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Bleach: Cataclysm (漂白剤: 破局, hyouhakuzai: hakyoku), known otherwise as the Collapse (崩壊, hōkai), is the sequel to Bleach: War of the Worlds and comprises Part IV of Bleach (Kenji Hiroshi). A companion book titled Cataclysm was published shortly after the unveiling of Part IV, and a number of supplementary reference material was published shortly afterwards as well that either led up to or occurred during the Collapse. After an incident orchestrated by Kurokawa Kōhai that resulted in the catastrophic merging of the spiritual realms known as Horiwari, the Soul Society, Heisekai and Kohai Tochi, the survivors are struggling to rebuild whilst maintaining the Spirit Cycle of Souls. Into this new realm -- termed Reikai -- the past organizations battle amongst one-another for control. Kentaro Hiroshi and Akiye serve as primary protagonists with the Kikkashō serving as a driving force behind the stories villains. Averian returns as a neutral force who sometimes picks a side.
Organizations[]
Chapters & summary[]
Prequel Chapters: Pre, Peri and Post Collapse[]
Riki Nagakura visits the Seireitei to speak with his brother, Shin Nagakura, under the guise of a message from Kenji Hiroshi. Upon waking his brother he informs him of the fate of Shigeru Yūdai, further informing Shin that the Onmitsukidō stationed in Horiwari have yet to leave. Shin claims he will do what he can but questions Riki as to the true reason for his visit, pointing out that he raised him and can tell when he is troubled. Riki, stating he could never get anything past Shin, reveals he isn't sure whether or not Anko Amatsuki should be allowed to roam aroound freely. Shin reveals it was Anko who got them the information they needed to rescue Akiye, and points out this happened sixteen years ago, and asks what made his little brother think of her after all this time, though he ends up brushing it off as troubles of the heart, leading Riki to strike him. Shin proceeds to goad Riki with a number of sexual euphemisms, which eventually causes Riki to admit that he slept with her in the past. Shin responds that Riki's balls are blue which leads his little brother to turn and leave. Shin tells him to go to Grat university but before he can reveal why Shin flash-steps towards Riki as an earthquake rocks the barracks. He proceeds to activate his Shunkō. He tells Riki that he loves him and that he is to survive before throwing him bodily into a fold in the air, and is himself engulfed in fire and lightning, as Riki calls his name.[1] Shiju Shūdō awakens from the events constituting the Collapse. He notices the Yuengiri Academy completely destroyed and is sent into a spiral of panic. In disbelief, he sends out a wave of strong spiritual pressure which manages to upturn debris around his being. Due to this sudden wave, he also manages to sense the presence of three others besides himself, all of whom are survivors of the event. The first of the three is near his proximity. He reaches him after a short walk, realizing that it is Satori. After seeing that his arm is completely mangled, Satori awakes and instantly screams in pain. Not able to see the plight of his student, Shiju manages to make him fall asleep and subsequently amputates his arm the best he could. After that, he pinpoints the location of the other two survivors and travels to their location with Satori on his back. After explaining the situation to both of them, he realizes the presence of Ōryū Temple and Mitsuki, heading there with the students immediately. They encounter an enraged Mitsuki, whom Shiju quickly suppresses, forcing him out of his anger. The group then makes their way into the temple. After recuperation, Shiju decides to form Ikki, teach the group and ally with the Six Directions in their cause.[2] Kentaro enters his father's bar and takes a bottle of whiskey, two glasses and a jar of honey in-hand as he proceeds down the staircase behind the counter, leading him to his father's old library. Once inside he sits down and pours a glass, his intention to take it easy for at least one night. He is soon surprised however by a woman telling him to mind the books. Kentaro identifies the woman as Lisa and remarks that she almost gave him a heart attack, leading her to sarcastically apologize. She then asks to share his drink to which he obliges. Kentaro points out their family has a bad track record with alcohol but Lisa points out that this is only true for her mother and their father, though Kentaro reckons otherwise. The two catch up, realizing its been four years since they last saw one another, with Kentaro noting she was supposed to be in Japan. She answers she was and had been working at her mother's book-store. Lisa, calling Kentaro "Kenny", then remarks that she is worried about him. She reveals that Kay told her everything concerning the Collapse. Kentaro angrily recalls how he abandoned Akira and Hotaru and maintains that he should have been able to save them. Lisa tells him that if he had of reached the twins then he wouldn't have had enough time to escape himself and would have died as well, noting further that Kentaro knows this himself: he just does't want to admit it. Kentaro, calling Lisa "sis", thanks her for the pep-talk and resolves to get drunk. Lisa claims she doesn't relish the idea of cleaning their father's library hungover but decides to join her little brother to drown their sorrows.[3] Kentaro leaves matters in Akiye's hands, who notes he should hurry back, because the people -- and Kay -- need him. He thanks her and departs to a secluded plain on the outskirts of Nishiendo, where he thanks a figure for agreeing to do this. Shiju Shūdō asks what it is Kentaro needs help with, with the latter noting that his training in the advanced applications of the Yuengiri where not complete. Shiju proceeds to guide Kentaro in manifesting his Battle Aura without feeling pain, reminding the latter of the basic principal of Calmness in the process, explaining that calmness can only be attained when you immerse yourself in a state where your thoughts are absent from everything except peace. He goes onto explain and demonstrate the Soul Manipulation to Kentaro, who then realizes he has already done it without knowing, revealing to Shiju how he bolstered his abilities against Suitai to swiftly overtake him. The two then discuss the Armoury ability and how it appears to be lost with the apparant death of Ashido Kanō, but Kentaro notes it was Rozeluxe Meitzen who conceived of the idea, leading Shiju to ask that Kentaro tell him if Roxeluze is found. Kentaro replies that its a promise.[4] |
Testing the Waters arc[]
Kentaro wakes to feelings of unease and uncertainty. After styling his hair and getting dressed Akiye remarks that he did not sleep, with Kentaro saying he will sleep when he is dead. Worried for his well-being Akiye suggests that every man -- even him -- has their breaking point. After asking for his forgiveness Akiye places Kentaro into a peaceful slumber through the use of Kidō with the hope he'd rest easy. After approximately four hours Kentaro's sleep is disturbed by a nightmare of the Collapse which causes him to wake in a cold sweat. Resolving to get on with matters he finds Akiye and asks her for an update, which she provides by detailing the whereabouts and duties of Hawke, David and Sanada. With the Reikai in a state of chaos Kentaro declares that it may as well be him who sets things right and with that in-mind plans to travel to Hueco Mundo to ensure that Averian remains neutral in what will be a bloody undertaking, with Akiye voicing her concerns.[5] After leaving, Kentaro is intercepted by his granduncle Suitai, with Kentaro remarking upon the latter's habit of strong drink, and Suitai revealing that he has just came too. Suitai then expresses his interest in Kentaro's plan, leading Kentaro to ask if Suitai intends to go with him. Suitai responds, saying he can't very well allow his only remaining nephew to go see Averian alone, though Kentaro remains doubtful of Suitai's ambitions going forward. He relents and the two set out. Upon arrival Suitai asks how they actually find Averian, and Kentaro says that they don't; Averian will find them. After being attacked by low-level Hollow on Averian's order the ancient Arrancar reveals himself and Kentaro gets down to business, asking Averian directly what his intentions are regarding the Reikai. Averian ops instead to test Kentaro, telling him to ascertain his intentions for himself. After a brief battle Kentaro feels Averian's "heart" and comes to the conclusion that he will be trouble later on, but for now is not an immediate threat. Averian allows Kentaro and Suitai to leave after Kentaro reveals what he learned from their clash, which causes Averian to cut their conversation short. Kentaro tells Suitai that Averian showed more of his hand than he had anticipated.[6] Upon his return night had fallen. Kentaro took in the full devastation of what had once been Horiwari, noting the destroyed buildings and rubble-strewn streets. Even the once-famous canals where a shadow of their former glory. His musings where however interrupted by Hawke Kori, who demanded to know where Kentaro had been. Hawke then revealed that Hiden and Eiji Shinzui had been found, leading Kentaro to hastily seek them out, though he was stopped by Hawke, who demanded that he wait. Hawke revealed that Hiden and Eiji had actually found them and that the duo had killed three of Hawke's men, drawing an angry reaction from Kentaro. Hawke then showed Kentaro an armband he had cut from Eiji's arm, noting he did not know what the crest meant. Kentaro tightened his fist around the armband whilst revealing it to be the symbol of the Imawashī, shocking Hawke. He asked if Hawke was confident in his ability to kill Eiji, with Hawke responding in the positive. The two set out to find answers. Kentaro introduced himself with Hiden remarking that it was a pleasure and that he knew Kenji, remarking upon the latter's disappearance as an unfortunate event. This put Kentaro on edge immediately as very few people where actually aware that Kenji was in-fact alive. Sharing a look with Hawke, who remained impassive, Kentaro unveiled the armband, annoying Hiden and shocking Eiji. Hiden told his son Eiji that he was careless, leading Kentaro, followed by Hawke, to attack. Akiye and Sanada intervened shortly afterwards but Hiden and Eiji managed to escape into a vortex of black energy, leading Kentaro to call a meeting after warning the duo that he would destroy the new Imawashī as he had the old.[7] After moving to a smaller room and taking measures to prevent eavesdropping, Kentaro begins the meeting. Sanada states that he thought the attackers where Hiden and Eiji Shinzui, but wasn't completely sure, looking to his fellow Commanders for clarification. Akiye agreed with Sanada, asking Kentaro and Hawke to explain why they felt the need to attack their former allies, with Kentaro replying that they left him little choice. Kentaro and Hawke then unveiled their evidence; the armband taken from Eiji shocked Akiye, though Sanada was unaware of what the symbol meant, but stated that he knew it to be significant or Kentaro would not have offered it. Akiye answers by clarifying what Kentaro had earlier claimed: the armband was the symbol of the old Imawashī, which she had once been a willing member. This caused Sanada to recall Kenji's gambit immediately prior to the Collapse. He explained that Kenji, fearing the rumours that the Imawashī had returned, had sent Kensei and Shūhei to investigate; a mission Kentaro noted to have saved their lives during the Collapse. Kentaro reasoned that the two where in danger following the betrayal of Hiden and Eiji, claiming the two traitors had once been spies in the Gotei 13 working for Kenji. With their true allegiance now unveiled and with possible knowledge of Kensei and Shūhei's mission, Kentaro tasks Sanada with alerting them and returning them safely. He instructs Hawke to return to the World of the Living to provide backup for David in the event he becomes a target, stating that he will remain with Akiye to coordinate everything.[8] Immediately following the meeting Kentaro gets some much needed sleep and realizes afterwards that he has been pushing Akiye too hard lately, whom he relieved upon waking. As the sun rises he discussed his concerns with Akiye -- now awake and alert -- concerning the disappearance of Suitai and the mission involving Kensei and Shuhei, wondering how his father maintained such a confident exterior despite potentially sending men and women to their deaths. He admitted that the Six Directions lacked manpower currently and feared losing such capable men. Kentaro concluded that events would either forge him into a great man or utterly destroy him, though he resolved to be on the winning side. He expressed surprise when a messenger reported the status of Sanada, who requested reinforcements be sent immediately. Akiye asked what Kentaro planned to do now and he resolved to bring back his friends with his own hands, denouncing the Imawashī threat when he resolved to see them dead at his feet. After securing his father's old haori to his shoulder and casting off his doubt he set out to reinforce Sanada personally, as Kensei and Shuhei had been forced into a dangerous and difficult position by the Imawashī.[9] Kensei and Shūhei, driven into a dangerous position, flee from the assembled military might of the Imawashī with vital knowledge regarding the organizations membership and structure. Kensei saves Shūhei from their shock troopers by releasing his Zanpakutō, Tachikaze, allowing Shūhei to dispatch his attacker. When Shūhei remarks that their pursuers seem to have given up, Kensei reprimands him, telling him to focus and that they aren't out of this predicament yet. This prompts a reply from Dastan Shiba, whom Kensei immediately attacked, leading Shūhei to intervene and shield Kensei from Dastan's counter-stroke. The duo cannot hide their shock as Shūhei declares that Dastan was supposed to be dead, leading the latter to ask them to give him some credit. He further states that Suitai of the Northern Wind and their precious Archon of Storms failed to kill him, prompting Sanada, who had just arrived, to ask if he could try his hand at dispatching the ex-Captain of the Ryū Order. Sanada and Shūhei catch up briefly, but are again admonished by Kensei, who was forced to engage Dastan, who used the opportunity to attack the distracted pair. The trio resolved to kill Dastan but the latter was merely buying time for his colleagues to catch up. The assembled Imawashi arrived which, including Dastan, was twenty-seven strong, with Shūhei remarking in disbelieving tones that roughly half of their number had spiritual power comparable to a Captain-class combatant. Unperturbed by this Kensei declares to cut down anyone in their way, leading Sanada to release his Zanpakutō, Jūrensha. As his clones engage Dastan and the Imawashī the three commanders attempt to retreat once more, only to have been surrounded in the interim. With the situation looking bleak Dastan provided an ultimatum of sorts, asking if they'd rather resist, inferring in a roundabout manner he wants them to fight back as it would be more enjoyable for him. As soon as he finished Kentaro sped past him to join his friends, using the Niten style to shield them from an onslaught of Kidō spells, telling everyone present it was time to leave. Dastan replied that it mattered little if Kentaro was his grandson, he would die like everyone else. Upon saying this the sky suddenly darkened. Rain fell in sheets, thunder roared above, and a single bolt of blue lightning split the skies. Kentaro recognized that the power on display belonged to his father, who told Kentaro to get away, before proceeding to engage Dastan and the Imawashi fuelled by his anger. Kenji obscured Kentaro and friends in white bandages and transported them back to their headquarters on the other side of the Reikai. Once safe both Shūhei and Sanada incorrectly assumed Kentaro to have saved them, offering their thanks, with Kensei looking on in silence. Kentaro told them to get some rest and treatment before they gave their report to him, advising that they assemble again in two hours time.[10] A stand-alone chapter featuring Kenji Hiroshi. Upon arriving on the battlefield Kenji intercepts Dastan's attempt to kill Kentaro, telling his son to get away as he teleports him and his friends away with Kidō. Alone against the Imawashi Kenji directs the storm towards the assmebled membership of the criminal organization so he can deal with Dastan. As the two speak the subject of Meian is brokered and Kenji reveals he is dead, leading Dastan to claim this was the best news he had heard all day. This outburst enrages Kenji to the point he releases his Bankai and dares the assembled Imawashi to attack him, subsequently cutting down all present sans Hiden Shinzui, his son Eiji, and his own father Dastan. He then asks how long Hiden thought he could sneak around behind his back without him knowing, which is followed shortly after by Kenji triumphing over the father-son duo with nothing more than a shallow cut on his left shoulder. Claiming he will administer Meian's vengeance Kenji cuts through his father's Zanpakutō and then slices down through the hilt as Dastan releases it into Shikai, rendering the weapon useless and unrepairable. Kenji then leaves but not before telling Dastan that he will die should he appear before Kentaro or Kay. Back in the World of the Living Kusaka berates Kenji for not following through, claiming all he had ensured was the survival of an enemy.[11] After seeing to their wounds and squaring away the final details of their report the Commanders of the Six Directions join Kentaro for a meeting, who, prior to the official start, had his fellows enjoy a feast he had prepared to clear the air and relax everyone. Although thankful for the distraction and the food, Sanada quickly turned the meeting back to its original goal after Kensei pounded David into the floor, releasing his Zanpakutō. Reminding everyone present that he can playback events he sees whilst in Shikai, Kensei and Shūhei point out the strength-level, names, organization and current mission of the resurgent Imawashī using the images Sanada provided, whilst noting the information they gathered was relevant only to the division created solely to destroy the Six Directions. Kentaro realizes that a good number of the people Kensei and Shūhei point out are familiar to him; two in particular had been in the same class as him during his studies. Kentaro explained that Hikaru was a fellow rival who bullied him incessantly as a child, and that he and Akane "hand a thing", pointing out quickly afterwards that this occurred before he met Akiye. He also noted that Katashi was a former drug-runner who had almost killed him in the past, and that Kasumi was a former herbalist, noting that both had been active during his attempt to rescue Akiye years ago from Shinzō. The remaining two, Arata and Hinata, where pointed out by Shūhei and Kensei, who remarked that Arata was a former member of the Gotei 13's 4th and 12th Division's and that Harumi was a drug-addict, likely conscripted against her will. Kentaro then congratulated them all on a job well done before calling an end to their meeting.[12] Despite his best intentions the events of the day had left Kentaro feeling drained, who fell asleep at his desk. His survivors-guilt manifested as he slept, leading to a nightmare of the Collapse, which shifted and changed. He saw Horiwari as it had been after he rescued Akiye, with merchants hawking their wares. The dream changed swiftly and the next image was the funeral of Yoshiro Kazuki who had been murdered by Arturo Plateado, though it quickly altered to show the tombstones of Harumi and Momoko as well. He awoke with a startled cry after the final part of his nightmare showed him the accusatory glares of his close friends, brothers, and mother. Hoping to find some comfort in activity he staggered out into the night, where he bumped into Kensei, who had finalised that night's training. Kensei asked if he where alright, with Kentaro answering in the positive. Seeing through his weak attempts however Kensei engaged him in a friendly sparring session, having a guess at what was causing Kentaro's current mood. Explaining afterwards that the Collapse had caused a ridiculous amount of death, and that Kentaro couldn't possibly have saved everyone, Kensei advised the younger Shinigami that he needed to live with and own his decisions, and that he was to do better next time. As Kentaro silently thanked Kensei he returned home, telling Akiye of what had transpired, saying the sooner he did what Kensei said the sooner his life became somewhat easier. As he came to this realization he heard the voice of his father congratulating him, telling him to live his life to the fullest and that he was watching out for him. As he thanked his father and settled down to sleep no nightmares troubled him; for the first time since the Collapse, Kentaro was at peace with his actions.[13] |
Bound by Blood arc[]
Kentaro, joined by his sister, Kay, follow-up on a report filed by Hawke, who claims that his unit discovered the bodies of three Humans dead in Grat, whilst investigating Imawashī activity in the sector. According to his report each Human had been drained of their blood and, possibly, their innate spiritual power. After night falls Kentaro, after telling Kay the little they do know about the mission, is left behind by the latter, who runs ahead. Following quickly but not finding her, Kentaro realizes his senses are being actively blocked, and releases his Zanpakutō, Tenchikaimei, into Shikai. Attuning to the darkness of the area Kentaro finds Kay and intervenes in-time to save her from a mysterious assailant, who attempts to flee. Kentaro follows and throws it to the floor below, at which point it attacks Kay, only for her to easily unbalance and then defeat it using Hakuda, whilst noting with shock that the creature before them has an appearance almost identical to Kentaro's own sixteen years prior. Upon its defeat Kentaro, wondering aloud what it is, binds it with Kidō, at which point it reacts violently to the blood on Kay's arm, entering a berserk-like trance. Instead of taking the creature back for study Kentaro stabs it in the head, killing it, much to Kay's annoyance, as she wished to study it. As the two turn to leave however the creature narrows its red eyes in hatred, very much alive, which goes unnoticed by both siblings.[14] The following night in Nishiendo Kentaro, whilst washing, hears a single scream pierce the night somewhere close-by. Pulling on some clothing he quickly releases his Zanpakutō, intervening in-time to rescue a young woman from an assailant, kicking the latter in the jaw. As the assailant pounces on Kentaro who was busy erecting a barrier around the woman he saved, Kentaro recognizes the half-healed stab wound he inflicted the night before as the two grappled. Coming to the realization that what he was fighting was the creature he had seemingly killed the night before, Kentaro exclaimed disbelievingly that he had killed him, before declaring he should have cast his body to the wind as ashes. He quickly subdues the creature using Hakuda before proceeding to bind it using Kidō, at which point he is joined by Kay, asking after his well-being, and Sanada, requesting to study the creature. Despite his gut-instinct being to cut the creature that looked so much like him down and make good on his previous threat, he ultimately relents. As he storms off he remarks that he needs to wash all over again, leading Kay to attempt to calm him, only for Sanada to hell her not to worry. He explains that Kentaro tries hard to protect everyone through his strength alone and that he will eventually realize that knowledge is a form of strength too.[15] Later that same night Kentaro, deciding to find some measure of comfort in the bottom of a glass, meets up with Shūhei at their local watering hole. As the two get well-and-truly hammered Akiye attempts to extract information regarding the mysterious entity, only for Shūhei to claim it was a Bount and Kentaro to claim that Sanada thinks it was a Reikon Kyuuban, though Kentaro ends up insulting Akiye in his drunken stupor who tells him to sleep elsewhere tonight. Exclaiming to Shūhei that he's in the dog-house and needs a place to crash, Shūhei humorously replies that the two, as men, needed to stick together. The following morning the duo attempt to piece together their night, leading Shūhei to recall something about a cup (referencing Kentaro's argument with Akiye), with Kentaro claiming he recalled a game of poker. Shūhei discovered several pictures in the pockets of his hakama which seemingly depicted the pair with some girls, in various stages of undress. Before the duo can remember anything else however they are interrupted by Akiye, who claims that Sanada wishes to discuss something with them. Resolving to at least have a shower first Kentaro and Shūhei finally head-out.[16] Despite being severely hung-over Kentaro, joined by Shūhei, proceed to the medical wing to meet up with Sanada. As the two walk in the doors however they are instead greeted by blood-splattered walls, an unconscious Akiye, and heavily injured Sanada, who have seemingly had not only their blood drained but also their spiritual powers absorbed as well. Resolving not to be done in by his injuries Sanada assures his friends that he will be fine, and that he will see to Akiye and his own injuries, ordering Kentaro and Shūhei to go after the creature. Sanada went onto explain that the creature was a parasitic organism sustained by blood. As they left the building they quickly discovered that the creature, empowered by the spiritual power of Akiye and Sanada, had summoned an army of Hollow, which now stood between them and it. Arriving suddenly Kensei, releasing his Zanpakutō and donning his Hollow mask, proceeds to carve a path through the Hollow for Kentaro and Shūhei. However the Hollow simply keep reappearing which leads Shūhei to guard Kentaro's back as he tells his Commander-in-Chief to go on ahead of him, releasing his Zanpakutō and donning his Hollow mask as well, explaining that Kensei will protect the citizens and he will stop any Hollow going after Kentaro. Leaving the matter of the Hollow in the capable hands of Kensei and Shūhei, Kentaro, after telling Shūhei to look after himself, faces the creature (whom he refers to as Vamp), and promises that he will ensure that his death will not be painless.[17] Beginning the battle in earnest Kentaro was initially taken off-guard by the increase in Vamp's base speed and reflexes. But it wasn't just those traits that had increased; he was reading the flow of battle much easier, leading Kentaro to drop all notions of holding back, taking things seriously from then-on. As Kensei and Shūhei slaughtered Hollow all-around, Kentaro assumed his Niten stance, subsequently bringing the full measure of the destructive style to bear on his opponent, who was cut despite avoiding Kentaro's sword. Explaining that his father had later regretted his part in the creation of the style, due in-part to the excessive brutality not suiting his needs, Kentaro stated he must have been a darker individual compared to his father as he had mastered the Niten thoroughly and completely. Feeling threatened Vamp summoned additional Hollow which where quickly dispatched by Shūhei, though a second wave replaced them almost instantly. It was at that point Hawke and David, returning from their patrols, made their presence known. David told Kentaro to finish things with Hawke remarking that Kentaro was merely posturing, leading Kentaro to reluctantly agree. As the brothers began bickering in the background Kentaro chased down the fleeing Vamp and bound him completely with Kidō before shooting Nigendō #3: Sōtōzashū on the back of a Shakkahō spell. As Vamp perished in the intense flames Kentaro turned his thoughts to the state of the Reikai and all the warring factions, for now content they had gained some small measure of peace once more.[18] |
Meian's Legacy mini-arc[]
Naoko recalls the destruction wrought upon Horiwari during the Collapse, remembering fire erupting from the shaking earth, thunder roaring above, and lightning flashing overhead. Meian Shiba, who had mentored her and Yori following Oda Kōhai's death, muses aloud of his regret removing Hakyoku from his body, noting he was too injured to prevent this storm. At the sight of his new students Meian resolved to at least save them, using an unknown Kidō to send them both to the World of the Living, though Naoko is pierced through the abdomen by a chunk of wood during transit. This jolts her awake and the morning air washes the vestiges of her dream away, leaving Naoko in a bed, patiently recuperating from her wounds. As Naoko dismisses the dream she is interrupted by May, who says it is good she is awake and that she brought food. Thanking the young woman Naoko apologizes for burdening her, realizing that May had rushed home during her school break to tend to her. As May leaves, Naoko resolves to find Yori, noting he could be in as bad of a shape as she was, leaving behind a note to convey her thanks to May, stating she was eternally grateful. Ignoring the pain of her unhealed wounds Naoko sets off, resolving to find her childhood friend.[19] Yori, prior to awakening in the home of Garian Shinjo and renowned Seijin of ages past, recalls the destruction wrought upon Horiwari and how Garian came to his aid after wandering the slopes of Monte Rosa. His dreams are haunted by the heroic sacrifice of his mentor, Meian, with Yori noting the latter's peaceful smile was the last thing to fade as a jet of flame obscured him from view. As he finally comes too Garian explains the situation, though Yori discounts it all as a dream, noting that so much death could only occur in dreams. Garian responds by telling him to go outside and take a piss. If he feels wet and warm afterwards he should wake up, proving its a dream, but noting afterwards that if he doesn't wake up then he must accept the truth, and also the fact that he'll have pissed himself. Deciding to believe his idol Yori spends the next few days doing chores for Garian as his strength returns. Garian finally reveals the state of the Reikai, noting that Kentaro needs all the help he can. Yori resolves to find Naoko first.[20] Garian contacts Kentaro and Hisagi regarding the survival of and Garian's rescue of Yori, leading Kentaro to note it was the best news they had heard all day despite his survival all-but-confirming Kentaro's fear regarding his uncle Meian. Hisagi notes that he thought Yori to have died, coming to the conclusion that if Meian was responsible, then Naoko was likely alive as well. Hisagi then apologizes to Kentaro, stating Meian was a good man. Kentaro agrees while noting he was also a man who didn't sit on his hands and that it was time to bring them home. Meanwhile, outside Grat, Naoko struggles against her wounds as she looks futilely for Yori. After defeating three Hollow her wounds become too much and she stumbled forward, only to be stopped short of falling by a long-haired man with ancient green eyes. He explains that May was worried and that she was the one who contacted him, before then healing her wounds with Kido. Now getting a better look at her saviour Naoko realizes just who he was. The man explains he had resolved to exclude himself from such matters now which leads Naoko to ask him why he chose to save her then, leading the man to claim staying aside works in theory but that he was never much good with theory. Before leaving he states Yori is likely safely in the hands of Kusaka Kori by now and that if she stays where she is for about thirty minutes, Hisagi will be along to collect her. As the mystery man leaves Naoko waves, before whispering the following: "Thank you... Kenji." Back in Nishiendo Kentaro and Akiye note it's just like Kenji to stick his nose in. The duo then welcome both Yori and Hisagi into the Six Directions, placing them in the care of Hisagi.[21] |
War on Two Fronts arc[]
Itazura Kori, joined by his sister, awaken in Eden some time following the Collapse. Although suffering from extensive burns Itazura notes that the majority of his injuries have been healed. When he questions Mariko regarding who could have healed them, Kiyoko Takara reveals herself, explaining that it was her. Itazura, after feigning ignorance so he could flirt with her a little, eventually gets serious and reveals his knowledge of Kiyoko's past and her position as the Head-Mistress of the Seta Girls' Academy. Kiyoko then brought the pair up to speed regarding the Collapse, leading Itazura to hastily ask about Heisekai, which also causes him to realize he cannot sense Tomoko Saitou through their bond. To keep his mind from wandering he decides to divulge the reason for Mariko and his presence in Eden, asking Kiyoko about a suspected Tenshi known as Oda Kōhai, also revealing Oda's so-called brothers and sister Fericul Kōhai. Kiyoko agrees to take them to her sister. Upon meeting Yuu Hoshiko within the Sanctuary of the Guardians Yuu reveals the history of Fericul -- who she once knew as Shiawase -- and Itazura agrees to face her on their behalf, arguing that Fericul and Oda have already struck the first blow. Although Kiyoko and Yuu argue against this, stating Itazura need not fill himself with wrath and vengeance on their behalf, Itazura claims otherwise. He explains that his own light may be eclipsed but so long as he has his friend at his side it will never fade. Yuu and Kiyoko eventually divulge the existence of the Well of Awakenings but before Itazura and Mariko can witness it for themselves, those present are interrupted by a bright flash of light that heralds the arrival of two strangers. The first, claiming to be Kaien Shiba and the second, claiming to be Kentaro Shiba. After a tense stand-off the newly arrived explain their origins and history, as well as their mission to avert the destruction of the Reikai at the hands of Averian. Kiyoko and Yuu agree to open the portal that enables Itazura, Mariko, Kentaro and Kaien to leave.[22] Itazura and Mariko, following a trail of information left behind by Kain Akai in the event they survived the Collapse, finally decide to launch their rescue attempt. After infiltrating Kohai Tochi in the Reikai and spending a week on reconnaissance, the duo lie in wait. Upon spotting a dishevelled Kain flanked by a heavy guard Itazura stops Mariko, pointing towards the large elderly man towards the back, who Mariko confirms is Minamoto Kazuhira. Resolving to rescue them both Itazura releases his Zanpakutō into Shikai and leaps towards the guards, who Mariko showers with Kidō spells from afar. Itazura swiftly cuts Kain and Minamoto free, with the latter releasing a potent blast of Wisdom to stun his guards, who Itazura then dispatches. Kain remarks that he knew Itazura would follow his trail sooner or later, claiming he was glad it was sooner. Mariko releases her Zanpakutō and teleports the four back to a safe location, where Itazura lays out all that has transpired following the Collapse. Kain and Minamoto both agree to join the Blades of Night's Veil, which is the first step in Itazura's bid to end the chaos in the Reikai and combat Oda and Fericul Kōhai.[23] Itazura, joined by Nanashi (the alternate world Kentaro) and Kaien, put a group of local thugs operating in the Shadowlands of the Reikai to the sword. As this happens Itazura muses that the two really could have killed him had they wished to upon their arrival despite their wounds, and proceeds to leave the scene via Shunpo. Kaien remarks on Itazura's mistrusting nature with Nanashi stating that the Itazura he knew wasn't such a block-head. The two resolve to continue using him and the Blades of Night's Veil to accomplish their own mission. Elsewhere, Itazura returns to the Leaping Lion bar, and asks Mariko for an update. She reveals there has yet to be any word from Jack Hill but claims that Minamoto has sent word, with the old Tenshi claiming he is starting to get annoyed training the refugees. Itazura then reveals that Nishiendo had been attacked by the Gotei Remnant but Kentaro had successfully repelled the attack. Itazura refused reinforcement when Mariko brokered the subject, callously claiming that as long as Kentaro is the focus of the Gotei Remnant, the Blades of Night's Veil can move and expand without hindrance. Meanwhile, Nanashi and Kaien, using Tōboefū, travel to Hueco Mundo to assess the strength-level of this worlds Averian. Kaien reminds Nanashi that Musabori is not an absolute defence before the duo exert their reiatsu in hopes of drawing Averian to them.[24] |
Braving the Waves arc[]
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Garrett's chapters[]
Investigating Grat arc[]
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Into the Fire arc[]
Garrett, whilst initially fighting summoned Hollow, must soon risk life-and-limb when he comes face-to-face with the Kikkashō criminal organisation in the form of Ichiro. Faced with the difficult reality of his situation he comes not only to the defence of his school and the citizens of Grat, but also May. Tiffany, like Garrett, comes face-to-face with the Kikkashō when she encounters Gina. Taking Kenji's instruction to heart she looks to close the "gateways" with which the Kikkashō are summoning Hollow, all-the-while dealing with Gina's attempts to kill her. Randy and Lloyd track the Hollow summoning to a Kikkashō operative named Hitoshi and proceed to fight him, all-the-while guarding the other's back. The pair soon discover there disadvantage, but also find that teamwork like their's might just see them through their trials. Shinrei, in the guise of Ries, calmly analyses the situation; but is soon forced to intervene personally when he senses the presence of an old friend-turned-enemy. Shinrei proceeds to fight his old friend but soon realises the true threat and does everything in his power to stop it. Will he succeed? |
Rising arc[]
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Character focus[]
The overall main POV (point-of-view) character throughout Bleach: Cataclysm is Kentaro Hiroshi, though others do exist. The story sometimes necessitates switching to other groups; so far, when this is done, the POV has switched most notably to Itazura Kori who leads his own group, though both Naoko Izuru and Yori Hisagi have had a moment in the spot-light with a mini-arc devoted to their survival. Riki Nagakura becomes Kentaro's right-hand man following his return, becoming a major POV character in the process. Garrett Sheppard and Tiffany Henderson likewise became POV characters starting with the Investigating Grat arc, which is a stand-alone segment set before The Collapse. Thus far the sequence of POV characters is thus:
- Kentaro
- Riki
- Itazura
- Naoko
- Yori
- Hisagi
- Note: The following characters are the POV characters of stand-alone chapters.
- Garrett
- Tiffany
In regards to reference pages, such as Fatherly Intervention and First Battle of Nishiendo, these pages document events in an encyclopaedic manner, focusing on the overall event and the characters involved rather than looking through the eyes of a single character, like Kentaro. The author will use such pages in the future mostly to document large-scale battles or important events effecting numerous characters.
References & notes[]
- ↑ Brotherly Affection
- ↑ One Spirit Lives
- ↑ Taking a Break
- ↑ Imparting Wisdom
- ↑ Kentaro Takes Charge
- ↑ Meeting upon the Sands
- ↑ Matters of Trust
- ↑ Matters of Trust II
- ↑ Leaving Doubt at the Door
- ↑ Fleeing the Imawashi
- ↑ Fatherly Intervention
- ↑ Putting Names to the Faces
- ↑ New Resolve
- ↑ Terrors of the Night
- ↑ Returning Terrors
- ↑ Terrors of a Different Kind
- ↑ Facing the Terrors
- ↑ Terrors End
- ↑ Tale of Survival: Naoko's Struggle
- ↑ Tale of Survival: Yori's Doubt
- ↑ Tale of Survival: Joint Resolve
- ↑ Calm Before the Storm
- ↑ Itazura Gets Started
- ↑ Establishing the Blades