| abstract | - "This dimension, Soul Society, is a new environment, which will compel our kind to change. If the first stage in our evolution was his evolution from an ape to a human, and the second stage was his breakthrough from feudalism to the rational science of the Renaissance, then the third will be his transformation into a new type of spiritual being, a man with profound sensitivity and insight and a far greater awareness of the vastness of the universe. The transition to psychics will be a natural one. The act of walking increased man's range of movement and helped the concept of tribe and nation-state to develop. Powered vehicles expanded man's awareness to a global level. And now civilization is advancing into new heights. By living and working in this new spiritual realm, man's consciousness will transcend the boundaries of World of the Living and become truly universal. The vastness of this realm will be "home". And as man's consciousness expands, he will begin to tap the unutilized portions of his cerebrum- the over half of his brain cells unused that modern beings no longer harness precisely for the new environment of Soul Society- that will act as the trigger. Listen up, people of spiritual composure! Now is the time to awaken! To realize your latent potential! We are at the dawn of a transformation of mankind. A true enlightenment of our forms. And we may finally be poised, ready to transcend what has always been thought the impossible- infinite dimensions, and time itself. This is no idle dream. To live in a new universe, man must transcend the psychological limitations of his old environment! It is the height of arrogance for those who remain in the World of the Living to look up at the heavens and believe they can continue to rule over all its inhabitants. We are developing a new identity and awareness. We are a new people. We live, eat, and sleep in this new world. We live in the infinite vastness of Soul Society, and we will have access to infinite energy. Our consciousness will expand, and the infinite vastness of the spiritual realms will be our true home." It had been twenty years….History had passed onto a new generation. All over Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and other realms, the war between spiritual beings and the militant terrorist cell, Fifteen Pillars, continued to rage violently, engulfing these worlds in all-cleansing flames of discord. The war had been instigated since the act of Meteorfall; the Soul King's first act upon gaining his power was to inadvertently start this eternal conflict, which, to this day, showed no signs of ceasing. Up until three years ago, the cycle of despair persisted on continuing throughout Soul Society's history, threatening to devour everything and instill hopelessness in all until nil was left. With the disappearance of the Soul King of our world and the forces of evil setting their plans into action while the general populace remained unaware, the only saviors of Soul Society remained the few powerful fighters scattered throughout the land, one in particular that mustered the power and resolve in an attempt to destroy this vicious cycle once and for all. The one who saved us all was certain unlucky person, who despite all odds, managed to overcome all challenges before his person and obliterate the cycle of despair for his own lineage and their connections with the aid of those he held dear. One would call him a legend, but knowing how modest he is about things like this, he'd probably get annoyed. Anyways, that person—He's like fire and ice and rage. He's like the night, and the storm in the heart of the sun. He's ancient and forever. He burns at the center of time and he can see the turn of the universe. He's the light that shines towards the future, guiding us all to a new era; an era of peace. This man is Gaillardia Nagareboshi. And…He's wonderful. As Gaillardia Nagareboshi sat at a computer awkwardly, relaying vital information to Captain-Commander Haruko Kiseki, the Mototsu-Seishin hybrid heard a familiar sound—the dull *ting* of coffee hitting the base of the cup. While he didn't give the other person any recognition, he took note of Gunha Teishin, who slowly approached him, handing him a cup. "I've brought you some coffee." A few seconds passed; no response. "Commander. Captain-Commander Gaillardia Nagareboshi." Gunha prodded, causing Gai to turn around. Gai inquired, "…Hm? What is it, Gunha?" Fatigue could be seen in his expression—a face that had the paradoxical combination of both innocence and weariness. Nodding, Gunha handed him one of the cups, which Gai nonchalantly snatched, turning back to his work without any concern. His eyes had bags under them—he hadn't slept in a few days. "Oh, yeah. That new artificial Nox Core is ready to go…sir." Gunha's tongue almost became tied at the instance of 'sir'—honestly, he found it weird to refer to his best friend with any elegant title—more so, referring to somebody like Gai as 'sir' sounded out-of-place. "…It's working well. Soon, we'll be able to bestow upon normal Pluses powerful spiritual weapons to assist them in defending themselves. But…we're already getting requests for more of them to be made…" "…I see." Gai's professional tone shattered in an instant as he declared almost childishly, "Of course. That's because they're based upon Gaikaōtori—the Zanpakutō of yours truly. Everyone knows that I, Gai Nagareboshi, am it's highest selling point. …In any case, give priority to requests from the front-line forces." "Yes, …sir." Gunha muttered as he took another sip of his coffee, further commenting, "An operation plan? You're as busy as ever." "…Uh, yeah. I'm going to find every Daitenshi den I can find, and wipe them off the face of the spiritual realms." Gai's eyes sharpened as he uttered such a shocking statement—all Gunha could do was widen his eyes in surprise. "…How long do you think this war will go on…?" Gunha muttered in doubt; to be truthful, he wasn't sure where he stood anymore in this war. "…We ourselves only discovered this war ten years ago. We only took part since it was in that devil woman's will…" "…Central 46 has made many peace offers; but they've rejected them all." "Yeah." Gai clenched his fists, hissing in an annoyed tone, "They don't think like living beings. Peace isn't an option in their eyes." Gunha remarked, "You…you're damn focused on achieving victory against the Daitenshi, Gai—er, sir." Gai regained his composure, coolly stating, "Of course. They're the enemies of every living being in the spiritual realms." "As always, your judgment is flexible, but you never yield on one thing. It's honestly a mystery to me." Gunha yawned, causing Gai to angrily hand back his cup. Gai's eyes sharpened, accusing Gunha in his former delinquent tone, "…You tryin' to tell me my way of thinking's wrong?" "No! I didn't mean…" Gunha began to panic. "You should know that a Captain should always attempt to understand the Captain-Commander." Gai rebutted, returning to his usual cool composure. Gunha smiled, finding it amusing at how Gai attempted to keep in the air of Captain-Commander. "My apologies. Will you be seeing your family on your next leave?" "Of course." Gai calmly responded, as Gunha began to depart. Gazing up at the full moon shrouded in the dusk of the moonlight, Gaillardia thought to himself in concern, "…Ren. What are you doing now?"
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