As the captains made their way to the main hall, each of them thought to themselves about the fall of Zaraki. All 11 reminded themselves, and unknowingly each other, about where they ranked amongst the group as they scanned about. What monster could have possibly defeated him, let alone believed they could? Most saw him as a savage but a highly formidable one, at that. A select few knew there was something greater that he could have become had he learned to harness and refine his power. Zaraki had killed Unohana Yachiru. The first Kenpachi. The true Kenpachi. Whoever it was, it made chills stream down their spines just at the simple thought of it. And, as each of them reached the threshold of the main hall, a loud hesitation tore their imagination away, making the Captains all stop just shy of entering, as if a gigantic crevasse had formed in front of them.

•

The unknown shinigami stood waiting in his spot, silently reading the captains with eyes that looked as if they could devour everything they saw. The Captain-Commander tilted his sugegasa with a smile and spoke, "Would you believe he made it here before me? It's quite nice to have a Kenpachi that's on time. Even better to know we have one that's early." His words were followed by a look at his subordinate captains, demanding they compose themselves and get along with the coronation. They noticed the stranger's dark and scarred skin bathed in gold jewelry as they stepped forward. His long black hair was styled in locks that reached past his waist, with gold highlights and bands laced throughout it. He stood no taller than 5'7", and yet his presence implied to them all that he was unapproachable. No, dangerous. The bags under his eyes gave the appearance of a beast that had no intention of resting. This was the man who killed Zaraki and had become the new Captain of the 11th Division. This was the monster known as Kenpachi.

•

Now in their positions and with the coronation beginning, the only question the captains couldn't keep off their minds was, "Where is his zanpakuto?"

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Based on an alternate story of Bleach, originally created by the world famous manga writer and character designer, Tite Kubo.