out divine power because theres no other way to advance anymore.
We got hurt by Tats because we were deliberatly fighting at her level, pulling punches and leaving holes in our defences we never would otherwise.
We debated this recently and decided it would be more usefull to train others and advance them greatly than to slightly advance our already obscene power.
We have peaked and are working to break that power cieling. In no way have we gotten rusty or sloppy.

>>948371
Also not forgiving mashiro is dumb for a couple of reasons.
One, we know she wasn't in control of herself that night, and two, i don't think we regret becoming infected with a hollow for even a moment.

>>948376
>our technique is flawless
>literally stated her technique was better than ours
>literally still learning high 90s level spells because we don't know them yet
>implying reiatsu has an upper limit that you can hit like a brick wall
>riku is confirmed not to be "true reiatsu monster"-tier like stark or OMG yet

We haven't hit our limit, not even close.

>>948371
Learning that someone killed your parents will do that.
>I keep getting interrupted during writing, will return shortly

>>948390
I'm more worried about what'll happen to rosa if we ever do manage to forgive him.
That's what fuels her rage and power, right?

You said it sustains her.
She might die...

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>>948390
“We'll head straight for Osorezan from here,” you announce quietly, drawing your denreishinki. You quietly type out two messages: one to your own Division to let them know to remain on alert, and the other to Kisuke requesting a special focused sweep of the Osorezan area.

Then you tear a hole in the universe, stepping out briefly into the grounds of the Kuchiki manor and then opening their private Senkaimon to reach Osorezan. It only takes a few moments to complete the procedure, and the house's guards are none the wiser.

The mountain itself greets you foremost with an acrid, sulfuric smell which accompanies the steamy, foggy view across a wide, flat lake. Vividly colored silts stain the lower walls of the caldera as rivulets and streams wash them down the slopes, collecting in pools and expansive flats of bubbling, hissing mud. Gas, carrying a tangy, chemical scent with it, escapes from great rends in the tortured earth... you can tell why the early Japanese Buddhists might have assumed some connection with the underworld existed at this spot. Though the upper slopes are still covered in trees, the deeper you get the more Hellish the terrain grows.

You cross a low arcing bridge over a small river, of which your understanding is that it represents the Sanzu river... and when you do, you're stuck by a strange sensation of being out of place.

“Tenkotsuki, please get us out of this gigai,” you insist quietly. “Something is interfering with my senses.”

“Yes, I noticed something amiss as well,” your zanpakuto agrees, eliminating your physical body in a burst of brightly-colored leaves that scatter across the river and disintegrate. “Oh my, this is quite unusual. I have never felt reiatsu quite like this.”

The entire area around Mount Osore feels strangely unnatural, unwelcoming, as if the monks who first declared this site to be sacred might have been onto something. Though the warped appearance of the place may be geological rather than the work of some malign will, to an even mildly spiritually-aware human sensing the reiatsu here must have been a deeply disturbing experience.

What you don't sense unfortunately is Lisa's reiatsu.

>Get back in a gigai and head inside the temple, ask one of the monks about this place.
>Head inside, ask about Lisa and the dead seer in particular.
>Walk through the stacked stone cairns and vents that surround the temple
>Other?

>>948451
>Walk through the stacked stone cairns and vents that surround the temple

>>948451
>>Get back in a gigai and head inside the temple, ask one of the monks about this place.

>>948451
>>Walk through the stacked stone cairns and vents that surround the temple

>>948451
>>Head inside, ask about Lisa and the dead seer in particular.

>>948451
>>Walk through the stacked stone cairns and vents that surround the temple

>>948451
>Walk through the stacked stone cairns and vents that surround the temple

>>948451
Remember that time we called apacci our hollow-daughter?
What'd she think about that?

We don't say it often, but these guys are totally like family to us.

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>>948478
She managed to more or less remain stoic at the time, but afterwards she needed a moment to collect herself. Few hollows, even arrancar, are ever the recipients of that sort of affection.

Also,
>3d10, DC 20, Crit 24, best of 4
This is a REALLY weird place, and getting an accurate sense of what's going on is hard.

Rolled 2, 6, 2 = 10 (3d10)

>>948496

Rolled 8, 9, 1 = 18 (3d10)

>>948496

Rolled 2, 10, 4 = 16 (3d10)

>>948496

Rolled 5, 3, 2 = 10 (3d10)

>>948496

Rolled 6, 10, 3 = 19 (3d10)

>>948496

Well fuck.

That's an interesting place to fail.
>writing

>>948530
mistakes were made in the rolling of these dice.

>>948530
>be the strongest captain
>the DCs are never just average

Suffering.
Reminds me of somnius a tad.

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Instead of making Tenkotsuki put you back into a gigai only to take the gigai right back off a few minutes from now, you elect to wander around the exterior of the shrine in your normal shinigami form. It's difficult to sense anything in this place, as the strange reiatsu is pervasive no matter where you wander. The light breeze blows past dozens of little pinwheels left out amid the field of stones and grave markers, memorials to countless lost souls. They're rarer these days: people leave them when they lose a baby in or shortly after childbirth, and with no tourists or visitors about at the moment all that's left is the eerie sound of their spinning against the background of distant bubbling mudpots.

It's on the short of the caldera lake that you abruptly discover the reason for Lisa's disappearance. One moment you're in an admittedly creepy place in the living world, and the next you're not.

“Riku!” Tenkotsuki alerts you, alarm creeping into her voice. “It appears we have unwittingly strayed from the Living World... no doubt this is exactly the sort of problem your Lieutenant friend encountered, she would have stood no chance. Spatial fractures crossing two dimensions... I had not even considered such a thing possible, let alone thought to look for them.”

So that means that this is Hell? Were it not for the profoundly twisted reiatsu here you might be forgiven for failing to realize it. Before you is an expanse of white cubes and rectangular towers stretching into the distance, divided into lanes by blue pathways of some sort far below. All over these are humanoid figures in featureless black robes, each of varied shapes and sizes but all bearing the same rounded, plain mask. Here and there you also see towering figures like giants striding amid the blocks, themselves masked with fierce skull-like features and bearing what appear to be pieces of armor. Their low, stooped postures are initially deceptive, as each is also powerfully muscled. To underestimate one of these guardians of Hell would be a mistake.

One of the many sinners approaches you swiftly, landing on the same cube you've found yourself standing on.

“It seems we've caught the locals' attention,” Rosa grumbles. “If it's a fight he wants I say we give it to him.”

>Demand that the Togabito tell you where you are.
>Search for a way to return to the Living World.
>Demand that the Togabito volunteer any information on Lisa.
>Seek out one of the Kushanāda, announce your presence.
>Other?

>>948575
>Seek out one of the Kushanāda, announce your presence.

>>948575
>>Seek out one of the Kushanāda, announce your presence.

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>>948575
>Seek out one of the Kushanāda, announce your presence.
>Exude bloodlust at those who attempt to fight us

>>948570
>Strongest
Now that's a rather dubious statement. She's certainly in a different league than many of her peers, but the objective strongest? There's hardly adequate evidence to demonstrate that.

Also, Riku is often called on or accidentally discovers the sort of shit that not even a Captain is really trained to deal with. Sometimes there's a degree of luck or intuition involved.

>>948575
>>Seek out one of the Kushanāda, announce your presence.

>>948575
>>Seek out one of the Kushanāda, announce your presence.

>>948575
>>Seek out one of the Kushanāda, announce your presence.

>>948575
>Greet the Togabito politely but without fear as you head towards a guardian
Oh hey, are we gonna have to meet all the Sternritter we killed? Assuming Aizen doesn't have prior claim on their souls, hell is totally where they belong.

>>948591
Well, we killed the shit out of unohana's reigai in an all-or-nothing a while back.
Yachiru is basically on a similar level to kyoraku and old man genocide, innit she?

>>948591
>trained

What, you mean the other Captain's aren't badass enough to just wing being suddenly hollowfied? Or finding copies of themselves? Or effortlessly winning the affections of higher level dieties?

>>948604
The dfference is the real Unohana might not have gone for an all-or-nothing thing, what with the Reigai lacking a sense of strategy.

Also, what makes you think she or Shunsui would do a better job not inadvertantly getting caught in a dimensional rift?

>>948610
Yachiru might not've.
I get the feeling kyoraku would've.

>dice +3d10, DC 14, Crit 18
Try not to accidentally trip and bite your tongue while kicking Shrieker's ass.

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Rolled 9, 4, 8 = 21 (3d10)

>>948622

Rolled 8, 6, 5 = 19 (3d10)

>>948622

Rolled 9, 1, 2 = 12 (3d10)

>>948622

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“Why bother,” you grumble, “he's a small fry.”

“Hey, who do you think you're calling a small fry!?” the being demands angrily, firing five green blurs at you from where its sleeves would be, were its body not essentially already a black mass of shadowy reishi.

Within a splintered second ten long streaks of blood appear to your side with a chorus of splattering sounds. You turn to glare at the Togabito, little more than a nuisance to you but quite effective in that role if it was his intent. He glances down at Tenkotsuki, still drawn and in your hand.

“What the fu...” he begins, interrupted by his own mouth as his head and neck slowly peel apart into two fleshy halves. The nearest guardian turns where it stands and begins to slowly approach you. Ah, so you attracted its attention. Good.

“Not nice, lady!” the Togabito shouts at you as the slice begins to heal, like a zipper running up from the top of his sternum. “Really not cool... hey, what's that guy doing? You attracted a guardian you dumb...”

For the second time in a painfully short period the nameless being is cut off by his own death, or at least what should have killed him. The Kushanāda brings its massive fist down on the Togabito, completely shattering the cube you were standing on even as you land softly on a nearby structure which seems to float in the air, suspended at about the creature's eye level when it rises up from delivering the blow.

You sheath your sword as you announce your presence. “I am Captain Kusajishi, sent by Inari Ōkami as a messanger!”

The massive creature, which seemed at first intent on smashing you as well, pauses. It looms over you, as if expecting you to provide an account of yourself.

>I was sent to see what the problem was here, and wandered into Hell by accident.
>I was sent after a Vizard who wandered in here by accident, to bring her back.
>I noticed Hell was bleeding over into the Living World. Maybe we can work out a deal.
>Other?

>>948674
>I noticed Hell was bleeding over into the Living World. Maybe we can work out a deal.

>>948674
>I was sent after a Vizard who wandered in here by accident, to bring her back.
>Other: Hell seems to be bleeding into the living world, something's gone wrong.

>>948674
>I was sent after a Vizard who wandered in here by accident, to bring her back.
>Other: Hell seems to be bleeding into the living world, something's gone wrong?

>>948674
>>I was sent after a Vizard who wandered in here by accident, to bring her back.
>I noticed Hell was bleeding over into the Living World. Maybe we can work out a deal.

>>948674
>I was sent after a Vizard who wandered in here by accident, to bring her back.
>I noticed Hell was bleeding over into the Living World. Maybe we can work out a deal.

>also, writing

I also need a roll, 3d10 best of four.
DC is 20.

Rolled 2, 7, 3 = 12 (3d10)

>>948812

Rolled 6, 6, 3 = 15 (3d10)

>>948812
Just fuck my shit up.

Rolled 4, 4, 9 = 17 (3d10)

>>948812

Rolled 10, 7, 5 = 22 (3d10)

>>948812

dice why

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>the guardian of hell doesn't believe us

>>948828
>>948825

all good, best of four

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>>948825
Nice save!

>>948825
Great job

>>948838
but was that for all the rolls or just that one?

“Hell is bleeding over into the Living World,” you declare to the giant beast in a firm tone, not entirely sure that it can even understand what you're saying. “One of our friends, a shinigami with hollow powers, was drawn into Hell by mistake because of it. This is dangerous for everyone concerned... and I'm willing to offer our help in putting it right.”

In response the giant leans down, extending a single finger towards you and slowly pressing it against your forehead. The tap isn't violent, especially considering the beast's size, but in the midst of a searing flash of light you feel an intense and spreading pain.

“What did that thing just do!?” Tenkotsuki demands loudly, then falls silent. You look down, seeing that you have been transformed quite against your will. Golden skulls decorate your shoulders, ribs cover your bust, and what feels like a second spine lays just atop your own and connects to a ring of large claws and fangs around your waist. Your right arm is protected by smooth armoring, ending in a skeletal-looking gauntlet that protects your knuckles.

“Tenkotsuki?” you ask aloud, receiving no reply. “Rosa? Anyone!?”

A different Kushanāda approaches, looking down at you in ignorance of the fact that its compatriot's apparent gift has robbed you of the assistance of your two zanpakuto.

“What's happened to me!? Where is my friend?”

The best stares at you with empty eyes, then gestures into the distance. With a great leap you land atop its hand, and see that the world seems to abruptly cease in that direction... a drop down the the level below you?”

>Ask the Kushanāda to confirm its directions.
>Head over the edge, search out Lisa's reiatsu.
>Demand that the Kushanāda reverse the process.
>Other?

>>948904
Ayyy Skullclad

>>948904
>Head over the edge, search out Lisa's reiatsu.

>>948904
>>Head over the edge, search out Lisa's reiatsu.

>>948904
>Head over the edge, search out Lisa's reiatsu.
>Express great displeasure at being disconnected from Rosa and Tenkotsuki

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>>948904
I never saw this part of bleach, i have no clue what the fuck just happened and i'm officially spooped.

>Head over the edge, search out Lisa's reiatsu.

>>948904
>>948923
Oh, forgot
>Something something bone to pick something

>>948904
>Head over the edge, search out Lisa's reiatsu.

>>948904
>>Head over the edge, search out Lisa's reiatsu.

>>948924
The guardians of Hell are capable of concentrating power in a single "worthy" individual, which allows limited command over the other guardians, condemning souls to lower levels of Hell or raising them to a higher level, or releasing them entirely. The Kushanada acknowledged Riku as having a right to be there and that she's acting for the right reasons, and as a result Riku is essentially the Queen of Hell right now.

The powers totally conflict with the way her zanpakuto work however, so she could never keep them. In fact she's quite lucky to have managed the transfer at all.

Also, 3d10 best of 3
DC 16 and 19 for a crit due to the unfamiliarity of the skullclad form balanced by its ability to help in dealing with Hell's bullshit.

Rolled 9, 5, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>948991

Rolled 8, 9, 5 = 22 (3d10)

>>948991
Wow, for guardians of hell, these guys actually seem pretty chill.

>>948991
Jesus. Pics for references?

Rolled 8, 3, 2 = 13 (3d10)

>>948991

Rolled 4, 2, 5 = 11 (3d10)

>>948991

>>948996
>>948999

Hello double crit. It's been a while.

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>>949000
Note that it took Ichigo the whole fucking movie to get this form, while with Riku the Kushinada just almost immediately concluded that that's the proper protocol.

>>949013
That's probably because Berryboy's far from the sharpest tool in the shed.

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>>949013
It looks terrible and yet the concept is pretty cool at the same time.

>>949020
He's plenty sharp, just no one ever fucking tells him anything.

>>949013
Well, I figure Ichigo was always being kept at arm's length and was never acting in any official capacity, either divine or spiritual.

Riku has permission to be there both from the SS, the general pantheon, and has precedent for dealing with whacky ghost shenanigans in the past that I assume the guardians know about.

It's a whole different kettle of fish.

>>948969
Shouldn't this cause some really big problems for Riku? I remember Tenkotsuki was the only thing keeping the merging of herself, Rosa, and Riku stable and whole. Shoving our her zanpakuto sounds like it would be unusually devastating to Riku.

>>949013
To be fair, a diplomatic visitor with the power and will to fix something that the Kushanada consider a grave issue arrives just in time? And literally announces that Inari sent her here to un-fuck the situation?

They have nothing to gain by waiting, and everything to lose through needless delay.
>writing

>>949035
I assume all the powers of Hell are holding Riku together, though we should probably act fast.

>>948591
>>949025
I find it funny that the average Shimigami doesn't know more about this kind of otherworldly knowledge.

>>949039

Man this chapter just made Riku at least 50% more metal.

I think Lisa is going to scream bloody murder before Riku can say she's here to rescue her, and that a terrifying Riku is just a universal constant. Every afterlife has one.

>>949050
Well whatever the case Lisa owes us. We're literally pulling her out of hell.

Maybe she should join the division.

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>>949050
We totally gotta scare the shit out of her when we find her.

I HAVE COME TO REAP YOUR SINS

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>>949036
Not wanting to waste time in finding Lisa you shout your thanks at the Kushanāda as you run along the length of its arm and spring from its outstretched finger, leaping from cube to floating cube until you reach the end and dive headfirst into the waters far, far below. You pass through the second level of Hell in mere moments, knowing from the powers and instinct granted you by the guardians of this twisted realm that Lisa did the same to flee from them not long before you arrived.

Yellow lava pools in concentric rings and terraces on the third level of Hell, which is a barren realm of glowing smoke and clouds of steam as far as you can see. Few Togabito ever reach this place, and fewer still would ever desire to do so intentionally. Landing atop a dark mesa of volcanic rock, you search for the location where Lisa arrived here and quickly find her reiasu... or something that resembles it.

She's begun to hollowfy, not as in drawing out her mask but becoming a menos as she was on the night Aizen betrayed all of you. Her face is mostly covered by a rough-formed mask, with only her left eye and part of her forehead still exposed, though she's currently cowering in the shadow of this plateau you can tell her upper body is covered in smooth white plates with angular, overlapping margins. Her zanpakuto Hagurotonbo is released, taking the form of an oversized spear laid at her side.

“What happened to you, Lisa?” you ask aloud, causing her to raise her head and glare at you. Her hand reaches for her weapon, and as she rises you can see her body covered in roughly formed iron chains. Those chains bind her here, you realize... the work of the Kushanāda.

>Attempt to reason with what's left of her rational mind... her mask still isn't fully formed yet.
>Knock her out and move back up to the First Level, deal with things as they come.
>Shatter her mask and free her of those chains, you have been given the power to do so.
>Other?

>>949100
>Shatter her mask and free her of those chains, you have been given the power to do so.

>>949100
>>Shatter her mask and free her of those chains, you have been given the power to do so.

>>949100
>>Shatter her mask and free her of those chains, you have been given the power to do so.

>>949100
>Shatter her mask and free her of those chains, you have been given the power to do so.
Yyyyyeahalright

>>949100
>Shatter her mask and free her of those chains, you have been given the power to do so.

>>949100
>Shatter her mask and free her of those chains, you have been given the power to do so.

Still acting in official capacity

>>949100
That nacho cheese though.

>>949100
>Shatter her mask and free her of those chains, you have been given the power to do so.

>>949100
>Free her of those chains, you have been given the power to do so.
Couldn't it be a potentially bad idea to break her mask? Doesn't that kill hollows?

Though if I'm misunderstanding and that "cures" her of being a Visored, couldn't that be worse? The inner Hollows take on an aspect of their host's emotions, so wouldn't getting rid of that also remove that emotion?

Though I might be talking out of my ass, after the first 4 chapters of the last arc I just looked at the pictures. Reading it was physically painful.

>>949100
>Shatter her mask and free her of those chains, you have been given the power to do so.

Hey Queen, won’t we know what Inari said to Tenkotsuki next time we enter full release?

>>949133
It looks like nacho cheese, it feels like nacho cheese, but it's not not nacho cheese. it tastes like piss.

>>949141
Did you watch Hell verse? Breaking a mask on a visored only breaks the mask.

>>949145
The year it came out. So 2011 now that I look it up.
Wasn't impressed, 5/10 at best.
At least we aren't killing her.

>>949152
yeah it was pretty meh desu

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>>949144
>it's not nacho cheese. it tastes like piss

>>949190
that experience alone is what truly convinces you that you are in fact in HELL.

>>949152
Would have been better if Kokutō's sister made an actual appearance. Like if Nel or Rukia someone was the little sister and showed up after he went completely batshit. Probably best not to do it in this quest though, Nel's had enough trauma.

>>949207
Ironic because Never has pretty much already said that's a thing for Nel in Last sternritter.

>>949203
If I remember right, when the sinners have had enough they turn into bone dust and filter down to a lower level of hell, right?

I can picture huge piles of dust in front of the nacho cheese pools because everyone that drinks it just poofs into dust the instant they taste it.

>>949216
Huh, well that fits with Nel treating her Fraccon like brothers when she reverted to child form.

>3d10, DC 18, Crit 21
>best of four thanks to the POWERS OF HELL

Rolled 5, 9, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>949226

>>949145
Actually, I'm somewhat concerned.

Lisa isn't hollowfying, she's becoming a menos. Forgive me if I missed something, but that's not supposed to happen, is it? A menos is a congolomeration of souls, rather than a singular hollow, which is just one soul that has been twisted.

Shinigami -> Menos is an impossible transformation, is it not? So there must be something weird going on.

Rolled 2, 8, 1 = 11 (3d10)

>>949226

>>949227
That was fast. GG Lisa.

Rolled 9, 4, 9 = 22 (3d10)

>>949226

>>949227
BOOYAH!

>>949232

DOUBLE BOOYAH!

But can we go for three...?

Rolled 5, 6, 5 = 16 (3d10)

>>949226

>>949227
Riku and hell apparently work well together.

>>949228
Its probably because Hollows turn into menos when they reach a certain level of power by consuming souls. As a lieutenant Lisa is already powerful enough to be a menos without having to resort to eating souls, maybe.

>>949235
I think 90% of the people who have met her would say the same thing.

Actually, seeing everyone's reaction to learning Riku became the Queen of Hell would be hilarious.

Just caught up (again). And I must say, I'm liking Hell's management style way more compared to most of the C46 judging from this tidbit.

>>949036
>To be fair, a diplomatic visitor with the power and will to fix something that the Kushanada consider a grave issue arrives just in time? And literally announces that Inari sent her here to un-fuck the situation?

>They have nothing to gain by waiting, and everything to lose through needless delay.

>>949235

All hail the Queen of Hell, Champion of the Kushanada, Savior of the Damned!

More seriously it's kind of amusing how much we've critted once we actually got into Hell.

>>949245
We should take a selfie while in Skullclad form as proof. We did bring our Spirit Cellphone right?

>>949226
I have a question >>949142

>>949253
Totally. I vote we do this.

And if we want to fuck around and get the quest off track, Riku can have a costume made to scare the piss out of people.
'I AM RIKU, QUEEN OF HELL! I'VE COME FOR YOUR SOULS! BOW BEFORE ME PEASANTS!"

>>949142
I dunno, there might be things that Tenkotsuki likes to keep private, but I can't help but imagine Inari giving Tenkotsuki the smothering mother treatment with love.

>>949253
also supporting for sure, need to take a selfie while we look like this

>>949257
It's not automatic necessarily, but if it's on Tenkotsuki's mind when that happens the resulting fused being would be aware of it.
>writing

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>>949293
With a speed that honestly comes as a surprise, no doubt increased by the powers of Hell that have been granted to you by its guardians, you assault the hollowfied Lieutenant at full force. Its reflexes may not be as quick as when Lisa is in control, which allows you to almost effortlessly slice Hagurotonbo cleanly through its shaft off a quick draw then crush her mask with your sheath as you follow through. Two more blindingly quick slashes sever the chains which were binding her, and her body goes limp as for a brief moment neither hollow nor shinigami is in full control.

“What's going on?” she asks wearily into your shoulder as you prop her up. “Why are you here, Captain? And for that matter, where is here?”

“You're in the third level of Hell, Lisa,” you tell her quietly, taking a knee with her leaning against you. The area around Osorezan is unstable, it seems that a part of Hell has somehow overlapped over the living world there and you stumbled through it by accident. I'm here to rescue you and fix the damage if I can.”

“You came into Hell willingly?” she demands, her voice finally finding some strength. “You're insane... did Shinji put you up to this? And what's with your clothes, why aren't you hollowfied?”

“Why were you hollowfied?”

“Something about this place,” she explains, her body relaxing again as she forces herself to try and remain calm. “It caused my hollow powers to go out of control... the people on the levels above had masks as well, maybe it was caused by the same effect which keeps them here.”

“Maybe,” you agree thoughtfully. “Since I'm technically allowed to be here the Kushanāda granted me some sort of power. It suppresses my other two zanpakuto, so I guess that's the difference.”

“I'm not even going to question that,” she sighs, glancing at your skull-emblazoned armor. “I suppose I owe you one... assuming you have an escape plan.”

“I plan to walk out like a normal person,” you shrug. “Just like that.”

“Just like that,” a new voice repeats from behind you... a Sinner this far down into Hell? The guardians knew of this, though they don't know his name or crime. Only that he's been running free and causing trouble.

>See what he wants.
>Try and force him down a level deeper.
>Kill him. By the time he respawns you'll be gone.
>Other?

>>949448
>Grab Lisa and get hell out of dodge


Or would it be get the dodge out of hell? Either way, it's time to leave

>>949448
>Other?
He's been causing trouble and Hell gave us the responsibility to fix it. Doesn't Golden Skull mode make it possible to kill/imprison sinners forever? I remember Ichigo doing that in the movie. Do that to this guy.

Maybe ask his name first. It's only polite.

>>949459
>Riku
>Running from some nobody
Youmustbenewhere.jpg

>>949448
>>See what he wants.
>Cast a spell to send Lisa to safety or use hell powers for the same effect.

>>949448
>Other: Seal his ass, use them hell powers to chain him down.

>>949448
>Try and force him down a level deeper.

>>949448
going with these two
>>949476
>>949466

>dice+3d10. DC 17 Crit 22, best of four because WHERE DO YOU THINK WE ARE

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Rolled 5, 7, 3 = 15 (3d10)

>>949524

Rolled 8, 2, 9 = 19 (3d10)

>>949524

Rolled 3, 1, 5 = 9 (3d10)

>>949524

Rolled 5, 8, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>949524
Critical burst!

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Rolled 3, 5, 4 = 12 (3d10)

>>949524
FEAR RIKU AND HER SKELETAL MIGHT

Rolled 10, 8, 10 = 28 (3d10)

>>949524

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>>949545
rip

>>949545
ARRRGH WE COULD'VE NAILED HIS ASS

Rolled 8, 3, 3 = 14 (3d10)

>>949524

>>949545

I despair over the glory of what could have been. it would have been so freaking epic...

"Just like that?"

"Just like that. Like this!" *kicks him over the edge of Hell*

"NoooOOOOoooo!"

>>949545
You Have Failed us anon, how will you repent.

>taking a break for dinner, will return and finish off in maybe 45 minutes give or take

>>949574
>Only anon who rolls well is the failure

What about the other guys who rolled before him with stupid comments and poor dice?

>>949466
That seems pretty harsh, snce we have no idea who this guy is or what he did.

Which... kind of raises the question of why he's still here, if he doesn't have any crimes on record.

>>949574
Hey, I critted in both of the previous rolls.

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>>949584
Maybe he should've been faster than the guy who took 30 extra seconds to upload a gif :^)

>>949594
He's not in Hell because of a mistake, so he's a bad guy. A really bad guy since it takes some seriously fucked up shit to get into Hell when your soul is usually recycled or you turn into a Hollow.

I think they said in the movie that to get into Hell you had to be a terrible person throughout multiple lives? Don't quote me though.

>>949594
the point is that he's in hell, and he's trying to get out via making hell bleed over and subtly possess Lisa when Riku goes to drag her ass out.

>>949618
nope. it's that you have to have committed grave crimes as a mortal and then get killed by a shimigami as a hollow to get into hell. just ask Shrieker (that bloke killed five people as a mortal man, and then killed several more as a hollow before Ichigo killed his hollowass)

>>949596
Confirmed. A true hero.

>dinner taking longer than anticipated, still planning to return

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>>949856
“Do you think this is smart?” you ask, turning to face the lanky newcomer. White robes and hair, with black bandages that cover most of his face, head, and arms. “You're staring down a Captain-class shinigami with the powers of Hell itself supporting her... in this realm my will is Law.”

“And you can get me out of here!” the sinner insists with a wild grin. “You have the one ability I've craved for God only knows how long... to leave! What's one more soul escaping this realm with you?”

“The difference between using my powers and abusing them,” you insist sternly, causing the man to scowl back at you. “Get out of my way, I'm saving a soul that doesn't belong here and fixing what's gone wrong with Hell itself on my way out.”

“I can't let you do that,” the sinner insists, drawing a sword.

“Oh,” you snarl, sweeping your sword to the side in a wide gesture, “I think you'll find you can.”

The grim lands of Hell itself morph and twist at your command, a pillar of yellowish lava rising up to stop his sword arm mere moments before it would have struck your shoulder and solidifying in place. He strains for a moment before finding his legs similarly bound up the knees, the ground slowly advancing towards his waist.

“No!” he shouts, redoubling her efforts. “How could you cast judgment so easily? Have you no human decency!?”

You glare at him as Hell begins to swallow him feet-first, pulling him down into its depths at your command. “Have you?”

When his only response is to shout incoherently at you, you cross your arms and look him straight in the eye. “Thought not.”

With a loud snap Hell snaps the sinner's spine, putting a temporary end to his resistance and dragging him another level deeper and out of sight. Lisa stares at you for a moment before shaking her head and sheathing Hagurotonbo.

“You know the phrase 'hell hath no fury', Captain?”

“Yes.”

“Well, Hell always hath more fury,” she observes. “Hell hath no shortage of fury, and I'll never compare anything else to it so long as I live.”

“Fair enough,” you nod, sheathing Tenkotsuki with a pang of longing for her voice. “Let's get out of here.”

“Again, how?”
>1/2

>>950080
I really like how Riku decided to completely demolish him on a philosophical level first, and THEN on a physical level.

>>950080
Wow. If this is just a normal success, what would a crit have been?

We might want to fully resolve this little problem before we leave though, once Lisa is out of here.

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>>950080
Moments later you emerge through the top of one of the white cubes common in the first level of Hell, still explaining to Lisa as she stares wide-eyed in your arms.

“And so that's how I figured it out,” you summarize cheerfully, pleased that this trick worked. “The guardians don't crush any of the structures or environment as they move because they can just pass through Hell's landscape! It's selective phasing!”

“Fascinating,” Lisa mutters, still staring like a deer in headlights after having been carried through the fabric of two layers of Hell. “But how do we leave?”

“Simple,” you insist as a large hand emerges from the cube around you. “We hitch a ride!”

The Kushanāda pushes you skyward, space warping around its palm as it creates a hell portal...

“I hope this works!” Lisa shouts.

“So do I!” you shout back...

...and then you emerge from two massive, ornate doors that you've never been happier to see in your life with Lisa still in your arms. Ready to greet you is a massive crowd of shinigami that have converged on the temple at Osorezan, lead by none other than your sister. Kaoru's used her Bankai to try and control what's happening in the space around the temple, in order to reduce what must seem like a disaster in progress.

“Riku!?” she shouts in disbelief as the doors of the portal slam shut. “What the hell... sorry, what happened to you?”

“Long story short I've been appointed temporary Queen of Hell,” you explain, passing Lisa off to Kai and Mirai who lead her away with equally wide eyes. “Now, what do we do about this...”

Shortly, Yoruichi joins you as well with a wry grin on her face. “You know, 'Queen of the Damned' is actually a pretty good look on you.”

“Enjoy it while it lasts,” you grumble, your eyes still locked on the portal which still hasn't disappeared. “If I want to hear from my own zanpakuto again I've gotta find a way to get rid of this costume jewelry and fix what's wrong with Hell.”

“What is wrong with hell?” Kaoru asks. “Best I can do is try and stop it from getting worse, but Hell's kind of an obscure topic.”

“Kisuke told me...” Yoruichi begins before you guess what he said.

“That Osorezan was a point where the Living World and Hell were already close, and that now something has caused the planes to literally drift out of alignment?”

Your wife stares at you in mild surprise. “Yes, actually.”
>2/3

>>950154
>>hell is so impressed with us we become it's queen

>>950154
>what would a crit have been?
Casting a high-level Bakudo to bind him, using the power of Hell itself to do so. Unbreakable and permanent.

>>950243
well shit. Is that sinner still going to cause problems or did we kick him down hard enough down the stairs that he won't be a problem again? But the Perma-bind is a bonus right?

>>950243
Damn. Can we take the time to go back and do that? If this guy is a troublemaker of Hell, it seems like good courtesy to leave Hell with as few problems as possible before renouncing our title.

Be a good not-Boy Scout, leave Hell better than you found it!

>>950243
>Casting a high-level Bakudo to bind him, using the power of Hell itself to do so.
>using the power of Hell itself to do so.

Like...what would the Monk even THINK?

>>950257
Ichibe would be very conflicted, but grateful that Riku's getting shit done while being a law abiding citizen.

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>>950232
“The title 'Queen of Hell' isn't just a joke,” you explain. “For a short time I've known how it feels to have an entire spiritual realm bend to my every whim, effortlessly.”

“No temptation at all?” Kaoru asks, glancing again at your golden armor.

You shake your head. “I'd get lonely down there.”

“Figured as much,” Yoruichi nods. “So you think you can move Hell back into alignment?”

>By feeding my borrowed powers back through the gate I can cause a blast that would force the two apart... you'd have to ask Kisuke about what actually did this. Only I would be at risk.
>By expending all of my borrowed powers, and with Kaoru's help... I think it might actually work. No guarantees of our safety though, either one of us.
>Yoruichi, I need you to bend one of the rules of your Clan for me. It's the only way to safely correct the problem, regardless of its root cause.
>Other?

>>950257
"Race War Now"?

>>950275
>Yoruichi, I need you to bend one of the rules of your Clan for me. It's the only way to safely correct the problem, regardless of its root cause.

>>950250
He'll continue to be a loose cannon, but he's really been smacked the fuck down. And you did so without risk of overstepping your bounds, so IC there are arguments in favor of both plans.

As things stand Riku is parting with Hell on good terms... or rather if she had to go back it wouldn't go out of its way to fuck her over.

>>950275
>Present all three options, judge the risk and reward.

>>950275
>Other: Borrow a denkenshi and take a selfie. For Yoruichi.

>>950275
>>950287
This seems good.

>>950289
Do this first though.

>>950289
Don't forget to send a copy to the Monk!

I'm sure he will...fully appreciate all the implications and intricacies of Riku's current look.

>>950275
>By feeding my borrowed powers back through the gate I can cause a blast that would force the two apart... you'd have to ask Kisuke about what actually did this. Only I would be at risk.

>>950289

Actually if we wanna go fully cheese, need to hop back to hell with Yoruichi, and do that trashy romance look with the woman on the ground clutching at Riku's leg, possibly draped in chains, while Riku presides over the Hell and its damned souls.

Take a picture of THAT for posterity. It'll never happen again.

>>950275
>Yoruichi, I need you to bend one of the rules of your Clan for me. It's the only way to safely correct the problem, regardless of its root cause.

>>950341
would that leave Hell powerless? We still have to return the power bestowed to us by hell.

>>950355
I’m presuming Riku would know.

>>950355
>would that leave Hell powerless
All of these options involve returning the power borrowed in some way, and in any event even IF Riku kept that power Hell would continue to function. It would just be extremely poor form and would interfere with Riku's own powers.

>>950394
we're still gonna take that selfie right?

>>950394
Is it possible that having the power of Hell is going to influence Riku's developing shinreiyoku?

Cause that could be awesome and an OH SHIT moment for the Monk.

>>950416
um
UMM

>>950275
>By expending all of my borrowed powers, and with Kaoru's help... I think it might actually work. No guarantees of our safety though, either one of us.

>>950404
Of course. And since the response is leaning heavily in favor of either letting the others weigh in or taking the safe route, and Yoruichi is solidly in favor of doing whatever she has to, no roll is required.

>>950394
Important question: how did we carry Lisa? Bridal Style? Fireman Style? Soldier Style?

>>950445
Are there advantages to going the less safe route?

>>950454
more badass points as befitting of the queen of Hell.

>>950446
Bridal, obviously.

>>950445
I don't know, I can't really see a compelling reason to do this part on our own, since everyone is right here and it doesn't seem like shit is about to imminently explode. But maybe that means I'm not Captain material.

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>>950275
“Yoruichi, Kaoru, way I see it we have three possibilities: the one that only risks my life, the one that risks my life and Kaoru's lives, and the one that only risks ruffling the Shihōin Clan's feathers.”

Without hesitation, Yoruichi responds. “Which thing do you need?”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive,” she insists. “This is about keeping Hell from overlaying the Living World, I'm pretty confident we can win that argument.”

You nod quietly, thankful for your wife's willingness to go out of her way to make this sort of thing work. “Okay, I need you to produce a copy of the Ōin for me. Kaoru, I need you to continue controlling our surroundings and limiting Hell's encroachment.”

“I understand,” Kaoru nods, determined to do her part. To have held Hell at bay on her own like this... she's already done more than anyone could possibly expect. Keeping it up now is a matter of duty, both to the Seireitei and to her family.

“Wait a minute!” Yoruichi insists, pulling something else entirely from a pocket in her uniform. “There's just no way I could forgive myself for missing this sort of chance.”

It's a camera.

After taking a dozen pictures or so to commemorate the day you became Queen of Hell, including one that you can never under any circumstances show to your children or the rest of your family, Yoruichi places a copy of the Ōin into your palm. “I hope you realize if this were anyone else...”

“I know,” you nod, walking towards the portal and raising the Ōin in front of you. “Work with me here, Hell. One last time.”

Then you release the artifact into the air, drawing Tenkotsuki and slicing it in one clean stoke.

You're not entirely sure how it happens. For a few moments your mind isn't fully your own, but rather an extension of... something else. Something massive, ancient, and powerful beyond reckoning. Then you see that the Gate is beginning to fade away, and with it your armor. As Tenkotsuki and Rosa's presence returns to your mind the power of Hell flows out of your body, leaving a tiny set of golden characters on your palm: “Myōhi”. Then this set of symbols disappears as well, leaving you with two stunned but wonderfully familiar zanpakuto.

“What was that?” Rosa demands.

“We were temporarily suppressed by the powers of Hell,” Tenkotsuki summarizes. “And it appears that Hell has acknowledged a debt of gratitude.”

“Indeed,” you mutter, still stunned at what's just happened. “Kaoru? How are we doing?”

“Hell's encroachment into the living world has ended,” she sighs, sealing her zanpakuto. “Come on, Yoruichi. Let's get everyone back to Isshin's home... the Vizard too.”

>>950454
Yoruichi wouldn't run the risk of her Clan getting ripshit pissed at her and Riku for possibly breaking their rules about using powerful artifacts.

>>950582
And here's our stopping point for the night. Archive is up on sup/tg/, thanks for playing, and hope you enjoyed! Next two weeks are off, so we'll get back to it in January to unravel what exactly caused this near-disaster.

Until then I'll drop an omake here and there, and keep an eye on twitter for any updates: @QMKingofHearts.

SoZ will fire tomorrow, but pacing may be spottier. Start time is anticipated at 10am, but if that changes there'll be a twitter update.

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>>950582
What is the contents of that photo? I must know for science

>>950613
So, hell has something of a debt towards us. That's probably going to have consequences.

>>950582

A debt of gratitude from Hell? Well. That's pretty badass. I suspect we may yet have reason to call this in.

Or at very least, the leverage of having this favor gives us some political capital ability to threaten unholy wrath. Maybe provide some additional protection from the Monk?

It's probably an argument in our favor.

>>950582
Dayum son.
>The female counterparts of Wisdom Kings are known as Wisdom Queens ( Japanese: 明妃 Myōhi) in Vajrayana Buddhism.
Hell just gave us a boon.
>>950616
see >>950330 for the forbidden photo. Thankfully said photo was taken in hell away from prying eyes besides the damned who frankly have no right to speak of it.

>>950613
what were the reactions of the following recipients to the photos depicting Riku as 'Queen of Hell'?
>Ichibe, Shutara, Kirinji, Oetsu, Hikifune, Shunsui, Yamamoto (post-mortem), Ichigo, Inari, C-46

>>950589
Ah, that's why we shouldnt have raised the possibility because she would choose a certainty of her clan being mad at her, over even a chance of Riku being seriously hurt.

Now I feel kind of guilty because we probably maybe would have been fine.

>>950626
It's not literally that, no. But I'll leave it to the imagination, because there are a lot of things that could never be shown for multiple reasons: like Gin and Rangiku teasing Riku over it for example.

>>950648
>Ichibe
"This is getting out of hand."
>Shutara
"I have to admit, this is getting amusing."
>Kirinji
"Should've taken care of her when we had the chance."
>Oetsu
*Laughing Sword God Noises*
>Hikifune
"It seems young Riku finally hit her punk phase?"
>Shunsui
"Actually, I'm quite fond of women with a skull motif... not even in like a sexual way, either!"
>Yamamoto (post-mortem)
*Amused Fire Noises*
>Ichigo
"I never knew Aunt Riku's fashion sense was so shit... what do you mean Queen of Hell?"
"...I was never here. We never spoke. This never happened."
>Inari
Deeply amused and more than a little proud.
>C-46
Worried.

>>950708
>"I never knew Aunt Riku's fashion sense was so shit... what do you mean Queen of Hell?"
>"...I was never here. We never spoke. This never happened."

Oh God that's just beautiful!

Don't suppose you can share the reactions of Riku's Division and her Arracnar Allies? Plus Bambietta?

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>>950708
Can't wait to see how Riku's going to make people fear for their lives next.

>>950708
>Ichibe
>"This is getting out of hand."
What do you mean "This is getting out of hand?" The woman did something nice and fixed a problem that was affecting the balance between realms without overstepping the bounds herself! Why can't she have a little fun to commemorate the occasion? Girls just wanna have fun~

>>950708
One of those photos should be on the cover of Seireitei's Monthly News Magazine with an article of Captain Riku's brief adventure in hell with extensive information on the workings of hell. It would make a "hell" of an edition.

>>950719
Present:
>Kai
"What... the HELL?"
>Mirai
"Neat." *quietly snaps a photo*
>Kaoru
"Kai, that pun was horrible but I agree. What the HELL!?"
Not Present:
>Average Division Member
"So... is this a good thing? Should I be scared? Because I think it might've been, and I can't say that I am. I need a drink."
>Rangiku
"... she gave them back, right?" *squees internally*
>Gin
"Neat. I'm glad someone took a photo."
>Tenri
*squees externally*
>Rukia
"So our Captain befriended Hell. Why am I unsurprised?"
>Tatsuki
"Great, Riku. Great way to convince people you're not evil."
>Ishida
"Not surprised, I heard what happened on Okinawa."
>Tia
"Why did she get keep her uniform?"
>Starrk
"You're right, Mirai. Sounds like it'd be amazing to have been there."
>Lilynette
"Why is she covered in skulls and what's Hell? Is it somewhere in Hueco Mundo?"
>Apacci
"I know Lady Riku can be a bit devilish sometimes, but holy shit this is overdoing it!"
>Sung-Sun
"... I'm happy we never managed to make her sincerely angry."
>Mila Rose
"No kidding, snake. I'm... going to take a day off and think about some things."
>Bambietta
"The Sternritter can not see these pictures. I mean I think they're cool is shit, but they don't need another reason to think Riku's the devil."

>>950827

Thank you for writing those out. Surprisingly I think the one I like the most is:

>>Average Division Member
>"So... is this a good thing? Should I be scared? Because I think it might've been, and I can't say that I am. I need a drink."

Our Division is so loyal, even when doing crazy shit like becoming the Queen of Hell.

This is great. We are great. Everything was great this session. Thank you.

>>950827
How about:
Artemis
Coyote
Thunderbird (translated by Coyote)
General Rogers (the Colonel who was promoted) of the Valhallans
The Valhallan Reigai

>>950860
>Our Division is so loyal
Riku literally went to Hell and back for someone she's interacted with like twice in the last century and has no particular responsibility towards. What does that suggest about what she'd do for a squad of Ninth Division shinigami?

Their respect and loyalty are earned. They know that Riku is obscenely strong and deeply loyal to her Division.

>>950897
Squad nine can longer say they'd go to hell and back for her though, it's alot less admirable to say that when your captain is queen

>>950911
Well clearly they just need to say they'd go to double-hell and back.

>>950940
More like they'd go train in hell first and then go rescue her. They're that hardcore

>>950893
>Artemis
"I see nothing wrong with this arrangement."
>Coyote
*laughing canine noises*
>Thunderbird (translated by Coyote)
*angry cawwing noises*
"Something, something, abuse of diplomatic immunity, blah blah affront to justice blah. Don't worry, he won't be a problem."
>General Rogers (the Colonel who was promoted) of the Valhallans
"Well I'll be damned."
"Too much, you think?"
>The Valhallan Reigai
"Sounds about right."

>>950948
Only to find she's been made Queen of wherever it is she's been held.