#Mayuri Beloved

[outlanderalien]

Soul Society: [on fire]

Mayuri + Urahara doing science exposition in the glowing lab:

[outlanderalien]

I can't remember the full translation, but what really makes this is that the first line of dialogue is him saying "Hey. It's me." 😭

Therapist: Orange Mayuri isn’t real, he can’t hurt you. 

Orange Mayuri:

[slaughter-and-apparatus]

I am like two weeks late because I keep forgetting that tumblr exists, but WOW, Baby Hold Your Hand 2 was such a wonderful, touching, and very sad episode, holy moly. Pierrot put so much love and care into it, the emotional weight being pulled by the subtleties and small details in cinematography and expression and body language that both Mayuri and Nemu have throughout... it's just so good. Damn.

Child Nemu with her little training chopsticks and toy sword and the strange-looking (in a cute way) little STUFFED TOY SHE SLEEPS WITH is just!!!!!!!! and then the added "We'll show him together, you and I" line at the very end that wasn't there in the manga... just. fuuuuuck. Thank you, Kubo and Pierrot.

On a much less serious note, I have been watching TYBW with my husband every week, and during the credits he turned to me and was like "I'm just gonna say it. They made Mayuri hot after he took off the sunflower outfit. I don't know how, but they did." and I had to bite my tongue and be like "You know what? yeah you're right" in as normal tone of a voice as I could, as if that was something that I hadn't been CONSTANTLY THINKING ABOUT THE ENTIRE TIME. xD

He knows mayuri is my favorite but he doesn't know that this lad has officially hit Blorbo Status. I am glad he understands the vibes, though.

[strawberrystepmom]

im feeling so nasty today let me go rb the mayuri fic

[outlanderalien]

Obsessed with Akons backstory. Did Urahara or Mayuri select Akon from the Maggots Nest?

Did being head of the SRDI mean that Mayuri had authority to select shinigami for the institute so he chose to recruit from the Maggots Nest to spite Soul Society and how they had treated him and people like him?

I actually HC that the reason half of squad 12 look outlandish compared to most other shinigami is that most of them are soul society rejects who founds themselves in the Maggots Nest, and Mayuri used his power as captain to recruit + free them as a way to get back at the authority of soul society.

I also HC that the reason Mayuri sacrificed his own squad members when we first meet him is because at this point he had been barred from recruiting from the Maggots Nest, so this batch of recruits were all soul society approved and imposed upon him (hence why they all looked so normal). Killing them was still BAD obviously, but I like to think after that incident the authority of soul society never sought to impose recruits on him again and allowed him to recruit from the Maggots Nest freely. He almost certainly got an earful from Yamamoto about it, but likely explained matter-of-factly that this would not have happened had he had the freedom to select his own recruits, and so a concession was made. Mayuri would never sacrifice his squad members again, so long as he had the right to choose them.

I feel like a lot of people in the Bleach fandom forget that the Maggots Nest isn’t for actual criminals. It’s for people who try leaving the Gotei 13 or those Central 46 see as a “threat”.

At no point is it implied those there actually committed crimes. But they’re all seen as dangerous and violent. Though one could easily say they’re dangerous and violent in that way because they are shoved in a prison to be forgotten about because they wanted to quit their job or retire early.

Hell we know the character Akon was shoved in there as a child.

[gallusrostromegalus]

Who has the best relationship with their zanpakutou? Who has the worst? Does anyone have a Beyond Friendship relationship? As in not only romantic or sexual, but something more sibling-like, or perhaps parental in either direction?

Hmmm... I wouldn't have a "best" relationship because there's many, many ways to do a relationship right, but definitely the worst is Mayuri, because Jizo is his parole officer that he kidnapped when he broke out of Hell and BOY HOWDY DOES THAT COME TO BITE HIM IN THE ASS.

As for "beyond friendship", most of them are in the sense that once you've fought and nearly died with someone by your side, "friends" is quite the right description. But to cite a few examples:

Yamamoto and Ryujin Jakka straddle the line between D&D warlock, and D&D paladin - Ryujin chose Yamamoto, amd for a long, long time Yamamoto did not understand WHY. Things got better and worse when he finally grokked why the spirit of change wanted to be wielded by the guy to whom the responsibility of founding civilization.

Rangiku Matsumoto is a strange and very private woman despite the act she puts on, and Haineko is one of exactly two people in the whole world who really understands her. On the other hand, nobody can piss you off quite like someone who really, truly knows you.

Probably the closest relationship is between Unohana and Minazuki. They've been partners for over a millennium, they laid waste to many enemies together, nearly died together several times, went to medical school together and even shared lovers. Where Unohana's soul ends and Minazuki's begins is... Unclear. There are days when they wake up and it's Minazuki weilding their body and Unohana in the scabbard, as it were. This is largely a non-issue; Minazuki is a doctor too.

Hyorinmaru is practically the Deuteronomy of zanpaktou- he's an ancient sword who has had many wielders. It's a lot of pressure for Toshiro, but hyorinmaru also has a lot of practice at this, and the relationship between them is not unlike a doting grandfather and his beloved and dutiful grandson.

Suzembachi is Soi Fon's Emotional Support Giant Murder Hornet and BY GOD the girl needs all the help she can get.

It took FOREVER to figure out what the hell was going on with Kenpachi, because while theoretically possible, it hadn't actually happened before- Zaraki Kenpachi is a Tsukumogami that died in the living world, and reincarnated as a human in spirit world.

SPECIFICALLY, he was a Holy Sword that had been around for 500 years* seen much battle and developed a revered soul before [REDACTED] and he asked to be ritually destroyed. He reincarnated in the spirit world in the best of one of the Great Eagles, but fortunately for him, all birds are a little bit stupid even if they're also technically Gods, and since the infant was the same size, shape and furiously screaming as he chicks, She Who Rules The Sky decided to just start shoving meat into his mouth too. Sometime after he grew up and his sisters had fleged, he left the nest to travel and hang out with his fellow humans, and eventually decided to give himself a name and raise a daughter, as humans do. They wandered around for many years as humans do, until circumstances resulted in his violent arrival to the court guard.

While off, none of this specifically worried Yamamoto until hyorinmaru was talking to him one day.

"...what do you think Zaraki is becoming?" The dragon asked him one afternoon while they watched Toshiro practice spar with Sasikibe.

"Becoming?" Yamamoto shrugged. "With the damn central 46 banning him from learning Kendo, he's becoming a Damn Nuisance."

Hyorinmaru sighs, a noise like a dam threatening to fail. "You did not notice? Zaraki has spent 500 years as a sword, 500 as an eagle or suchlike beast, and after he named himself and Yachiru, he spent 500 years as a man. And THEN he turned up here."

"I suppose, what of it?" Yamamoto shrugged, watching Toshiro's footing.

"With all due respect to the wielder of fire, when I was a worm, I spent 500 years on land, and then 500 years at sea, and then *I* became a DRAGON, sir." Hyorinmaru explained.

Yamamoto did not actually move, but he was no longer watching the boy.

"-with 500 years each as object, animal and man, Kenpachi surely has become SOMETHING. What is running lose through your court guard, I wonder?"

[outlanderalien]

I had to join in on that one twitter meme

[unohanadaydreams]

If captains were days of the week, which ones do you think they’d be?

This is so up my alley tbh.....hyper specific and weird headcanons, my beloved.

Monday:

Byakuya Kuchiki. He is the master of viewing every day as just another day. While lesser men are oozing into work with their brain cells still marinating in last night's sake bender, he is hours deep into the kind of paperwork that dries out your retinas on contact. Also I think he gets bored without work (and prefers Gotei 13 work to the Noble shenanigans he has to face raw on the weekends). He's just that kind of guy.

Tuesday:

Toshiro Hitsugaya. With a lieutenant like Rangiku to wrangle into the week, he only hits his stride after he's successfully hunted her down and ensured the weekly planner is in her room, in her hands, on her favorite couch, and tucked into her obi. Which naturally eats up a lot of his Monday. His daily nap is extra satisfying on Tuesdays, too.

Wednesday:

Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Not only has he been able to measure out where both the 12th division and R&D are on the various juggling acts constantly at work, but now he gets to see how well they keep those projects flying (and bitch when they don't do so well <3). Also, I'd like to think this is the day they publish the new scientific studies & dissertations in the Seireitei and he gets to spend the rest of the week picking them apart (or admiring his work).

Thursday:

Shunsui Kyoraku. Shunsui loves a good game. I think the suspense of 'can I make it till the end of the week and successfully avoid the majority of my responsibilities yet again' is part of his joy in doing it. Also Nanao hasn't gone full nuclear yet, which she will when Friday hits and she doesn't have the minimum amount of paperwork that absolutely must be notarized over the weekend or the Gotei 13 will let something or other lapse that Shunsui doesn't think is that important, honestly.

Friday:

Tetsuzemon Iba. He has spiritually checked out this entire day because he's using it to fine tune the particulars of the next Men's Association Meeting & plan what details he's going to be leaving out when he gives his weekly visit to Komamura. Obviously he needs to ensure his captaincy is viewed in the best light. And also run his MA game plans by a willing ear.

Saturday:

Kensei Muguruma. The entire week is being sloughed away with every meal he preps in his expensive living world kitchen that he held Urahara at fist point to transfer over free of charge. There's not lieutenant bragging about getting fleeced over a guitar case. There's no editing nightmare that takes two straight days to untangle because two offices can't fucking communicate. It's just him and the food talking.

Sunday:

Isane Kotetsu. Her only day off. She swears she's not going to take over someone's shift on Saturday like the last week or the week before that, but she folds every time. She's starting to think she's developing a complex. Turning in a to a workaholic or something. She and Nanao are starting to relate a bit too much on how many hours they clock each week.

But then Sunday shines down upon her, a beautiful ray of freedom. She even refuses to heal her sister when Kiyone inevitably gets some minor wound or scrape from all her unfocused hyperactivity. But does promise to book her an appointment for the next day.

[outlanderalien]

Agree!!

The annoying thing for me is that the later seasons absolutely did better at rendering Mayuri's face, however the early series motion was much more animated.

A lot of the later series had very well rendered faces but a lot of static animation:

And unfortunately when trying to animate these very well rendered shots for something more advanced (head turning, full-face movement, etc) the character easily goes off-model.

As opposed to some of the older series, where there is a lot more advanced motion that maintains accurate proportions.

I just really want the animators to combine the rendered quality of the later series with the advanced motion of the earlier series. Unfortunately as beautiful as the latest season is, I'm not v reassured by gifs like this >_<

But I've made my peace with it, Mayuri must be a nightmare for animators 🤣 but at least I know I can always rely on Kubo's Mayuri <3 <3 <3

I have so many thoughts about this man and I have no regrets

I love how over time you can see the animation get better with Bleach. I think you see this most with Mayuri.

A lot of characters didn't change for the most part when the animation improved you can see clearly the more skill they out into our favourite scientist.

From a much more simple animation style back in the SS arc

To the jump to Mayuri VS Szayel where we start seeing signs of age in his face that brings more character

To the Kageroza arc where I am convinced most of the budget went into his face

Seriously they just added MORE DETAIL as time went on.

This is why you don't see Mayuri so much. His face takes up half the budget 🤣

[n3on-graveston3s-calling]

Redemption

[ A Bleach fanfiction ] Word Count: 4,774 Rating: G Characters: Urahara Kisuke, Hirako Shinji, Yoruichi Shihoin, Shunsui Kyouraku Relationships: Mentioned Kisuke/Shinji Author's Note: An older piece, but still one of my favorites. A bit of a what-if scenario, in which Mayuri gave his life during the war to save Nemu, leaving the Twelfth without a Captain. Who better to take over the mantle than the former disgraced captain himself, Urahara Kisuke?

You can’t have peace without a war, that’s how the saying goes. It spoke true; the Seireitei, while in shambles, was calm. Peaceful. The sound of hammering in the distance, of laughter and voices calling out to one another. Rebuilding, slowly but surely- with the aid of Shinigami and civilians alike- and the occasional Arrancar. The dead were still being retrieved from the various fields on which battles took place. Last time the toll had been released, they were well into the hundreds. A devastating blow to them all- on both sides.

It was difficult; so many young Shinigami had been killed, but so had many young Quincy. Too many, truthfully. Some of their own Captains had been casualties of the war: Head Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto had been one of the first to be slaughtered before their very eyes. Aside from him, the entire first division had been killed- all one hundred and six members, in the very beginning of the war. Following this had been Fourth Division Captain, Retsu Unohana- all for the sake of getting Zaraki Kenpachi to learn the true name of his sword and release his bankai, something that had nearly killed him. Their beloved Thirteenth Division Captain, Jushiro Ukitake had been killed somehow. Very few knew the truth of the matter-

That he had become the new Soul King. That, since birth, he’d been doomed to take over when the time came. A ticking time bomb, of sorts. But to the rest of Soul Society, he’d been another casualty of war.

Many others had nearly died; Captain of the Third Division, Ōtoribashi Rōjūrō, Captain of the Ninth Division, Muguruma Kensei, and both the Captain and Lieutenant of the Tenth Division, Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto, had all become members of the living dead due to the the Sternritter Giselle Gewelle’s ability. Captain of the Sixth Division, Byakuya Kuchiki, had nearly been slaughtered by the Sternritter Äs Nödt. For all intents and purposes, the Lieutenant of the Third Division was dead, and yet he still walked: Izuru Kira, who lost not just an arm, but a lung and portions of other organs after having a hole shot through his torso. Their new Captain Commander, Kyōraku Shunsui, had lost his left eye and part of his left ear, as well as having a hole shot through his sternum, nearly killing him.

Others had been injured just as grievously. But that was what war did. It took and it took and it took until there wasn’t anything left to take. War was greedy.

One other had been taken from their ranks. Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the Captain of the Twelfth Division, had been killed during the battle. Details were still coming in, but from what was known, he’d sacrificed himself in the final moments to save his greatest creation, Nemu Kurotsuchi, his artificially created daughter. It seems that even the coldest and most detached of people could, in the end, redeem themselves and save those who they held closest to their hearts. It was certainly interesting to hear.

After all, when Urahara Kisuke had been Captain of the Twelfth, Mayuri had been a right bastard to deal with. He could still remember that day he pulled him out of the Maggot’s Nest, and the following years. How they had worked well together, even if the bickering was nearly constant, as well outright insubordination.

Many would grieve in silence for those that had been lost. The Fourth Division was busy; Isane Kotetsu was now the defacto Captain. She was young, but strong, resilient. She would survive.

Somewhere within the Division sat Rose and Kensei, sharing a room. Izuru Kira had his own room- something that was necessary, given the extent of his injuries. Kuchiki Byakuya was being treated at the Kuchiki Mansion; Kyōraku Shunsui, at the Kyōraku Mansion. Somewhere below them, Aizen sat, chained back up.

Kisuke sat in the bed, studying the way dust danced within the sun’s rays that spilled through his window. He wasn’t injured, not really; Benihime had made sure that her master would be pieced back together completely. All that was left of her work were the thin, surgical stitches that stretched down his face, across his knuckles, over his joints. They didn’t hurt. At least, he didn’t think they did. If there was pain, he was numb to it.

He supposed he owed his thanks to Grimmjow for saving him. He’d thank him later. Right now, the Pantera was hunting for a certain Shark that sat within one of the many, many cells beneath Soul Society. He was accompanied by a Ram and a Wolf. He could thank Mayuri for saving the Wolf.

Coyote Starrk had been a savior. A sharp shooter and a hidden weapon in Hueco Mundo.

There was also Kurosaki Ichigo. That kid deserved all of their thanks, and more. Without him, they’d all be dead. He couldn’t help but wonder where he was, right now. Back home in Karakura Town? Or here, lingering with those he’d fought beside?

Slate hues closed, listening to the hammering and calling. To the sound of laughter and weeping. Of birdsong and creeping silence. He was tired. More so than he’d ever been in his life.

But now was not the time to rest, not with the figure lingering outside of his door. Five minutes, Shinji had been standing there, reaching for the door and dropping his hand, only to reach again. A sigh escaped Kisuke as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. “Come in, already!” He called, amusement shining in his words.

The door opened, and the blonde made his appearance at last. “Didn’t wanna disturb yer beauty rest, your highness,” he teased, lips quirking up in a crooked smile.

Kisuke could remember the first time he’d seen that smile. “I think I’ve had enough beauty rest to last a lifetime,” as if to prove a point, he stretched his arms up over his head, listening as various bones popped and creaked, as if singing a song of rest. “You aren’t here to give me the latest gossip, are you, Hirako-san?”

A shake of the head. “I wish I were,” Shinji sighed, closing the door behind himself as if that would give them any privacy. It wouldn’t, but it was certainly the thought that counted. “We were called in for an emergency meeting. Y’know how… Bad everything is right now.”

“You’re down three captains, and the new Captain Commander is on mandatory bed rest.” Kisuke answered with a shake of the head. “You’re fucked.”

“And not in the fun way.” Arms crossing over his chest, Shinji grimaced. He was still in pain, too, it seemed. Not surprising; he’d taken quite the beating as well, from what he’d heard. “I have a question to ask you.”

“No, the Soul Society will not get a discount on any products they purchase at the Urahara Shoten.” A joke, though it seemed to fall flat. “... What is it?”

“You know Kurotsuchi-taichou was killed.”

“Yes.”

“They’re without a Captain now.” Slate hues widened before narrowing, understanding quickly settling in. This was the one thing he had never been prepared for.

“Nemu could act as defacto Captain.”

“She can’t. She’s a child again.”

“Of course she is.” Damn Mayrui. “Akon?”

“Doesn’t have a Bankai. Or a Shikai.”

“Of course he doesn’t. Of course Mayuri would keep all of his underlings under a careful watch and not allow them to progress. Of course he would. He never did think about anyone but himself.” A bitter laugh slipped free, one full of anger and mourning. A scarred hand reached up to rub at pale blonde hair. “What are you asking, Shinji?”

“You know what I’m asking, Kisuke.”

“I want to hear you say it.”

A pause. Shinji sucked on his teeth, lips pressing taunt. “The Captain Commander wants to know if you’ll step in and take over the position of Captain of the Twelfth Division once more.”

A bark of laughter escaped Kisuke as he tossed his head back, baring his throat and chest. He knew this was coming. But to hear it spoken aloud? It made everything suddenly so real. “Central Forty-Six is going to disagree.”

“It’ll be overridden. We’re down three captains and the Soul King knows how many Shinigami.” Shinji’s lip curled into a scowl as he shook his head. “We’re fucked.”

“We’re fucked.” Kisuke agreed softly, gaze slipping from Shinji to study the floorboards. “Whose idea was it?”

“It was agreed on immediately that you were the only one who could take over the Twelfth and not accidentally kill everyone.” The humor in Shinji’s tone brought a smile to both of their faces.

“You’re not wrong there.” A pause. “... I have some conditions, then.”

Shinji waved his hands. “Save it for the official meeting. Shun’s calling it in three days time. We’re all to attend, no matter what it takes to get there.” He pushed away from the wall and turned. “I’d love t’stay and all, but I gotta make sure my Division isn’t all dead.”

“You make a good Captain, Shinji.” Kisuke murmured, watching as his back tensed, as his head raised. “You always have.”

“... Get some rest, you ogre.” The door shut, and he was alone with his thoughts once more.

Three Days Later

The meeting did not take place within the Captain Commander’s hall. The First Division was still being cleaned of bodies and blood. Instead, it took place within the halls of the Kyōraku Mansion. The grounds were lovely, sprawling, teeming with deer and birds and streams. It was easy to see the wealth and prestige that came with the name.

But it was nothing compared to the Shihōin estate that Kisuke had grown up on. Speaking of, Yoruichi had joined him. He’d requested she be allowed to attend, and lo and behold, his request had been approved. The past three days, he’d been talking with her and Tessai, deciding on their plan of action. Now, it would come to fruition.

“I know this isn’t the First Division, but it will have to make do for the time being.” Shunsui spoke, breaking the idle conversation that had been occurring and drawing all attention to him. He wore the Captain Commander’s coat, but beneath was a simple violet yukata- loose fitting to accommodate the bandages that wound around his torso. His head was still bandaged, as well.

No one looked to be in good health. Across from him sat Rose and Kensei, both of whom looked uncomfortable. Rose was bandaged around his middle; Kensei’s color was still returning to normal. Behind them stood, or in Kira’s case, sat, their lieutenants. Kira didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. He didn’t seem to be paying attention. Hisagi looked ready to pass out at any given moment.

No one else was any better, aside from perhaps Isane Kotetsu. Akon stood behind the empty chair where Mayuri should have been sitting. Rukia Kuchiki stood behind the empty chair that should have held Ukitake.

“This meeting, while formal, is occurring off the books. We are in a grievous state, and while peace may be here, there is always the chance that it could break at any moment. That is why we are here.” He cleared his throat, brows furrowing. “We are rebuilding, and we have a shaky alliance with both the Quincy and the Arrancar- for now. I do not believe that we are under an immediate threat. However, there are certain items that must be addressed.

“The first of which is the passing of four of our Captains. There will be funerals held for each of them within the coming weeks. They will be open to the public. They will be grand, as is deserving of each.” The finality in Shunsui’s voice left no room for argument. “Captains Yamomoto, Unohana, Kurotsuchi, and Ukitake will be remembered for the rest of time for laying down their lives to save Soul Society, as well as the… Hundreds of others who were lost in battle.”

Hundreds. The word is heavy within the room. Everyone had lost someone in some form, whether it be family, friend, or lover.

“Secondly, it is time to correct the errors of our past. This is the reason this meeting is occurring off the books. I plan to contest the banning of Urahara Kisuke and Shihōin Yoruichi personally before Central Forty-Six.” Murmurs drifted through the room. It was one thing to bring up the idea, but another to say that it will be happening. “Which is why they were both invited to attend this meeting.”

Gazes turned, landing on the pair. “Ohayo,” Kisuke hummed, leaning his weight upon Benihime, who was in her sealed form. “I have questions about that.”

“Of course you do,” Sui-Feng muttered, though she remained silent otherwise.

He pointedly ignored the angry little bee. “I was made aware that you all agreed that I should take over my former position that had been ripped from me one hundred and… What was it, twelve? Thirteen, now? Years ago. A title that I had rightly earned before I was condemned for a crime that I did not commit, which we all are aware of now, yes?” A quick, cursory glance around the room. “I know a few of you here were too young to remember what happened. But let me refresh your memory, shall I? Aizen was working on a way to create Hollows out of Shinigami and chose three of your captains and one of the lieutenants here, now, to test that on, as well as Hiyori Sarugaki, my former Lieutenant, Hachigen Ushoda, formerly of the Fourth Division, and Love Aikawa, former Captain of the Seventh Division.” The words cut like a hot knife through ice, stinging and causing a few to look down or away.

“But some of you were not too young. Some of you remember when it happened, and you did nothing to intervene. So for the last one hundred and thirteen years, I have been living in the World of the Living, aiding the Vizards. Miss Shihōin had been exiled from her own family, even if they did not want to do so. They had no choice. So!” Kisuke clapped his hands together, watching as Isane jumped. Oops. “My condition is that not only we be pardoned of this crime that we did not commit, but that Miss Yoruichi Shihōin also be allowed back within Soul Society. My shop will remain within the World of the Living in Karakura Town. Tessai Tsukabishi, the former Captain of the Kido Corps, who was also wrongly convicted, will also be pardoned. He will remain and run the shop, looking over it and the two Modified Souls whom I created and love as if they were my own children, Ururu and Jinta.

“Those are the conditions upon which I will accept the Captaincy of the Twelfth Division once more. If they are not met, you’ll just have to find someone else who is capable enough to run the Division and understand how Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s mind worked. No offense to Akon or anyone with the Twelfth currently, but I don’t think any of them could actually handle that. After all,” his voice quiets, head dipping, a shadow falling over his eyes. “I was the one who brought Mayuri out of the Maggot’s Nest. Should any of you forget, I was also the Commander of the Detention Corps, as well as a member of the Onmitsukidō.” Chin raising, slate gaze swept across the room, taking in the silence that had fallen. “I’m not asking for a compensation fund. I’m not asking for a new Division. I’m not asking for a golden parade through the Rukongai. I want an apology. And I want for Central Forty-Six to admit their mistake.”

Silence met him. It was as if no one had expected Urahara Kisuke to speak out, to give demands. As if he, too, hadn’t been wronged by the events of the past. As if he, too, did not deserve an apology. As if he, too, were not angry and bitter over the mistakes of the past.

“Lest you all forget that without me, you would not have had the Twelfth as it is today. There would be no S.R.D.I.. Mayuri would have died in his cell. And you all would be dead, now, because Kurosaki Ichigo wouldn’t have been born without Isshin Kurosaki, someone who I helped personally. And you would be down four Captains and one lieutenant.” Jaw set, he met Shunsui’s gaze with his own. “These are the requirements. And I will not settle for any less, Captain Commander.”

Shunsui shifted in his seat, a peculiar little smile curling at the corners of his lips. One that read ‘I anticipated this’, or perhaps ‘All is going according to plan’. “Of course, Urahara-san. It will be done.”

“Will it?” Kisuke countered, head titling, voice low. “Just what do you have on the Central Forty-Six that would turn their vote so quickly, Shunsui-san?”

A chill crept into the air as the Captains and Lieutenants sat straighter, stood straighter, cast their gazes down. No one dared speak, no one dared to break the silence that had gripped their throats and held them captive.

“That,” Shunsui began, rising to his feet slowly. “Is for me to know, and for you to never find out. That is all that needed to be said. This meeting is dismissed.” His face was pale; it was beyond time for him to retire. Another session of healing, no doubt.

Kisuke made his way out, Yoruichi at his side. “That was ballsy,” she murmured, gaze trained ahead. “But good.”

“I figured a history lesson was overdue.” Kisuke replied with a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “Go, I’m sure no one will mind if you-”

She was already gone.

“-visit your family.” Sighing, he began the slow walk back towards the Gotei Thirteen, gaze downcast. He could hear murmurings from behind him- surprise, shock, anxiety. A presence settled in at his side, shoulder gently bumping against his arm.

“Think it’ll happen?” Shinji asked after a good few minutes of walking in silence.

“He managed to convince them to let Aizen out.” He hummed, head rising to study the horizon. “I don’t know what he has up his sleeves, but… I believe there is a chance I’ll be back to torment you, Hirako-taicho.”

The grin Shinji sent him was brighter than the sun. He couldn’t help but smile, as well.

One Month Later

“I stand before you today to contest a punishment that was given over a century ago,” Shunsui began, gazing up at the blank blocks before him. Behind them sat the members of the Central Forty-Six. “I am aware that I was here merely two months prior. A lot can happen in two months.”

“Like losing hundreds of Shinigami,” one voice spoke up.

“That is the casualty of war, something that you all seem to forget exists outside of your protected lives.” Silence met Shunsui. “We lost four captains. And while there are many who could step up the plate, one of those is impossible to replace.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“That Urahara Kisuke be allowed back into the Soul Society and be allowed to take his mantle of Captain up once again.” Shunsui fell quiet as yells met him. Anger, alarm, it all spilled out.

“URAHARA KISUKE? DESERTER.”

“LIAR, A DANGER TO SOUL SOCIETY.”

“HE’S BEEN IN THE WORLD OF THE LIVING FOR TOO LONG.”

He raised his hands, listening as the voices died down. “I understand your anger. However, merely a few years ago, the Vizards were pardoned. Why should Kisuke not be pardoned, as well as Yoruichi Shihōin and Tessai Tsukabishi.”

“THEY’RE TRAITORS TO THE SOUL SOCIETY-”

“THEY ABANDONED US YEARS AGO-”

“THEY SHOULD BE KILLED-”

Shunsui raised his hands once more, his brow furrowed. “Maa, maa- please, allow me to speak.” Agitated silence met him as he cleared his throat. “I’m not Yamomoto. I haven’t been here since the beginning. I was just a child when this place was really coming together. But because of that, I have been able to witness the way everything has changed and grown. How we’ve become stronger, how more and more Shinigami join our ranks each year. I was a Captain by the time Urahara Kisuke joined our ranks, stepping out from the shadow of the Onmitsukidō. I was able to watch as he built the Twelfth up from the bottom, and watched as he created the Shinigami Research and Development Institute. Without him, we wouldn’t have the Gigais that allow us to investigate further into the World of the Living, the Tenshintai. What Mayuri had to work with wouldn’t have existed without Kisuke. We wouldn’t have even had a captain to fill his place originally without Kisuke; he was the one who brought Mayuri out of the Maggot’s Nest.

“At the end of the day, you have to sit back and consider more than what those of the past did. At the time, there was no true solid proof that Urahara Kisuke, Yoruichi Shihōin and Tessai Tsukabishi were behind the hollowfication project that was, in actuality, spearheaded by Aizen. Their only crime had been being at the scene, trying to help their friends. When you consider this, along with how they have continued to aid us despite being stranded in the World of the Living for so long… Don’t we owe them this?” Murmurs began to echo through the tall chamber. Forty-six voices all talking, debating. Shunsui stood, hands folded politely before him as he waited.

He was right, and he knew it. After all, it had been his idea in the first place. Without Kisuke’s aid, they wouldn’t have ever had Kurosaki Ichigo to help them. Aizen would never have been stopped. Yhawch would still be alive, and they would all be dead or acting as prisoners. There wasn’t any real debate to be had other than stubborn old men wanting to keep history as it is. “So, I ask once more: I wish for Urahara Kisuke to be allowed back into the Soul Society and be allowed to take his mantle of Captain of the Twelfth Division and Captain of the S.R.D.I. up once again as well as pardoning Urahara Kisuke, Yoruichi Shihōin and Tessai Tsukabishi of their wrongly accused crimes.” Silence settled across the chamber. A pleased smile curled Shunsui’s lips as he relaxed.

Two Weeks Later

The First Division was peaceful, calm, filled with idle chatter as the Captains and their Lieutenants gathered within the hall of the Captain Commander. There was no surprise written upon their features; they knew what this meeting was about. Even so, they stood, chatting amongst one another, until Shunsui made his way into the hall to settle in at the head of the hall. He used a heavy, cherry wood cane to aid him; it would not be a permanent fixture. Each day he grew stronger, healing from his injuries.

“Well, then,” he murmured, rolling his shoulders before raising his voice. “Would the new Captain of the Twelfth Division enter?”

The great doors opened, and standing within the entryway was none other than Urahara Kisuke, green and white strapped hat nowhere to be seen. He no longer resembled the young, awkward Captain he had been one hundred and thirteen years ago. Now, he stood tall, still, gaze trained forward. He made his way in slowly, geta clad feet making soft ‘clacks’ with every step. Behind him, surprisingly, walked a black feline, trodding to keep up. He turned to the left, and stepped into the place where he’d once stood, where Mayuri had once stood.

“Very well. Now, since we are all here, our first manner of business…”

The meeting did not last long; many were still in frail condition, such as the Third Division. The walk to the Twelfth was quiet, calm. Yoruichi had slipped away, returning to her family for the first time in far too long. She wouldn’t be taking up the mantle of Head of the Shihōin family; that title had passed to her younger brother. Instead, she’d become an aid to him, and split her time between the Soul Society and the World of the Living. Tessai didn’t want to return; he had no desire to come back. He’d handle the shop and keep an eye on Karakura, along with Jinta and Ururu.

Kisuke was pulled from his thoughts at the sound of a throat clearing. Head snapping up, slate gaze hues widening at the sight of his new lieutenant. “The last time I saw you, you were extremely little and didn’t have a nicotine addiction!” Kisuke greeted with a grin as Akon let out a bark of laughter.

“It’s good to see you again, too, Captain,” Akon replied, shaking his head as he fell into step beside Kisuke. “A lot’s changed.”

“I’d be more alarmed if nothing had changed. It has been over a century, after all!” His head tilts back, studying the sky. “It feels strange to be here again.”

“It does.” The sound of a little voice calling had both men pausing, glancing behind them, only to watch as a little black haired girl came bouncing over, nearly stumbling over her sandals. Nemu. Akon knelt down, arms open, allowing the girl to climb up into his arms. “Nemu, meet Urahara Kisuke. He’s taking over as Captain.”

“I remember him. Where’s your hat?” She asked, big dark eyes gazing up at Kisuke.

“Decided that it wouldn’t be appropriate to wear at a meeting,” he winked, and with a wave of his hand, it was as if the hat appeared out of thin air. Nemu’s eyes widened in surprise, mouth dropping open into a little ‘o’. “But I never wander too far without it.” Gaze turning, he took in the sight of the Division, how much it had changed, how large it had become. “Well…”

“Wherever you want to begin, I’ll guide you to it.” A grimace. “Notes? Or did he burn them all again?”

“Surprisingly, he didn’t.” A shrug as Akon began to walk once more, carrying Nemu as if she were his own. Members of the Twelfth stopped where they stood and bowed low, murmurs of welcome echoing through the air. “I don’t think he had the foresight to do that.”

“Good,” Kisuke nodded, clapping his hands together. “Then let's get to work.”

“Aye-aye, Captain.”

That Night

The night air was cool here compared to the warm autumn air of Karakura Town. Geta clopped along the top of the wall idly with no true direction. That is, until the sound of a snicker drew the attention of the shoe’s owner. Head tilting, Kisuke glanced behind himself to find Hirako Shinji standing behind him. “Can’t sleep?”

“Haunted by the past.” Kisuke replied, settling down on the wall. Was he in Shinji’s Division? He hadn’t realized he’d walked that far. “You?”

“Insomnia’s a bitch.” Shinji settled down on the wall, kicking his heels against the sturdy structure idly. “... It feels good to have you back.”

“Does it?” He mused, stepping closer before settling down, shoulder bumping Shinji’s before leaning against the other. “Never thought I’d hear you say that.”

“Fuck off,” Shinji teased, leaning his weight back against Kisuke’s shoulder. Together they sat, silence falling across them like a light dew in the early morning hours. Without speaking, Shinji reached over, taking hold of Kisuke’s hand. Calloused fingers drifted over stitched scars. “She did a number on you.”

“Benihime is a benevolent woman. I respect that,” Kisuke replied softly, watching Shinji’s fingers. “What about you? How’s your head?”

“I’ve had worse.”

“Touche.” A chuckle slipped free from both men. Kisuke sighed, leaning over to rest his head atop Shinji’s own. “This is what you missed?”

“This and more.”

“It doesn’t feel right without Hiyori yelling at us. Or Love laughing. Or Hachi worrying…” Brows furrowing, he sighed. “But they like it in the World of the Living.”

“They’ll never come back.” Shinji’s voice was soft, regretful, full of anger pushed down beneath the surface. “It’ll never be the same.”

“No, it won’t,” his eyes closed, memories of days long passed flashing within his mind. “... But at least some of it will be.”

A smile curled Shinji’s lips as he pulled Kisuke’s hand up to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss to his knuckles. “Some of it will be, Captain.”

“Captain, eh?”

“Shaddup.”

Laughter filled the night air, so light and joyful, it was as if nothing had ever changed.

[dr-cherub]

So for those with good eyes you will notice that one Keychain is missing.

Our beloved Super Haker was forgotten in the production process.

(Interestingly enough the Stickers of him were there)

But the rest is out.

Since that's the case I won't be able to sell the all in one package and the Super Haker + Part Time Warrior package have to wait.

[missingmayuri]

This hath healed my soul

mayuri titties i am looking respectfully

Nobody is perfect 🤷

Thank you so much anon <3 for giving me the opportunity to draw tiddies again and by the way a headcanon <3

[fawnatrix]

comfort character, character you relate most to & character you love to hate in bleach for the ask game!! :)

ehehehehhe

Comfort Character <3 A: Kurotsuchi Nemu my absolute beloved,,,, she is everything to me. Shunsui is a close second- and Kisuke. Jushiro too- I have too many but these four are the ones who make me most comfy, and who rotate in my brain most often.

Character You Relate to Most A: God, that's tough ehehehe. I'm not sure I really relate to most of the characters- all of them either have very big personalities and/or motives, or are underdeveloped. They're very Characters, which makes it hard. The closest I could think of would be Momo (similar personalities), Rukia (I relate to her struggling to make friends and feeling like she needs to prove herself to others) or Orihime (similar in both personality and insecurity- and in the words of my beloved friend Squish, "I too am silly and love to eat bread.")

Character You Love to Hate A: Mayuri or Aizen, ehehe. They are both such bastards who are awful and ruin the lives of my favourite characters, but I find them charming against my will. Mayuri is fun, I like his design and personality and his complicated relationship with his daughter brought on by his own inability to acknowledge that he has the capacity to care for others, but anytime he breathes in the same direction as Nemu I see red. With Aizen, he's very fun to dissect character-wise and I think he's a really interesting antagonist, I like him a lot, but he's also the fucking worst and I hate him <3

Thanks for the ask Mel <3

[mark-seins]

May I please ask 3 and 9? For.. hmm. I can’t decide between Mimi and Hoa Sen. So how about both? Is that alright?

(Answer for the ask game: self insert lore!)

hi void! Yes absolutely you can ask for both! That means i can ramble about both my beloveds hehe~

3. how do the other characters generally feel about your self insert?

For Hoa Sen, the Dandelions consider him as Ephemer’s right hand man. Though if we’re considering specifics... sans Ephemer since I’m assuming this question asks for other people BUT the f/o ehe.

Skuld first met Hoa Sen at the fountain when he was searching for Ephemer. Hilarious story, Skuld was a bit cautious about Hoa Sen considering how quiet he once was and she generally wasn’t the type to hang around with secretive people. She only then realized Hoa Sen was a chatterbox but only when he gets comfortable and knew the person well. From there, Skuld and Hoa Sen were absolute yappers in arms - and also try to help each other ask their crushes out. (Skuld helps Hoa Sen get with Ephemer while Hoa Sen helps Skuld get with Mayuri who’s a party member of Hoa Sen’s party: The Unchained)

Brain was Hoa Sen’s ex. Yes. You heard me right. They both sort of had a bad fall out and when they saw each other again in the Computer Room it was SUPER awkward. However, being able to see each other again gave Hoa Sen and Brain the closure they needed. They usually bicker to each other but it’s not out of malice but platonic affection. Brain gets annoyed when Hoa Sen purposely gets on his nerves, but he always found a good come back to shut him up!~ I’m sure once missing link comes out (cries) I’ll definitely develop more of their relationship post-KHUx especially as Hoa Sen reincarnates in his second life as Hoa Dao (My KHML self-insert oc).

Lauriam didn’t know Hoa Sen well outside of passing by and being acquainted after missions. When he became a Dandelion Leader, he started to learn about Hoa Sen more when he met Ephemer, and at some point the two met each other and Lauriam admitted that he didn’t expect Hoa Sen to be -... different than he appear. By that he means Hoa Sen exerted a cold, leaderly attitude with his team that to see Hoa Sen laid back and goofy the next hour was almost jarring for Lauriam in a interesting way.

Ventus sees Hoa Sen as an older brother figure. He follows him around like a little duckling and tends to ask Hoa Sen for any fun outings to spend time together. He wished he built a snowman with Hoa Sen... but... wait... who was he talking about..?

For Mimi, the people in Tatsumiyajima generally welcome and love her. At first, Fumihiko was unsure of Mimi due to her mysterious origins (she is a reincarnation of a god/eldritch species so to speak) and was skeptical around her while she was young due to her unique nature. However, gaining Kazuki’s trust gave Fumihiko a reason to trust her as well. Maya genuinely sympathizes with Mimi - being someone rather lonesome with a place she doesn’t know whether she belonged anywhere in the world, and treats Mimi very kindly. She was really glad that Miwa, her niece had someone around her age to be very close to.

9. who are your self insert’s closest friends?

Unironically, both Hoa Sen and Mimi are closest to each other. Close enough to be mistaken as lovers, but as close as family can be. They are incarnations of gods whose battle determined the fate of the world - of eternal life, or eternal death. However, life and death cannot live without the other.

I think an example that can portray how much the two care for one another is how the two help each other learn of the morals they once did not understand. Mimi never understood how death can be so natural to life because of the grief that follows, but she understood through her journey with Hoa Sen that death is - at most, the solution to let go of grief as death can bring peace than eternal life. Hoa Sen in contrast, learns of the value of life through how much joy and love Mimi shares - that even as death is inevitable there is always time to share the beauty of being alive. Mimi and Hoa Sen are foils, and it’s beautiful of them to learn about humanity which their destiny lies upon.

[aditya-79]

Top 5 Best Anime Voice Actors of All Time

The magic of anime is brought to life not only through stunning visuals and captivating stories but also through the powerful performances of voice actors. These talented individuals give depth and personality to beloved characters, making them memorable and engaging. In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 best anime voice actors of all time who have made significant contributions to the most liked anime shows.

List of Best Anime Voice Actors of All Time

1. Megumi Hayashibara

Iconic Roles:

Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion

Faye Valentine in Cowboy Bebop

Lina Inverse in Slayers

Megumi Hayashibara is a legendary figure in the world of anime voice acting. With a career spanning over three decades, she has voiced some of the most iconic characters in anime history. Her portrayal of Rei Ayanami in Neon Genesis Evangelion is particularly notable, bringing a haunting, ethereal quality to the character. Hayashibara's versatility and talent have earned her a place in the hearts of anime fans worldwide.

2. Takahiro Sakurai

Iconic Roles:

Suzaku Kururugi in Code Geass

Giyu Tomioka in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Griffith in Berserk

Takahiro Sakurai is known for his deep, commanding voice and his ability to convey complex emotions. His role as Suzaku Kururugi in Code Geass showcases his talent for portraying conflicted characters. Additionally, his work in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba as Giyu Tomioka, one of the most liked anime shows of recent years, has further solidified his reputation as one of the best voice actors in the industry.

3. Kana Hanazawa

Iconic Roles:

Kuroneko (Ruri Gokou) in Oreimo

Mayuri Shiina in Steins;Gate

Ichika Nakano in The Quintessential Quintuplets

Kana Hanazawa is celebrated for her sweet and expressive voice, which brings a unique charm to her characters. Her performance as Mayuri Shiina in Steins;Gate, one of the most liked anime shows, is particularly memorable for its emotional depth. Hanazawa's ability to bring innocence and sincerity to her roles makes her a standout voice actress in the anime world.

4. Norio Wakamoto

Iconic Roles:

Cell in Dragon Ball Z

Charles zi Britannia in Code Geass

Onsokumaru in Ninja Nonsense

Norio Wakamoto is renowned for his distinctive, booming voice and his ability to portray both villains and eccentric characters. His portrayal of Cell in Dragon Ball Z is iconic, making the character one of the most memorable villains in anime history. Wakamoto's powerful voice and charismatic performances have made him a favorite among anime fans.

5. Yuki Kaji

Iconic Roles:

Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan

Meliodas in The Seven Deadly Sins

Shoto Todoroki in My Hero Academia

Yuki Kaji is a highly respected voice actor known for his ability to convey intense emotion and dynamic character arcs. His role as Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan, one of the most liked anime shows of the decade, has been critically acclaimed. Kaji’s performances are marked by their emotional depth and powerful delivery, making him one of the best voice actors in the industry.

Conclusion

The top 5 best anime voice actors of all time have not only brought beloved characters to life but have also left an indelible mark on the anime industry. From Megumi Hayashibara's legendary roles to Yuki Kaji's intense performances, these voice actors have contributed significantly to the success of the most liked anime shows. Their talent and dedication continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring their place in the annals of anime history.

[unohanadaydreams]

So glad I decided to go through the Mayuri tag and found your thoughts on the end of Pernida fight.

Because, yes! Exactly!

And you know, in the end I don't hate this as much as I thought I would. I thought we were going to get some emotional moment of realization for Mayuri where he realized the feelings he felt for Nemu, and dreaded how that would try and put a positive gloss on the noble sacrifice of the abused creation, absolving the abusive creator of his sins.

And we went right up to that line, didn't we? You could see a universe were Mayuri did give in to those feelings Szayelaporro represents, and where we would end up with something rather saccharine. But instead, he blocks it out. He's going to stay a shell of a person, motivated by spite towards Kisuke Urahara instead of any positive feeling towards any person ever. It's not a great outcome for him, but artistically, it clears what I was expecting from this.