|Bleach| War of the Masked

Note: Let me just reiterate that this is an RP based on the Bleach series by Tite Kubo but not based directly on it. That is to say, it's set in an alternate universe/timeline/whatever. So Ichigo, Uryu, Orihime, Renji, Rukia, Aizen, and everyone else we know and love don't exist in this RP. However, feel free to make similar characters.

Story​

The Soul Society has been at peace for several thousands of years, or at least their version of peace. Shinigami did what they always did: fought Hollows, send souls to the Soul Society, etc. Then it started. Certain Shinigami came to wear Hollow masks. With these masks came great power. And with great power comes great responsibility. The Shinigami who had Hollow masks obtained Hollow powers through them. This was the ultimate taboo in Soul Society. For breaking this law, "Hollowed Shinigami" were executed. However, this didn't stop Shinigami from gaining access to Hollow powers. Some Shinigami did it by accident through training while others trained just to gain a mask, despite its illegality and kept it a secret. But they were found out and executed, too. The Hollowed Shinigami always begged for mercy, claiming they weren't monsters or Hollows. Eventually, this was seen to be true. Hollowed Shinigami were no longer executed and given a new name: Vizards.

However, Vizards were prejudiced against and always kept a close eye on. Different laws came into existence in regard to them and were repealed. This happened constantly because of the Vizards' strange nature. Such laws were: Vizards cannot have a seated seat, all Vizards must register and let their nature be known to everyone, Vizards must be part of a certain squad, etc. Of course, most of these laws didn't stay long. It was just that no one knew how to handle the masked. The existence of Vizards alone caused a commotion among the other Shinigami and citizens of the Soul Society. But eventually, things calmed down. Until the first full Hollowfication that is.

When a Shinigami gains a Hollow mask, he gains a power he shouldn't have. Shinigami and Hollows are two sides of one coin; no one should have both powers. When a Shinigami dons his mask, he takes a large risk. Vizards are at risk of losing themselves to their Hollow powers. Once this happens, the Vizard merges with his Zanpakuto spirit and becomes a new class of Hollow, as strong as an Adjuchas...or even worse.

These new form of Hollows, called Zanjens, became a threat to Soul Society, especially since Vizards could easily become Zanjens in the middle of Soul Society. Once again, after several Zanjen incidents, Central 46 once again decided that Vizards must be executed to avoid this risk. They called Vizards "monsters" and "Hollowfied scum." Fortunately, the Tenth-Division Captain made a stand against this. One of his seated officers was a Vizard, a great Shinigami, and a good person. He knew that Vizards didn't choose to become Zanjens and they weren't monsters at heart. He gained more and more support until Soul Society finally decided against executing Vizards. However, Vizards were scrutinized to the highest degree.

Over time, Zanjen incidents decreased and Vizards were more common. It wasn't uncommon for a Vizard to be a high-seated officer, or even a Captain. All was (somewhat) well. This all changed when a group of Vizards defected. The defection is the worst stain on Soul Society's history, even worse than the discovery of Zanjens. One of the Vizards, a fourth-seat, attacked the Tenth-Division Captain. The same captain who had fought for his rights. The Fourth-Seat Vizard was Kyo Tiburon. He was seemingly insane and fought the captain, being much more of a match for the Captain than a fourth-seat should be, Vizard or not. The Captain was forced to use his Bankai to defend himself. Kyo never even released his Zanpakuto. Kyo's sealed blade was able to keep him on par with the Captain's bankai. Then, Kyo donned his mask and easily killed the Captain. Other Vizards, all over Soul Society, rushed to Kyo's side, betraying and fighting their fellow Soul Reapers.

Kyo was then attacked by the Tenth-Division's Third Seat, the one who inspired the Captain to fight for his rights and also happened to be Kyo's little brother. Before the Third Seat could release his blade, a hole in the sky opened up and a golden barrier came down. The Negacion covered Kyo and the other defected Vizards. Soul Society was appalled, this was a power no other Vizard has ever been known to have. There were no Menos Grande in the sky using it, either, it simply came from a Garganta and saved the defected Vizards. While his little brother stared, the seemingly-insane Kyo called out the Captain-Commander as he floated away: "Your time is over! The Espada is tired of following those weaker than us! The Espada will tear you down! The Espada will chop you up into little pieces! The Espada will stand on top of your ruins and become gods! You better be ready, people," he said it all while laughing.

Since then, Soul Society has never recovered from the defection nor has the "Espada" made a public appearance. The Lieutenant of the Tenth-Division was promoted to Captain, for formalities and the Third Seat (Kyo's little brother) was promoted to Lieutenant. After the defection, Soul Reapers started disappearing. Most of them were Vizards. The Espada was recruiting them. Those who wanted to join, joined by will. Those who didn't, the Espada attacked secretly until they couldn't fight any more. With no other choice, they became Zanjens and the Espada was free to control them. Some weren't Vizards though. There were regular Shinigami who were jealous that they could not have Hollow powers. Some who knew the Espada would tear down Soul Society and wanted to stand atop with them. These joined the evil Vizards by choice.



The Espada were soon joined by beings calling themselves "Arrancar." Arrancar were once Hollows that ripped off their Hollow masks, gaining Shinigami powers in the process. Arrancar are the complete opposite of Vizards. Rumor has it that the Arrancar are the ones in charge of the Espada, but the Arrancar have yet to formally make an appearance, only attacking Shinigami who venture into Hueco Mundo. They rarely leave survivors, unless they want to send a message to Soul Society.
Soul Society has sent many Shinigami in search of the Espada. They've scanned every inch of Soul Society, they've scoured the Living World, they've ventured deep into Hueco Mundo, home of the Hollows, but with little luck. And with no large-scale attacks by the Espada, their presence is only felt through the corruption, betrayal, and disappearance of other Shinigami.

Several days ago, Captain Lanan Sohma, the Tenth-Division Captain, disappeared. There was a strange disturbance in the Dangai Precipice World, the spiritual tunnel that connected Soul Society to the Living World. Captain Sohma volunteered to check it out. However, he supposedly never made it to the gate. Similarly, the disturbance in the Dangai simply disappeared as well. The Epsada is obviously suspected, but this disappearance is different than the others; there are no signs of a battle anywhere, no signs of Vizard spiritual pressure anywhere near him.

His Lieutenant, Hatsuharu Tiburon, requested to lead a group of Shinigami into the Dangai Precipice World to search for clues. However, he was disappointed to find out that his close friend and Captain of the Eighth Division, Sanosuke Torasai, was placed in charge instead.

Definitions​

• Vizards - Shinigami who have obtained Hollow powers and a Hollow mask through training. Different from the Vizards in the actual series. (See below) When donning a mask, Vizards get the following powers:

1. A Hollow mask. The mask changes their voice, giving it a dual sound: Their own voice and a distorted voice, usually their Zanpakuto's. Their eye color also changes to reflect their Hollow nature.
2. Instead of gaining a Hollow side, like in the series, their Zanpakuto spirit changes. It becomes somewhat Hollowy and more aggressive and, of course, stronger.
3. Their spiritual energy becomes a combination of Hollow and Shinigami
4. A Cero that can be personalized or a regular Cero.
5. Enhanced agility, speed, strength, etc. These stats are generally balanced out but some Vizards may prefer one over the other (Love and Kensei with strength, for instance).

• Hollowfication - Somewhat different from the actual series. This is used when a Soul Reaper loses control to his Hollow powers. He merges with his Zanpakuto spirit and becomes a Hollow himself.
• Zanjen- the term used for Vizards who become Hollows. These Hollows are as strong as an Adjuchas or worse. They keep their intelligence but are cursed to live as a Hollow. When a Los Lobos member attempts to control a Zanjen, the intelligence diminishes and they regress to beasts.
• Espada - The name adopted by the rogue Vizards. No one knows what their true purpose is or who their real leaders are or even where they're stationed. They're responsible for the disappearances of many Shinigami, Vizards and normal Shinigami alike.

Post characters here in the Discussion Thread

 

"Kyo..." The name was whispered by thin lips, pointing down at the ends. Hatsuharu Tiburon was alone, but he still whispered. The young Shinigami was kneeling, his back against the wall of his personal room in his barracks, staring at his right hand. His blue eyes studied the wrist guard carefully. Vice-Captain Tiburon, as he was known to his Division, the Tenth, was still as he remembered the day he graduated from the Shinigami Academy. His best friend was the first to congratulate him. His brother the second. Hatsu's older brother had given the wrist guard to Hatsu as a present. And even though Kyo Tiburon was now the worst traitor in Soul Society history, killed Hatsu' previous mentor, possibly kidnapped Hatsu's current captain, and is most likely leading the worst terrorist group to exist, the young Vizard could not make himself throw away the wrist guard. "Damn it, Kyo," he growled as he stood up, sensing a familiar Reiatsu approaching his door.
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Captain Mugi was wandering about the Soul Society, going over the current and past events that have happening for awhile now. Soul Reapers betraying the Soul Society and there brothers and sisters. Going insane with power, killing each other. And now with the disappearance of two of the Gotie 13 Captains. This was not looking good to Mugi. He decided to pay Hatsuharu, the newly appointed 10th Division Lieutenant about all the current events that are happening. After all, he is probably the only one who has lost the most than any of us during these hard times. Mugi went to the 10th Division barracks to speak with Hatsu. He wandered around for a bit untill he found the room he was looking for."Hatsu, are you in right now?"Mugi knocked on the door."It's me, Captain Mugi, I wish to speak with you if you are available?"

 

Captain Kobayashi couldn't wrap his mind around what was happening. His Lieutenant was gone. He became a Zanjen and Kobayashi was forced to cut down his own friend and comrade. He thought that was the worst of it but then the Espada incident happened, then shinigami of all squads have been disappearing and even Tenth Division Captain Lanan Sohma has disappeared. The Soul Society was losing strength while the Espada were growing in power. Kobayashi got up and left his room, he needed some fresh air.

 

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Iggy's cheeks had a slight red glow to them as she sipped another cup of Sake. It was amazing that such a small girl could drink so much, and still be coherent. Well... as coherent as she usually was...
She looked across to her Drinking partner, Captain Arashi Zanshou of the fifth division and she grinned cheesily at him, slightly from her drunken stupor and partially because she was happy to be spending such a time with her good friend.
Both of them were similar in attitude to their roles as Captains, and enjoyed having a good time like this once in a while. Drinking Sake together like this had become something like a weekly tradition.
Iggy had deeply welcomed the break, after all... Sake tasted so good after you had just finished training with your whole squad, which essentially had involved her beating the hell out of everybody one after the other. Being the current Kenpachi, she had a reputation to live up to after all and the eleventh division always enjoyed a good fight. The training was always light hearted and fun... and... brutally serious all the same.
She hicked slightly as she spoke up. "So where is your cute Lieutenant anyway? Isn't it about time she show up to get you back to work?" she joked, noting that this seemed to be the usual occurrence.
"It's not like her to run late is it?" she took another sip of her Sake, and hicked gently again.

 

Captain Shirobu was worried about the current state of affairs. Soul Repears were going rogue, and the Vizards were becoming the Soul Society's enemies. She really didn't enjoy stress like this. All she wanted was to sit down and have a good time. While she knew that she should be taking her duties as a Captain seriously, Minosuka Shirobu was never good at being the "all serious" type. She just liked being calm, laid-back, and never worrying. Although the other Captains certainly made that impossible for her. She figured she would search around for someone to talk to. What Captain Shirobu needed right now was just a person to talk to about the current problems, and what they could do about it.
"Not too mention, I'm a little lonely," Minosuke sighed deeply.

 

Finding himself at the squad 13 barracks Kobayashi decided to visit Captain Minosuka Shirobu.
He really didn't know her that well, but hey why not he thought knocking on the door.

 

Captain Shirobu kept walking through the Squad 13 barracks. She really could not sit still. The recent incidents have been bugging her more than she's been letting on, but she really didn't enjoy it. Having 2 missing captains wasn't a great sign, and she was always worried about the people in her squad turning against her, or even the Soul Reapers in other squads. She had lost her Captain without any warning, and she always wanted to keep others from losing those they knew without any warning. When she turned a corner she noticed Captain Rai knocking at her door.
"I don't think you'll find me in there," She smiled at the Captain, "considering I'm right here."

 

Kobayashi heard a voice and turned to find Captain Shirobu standing next to him. He smiled "It's nice to see you Captain Shirobu". "How are you?" he asked.

 

"Fine, thanks for asking." Captain Shirobu opened the door to her room, "Well, I believe you wanted to talk right? Why not come in. It's better than standing outside in my opinion."
Captain Shirobu went inside the room and took a seat.

 

Kobayashi laughed, then realized that was the first time he laughed in a while. "Your right sorry seems I been out of it lately" he said taking a seat. "The whole Soul Society seems likes its under a dark cloud and this storm might get worst before it gets better or maybe i'm just over thinking things"

 

Captain Shirobu looked outside the door. There was so much peace outside that it was hard to believe what was going on. She probably could never stop thinking about it, even if she tried.
"No, it's definately going to get worse before it gets better. What we need is a way to fight against these rogues and finish this problem as soon as possible. It might not be soon exactly, but I don't want this to continue for a long period of time where we lose innocent lives."

 

Naoto's eyes stared ahead of her as she listened to the sound of her footsteps, quick and heavy while her hands clenched into fists tightly. She stormed through the Seireitei, leaving the Fifth Division barracks and off towards any of the bar places she knew of. She would usually spend her days inside or taking walks around the Seireitei. She was planning on sleeping in(which is something a lieutenant shouldn't even do), but she felt like she needed to. Plus, she was told by her captain he was going to be with the Head Captain so it only gave her even more of a reason. That is, until she actually found out his true intention. I'm going to end up killing that man one day.

Naoto huffed out as she left one bar, being told her Captain, or the Eleventh Division's captain wasn't around. As she stood outside of the bar, she noticed some of the members from the Eleventh Division watching her. Many of which were large, muscular men, something she really despised seeing. When she found out a girl, a young girl to be exact, was taking over the Eleventh division, she had taken in a bit of joy from that. The only thing she did not take joy from was the fact the girl was practically a drunky who seemed to take along her captain for a drunk night from time to time. She figured a couple of times she should just loosen up and let her captain go off and get drunk with another captain. The only problem was that whenever she did try, she usually ended up really angry; really, really angry.

Leaving the area she was in, Naoto finally thought of another bar was not too far from either of the Divisions' barracks. It was practically close to the center of the whole Seireitei. Wanting to quicken her pace, she jumped up onto the roof closest to her and flash stepped. Soon enough, she was finally at the entrance of bar she was aiming for. She heard the laughter of some other Soul Reapers, and quickly realized her captain and the eleventh division captain was inside. Breathing in deeply, Naoto attempted to open the door calmly but instead practically pushed it open with a lot of force. Her lips pressed tightly together as she saw Captain Arashi and Captain Iggy right across the room. "Captain Zanshou!"

 

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Iggy looked at the Captain in front of her as he placed down his drink harder than he intended and made talk about his brother. "Oh... Big shame. I like meeting people. If he got promoted like that. He must have been incredibly strong." she announced, somewhat proud in her minor drunken stupor that she had been able to deduct as much.
"Lanan... It's been a few days now, I do wonder what happened to him." she then responded about Arashi's thoughts on the missing 10th division Captain.
And then... several things happened at once.
The moment he had suggested ordering another round... they were interrupted. "Nao-chan!" Iggy exclaimed (as well as shortening her addressee's name), almost feigning her surprise, before giving Arashi an amused look which communicated; 'see? I told you she would be here any moment.'
Suddenly, the small captain had used Shunpo, vanishing on the spot and appearing instantly in front of the Lieutenant and hugging her randomly, looking up cutely at the angry red haired woman before her. "Ara-kun and I were just having a few drinks at his suggestion. Why don't you join us?" she asked innocently and sweetly (also having shortened the Captain's name), trying to defuse the situation. She could tell... this girl thought that the current Kenpachi was just some little brute who enjoyed getting drunk all the time. Of course... this likely stemmed from the fact that the Lieutenant before her had only ever seen her drunk when she came to drag her Captain away.
Also, Iggy somehow had the idea that the red haired Lieutenant; Naoto thought that she [Iggy] was the one always doing the inviting to these drinking events. Not very true... the very first time; Arashi had been the one to invite Iggy... just like this time.
Iggy knew that she couldn't be liked by everyone, and for that matter, she never tried. But she didn't want the beautiful Naoto Ozawa to hate her for some reason. Maybe it was because her Captain was a good friend?
Iggy didn't know... but either way, she felt like there was some misconception that she needed to clear up with the young woman.
"Why don't you... join us?" she hicked again, while still looking up cutely and hugging Naoto. It was a fact... Iggy liked to give hugs.

 

While he didn't place a face with the Reiatsu immediately, Hatsu recognized the name. A bit annoyed that the Captain of another squad had paid him a personal visit to his personal room, Hatsu knew to graciously welcome a superior. "Captain Sakai!" He called out as he opened the door, putting on his trademark lazy smile. "Of course, Captain. Come right in," he said as he ushered the Captain into his personal room, quickly closing the door behind them. "Erm, pardon the mess, I guess," he apologized, though his room was far from messy. As Vice-Captain, his room was supposed to be the second-largest, next to his Captain's, but it was instead the fifth largest room in the barracks. Captain Sohma, being the type of man he is, had turned his personal room into a greenhouse-sort of thing (with a memorial for the previous Captain) and had moved into the Tenth Division's office (since Hatsu wasn't one for paperwork, Captain Sohma was the only one to use the room). Hatsuharu felt awkward at the idea of having a bedroom larger than his Captain's, so he moved into his old bedroom, from when he was Third-Seat, and converted the Vice-Captain room into a small gym for the rest of the squad to practice their zanjetsu. As to his room's "messiness," Hatsu was a peculiarly neat person. Everything in his bedroom had a place and was in its place. There were no scattered papers, but folders, filled past capacity, were abundant on his desk, along with a single sheet of paper. His bed was neatly made (though he hasn't slept much these past few days). In fact, the only form of wear on his room were the dark walls. Initially white, they were now burnt and filled with scratches. Hatsu quickly worked his way to his desk and moved the sheet of paper into a folder. "Help yourself to a seat," he told Captain Sakai. There were three chairs near his desk: One for Hatsu, one for the Captain of the Eighth Division (Hatsu's childhood friend), and one for his Captain: the only two people to frequent his room. There used to be a fourth chair, but... "Is there something I can do for you, Captain Sakai?" While most Soul Reapers rarely interact with the Captains of other Divisions, Hatsu had been interrogated by the Captain Commander after the defection, since his brother had led it. The other Captains and Lieutenants were audience to this. Hatsu himself rested his back against the wall.
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"Ah, thank you for letting me in. And it's no trouble, I did drop unexpectedly.As Mugi said with a polite smile on his face. He surveyed the room with just a quick glance, not to judge it, but to admire it."I guess you probably know why I have dropped by unexpectedly today?He turned to up one of the seats that was in front of the desk and turning to face Hatsu."I know I probably sound really bothersome right now, but I'm here to see how you are holding up? These times that we are going through right now is hard on everybody right now. If you don't wish to talk, I will understand and take my leave for the day."Mugi said with a sincere tone and smile on his face.

 

Captain Sozen laid about on the 2nd divisions barracks' roof top. He was staring off into clouds, wondering if there was anything to do for fun. His eyes kinda widden, then realized he hasn't messed with Mugi in a while. He sat up and frowned, he didn't even know where Mugi or any of the Captains were at. He stood up and jumped off the roof top in a flash step.
He saw his Lieutenant, Zenata. He smiled, "Lucky me" he thought.

"Zenata can you do me a favor and find Captain Mugi, for me? I have a wonderful idea for today, an event for fun, boost morale around here, what do you say?"

 

"Your right" Kobayashi said "It would be easier if we could just swoop in and take care of the Espada right now". Kobayashi closed his eyes for a moment remembering that horrible day.
"What I really want to know is how are they slipping in the soul society kidnapping all these soul reapers and then getting away without us even knowing until it"s to late?"

 

With his eyes closed Ryuzaki merely raised the cup of tea in his hands up to his lip. Taking a sip he lowered the cup and let out a small sigh. Things were not looking good for him or his squad and Ryuzaki was gaining a huge headache from the situation. The abandonment of his fourth seat member, the death of the tenth squad captain, and a new threat to the Soul Society, most of all the blame went straight to the sixth squad or the traitor's brother. Leaning back on his chair Ryuzaki merely rubbed his head "how annoying" Ryuzaki muttered. In the many long years of being a captain he would have never expected something like this to happen. Being in his office let him allowed him to think to himself for a bit