The years passed, and Natoro Yamakatsoro's ambitions grew. His power, once fueled by the shadows of his Bankai, Kuroyami Shoukan: Akuma no Eien, was now in full bloom. With each passing day, he honed his abilities, driven not just by his thirst for personal power but by a deeper, more twisted vision for the future. He had come to realize that true power was not just something one could acquire—it was something one could breed.
And so, he began to look to the future, not just for himself, but for his progeny.
The Pursuit of Legacy:
It wasn't power alone that Natoro sought. After more than a century of servitude to Aizen's cause, Natoro knew that his path would lead him to even greater heights if he had an heir. A son—one who would carry his bloodline forward and inherit his power. But not just any child. Natoro's vision for his son was grander than anything the Soul Society had ever seen. He would make his son the strongest, molding him into a being that could rival even the Vasto Lorde—creatures of unimaginable power.
And he would do it quietly, in secret.
But to achieve this, Natoro would need a partner—a woman who could bear him a child worthy of his ambitions. She would need to be strong, resourceful, and, above all, loyal to him. And Natoro knew precisely where to look: among the captains of the Gotei 13.
The Chosen One: Captain Kirio Hikifune
Among the captains, there was one who stood out to Natoro not just for her strength but for her qualities as a woman. Kirio Hikifune, the Captain of Squad 12, had a reputation for her brilliant mind and her intense work ethic. A former Captain who had been retired for some time, she had been the one to perfect the Hōgyoku before Kisuke Urahara continued the work. Her expertise in alchemy and research had made her one of the most respected minds in the Soul Society.
Natoro found her one evening in her lab, surrounded by notes and complex diagrams, her long hair tied back as she focused intently on her work. Natoro had heard the rumors of her strength in combat and intellect, but it was her underlying drive that called to him. A man of ambition couldn't ask for a better partner.
Her bright, golden eyes met his when he entered the room, her expression neutral. "Captain Yamakatsoro," she said, acknowledging him with a polite bow. "What brings you here this evening?"
"I've been thinking, Captain Hikifune," Natoro began, his voice smooth, almost coaxing. "You and I, we share a similar understanding of the importance of power. Of legacy."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, sensing his intention. "I see. And what exactly are you suggesting?"
Natoro stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "I need someone strong to bear my bloodline, someone who can help me shape the future of the Soul Society. I think you're the perfect candidate."
Kirio's expression didn't change, but Natoro saw a flicker of interest. "You know that I have retired from active duty, Captain. My focus is on research now. I'm not interested in politics or your schemes."
Natoro didn't flinch. "I'm not asking you to lead an army. I'm asking you to build something with me. Together, we can create the next step in evolution. Our child will be stronger than any of us—one who could surpass even the Vasto Lorde."
Kirio's brows furrowed. "The Vasto Lorde?"
"Yes. With your intellect and my power, we could make something far more powerful. And together, we could rule the future." He allowed the weight of his words to settle between them.
For a moment, the room was silent. Then, Kirio's lips curled into a thoughtful smile. "And what do you offer me in return?"
Natoro's eyes gleamed with a dark intensity. "I offer you a legacy beyond anything the Soul Society has ever known. Power, prestige, and freedom to continue your research unhindered. Together, we will reshape this world."
Kirio studied him for a long time before answering. "Very well," she said finally. "I will help you. But do not mistake this for a simple alliance. I will not be controlled."
"Of course," Natoro replied, his tone almost playful. "You'll have the freedom you need."
The Courtship:
What followed was a year-long period of careful manipulation. Natoro had learned the art of persuasion, of bending people to his will without them even realizing it. With every interaction with Kirio, he demonstrated his intelligence, his strength, and his ability to protect her. And slowly, Kirio began to trust him.
Her resistance softened as she began to see the potential of their union, the promise of an heir who could surpass the limits of the Soul Society. Her desire for knowledge, for pushing boundaries, aligned perfectly with Natoro's ambitions. She had no illusions about his nature—she knew he was power-hungry, ruthless, and calculating—but she saw the same qualities in herself. In the end, the bond that formed between them was one of mutual benefit.
As the months passed, their relationship evolved. Their bond was not just physical but intellectual as well. Natoro admired Kirio's brilliance, while Kirio was captivated by Natoro's raw power and the clarity of his vision for the future. They became partners in every sense of the word, and soon, the next logical step became inevitable.
Marriage and the Seed of Power:
After a year of careful planning, Natoro and Kirio were married in a private ceremony. The wedding was a quiet affair, attended only by the highest-ranking officers of the Gotei 13 and a few select trusted allies. It was a union made not just of love, but of ambition—a pact forged in secrecy, meant to give birth to a legacy of unimaginable power.
Natoro knew that a child born of this union would be more than just a product of his bloodline. This child would be the key to unlocking new heights of power, and Natoro was determined to shape him into the ultimate weapon. But there was more at play—he would make sure that this child would be born of the highest possible potential, secretly training him in the ways of the Vasto Lorde before the Soul Society knew what was happening.
As the months passed, Kirio's pregnancy progressed without incident, and Natoro remained by her side, watching her carefully, waiting for the moment when his son would be born. He spent his time in the shadows, strengthening his own abilities, waiting for Aizen's plan to come to fruition. But as his wife's due date approached, his thoughts remained solely on the future.
"What will we name him?" Kirio asked one evening, her voice soft as she rested her hand on her swollen belly.
Natoro looked down at her, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "His name will be Raizen. It will be a name that carries power. A name that echoes through history."
Kirio nodded thoughtfully, her golden eyes shining. "Raizen… A fitting name."
The Child of Shadows:
Nine months later, the child was born—a boy with dark hair and piercing eyes that shone with a strange, eerie glow. Natoro held his son in his arms for the first time, feeling an overwhelming surge of pride. Raizen, his flesh and blood, was the key to everything Natoro had ever worked for.
The baby's power was immense, even for one so young. Natoro could feel the spiritual energy radiating from his son, and it was unlike anything he had ever encountered. He knew that with the proper training, Raizen would surpass even the strongest Soul Reapers, the Visoreds, and even the Vasto Lorde.
But that was a future for another time.
For now, Natoro looked down at his son and made a silent vow.
"Raizen," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, "you will be the future. You will be the strongest."
The Power of Legacy:
Natoro and Kirio spent the following years raising their son, but even as Raizen grew, Natoro's ambitions did not waver. He had made the decision long ago that when the time was right, he would unlock his son's full potential. Raizen would be the one to lead the charge into a new era—a world where Natoro's bloodline ruled.
But for now, Natoro bided his time. He remained a loyal captain in the Gotei 13, supporting Aizen in his secret endeavors while keeping his eyes on his son's development. The world was changing, and Natoro was prepared to shape it.
In the darkness, in the shadows of his own ambitions, Natoro awaited the day when his son would rise to take his place as the most powerful being the Soul Society had ever known.