Post by Yuri Nakayama on Jun 23, 2023 21:48:25 GMT -5
Note: This is just a flashback post.
“Are you sure I’m up for this? I just… I’m not sure if I’m really ready to be a captain yet.”
A young woman in Shinigami robe was standing on top of one of the many buildings in Karakura. She wasn’t alone as another Shinigami, her mentor, was there standing next to her. He merely shook his head from side to side from hearing her voice her doubt.
“You have to learn to have faith in yourself, Yuri. Otherwise, this whole thing will be pointless.”
The lieutenant gave a sigh as she overlooked the town. It was easy for him to say. At least he doesn’t have to hear the constant whispers that she does. Whispers saying that how the position was just given to her instead of climbing through the ranks.
“I know… Hearing what the other divisions have to say on the matter is hard enough as it is. I know I shouldn’t let it bother me, but if I don’t do well, that’ll just drag your name through the mud. I don’t want that.”
The next thing Yuri knew was that she felt the back of his hand hit her on the back on the head with just enough force to knock her over the roof. She was able to balance herself by focusing the reishi under her feet to stand up in the air. She rubbed the back of her head as she gazed up to him as he looked down upon her.
”There’s a simple solution to that. Prove them wrong. Now, let’s head over to the exam area.”
Along the way, they would make small talk. Mostly involving why they were in the human world an not in Soul Society. Most of the captains couldn’t make it due to prior commitments. That, and the Commander General thought it would be a good idea for her to get used to the limiters placed on them. Well, that was part of it. It seems like there have been suspicious activity going on regarding Hollows. Learning experience and all that. Once there, they were greeted by Shukumei. Yuri would return the greeting and would eventually take her place on the opposite of her captain.
They both unsheathed their Zanpakutos, each waiting to see what the other would do. Wanting to take the initiative, Yuri would make the first move. She would Shunpo to close the distance, but was met by his sword when she tried to strike him. She was hoping he wouldn’t hold back. She wanted to test her abilities the best she could. Their battle would continue on with Shukumei watching from the distance more so as a referee. She was rather impressed to see how far her brother’s pupil has come along. She noticed how the stance she took was different. She could weave her kido attacks to serve as a diversion while she tried to strike him down. It was an impressive sight to behold.
Unfortuately, they weren;t alone. They were being watched as the battle waged on. the interloper was patiently waiting. Waiting for the right time to spring the trap and set things into motion.
By now, Yuri had transformed her Zanpakuto into its Shikai form, managing to stay to to to with Ryouji. With the use of another Kido, Yuri was able to knock her captain a good distance away. She managed to catch him off guard witht hat one, it seems.
”Not bad, Yuri. Your handle on Kido has greatly improved. However, this test is for you to show off your Bankai and not any kind of mastery over Kido.”
When he went to step forward, he was met with an unforeseen obstacle. It was enough to cauce him to take a step back. When he reached out, he could feel an invisible wall that separated him and Shukumei from Yuri. It was then that the tresspasser made their presence known.
”I’ll take it from here. It was so kind of you to wear her down a bit for me. However, I think she could use just a bit more, don’t you think?”
Before Yuri ha a chance to question what was going on, the person who spoke out shot a few balas that were aimed for her knees. This caused the Shinigami to stagger back, somehow finding the strength to stand. All the while, Ryouji and Shukumei could only watch in horror, even causing the female captain to bang her fists against the barrier that stood in their way.
“Yuri, you have to get out of there! That’s an Arrancar! You’re not ready for something like that yet!”
The onslaught of Balas didn’t stop. There was no way she had enough time to shield herself from them. Each one that landed had enough force to push her back slightly despite Yuri trying to dig her feet in. Eventually, they came to a stop and the girl didn’t see her attacker anywhere. That is, until she appeared in front of her from a Sonido, reaching out to grab her by the neck.
“Who… Who are you?!”
”Why, just an old friend that came by to check in! That, and to give you a gift.”
With her free hand, she managed to grasp a small vial that had a strange substance with it. Once uncorked and maneuvering her hand a bit, she forced Yuri’s mouth to open, ‘helping’ her to consume it. Once empty, dropped the vial to the ground. Her free hand now glowed brightly. The now Cero infused hand didn’t meet much resistance as it and the arm easily tore through her chest bank back. The Shinigami then let out a blood curdling scream, unable to do anything to save herself.
”Yuri!”
"Yuri!
With a thud, Yuri’s body fell onto its knees before falling fully onto the ground. Labored breathing could be heard before it slowly stopped. Instead of blood coming from her major wound, or any of her wounds, an almost white, viscous liquid began to show and pool. When enough had gathered, it begun to encase Yuri, almost forming an armor over her. Once it formed over her face, her eyes regained life. She slowly got back on her feet, albeit shakey before gaining her balance. She almost had an animamlistic look to her. Once “awake”, she left out a distorted roar. This victory caused the Arrancar to burst out in a maniacial laugh.
”Finally, after these many years! We can be together again, little kitten. Now, cast aside everything you knew and destroy anyone who gets in our way!”
The barrier that kept Ryouji and Shukumei away dispiated and although it was gone, they were in shock. They just witnessed some kind of transformation that almost seemed foriegn. At least, at first glance. For now, they couldn’t worry about what happened. They had to free Yuri. That ws their main priority. With her newfound physical strength, she was able to push back against the two captains. The beserked Shinigami left lashing out no matter how many times she was struck. Ryouji was about to strike Yuri until his blade was stopped by another. This caused Yuri to jump back, staring at the newcomer.
”Brute force isn’t going to work. Not in this hollowfied state.”
Shukumei and Ryouji look from each other to the man before them. They couldn’t get a good look at his face due to it being covered by a mask.
”We’re running out time. Other divisions are aware of what’s going on and will be here shortly. We have to bring her to her senses. If you’re truly her mentor, call out to her. Wake her from her slumber. I’ll try my best to give you time, but I can’t promise you how long I can give you.”
With that, the stranger left as quickly as he appeared. It would be foolish for them to listen to what a complete stranger had to say, but it wasn’t like they had much of a choice considering the circumstances and what could happen if the other divisions found Yuri in this state.
"Snap out of it, Yuri! You’re too strong to be controlled like this! Remeber what we spoke about earlier. Prove them wrong. Prove yourself wrong by finding the strength you’ve had all along!”
This caused the hollowfied Yuri to grasp her head and contort in pain. Ryouji and Shukumei weren’t the only ones helping. In her master’s darkest hour, Mujitsuhana was helping from within. Helping Yuri swim from what felt like from the deepest abyss.
”That’s it, Lady Yuri. Repeat after me…”
During the inner turmoil, Yuri reached down to pick up her Zanpakuto. With the spirit’s help, along with the twin captain’s pleas, she slowly spoke in a distorted voice.
“Ban… Kai…”
The shell that imprisoned Yuri shattere in an instant, revealing the battered Shinigami, although her formed had changed. She had what appeared to be flower bands in her hair. Her hands were covered with gauntlets that had intricate designs. Not only that, what looked to be small spores formed smoke as she exhaled.
“Kensei… No… Mujitsuhana…”
The Arrancar gave a dissatisfied groan, obviously enraged by the turn of events. She could sense other Shinigami coming. Before she could leave, she then saw Yuri Shunpo in front of her, giving a good swing for an uppercut that managed to land. This sent the Arrancar tumbling back before she quickly got back onto her feet.
”Tch… I suppose it doesn’t matter right now. The seed has already been planted. It’s only a matter of time.”
The Arrancar then disappeared, leaving the chaos behind. Running on pure instinct and adrenaline, Yuri attempted to follow after her target, but lost her balance. She was quickly caught by Ryouji.
“Guess… You were right…. It was… there all along, right…?”
He gave a nod and picked her up in his arms as she lost consciousness. Reinforcements had just arrived although it was too late for them to do anything, really.
Once Yuri came to, she saw where she was resting in a bed. She could only surmise she was int he 4th Division’s barracks in order to recover. She felt extremely weak and found out it was actually taking everything she had to stay awake. It was then she noticed Ryouji in her peripheral, standing with his arms crossed.
“Captain.. I… I’m…”
He shook his head from side to side.
”There’s no need for that. After relaying everything that happened, the Commander General has decided you passed the test. It’s a bit unorthodox, but he said that anyone who fought with such valor and determination had the right to become a Captain.”
“I.. passed? I… did, huh?
She let out a small laugh, muttering how she actually passed and how Captain Nakayama had a decent ring to it before she slipped back into unconsciousness. Even with the battle over, everything left Ryouji concerned. It seemed he may know a bit more than he was letting on, but decided to keep it to himself. All he could do now was watch over her until she healed. He was told it was going to be a long recovery time. Regardless, he was going to do everything he could to keep her safe. That, and swear that once he found the Arrancar that did this, he would make her pay.
