Cleaning up After Crows

(With Orihime and Co.)

A breeze washed over the city of Kuoh casting a chill across the town. The breeze continued along its path, heading towards an abandoned church, forgotten to time and people. The door was left hanging off its hinges, making for easy passage for the Gremory peerage along with Orihime and Xenovia. The sheer versatility of abilities continued to surprise the teens, mainly dealing with Angels and Devils, and Soul Society's agents seemed to have one trick after another. As they were trying to figure out how they went across the city almost instantly, the Devils finally looked at the church with Asia and Issei gasping as they recognized the building. Where Issei fought the Fallen Angel Raynare and where Asia died and was reincarnated as a Devil. The Red Dragon noticed the Healer's trembling and wrapped a comforting arm around her.

"Seems like they had a barrier set up." Orihime said, feeling some fading traces of Reishi in the magic used. "No wonder we couldn't find this place." She started walking to the door, Xenovia right beside her. "Hey, if this is too hard for you then you can go home Asia." She said, recognizing Asia's distress and bringing it to the attention of the rest of the Peerage who went to support her.

"I... I... No. I can do this." She stuttered before shaking her head and glaring at the building. "I WILL do this! Kiba, I'm here to support you." She said, looking at the Gremory Knight, making him laugh a little.

"It seems we're both going to have to deal with our pasts." He said, getting up and running over to Orihime's side in front of the door and gasping in surprise at what he saw. There, on the floor in the middle of the Sanctuary center aisle, was Valper Galilei. The excommunicated bishop was grasping at his chest and breathing in agony, almost as if he was having a heart attack but the clinking of chains made them think otherwise. He noticed his guests and his pained expression mixed with fury.

"Y-you damned witch!" He growled upon recognizing Orihime. "What did yoAHH!" He cried out as pain washed over him and rusty chains began to manifest around him.

"Look and understand everyone." Orihime ordered in a cold tone, any kindness and empathy dead for those condemned. "All sinners are eventually ensnared by the chains of Hell, eternally ravenous for their black souls." Valper tried crawling toward the group but the chains tightened their hold like serpents crushing the life out of him. "The only ones that go to Hell are prisoners and jailers. It should be obvious which one this is." Orihime made her way to the damned priest and forced his mouth open, used Ignis's fire to heat her fingernail, and burned an Inguz(ᛜ/ᛝ) rune on his tongue, ignoring his cries all the while. "Now, that should've separated the lies from your mouth... maybe." She then got back up and turned to the Devils. "Kiba, do what you wish and get justice."

"Sensei." Kiba whispered, looking to his teacher and nodding, resolved to finish this grudge. "Valper Galilei," the knight started while summoning a sword and making his way to the downed sinner, "I'm a survivor of the Holy Sword Project, of those you murdered. I survived by becoming a Devil and held on because I knew, one day, I WOULD AVENGE-!" He brought his sword up to crush Valper's skull but soon froze because of Orihime.

"KIBA!" She shouted with absolute authority, enough to make everyone in the room freeze and look to her. "I said justice. Not vengeance."

"Sensei... what's the difference!?" Kiba growled out, furious but at the same time unwilling to defy her. "You said it yourself, even now Hell is gnawing away at his soul. What difference does it make how I kill him!?"

"All the difference in the world Kiba." The teacher answered without hesitation. "Vengeance by killing, no matter what, is always empty. Doing so leaves you feeling hollow, or worse, delighting in their suffering. Turning you into an empty husk or as much of a monster that the chains will come for you next." She warned, the knight wanting to protest but held his tongue. Seeing Hell first hand, feeling a deep primal terror and unease from them opening, made him want to avoid going through them himself. "Justice is impartial and unbiased. Abandon your hate and your grudge. If you truly wish to end his life, you can't do so out of your own desires or lying to yourself about doing it for your dead comrades." Kiba turned to glare at her.

"How dare-"

"Did they die just so you could selfishly pursue your revenge?" She continued, making him grit his teeth as their words kept echoing in his mind, telling him to escape and live but not once about pursuing vengeance. "Was their sacrifice just so you could throw away your heart? What about those around you now? What does the Gremory Peerage mean to you? Are you ready to abandon them just to get your revenge? You almost did that already right?" Kiba had to literally bite his lip, drawing blood as he took this scolding. What hurt most was that she was right, he was being selfish and justifying it for his vengeance. "Well? Can you? Or shall I end his life?" Orihime asked, manifesting Fulgur the lightning spirit. Kiba ground his teeth again, but let his sword fall before facing Valper again.

"What was it for?" He demanded. "What was the end result of your research that we had die?" Valper started laughing before groaning as another wave of pain washed over him.

"I... discovered... a gene." He said, the rune on his tongue glowing as he spoke truthfully. "To wield holy swords, let alone Excaliburs, one needed a certain amount of that gene. So I extracted it from them to combine and crystallize it." Kiba's eyes widened in shock while Xenovia gasped in recognition. "Anyone that has a functional one and can adapt to it can wield even the true form of Excalibur."

"I remember." The Exorcist said, placing a hand over her chest. "Holy Sword users are given one and told it was a blessing." She then went over to Valper and started to dig through his robes before finding a deep blue gemstone.

"Those hypocrites!" The bishop growled, helpless as Xenovia took the crystal. "They expel me but still use my research?"

"Did they need to die?" Orihime asked. "Were they going to die anyway after extracting that gene or did you do it out of your own satisfaction?" Valper adopted a twisted grin before a chain shot out of his back, reminding him of his agony as he started to grow pale.

"No. Killing them was unnecessary." He admitted, making Kiba drop to his knees tears falling from his face. "I simply had no more use for those empty materials.

"YOU BASTARD!" Issei roared and was about to charge but was held back by Rias and Koneko, the entire peerage on the verge of crying for their dear comrade. Even Xenovia was stunned silent.

"Everything we suffered... everything we went through..." Kiba muttered, the final moments of his friends lives flashing before his eyes.

"Where did this crystal come from?" Xenovia demanded, needing to know whether anyone else died for it.

"That was the last crystal from the Holy Sword Project." Valper was forced to admit, prompting Xenovia to give Kiba the crystal. The last remains of his comrades.

"Everyone... why me?" He begged, holding it close to his heart. Orihime made her way next to him and summoned her Masamune, tapping the crystal after sensing lingering memories within it. The Reishi in the church then began to coalesce and form into several different children, each wearing the same uniform.

"We wanted to help you." They began, making Kiba notice their existence. "We didn't want you to feel alone. Our souls may have passed on already, but we'll always be with you now. Take us in. Please." They told him, turning into a cloud of spirit particles that he began to absorb.

"Thank you, Kurosaki Sensei." He said, holding out his hand and summoning a new sword. "You kept me from going down a dark path. Now, I will strike in justice." The sword he created was a straight dual edged blade with one side being silver and the other black with a line of runes running up the blade's fuller. "Valper Galilei, you are destined for Hell. I shall now send you with this, a blade made of holy and demonic power. Sword of Betrayer." He rose the blade up and stabbed it down through the base of Valper's neck, cutting through his spine and piercing his throat. There was a quake as the chains phased through his body with his blood curdling screams of terror echoing through the building that ended just as quickly as it began. Valper was in Hell, Kiba got justice for his comrades, and the Gremory Peerage still have their dear comrade. The knight dropped to his knees again and started crying again, a farewell and relief that he could finally bury his past. The rest of the Devils gathered around their ally, Rias destroying Valper's body with magic, and giving him a comforting hug. Orihime smiled while Xenovia looked somewhat uncomfortable.

"Come on." Orhime whispered as she walked past the girl, heading for a staircase in front of the altar. "Our mission isn't over yet. And they need some time alone."

"Right." Xenovia nodded as she followed, descending the staircase down into the depths of the forgotten temple. Once she thought they were free from prying ears, she took the chance to ask some questions. "Lady Kurosaki? I know what you described yourself as, but what are you really? And what is the Soul Society and the Gotei?"

"I'm a human." She answered simply, surprising Xenovia by the claim despite seeing what the woman did. "Surprising, but it's the truth. In fact, aside from the Yokai, everyone in the Gotei is human. Shinigami are human souls capable of using their own spiritual power, Quincy are humans with the ability to manipulate ambient spirit energy, even the monster Hollows we hunt are human souls that were twisted by their own negative emotions. The Gotei is almost entirely made up of humans that have greater spiritual abilities. My method is to summon and contract spirits to fight alongside me in exchange for proving myself and allowing them to sustain themselves with my power. Everyone has their own power like that, and I'm not even the strongest. But I do have a strong will."

"Where do you find recruits?" The Holy Sword user asked, still trying to understand how humans can have such powers.

"Anyone can apply. If you don't have sufficient spiritual power, we'll help train you to get there."

"How long and how hard do I have to train?" She whispered, still in shock at the power that mere humans could possess without Sacred Gears or some other type of artifact.

"Training? Pretty hard, the soul responds to danger and stress. How long? Less than a year if you're really dedicated." Again Xenovia gasped in shock and stood still while Orihime continued down. "The forgotten truth is that humans start out weak because they also have endless potential." She reached the basement door and opened it, immediately blocking an attack with an orange barrier. "Well that was rude." Orihime pouted as she took in the room; littered with research notes, copies of the Excalibur fragments Kokabiel had, the missing Zanpakuto, a dozens of broken replicas, and a disheveled and dirty albino girl wearing tattered rags that looked like a preteen trying to stand between Orihime and another teen, this one with spiky red hair and a lean muscular build wearing tattered pants and chained to the wall.

"STOP HURTING MY BROTHER!" The girl's shrill voice cried out as birds manifested from her power and shot at Orihime. Again they failed to pierce the barrier as she walked in and directed the rest of the Shun Shun Rikka spirits to their jobs. She trapped the kids in healing barriers and broke the boy free of his chains, causing him to fall to the ground. "Shirou!" The girl cried, trying to rush to her brother but was repelled by the barrier.

"Please calm down." Orihime gently said, appearing behind the girl. "You're not done healing from your injuries." She dropped down to the girl's eye level, pointing at the rapidly fading cuts and bruises. "Don't worry. No one is going to hurt you any more." She promised as the barrier lifted and Orihime slowly brought her hand to the girl, frowning as she flinched slightly but let Orihime touch her shoulder. "What's your name?"

"I-Illya. Illyasviel Emiya." She answered. "That's my brother. Shirou." Orihime then gently pulled the girl into her embrace.

"Illya. That's a lovely name." The older woman said as Illya slowly latched onto her. "You're both safe now Illya. I promise." The albino girl buried her face into Orihime's shoulder and let her tears flow.

(Soul Society: Squad 1 main office. The next day)

"-and then Orihime took them to where Valper was, let Kiba get closure, and raided their hideout to recover anything of value." Ichigo told Sirzechs and Michael, speaking to full body magic projections of the Angel and Devil. Sirzechs looked like an older male version of his sister with a steel gray and gold armored mantle while Michael's mantle was gold with a gentle but sad expression on his face with a gold halo above his long blonde hair. "Michael, I intend to return the Excalibur fragments and Valper's research with your Exorcists, but only after I remove anything that compromises Soul Society. We'll probably have to break the 'Fused' Excalibur they made by mixing a Zanpakuto into the blade. Our swords manifest their powers by becoming reflections of the wielders and I doubt anyone wants a copy of Freed Sellzen possessing any fragment of such a legendary blade."

"The fewer of him around the better." Michael conceded with a nod. "One more thing Ichigo, you said that Xenovia did hear what Kokabiel said?"

"About your God being dead?" The Soutaicho asked, feeling a soft hum in his head as the Soul King spoke to him. "She was still alive and heard. She seems to be taking it rather hard but is keeping quiet about it for Irina, who only seems to have become even more pious. 'Resurrected by the will of God as a reward for her faith'." Ichigo said, reciting Irina's claims. "Became convinced that buying that ugly ass painting was the right call as result." Michael gave an embarrassed laugh but looked like he was regretting something he was about to say.

"Irina's faith aside, my heart breaks for Xenovia as I must unfortunately have her excommunicated from the Church." The Angel admitted. "We're barely holding ourselves together and something like this would destroy Heaven and the Church. And, I know this might be much to ask but-"

"Orihime and Rias have offered her a chance to join either my faction or the Devils." Ichigo interrupted, sparing Michael any further struggle with his decision and guilt for it. "Whatever path Xenovia wishes to take will be up to her and no one else. If she wishes to join the Gotei, I will welcome her with open arms and she'd be well off as a member of Rias Gremory's peerage. Xenovia will be fine either way." Michael smiled and nodded in thanks.

"It seems that everything has been settled rather neatly." Sirzechs spoke up, looking to Michael specifically. "As such, with this chance, I think it's time we settle things for good. I have no intention of continuing the 'Great War' that our predecessors were so intent on fighting. Heaven can't afford it-"

"Nor do I want to continue it either." Michael finished. "Too much bloodshed for ultimately no gain on anyone's part. Ichigo? Your take?" He asked the acting Shogun.

"So long as it doesn't harm my country or the Balance of Souls, ultimately I don't care." Ichigo admitted. "So I'd prefer it if you did come to a peaceful agreement since if you do fight, ultimately humans suffer."

"Indeed, and I'd hate to spoil our friendship by gaining your ire." Sirzechs agreed. "There happens to be a Class Observation Day at Kuoh soon and I plan to attend for Rias. Serafall plans to do the same for Sona."

"Sounds like we have a meeting time and place; Kuoh Academy and after Class Observation Day. I'll leave you to plan out any further details." Ichigo said, planning to end the call soon.

"What of Azazel?" Michael asked, bringing up the one member of the Biblical Faction that wasn't associated with the leader of Japan. "I can't imagine he'd want to be left out of this."

"I'll reach out to Azazel." Ichigo promised. "My agents placed a tracker on Vali and we already know where to find him. I only waited because I wanted to see what you two wanted to decide." The two smiled and nodded again, grateful to the hybrid's foresight and willingness to host this peace summit.

"I'll be off then. I have much to plan." Michael said before his projection shut off.

"I'll need to get ready-" Sirzechs started before Ichigo cut him off.

"Appoint a new overseer." The Shogun demanded. "In times of peace, Rias was doing well enough, but in an actual test? She's wanting as a leader." The Devil flinched but couldn't defend his sister, not after how she handled the Excalibur matter. "Too passive with the Fallen and that inaction led to Issei's death, that sparring match was too dangerous for her own people, I heard she had to be pressured into calling for backup, and for someone that wanted out of her engagement she didn't seem to put much effort into actually escaping it. Three years and she only started training AFTER Riser showed up with the Rating Game challenge? I've been patient but her pride gets in the way of her being an effective leader. She can stay in Japan, but I want her replaced." Sirzechs sighed, not looking forward to telling Rias about this.

"We'll have a candidate by the time of the summit." He promised before the projection cut off, leaving Ichigo and Nagao alone in the office.

"You did not mention anything about the siblings? Or about the Excalibur replicas?" His lieutenant asked as Ichigo returned to his desk and activated his personal work computer.

"I intend to tell no lies to my allies but I won't tell the whole truth either. Not if it risks the safety of my people." The Commander admitted as he sent an email to the SRDI requesting an update on the study of the recovered material from Valper's lab. "Shirou and Illya will be kept a secret until they fully recover and tell us what they want." The two were immediately transferred to Shadow Karakura's Hospital under Uryu's protection while they began healing from whatever torture Valper put them through. Said it also gives the Tohsaka sisters something to do other than bug their superiors for new assignments despite being fresh Witch recruits themselves. There was a ping on his email, confirming that the replicas did indeed have the same power as the original with Valper's notes confirming Shirou's role in creating those swords. A special request came from Mayuri to download Valper's mind for any further details the man neglected to have with his notes.

'Looks like a trip to Hell is in order.' Ichigo decided before closing everything up. "Kagetora, I'll be heading out for a while. I want to pay my cousin a visit so hold down the fort till I return." Nagao bowed her head, having full faith and trust in her Captain that nothing he does is without reason.

(Soul Dragon Candy/Kuoh Squad 15 Bureau)

Deep within the underground of Kuoh was the true facility of Soul Dragon Candy; offering a wide training ground with healing hotsprings, beds, stocked rations, and other essentials for the army of soul warriors. Deep in prayer were the two Exorcists, Irina and Xenovia, fresh out of a sparring match with wooden practice swords while their Excaliburs were being used in the effort to extract the Zanpakuto from the fused Excalibur. Xenovia could hear Irina whispering her thanks and eternal devotion as God's chosen, having been 'resurrected by his grace'. She chose not to comment, still coming to terms with hearing about God's death and what possibilities were in her future whereas her partner was in near constant prayer. She was brought out of her musings as Orihime arrived.

"Hey you two~!" She sang out as she walked to the pair. "I've got news about Ichigo's call with Heaven." Irina practically jumped halfway across the training field, high on life and excited to hear what her superiors had to say about their success. Xenovia was already setting herself up for hearing the inevitable. "Michael said that you did an excellent job and surely had God's favor with your revival Irina." The twintailed Exorcist beamed as she offered more prayers. "Heaven has great plans for you. Preferably towards a peaceful future." Orihime said with a smile before turning to Xenovia and losing that smile. "Xenovia, you're excommunicated for choosing to fight alongside the Devils." The blue haired sword user let out a resigned sigh while Irina was utterly shocked.

"WHAT!? B-but-but, we both sided with the Devils!" Irina argued, refusing to believe that her partner was being exiled from the Church. "They were invaluable allies in stopping Kokabiel!" She was given a false story about a valiant battle where both the Devils of the Gremory Peerage and Xenovia fought to stop the foul plan to restart the Holy War of the Biblical Factions, attempting to hide the extent of Soul Society's powers and abilities. Mainly from the Church itself.

"Yes they were, but the Church still can't abide such a blasphemous act." Orihime retorted, going over the excuse planned in advance. "While you were given a pass, due to that miracle of your resurrection, Xenovia had no such blessing. All Michael can do for her is wish her the best and order Irina to report that Xenovia took her own life in penance for her crime." Irina felt tears welling in her eyes while Xenovia merely gave resigned nods. "He's hoping that this will keep you safe from any of the more extremist exorcists that aren't so forgiving." The blue haired blade master was about to say something, before her partner caught her in a tight hug.

"THIS ISN'T RIGHT!" Irina cried out, her tears pouring down her face while Xenovia gently patted her back. "We both made the decision, knowing the consequences, why am I considered blessed for failing when you survived!?"

"Irina, we knew the risks when we accepted their help." Xenovia told her, just letting Irina pour out her grief. "Even if Heaven forgave me, so many Exorcists would be eager to kill me just for doing what was necessary."

"Besides Irina, weren't you a little eager to cut down your own childhood friend when you learned he was a Devil?" Orihime simply asked, forcing Irina to remember the sparring match with Issei.

"I never-!" She started, pulling herself away from Xenovia

"You used an Excalibur against an unarmored Devil, and you thought nothing about it." The older woman reminded, stunning Irina into silence. "I am well aware that Devils are the 'enemies of God'", she said with air quotes, "but what about the Gremory Peerage would make you believe they were evil?" Irina tried to come up with ANYTHING, but the only thing she could were what the Church told her. "Irina, if anything, remember the teachings of your faith. Not your religion, your faith."

"What do you mean?" Xenovia asked, confused by Orihime separating the two.

"Religion is the structure, the rules and teachings to follow." The Spirit Master said, slipping into her 'teacher mode'. "Religion is the PRACTICE, but FAITH is what drives belief. You can have faith and use religion to exercise that faith, but even if that religion fails you, you still have your faith. Irina, do you have faith that God truly loves his followers? That God is benevolent to forgive anyone should they truly open their heart and accept it?" Irina thought for a moment, and nodded her head.

"Yes. Yes, he would." The twin tailed reasoned. "Asia can still be pious, even as a Devil, why can't I be just as faithful?"

"To love, accept, and forgive. That is what your God wishes and your duty to make it come true among your fellow Church members." Orihime instructed, placing a hand on Xenovia's shoulder and leading her away. "Now, let's go get you measured for a fake body to cremate and send back to help sell this lie." The bluenette looked back to her partner, deep in prayer again, before looking back to Orihime.

"Are you sure you aren't a saint? Or maybe one reborn?" Xenovia asked, making Orihime giggle in response.

"Nope. I just try to help the world become a bit more peaceful. Besides, every major religion I've seen preaches that message but humans just have a hard time following it." She answered as they gained a bit more distance from Irina. "So. Have you made your decision? Become Rias's knight or join the Gotei?" The former Exorcist took all of ten seconds to think.

"It seems like Michael's pushing me to join the Gotei. Is there any reason why I shouldn't?"

"None that I can think of." Orihime answered. "You're judged on merit, will have plenty of time to hone your skills, none of the weaknesses of other factions, and no restrictions beyond possible war crimes." She held out a card for Xenovia. "If you truly wish to join the Gotei, go to Karakura Town Hospital and give this to my sister, Yuzu Kurosaki." The teen took the card and nodded her head, making her decision. "Good. Now let's get you examined so we can make a body to burn!" Orihime said with a smile, making Xenovia gawk.

"You were serious about that!?"

(Some docks near Kuoh, Nighttime)

The moon was full, shining like a pale sun on the city in the one place the artificial lights were dim, and giving a lone figure his peace. He appeared in his twenties, had black hair and goatee with golden bangs up front, and wore a thin black yukata, unaffected by the night air. In his hands was a simple fishing rod as he sat on a bench, casting out his line and waiting for a bite. Or rather, a visitor as he finally saw a pair of sliding doors, a Senkaimon, appear next to him and revealing Shunsui Kyoraku.

"I was wondering when any of you Shinigami would show up after I found that tracker you left on Vali." The man said, looking over to the retired Soutaicho. Kyoraku still had his floral kimono, hairpins, and his katana and wakizashi Zanpakuto but now wore a simple white outfit underneath. "Would you care to join me?" The man offered another rod, which Kyoraku took.

"Certainly." He said with a smile as he cast out his line. "Would you care to share a drink with me?" Kyoraku pulled out a sake jug and two small cups.

"I'd never say no to a friendly drink." He took the cup as Shunsui poured him a drink. "Kampai!" He called out before sipping down the alcohol.

"Ah~. That's the stuff." The Shinigami sighed as he drank his glass. "So, I'm Shunsui Kyoraku. Head master of Shin'o Academy in Soul Society, here on behalf of the current Captain Commander and acting Shogun."

"Azazel. Governor General and leader of the Grigori." The now named Fallen Angel revealed. "And I would like to apologize about Kokabiel. I should've suspected he'd go rogue."

"And that matter with Raynare?"

"She went against my orders to merely observe, so I suspect Kokabiel had a hand in that as well." The Angel claimed as he took another drink.

"I see." Kyoraku muttered as he had another drink himself. "Well, that doesn't change my reason for being here."

"Offering me an invite to the peace summit between the Angels and Devils that your side is sponsoring?" Azazel said with confident smile, only to be surprised by the answer.

"No." Shunsui said as the air became far more tense. "I'm here to tell you that your presence is demanded, not requested." The former Head Captain set his rod down and stood up, preparing to walk away. "Regardless of whether they were independent of your orders or not, the fact is that your people almost caused a war that wouldn't just affect your Biblical Faction, but would've dragged Japan into that conflict. Something we really didn't want and are rather sore about, so it's in your best interests to attend this meeting. Mitigate the damage you indirectly caused." A Senkaimon appeared. "Keep the sake. Consider it a gift, make it so this conversation was a friendly one instead of a rude threat."

"I won't deny my failings in that regard Kyoraku." Azazel said as he took the bottle. "But you never had to twist my arm to attend a peace summit. I'm frankly happy that those two are trying to end the war for good." He commented before drinking the liquor from the bottle directly. "To peaceful days ahead!" The Fallen Angel cheered. Shunsui smiled as he entered the Senkaimon, the happy expression on their faces immediately melting away as they thought about a simple truth.

'There's no such thing as a peaceful future.'

(Shadow Karakura, Silbern, Private Quarters)

Sitting on a couch in a room coated in light blue and dark silver was Uryu, wearing a white button up shirt with dark jeans, looking up to his ceiling with three pupil eyes. While Ichigo went about extracting Valper's intelligence for the SRDI, he called his cousin to use his power of precognition to see what was ahead of them. He was sitting there for five minutes, seeing every possibility and outcome and attempting to memorize and plan for the best case scenarios. Eventually he deactivated it, allowing his eyes to return to normal, and released a heavy sigh while he rubbed his eyes.

"3... 2... 1." The Quincy king counted before a tear in space opened in front of him with a can of beer flying at him. Uryu easily caught it as Ichigo walked out, holding one for himself and sat down next to his cousin.

"So. What did you see?" Ichigo asked as Uryu popped open his can and took a long gulp of the bitter drink. After he finished, he let out another deep sigh, making Ichigo groan. "And here I thought we could relax."

(OMAKE)

The Spirits are Forever With You

"Guys! It's time!" Issei called out to the rest of the Gremory peerage as they crowded around the TV in his home. After everything that happened, they decided to try writing a fan letter to Don Kanonji on his Q&A segment of 'Ghost Bust' to see if that could get them anything since most of their usual efforts turned up nothing. On the screen, sitting next to a table with neat stack of letters was the man himself, Don Kanonji. He was a tall and thin man with tanned skin, a styled mustache, and black hair set in a dreadlocks ponytail. During the normal show of ghost hunting, he would normally wear some rather flashy outfits and act rather flamboyantly. However, over the last decade as age wore it's ravages, he took a more subdued approach for the Q&A segments he now hosted. As such, he was now wearing a dark blue dress shirt and black pants. He kept his round sunglasses though.

"Hello everyone, and welcome back to Ghost Talks. I'm your host, Misaomaru Kanonji." The man said, taking a sip of tea. "Now let's get to your letters. Our first one comes from a..." he took up the first letter, "...'Pervy Red Dragon?'"

"HUH!?" Issei cried out while Koneko suppressed a laugh. "Koneko why!?" Issei wrote the letter, but Koneko submitted it. She also changed the name for a minor prank.

"Asking," Kanonji started, "'Dear Don, lately I've been seeing these weird black clothed samurai people around my hometown but no one else sees them. What are these guys?'" The man let out a laugh. "They are a good sign dear viewer! They are the Shinigami, shepherds of lost souls guiding them back to the cycle. We do similar work and if you're seeing them, then you can rest easy knowing your town is safe!" The Gremory peerage stared at the screen as the host went to the next letter before Issei shut it off, calmly stood up, went over to the wall, and started bashing his head against it.

"THAT DIDN'T TELL US ANYTHING!" He roared in frustration. Unknown to the world, the Don wasn't just a showman, he was a legit spirit medium that worked with the Gotei. Sometimes purifying souls and cleansing Hollows, but his main duty in the Gotei was to seek out potential recruits among the living.

Xenovia's Soul Boot Camp

It was a somewhat lengthy trip for the former Exorcist, but she eventually reached Karakura Hospital and did as Orihime instructed. She found Yuzu, the 4th seat of Squad 15 working as a receptionist in the hospital, and was directed to one 'Exam Room 15'. Inside was a Quincy Sun Gate that immediately teleported her to the Shadow side of Karakura and putting her within the Silbern fortress that dominated Shadow Karakura. From there she was picked up by the 3rd seat, Karin Kurosaki, who took Xenovia to the training basement. Upon confirming her desire to be a Shinigami, Karin ejected Xenovia's soul from her body and ordered her to play a game of tag with her nephew Kazui. Fresh souls needed time and action to adjust to their new bodies.

"She still looks stiff." Karin said, wearing a lighter version of the Quincy military outfit with her black hair in a messy bun, watching Xenovia feebly chase Kazui as he basically glided across the sandy plane of the massive training ground. "Guess it's time to introduce the 'Fight or Flight' instinct. BAWABAWA!" She suddenly yelled out, surprising the Shinigami recruit as the ground shook slightly and a massive black snake Hollow burst from the ground. Xenovia gaped in shock at the serpent, whose facial features were large pink lips and humanoid teeth with the rest of the face being a horned plated Hollow mask. "That's Bawabawa! He'll gobble you up if he catches you!" Karin called out as the snake opened its maw, targeting Xenovia with interest.

"YOU PEOPLE ARE INSANE!" She cried out as she ran.

"Maybe, but it works." Karin said, smiling as Xenovia's stiffness disappeared almost immediately.