Katen Kyōkotsu vs. Nanao Ise vs. Bearded Tōjū

 is a fight taking place in the Tōjū Campaign. It focuses upon the conflict between the 8th Division lieutenant, Captain Shunsui Kyōraku's Zanpakutō, and a Bearded Tōjū.

Prelude
On the 8th Division grounds, Katen Kyōkotsu plays the shamisen whilst Captain Kyōraku relaxes under the shade of the plum blossom trees. Lieutenant Nanao Ise approaches her captain, who comments upon her lateness. She states that she is not late for anything, informing her captain that they cannot act idly while the Tōjū run rampant around Seireitei. Nanao tells Kyōraku to come with her, but he refuses to budge. Instead, he offers to send his Zanpakutō along for company, as the tachi dismisses this idea.

The tachi refers Nanao to the wakizashi, commenting that she looks bored. Kyōraku states that it is settled, asking Nanao to take the wakizashi along to deal with the Tōjū. Nanao tries to protest, but ends up getting a beleaguered look from her captain, and is forced to take the reserved wakizashi with her. As Nanao and the wakizashi walk silently throughout the streets of Seireitei, she attempts to engage in light conversation with her to provoke a reaction, but the Zanpakutō Spirit merely walks past silently.

Nanao reaches out to the wakizashi, who reacts violently to this attempt to get a reaction out of her. The wakizashi swings her Zanpakutō at Nanao, who deftly dodges this attack, surprised at her aggression. The wakizashi dematerializes her sword, proceeding to continue walking quietly down the pathway. Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto approaches her, resulting in Nanao acting defensively. She apologizes to the lieutenant, who immediately diverts her attention to Kyōraku's wakizashi. Rangiku asks why she is escorting her, asking Nanao whether she is Kyōraku's illegitimate offspring.

As Nanao states that it is one of his Zanpakutō, Rangiku explains that she was only joking. Nanao informs Rangiku that Captain Kyōraku ordered them to search for Tōjū hiding within Seireitei. As she turns around, Nanao notices the wakizashi running away from her, but is unable to call her back. At that exact moment, she senses the malignant Reiatsu of a Tōjū. Back at the 8th Division grounds, the tachi asks Kyōraku whether he thinks that she will be alright. Kyōraku believes she will, stating that they are both his Zanpakutō.

The First Conflict
However, the tachi explains that he misinterpreted her statement, referring to his lieutenant. Kyōraku reassures her, stating that there is nothing to worry about. The tachi hopes so, beginning to play her shamisen once more. Nanao states that the wakizashi is nearby, hearing a scream occur close by. From above, she sees the wakizashi confronting the Tōjū, glaring at her. The wakizashi uses Shunpo, as a ripple of blood emerges from the Tōjū's body. The Tōjū asks the wakizashi whether she will finish him off, as Nanao realizes that she is merely toying with him.

Nanao wonders whether the wakizashi has any emotions, who still continues to toy with the Tōjū again. Nanao intervenes, using Hainawa, binding the wakizashi in the yellow energy. She informs the wakizashi that the subduing of a Tōjū is not something to be used for enjoyment. Nanao states that she will finish him off if the wakizashi is unwilling. The wakizashi seems to understand, before breaking free of her bonds. She heads towards the Tōjū, but is diverted by Nanao's Byakurai spell, stopping the wakizashi in her tracks.

They both glare at each other for several moments, as the wakizashi releases her Reiatsu. The Tōjū interrupts them, stating that their conflict was enough to allow him to escape, using Shunpo to flee the scene. Nanao is too late to stop him, as the wakizashi also leaves her presence. Nanao later relays this information to her captain, apologizing for her failure to defeat the Tōjū. Kyōraku reassures her, claiming that the Tōjū will not be able to get far away due to his injury. He states that letting the Tōjū escape wasn't the only thing she was apologizing for, which she confirms.

Nanao's Persistence
He reassures his lieutenant once more, commenting that she can handle the mission by herself. Kyōraku tells her not to force herself to do something she will regret, prompting Nanao to state that she isn't forcing herself to do anything. She proclaims that she will complete the Tōjū mission alongside the wakizashi as per her orders. Kyōraku tries to tell her that she misinterpreted what he said, as Nanao leaves his presence. He comments that nothing good will come of her resilience, as the tachi states that she is very headstrong, but also confused.

The tachi explains that, unlike her hard-working lieutenant, the wakizashi lives for play. The tachi comments on how it would rip a dragonfly's wings off and do similar types of actions to other insects if they crossed her path, stating that it is both childish and merciless at the same time. She states that her attitude is natural, commenting that they are polar opposites. Kyōraku reassures her that they both are precious to him. As the wakizashi watches the birds chirping in the barren sakura trees, Nanao approaches her, prompting the wakizashi to wield her blade against her. Nanao apologizes for sneaking up on her, observing that she immediately goes on the offensive once someone calls out to her.

The wakizashi loosens up, as Nanao apologizes partially for what occurred earlier. She also explains that the way she handled the fight was incorrect, asking whether they should start anew, and look for the Tōjū together. However, the wakizashi disappears from view, causing Nanao to growl in anger. Later, she sits dejectedly outside a window, wondering why she said she would be able to handle the mission. Rangiku grabs her attention, causing Nanao to flinch. She tells her fellow lieutenant not to startle her like that, but Nanao states that she is the one who got startled.

Rangiku asks what is troubling her, as Nanao denies that it is involving romance. Later, she understands Nanao's predicament involving Captain Kyōraku's Zanpakutō, who states that they aren't on talking terms. Rangiku compares their relationship to that of a wife and a mistress, then of a mother and daughter and finally a girlfriend and ex-girlfriend, to which Nanao denies each comparison. She tells Nanao to give up on the mission, if the wakizashi is troubling her that much. However, Nanao refuses to do so, stating that her pride as a Shinigami is on the line. Rangiku sighs but then gets an idea and tells Nanao that she is superb at getting kids to express their feelings.

Rangiku's Three Trials
Back at the garden, Nanao introduces Rangiku to the wakizashi, who merely stares intently at tree branches. Rangiku comments upon the wakizashi's coldness, to which Nanao informed her of its troubles. She assumed that Kyōraku's Zanpakutō would be much like its Shinigami, as the wakizashi prepares to leave. However, Rangiku stops her from doing so, telling her that they are going to hang out together, and that Nanao has no choice in the matter. Rangiku tries to appease the wakizashi through clothes, but is surprised when it walks away from them, as girls usually go crazy when it comes to fashion.

She tries again, this time using the allure of boys to appease the wakizashi. They introduce themselves to the Zanpakutō Spirit, as Rangiku declares that this has to work. However, the wakizashi subdues the men all by herself, as Nanao comments that that plan was also unsuccessful. Her last resort is a candy shop, as she comments that girls love candy. Nanao states that it is delicious, but the wakizashi leaves the bowl by the seat, walking away promptly. As the Zanpakutō Spirit eagerly leaves the two lieutenants, Nanao wonders how to get through to the wakizashi.

Rangiku comments that the wakizashi is beyond her understanding, telling Nanao not to stress over it. Nanao sighs, as the Zanpakutō Spirit walks away from them. The wakizashi once again stands before the sparse sakura trees, as Nanao comes across her presence. Nanao speculates that she enjoys the sight of the sakura blooming, commenting that that is a characteristic shared by Kyōraku himself. Nanao announces to Kyōraku that she wishes to hold a party. However, the tachi scoffs at this idea, believing that it will not be much of a party with the absence of the sakura.

The 8th Division Initiative
The tachi states that Nanao does not understand the elegance behind a party, as Kyōraku comments that they should follow through with it since Nanao is willing to run the party. He comments that Nanao is always a pleasure to drink with, prompting his lieutenant to call him a drunk. Nanao tells him not to go overboard with his drinking, as the wakizashi stares openly into the sky once again. Nanao recalls Rangiku asking why she is seemingly infatuated with it, as all she has to do is finish her mission and be done.

However, Nanao states that her impression of the wakizashi changed dramatically over time. Rangiku listens intently, telling Nanao to do what she feels is right. The tachi snaps her out of her stupor, ordering her to fetch her some sake. She presents Nanao with a huge bowl, as Kyōraku comments with glee that he will get drunk over the sake Nanao poured him. However, Nanao reassures him that that is impossible, claiming that he is already drunk. Nanao turns to the wakizashi, asking whether she drinks, only to see her move away promptly.

She follows the Zanpakutō Spirit, leaving Kyōraku and the tachi surprised. The wakizashi stares, not moving at the bare sakura trees, noticing Nanao's presence. She instantly grips her weapon, as the lieutenant tells her to calm down. The wakizashi sheathes her sword, going back to observing the trees. A single sakura blossom falls from it, catching her attention. It falls into Nanao's palm, as she asks the wakizashi whether she likes flowers. She walks towards the Zanpakutō Spirit, fixing the flower into her hair. Nanao comments that she looks cute and wonders what is the matter when the Zanpakutō stares at her for a few moments.

The Final Conflict
The wakizashi runs off, coming across a barren forest area. Nanao appears moments later, asking why they are here. She asks her whether she would like to see more flowers, but remains unresponsive. Nanao smiles promptly, directing the wakizashi to follow her. They arrive at a densely populated field of sakura trees, as Nanao explains how the trees bloom. The wakizashi raises her sword in an attempt to cut the flowers off, but Nanao states that they mustn't cut them off. She tells her to hand over her weapon, commenting to herself that she is kind when treated like a normal person.

Nanao places the weapon at the base of the tree, as the wakizashi struggles to reach the blossoms. She assists her, picking a single flower for her. However, a sudden gust of wind blows the blossom out of her palm, watching it float into the distance. Nanao turns and notices a small gash in her right shoulder, collapsing to the ground in pain. The Tōjū appears before her, thanking Nanao for allowing him to run loose for as long as he did. The wakizashi prepares to wield her katana, but Nanao left it at the base of the tree. She makes a run for it, but the Tōjū intercepts her movements, knocking her back.

The Tōjū picks up her katana, asking whether she would like to play with him. He sarcastically comments that he is lonely and charges at the wakizashi. He slashes at the Zanpakutō spirit, who is able to evade all of his attacks. However, as he aims directly for her head, he inadvertently slices the sakura blossom into pieces, forcing the wakizashi to lower her guard and check if it is still in place. The Tōjū uses this to his advantage, successfully landing a hit upon the usually agile wakizashi. This attack cuts her, sending her hurtling backwards.

He knocks her to the ground, picking her up by the scruff of her neck. The Tōjū comments that he will not kill her yet, using an eye-for-an-eye analogy. He prepares to attack her, but Nanao intervenes with Shakkahō. The Kidō blast hits the Tōjū square in the back. He is knocked off balance and turns to face Nanao, who states that that is all she can do to assist the wakizashi. The Tōjū comments that he was going to turn a blind eye to her, considering that she enabled his escape, but now he has no choice but to finish her off as well.

As the Tōjū swings its blade down upon a helpless Nanao, the wakizashi intervenes to prevents him from cutting her down. He angrily comments that she is in the way, flinging her into a nearby wall. As she is unable to get up, the Tōjū tells her to stay put, and that he will finish her off once he is done with Nanao. The Tōjū slashes down upon her again, but this time his attack is blocked by Kyōraku. He berates his lieutenant for fighting underneath a peach tree. The Tōjū realizes who he is, maintaining his distance.

He appears in front of the wakizashi, raising his sword to her. He threatens her life, as Kyōraku uses Shunpo to move quickly past him. The Tōjū is unable to counter his speed, suffering a deep injury across his chest. As he wonders how he got defeated, Kyōraku picks up the unconscious body of his Zanpakutō and tells the Tōjū that his "kids" want to go home and play with him. Later, as the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom, their party commences while the Shinigami and their Zanpakutō relax.

Aftermath
As Nanao drinks from her sake cup, Rangiku approaches her and asks how she went. Nanao comments that the wakizashi might never have needed changing in the first place, as Rangiku wonders whether that is the truth. They both stare at the silent wakizashi, who gets up and walks over to the blooming sakura trees. She watches them sway in the night breeze, as Nanao approaches her. The wakizashi earnestly hands her a single flower from the tree, fixing it to her hair. Nanao then thanks the wakizashi for what she has done. As they reconcile with each other, the tachi and Captain Kyōraku watch the scene unfold, a smile appearing upon their faces.