The Universal Villain

"Head Captain Soi Fon has arrived she says she has something to report to you." Reporting Soi Fon's arrival, the Soul Reaper proceeded to allow Soi Fon into the large tent, acting as the temporary headquarters of the Seireitei during this time of strife. Walking into the tent, Soi Fon had a stern look on her face as she saw Captain Yamamoto sitting at the other end of the tent.

"I see you have been recovering well, Captain Soi Fon." Yamamoto initiated the conversation with Soi Fon, who replied to him in a respectful tone. "Yes, Head Captain, I'm feeling a lot better." Getting the pleasantries out of the way, the severe mood engulfed the atmosphere again. "So what is it that you have come all this way to report. The Seireitei is currently in a state of crisis, and Captain Hitsugaya is missing in action."

Listening to the Head Captain talk about Hitsugaya like he was truly gone, Soi Fon spoke up. "Actually that's what I'm here to report I don't believe Captain Hitsugaya is dead." Soi Fon's words caused the Head Captain's eye's to peer through eyebrows, which usually covered them. If her words were valid, then it would be a beacon of hope. A captain dying in battle was the most significant moral blow that could possibly hit the Soul Reapers. Listening in from outside the tent, the guards had a delighted expression on their faces.

"So Captain Hitsugaya isn't dead? That's wonderful!" Whispering to one another, the guards tried to contain their voices continued to listen in secretly. "Hmm, and what proof do you have to support your claim?" Taking a breath, Soi Fon began to explain what she learned. "Lieutenant Rangiku filled me in on what has been happening. When we found Lieutenant Renji's body, his Zanpakuto was missing, and he seemed to be in a critical state. But it made me wonder why he didn't kill him right there and then."

"It's only after being filled in on the situation did I piece it all together. He needed Renji alive. I believe he doesn't want to kill any of the lieutenants or captains. After all, the only thing that becomes useless after a Soul Reaper dies is their Zanpakuto." Listening to Soi Fon, Yamamoto's eyes began to open as he spoke. "Are you trying to say he is after our Zanpakuto?"

"Precisely. Right before I was knocked out, I remember he was searching for something. I believe that he was looking for Suzumebachi. However, it was destroyed in the fight, so he left empty-handed except he had Renji's Zabimaru with him. I don't know how, but I think he can absorb a Zanpakuto's power. And when he's done, the Zanpakuto owner dies in the process."

This shocking information caused deep silence. When one was to think about it, Soi Fon's claim didn't sound crazy. Shen not only recovered after leaving Soul Society, but he also got stronger and returned shortly after Renji's death. "If what you say is true, that means his true goal has never been the destruction of the Soul Society." As Soi Fon's face darkened, she finished Yamamoto's words. "It was the captains and lieutenants the entire time."

"We right into his trap." Speaking softly, Yamamoto stood up from his chair. "We must quickly call back the captains and lieutenants and begin searching for Captain Hitsugaya! We must stop him from getting his hands on another Zanpakuto." The urgency of the situation became even dire than before.

"Yes, sir!" Soi Fon knew how important time was and was ready to protect the Seireitei with her life even if she had an arm missing. Walking out of the tent, Soi Fon was greeted by Soul Reapers, who were clearly listening in to her conversation with the Head Captain. Seeing Soi Fon, the Soul Reapers immediately panicked backing away.

"Well, you all heard him hurry up and gather up the captains and lieutenants." Hearing Soi Fon, they immediately burst into action after replying. "Right away!" As the Soul Reapers scurried off, Soi Fon bit her lip as she looked down at her empty sleeve. 'Where could they be now.'

Meanwhile, far away from the headquarters, both Shen and Toshiro were still within the other dimension. After being hit by that attack with no protection, Toshiro had blood running down his face as he took long breathes. 'Good, he's not dead.' Shen felt a little easier knowing Hitsugaya was still alive. 'I really need to control my strength.'

Taking one more deep breath, Toshiro stood up, pulling his Zanpakuto out of the ground. 'Dammit If he can control this place, then I'm in trouble. An attack could come from anywhere at any time.' Thinking that Toshiro made sure to keep his eyes peeled on Shen's actions as he took this brief moment to recover and feel of a strategy.

'He's not leaving me with many choices.' Toshiro knew he only had one option at this point. Gripping his Zanpakuto, Toshiro began to speak while keeping his eyes trained on Shen. Opening his mouth, the words Banka- managed to escape before Toshiro felt something hit him in the back of the neck. This hit alone caused Toshiro's vision blur as he noticed Shen was gone.

Collapsing right there, Hyorimaru slipped out of Toshiro's hands, falling to the ground. "Sorry, but I don't have time to deal with your Bankai." Catching Toshiro before he dropped the ground by his captain cloak, Shen threw him into the air before suspending him in a ball of Ki not soon after he did the same with his Zanpakuto. Looking up at Toshiro, suspended in the Ki, along with his Zanpakuto, Shen began to think to himself.

'He didn't even give me enough XP to level up. But still, maybe I should start defeating my opponents before they have the chance power up.' Shen had to admit to himself it was messed up attacking an opponent while they were transforming, but he was on a time limit. No matter how strong his army was the moment the captains used their Bankai's, they would be wiped out.

'Speaking of Bankai's, I wonder how Byakuya is holding up against Rukia.' Saying that Shen couldn't help but laugh as if he had thought of something funny.