Yumichika Ayasegawa vs. Ruri'iro Kujaku

 is a fight taking place during the Zanpakutō Rebellion. It focuses upon the conflict between 11th Division 5th Seat Yumichika Ayasegawa and his Zanpakutō spirit, Ruri'iro Kujaku.

Prelude
As dozens of Keigun surround the Zanpakutō spirits and 2nd Division Captain Suì-Fēng, 3rd Division Lieutenant Izuru Kira, 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame, Ichigo Kurosaki, and Yumichika stand on top of nearby roofs, Hōzukimaru notes the Zanpakutō spirits have been surrounded.

Stating it is not too surprising after all of the commotion they caused, Ruri'iro Kujaku says the Shinigami were bound to discover them. As Suì-Fēng proclaims they are here to take 6th Division Captain Byakuya Kuchiki and the Zanpakutō spirits into custody, the Keigun draw their blades. Asking Suì-Fēng if this is so, Hōzukimaru notes there are many of them here and asks Suì-Fēng if she would not rather fight them, prompting Ikkaku to ask him what he said.

Stating they will oblige Hōzukimaru if this is his wish, Yumichika says they are ready to fight at any time, prompting Suì-Fēng to tell him to not let the Zanpakutō spirits get to him. Stating they will begin by forming a perimeter around the area to prevent the Zanpakutō spirits from escaping, Suì-Fēng says they can fight them one at a time afterwards, prompting Kazeshini to ask her why it must be so complicated. Stating they should just do it if they are going to do it, Kazeshini says none of them will run away and hide like cowards.

Appearing in front of two Keigun, Kazeshini cuts one of them down. Stating Kazeshini is right, Ruri'iro Kujaku wonders what they are waiting for before running up and slashing away a Keigun. Later as Yumichika and Ruri'iro Kujaku appear on a roof, Ruri'iro Kujaku says it has been a while and asks Yumichika how he is doing.

Stating he is not bad, Yumichika says Ruri'iro Kujaku is looking well. Stating this is thanks to Yumichika, Ruri'iro Kujaku says he was able to get away from the cause of his stress. Realizing he has not introduced himself, Ruri'iro Kujaku asks Yumichika how he knew his identity. Stating he could tell immediately, Yumichika says he felt disgusted the moment he laid eyes on Ruri'iro Kujaku and refers to him as Fuji Kujaku. Expressing irritation, Ruri'iro Kujaku asks Yumichika to not refer to him with this name and states it offends him.

Saying his real name is Ruri'iro Kujaku, he states he will kill Yumichika if he refers to him with any other name, prompting Yumichika to tell him to give it his best shot. Later, Ruri'iro Kujaku smiles and says Yumichika looks very good while holding his sword. As Yumichika expresses surprise, Ruri'iro Kujaku notes the feather on Yumichika's face is a nice touch despite likely being faux. Stating he had never gotten the chance to examine Yumichika, Ruri'iro Kujaku says he is loving Yumichika's style so far. As Yumichika asks him what he is talking about, Ruri'iro Kujaku states Yumichika would come across even better if he made the effort to coordinate with genuine accessories.

As Ruri'iro Kujaku notes Yumichika does not want to overdo it and look trashy or cheap, Yumichika lowers his blade and asks Ruri'iro Kujaku if there is a point to any of this as Ruri'iro Kujaku proclaims he understands. Lifting his feathered arm, Ruri'iro Kujaku says his feathers are genuine and states he could give Yumichika one of them. When Yumichika says they are ugly, Ruri'iro Kujaku lowers his arm and notes it would be nice to add a few extra flourishes to Yumichika's uniform. When Ruri'iro Kujaku proclaims this is fabulous, Yumichika expresses irritation as Ruri'iro Kujaku wonders how to make Yumichika's outfit compliment his complexion.

When Yumichika angrily states Ruri'iro Kujaku is mocking him and he does not appreciate it, Ruri'iro Kujaku says he does not know what Yumichika is talking about. Looking away, Yumichika states Ruri'iro Kujaku looks hideous. Saying Ruri'iro Kujaku's face is the absolute worst, Yumichika states it does not matter to him how insulting Ruri'iro Kujaku is and asks him if he knows why he chose such a distant and secluded location for their battle. When Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika probably does not want anyone else to see his powers, Yumichika confirms this.

When Ruri'iro Kujaku states Yumichika may come to regret his confidence, Yumichika says he never regrets anything and states this is the way he does battle before referring to Ruri'iro Kujaku as Fuji Kujaku once more. Narrowing his eyes, an irritated Ruri'iro Kujaku says he will destroy Yumichika if he continues to refer to him with this name.

Battle
Later, as the top of a pillar is destroyed, Yumichika sits against the pillar and pants. Walking in front of him, Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika talks big and states he is a weakling. Proclaiming Ruri'iro Kujaku is very irritating, Yumichika gets up and runs forward before attacking. Blocking with his sword, Ruri'iro Kujaku moves to the side before attacking Yumichika, who blocks, before pushing him back. Sliding several feet away before stopping, a panting Yumichika curses.

As Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika looks very mad, Yumichika proclaims he will never forgive Ruri'iro Kujaku. Stating he did not expect Yumichika to do so, Ruri'iro Kujaku points his sword at him and asks Yumichika why he does not give up, for Ruri'iro Kujaku would be willing to let him live if he did so. When Yumichika assumes a battle stance and proclaims he will never give up to him, Ruri'iro Kujaku sighs and asks Yumichika if he notices this Reiatsu before noting 11th Division 3rd Seat Ikkaku Madarame's Reiatsu disappeared earlier.

Grinning, Ruri'iro Kujaku says the Shinigami have no chance of winning against them with their level of ability. Stating Ikkaku did not lose, Yumichika points out how Hōzukimaru's Reiatsu disappeared as well. Theorizing Hōzukimaru lowered his power level to match Ikkaku's, Ruri'iro Kujaku notes Hōzukimaru and Ikkaku are very similar before saying he and Yumichika are very different. Stating Yumichika always tries to hide his true power, Ruri'iro Kujaku proclaims he is proud to display his power anywhere, prompting Yumichika to express surprise.

As Yumichika rushes toward Ruri'iro Kujaku and begs him to not do this, Ruri'iro Kujaku says he will do so and holds his blade out to his side before uttering his release command. As Yumichika expresses surprise, Ruri'iro Kujaku's blade glows green before splitting into four curved blades in a burst of green light. Extending from the blades, four multicolored vines wrap around Yumichika's arms and waist before pushing a screaming Yumichika into a wall. As the dust settles, Ruri'iro Kujaku asks him how it feels to be struck by the power which he hates.

As the vines tighten around his body, Yumichika states he does not want everyone to know about this power because he would not be able to stay in the 11th Division. Asking Yumichika if he is still saying this, Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika is very stubborn before pulling the hilt of his blade back. Yelling in pain, Yumichika is yanked forward by the vines. As his sword embeds itself in the ground next to him, Yumichika proclaims he must stay in the 11th Division. When Ruri'iro Kujaku expresses irritation, Yumichika tells him to shut up.

When Yumichika refers to him as Fuji Kujaku once more, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he understands before expressing anger. Expressing surprise, Yumichika cries out in pain. Later, when 11th Division Captain Kenpachi Zaraki arrives, Ruri'iro Kujaku recognizes his Reiatsu, prompting a smiling Yumichika to state Ruri'iro Kujaku remembers now and the Reiatsu belongs to Kenpachi. When Kenpachi defeats Wabisuke, Ruri'iro Kujaku notices Wabisuke's defeat and states this is what he expected from the bloodthirsty Kenpachi. Saying Kenpachi snapped Wabisuke without any finesse, Ruri'iro Kujaku states Kenpachi's Reiatsu is rough and ugly.

Saying it does not appeal to him, Ruri'iro Kujaku looks over his shoulder and asks Yumichika if he feels the same way. When Yumichika asks him what he means, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he and Yumichika are very much alike despite Yumichika not wanting to admit it. When Yumichika asks him what he is talking about, Ruri'iro Kujaku says they both live according to their appreciation for aesthetics and states beauty must prevail above all. Saying Yumichika is in the wrong place right now, Ruri'iro Kujaku states Yumichika is among boorish, slow-witted, and hot-tempered Shinigami and says they would only make fun of Yumichika if he released his true power.

Stating this knowledge worries Yumichika, Ruri'iro Kujaku says Kenpachi and Ikkaku have no appreciation for aesthetics and states Yumichika feels inadequate in the 11th Division because he cannot express himself. Saying it cannot be helped, Ruri'iro Kujaku states this is what happens to a half-hearted narcissist who is preoccupied with himself and always concerned about how other people see him. When Yumichika tells him to make his point, Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika will not accept his own powers because he is afraid of how people will perceive him.

When Ruri'iro Kujaku states Yumichika cannot win against him because Ruri'iro Kujaku willingly accepts and believes in his own powers, Yumichika says he believes Ruri'iro Kujaku talks too much, prompting Ruri'iro Kujaku to state he does not need Yumichika's sarcasm. As Ruri'iro Kujaku asks Yumichika if they should end it now, the petals on the vines restricting Yumichika begin to glow blue and grow larger as Yumichika expresses surprise. Stating he will see Yumichika later, Ruri'iro Kujaku says this might not be the case, prompting Yumichika to express anger.

Later, when Kenpachi blows away the other combatants in a large explosion of Reiatsu, Yumichika expresses surprise as Ruri'iro Kujaku turns and notes it has finally begun. Stating Kenpachi must be truly exceptional if his Reiatsu can be felt from this far away, Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika will only be able to feel Kenpachi's Reiatsu for a few more minutes as the petals on the vines begin to bloom into flowers. Looking at an exhausted Yumichika, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he likes the look on Yumichika's face and says it is the look of fear which overcomes one right before death before stating he hopes Yumichika dies beautifully.

When Yumichika says he has decided, Ruri'iro Kujaku asks him if he said he has decided. When Yumichika confirms this, Ruri'iro Kujaku asks him what he decided and asks Yumichika if he has decided to accept his death gracefully. As Ruri'iro Kujaku states it is a little late for this, Yumichika says he is sorry to disappoint Ruri'iro Kujaku and states he has no intention of accepting his death. When Yumichika says he has decided to defeat him, Ruri'iro Kujaku laughs. When Yumichika admits he was worried about what Ikkaku and Kenpachi might think, Ruri'iro Kujaku confirms this and states Yumichika's position on aesthetics was confused because he was so concerned with the views of others.

Denying this, Yumichika says he would choose death over allowing others to see Ruri'iro Kujaku's Shikai. Standing up, Yumichika states there is much more to it and begins to glow with green Reiatsu. As the flowers on the vines begin to bloom faster, Ruri'iro Kujaku demands to know what Yumichika is doing and says the flowers will grow faster the more Reiryoku Yumichika uses until his lifeforce has been depleted. Stating this is not happening, Yumichika uses '''Hadō #31. Shakkahō''', which explodes in his hand. Reaching down, Yumichika grabs his sword and cuts two of the vines away before pulling on the ones coiled around his left arm.

As a yelling Yumichika cuts away the remaining vines, Ruri'iro Kujaku expresses surprise as Yumichika says he will always belong to the strongest of the Gotei 13. Stating he is a member of the 11th Division, Yumichika says this is their style and states their pride is at stake. Saying they will continue fighting until the job is done, Yumichika states Ruri'iro Kujaku is permitted to laugh at him if he dies trying. Later, Yumichika clashes with Ruri'iro Kujaku. Crossing blades with Ruri'iro Kujaku once more, Yumichika slashes at him. When Ruri'iro Kujaku moves back, Yumichika slashes at him horizontally.

When Ruri'iro Kujaku blocks Yumichika's attack, he and Yumichika struggle before Yumichika pushes Ruri'iro Kujaku back and attacks him. Leaping back, Ruri'iro Kujaku laughs and asks Yumichika if this is the best he can come up with. Proclaiming the 11th Division has fallen, Ruri'iro Kujaku slashes at Yumichika, who leans back to avoid Ruri'iro Kujaku's sword. Moving back, Yumichika curses and notes he used up a considerable amount of Reiryoku to escape the vines as Ruri'iro Kujaku says Yumichika has become much weaker than before.

When Ruri'iro Kujaku states Yumichika should not be so impulsive, Yumichika proclaims Ruri'iro Kujaku has too much to say and rushes toward him as they clash. Sliding back, Yumichika notes he is still unable to use Shikai. Noting he has nothing to draw upon even if he continues to run, Yumichika smiles and notes he never thought he would suffer because he cannot use Ruri'iro Kujaku. Stating Yumichika appears to be out of options, Ruri'iro Kujaku says he is willing to let Yumichika use the power of Ruri'iro Kujaku.

As Ruri'iro Kujaku states this would be fair, Yumichika declines, prompting Ruri'iro Kujaku to say he thought Yumichika would say this. When Ruri'iro Kujaku asks him if not using Ruri'iro Kujaku himself would be fair, Yumichika stands up and states it would. When Yumichika says Ruri'iro Kujaku should think about this, Ruri'iro Kujaku expresses surprise as Yumichika states it seems Ruri'iro Kujaku lacks confidence in the strength and energy of his Kidō techniques if he does not use this power despite his speech about aesthetics and says this says a lot about Ruri'iro Kujaku's aesthetics.

Stating Yumichika has convinced him, Ruri'iro Kujaku says he will fight all of the way to the end using only his sense of aesthetics. Raising his sword, Ruri'iro Kujaku states he can use the techniques any number of times and says his release command. As his sword glows green and transforms into several multicolored vines, Ruri'iro Kujaku reminds Yumichika of how Yumichika said Ruri'iro Kujaku could laugh at him if his pride meant the end of him in battle and proclaims he intends to give the biggest laugh Yumichika has ever heard in his life.

As the vines move toward him, Yumichika uses '''Bakudō #4. Hainawa''', which binds the vines together with yellow energy. Wondering what this is and expressing surprise at Yumichika using a Bakudō spell, Ruri'iro Kujaku looks up to see Yumichika has vanished. Appearing behind Ruri'iro Kujaku, Yumichika states this game is over. As Ruri'iro Kujaku expresses surprise, Yumichika says he got lucky because Ruri'iro Kujaku is stubborn and overconfident like himself and states he would not have had any chance of winning at all if Ruri'iro Kujaku had fought a normal fight. Admitting this is true, Ruri'iro Kujaku says they are so like it disgusts him. Expressing disdain, Yumichika attacks Ruri'iro Kujaku.

Aftermath
Standing alone, Yumichika states he would rather die right now than have Ruri'iro Kujaku seen by others. Saying this is not all there is to it, Yumichika states he will use whatever it takes to win if he does not use Ruri'iro Kujaku and says this is his aesthetic before collapsing next to the sword form of Ruri'iro Kujaku.