The Nueva Espada

Chapter 25:Count Zero

There was one name that was a taboo amongst the higher-ups of the Soul Society

One name, belonging to a criminal

A criminal of whom some believed was born of Soul Society's own doing, others claimed he was simply a psychopath

Either way, his existence was mostly hidden from those below the rank of Captain but his title was well known

Substitute Shinigami

The first Substitute Shinigami

And for all days, it was today, on the worst day in the history of Soul Society, that they were reminded of his existence

"Kugo...Ginjo?"

"Yes sir" Hidetomo nodded "We don't know how or why, but we picked up on him through Ichigo Kurosaki's Substitute Shinigami Combat Pass, it's him sir..."

Hidetomo was surprised to see that his captain did not react in shock, in fact, he seemed to have no reaction at all, all he did was close his eyes and sigh

It was today, of course it would be today

On the day he lost his two subordinates, on the day went everything went wrong

It was also the day he was reminded of his greatest sin

"How many others know?" Came the Captains chilled voice

"The research bureau, I and you, sir" Was Hidetomo's reply

"Then for now, make sure it stays that way" Ukitake informed him

"Yes, sir" Hidetomo said with a bow before taking his leave

"Why can't this just be a bad dream" He sighed into his hands "Let this be a bad dream, all of these things cannot be happening on one day...god...no, please"

Taking his head out of his hands and letting out a large breath, he narrowly gazed at the wall in front of him

"Ginjo..."

"How rude of me, allow me to introduce myself, the name's Date Masamune and this here is Kojuro, and we're here because you took my throne"

And with that, he found several blades held at his throat

"Woah, easy boys!" Date laughed as the army poked his throat with their blades "Calm down, take it easy...you too Kojuro"

His bodyguard nodded at his master as he released his grip on his sheathed blade

"Date Masamune...the Date Masamune?" Uryu asked "Are you seriously telling us, you're the ancient Samurai warlord?"

"What do you think?" He replied with a chuckle "Didn't take on the name just 'cuz I liked the sound of it"

"What do you want?" Came Nel's stern voice

"You deaf? You heard me, I'm here because spiky-head took my place as King, I'm afraid I called dibs long before he did"

Rukia nervously looked up at her husband, catching a determined look in his eyes

"I really don't have time for this shit" Came Ichigo's tired voice "Get lost"

"Woah! Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning" Date laughed as he examined Ichigo "You really do look like shit, y'know?"

"That's what happens when you got to war" Ichigo growled "And as I just said, I don't have time for some one eyed, dual-wielding fuckstick who wants to be in charge!"

"Shit son! You really are edgy" Date laughed once more as he crossed his arms "Not in a fighting mood?"

"No, I am not!" He snapped "Now get the fuck out of my palace, before my army personally tears you and your buddy limb from fucking limb!"