Komamura’s Journey: Soul Society part 1

Story by Realwarpet on SoFurry

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Ryoka have broken in to the soul society! The newly appointed 3rd seat of squad seven is eager to prove himself


It had been many years, but Sajin had become the captain of squad 7. Lieutenant Jinemon had retired, and Sajin had to select a new lieutenant. He found a transfer from squad 11, the former 4th seat. The man, Tetsuzaemon, was someone Sajin looked into. His value of family and honor were exactly what Sajin wanted. Testsuzaemon had practically wept tears of joy when he was told.

Of course, a few years after that, Daiko had graduated from the academy. He wanted to enter squad 7, though the central 46 called it into question. Entering the squad of family would give the appearance of nepotism, and they didn’t want more disparagement of the organization.

They only allowed it once the head captain spoke. Sajin would have no power to promote Daiko. Only his lieutenant would be given that right.

It wasn’t the worst part. On Daiko’s first day in his new squad, a group of unseated officers decide to haze him. “For a big guy, you sure did run to daddy to get ya yer job!” The group teased. Daiko had swapped to the straw helmet like his father. If they could see his eyes, they would know he was glaring.

Hurtful remarks were nothing knew, but when they accused his dad of being willing to give preferential treatment, he snapped back “if you think I’m weak enough to need help, then let’s spar. You three versus myself.” He said as the men stepped back. Despite feeling more uneasy, they agreed.

Once they all got to the dojo, the three surrounded him. “You’re gonna regret this, ya big brat!” The leader of the little gang said, before all three rushed him. Daiko didn’t blink.

In a flash, he drew his sword, and smacked all three before they reacted. As soon as he returned to his position, all three were sent flying. Had they been using their zanpakuto, the three would be dead.

“Next time you pick a fight with a kid, make sure you don’t lose.” The young boy said, sternly, before leaving them on the floor. Though, they weren’t the only ones, and Daiko regularly fought against them, always winning.

Sajin had to reprimand the men each time. Bullying a squad member, regardless of who they were, was completely unacceptable. Iba, however, was impressed by Daiko’s ability to hold his own against more experienced soul reapers.

As time passed, Iba had promoted Daiko, with no permission needed from the captain. Of course, rumors still swirled that Sajin was making his lieutenant do it. Both captain and lieutenant vehemently denied such allegations, and were openly offended.

Daiko regularly proved himself as capable. His rise had been swift, by soul reaper standards, and had become the third seat of the seventh division.

One particular soul reaper had given him the nickname of “Flash strike” because of his speed and fighting style. Daiko didn’t particularly like nicknames, but at least it wasn’t an insult. He wasn’t friends with Jir?b?, but at least he wasn’t a jerk. At least, not all the time.

When Byakuya and Renji had been sent to the human world, Daiko was perplexed. Why send a captain and a lieutenant? Renji may not have been the brightest, but surely he could handle it.

When they came back, Daiko was shocked to hear that Rukia was going to be executed! Why would Captain Kuchiki allow his own sister to be put to death!

This news had spread like wildfire, with people making outlandish accusations. Though the truth was buried in it. Daiko had gone to Lieutenant Hisagi for accurate information. He was working on a news article detailing it. “Well, from what I’ve gathered, she transferred her powers to a human without authorization. After which, she refused to return back.” Hisagi explained.

Daiko hadn’t known rukia too well, but that seemed odd. Surely she had some reason for this. Even if she didn't, putting her to death for it was far more extreme.

As Hisagi finished his explanation, Captain Tousen came in, having overheard. “Yes, I’m sorry to say, Hisagi is correct. It may feel like an overreaction of justice, but, if we let one person get away with a crime, more would surely follow. More blood would be shed. Far better for one person to die as a warning to others.” He explained, hoping to put Daiko’s heart at ease.

Daiko sighed, if Kaname agreed with it, surely he was correct. Captain Tousen had always been like an uncle to him. He trusted this man just as much as his father did. “I…suppose you’re right. Thank you both.” Daiko said as he bowed to his superiors. Kaname gave a light smile and gave Daiko a pat on the back.

As the week dragged on, Daiko pondered the events that transpired. It felt wrong, but there was so little he could do. So, he did what he always did, and trained with his father. He needed to be stronger, so no one could hurt him, not now, and not ever!

Ten days after rukia was dragged back, an alarm had been set off. Intruders had infiltrated the rukongai. Daiko was a bit concerned that anyone even managed to get in without a soul reaper. Not that it mattered, Jidanb? would take care of them.

Once the alarm had stopped, Daiko had decided to talk with Shuuhei, mostly to gather information. “Just learned, Captain Ichimaru caught the ryoka. They managed to beat Jidanb?, and survived the captain,” Daiko couldn’t help but be surprised.

“How is that possible? Jidanb? is incredibly powerful! These people surely can’t be that strong.” Daiko said in awe. Sure, Jidanb? was strong, but not as strong as most lieutenants or captains. “Wait, how did captain Ichimaru fail? Surely they couldn’t beat him.” He asked as Shuuhei shrugged. There was a meeting planned to discuss Gin’s failure.

Even lieutenants were on high alert, off doing patrols. Daiko had been selected to work with Jir?b? to make sure no one slipped past the gate. That first day, nobody had been found.

The next day, Daiko, Jir?b?, and a group of men saw something crash into the sky. “What in the world is that?” Daiko asked himself as it suddenly exploded out, sending 4 things across the seireitei. One of which landed closer to them, though it was still a good distance away.

Jir?b? decided to take it upon himself to chase it down. His way of speaking was always so long-winded “Stop saying you’re going to do it, and just do it!” Daiko snapped at him. The fourth seat tensed up and nodded before taking off. Rather than trust Jir?b?, Daiko followed him. He didn’t trust him to bring the ryoka in alive.

It took awhile, but Jir?b? had found two of the ryoka, a teenage girl with long orange hair, and a lean black haired teenage boy wearing glasses. Daiko observed from a distance, mentally scolding Jir?b? for attacking the girl. The boy was the much greater threat, especially with that bow. It hadn’t clicked till he saw the bow.

“He’s a quincy…I thought they were all killed one thousand years ago.” He thought, as he watched Jir?b? use his shikai. They were quick and lethal in swarms, but if you could find an opening, Jir?b? left himself completely vulnerable.

Not that he needed too, the teenager blasted all of them out of the sky, like they were nothing. This Quincy was even more skilled than he thought. Especially when another arrow landed hard. “This fight is over. Jir?b? can’t continue.” He said as he was ready to intervene, seeing the boy sparing him. Then, he tried attacking the girl again!

Daiko was going to chew him out for this dishonorable tactic. Or, he would have. Uryu shot Jir?b? twice. The moment he did, Daiko lost any sense of spiritual power Jir?b? had. He was almost certain he was dead!

Daiko had a lock on their scents, once they left, Daiko alerted the patrol to Jir?b?’s location. He had opted to keep following the two, gathering information as he did. Given they hadn’t realized they were being followed, he wasn’t entirely sure how aware of his spiritual presence they were. He and his father were masters at hiding themselves. Despite his intense size, nearly eight feet tall, he was incredibly stealthy. He hasn't even finished growing yet.

As he observed them, he watched as the 2 stole soul reaper garbs. It was quite clever. This provided an interesting opportunity. If they wanted to hide in plain sight, Daiko would play along with them. Though, they introduced themselves to the fifteenth seat of squad nine. Toshimori Umesada, a rather lecherous man.

Daiko caught their names, Orihime and Uryu. Odd names, to be sure. Watching Toshimori get smacked down was oddly satisfying, once he grabbed Uryu, Daiko spoke.

“Enough! Let the new recruit go, fifteenth seat Umesada!” His deeper voice practically barked at him. Toshimori tensed up, he knew exactly who it was. He released Uryu as commanded. As he let him go, his patrol called him.

Daiko watched him walk away. “My apologies, you two. Some soul reapers have a taste for power, and rather enjoy abusing it.” He stated. Uryu looked tense, while Orihime was in awe of his immense size.

“Oh wow, I didn’t know guys could get as big as you!” She said, straining to look him in the eyes. Daiko was feeling rather off. He was supposed to capture them, not make small talk. “Anyway, thanks for the help.” She said as she gave him a polite bow. Uryu bowed too, but it was a rather shallow bow. How disrespectful.

Daiko had to forgive his disrespect, as he was unaware of his status. “You’re welcome. Now, you two, would you mind coming to assist me on patrol? The person I was with before was taken out by ryoka. It’s best to stay in large groups. Both of them looked incredibly nervous. He knew exactly why, but he’d put them in an extremely dangerous position.

“Very well. I…suppose it would be for the best.” Ury said as he adjusted his glasses. Daiko merely nodded. They’d make a break for it the first chance they got. It was the most obvious choice. The patrol was uneventful, until they said they needed to use the bathroom. The pair took off, hoping to shake him. Instead, he followed them to their hideout. He kept his ears out. There was something about little friends, and someone named Tsubaki. Were there more ryoka?

As soon as they headed out, Daiko appeared behind them. “Ah, there you two are.” He said as the two turned in shock. “I guess you two must have gotten lost.” He said as he walked closer to them. As he did, another soul reaper walked out of the alleyway, clearly drunk.

“Hey, what are you doing out so late? What squad are you with?” He asked, drunkenly slurring her words. Daiko went to speak, but orihime spoke first. “We’re with squad 11!” She said, not knowing how foolish that was. The drunk reaper even called out they should have been carrying their swords.

“Don’t worry, I’m making sure they get to the barracks, they’re fine.” Daiko said, glancing over at Uryu. The drunk reaper came up and grabbed Orihime’s clothes and exposed the squad 12 emblem. As the drunk almost put the pieces together, he was clubbed over the head. Daiko instantly recognized these men were squad 12.

The four started chatting with Orihime. Daiko was extremely on edge. He never trusted squad 12. Soon, Uryu told her to watch out, and she protected the drunk man, as the members of squad 12 all exploded. Daiko blocked it, his clothes barely singed.

As he let his guard back down, he saw a translucent orange shield protecting the member of squad eleven, and Mayuri Kurotsuchi. “Crap.” He said, before the mad man went on talking about experimenting on Orihime, Daiko stepped in front of her “Mayuri, you keep your disgusting hands off her!” He said rather angrily. This man wasn’t particularly dangerous for his power, but all of his crazy abilities made him a threat.

“Does a lowly third seat really think he can give ME orders?” Mayuri responded, offended by the mere idea of being ordered. Daiko kept himself composed, he was absolutely not going to fight this deranged scientist.

As Mayuri reprimanded Daiko, Uryu told the now conscious squad 11 member, Makiz? Aramaki, to take Orihime and run. He wasted no time to grab her and run away.

Mayuri was slightly annoyed. “Did I give you permission to run away?” He said as his arm shot out to grab them. Uryu fired his arrow before Mayuri grabbed them.

Mayuri looked over at Uryu, rather annoyed. Uryu just quipped back. “Did I give you permission to try and stop them?” Daiko was just watching. Both these two were insane!

“Ryoka, the only reason I’m not capturing you, is because I want nothing to do with this lunatic. If you’re smart, you’ll run.” Daiko warned him. He was considering going after the girl. She’d be easy to catch now.

“Do what you want, I’m making sure this one stays right here.” Uryu said. It was a bold claim. One that Daiko was sure would get him killed.

Daiko sighed, if Uryu was lucky, Mayuri would get bored and kill him quickly. If even the gods smiled on him, Mayuri would just leave. Daiko flash stepped away.

If he wanted to capture this ryoka alive, he needed some help. His dad would gladly help, but he didn’t want things to get out of hand. Instead, he headed to squad nine.

As he headed there, he ran into exactly who he was looking for “Captain Tousen! Urgent news!” Daiko spoke, clearly in a hurry. He has been working for almost two days with barely any sleep.

“Oh, Daiko, yes, there is much urgent news.” Kaname said, rather calmly. “I believe this is more urgent though, so allow me to say my piece first.” He said, almost nonchalantly. Daiko just nodded “The ryoka have defeated Yumichika Ayasegawa, Ikkaku Madarame, Lieutenant Renji Abarai, and rather recently, Captain Zaraki.”

Daiko’s eyes went wide. How in the world had so many powerful people been beaten! “How is that even possible! Zaraki alone should have been more than capable!” He was practically in hysterics. If Zaraki fell, what could he do?

Tousen calmed him down a bit. “Do not worry. Zaraki’s own recklessness led to his defeat. Now, the most pressing news. Captain Aizen has been murdered. Your father and I confirmed it with Captain Unohana.” That little bit of relief had vanished again.

“What? How? I know at least 2 of the ryoka were never close. Captain Aizen wouldn’t fall half as easily as Zaraki!” Daiko went over it in his head. Could the Ryoka who beat Zaraki really beat Captain Aizen too?

Tousen shook his head “It loathes me to admit it, but it is likely we have a traitor in our ranks.” He stated, still as stoic as possible.

Daiko was running through possibilities in his head. It would most likely be a captain. Captains Yamamoto, Unohana, Kyoraku, and Ukitake were almost certainly impossible. His dad and Kaname couldn’t possibly be traitors. Captain Hitsugaya was too inexperienced to pull it off. So, Soi Fon, Ichimaru, Kuchiki, Zaraki, or Kurotsuchi. Zaraki wasn’t smart enough, while Mayuri was too smart to get caught.

He shook his head, he’d figure this out later. “Thank you, Captain Tousen. Regardless, Mayuri is currently engaged with one of the Ryoka, a quincy. I’d like your help in capturing him from Kurotsuchi without killing him.” Daiko stated, he too preferred to not kill needlessly. Life was too valuable to throw away.

Tousen gave a nod, as he followed Daiko to where Uryu was. As they headed there, Daiko felt a sudden burst of spiritual energy coming from the location. As he looked over, he saw Konjiki Ashisogi Jiz?. There was no way Uryu had pushed him so far. Not long after the bankai appeared, it was obliterated. “What…just happened?” He said as they closed in on the scene. It was absolutely obliterated.

Daiko was in shock. Uryu hadn’t been that strong before, he could sense that. He noticed Nemu sitting up with a bottle nearby, sitting up. “Lieutenant Kurotsuchi, what happened?” He asked her, more concerned about her injuries. Given the cut, it looked more like Mayuri than a quincy arrow.

She explained how Uryu had almost killed Mayuri, but he escaped. Daiko wasn’t sure if he was glad or disappointed. “I can barely sense him, do you know where he went?” He asked her. Nemu shook her head no.

Tousen spoke up “I believe he is most likely headed towards the repentance tower. Lieutenant Abarai was found near there too.” Daiko nodded. they left as soon as a patrol came to assist Nemu.

Daiko kept going, his mind spinning in thought. Why was a quincy going there? Was he friends with Rukia? It was all so confusing. As they arrived, daybreak was here. He’d been awake for two days now.

He and Tousen stood in front of the entrance, though not long after, Uryu walked up the stairs. “I’m sorry, but for the sake of peace, I must terminate you” Kaname spoke in a way that made Daiko look at him weird. “Cry, Suzumushi.” He said as he unleashed an incredibly high pitched tone that knocked Uryu out cold.

Of course, the tone hit everyone, Daiko gasped in pain as it hit him too. “Captain Tousen, there was no need for that attack!” He said, feeling blood leaking from his ears. Thankfully his helmet gave him limited protection.

“My apologies, Daiko. This was the most humane way to stop him. Now, take him to squad 4 for treatment. I shall send word in advance.” Tousen said, before walking away. Daiko was annoyed at being injured, but did as instructed.

Daiko carried Uryu to squad 4. He had learned two more ryoka had been captured. He wasn’t sure how many there were. At least 4, given two were already here, and uryu and orihime. But, none had any reason to really be here. There was likely one more, who did. Maybe Renji would have insight.

After he dropped Uryu off, to a very over stressed squad 4, Daiko went to see Renji. When he arrived at squad 6, he asked a member where Lieutenant Abarai was. He was shocked to hear that Renji had been placed in a cell. He kept calm, though running on fumes at this point, headed to the cells in squad 6.

As he arrived, he saw a guard, knocked out. There was no way a ryoka could’ve gotten in here. Did they come to finish the job? He rushed in and saw the cell was busted open and Renji was gone. This made no sense! Was the person who killed Captain Aizen responsible?

If it was, he could eliminate Captain Kuchiki. Likely Captain Soi Fon too. This was too sloppy for her. As he examined the scene, he realized something. This wasn’t a break in. It was a break out! “Damn it Renji! What do you think you’re doing!” He swore to himself before leaving.

Things were getting wildly out of hand. All these events happening together. It was so unlikely. If there was a traitor, they must have been using this invasion as a cover. For what though? It didn’t make sense.

Well, after all this, there was one person he could question. He left, alerting the squad Renji was missing. He couldn’t be certain what happened, so he left it for them. He made his way to the repentance cell.

As he came up to the guards, they tried to keep him out “open the door! I need to speak to Miss Kuchiki about these ryoka!” He said, more aggressive than normal. He was tired and annoyed. The guards acquiesced to his order, letting him inside.

He walked in, Rukia being quite aways up. “Rukia.” He called to her, she looked over at him, so forlornly. Daiko couldn’t help but empathize. He’d seen that look on his father’s face. That acceptance of your fate, to accept the awful lot you’ve been dealt.

“Oh, Third Seat Komamura. Has my execution been moved up again?” She asked, her face making Daiko reconsider his choices. The only thing that kept him moving was the knowledge that it was just.

“Not to my knowledge, no.” He said, briefly looking away to escape her sad expression. “I’ve come to ask you a question. The Seireitei is being invaded, and they all seem to be trying to make it here. Why? A quincy, two humans, and a Shiba. I don’t see any reason for them to be so determined.” He asked, unaware of who the leader of the group was.

“I can’t say for certain what makes them try so hard, but…one of them said he owes me.” She said, just confusing Daiko more. This still didn't follow, as the humans shouldn’t know, and the quincy would almost certainly not want to help.

He asked another question “Who? Who owes you? This risk is far too high for one person.” He asked, before Rukia began explaining how she and Ichigo met.

Daiko was apprehensive of this. A regular person? “He sounds…foolish.” He said, rather blunt about it. Rukia just had a brief smile, which alleviated some of Daiko’s worry. Still, this was going further than it should.

Rukia gave a nod “Yes. He’s rather stubborn when he makes up his mind. I’d rather they all just forget about me and carry on with their lives. I wouldn’t want any of them to die for nothing.” Daiko nodded. He didn’t wish them death either. Knowing their motives was at least a positive.

“Thank you, Miss Kuchiki. Before I go, I’d like to share something with you. Since you most likely will be executed, I feel it’s only fair not to keep secrets.” He said as he grabbed his helmet, and removed it. His wolf head was exposed.

“It’s…been a very long time since anyone has seen my face.” He said, looking at rukia, expecting abject horror and disgust. Surely if grown men had that reaction to a toddler, it would be the same here.

Instead, Rukia looked more like she was in awe. Dsiko just felt more embarrassed by her starring. “Wow. So you’re a cute puppy.” She teased, giving a smile again.

If Daiko’s fur wasn’t so dark, he might have been blushing. “N-No! I’m not cute! I’m a grown man!” He denied. Though, in truth, he wasn't much older than Toshiro.

“I know. I’m sorry Daiko. I couldn’t help myself.” She said as she returned to looking sad, making Daiko feel bad.

He grabbed his helmet. “Rukia, I am truly sorry. Please, don’t hold it against me.” He said as he covered his face again. “If, by some miracle, you do survive…please keep my appearance a secret. You may accept it, but I can’t be sure everyone will.” He asked, almost pleading.

Daiko left after he made his case. He needed to make a report to the Captain. This was important information. As he walked to the captain’s office, Tetsuzaemon stopped him “Third Seat Komamura! Where have you been?! The Captain has been worried!” He said, rather boisterously. Lieutenant Iba was as much a worrier as the captain.

“My apologies, Lieutenant Iba. I was following two of the Ryoka, trying to figure out what they wanted. It seems they want to save Miss Kuchiki.” He stated, as Iba nodded. They already knew that much.

“I also helped Captain Tousen capture one of them.” Daiko said, though he left out letting one escape, as well as what happened prior.

Iba sighed “Alright, Daiko, I guess the captain will at least be glad you’re alright.” He said as they walked to Sajins office. He had many responsibilities since he had become captain. Daiko knocked, as his father spoke.”Enter.” He said his usual stoic tone.

Daiko opened the sliding door. “Good morning da-Captain.” He caught himself from referring to his father as dad. This was a professional environment after all. Though he could feel Sajin’s dissapointment.

“Third seat Komamura, you haven’t reported for two days. I was beginning to think something had happened to you.” Sajin said as he stood up. “We’ve lost our Fourth seat, and the thought of losing another would break my heart.” He said as he moved closer.

Daiko didn’t want to disappoint his father, he did what he thought was best “I'm sorry, Da-Captain” he said, slipping again. “I was focused on my task at hand. Nothing else mattered at the time.” His head hung low. “Though, Captain Tousen and I did capture a ryoka, one who must have defeated Captain Kurotsuchi!”

Sajin nodded “excellent work then. It’s still no excuse. I'd rather know you’re safe than that a ryoka has been captured. Now, please, go home and rest. I can tell you’re tired.” Sajin put a hand on Daiko’s shoulder. “If only for my peace of mind”

Daiko nodded “yes, Da-Captain.” He said. His mistake was inescapable, it seemed. Sajin gave his son a pat on the back, and had Iba escort him home.

The third seat sighed, feeling like he’d failed, despite doing better than anyone at his rank. He went to rest on his futon, removing his helmet before he did. Even if his dad didn’t like it, he still stood by his actions, and would continue to do so. He hoped his dad would stand by him too.