>>2262287
It doesn't take long before you receive the call you're waiting on from your sister, which is a good thing. The longer you delay with this project the longer Ichigo and the rest of them will be fighting without you, and while you have faith in their ability to keep each other alive they shouldn't have to fight alone.

“I've finished preparations and gotten hold of the tools we need,” Kaoru tells you, not even bothering with a greeting. “Are you ready to help me sell this?”

“I've got our reference here in front of me,” you tell her, flipping through the photos Tenri brought for you. “But I'll need some help, we're talking about a lot of remodeling here. I don't think I have the reiatsu on my own.”

“We can handle that,” Kaoru assures you. “Between my bankai and our entire Division I'd hope we could handle it, at least.”

>Then I'll be along as soon as possible to do the shaping.
>I'll give you the reference images, but I have to confront Shunsui.
>Other?

>>2262292
>>Then I'll be along as soon as possible to do the shaping.

>>2262292
>Then I'll be along as soon as possible to do the shaping.
Isn't this the same thing they did in Blazing Saddles?

>>2262292
>>Then I'll be along as soon as possible to do the shaping.

>writing

>>2262325
“I'll be there as soon as possible,” you reply. “I take it the plan is still for me to do the shaping?”

“If you feel up to it,” your sister replies.

“Then that's what I'll do. See you shortly.”

Then you turn to Rangiku, with a nod shared between you. She understands what you need her to do. “Understood, Captain.”

A white ribbon spins, surrounding you, your daughter, and Tenri. Then you find yourself on the very edge of the Seireitei, the ribbon swiftly breaking down into its component reishi.

“I suppose it's a ground game now,” you sigh, stretching your legs and arms before taking a knee for Tenri to climb onto your back. “You up for a run, Rangiku?”

“Always,” she grins in approval before taking off at her top speed. The scenery flickers past you in a dizzying sequence of images: a row of houses and shops on a wide street, a clothes line set up out in an open yard, a small shrine, some market stalls. Then the scenes give way to open fields and trees, where you come to a stop. Kaoru and several dozen members of her Division have set up operations in the only area in the inner districts wide enough to fit an entire town.

“That was quick,” Kaoru greets you with a wave. “These stone pillars mark the boundaries of the field, and thanks to your friend Halibel we've set up operations in the Valley of Screams as well.”

“Who's taking care of Karakura Town?” you ask.

“Captain Urahara has already confirmed that he's prepared.”

“Then let's get started.”

>3d10, best of three
>apologies for the delay, I had to rethink how I wanted to do this

Rolled 10, 1, 7 = 18 (3d10)

>>2262356

Rolled 7, 4, 9 = 20 (3d10)

>>2262325

Rolled 2, 2, 5 = 9 (3d10)

>>2262356

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

>>2262356

>>2262356
After pushing and pulling for something like twenty minutes, feeling both the power of many Division members and Hanahonō's Bankai bolstering your abilities, you manage to recreate dozens of highrise buildings, swathes of tree-covered hills, block after block of lowrise apartments and single family homes, roads, a canal... you even take a moment to make sure that you've gotten the playgrounds in the public park and on the school grounds correct.

“That looks pretty good,” Rangiku nods approvingly. “Some of the stores don't have signs on them.”

“Ah, good catch,” you agree, silently consulting with Tenkotsuki for a few seconds to make believable signs for the various bakeries and restaurants. “Better?”

“Much,” Tenri replies calmly. “However I feel that an exact match is impossible.”

“She's right,” your sister sighs, “without even more complete, refined data there's only so much we can do.”

“I think it's believable,” you declare. “Besides, not like any of the people we need to fool have ever even spent time in Karakura town. At least not enough to know any better.”

“Well then, now it's my turn,” Kaoru tells you. With a massive outburst of reiatsu she completes her technique, using the spell to move all the space between the stone towers into the Valley of Screams. What slowly fades into view to replace the buildings and other little details of the fake Karakura town is nothing but sand.

“Well, at least it's a clean slate,” she muses, taking a moment to catch her breath.

>Use your memory of how you constructed the Fake to duplicate that here.
>Base it on the same set of images and intelligence you used before.
>Other?

>>2262390
>Use your memory of how you constructed the Fake to duplicate that here.

>>2262390
>>Use your memory of how you constructed the Fake to duplicate that here.
Much less likely to get noticed if it's at least consistent, right?

>>2262390
>>Base it on the same set of images and intelligence you used before.
Relying on the memory of a fake copy of the town seems like the town-building equivalent of a game of telephone...

>>2262390
>Use your memory of how you constructed the Fake to duplicate that here.
>Add 0.2% of your Shinreiryoku into the mix. If it's realm manipulation we're doing here, Riku should have first-hand experience and a bit of divine magic should make it hold even better.

>>2262390
>>Use your memory of how you constructed the Fake to duplicate that here.

>>2262404
It's more like using a photocopying a photocopied object. there's more discrepancies that come up.

>3d10, best of three
Link to this post or it doesn't count.

Rolled 9, 3, 4 = 16 (3d10)

>>2262421

Rolled 7, 1, 9 = 17 (3d10)

>>2262421

Rolled 7, 2, 2 = 11 (3d10)

>>2262421
this is gonna be a shoddy job.

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

>>2262421

Rolled 6, 1, 2 = 9 (3d10)

>>2262421

>>2262421
The sand of the Valley of Souls is easy to shape, and the details come together much more quickly than the same process with the Rukongai ever could. But the results are different. You're not sure where the differences are, and a review of the images you have at your disposal doesn't prove to be especially helpful.

Maybe it's because the sand responds to you too willingly. Maybe it's just different having done it before. Maybe it's just impossible to truly duplicate something that large and complex with any real accuracy. But in the end you're not satisfied with your work.

“What's wrong?” Rangiku asks.

You shake your head in frustration. “It's clearly different from the last one. Not enough to fool someone as sharp as Aizen is.”

>Take the time to try again, you want to get this right if you're going to do it at all.
>Forget about it. You have important business to discuss with the Head Captain.
>Other?

>>2262441
>>Take the time to try again, you want to get this right if you're going to do it at all.

>>2262441
>>Take the time to try again, you want to get this right if you're going to do it at all.
Ain't gonna settle for "good enough". Tenko would disapprove.

>>2262441
>Take the time to try again, you want to get this right if you're going to do it at all.
>remember your demonstration to Athena using pure willforce and shinreiryoku when altering your personal dimension and replicate that effect. It should make the shaping more effective.

>>2262441
>Take the time to try again, you want to get this right if you're going to do it at all.

>3d10, trying again

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

>>2262462
I can do it coach.

Rolled 7, 7, 4 = 18 (3d10)

>>2262462

Rolled 2, 9, 3 = 14 (3d10)

>>2262462

Rolled 8, 2, 4 = 14 (3d10)

>>2262462

>writing

>>2262468
“I'm trying it again,” you decide aloud. “Tenkotsuki, I need to borrow a little of your power.”

This time, the results are noticeably closer to the first copy. The street layout is absolutely on the mark now, and the buildings are appropriately sized and proportionate. Unless Aizen's been spending a lot more of his free time in the world of the living than you think he has this should suffice.

“Now that's a good sell,” you sigh, relaxing slightly as you admire your handiwork. “Sorry sis, but I've got something else I need to do right now.”

“Ichigo?” she guesses.

You nod. “Ichigo.”

“We can handle the last round of position switches on our own,” Kaoru insists thoughtfully. “Go talk some sense into Captain Kyōraku.”

“That's the idea,” you admit. “But in the end... who knows what he'll say.”

It takes you two trips to get back, courtesy of Rangiku's use of the only teleportation technique condoned by the Central 46. By the time you're in the shadow of the First Division Rangiku needs to take a break outside the meeting hall. She takes a seat and leans against the wall.

“Sorry, I'll be here resting when you're done,” she tells you. “Besides, I'd probably just get mad and shout at him in there. And we don't need to both be doing that.”

“Agreed,” you sigh. “I'll be back.”

“I'll be here.”

You quickly find Shunsui in his office, and give a little knock at the frame to his door. “You in?”

“Clearly,” he responds. “And to what do I owe the pleasure?”

>Kurosaki Ichigo and his friends went to the Schattenbereich against my advice. Kuchiki and Abarai went with them.
>We have an opportunity here. Ichigo's made the first strike, if we back him up we can reduce Aizen's military strength.
>I'm going to the Schattenbereich whether you like it or not. I suggest you try and convince yourself to like it.
>Other?

>>2262496

>Kurosaki Ichigo and his friends went to the Schattenbereich against my advice. Kuchiki and Abarai went with them.

As of current, I find myself with no standing orders. Commander, may i exercise my discretion to ensure the safety of my family members and otherwise excellent if wayward members of the gotei 13?

>>2262496

>Kurosaki Ichigo and his friends went to the Schattenbereich against my advice. Kuchiki and Abarai went with them.

>>2262496
>>Kurosaki Ichigo and his friends went to the Schattenbereich against my advice. Kuchiki and Abarai went with them.

This >>2262502 anon has a good idea. Supporting

>>2262496
>>Kurosaki Ichigo and his friends went to the Schattenbereich against my advice. Kuchiki and Abarai went with them.

>>2262496
>>Kurosaki Ichigo and his friends went to the Schattenbereich against my advice. Kuchiki and Abarai went with them.
Supporting >>2262502

>>2262496
>Other: "do you remember the kid's surprise raid in the summer?"
*jaded deadpan* "kids are at it again. this time with Quincy city instead of Seireitei."
>Other: Project "Double Dimensinal Bait" is complete. Orders? (supporting >>2262502 's suggestion)
>Other: Permission to Take Kenny for a co-captain joint operation?

>>2262496
>other: time the bombshell message so that the he realizes it mid-coffee drink and spit-takes all over his paperwork.

>>2262496
>>Other: "do you remember the kid's surprise raid in the summer?"
>>Kurosaki Ichigo and his friends went to the Schattenbereich against my advice. Kuchiki and Abarai went with them.

Going to be honest, im going for maximum groan and "you fucking planned this" coupled with "co-incidently, allowing me to follow my intentions would win you the undivided support of my noble house and its court denizens" should he even attempt to challange it.

>3d10
DC is 17 to get him to listen to your perspective, a 22 will really shake his conviction that what he's doing is right.

Rolled 9, 2, 9 = 20 (3d10)

>>2262540

Rolled 4, 8, 4 = 16 (3d10)

>>2262540

Rolled 6, 7, 8 = 21 (3d10)

>>2262540
Mom face on

Rolled 2, 7, 8 = 17 (3d10)

>>2262540
I can't do it coach.

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>>2262544
NOOO... JUST ONE AWAY

Rolled 3, 1, 7 = 11 (3d10)

>>2262540
Fuck, I am late!

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>>2262549

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>>2262540
“Ichigo and his friends left for the Schattenbereich against my advice,” you explain.

Shunsui sighs, and pinches the bridge of his nose. “And?”

“Third Seat Kuchiki went after Ichigo. She still feels she owes him a deep debt.”

“... and?”

“And then Lieutenant Abarai went after Third Seat Kuchiki,” you add, sensing the Head Captain's mounting frustration.”

“Why?”

“Childhood friends, sir.”

Shunsui now rests his chin wearily on his hands, looking you straight in the eyes. “And what do you want to do about it?”

“I want to go after them, sir,” you admit. “In fact I feel obligated to go after them.”

“Then why haven't you?” he asks, his gaze unbroken. “You'll end up doing it regardless of what I say. In fact if I didn't know you any better I'd say you told Abarai and Kuchiki to go, but what probably happened was you put them in a position to decide that for themselves.”

“Am I wrong?”

You shake your head in disbelief that this is the same Shunsui you've known for decades. And given where he's sitting... perhaps it isn't. “I put them in a position to do what their hearts told them they have to. If we all come out of this alive I'll reprimand them appropriately, as I'd expect to be reprimanded if I did the same thing.”

“And yet you're still here,” he observes. “Why?”

>Because I still have some respect for you, same as I had for the Old Man. Even if we disagree about things, there's a certain way this should work.
>Because I understand your position as Head Captain, and when it comes down to it I am a Captain under your lead. I have to at least TRY doing this by the book.
>Because you need a wakeup call. Even if we survive, we'll have lost if we give up our human hearts to do it. Letting them die is heartless.
>Other?

>>2262589
>Because I still have some respect for you, same as I had for the Old Man. Even if we disagree about things, there's a certain way this should work.
>Because you need a wakeup call. Even if we survive, we'll have lost if we give up our human hearts to do it. Letting them die is heartless.

>>2262589
>>Because I still have some respect for you, same as I had for the Old Man. Even if we disagree about things, there's a certain way this should work.

>>2262589
>>Because I understand your position as Head Captain, and when it comes down to it I am a Captain under your lead. I have to at least TRY doing this by the book.

>>2262589
>>Because I still have some respect for you, same as I had for the Old Man. Even if we disagree about things, there's a certain way this should work.

>>2262589
>Because you need a wakeup call. Even if we survive, we'll have lost if we give up our human hearts to do it. Letting them die is heartless.
>other: it's what seperates us from the millennia-old war-era Quincies. What does it mean "to be human?" To uphold the law of Seireitei?

>>2262589
>>Because I understand your position as Head Captain, and when it comes down to it I am a Captain under your lead. I have to at least TRY doing this by the book.

>>2262589
>>Because I still have some respect for you, same as I had for the Old Man. Even if we disagree about things, there's a certain way this should work.
>>Because you need a wakeup call. Even if we survive, we'll have lost if we give up our human hearts to do it. Letting them die is heartless.

>>2262589
>>Because I still have some respect for you, same as I had for the Old Man. Even if we disagree about things, there's a certain way this should work.
>>Because you need a wakeup call. Even if we survive, we'll have lost if we give up our human hearts to do it. Letting them die is heartless.

>>2262589
>>Because I understand your position as Head Captain, and when it comes down to it I am a Captain under your lead. I have to at least TRY doing this by the book.

>>2262589

>Because I still have some respect for you, same as I had for the Old Man. Even if we disagree about things, there's a certain way this should work.
Plus at the end of the day, as much as we push you, you need to be able to limit us. Power unchecked is what corrupts.

>3d10, DC 19, crit 23

Rolled 2, 6, 6 = 14 (3d10)

>>2262649

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

>>2262649

Rolled 6, 1, 9 = 16 (3d10)

>>2262649

Rolled 7, 6, 1 = 14 (3d10)

>>2262649

Rolled 10, 1, 4 = 15 (3d10)

>>2262649
slightly harder dc my ass.

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

>>2262649

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Well the high rolls would have to end some time

Rolled 4, 5, 4 = 13 (3d10)

>>2262649
Fucking hell, yet again late!

Shiiiit

>>2262649
“I'm here because even if we disagree there's a certain way this is supposed to work,” you explain, brow furrowed in frustration. This isn't going the way you'd anticipated... not worse per se, just differently. “I have enough respect for you to follow those basic steps, same way as I did with the Old Man.”

“And if I were Old Man Yama this would be where I told you no,” Shunsui sighs at you. “Take a guess where that train of thought is heading?”

“You're standing firm on this.”

“That's right.”

You shake your head in sheer disbelief. “Where'd the Kyōraku Shunsui I used to know disappear to, and how can we get him back?”

“He got promoted,” Shunsui reminds you. “He's got a bigger picture to worry about now.”

“How can you see the bigger picture if you're blind to the important details?” you growl.

“Don't mistake my resolve for ignorance,” Shunsui reprimands you, his expression darkening. “I've served as Captain a thousand years. I know what's expected of me, Captain Kusajishi.”

“As a fellow Captain it's my job to tell you when I think you're making a mistake,” you counter. “And as Head Captain it's your job to give the perspective of your Captains due consideration. Your predecessor knew that.”

“He was my mentor,” Shunsui glares sharply at you. “Centuries before you were born, Captain. I know what he would say in my position, just as surely as I know that you'll do whatever the hell you feel like doing.”

>This isn't how it has to be Shunsui... you know that saving them is the right thing to do.
>Fine then. I'm going to the Schattenbereich... do you intend to do anything to stop me?
>If you'd ignore your own conscience like this, you don't deserve to serve as Captain.
>Other

>>2262707
>This isn't how it has to be Shunsui... you know that saving them is the right thing to do.

>>2262707
>Other

Kneel. Right now we are appealing to authority we are choosing to accept. It behooves us to do this fully and without reserve.

Bow our head and ask him with full resolve to allow us to retrieve our subordinates and adoptive nephew and nothing more.

After that, if we break the rules? we break them good and hard and we make sure no fucker places a black mark on Shunsui for his stance opposing us and our decision.

>>2262707
>This isn't how it has to be Shunsui... you know that saving them is the right thing to do.

>>2262707
>>This isn't how it has to be Shunsui... you know that saving them is the right thing to do.
>Other: You don't have to try to be the Old Man, you are Shunsui. Don't force yourself to act against who you are.
>You know I will be going, but I don't want to do it without your blessing, I don't want to act against your wishes.

>>2262707
>>This isn't how it has to be Shunsui... you know that saving them is the right thing to do.

>>2262707
>This isn't how it has to be Shunsui... you know that saving them is the right thing to do.
>other: "You're acting this way because you're grieving. Burdened by the pressure of the clans and having such a big role to fulfill that you can't even enjoy yourself. Hell even Nanao notices that. You have to stop living up to Old Man's standards. Live up to your own standards for his sake!"
>Other: "Then we've already lost the war. The moment we lost our humanity and care for the humans then. What are we now? Proxies for Gods? I swear this line of thinking is similar to Aizen it's sickening."

>3d10, best of three
>higher is better, but hope for at least a 16 at bare minimum

Rolled 2, 5, 7 = 14 (3d10)

>>2262761
DAMMIT SHUNSUI!

Rolled 1, 7, 3 = 11 (3d10)

>>2262761

Rolled 5, 6, 4 = 15 (3d10)

>>2262761
>needs 16
we won't even make a 15

Rolled 7, 9, 9 = 25 (3d10)

>>2262761

Rolled 4, 8, 10 = 22 (3d10)

>>2262761

Rolled 2, 4, 7 = 13 (3d10)

>>2262761
uh oh

>>2262772
>>2262771
>>2262770
Goddammit.
>>2262769
>>2262767
>>2262766
Jesus christ. why.

>>2262770
TWO SECONDS! THE SALT IS REAL!

>>2262761
You do something you can safely say you've never done... at least not since you can remember.

You kneel.

“Please, Shunsui,” you beg, lowering your head in a show of complete sincerity. “You know that this is the right thing to do. Please, just allow me to do it.”

After a few moments of silence, Shunsui replies in a low voice. “That's not a choice I've been given. I have my own duties, and the entire war, to consider. My hands are tied.”

You can't look him in the eye. “Then it seems like we've already lost something that Aizen could never cut away with a sword... I have to go, Shunsui.”

“You have your own responsibilities,” he tells you, closing his eye in thought. “I can't support you. If we both survive, I may even be called upon to punish you for abandoning your post.”

“But in spite of all that... I wish you luck, Riku. Don't let yourself or any of those kids get killed.”

You stand, and turn to leave. “Don't die, Shunsui.”

“I don't plan to just yet.”

“No one ever does.”

When you leave the Head Captain, it's with a heavy heart. Rangiku can tell immediately that something went wrong. But what that might be is only a distant concern.

“Are you okay?” she asks quietly.

You shake your head. “Nothing about this is okay.”

>Take care of Gin while I'm gone. You know how much of an idiot he is sometimes.
>As of now I'm stepping down as Captain of the Ninth Division. You're in charge, Rangiku.
>I need to speak with Yoruichi. Knowing her she's planning to mobilize the Onmitsu.
>Other?

>>2262824
>I need to speak with Yoruichi. Knowing her she's planning to mobilize the Onmitsu.

The rest are maybes. Best leave them to the future.

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>>2262824
>>Take care of Gin while I'm gone. You know how much of an idiot he is sometimes.

That exchange is a heavy hit right in the text-with-no-background.

>>2262824
>>I need to speak with Yoruichi. Knowing her she's planning to mobilize the Onmitsu.

>>2262824
>>I need to speak with Yoruichi. Knowing her she's planning to mobilize the Onmitsu.

The others can be taken care off once the crisis has been dealt with.

>>2262824
>>I need to speak with Yoruichi. Knowing her she's planning to mobilize the Onmitsu.

Dramatic pause

>>Take care of Gin while I'm gone. You know how much of an idiot he is sometimes.

>>2262824
>Other: Hug Rangiku. You need all the comfort you can get before the big trip.

>>2262824
this>>2262841
and
>>I need to speak with Yoruichi. Knowing her she's planning to mobilize the Onmitsu.

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>>2262824
>Take care of Gin while I'm gone. You know how much of an idiot he is sometimes.
I get why he is the way he is... but still, damn

>>2262824
>>Take care of Gin while I'm gone. You know how much of an idiot he is sometimes.

>>2262845
Just how the dice roll my freind.

Look at it this way, even at its harshest penalty the court will still try to retain us as a valuable war asset. We'll probably just be saddled with a "retainer" or other observer for a prolonged period of time.

>>2262851
you forgot about other ramifications. Like the Royal Guard. And the C-46. And our co-worker captains. This is a HUGE setback.

>>2262845
Such is the burden of leadership

>>2262851
That or maybe Riku would have to "retire" to the royal guard?

>>2262861
Half the Royal Guard wants her dead and that was when Riku was protected by Seireitei Bureaucracy.

>>2262861
Nah senpai, I don't see Riku isolating herself from her allies and family like that.

>>2262851
>Look at it this way, even at its harshest penalty the court will still try to retain us as a valuable war asset.
As if. Riku stepping down in order to do things her way gives them enough justification to proclaim "she's gone rogue" and then impose 10,000 years in a deep dark hole.

>>2262824
“Knowing my wife, she's going to be mobilizing the Onmitsukidō,” you tell her. “We need to coordinate our efforts if this is going to work.”

“Mother...” Rangiku speaks up as you turn to head for the Second Division. You see that she's not following you this time.

“I have to go.”

You knew this moment would come some day. You knew that you wouldn't always be there for your adopted kids, to protect them and to support them in their own trials. That despite the fact that their presence in your life has given that life meaning, there was a limit to what you could do to repay them for that eternal debt. You just never wanted to think that it would happen any time soon.

“I have my own tasks,” she continues awkwardly, trying to disguise how upset she is at the scenario. “My own duties, people that I have to protect.”

“I know,” you smile sadly, turning back to her. “I know. Just do me one favor and look out for Gin? He's... kind of an idiot sometimes.”

“I will,” Rangiku promises. “Of course I will.”

You press your forehead to your daughter's... and simply try your hardest not to cry in front of her. “You've given me so much over the years. Watching you grow has been something I wouldn't trade for anything, and having watched you grow I know how strong you really are. In your reiatsu, in your fighting skills, and in your heart, you're much stronger than anyone realizes... even you.”

“I'm not worried,” Rangiku insists, her tone miserable. “At least not for myself.”

“We'll deal with the consequences of this later,” you assure her. “After I get back and help you all put Aizen down for good. It'll be fine.”

Finally, your daughter pulls away. “As worried as I am, what you're doing? It's my turn to be proud of you this time.”

“Thanks,” you nod, putting on a show of resolve once more. “Good luck, Lieutenant.”

“Same to you, Captain.”
>1/2

>>2262860
>>2262876

True, but her ability to leverage divine right means most attempts at leveraging rank on her fail outright. Really itll be a political deadlock everyone ignores out of courtesy because to resolve it would mean big fucking problems for no real gain.

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>>2262883
>mfw comfort hug

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>>2262883

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>>2262883

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>>2262883
When you finally arrive at the Second Division headquarters, alone, you find that you were right. The Onmitsukidō is stirring: as an independent corps that stands outside the authority of the Gotei 13 they follow no one's orders but Yoruichi's. Although depending on how this goes it might not stay that way for long.

“Yoruichi,” you greet her with a firm nod after basically pushing your way past her guards and attendants.

“Riku,” she replies calmly. “How bad?”

“I'm on my own.”

“Damn Shunsui,” Yoruichi sighs bitterly. “Hell of a time for him to turn into a hardass.”

“I'm going,” you declare. “Alone if I have to.”

“You won't be going alone,” your wife insists firmly. “As part of this operation I'm going with you.”

>I don't have a say in this, do I?
>Welcome aboard the SS High Crimes and Misdemeanors.
>I refuse.
>Other?

>>2262908
>>I don't have a say in this, do I?

>>2262908
>I don't have a say in this, do I?

>>2262908
>>I don't have a say in this, do I? siiiighhh.... Welcome aboard the SS High Crimes and Misdemeanors.

>>2262908

>I don't have a say in this, do I?
+
>Welcome aboard the SS High Crimes and Misdemeanors.

>>2262908
>>I don't have a say in this, do I?
>>Welcome aboard the SS High Crimes and Misdemeanors.

>>2262908
Hah! Supporting this >>2262922

>>2262908
>other: "Did you file the appropriate paperwork? How are we gonna cover our asses when you leave the post as clan head? How is that gonna save our bacon from 46 idiot congressmen?"

>Welcome aboard the SS High Crimes and Misdemeanors. Next stop: Quincy City. Tickets please.

>>2262908
>>I don't have a say in this, do I?
>>Welcome aboard the SS High Crimes and Misdemeanors.

Thinking about this, for a second. If Riku did succeed in convincing Shunsui, then much of the political flames would be on both Riku's and Shunsui's asses. But due to the failure roll, all the flaming is basically on Riku's (and Yoruichi's) ass. But I'm not sure on how much cushioning will the two get due to how much political support/capital we've built up over the course of 2 centuries.

>>2262908
“I... don't have a say in this, do I?”

Yoruichi shrugs, dismissing the question. “Marriage is about compromise, my dear.”

“Then welcome aboard the SS High Crimes and Misdemeanors,” you sigh, shaking your head. “But I'd rather not have anyone else involved in this if we can avoid it.”

“I'm fine,” she tells you, leaning back in her seat. “I've got full authority to deploy my forces as I see fit, and this is how I see fit. As for you, if anyone wants to punish my wife for doing the right thing there's going to be hell to pay.”

“So don't worry about that. Worry about the goal.”

“Right,” you nod. “So, the next question... how do we get there?”

>Maybe I can do this? Through Rosa of course.
>We need Bambi to do us a big favor.
>Other?

>>2262967
They are both technically partially at least divine. As such they rank above the royal guard.

So long as we leverage that right, theres literally nothing anyone can do to fully oust us short of treason charges.

Site this alongside a situation in technical war footing and even the 46 will want us on side as allies even if we are ejected from the gotei 13 power structure.

>>2262973
>Maybe I can do this? Through Rosa of course.

>>2262973
>>Maybe I can do this? Through Rosa of course.

>>2262973
>Maybe I can do this? Through Rosa of course.
>other: Why don't we try going to the place where the kid's ported to Quincy City? The reishi space there should be weak enough that ripping a Garganta door in the same spot should yield the same results.
>other: if all else fails we can get there through Ghost Mexico.

>>2262982
Good idea, supporting this.

>>2262982
Backing. Best logical solution.

>>2262973
>>Maybe I can do this? Through Rosa of course.

>>2262976
but it's the royal guard's job to also hunt down rogue divines... second to guarding Izanagi's (read: Soul King) head and torso.

>>2262973
>>Maybe I can do this? Through Rosa of course.

>>2262990
Sure, hence the treason charges. Infront of other divines (our peers and thus the only ones qualified to judge us), trying to ensure the safety of our subordinates (or subjects as they may well see it) is perfectly natural and not rouge at all.

>>2262982
backing.

>>2262990
>>2262998
Its best to look at things in a... twisted logical perspective devoid of morality when dealing with the divine. They hardly want to be judged for looking after their own interest and will no doubt be very dissuade full of others doing so on others lest it come round to them their selves. Of course this does not dissuade dickassery of the highest order from say the monk but it does limit what hes able to do (though i doubt since our semi reconciliation hes inclined to bother in face of more prominent threats than petty power struggles and decorum).

>>2262973
>3d10, higher means more of Yoruichi's dudes can get through with you
>best of four

Rolled 4, 6, 7 = 17 (3d10)

>>2263030

Rolled 6, 1, 2 = 9 (3d10)

>>2263030
Let's do this!

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

>>2263030

Rolled 7, 4, 1 = 12 (3d10)

>>2263030

>>2263037
>>2263036
>>2263033
>>2263031
Still mediocre...

>>2263030
>>2263031
This is the night of mediocre dice. (hey that almost rhymed)

>>2263030
>Half an hour later...

“How did you even get here?” Cang Du demands in a low, even tone that can't quite be described as a growl.

“Fuck you, that's how,” you shoot back. “I... may have been told to tell you that. Are we doing this yet?”

“If you're that impatient, then we'll start right away.”

“That suits me.”

You lean calmly out of the way of a thrust, then when Cang Du throws his other fist at you he finds Tenkotsuki's blade wedged firmly between his own weapon's metal claws. With a twist you shatter the blades, then deliver a pair of slashes across Cang's right arm and chest.

The edges of your swords clang and slide off the Sternritter's hide.

“Your swords aren't sharp enough,” he sneers, recreating the destroyed weapon in his right hand. “Maybe for a lesser quincy they would suffice, but not for me.”

But as you exchange blows again, you hear a voice in your head. Not belonging to one of your swords, but to your wife.

“I'm engaged, don't use your Bankai. No time to explain.”

Don't use your Bankai?

“I wonder what has happened?” Tenkotsuki muses silently.

>Continue using your swords, rely on higher-level zanjutsu and kidō
>Use Shunkō, see how durable Cang Du really is under that iron skin.
>Take a gamble. Sheath your swords and exclusively attack his joints.
>Other?

>>2263055
>>Use Shunkō, see how durable Cang Du really is under that iron skin.
Blunt force trauma. Why not?

>>2263055
>>Take a gamble. Sheath your swords and exclusively attack his joints.

>>2263055
>Take a gamble. Sheath your swords and exclusively attack his joints.

>>2263055

>Continue using your swords, rely on higher-level zanjutsu and kidō

Our Kido is pretty much insane for anyone to face, so lets just blast his smug face off. Consider it practice.

>>2263055
>Use kido to blast him around and limit his movements until you find something that works.

>>2263055
>>Use Shunkō, see how durable Cang Du really is under that iron skin.

>>2263055
>>Use Shunkō, see how durable Cang Du really is under that iron skin.

You got armor? TIME TO USE A WARHAMMER!

>>2263055
>other: "Armored Shunko". You're not really aiming to deal damage to his skin, what you're really going for is messing with his tactile senses lightly tap his body with redirects and deflects to get that numbness going so he won't notice the burning that comes.

>>2263055
>Use Shunkō, see how durable Cang Du really is under that iron skin.

>>2263055
>“I'm engaged, don't use your Bankai. No time to explain.”
Don't tell me she used encountered Wonderweiss. Luckily she used her ability to "appraise" their powers and figured out their trick early enough to send out the warning.

>3d10. Best of 3. DC 17, critical 21

Rolled 6, 2, 7 = 15 (3d10)

>>2263098

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

>>2263098

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

>>2263098

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

>>2263098

>>2263104
A pass at least.

>>2263098
It's clear that Cang Du is a capable fighter, from a technical perspective. And it's also clear that he's been testing your skills before bringing his full power to bear, same as you've been doing.

“Shunkō!” you shout, feeling the energy rip first at your body, then stagnate somewhat as it slows and cools, clinging in a dense shroud close to your skin. “Yōake Shimo.”

All sensation is gone.

“I see,” Cang Du nods thoughtfully. “Then I won't hold back either.

The flurry of strikes and counterstrikes sounds more like two machine guns dueling each other, the momentary meeting of fists and elbows packing enough raw power to cause shockwaves in the air. You manage to keep the Sternritter's weapons away from you for the most part, aside from one sloppy bock that leaves three deep gashes on your left bicep. But as the exchange continues you notice Cang Du's expression change.

Finally he disengages, testing his fingers. “Damn you. What is this?”

“Why the hell would I tell you, moron?” you spit. “We're enemies. The only thing that matters is who's alive when we're done fighting.”

“You were fighting while numb?” he realizes. “I must admit I'm impressed.”

“But you've still failed to land a blow on me.”

“That can be amended!” you roar back at him, lowering your center of balance and charging him. Your blades keep sliding off, but one of the punches you do manage to sneak past his guard stance causes him to wince.

“So it does feel,” Rosa muses in delight. “If it feels, it can be broken.”

“The only question is how?” Tenkotsuki replies.

To answer that, you'll need to know more about the limitations of his defense.

>Kidō
>Shunkō assault
>Attack the joints
>Other?

>>2263133
>>Attack the joints

>>2263133
>Attack the joints

>>2263133
>>Attack the joints

>>2263133
>>Attack the joints

>>2263133
>other: Hot and cold Kido. If possible Have Tenkotsuki mod 2 spells so that it's an enchantment on your fists with one hand is wreathed in flames while the other is ice cold. and alternate. If you remember your metal physics. repeated back and forth of temperatures would crack the metal.
>focus on attacking a single spot. He was clutching his side earlier from a wound. why don't you go for that?

>>2263133
>>Attack the joints
Chain only as strong as the weak link blah blah

>3d10, best of three, higher is better
>bare minimum is 16

Rolled 2, 10, 5 = 17 (3d10)

>>2263167
>inb4 below 15 again

Rolled 9, 3, 3 = 15 (3d10)

>>2263167
Come on, step up your game.

Rolled 1, 10, 2 = 13 (3d10)

>>2263167
DAMMIT CAPCHA

Rolled 7, 6, 8 = 21 (3d10)

>>2263167

>>2263167
Well, there's one idea you can try. If you're right, it may prove to be a viable way forward.

“Let's go, Cang Du,” you taunt the man, sheathing your swords and pumping out as much reiatsu as you can by silently calling on Tenkotsuki to release her power to add to your shunkō. “Any wall you hide behind I'll bring it down on your head.”

This time, the pace is different. You mostly focus on closing the distance, getting inside the reach of Cang Du's claws by weaving and slapping his swings aside where you must. But eventually you spy your opportunity: he over-extends, and you manage to dodge to the side of his outstretched right arm.

Your right hand grabs his wrist and your left palm slams into the back of his elbow with tremendous force, pushing the joint in the wrong way despite his skin's irony texture. Cang Du hisses in pain as his elbow is slammed out of articulation entirely, and he turns to throw you loose of the mangled limb.

“So that wall of yours has its limitations,” you muse wickedly, while the Sternritter jerks his arm back into something resembling working order. “If I can hurt you, I can kill you.”

Enraged, Cang Du assaults you with a force and violence that so far he's been lacking in this fight. He starts using his legs more for kicks, and rather than slow sweeps of his arms he's focusing on quick, sharp jabs that rely on his claws to do the real damage. His speed seems to pick up too, keeping pace with you even in this state of release.

>Try mixing in kidō, like Hyōga Seiran.
>Add in some higher-level hakuda techniques.
>Snap his neck.
>Other?

>>2263204
>Add in some higher-level hakuda techniques.

Dudes trying to compensate with speed vs a foes technique.

Timing (and in this case technique) should win out over speed.

>>2263204
>Add in some higher-level hakuda techniques.

>>2263204
>>Add in some higher-level hakuda techniques.

>>2263204
>>Add in some higher-level hakuda techniques.
I agree with >>2263210 When he overextends, we can strike, bonus points if we can restrict his movement with our strikes even further.

>>2263204
>>2263210
>>2263217
backing

>>2263204
>other: fake an opening so that Cang Du tunnel visions onto that "weakness" which makes it perfect for you to execute a limb lock and snap his leg like a boiled crab leg.
his increased focus on speed means more inaccuracy. and as >>2263210 says, timing is everything.

>>2263204
>Add in some higher-level hakuda techniques

>>2263204
>kido:
Use Tsuzuri Raiden. If he's man with a "literal Iron skin"then he's super vulnerable to electricity on the inside. Turn your hands into living tazers and watch Cang Du do the Epileptic Twerk.

>>2263204
>3d10, DC 16, Critical 21

>>2263204
>Add in some higher-level hakuda techniques.
>>2263210 has the right of it

Rolled 10, 2, 5 = 17 (3d10)

>>2263246

Rolled 6, 4, 9 = 19 (3d10)

>>2263246
dice you crack bitch.

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

>>2263246

>>2263246
>>2263252
>>2263253

wew we passed atleast

>>2263204
The next opening comes when Cang Du tries to kick you in the head, and you immediately counterattack.

“Ikkotsu!”

A single blow to the knee pushes his patella out of place, ruining the Sternritter's right leg and forcing him to extend his iron all across his skin in a kneejerk reaction. Which gives you a second opening.

You place a hand on his wrist as he slashes at you wildly. “Tsuzuri Raiden.”

The surge of electricity prompts a surprised shout and a kick to the side of your head, leaving Cang Du on the ground struggling to get his leg back in working order. By the time you're ready to try capitalizing on it he's ready for you again, and you're forced to sidestep a powerful kick from the ground.

Cang Du is growing desperate, but you know he has another trick up his sleeve: there's no way he doesn't know how to use Vollständig. And watching him carefully you're no sure why he doesn't just use it already. With your own handicap of “no Bankai” you wouldn't be able to match that sort of increase in his reiatsu.

“I'll finish it,” you decide.

>Use a rapid movement trick, like Utsusemi, to gain an advantage.
>Use a bakudō to give yourself a single moment to strike unopposed.
>Go for the head, try and concuss him or mess up his balance.
>Other?

>>2263293
>>Go for the head, try and concuss him or mess up his balance.

>>2263293
>>Use a rapid movement trick, like Utsusemi, to gain an advantage.
And when we have this advantage
>Go for the head, try and concuss him or mess up his balance.

>>2263293
>>Use a rapid movement trick, like Utsusemi, to gain an advantage.

>>2263293
>other: Tessho into Tsuzuri Raiden on his head.
>if possible use FAST (shunpo + Hirenkyaku) to literally grind his head against several walls or the floor with his body as a battering ram. incase a wall is in your way.

>>2263293
>>Go for the head, try and concuss him or mess up his balance.

>>2263293
>other: Pin him and use Hirenkyaku + Shunpo to batter him through several buildings and 25 walls with him as a battering ram.

>>2263293
>>Go for the head, try and concuss him or mess up his balance.

>3d10, DC 17, crit 22

Rolled 1, 10, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>2263362

Rolled 7, 9, 3 = 19 (3d10)

>>2263362

Rolled 10, 10, 6 = 26 (3d10)

>>2263362
last dice of the day.

Rolled 9, 6, 10 = 25 (3d10)

>>2263362

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>>2263366
at long last!

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>>2263371
Here.

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>>2263366
>>2263362

You gun goofed Chan Du!

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>>2263366

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>>2263362
You leap through the air, only to have your left foot blocked by Cang Du's upraised arm. But that was how you planned it. Your right heel drops against his head, staggering him for a moment and letting you follow up with a punch to his face that sets him on his back foot. Then the assault continues.

Oni Dekopin, your powerful ranged hakuda technique, lets you flick him in the forehead as you reposition yourself to punch him in the ear. As he reels from the blow you strike him in the jaw with your elbow. Next you start abusing one technique, Onibi. Each time you throw a punch a powerful blast of reiatsu slams into his head a split second before your fist makes contact, the blows that much more punishing for the excessive amount of force.

“I don't care if I can't cut you,” you declare, pounding the Sternritter over and over again. “I don't need you to bleed, I just need you to die!”

With one last powerful effort you slam your fist into Cang Du's neck, leaving it at an odd angle. Refusing to stop there you step behind him, grasp his head firmly on both sides, and twist his body through the air before slamming him down.

His mouth moves idly, eyes turned upward despite his body laying on its stomach.

“Lay there a while and think about what you've done,” you spit. “I'll be back to kill you in a moment.”

You turn to deal with what you really came here for: Rukia and Tatsuki. The latter is bloodied, but you can tell that she's still breathing and that her blood loss has been halted.

Rukia coughs to get your attention. “Will she... be okay... Captain?”

“She'll be fine,” you insist firmly, turning your attention to your subordinate. “You should worry more about yourself.”

“Sound advice. You should follow it.”

The owner of the voice behind you is none other than Cang Du, whose body has risen from where it fell. With an unnatural, sickening series of pops and crunches the Sternritter's head slowly twists back around so he can see you before he cracks his neck, once to each side.

“Better,” he mutters.

“Of course,” you grumble. “It's inconvenient that you know how to use Ransō Tengai, even with your neck broken.”

“I didn't want to use this, but you've left me no choice,” Cang Du tells you with a frown.

“Vollständig.”

>>2263410
And with that, I'll be obliged to call it a night. Thanks for stopping by, and hope that you enjoyed the ups and downs of the dice!

I'll update on Twitter when I intend to run next, and the Discord is also open for updates and random chatter. So keep an eye open, and see you next weekend at the latest.

>>2263424
Thanks for running Queen.

Few questions.
>Did anyone realize (other than Rangiku and Shunsui) that Riku left Seiretei and what did they think about it?
>What are the wounded, but surviving Quincy soldiers thinking about the fight?

>>2263493
What are the wounded, but surviving Quincy soldiers thinking about the fight?
>She's just a woman!
>what is that woman?
>dear lord she's fighting Commander Cang! And she's winning!
>Oh shit! She killed Commander Cang!
>Commander Cang used that?
>What even!?

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>>2263410
>His mouth moves idly, eyes turned upward despite his body laying on its stomach.
>“Lay there a while and think about what you've done,” you spit. “I'll be back to kill you in a moment.”

>Not double tapping the 'defeated' and letting the enemy make a comeback

Damn you anime tropes, I'll never forgive you for this.

>>2263515
You mean the ones Riku just thrashed?
>Ow my everything
>How am i still alive?

>>2263424
Thanks for running Queen, this is still always a blast. Too bad Riku is terrible at diplomacy. Good thing she's so great at 'diplomacy',

>>2263493
Reactions:
>"Lady Halibel, Riku has..."
>"I am aware."
>"Then, are we going to..."
>"We will do what she is counting on us to do."
>"Captain? Something wrong?"
>"No, Tetsuzaemon. It's nothing."
>"Good luck, Lady Yoruichi. We will take care of things on our side."
>etc.

Survivors:
>I can't tell if this this mercy or cruelty.
>So that's what we were trying to fight? We didn't have a clue...
>Is she truly stronger than the Iron? How is that possible?
>We were wrong. That's not a woman, it's a monster.

>>2263515
>What are the wounded, but surviving Quincy soldiers thinking about the fight?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ys-661oLevE

I just had the weirdest dream where I was autoing through co-op quests and met a new Renji that I'm pretty sure was supposed to be a crossover with digimon. It had a special move that played the Digimon Frontier theme. Klab should totally hire me to help design characters.

>>2264771
so can we see an omake of "Evil Riku" Backstab both Aizen and the G-13? If Aizen's goal was to become god through Transcendance, then he basically did all the work for Evil!Riku.

>>2268134
We had that. Evil Riku failed.

>There will be a silly omake some time today or tomorrow to tide you over

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>>2271673
Will it involve Yoruichi? I want to live vicariously through the quest, since she's never going to drop for me.

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>OMAKE: WRONG WAY HOME
>THE EVENTS IN THIS TIMELINE ARE OF QUESTIONABLE CANONICTY
>READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

“Something tells me this isn't where we're supposed to be,” Yoruichi frowns, carefully examining your new surroundings.

“You think?” you chuckle, rising from your knee. Wherever you are is a forest of some kind, fairly nondescript, consistent with east Asia... the question is, what plane have you wandered into?

“Wherever we are, it doesn't look like something you'd call “the Schattenbereich”, I think.”

“Too brightly-lit,” Yoruichi agrees. “It feels a lot like the Rukongai.”

“Halt!” a familiar voice demands. “Drop your weapons and stay right where you are!”

“Why are you shouting at me?” you ask your wife.

She shakes her head in confusion. “Why would I shout, you're right next to me.”

From the forest emerges a figure as disconcerting as she is a treat for the senses: the same smooth, brown skin, the luxurious, full hair, the curvy but still lethally athletic figure, but wrapped differently. A cream-colored top wrapped below her bust in silky red, with ornate cloth gauntlets in that same creamy tone... and an ornate, gothic-hilted straightsword festooned with what look like live roses.

“Who are you?” the new Yoruichi demands, as shocked as you are to find her doppelganger but probably less appreciative of the moment. After all, it's not every day you get to have two of your beloved wife around.

Yoruichi... that's your Yoruichi... stares at her near-mirror for a few seconds before coming up with a plan. “We'll introduce ourselves on the count of three.”

“On three?” the copy asks.

Yoruichi shakes her head. “Three and then go.”

“Understood,” the copy nods. “One...”

“Two...”

“Three!”
“Three!”

“Shihōin Yoruichi, a Captain of the Soul Society's Court Guard.”
“Shihōin Yoruichi, Grand Knight of the Cacao Society's Court.”
>1/?

>>2273890
The two Yoruichis stare at each other in disbelief until the copy speaks. “I thought when I woke up this morning I was prepared for anything.”

“I can only speak for myself, but this wasn't part of 'anything' before five minutes ago,” your Yoruichi admits.

“We're definitely the same person,” the copy... no, this world's Yoruichi realizes aloud, “though you seem much more carefree somehow.”

“I got married,” Yoruichi-prime explains. “This is our lovely wife from my world, Kusajishi Riku.”

“Nice to... well, I'm glad it's you,” you greet your wife's alternate version with a goofy grin. “Even if this isn't what we were trying to do, it's kinda cool.”

“You dress almost the same, as if it is a uniform,” Yoruichi-Cacao, as it sort of makes sense to call her given what she calls this place, observes. “Are the two of you of similar rank and social standing?”

“Yes,” Yoruichi-prime confirms with a warm smile. “A fellow Captain, my former Lieutenant, and an adoptee of the Shiba Clan.”

“The Shiba Clan?” Yoruichi-Cacao repeats.

“You have one of those here, right?”

She nods grimly. “We do. Sorry to say, they have not adopted anyone into their Clan in at least three centuries.”

You and your wife exchange an uncertain glance, before you come to the realization of what that means... or at least heavily implies. “I... guess that means there's no “me” in this universe.”

“Truly the darkest of timelines,” your wife mutters. “But I suppose you are an unlikely existence, if you stop and think about it. Maybe our universe just got lucky.”

You're quick to shake your head. “Doesn't matter. Did we do something wrong?”

Rosa is quick to deny the suggestion. “We did everything right. Our little diversion to freakyland had nothing to do with us.”
>2/?

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>>2273893
“She says it wasn't us, by the way,” you tell your wife quietly, though not quietly enough as it turns out.

“What was that?” Yoruichi-Cacao asks.

Yoruichi-Prime shakes her head, dismissing the question entirely. “She does that. So as entertaining as this is we need to leave as soon as possible.”

“I see, you must be in a hurry,” Yoruichi-Cacao nods sagely. “I can tell by your impatience and the fact that you brought a small army with you.”

“I'm as observant as ever, I see,” Yoruichi-Prime smirks confidently. “But if you must know we were trying to invade a different parallel reality, trying to save some kids.”

“Kids?” Yoruichi-Cacao asks, her tone curious. “I imagine there would be a story there.”

“Their only 'crime' was trying to rescue their respective mothers,” you clarify. “They'll need our help.”

“Worthwhile,” Yoruichi-Cacao concludes. “Unfortunately you're not the only ones who invaded our kingdom today... I was actually here expecting to find the other group.”

“Other group?” you ask. “What do you mean?”

“You'll know them when you see them,” she replies cryptically. “We need to get back to the Castle. You and your men can follow me.”

The 'Cacao Castle' as it turns out is an expansive complex, more like a medieval walled city than a single keep. True to the name of the place everything looks like some kind of sweet: the walls are the color of ginger bread, topped with little rounded crenelations like piped frosting, making the whole Castle look like a hybrid between a gingerbread house and the largest wedding cake ever made. Your guide leads you and the Onmisukidō accompanying you through a main portcullis gate in the outermost wall, then through a small town full of rose gardens and fountains, then through an inner portcullis that leads into the inner courtyard and the keep itself.

“You stay here,” Yoruichi-Prime orders her men. “Try not to touch anything, Captain Kusajishi and I will return as soon as we know what's going on here.”

Inside you find another familiar figure, this one too in a vastly different ensemble which looks more arabesque than anything else. Lots of silky, sheer fabric in shades of chocolatey brown... and no mask fragment adorning her chin.
>3/?

>>2273898
“Halibel?” you ask in disbelief. “Wait, you're the Queen?”

“You know my name?” she asks you curiously. “And how can it be that there are two Yoruichis?”

“They are from some sort of... parallel world,” Yoruichi-Cacao explains tentatively. “My apologies, Lady Halibel. I don't understand all the details myself, though the basic premise seems to be sound.”

“So, does that mean where you are from I am also Queen?” Halibel asks you, and you struggle to suppress a sigh.

“How do I put this delicately... no?” you offer. “We're friends, yes, but many in the Soul Society would rather see it all burn than have you rule over them. Still others would simply refuse to acknowledge it.”

“I see. So this Soul Society is ruled without kindness or compassion?”

“Yes,” you nod with a frown. “Or at very least with a sense of duty and 'propriety' before all else, though that is changing slowly.”

“In the long history of the Soul Society such a change in attitude is unheard-of,” Yoruichi-Prime explains in turn. “For mortal enemies of a thousand years to reconcile in just months...”

“A thousand years...” Yoruichi-Cacao mutters.

“Allow me to ask a question, if you will,” you interrupt whatever your wife's doppelganger was thinking. “Does the name Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni ring a bell for you?”

Queen Halibel shakes her head, slowly and deliberately. “It does not.”

“Something must have happened here a thousand years ago,” your wife realizes.

Yoruichi-Cacao's expression darkens. “I was wondering the same thing. The recorded history of our kingdom only goes back about nine hundred years, to a time shortly after a catastrophe of which no records, written or otherwise, exist.”

“Well, since Halibel is ruling I can't believe it was the quincy,” you shake your head. “A mystery for another time.”

A loud crash from outside interrupts just as Queen Halibel was about to speak, and instead she shuts her head and sighs. “And that is the reason we cannot help you at the moment. Our mysterious attackers have returned.”

“Perhaps we can help each other...”
>4/?

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>>2273907
A world unlike your own, you wonder. A world where a hollow can be Queen of the afterlife, where the Gotei 13 doesn't exist, where all the “old guard” of the shinigami are absent. And from what you can tell, there's no sign that anything like the system you came from has ever been attempted. None of Shutara's needlework, no convoluted naming schemes in multiple languages... while this Yoruichi is quick she doesn't even seem to be capable of using shunpō. So it appears even the basic shinigami combat arts don't exist here, or at least not in the forms you'd recognize as such.

Something happened here a thousand years ago that caused this world to diverge so drastically from your own. Something catastrophic. Something like...

Your train of thought lets out a tortured groan of steel against steel as it abruptly derails, and crashes down a mountainside to a fiery ruin with no man nor beast surviving.

“The hell is this?” your wife demands, staring out over the ramparts at the same thing you're seeing.

Seaweed.

As far as your eye can see, seaweed.

Angry seaweed.

“I had the same exact response,” Yoruichi-Cacao responds. You can feel your gaze go utterly flat as words fail you. What words could suffice for such a moment? What language has the depth of meaning and the breadth of vocabulary to convey your sense of utter refusal of a plain reality?

“Ambassador... Seaweed...” Yoruichi-Prime recognizes, her head tilting slightly on her slouching shoulders. “Why... why did it have to be this way?”

“I suppose there is a universe where the Kuchiki family accidentally ruins everything with their artwork,” Tenkotsuki muses. Apparently she's the only one who really finds this scenario amusing. “If there truly are infinite possibilities, then this must have been one of them.”

“I am going to start cutting those things now,” you announce to no one in particular, your tone hollow and emotionless. “I don't know if I'll be able to stop.”

If the army of seaweed was expecting a parlay, or for you to demonstrate any comprehension of the concept of “mercy”, they were terribly mistaken. Because while Tenkotsuki may have been right in that such a universe could be a statistical likelihood... no.

Just... no.

You refuse.
>5/?

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>>2273933
>Seaweed.

>As far as your eye can see, seaweed.

>Angry seaweed.

>>2273933
“We are deeply grateful to you both,” Queen Halibel bows politely, the seaweed menace having been swiftly removed with some help from Yoruichi-Cacao and the local equivalents of a few other familiar faces... none of whom recognized yours.

You and your wife bow respectfully in return. “Couldn't help it. After all, where I'm from we've been friends more than a century.”

“The other me is fortunate for such a friend,” the Queen compliments you. “Nanao, has the artifact been successfully placed into stasis?”

“With some help from the other Yoruichi, yes,” this universe's version of Nanao replies. She's still quite modest, but more... bookish than her prime-universe counterpart. Perhaps not having to deal with Shunsui's antics has made her more naive and less experienced, or perhaps there were other factors there as well. Maybe it's just not your place to ever know.

Your wife sighs dramatically. “Something that weakens conceptual boundaries... I'm glad there's no counterpart in our universe. The results might be disastrous.”

“You didn't do the thing?” you ask her quietly, to which she shakes her head.

“Didn't trust myself.”

“Best of luck,” Yoruichi-Cacao tells you with a friendly embrace before turning to her clone. “Good to see I have fine taste in any universe.”

“I'll try not to look too deeply into that comment,” your wife offers. “Take care.”

“Same to you.”

With your farewells said, you put the Cacao Society behind you.

The shadow portal opens, dumping you back into 'real' space from whatever darkness you're obliged to step through when using that technique. When you can see clearly again, you note that you've returned to your own Division barracks. Or at least you're pretty sure, since Mirai and Starrk are now looking awkwardly at you. It seems they were having a light spar, possibly to relax in Mirai's case and simply humoring her in Starrk's.

“Back so soon?” Mirai asks with a raised eyebrow.

“Mirai,” you sigh, “the universe is wide and full of wonders beyond count. But what we just went through... I'll draw my dying breath before I really understand what the hell just happened, so let's all just move on to the part where we kill Aizen.”

“I concur,” Yoruichi immediately agrees. “Let's try this again, shall we?”
>6/6

>>2273995
Seaweed, but why

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>>2274016
A universe where the Kuchiki's poor art skills ended up destroying the Seireitei.

>>2274018
At least Rukia's art skills went up by one level in SSQ canon.

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>>2273893
>“Truly the darkest of timelines,” your wife mutters. “But I suppose you are an unlikely existence, if you stop and think about it. Maybe our universe just got lucky.”
>>2273898
>and no mask fragment adorning her chin.
>>2273907
>Yoruichi-Cacao's expression darkens. “I was wondering the same thing. The recorded history of our kingdom only goes back about nine hundred years, to a time shortly after a catastrophe of which no records, written or otherwise, exist.”
>“Well, since Halibel is ruling I can't believe it was the quincy,” you shake your head. “A mystery for another time.”
>>2273933
>Something happened here a thousand years ago that caused this world to diverge so drastically from your own. Something catastrophic. Something like...
>>2273995
>Your wife sighs dramatically. “Something that weakens conceptual boundaries... I'm glad there's no counterpart in our universe. The results might be disastrous.”

I'm not familiar enough with Bleach lore to put together the hints here... although the conceptual boundaries thing makes me think of the Monk's power somewhat...?

>>2274927
When the time comes you won't need to be super familiar with "Bleach lore". Don't worry about it.

>>2273898
>Dark queen/sorcerer Halibel
Something i never knew i always wanted

>>2275227
That see-through cape looks very nice in game.

>>2275129
The single word is the one you've been waiting for: Vollständig. The release of Cang Du's full spiritual power, which will finally allow you to get the full measure of the man. If this makes him stronger than your Bankai you may be in trouble...

>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FQgsYF0uR8&t=59s

The reiatsu washes over you. While it might be terrifying to most shinigami, and even unsettling for most Captains... that's not who Cang Du is facing. You're more concerned about what this Vollständig lets him do aside from just hardening his skin. You're not certain that the quincy are all necessarily bound by the same sort of rules shinigami are in that regard, so you can't say for sure that his new form won't come with a sinister new ability.

“Let's determine this,” you grumble.

In your mind, Tenkotsuki echos the sentiment. “He will have gotten faster. Be on guard.”

“I know...”

Your thought is cut short by a slash that rips open your left shoulder, a claw finding flesh despite your near-instant dodge. Blood drips down your arm before the flow of reiatsu through your body unconsciously stems its flow.

“Commendable,” Cang Du admits, flicking your blood off his reishi claws. “Your movement technique is superb.”

“You talk too much,” you grunt, wiping gingerly at your arm. How to proceed from here...

>Use a dirty move. Even a skilled fighter can succumb to such tricks if they're unexpected.
>Fall back to your hohō techniques, just try and wait until you hear from Yoruichi.
>Go on the offense, rely on Haien and modified Haien to counter his Iron Skin.
>Other?

>>2278435
>>Go on the offense, rely on Haien and modified Haien to counter his Iron Skin.

>>2278435
>>Fall back to your hohō techniques, just try and wait until you hear from Yoruichi.
Mix it up with utsusemi too. Attempt to determine what else he buffed in his arsenal.

>>2278435
>>Go on the offense, rely on Haien and modified Haien to counter his Iron Skin.

Alright, I'll get the ball rolling with these three votes.
>3d10, DC 19, crit 23
>best of three

Rolled 6, 4, 5 = 15 (3d10)

>>2278476

Rolled 1, 2, 1 = 4 (3d10)

>>2278476

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

>>2278476

>>2278476
The best idea you can come up with is to go on the offensive: now that your enemy's at his full strength it makes no sense to hold back. And since you're dealing with an enemy who's at least as fast as you are right now and can't be cut, you have one tool that stands out as uniquely suitable.

“Hadō 54: Haien!” you shout, launching a roiling ball of black flames at Cang Du from your left hand. You're not shocked that he dodges with his own hirenkyaku, stepping swiftly to your side and drawing back his reishi claws for what he hopes will be a lethal attack.

You grin at him wickedly, raising Tenkotsuki's edge to reveal that you've set her ablaze. Your parry becomes a potent delivery system, transferring the flames from your weapon to Cang's. His eyes widen in surprise as he kicks at you, and though your ribs strain under the force you take some pleasure as he waves his hand wildly to try and put it out.

Although it's short-lived, because he succeeds in putting the fire out with only minor burns.

“Was that the best you can do?”

In response he resumes his attacks, never letting you get off a full incantation, sticking just on the edge of your reach. Wounds tear into your arms and shoulders, and one traces deep crimson lines across your back...

This isn't good.

You kick at Cang Du's leg, trying your hardest to break it but failing. Instead you take an elbow to the face.

What's taking Yoruichi so long? If this drags out, it could really be trouble...
>3d10, highest of three

Rolled 4, 8, 1 = 13 (3d10)

>>2278513

Rolled 2, 4, 8 = 14 (3d10)

>>2278513

Rolled 6, 1, 1 = 8 (3d10)

>>2278513
Ah shit

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>>2278525
Right. That's a sign.

>>2278532
It's fine. Just the usual bunch of messy injuries whenever Rukia's within line of sight, no biggie.

P A N I C

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>>2278513
You are Shihōin Yoruichi, and this doesn't look good.

Despite your best efforts you were too late: both Chad and Lieutenant Abarai were taken in by this guy's technique and are struggling to survive amid the ocean of liquefied terrain. This is a dangerous situation... there's a very real risk of drowning, sure, but you also realize something else.

Which is why you make a call.

“Kakushitsuijaku,” you declare, reaching out towards your wife with your hand and mind together. Two little tabs of reishi trace lines of ink along your arm, cursive script forming old, powerful words from the back of your hand to your shoulder.

“I'm engaged, don't use your Bankai. No time to explain.”

“What is it you are doing, Captain?” the arrancar who's beaten Chad already and pushed Abarai to the edge mocks you.

“Seeing that our fight isn't interrupted,” you tell him... and you mean it, too. If Riku used her Bankai while this arrancar is manipulating the environment with his reiatsu like this... well, it wouldn't be good for the two young men who are currently treading water in the floor.

>You need to get these two out of the 'water' as soon as possible, then call Riku.
>You need to defeat this arrancar. His release should fade slowly after that.
>You need to get these two clear, then finish off the arrancar as well. Take no risks.
>Other?

>>2278568
>You need to get these two clear, then finish off the arrancar as well. Take no risks.

>>2278568
>You need to get these two clear, then finish off the arrancar as well. Take no risks.

>>2278568
>>You need to get these two clear, then finish off the arrancar as well. Take no risks.

>>2278568
>>You need to get these two out of the 'water' as soon as possible, then call Riku.

>>2278568
>>You need to get these two clear, then finish off the arrancar as well. Take no risks.

>>2278592
>3d10, DC 18, Crit 24

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

>>2278635

Rolled 4, 10, 3 = 17 (3d10)

>>2278635
I swear to god. We're cursed.

>>2278638
Shhh. No god here, anon.

We still need dice roll #3

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

>>2278635
Guaranteed no bueno. Cats hate water afterall.

Rolled 8, 5, 10 = 23 (3d10)

>>2278635