Turn Back The Pendulum

This chapter begins with someone saying that it is time to go back a century and see what has happened in the past. The story begins with revealing that Shinji Hirako was captain of the 5th Division, and that Aizen was his lieutenant. They begin bickering about fashion sense and then start talking about the commemoration that is about to begin. Shinji and Aizen open up the doors of where the commemoration is being held and Hiyori Sarugaki (who was revealed to be a lieutenant at the time) barges in front of him and kicks him in the face. Captain of the 7th Division Love Aikawa hits her and tells her to act her own age. Later on while Shinji, Love, Aizen and Hiyori are waiting for all the captains to show up, captains Jūshirō Ukitake and Shunsui Kyōraku and Lisa Yadōmaru, Kyōraku's lieutenant, arrive. Ukitake notes that Hikifune has not shown up. Shinji, Ukitake, and Shunsui talk about how Rōjūrō Otoribashi was promoted to the 3rd Division two years ago after the former 3rd Division captain retired, they also talk about the lone wolf of the 11th Division, and how the previous 10th Division captain had an "untimely demise". They also state that the commemoration is for the soon to be newly appointed 12th Division captain.

Shunsui tells that the original captains of the Gotei 13 that are still present is the 4th Division captain, Retsu Unohana, and Head captain as well as 1st Division captain, Yamamoto along with himself and Ukitake. Aizen over hears Shunsui talking about how Kirio Hikifune, the former captain of the 12th Division, was promoted instead of retiring, to which he asks him to what she has been promoted to. Shunsui tells him that she was promoted to the Zero Division otherwise known as the Royal Guard. Captain Kensei Muguruma interrupts, telling them that Yamamoto has arrived and the commemoration will now begin. Kisuke Urahara enters the room, wearing a captain's haori. Aizen glances at him and agrees with Hirako's statement that he is crazy.

As Kisuke enters the room, he apologizes for being late and says that its a pleasure to meet everyone. After most the captains give him condescending looks, he nervously asks if it is alright to continue with the meeting, before being yelled at by the 2nd Division captain, Yoruichi Shihōin for being so reluctant (meaning that they have met each other before). He is then kicked in by her so the meeting can begin. Moments later, Yamamoto tells everyone that by the recommendation of Yoruichi, her 3rd seat -- Kisuke Urahara was to be promoted to the rank of captain, after Kirio Hikifune was promoted to the Royal Guard. He then tells Urahara that he is now the newly appointed captain of the 12th Division. Later on, Kisuke is shown talking to his new subordinates about how he is their new captain (it is also shown that Hiyori Sarugaki is his lieutenant). He tries to be on good terms with Hiyori but she yells at him, saying that he is a "sneaky murderer" from the mobile corps and that he is a fool. Kisuke merely laughs at what she said, leading her to get even angrier. He tries calming her down, but she just calls him lame and kicks him. Upset, Kisuke goes outside to clear his head, then Shinji tells him that Hiyori looked up to Hikifune as her mother figure, so it will be hard to try and replace her. Shinji leaves and tells Aizen to stop eavesdropping, revealing that Aizen was hiding using Kidō. Aizen tells Shinji that he is a really scary person, then Shinji says that he is the scary one. The next day Hiyori gets angry at Kisuke for redesigning the captain quarters. After she calms down Kisuke asks her to accompany him to The Maggots Nest.

The setting takes place in the 2nd Division's Headquarters, as a messenger is sent for Kisuke Urahara to ask for approval from the 2nd Squad's captain, Yoruichi Shihōin to visit the Maggot's Nest. She freely agrees, but Soifon seems to be against her decision, showing concern and uneasiness. Kisuke now approaches the Maggot's Nest doors as it opens. Hiyori is still unwilling to accompany him, but he manages to get her in. Hiyori and Kisuke engage in conversation, and Hiyori states that Kisuke was just a prison guard, when he says that they were jailers. Kisuke Urahara was the Commanding Officer and his main duty was to be in charge of the imprisonment and supervision of all criminals within Seireitei. His other duty was known as the "Special Detention" where he investigates, apprehends, and keeps under close surveillance of those judged by their thoughts or actions can seem to be a threat to their fellow Shinigami. They kept them locked up in the north-western part of the Second Division's Headquarters, otherwise known as the Maggot's Nest. Hiyori compares the facility to a dungeon, but Kisuke replies, saying he wouldn't exactly call it that. The prisoners are not allowed to leave the facility grounds, but they are free to do whatever they please within it. When Hiyori asks what the prisoners did, Kisuke says that they did nothing. They were merely those who have been identified by Seireitei as "Dangerous Elements". When Hiyori goes against this statement, Kisuke asks her if she knew anybody in her class who withdrew from the Gotei 13. In truth there is no such thing as withdrawal from the Gotei 13. If somebody has to leave the Gotei 13 due to personal circumstances, it is called a "Leave of Absence." If that Leave of Absence prolongs and it is unlikely the person will come back, it results in "Decommissioning". Actual withdrawal leads to transfer to the Special Detention. Kisuke also states that if they could make some use of the power of the prisoners, they could become extremely potent assets as well. He turns their attention to a prisoner who was kept locked in a solitary cage, and the prisoner asks what Kisuke Urahara would want in a place like this. He says that he has a proposition for him. The prisoner is in fact, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, current captain of the Twelfth Division.

Hiyori is greatly surprised by Mayuri's appearance. Mayuri comments,"looks like this brat never had a proper upbringing." This angers Hiyori, who calls Mayuri a demon shiratamadango and other things as he and Kisuke continue their conversation. Urahara tells Mayuri that Hiyori is his lieutenant, causing him to congratulate the new captain. Kisuke says that he hasn't replied to his proposition yet, which Kurotsuchi refers to his "mad suggestion that I accompany you out of this place." Mayuri refuses, as he is satisfied with his life there and sees no reason to leave. He asks Urahara why he wishes for him to leave, and he reveals that he has need of his(Mayuri's) abilities. This is a lie in Kurotsuchi's eyes, and he describes Kisuke as an unpleasant sort of man that he has a hard time understanding. Kisuke reassures him that the truth is he's offering Mayuri a way out in exchange for his abilities. He desires to create an institute the likes of which Soul Society has never seen before: "The Research and Development Institute." Kisuke would like Mayuri to be vice-president of said institute. Mayuri asks if he wants him to serve under him, to which he replies he'd be second only to him. Urahara tells him,"In other words..... If I were to die, then it would all be left under your control." Kurotsuchi smiles and says he truly is an unpleasant sort of man.

The story shifts to a young Byakuya Kuchiki training outside the Kuchiki mansion. Ginrei appears and tells Byakuya to leave today's training session at that since someone has come to see him. When he's about to ask who the visitor is, Yoruichi appears behind him. Byakuya immediately attacks her, saying how some day he will be head of the Kuchiki clan, and how he does not need to be visited by the likes of her. In response, Yoruichi steals his hair tie using Shunpo, and taunts him. Yoruichi says he'll never catch him, which incurs Byakuya's wrath. Byakuya uses his own Shunpo to chase after her, which he says is far superior to her own. Ginrei Kuchiki then comments that hopefully someday Byakuya will lose that rash attitude of his some day.

Captain Jūshirō Ukitake is seen talking to Kaien Shiba about his proposition of promoting him to lieutenant, which Kaien humbly declines. Kaien replies there is any number of people more worthy than him of that status, which Ukitake says sounds so very like him. Ukitake then begins talking about how within this years recruits there's been one genius that has surfaced, the likes of which not seen since Kaien himself (he tells Jūshirō he really isn't a genius.) This kid has apparently graduated from the Shinigami Academy after only a single year. He is about the same age as the young Byakuya, and is now in the 5th Division. The next scene shows a child standing over a dead Shinigami, his blade covered in blood. Aizen is complimenting this same child on his skill, and how he's even better than the rumors suggest. He asks the child's name one more time, and he replies that it's "Ichimaru Gin." Lieutenant Aizen finally asks Gin how he found their 3rd Seat. Gin replies "Ah he was hopeless. Not even worth talking about."

The chapter begins 101 years ago, 9 years after Kisuke Urahara was promoted to 12th Division captain. Three souls are seen choking on a white substance spewing from their mouths (similar to when a plus goes through Hollowfication - Foreshadowing much?) Simultaneously, three figures are seen watching the souls die, the leader stating how ordinary souls apparently "can't contain the prototype." The second of the three asks if they should halt the experiments now thanks to this new problem, but the leader says "Let's continue a little longer."

The story switches to Shinji's perspective as he Aizen follows alongside him. Hirako greets Kisuke who leads his lieutenant (Hiyori Sarugaki) and his 3rd seat(Mayuri Kurotsuchi.) Kisuke calls him Hirako, to which he asks him to just address him as his first name. Ironically when telling Mayuri good morning, Mayuri tells Shinji to be formal with him and say Kurotsuchi, much to Shinji's chagrin. As they begin conversation, Hiyori kicks Shinji, as he did not greet her; the two begin bickering as usual. Lieutenant Sōsuke Aizen then continues where Shinji left off and asks Urahara if he's heard about the strange disappearances in Rukongai. Kisuke asks if by disappearing they mean going somewhere, but Shinji says if that was the case he would have said so. It is simply their prerogative, and in every disappearance not a trace is left of the victims aside from their clothes. When a spirit dies nothing is left. Shinji continues, informing Kisuke while the souls were still living, they were unable to maintain human form and were annihilated. These were Retsu Unohana's words, and Shinji himself does not understand it. The situation is currently being investigated by the 9th Division.

The 9th Division's captain, Kensei Muguruma, along with four of his subordinates are seen, along with Mashiro Kuna (Kensei's lieutenant) pestering him not to go. She says that 10 Vanguard have already left to investigate, so he should just wait for their report. Mashiro then throws a tantrum about how she wants Ogahi (a type of food), and Kensei deems it best to just leave her alone. In that instant a giant hollow with a snake-like head and spider-like appears, wreaking havoc upon the surrounding inhabitants. The Hollow's random attacks throws a small black haired boy towards Kensei's feet. He releases his Zanpakutō, Tachikaze, which fires a blast that blows the giant hollow apart. Seeing the small boy crying, Kensei tells him he's alive so he should be happy, and to "SMILE!" When asked his name, the boy tries to wipe away his tears as he says "Shūhei Hisagi." Muguruma says Shūhei's a good strong name, and to quit crying. Hisagi reluctantly agrees, still trying to wipe away his tears. Mashiro Kuna the tells Kensei she's found something, a Shihakusho, left in the bushes. She tells him "There were a bunch over here! 10 of them!" There were 10 Vanguard, but was that all a coincidence or is it related to the investigation?

It is confirmed the 10 Shihakusho belonged to the Vanguard. Kensei Muguruma's suspicions rise, as he finds many flaws regarding the Vanguard. He then orders Eishima to contact Central 46, as they have their first Shinigami victims in the disappearing soul case; Next he tells Todō there may be some sort of pathogen causing the souls to break down, so he must send a request to the 12th Division for a researcher immediately. Lastly, Kasaki is ordered to have those on standby get them a tent, since they'll be camping there tonight. Kaname Tōsen asks what he should do, and Kensei tells him to search the area alongside him. Captain Kensei tells the remaining children to go home quickly before the sun sets, and Hisagi notices the number 69 tattooed on his chest before he leaves.

Mayuri Kurotsuchi is next seen in the Research and Development Institute's Laboratory, asking Hiyori if the 22nd Vessel is ready yet. Mayuri begins commenting on how slow she is, to which she becomes enraged, breaking the equipment she carries onto the floor. She attempts to put Kurotsuchi in his place by bringing up her rank, but ranks mean nothing to him, and in Research Division he outranks her anyway. Hiyori then yells for Kisuke, and tells him "he has not trained him [Kurotsuchi] right." Hiyori then looks surprised, and asks Kisuke what he has draped over his shoulder. He tells her it's a new Gigai he's trying out. If nearly disintegrated souls were put into human form he might be able to stop them from disappearing, and he is going to test it with a Gigai. Todō then appears, with an urgent request for the 12th Division Captain from Kensei Muguruma. Kisuke Urahara is filled in on the recent events from Todō, and promises to send someone out there tonight. Being the only one he can trust with this case, Kisuke decides to send Hiyori, who is reluctant at first, but manages to go.

Upon his return, Todō is told by Kaname that he is late, and although the 6th seat wants to relieve Todō so he can rest, Kaname states that since he's back all three of them can keep watch. Eishima explains they are taking short breaks, and Kasaki's inside with the captain resting. Inside the tent, Kensei wonders how Mashiro can sleep at a time like this. Suddenly a scream is heard from outside, and as Kensei exits the tent to see what happened Eishima and Kaname's bodies lie on the ground, seemingly dead. Todo is the only one still standing, and as he turns Kensei begins to speak to him, but he is cut down instantly by an unseen force. Kensei warns Kasaki that the enemy is still nearby, and yells for Mashiro to wake up. Before he can do anything Kasaki is also cut down, and Kensei is subsequently stabbed from behind in the stomach. As he turns the attacker seems to be familiar to him, as his face looks completely shocked. . An emergency meeting is called for all Captains to meet in the 1st Division Quarters. The Soul Signals for Captain Kensei Muguruma and Kuna Mashiro cannot be found, and Urahara asks one of his younger subordinates where Hiyori is. The small bespectacled girl says she just left, and Urahara runs off, regretting his decision to send Hiyori.

Yamamoto calls the Emergency Meeting to order. According to reports from the 9th Division vanguard, Kensei and Mashiro along with 6 others have disappeared, and the reason is unknown- "Until we have a better hypothesis, assume the worst!" As of yesterday this was nothing more than another incident, but now the pride of the Imperial Guards depends on solving this case. Yamamoto decides to choose five Shinigami in order to investigate the scene, and at that moment Kisuke arrives, late. He begs Yamamoto to let him go, but the answer is no. Kisuke tries to argue with him but is stopped by Yoruichi, greatly surprising him. She tells him to get a hold of himself, as he chose Hiyori to leave in the first place. Losing his composure like that is insulting to his lieutenant, and upon realizing this Yamamoto continues.

The three captains sent to the campground are 3rd Squad captain, Rōjūrō Otoribashi, 5th squad captain, Shinji Hirako and 7th squad captain, Love Aikawa. Yoruichi Shihōin is to standby for further orders, while Ginrei Kuchiki, Kyōraku Shunsui and Jūshirō Ukitake guard Seireitei. Despite her mastery of healing, Captain Retsu Unohana is ordered to prepare the relief station for casualties, as they do not know what could happen in this situation, and there are other healers to be sent. Tsukabishi Tessai and Hachigen Ushōda(Kidō Captain and Lieutenant respectively) enter the room, ordered by Yamamoto to assist the investigation. Shunsui remarks that it's kind of a bad idea to send both the Kidō captain and lieutenant away when they have no idea what's going on, and suggests sending his lieutenant in Tessai's place.

Lisa Yadōmaru, who has been eavesdropping the whole time, agrees to take his place and Yamamoto allows it. Shunsui comments that she may not look it, but Lisa's pretty strong, and he assures Kisuke that Hiyori's strong as well. Next, Hiyori is shown evading attacks from what looks like a shadowy but large figure, and she sustains injuries. Just as the enormous figure attacks again Shinji comes to her aid, and asks why she did not get away; Hiyori replies that she couldn't. The figure shows itself in the light, and to Shinji's horror it wears a shihakusho, along with the 9th division captain's haori.....This apparent monster though almost unrecognizable is none other than Kensei!

Love Aikawa and Rōjūrō Otoribashi (also known as Rose) rush to the scene only to find their friend, Kensei, a monster. They begin to question what is currently happening and observe Kensei. His mask and reiatsu are all compatible with a Hollow's! Shinji then states he also doesn't know what's going on, but if they don't put up a fight, they will certainly die. The Shinigami have a hard time dealing with Kensei, since a rise in his power has occurred due to the Hollowfication. Hiyori then yells at them to stop, reminding them it is Kensei that they are fighting. Shinji tells her to be quiet saying that they have to stop him, especially if it is Kensei. Rose adds to this fact that Kensei is important, and Lisa Yadōmaru comforts her by informing her there are plenty of ways to stop Kensei without actually killing him. She says to Rose that she will cut his tendons, and tells him to take the right side. As they charge towards Kensei, another mysterious figure appears behind Rose. It is Kensei's lieutenant: Mashiro Kuna! Her mask resembles an insect, particularly because of the large eyes and heart-shaped face. She attacks Shinji, and he unsheathes his sword. He seems to have some trouble following her attacks, and when they are fighting, Hachigen Ushōda appears reciting some sort of Kidō ("Gochu Tekkan") to hold back Mashiro.

Shinji is surprised of his presence, and Hachigen soon tells everyone to run quickly. Using a "Sajo Sabaku", a level 63 Bakudō, he seems to have held back Kensei. As he turns around, he finds that Kensei broke the level-60 Bakudō with physical strength alone. Elsewhere, a dark figure is shown walking across the fields with a cloak. The figure is approached by Tessai Tsukabishi telling them "that is an interesting creation of yours." Referring to the cloak, he also adds that it completely blocks one's reiatsu. The figure is shown to be Kisuke Urahara, and Tessai asks him if he is planning on rescuing Hiyori, his lieutenant. Tessai also tells Kisuke he had a feeling this would happen due to the fact Kisuke was acting at the meeting. Kisuke replies, saying "I should have known," as Tessai reminds him since they both stayed at Yoruichi Shihōin's mansion, he should at least know him this well.

The setting takes place at the Eighth Division's headquarters, as Captain Kyōraku takes a walk in the darkness, to think over things. He comes across two guards and praises them for still working this late. They eventually spot the 5th Squad's lieutenant Aizen, and the two guards say good night to him. As Captain Kyōraku walks away, the two guards also tell him good night. He soon comes across a young Nanao Ise, holding a book. He seems to have remembered her name, and she tells him she is honored because of that fact. He tells her that he always tries to make note of the young girls' names, and Nanao visits him every month. Nanao says she wanted to read with the lieutenant, Lisa Yadōmaru again, but Captain Kyōraku tells her she isn't here. When she asks why, he tells her she is on a very important mission, but will be back in the morning. It may be a coincidence or on purpose that Nanao resembles Lisa greatly.

Elsewhere, the Shinigami try to keep Kensei at bay. Hachigen Ushōda uses a level 99 Destructive Spell to hold Kensei down for the time being. Eventually Hiyori begins to transform, telling Shinji to let go of her. When her mask appears, she cuts Shinji. Love Aikawa and Lisa Yadōmaru run towards Hiyori, but Love is cut down by Kaname Tōsen. Shinji witnesses this, and he questions why Tōsen would betray his own captain, Kensei. Sōsuke Aizen and Gin Ichimaru appears, Aizen telling his captain that Tōsen didn't betray anyone, and is in fact very loyal. He just happened to be following Aizen's orders. Aizen continues, telling his captain to not blame him. Betrayed, Shinji faces his lieutenant.