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In the early morning, Daiko woke up from his rather long rest. He knew his dad hadn’t come home. It wasn’t a surprise, they both had a bad habit of working themselves ragged. After all, they needed to show Head Captain Yamamoto how much they appreciated him.

Daiko sighed and readied himself for the day. Something about today felt wrong. It was probably just him wanting to spend more time with his dad. As he walked to squad 7, he bumped into a man he hadn’t seen in awhile. “Oh, Lieutenant Sasakibe.” He said as he bowed to him.

Chojiro smiled, he didn’t get called by his name often. “Hello Daiko, how are you doing?” He asked, as they hadn’t spoken since Daiko had entered the academy.

“Well…I’m conflicted. I want to follow orders, but I feel like something is wrong.” He said, while Chojiro was the only person as loyal to Yamamoto as his dad.

Sasakibe smiled at the younger man “Well, you know Captains Kyoraku and Ukitake are also in that boat. If they think something is wrong, they won’t just stand by.”

Daiko nodded “I know. Wouldn’t the Head Captain be upset with them?” He asked. Though Captain Kyoraku regularly disobeyed. It was certainly odd, but he was still respected.

“I suppose he would. Remember when you tried to cook your father breakfast?” Chojiro asked with a slight smirk. Daiko tensed up from being reminded. He tried to make his dad a celebratory breakfast for his first day as captain.

It didn’t go well. Daiko had burnt or overcooked all of it. His dad looked apprehensive upon being served a meal, but seeing his son so pleased with his work, sajin ate every bit of it. He had to hold back from vomiting right there. By the time he got to his office, he hurled it up, something he had been told not more than a day after.

Nothing was more humiliating than knowing he caused his father embarrassment. “Does everyone know that story?” Daiko sighed from embarrassment. Chojiro just smiled.

“Even though it went poorly, Captain Komamura still speaks fondly of it. Proud you tried to do something for others, even if it reflected poorly on him. So long as you do what you deem as best, Yamamoto-Sama will be pleased.” Sasakibe said, giving Daiko some food for thought.

Daiko nodded, taking his words to heart “Thank you, Lieutenant Sasakibe.” He said as he headed on to his dad’s office, just to check on him

Iba gave Daiko a smile “Good morning Third Seat Komamura!” He bowed to his subordinate like he was a superior.

“L-Lieutenant Iba! This is how those rumors of nepotism started!” He said, more embarrassed than annoyed. Iba always wore his heart on his sleeve. His direct and honest nature made him someone many in the squad came to. While Sajin and Daiko were more distant. He was someone Sajin had opened the door for. He knew that they wore their helmets because of their appearance, he just didn’t know the full extent.

“Right, my apologies.” Iba said as he led Daiko to the captain’s office. both of them entered. “Good morning Captain Komamura. Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba and Third Seat Daiko Komamura, reporting!” He said, doing a deep bow again, which Daiko followed with.

Sajin stood, towering over them both. Despite Daiko being taller than anyone else in the squad. “I hope you two are well rested. Rukia’s execution has been moved to tomorrow.” He stated.

Daiko was shocked, he had just told her he wasn’t aware of any changes! Why move it so soon? “Why? What’s the point of moving the dates? Are they really that worried?” He said, speaking out of turn.

“Watch your tone, Daiko. It is not our place to question orders, merely follow them.” Sajin was much more willing to go with rules, though he felt the same as his son. There was no reason to move it up. There was also no reason to delay it either.

Daiko was slightly annoyed. He normally never disobeyed. He just felt it wasn’t right. Though, disobeying his dad was just not something he could do. “Yes, Captain.” He said bowing apologetically, before he remembered something. Something important. “Captain, has the female ryoka been captured?”

Sajin thought for a second “No.” he stated. Daiko nodded, knowing full well that squad 11 hadn’t turned her in. It made no sense.

“Captain, I can say with certainty that squad 11 has her. One member of squad 11 took her while I went to get back up.” He explained most of the events that had happened. Aside from going against Kurotsuchi.

“I see. Very well, Tousen and our lieutenant’s shall follow him tomorrow. Daiko, I’d like you to provide support. If we end up doing battle, you are not to engage. Head to Sokyoku hill, Make sure everything goes as planned.” Sajin said as he put his hands on his son’s shoulders. “I know I can trust you.”

Daiko was smiling under his helmet. “Thank you, da-Captain!” He said, before full on hugging him. Normally, this would be considered rude and disrespectful, but Sajin hugged his son back.

Of course, iba was sniffling, holding back from crying “Captain, what a glorious display of a man’s familial love!” Iba was a known mommas boy, so his fondness for family wasn’t unexpected.

“Anyway, you two are dismissed. Repot back early tomorrow. I shall inform Tousen of the plan.” Komamura said as he turned back to them and resumed working. Both men left the office, pondering how tomorrow would go.

Daiko spoke with Tetsuzaemon about the things he hadn’t been informed of. Momo and Izuru had both been jailed, and both escaped, though Toshiro had brought Momo back. Daiko was a bit disappointed. He was at least on friendly terms with both. Knowing Momo, she likely cracked after Aizen was murdered.

Still, if she fought Izuru, she must have suspected Captain Ichimaru. The few times he’d met Gin, he always felt the man was off. Like he wasn’t being genuine. It was entirely possible he had killed Captain Aizen.

All these events were leading Daiko away from what his dad had taught him. To always listen and follow orders. What if his dad had been killed instead? Honestly, he’d probably do the same as Momo.

Daiko pondered his predicament. Despite his feelings, he couldn’t turn his back on his dad, he valued him too much. If it meant doing something he felt more apprehensive about, he was sure it was justified.

The day came and went with surprisingly little happening. It gave Daiko longer to rest, and recharge. Hopefully he wouldn’t have to fight the ryoka who beat Zaraki. That was much more than he could handle.

As the day came, Daiko had prepared himself. Mentally, he was prepared to fight anyone who stood in his way. Though, hopefully it wouldn’t be Zaraki. He arrived at his father’s office, who was prepared for battle. “Good morning, Third Seat Komamura.” Sajin greeted, rather stoically. He was ready, and Daiko knew it.

Daiko bowed in respect as he noticed Lieutenant Iba was not in yet. “I hope you’ve readied yourself, Daiko.” Sajin said, knowing his son enough to know he had. He confirmed this with a nod, just as Iba arrived, gloriously bowing, and explaining why he was late. It was definitely not something Daiko needed to know about Iba.

Moments after Iba arrived, Tousen appeared with Hisagi in tow. “Daiko, I hope you’re prepared. This will be quite difficult.” Tousen said, as his eyes glanced over at him. Daiko merely nodded, though Tousen seemed to be able to tell.

The group all headed out, and began observing. Zaraki was carrying Orihime, confirming that Zaraki had betrayed them. More shocking, was when he broke the other 3 out! Such an extreme betrayal, and for what purpose? Surely his blood lust wasn’t this extreme.

Not long after he broke the ryoka out, Zaraki finally noticed them. All 5 appeared in front of him. The captain’s both spoke, mostly chastising Zaraki for his love of violence.”Well then, if you want to punish me, I’ll take on all five of you at once!” Zaraki shouldn’t with insane glee. This man was insane!

“Such arrogance! Do you really believe you can take us all on at once?” Sajin asked, while Zaraki had a wicked grin. Sajin stood in front of Daiko.” As soon as you see an opening, run. Head to Sokyoku hill. We shall join you as we are able.” The Captain said, as The escaped ryoka also fled. They weren’t a priority though.

Once Ikkaku and Yumichika stepped up to fight instead, Daiko saw the opening, and flash stepped out, though Ikkaku tried to stop him, only for Lieutenant Iba to block. Zaraki didn’t even bother trying to stop him. He wasn’t significant enough for Zaraki to care.

Daiko was glad Iba stopped Ikkaku, though, had it come to it, he would fight too. As he started running, he sensed a surge. Someone used bankai. As he continued running, he saw what happened, Renji was on the ground, bleeding out. “I’m sorry, Renji.” he said, mostly to himself. As he ran past, not seeing captain Unohana healing Renji.

He arrived at the hill shortly after Captain Kuchiki. He wasn’t excited to see Rukia executed, but he needed things to go well. Though, he spotted his father’s bankai in the distance. As Rukia stated her final words, Daiko also gave her a nod. He wouldn’t kill any of the ryoka. It was the right thing to do.

Everything was going perfectly. As the Sokyoku was unsealed, the flaming phoenix attempted to pierce Rukia. “I am sorry, Rukia.” Daiko said to himself, before he noticed the creature stopped. “What is going on!” He shouted, before noticing a soul reaper had blocked the attack. “That’s…impossible.” He said, as another attempt was being made.

Surely it was just a fluke. This attack would end them both. As Daiko watched, he heard a loud thud. It was Captain Ukitake, with a weird device. “Captain Ukitake, what are you-“ was all he got out before Ukitake and Kyoraku sealed the Sokyoku. He was in shock! What were these two thinking! He could already feel Yamamoto’s anger.

As the Sokyoku failed, Renji showed up, covered in bandages. Daiko was shocked he was alive. Even more shocking was when the ryoka threw Rukia at him! Luckily, Renji caught her, but they both yelled at him, Daiko finally had his name. “Ichigo.” He said as he looked up at him.

Ichigo told Renji to run, which he wasted only seconds with, before taking off. Unfortunately for Renji, Daiko started chasing him. As he did, Ichigo jumped in front of him. “Where do you think you’re going, bucket head?” Ichigo said, looking like he was ready to kill him “I don’t have time to waste” Daiko said as he flash stepped ahead, though Ichigo got ahead of him again.

Daiko was annoyed at being stopped, though, 3 lieutenants all released their zanpakuto at once, rushing in to stop ichigo. Daiko took the moment and ran forward, before hearing all three of them fall! Even Chojiro. Ichigo started running after Daiko, but someone else stopped Ichigo this time, Captain Kuchiki. Daiko continued his chase though Renji had a good lead because of Ichigo.

Daiko continued chasing for quite awhile, soon right on Renji’s tail. Though suddenly, Renji stopped. Seeing him stop, Daiko spotted why. Captain Tousen was blocking the way. “Captain Tousen! What great timing you have, Renji is trying to escape with Rukia!” He said, before sensing something was off “Kaname?” He said as he got close.

Tousen released a wrap that encircled them all. “Kaname! What are you doing?!” Daiko demanded, as suddenly they were back at the hill.

“Welcome, Renji. Daiko, it seems you were caught in this too” Daiko turned around and saw the man who spoke. Captain Aizen. How? He was sure he had been killed! “Leave Rukia where she is, Renji, and back away.”

As Daiko watched, trying to even understand what was going on, Lieutenant Kotetsu announced it to everyone. Aizen was a traitor. Gin was a traitor. Worst of all…”C-Captain Tousen…this…this is some kind of joke, right? I’m just in some kind of nightmare?!” Daiko asked, his voice trembling at the thought the man he had admired had thrown everything away.

As he spoke, he saw Aizen draw his blade and slash Renji. Daiko was aghast at what he saw. “Renji!” He called out, before hearing a familiar sound.

“Cry, Suzumushi.” Tousen attacked him with the same ear splitting attack he had used on Uryu. Daiko was incredibly susceptible to this kind of attack. “I am sorry, Daiko. But, I walk the path of true justice.” He said before he shattered Daiko’s helmet. He couldn’t believe what was happening. Nothing made sense.

He was unmasked, exposed, and watched as Aizen destroyed Renji’s shikai. As Aizen went to finish Renji off, Ichigo blocked the attack. Daiko was amazed. First, that ichigo was alive. He beat byakuya! Then, he had stopped Aizen’s attack. This was definitely no ordinary soul reaper.

Ichigo and Renji both backed away, if only to strategize. He couldn’t hear them, as his hearing was currently damaged. He watched as Renji prepared an attack. If there was an opening, Daiko could join too! He put a hand on his blade and readied it to attack Aizen

Suddenly, everything went quiet as Aizen blocked Ichigo’s attack, with one finger. This was insane! Daiko let go, accepting his complete powerlessness at the situation.

He watched as Aizen struck them down, like swatting flies. This was beyond anything he had seen, Aizen walked over to Rukia, and dragged her to Ichigo.

As Aizen was explaining something, Daiko heard someone screaming “AIZEN!” Daiko looked over and saw his dad appear and smash his sword into the ground. Daiko felt relieved, surely Aizen was killed.when the dust cleared, Sajin’s blade had been blocked, just like ichigo.

Sajin moved back, and used his shikai to punch Aizen from a distance. Daiko was watching his father fight, something he rarely saw. The man was enraged, because of Tousen’s betrayal. Sajin watched, as suddenly Aizen was in front of him “Impossible.” Daiko said, before His dad was suddenly hit with a high level kido.

As it ended, Sajin had been eviscerated, rather severely. Daiko watched in horror, before finally screaming “DAD!!!” Daiko suddenly rushed over to his father’s side. Aizen just ignored him, finding him so insignificant as to not even be worth the effort.

Daiko laid there, hoping his father would make it. As he rested, the Ryoka arrived, only for gin to crush them with his pressure. Daiko felt it, though this level was not much more. Soon though, Soi Fon and a purple haired woman both rushed Aizen. There was an opening. Daiko grabbed his blade and unleashed his shikai. “Shine brightly! Hikari!” He drew his pristine white blade, aiming it at Tousen “Tousen! You’re going to answer me!” He growled and swung his sword, an arc of light following his slash.

Tousen knew how Daikos shikai worked. He dodged the attack, and blocked as Daiko rushed in and slashed him. “Why Kaname! Why are you doing this!” Daiko shouted, not holding his emotions in check. This felt like being stabbed through the chest. Kaname spoke softly “I’ve told you, I walk the path of true justice.” He said as he pushed Daiko back, only for Shuuhei to get Tousen from behind

“Don’t move, Captain” Hisagi said as Kaname didn’t react at all. Daiko was still angry, he wanted to run his blade through Tousen. Anything to feel something else but the heartache he felt. He was sensing something. As he looked over at Aizen, he saw a beam of light enveloping him. Fearing the same for Tousen, he jumped away, just as the light struck.

As the traitors all escaped, Sajin shouted at tousen. Asking him where his justice was, as he could no longer see it. Daiko ran to his dad’s side, and helped him stand “Dad! Calm down! You’re gonna make your injuries worse!” He said, as he was already covered in Sajin’s blood.

After Sajin said his piece, he collapsed. Daiko shouted to him “Tousen! We’re going to save you from yourself, even if it’s against your will!” He said, having calmed down a bit.

He sighed as they left. As he did, Tetsuzaemon came up to him. Daiko turned away instinctively. He didn’t want to be seen. Iba just patted him on the back “Nice work, Daiko.” Daiko was kind of embarrassed by that.

“Th-Thank you, Lieutenant Iba. I should get the captain some medical attention.” He said, as Sajin groaned and stood up on his own, though wobbly.

“Don’t worry about me, son. How are you doing?” He asked, as he was trying to act tough. Daiko recognized the hurt in his dad’s eyes.

Daiko smiled. “I’m doing better than you.” He said. Sajin smiled back. He was glad Daiko remained unhurt. He couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to his only child.

Soon though, Sajin collapsed into his son’s arms. “Dad. I swear, I’ll get strong. Strong enough that you’ll never need to worry about” he said as he hugged his dad.

As squad four arrived Sajin was on his feet. He requested others be treated before him. He claimed to be fine, but soon collapsed again. Daiko had them take him to squad four for treatment. He’d be their soon, he needed to do something first.

Daiko walked over to Rukia, who had just finished talking with Byakuya. “Daiko, how is Captain Komamura doing?” She asked, as Daiko felt shame. Despite him trying to have her killed, she was still so considerate of him.

“He’s going to be fine. That’s not what I’m here for. Please, forgive me.” Daiko gave her a deep bow. Had he not pursued Renji, maybe he’d have escaped. Maybe if he had fought Ichigo, Byakuya could have saved her, as he did in the end.

Rukia looked at him. “There’s nothing that needs forgiving.” She said, leaving Daiko in shock. She was either naive, or incredibly forgiving. Daiko believes the latter.

“Rukia…Thank you.” He said as he stood up. “Oh…and…I suppose my secret is out.” he said, realizing his helmet was gone. It was both terrifying, and relieving. Like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.

As he turned away, Shuuhei came up to him. Daiko was worried. He was Tousen’s lieutenant, so he wasn’t entirely sure what he was thinking. “Hey, Daiko, I forgot to give you that present I got you for your promotion to third seat.” He said, not bothered by Daiko’s appearance.

“Is…that all?” He asked, expecting insults. Shuuhei just shrugged. He didn’t care how Daiko looked. What mattered was his heart.

“Yeah, I guess there’s one thing. You look better without hiding your face.” Hisagi said with a smirk. He prefered the honesty of embracing who you are.

Daiko gave a slight smile “Thank you, Shuuhei.” He said, calling him by his first name, something he rarely did. “I need to get to squad 4, and make sure da-captain…” he said as he trailed off “No, I mean my dad. I need to make sure my dad is alright.” Daiko said as he flash stepped away.

As he arrived, Sajin was lying in the medical bed. He looked like he wanted to escape at the first opportunity. “Sorry I took so long, dad.” He said, as Sajin gave a slightly glum smile. He was still upset about Kaname

“Sorry you have to see me like this. I must look pathetic.” Sajin said, the pain in his voice was unmistakable. Daiko did the only thing he could. He hugged him.

“Dad, you’re the least pathetic person! You fought Zaraki! You fought Aizen! I couldn’t even bring myself to try! Dad, you’re the bravest man I know. Please, don’t beat yourself up. I’ve already lost one man I admired, I’d prefer not to lose anymore.” Daiko said as he rested his head in his dad’s chest.

Sajin smiled as he held his son. For all the pain he’d endured. All the insults. All the betrayal. Having his son in his corner, that was all he needed. He would do anything to keep his son safe. No matter the cost.