Haineko vs. Narunosuke

Haineko vs. Narunosuke is a fight taking place in the Tōjū Campaign. It focuses upon the conflict between the Zanpakutō spirit of the 10th Division lieutenant, and a seemingly-normal Tōjū called Narunosuke.

Prologue
Several Shinigami run through a rocky outrop, assembling upon the base of the mountainous area. Their leader, 10th Division lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto states that she can sense a faint reiatsu emanating from beyond the mountains. She instructs her subordinates to split up in search for the presence, as Haineko jumps onto the scene, proclaiming that they leave it to her. Rangiku is sceptical that she will be able to handle herself, but Haineko berates her for treating her like a kid, sticking her tongue out.

As the flowers sway in the wind, Haineko comes across a field of the aforementioned flowers. She notices with surprise a figure lying unconscious within the field, commenting that she found the source of the reiatsu. As Haineko approaches the figure, he stirs in his sleep. She asks whether or not he is a Tōjū, to which he charges at her, before being stopped by her katana. Haineko notices that the Tōjū is attractive, and begins to blush promptly. Narunosuke stares pleadingly at her, seemingly resigned to his fate.



She comments that his appearance is unusual, stating that it is almost as if he is a Zanpakutō. Haineko tries unsuccessfully to convince herself that she is not interested in him. Narunosuke tries to move from his spot, but collapses back onto the flower bed. She immediately comes to his aid, before realizing her mistake. As he coughs repeatedly, she states that a Tōjū is still a Tōjū, preparing to cut him down. However, he looks despondently at her, forcing her to put down her weapon.

Haineko begins to walk away, as the task force is able to eliminate the other Tōjū seeking refuge within the pass. Rangiku sheathes her sword, as Haineko emerges from the underbrush, asking her Zanpakutō whether she was able to finish the Tōjū off. She states that she did so, preparing to ask her master about the Tōjū she found. However, as Haineko looks at the broken katana strewn all over the ground, she retracts her question. Rangiku wonders what is wrong, as Haineko stares into the sky.

Haineko's Secret
As Rangiku relaxes within the 10th Division barracks, she is earnestly approached by her captain, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, who berates her for slacking off. She complains that someone stole the sweet buns that she was saving, accusing her captain of the thievery. He dismisses this claim, as Rangiku orders Hyōrinmaru to make her some tea. He berates her for attempting to use his Zanpakutō as a servant, stating that their job isn't over yet. She agrees half-heartedly, as Hyōrinmaru wonders where Haineko is.

Rangiku states that she doesn't know, eagerly sipping on the tea Hyōrinmaru gave her. Meanwhile, as Haineko walks throughout the mountainous area, she wonders whether she is allowed to do this. As she enters an abandoned household to find Narunosuke, he is surprised at her sudden appearance. Haineko apologizes for keeping him waiting, presenting him with a complimentary basket of sweet buns. He then smiles at her. Whilst she tends to his wounds, he thanks her, asking what her motivation is.



Narunosuke states that he is one of the Tōjū that they are chasing after, and instead of killing him, she tended to his injuries. Haineko merely states that that is just her personality, claiming that he hasn't attacked her yet. However, she comments to herself that that is a lame excuse, asking him whether he truly is a Tōjū. Narunosuke states that he is an ordinary Zanpakutō whom has lost his master, explaining that his master was a cowardly Shinigami, a trait which was passed inherently onto him.

And as such, he believed that he needed to ally himself with the other Tōjū in order to survive. Narunosuke states that he was hunted down as a result of this belief. He claims that that is why he is hiding, as he starts to convulse. Haineko tells him to rest, as he apologizes for his rashness. He comments that she is different from the others, as she tells him that she will try and sway the judgement of the other Shinigami. Haineko claims that he is not a threat, handing him the sweet buns.

Narunosuke refuses to believe this, as they introduce themselves to each other. They burst into laughter over the use of honorifics.

Stark Reality
As Haineko approaches Rangiku after their meeting, she claims that it is impossible for a Tōjū to remain intact without their masters. Haineko is surprised at this, as Rangiku states that destroying them is the only option available. She tries to plead Narunosuke's case, but Rangiku claims that it is only a matter of time before the Tōjū in question goes on a rampage.