Chapter 132 - 132: Division Zero

I reached the Royal Palace where the Soul King is located. Without the big a.s.s wall to protect it, it's only the Royal Guard or Division Zero left, coupled with a barrier, guarding the Soul King now. I felt around for their presence and sought out Ichibe Hyosube, the leader of Division Zero. Once I figured out where he was I teleported to his palace. How can a little barrier keep me out when the Instant Transmission can travel through dimensional barriers? I am sure that I didn't raise any alarms so other than my mere presence there is no other way they would know that I was there.

I looked around for Ichibe so I went exploring a little. His palace was has many calligraphy scrolls hanging. Ichibe was given the title "Monk Who Calls the Real Name" by the Soul King. Ichibe was the person who first chose the names for everything in Soul Society, including Zanpakuto, Shikai and Bankai. While wondering around, I finally saw him but he didn't see me. Perhaps he was too preoccupied with the commotion that Ichigo was creating. I chuckled and tapped him on the shoulder.

Sage: So how's my little friend Ichigo holding up?

Ichibe: The little guy is quite strong for someone so young. Wait, huh?! Who are you?

From Ichibe's reaction and Reiatsu fluctuations he alerted the other guards. I did not care in the slightest as this was the fastest way to get to Oetsu Nimaiya. While waiting the few seconds it will take them to arrive, I sat down and saw their entrances. I thought that they were slow but compared to people who literally move at or above the speed of light that I have fought it wouldn't be fair to compare. They were all finally gathered.

Tenjiro: How tha' hell did this pipsqueak slip up here?!

Kirio: Now, now, you might have him too scared to talk.

Senjumaru: He doesn't look scared at all. If anything he looks excited to see us.

Oetsu: Who wouldn't be excited to see us! I mean, I'm surprised he didn't ask for our autographs right off tha bat.

Sage: My dear elders, where are my manners. (I gave a small bow) I am a Ryoka (Traveling evil(s)) by the name of Sarunokami Sage. I have come to obtain my very own Zanpakuto, from the fabled Oetsu Nimaiya. As for how I got here, I simply flew up and went through the barrier.

Ichibe: So when the other Ryoka approached, the walls came down and you came up, huh?

Sage: (Smiling) Correct.

Ichibe: You could have gotten an Asauchi from the Gotei 13, why bother coming up here?

Sage: Let me ask you, if you found a restaurant that originally created one of your favorite dishes, would you go to some off brand restaurant for the same dish?

Ichibe: Hmm. Still, what makes you think that we will comply with your demand?

Sage: You're right. But there seems to be a misunderstanding…

I snapped my fingers and created a giant barrier surrounding the entirety of the Soul King Palace. Once the Barrier was created I let my aura loose. All the members of Division Zero are now on their knees.

Sage: I didn't come here to ask you five. I came to ask the person above you. I am in your home so I thought I would be nice enough for a god to speak with this worlds supposed ruler. Since you have eyes but can't see, I guess I have to simply show it to you.

Ichibe: Ho..w…I…can't…breath..e

Sage: Oh, sorry, sorry. (I retract my aura) Sometimes I don't know my own strength. Since all of you are older than me I wanted to show manners but you took me for an enemy the moment you noticed me. Granted I am an "invader" but I did not come to invade, pillage or kill.

Ichibe: Why would you need a Zanpakuto if you are this powerful?!

Sage: Again with the misunderstandings. I don't "need" a Zanpakuto, I just want one. (I smiled) I want to have a different source of power branching out.

With a flabberghasted face Ichibe looked at me as if he were arguing with a child, which I am if you compare our ages. I knew it was a selfish request but it was an easy one none the less. Ichibe looked at his compatriots and they all nodded.

Ichibe: I will take to see the Soul King.

Ichibe led me to the Soul King. The Soul King is the Linchpin of Existence. Without the Soul King all three worlds would collapse into one. The Living, Hueco Mundo and Soul Society would fall if the Soul King were to disappear. He really does nothing else but exist at this point since he is in a barrier with no limbs or organs. Aizen wants to replace the Soul King, but why would you want your limbs cut off and organs removed for his position? Does he believe that if he takes his place he would rule like an actual King or God? Since Yhwach is his son I can understand but to replace him without knowing the consequences, taking the Soul Kings position doesn't seem too welcoming.

After a few minutes, Ichibe and I were now in front of the Soul King. As creepy as it looked to see a person with no limbs peering through your soul with four black irises, he gave off a melancholy look. As if he was in the place he was supposed to be, despite missing organs and limbs. I made a small bow to the Soul King and used my Ginga Rinne Sharingan on him. The Soul King held an immense amount of Reiatsu and from how dense it felt and looked up close it made it seem that he was fixed in his location. The Soul King is not involved in governing Soul Society and never interferes. Most Shinigami have never seen him. To them, he is revered and symbolic, but not present in their lives. The Soul King's sole purpose is to regulate the flow iof souls into and out of Soul Society and keep the flow stable.

I wondered if he could hear me if I tried talking to him telepathically? I initiated a go at it…

Sage: Hello Soul King. My name is Sarunokami Sage. Can you hear me?

Sage: (Smiling) That's great. I have come from a different universe, mainly to observe, while here I saw a few of your people with spiritual power that can alter with their Zanpakuto. The swords resonate with the wielders soul, giving life to the swords. I was interested and I heard that one of your guards, Oetsu Nimaiya, was the creator.

Soul King: So you also wish to resonate with a weapon of your own, correct?

Sage: Precisely.

Soul King: Even I could not foresee your arrival. You hold such power and humble yourself to walk amongst mortals. A favor begets a favor.

Sage: I see. What is it you want in exchange?

Soul King: Continue helping Kurosaki Ichigo.

With slightly raised eyebrows I nodded in agreement. I guess he already has foreseen his demise. With a stronger Ichigo, the better and easier the chance of beating Yhwach.