Bleach OC: Kazuri Hanari Pt. 1

“I never thought much about what I wanted to do... or what I wanted to be... I was simply whatever my family wanted me to be. I did as I was told and put their wishes above my own... Those were the days when I felt the most alone…

“Kazuri.” A dark-tanned elderly woman with black, graying hair spoke firmly in a strong voice. Kneeling on the floor in front of her was a young woman with a fair brown skin tone, her hair was a dark brown color, same for her eyes; her hair was neatly trimmed and fair, to mid-neck in length, any longer simply wasn’t acceptable. The young woman wore a plain and simple, long-sleeved shinigami shihakusho. The sleeves irritating her, causing her to feel restrained and held back, however anything shorter than that simply wasn't acceptable, unless it was Spring or Summer time, it currently being Fall. “Kazuri!” The elderly woman spoke loudly once more, glaring intently at the younger woman, her sitting there with a blank expression, staring emptily forward, emotion running to her upon hearing the elderly woman, her being lost in her own thoughts. “Y-yes grandmother.” She stuttered softly in embarrassment, her going through her thoughts, not hearing her grandmother until just now. The elderly woman glared downward at the girl, an eye raised. “Care to explain what you were doing?” The elderly woman spoke in a condescending voice, the younger girl staring up at the woman with a soft face, “I just...” The girl felt anxious due to the strong gaze of her grandmother, her getting goosebumps. “There's a bird out there...” She spoke up in a soft voice, extending her arm, pointing toward her grandmother, tilting her body to the side to see past her grandmother, them located in a room on the edge of their house, the room being opened to the outside, the sliding door panels removed. Located just outside the house and Kazuri's room was a large maple tree; her grandmother turning around to see what she was referring to, there being what appeared to be a baby bird that was on the ground, chirping up to the branches above, it appearing to be one that failed to fly. “Don't waste my time with this nonsense!” Her grandmother retorted angrily, making her granddaughter turn back to her, giving her her full attention. “Please tell me that you have carried out the task assigned to you?” Her grandmother asked, her voice being very low, her patience thin. “Y-yes grandmother!” The young woman spoke in a loud, bright voice, looking up at her grandmother. “Hmm, well then.” The grandmother grinned softly, hoping for good news, however she didn't have much faith in her granddaughter... Yes she was strong and took orders well, however the girl lacked resolve and discipline in her opinion. The girl was gentle in nature, however she was the naive type, and had a short attention span; at least in her grandmothers' opinion, her finding Kazuri to be unacceptable overall, feeling she requires a lot more effort and time to properly “refine” her. “I spoke to captain Nakatsu, telling her about my desire and request.” Kazuri referred to her captain, Yuriko Nakatsu, her being the captain of squad thirteen; Kazuri being the fourth seat. “I told her about my desire to become the replacement for the rank of vice-captain.” Her grandmother was beginning to lose her patience, wanting the girl to get to the point. Kazuri tensed up, afraid of her grandmothers' reaction. “Nakatsu-san told me that my desire wasn't my own and that she wouldn't feel comfortable accepting someone that didn't truly want to be there.” Her grandmothers' eyes widened in fury as she instinctively swung her arm out, striking her granddaughter across the right side of her face, knocking her to the side. “Stupid girl! I bet you think this is all a joke! Are you even taking this serious!?” She shouted loudly at the younger girl. Kazuri trembling softly, however shed no tears. “I-I am sorry grandmother... it's just... I like where I'm at... I don't want things to change.” Her response to that resulted in her grandmother striking her once more, this time leaving a faint black bruise on her cheek. “Stupid girl! Get out of my sight!” She yelled angrily, pointing off to the side. “But this is my room.” Kazuri replied in a soft voice, staring up at her grandmother with a simple look that contained no sadness or negative emotion, her unable to feel anger, her being the type that looks on the bright side. Her grandmother clenched her fists tightly as she turned and walked away from the girl. Kazuri waited a moment after her grandmother left before standing up and walking forward, leaving her bedroom, heading to the outside, in the direction of the maple tree. Kazuri walked softly toward the young baby bird, which was hopping around, chirping up at the branches for its' family. Kazuri knelt down softly, grabbing the small bird with a delicate grip, stroking its' smooth brown feathers with her fingers, before standing up fully with the bird perched on her index finger, her standing on her toes as she held out her arm as high as possible, as close as possible to the branch containing its' nest, the bird managing to hop over to it, away from Kazuri.

“She didn't have to hit me like that...” Kazuri whined softly, wincing lightly as her mother rubbed ointment on her cheek, her being as gentle as possible, followed by placing a bandage over it. “There we go...” Her mother spoke softly as she finished tending to her daughter, smiling warmly at her upon finishing. Her mother looked to be in her late thirties in appearance, her having the same dark tan as Kazuri and her grandmother; it being a signature thing for those in their family; her having the same dark brown hair and eyes as her daughter, her hair though was much longer, down to her mid-back in length; which Kazuri's grandmother found acceptable due to her being a mother. The two were in their family sitting room, Kazuri sitting on the floor with her mother across from her. “Your grandmother means well...” Her mother spoke softly, wishing that were the case; her unable to speak ill of her own mother. “She just has difficulty expressing her anger. The woman’s name being Kazutana Hanari, her daughter being Kazuri Hanari; them coming from a noble house of small size and status. Kazuri's grandmother, Kazukara, desired them to rise up in the ranks of nobility, believing order and control were essential to their growth, the way they conduct themselves must be of the highest standards. One thing about the Hanari house was they were mostly female. Kazuri's father left them soon after Kazuri was born, unable to stand the high standards which senior members such as her grandmother imposed and Kazutana being unwilling to leave her family... that being the case for a lot of those in their house; Kazuri having aunts and cousins that were also single mothers. Even her grandfather couldn't handle things and divorced her grandmother centuries ago. Kazutana's mother was well in her 600's in age, her appearing to be a woman in her sixties. Kazutana was around 350 in age, looking to be in her mid-thirties in appearance, although she has aged very well, it would be hard to tell her true age. Kazuri was around 150 in age, her appearing to be in her late teens. “So what all did Nakatsu-san have to say?” Kazutana asked in a friendly tone as she put the bandages and medical supplies away in a small kit. Kazuri lowered her face in sorrow, looking downward. “I was unable to do as grandmother wished...” She mumbled softly. “Nakatsu-san is a very nice and kind woman, she praised my strength and ability, however she could tell it wasn't what I wanted and knew my heart wasn't in it.” Kazutana was pained by her daughters' show of sadness; she reached out to her, taking her by the hand and smiling warmly at her. “It's okay, darling.” Her mother spoke in a very warm voice as she stroked the girls' hand. “What matters most to me is your happiness.” Kazuri smiled warmly her mother, “Thanks mama...” Kazutana soon stood up, dusting off her legs. “How long do you have before you must return to the Seireitei?” Her mother asked. “Nakatsu-san gave me until tomorrow, so I should leave first thing in the morning.” Her captain was a very kind woman and would give her time off to visit her mother and family whenever she requested. “That's good to hear,” Her mother replied with a smile. “I'll go prepare dinner now.”

“Lady Nakatsu,” The young woman spoke in a soft, but strong voice as she approached the door of her captains' office, knocking softly upon her arrival. She listened for a response before sliding the door open and entering the large open office, shutting the door behind her. The office had smooth dark brown wood flooring, the left and right side walls consisted of panels which were slid open, them leading to the crisp Fall outdoors, a strong cool breeze passing through the room. “What is it, Hanari-san.” The silver-haired captain spoke in a relaxing, peaceful voice. The captain of squad thirteen, Yuriko Nakatsu, was sitting on the floor behind her desk; it being the type of desk that was low to the ground, her sitting on a white sitting cushion with her legs crossed. Yuriko's age was in the 200's (400's by modern day), her having pale white skin and long, smooth flowing silver hair which was normally to her lower back in length, however she kept it braided neatly, making it look much shorter than it was. She looked at Kazuri with very strong navy blue eyes, but a warm, gentle smile on her face. Kazuri felt herself sweating lightly, feeling nervous. “Please, take a seat.” Yuriko offered, motioning her hand in front of her to another sitting cushion opposite of her desk; Kazuri nodded softly, sitting on her knees, across from her captain. “So what do you need?” Yuriko asked with a smile. Kazuri took a moment to compose herself properly, clearing her voice. “I must apologize for my faults and shortcomings,” She began in a slightly raspy voice. “I'm still young... and naive... and foolish... and absent-minded... I have much to learn and will dedicate however long it takes to reach an appropriate level of finesse and competence, and humbly request you give me the opportunity... privilege to advance my placement in this organization.” Kazuri stated in a crisp, clear voice, her head bowed down low to the ground in respect to her captain. Yuriko didn't respond immediately, her letting out an audible sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose, shaking her head. “Oh, Hana-chan...” She sighed loudly. Kazuri tensed up, knowing what her answer would be. “Are those your own words?” Yuriko questioned, although she already knew the answer. “Yes, of course... no, they aren't...” Kazuri corrected, unable to lie to the woman, her having too much respect and appreciation of her to do so. “You're a strong and respectable woman, Kazuri-san. You don't give yourself nearly as much credit as you deserve.” Kazuri felt greatly humbled by her captains' words, instinctively blushing softly. “I don't doubt your ability, in fact I think you're fully capable of that level of responsibility. However, I know it isn't your own request. I would happily accept you as my second-in-command, Kazuri-san; however I can only accept it in good consciousness if that's what you yourself want... do you understand?” She asked in a gentle voice; Kazuri looking down softly, nodding lightly. “I just want to make my family happy... to make my grandmother proud of me.” The sound of her words weighed heavily on Yuriko's heart, her exhaling softly, thinking things over. “I can't give you any guarantees, but let me think about it for awhile and we'll talk about it then.” Her words lifted Kazuri's heart, her bowing deeply in gratitude, “Thank you, captain.” She replied before standing up. “Before you leave, I have a task I would like to ask of you.” Yuriko spoke up, getting Kazuri's attention. She took a moment to go through her papers, finding a specific one. “Have you ever been to the world of the living, Kazuri-san?” Yuriko asked, the question felt random to Kazuri, it taking her by surprise. “What? Of course not... Only for field exams back when I was a student.” She replied. Yuriko filled out a few areas on the paper before looking back up to Kazuri. “Squad thirteen has been called upon to assign a shinigami to a region of the world of the living. I was going to assign someone else, however I feel this would be a very important experience that you should have. It will be thirty days that you would spend there. At the end of which we'll talk about your advancement here. Is that acceptable?” She asked. Kazuri was overwhelmed by what she was told... her visiting the world of the living was a completely foreign concept to her. “Y-yes... of course, my lady!” She responded in a louder than intended voice. Kazuri thought things over for a short while, working out the details in her mind. “Um… captain.” She began, Yuriko raising an eye at the change in tone. “What am I supposed to tell my grandmother…? I’m not sure she would approve of me leaving the Soul Society… She likes to know precisely where I’m at at all times and who I associate myself with.” Kazuri rambled on. “Does she make you inform her every time you go to the bathroom?” Yuriko questioned, which took Kazuri by surprise, it being a rather crude thing to say. “You’re an adult, Kazuri-san… I’m not telling you to go against your family’s wishes, however you’re your own person. I’m hoping this experience will make you understand.” Kazuri nodded softly at her captains words; she turned around, ready to leave, however she paused for a moment. “Um… captain, while I’m there what am I to do for food and shelter?” She asked in a childish confused voice, making the captain chuckle lightly to herself. “Live off the land of course.” That response sent a shiver up Kazuri’s spine, making her shiver.



“Is this… the place?” The brown haired girl stuttered loudly, feeling a crisp Autumn chill pass over her; she soon began to drift downward as she fell from Senkaimon several meters above the ground, the fall taking her by surprise, her moving around frantically as she fell down to the ground, her ending up landing on the back of her head with her legs over her head in a manner that looked like straight out of a cartoon; her groaning loudly in audible pain as she squirmed around a little on the ground, shifting around until she was lying on her side, curled up, a hand rubbing her aching head and neck, grumbling embarrassingly as she waited for the pain to subside. She felt the cold Autumn wind blow around her as she lie there, it rustling past her, through her hair; it catching her attention immediately, her finally managing to get to her feet, brushing dirt off her clothes. Kazuri was finally able to get a look of her surroundings freely, her standing in a large open plain full of autumn colored leaves and grass, the grass was almost to her knees in height. The area she arrived looked to be a clearing of sort, there being what appeared to be a forest surrounding it, her able to see nothing but trees along the edges of the plain. “Alright… I suppose I should get to work.” She said that in a confident voice, although she honestly had no clue what to do first. While standing there in deep thought a strong, rumbling noise came from her stomach, her rubbing her belly with a strong red look on her face, her eyes closed as she made a loud, audible sigh. “I was in a huge rush this morning that I skipped breakfast…” She whined in a childish tone. “I wonder if mama received the letter I sent her…?” She asked herself loudly before realizing how much of a full she looked like, having fallen on her head like a moron and was now having a conversation with herself. “Good thing no one can see me.” She let out a sigh of relief over that. Kazuri turned around as she looked around her, spotting her bag that she dropped in her… arrival, it containing supplies given to her by her captain, among other things; it also contained a small pot that she could use to boil water with, her also supplying her with tea leaves, it being something to make her more comfortable while away. Kazuri searched through the bag until she came across a metallic looking compass of sort, it being a device used to detect significant amounts of spiritual energy to help track down hollows (in modern days they have those phone like devices used to inform them of hollows). “I probably should get to what I came here to do…” She mumbled softly as she activated the device, it soon displaying a symbol to the east of her, signifying a significant spiritual energy in that direction, which typically means a hollow. Kazuri gave herself a moment to take a deep breath, mentally and physically readying herself before disappearing in a flash in the direction of the signal. “Um… papa.” A young boy far off on the forests edge spoke in a very confused voice, the boy and his father were carrying large woven baskets on their back as they were on their way to collect bamboo. “Why was that girl talking to herself…? And acting very weird?” He asked in a nervous tone. The father simply signaled the boy to keep walking and ignore it.

“Hyah!” Kazuri exclaimed loudly as she leapt through the air in the direction of a large hollow, located out in the countryside, along a narrow dirt road. The hollow was a huge spider themed one, it having eight large legs, easily over five meters each; the hollow swung its’ foremost front arm up in the air in Kazuri’s direction, her reacting by moving her feet up and landing on top of its’ large leg, kicking off it, down to the masked creatures head, striking cleanly in what would have been a lethal attack, however Kazuri had to react to its’ opposite leg swinging at her, making her move to the side, cutting through its’ shoulder instead. Before the hollow could retaliate Kazuri leaped backward around a dozen feet. Raising her right hand in front of her with her index and middle finger out as she swung her hand to the side, “Bakudo number one! Sai!” She exclaimed loudly, causing the hollow to stop in its’ tracks, it struggling to break free but to no avail. With that out of the way Kazuri proceeded forward, striking at its’ head swiftly, cutting through the bone mask, causing the hollow to dissolve away into nothingness. “Whew…” Kazuri exclaimed softly upon completion, taking a second to catch her breath, her sheathing her zanpakuto over her shoulder, her being the type that carried hers on her back. “It’s safe to come out, the monster’s gone now!” She called out, turning around to face the opposite side of the dirt road. Two young children climbed up from the side of the road, them hiding in a ditch, out of sight of the monster; the two children had very noticeable metallic chains hanging from their chest, indicating that they were no longer alive. “Y-you mean we’re safe?” The older one, a young boy, asked. The girl to his side looked about a year younger, them looking very similar, Kazuri getting the idea that they were siblings. “Yes, however if you remain in this world you’ll only encounter more of those foul beasts.” She spoke in a calm, gentle voice as she moved closer to them. “So what are we supposed to do!?” The young girl asked loudly in a frantic voice, her having a frightened look on her face. “I’m afraid the only option for you is to pass on.” Kazuri spoke in a voice full of sorrow. “But we’re not ready to!” They both exclaimed, a hurt look on their faces. “We rarely are…” Kazuri commented… she was born in the Soul Society, so she never had to deal with coping with ones’ demise. She envied humans in way because of that. With humans you could say they have a second chance at life, if they die they get to carry on with their life in the Soul Society, but for Kazuri and others’ that are already souls if they die they lose who they once were and are reborn anew as someone else. “It’s time for you two to say your goodbyes.” Kazuri muttered softly, giving the two a moment before taking out her zanpakuto and stamping them on their foreheads with the hilt of her sword, it resulting in a bright blue flash of light, the two young children passing on. Kazuri was composed as she did her job, however upon sheathing her sword once more she fell to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she cried painfully for the two children. Them being so young and their lives cut short. Kazuri always was the type that would cry more for the sake of others than her own.

It was late in the evening at this point, Kazuri spending her day either tracking down hollows or taking walks out in the countryside, her admiring the beauty and tranquility of the land. It was getting late in the day to where she needed to decide on where to sleep, and more importantly to her, what to do for food, her having eaten nothing the entire day, minus random berries and fruit she found growing while exploring the land, which her grandmother would have scolded her greatly for, her not even knowing if they were safe to eat; which she would have a point since it caused her stomach aches. Kazuri was approaching the outskirts of what appeared to be a relatively large town, her being curious as to what life was like in the world of the living. She was briefed on some things about the region that she was in, how it would be pretty similar to life in the Rukongai, however that in itself was something Kazuri wanted to see. Kazuri’s family resided in district five of Rukongai, which was a beautiful place, however Kazuri never had much chance to explore it. The senior members of her house, such as her grandmother, were very controlling and never let her go anywhere on her own, ever. Them claiming that she’d probably “get lost” or do something stupid and break something or make a mockery of herself. The only times Kazuri left her family grounds was in the company of her mother whom would come up with reasons whenever possible to justify Kazuri accompanying her to town. While growing up the only friends she had were other children in their house, many of whom were also treated the same way as herself. By the time Kazuri began training to become a shinigami, she still had to be escorted to school, her grandmother claiming that if she went by herself she would most likely “make a mockery of herself”, the phrase her grandmother used often, claiming she’d either get lost or be late, or ditch school altogether to “goof off” somewhere. It was a very isolated life, however it’s the only life she knew... “Perhaps… Just maybe… things can be different here.” Kazuri spoke softly to herself, her eyes lighting up as she had a strong inspiration to make something of the next thirty days. Without giving it another thought Kazuri began running as fast as she could in the direction of the town, wanting to see everything it had to offer.

“Hmm… so this is what a town full of people is like?” She mumbled loudly in thought as she walked along a stone pathway in what appeared to be the center of the town. When it came to humans she was briefed that they wouldn’t be able to see her since she was a spirit, however it confused her how much of the people she would walk past would quickly change direction and go a different route, or stall owners would duck out of sight when she passed their stalls. “This is very… alarming.” She had a strong feeling as if dozens or more eyes were staring her down, however when she would turn around people would shift around away from her. “Can they… no, it’s probably something el-“ She was in mid-speech when someone ran up to her from behind, “Mama!” A young child exclaimed loudly with a large, bright smile on their face; the closeness of the voice made Kazuri jump where she stood, her raising her guard when she felt her zanpakuto sheath being tugged at from behind; her quickly jumping forward and turning around, her body tensed up and ready, however she lowered her guard upon seeing it was just a young child with a very confused look on their face from the way she reacted, them being curious about her and wanting to touch her. “Uh… Hello there, young one.” Kazuri spoke in a very friendly voice, smiling softly at the young boy. Before the boy could get a word out what appeared to be his mother ran up, snatching him by the arm tightly before bowing down as deeply as possible to Kazuri, “I’m so sorry, he’s just a child; he doesn’t know any better!” She spat out in a fast voice as she bowed once more before picking up her boy and running away from Kazuri. The whole scene left Kazuri stuttering, her speechless. “Th-they can see me!?” She exclaimed loudly, her face turning a deep shade of red, her looking around, seeing the people intentionally going out of their way not to cross paths with her, it all clicking. Kazuri had no clue how that was possible… she heard stories from squad mates of hers that people in that time period in Japan were a lot more open to spirits and the supernatural, however Kazuri didn’t think much of it since as far as she knew she’d never even see the place. This new piece of knowledge made Kazuri freeze up, her not sure how to react to it… or other people. Her sheltered life resulting in her having difficulty socializing with those not in her house or those she works with in squad thirteen. She did however feel a spark inside of her, realizing this could be her chance to understand other people, to bond with another, to- before Kazuri could give more thought on the subject she lost her train of thought as she felt something hit her from behind, knocking her forward onto the ground; the only thing she heard was a wave of shock and gasps from bystanders as they quickly cleared the area, afraid of the death gods’ retaliation. “Wha-what happened?” Kazuri stuttered as she was lying with her chest on the ground, her sitting up slowly. “That’s what happens when you stand in the middle of the road, gawking like an idiot.” A rough male voice spoke blatantly from behind her. “Wha?” She exclaimed in a confused voice, her face red; her turning around and looking upward to a tall man; the man easily being over six feet in height, compared to Kazuri’s five foot, four inches of height. “Did I stutter?” The man grumbled audibly. The man looked to be in his early twenties, him having a muscular build, wearing a dark a dark green top that was parted showing off his chest, him having a very light complexion; his hair being short and trim dark black hair, his eyes a light brown color. “I… eh…” Kazuri struggled to think of what to say. “It’s common courtesy to help someone up when you knock them down!” She called out louder than intended, pointing a stern finger at the man, her eyes narrowed, her face being red. “Oh… right.” The man stated simply as he knelt down, taking her hand softer than she expected, pulling her up to her feet, patting her sides down, knocking the dirt off her. The man appeared to be the straightforward type. “D-do you know what I am!?” Kazuri meant to ask in a normal voice, however her anxiety resulted in her saying it much louder than she intended. Her statement was meant more as a question and not a threat. “Pretty much. We’ve learned to look out for those with black kimonos of that style and carrying a sword. We’ve seen your kind periodically for a long time now. We know you’re associated with death itself.” Kazuri was very much surprised by his answer, resulting in her standing there, gawking like an idiot, her not expecting them to know of shinigami. “Close your mouth or you’re going to catch flies.” The man grumbled once more, getting Kazuri’s attention, her not sure at all how to react to that. “But why is everyone avoiding me!?” She asked in a loud voice. The man was able to tell how… different the girl was, her being very underwhelming for someone that’s supposed to be a god of death. “They don’t want to die.” The tall man stated in a very simple voice. “And you do?” Kazuri asked, the way she said it sounding like a threat, although that’s not the way she intended. “Meh.” The man just shrugged. “I can get a pretty accurate idea of what a persons’ like just by watching the way they act and you’re no threat at all.” Kazuri wasn’t sure if she should be offended or not by that statement. Kazuri had so much she wanted to ask him, to talk about, however before she could get another word out the man simply turned his back on her and began to walk away. The naïve girl felt her hands getting sweaty due to the anxiety of talking to another person, she quickly stepped forward after the man. “Wa-wait a minute!” She called out, trying to catch up to him, resulting in the man glancing back to her with a plain look on his face. “Wh-what’s your name, mister?” The man was surprised she’d taken that much interest in him, him thinking things over for a second before responding. “Hirei Kazashi.” He spoke in a calm, casual voice before preparing to turn away, stopping when Kazuri called out to him once more. “Whatever you do, don’t forget my name!” She called out, “It’s Kazuri Hanari!”