The Universal Villain

A few hours ago, in a different district within the Seirtei. "Captain." Renji, who was walking behind Byakuya, hadn't had a chance to talk to him about the incident. "What is it, Renji." Byakuya didn't stop walking as he replied.

"That attack from before doesn't it seem familiar to..." Renji was cut off by Byakuya. "I've already reported the similarities to the Head Captain. They are looking into this matter as we speak." Renji didn't speak, hearing his captain already concluded the same thing he did.

Byakuya stopped walking but still didn't look at Renji. "Renji, I advise you don't think of this matter any longer focus on your training. Even if that person managed to infiltrate Soul Society, your too weak."

Byakuya's words were harsh, but they were the truth, and Renji knew it. When he had run into Shen for the first time, he was played with like a toy and was lucky, his captain saved his life. Renji lowered his head, clenching his fist. "Yes, captain." Spitting out those words slowly, Byakuya continued to walk as Renji stood there.

After his captain disappeared into the dark, Renji turned around, walking in a different direction. After a few minutes, Renji had entered a secluded location. This was a place he used specifically for training. Pulling out his Zanpakuto from its sheath Renji placed in front of him as he began to meditate.

Other than physical training, it was essential to build a bond with one's Zanpakuto through meditation. As Renji went into deep meditation, he took his captain's words very seriously. He was too weak as he was, and there were still potential threats still residing within the Seirtei. As Renji continued to meditate in silence, he didn't notice that a figure had appeared in front of him.

Shen didn't alert Renji whatsoever, reaching out towards his Zanpakuto slowly. As his hand got closer, a light gust of wind blew by blowing Shen's cape, making the slightest amount of noise. In that instant, Renji opened his eyes, grabbing his Zanpakuto, which was almost in Shen's hands and retreating. "Who are you!"

Shen couldn't believe that he was given away by a gust of wind. However, he didn't let it phase him. He was getting Renji's Zanpakuto one way or another. "It has been a while hasn't it Renji." The moon that was behind the clouds slowly began to pear through, covering the entire area in a light glow. This light shined on Shen as well, allowing Renji to tell who he was.

The moment he recognized Shen's figure in the moonlight Renji was shocked for a moment. "You? The attack on the Seirtei. It was you all along!" Renji had already guessed Shen's involvement in the events that had passed, but Shen's appearance before him was all he needed. 'I need to alert everyone they need to know.'

Renji already knew he was in no way a match for Shen, and his best option would be to alert the captains of his presence.

"Why didn't you take that chance to kill me? I didn't notice you until the last moment you could have easily have finished me then." What Renji said was true Shen could have easily killed Renji in that instance without alerting a single person. However, then the Zanpakuto Spirit within Renji's sword would disappear to be reincarnated in the future.

After his initial shock, Shen had found out a lot of new exciting things about Zanpakuto Spirit's. However, his results were limited since all the Zanpakuto he could experiment on were unnamed. "Let's just say I need you for a science experiment." Listening to Shen's response Renji didn't take his words literally remembering the last time he lost his cool he was put in a bad situation.

"Don't think I have just been here lounging around. I've gotten a lot stronger since last time." Saying that Renji placed his hand on the top of his blade. The air around him began to swirl, filling the space surrounding him with his spiritual pressure. "Now, Roar! Zabimaru!" Without even starting to fight Renji immediately activated his Shikai.

"HYA!" Circularly swinging his Zanpakuto, his Zanpakuto launched forwards at Shen extending incredibly fast. 'So, he did get stronger.' Shen moved slightly, allowing the Zanpakuto to fly past barely missing him. The blade continued to move forward until stopping as it hit a massive tree that was behind Shen.

Seeing his attack missed, Renji started to pull his Zanpakuto back. Shen turned his attention back to Renji. He had come after Renji for his Zanpakuto and wanted to see how much resistance a Shikai level Zanpakuto would put up as well as the differences between their inner worlds.

It was only then Shen remembered the mark he had placed on Renji's Zanpakuto when they met in the Human World. He had expected to use it when he was finally ready to kill Renji, but things change. Shen already failed at taking Renji's Zanpakuto. He didn't want to waste too much time here.

Renji could see Shen wasn't going on the offensive. The sound of ripping could be heard as he retracted his Zanpakuto that was embedded in the massive tree behind Shen. The tree was ripped out of the ground, hooked onto Zabibmaru's edge. "Take this!" As he shook his Zanpakuto free, an enormous tree was sent hurtling towards the back of Shen's head. It was only from the shadow that tree cast that Shen came out of his thoughts.

As the tree fell, Shen looked up slightly, raising his hand. The moment the tree touched his palm, it exploded as chunks of wood were sent flying through the air. As Shen did that Renji took this chance. Quickly, turning around, Renji planned to use Shunpo to get away as soon as he could. It was just as he was about to take a step that Renji realized his movements seemed to be slowed or more like locked.

All his limbs felt like they were being locked in place as if an invisible hand was holding him. "Having trouble moving?" Shen walked from behind Renji moving in front of him. As Shen stood in front of Renji, the invisible grip on his limbs increased. As if something was squeezing the life out of him. "I... can't breath..." Renji had trouble speaking as he felt he was being chocked.

"Oh, sorry about that. I haven't had much practice with this ability." Shen acted apologetic as the grip loosened slightly, allowing Renji to breathe better. He coughed as he gasped for air still locked in place.

Recovering his breath, Renji looked at Shen, not hiding his anger at this moment. "So what are you waiting for then? If you're going to kill me, do it, but don't expect me to surrender."

Renji acted bravely in front of Shen as his face looked resolute. Ignoring Renji's attempt to act brave, Shen's eyes shifted to his Zanpakuto, which was still in his hand. "Renji, I'm hurt to know you think I'm so barbaric. I told you before I need you for a science experiment I'm not here to kill you." Renji looked at Shen. Their eyes locked as he saw Shen's typically dark eyes through the mask turn crimson.

'What... What is that??' Renji didn't know why he felt this chill as he looked at Shen's eyes. This was the natural oppression that a Dojutsu gave off. Renji had been suppressed by spiritual pressure before, but this felt different. He didn't feel as if this power came from a person. It felt like he should naturally feel fear.

Staring at Shen, Renji felt as if something that didn't belong was trying to force its way into his spirit. His breathing started to get rough as Shen's Sharingan began to spin. "What are you doing to me?" Renji's Zabimaru, which was still in its Shikai form, turned back into its natural state.

'Let's see how strong a Shikai level Zanpakuto is.'