Bleach: Rise of the Infinito Espada

Authors Note: I started writing this story after the Fullbringer Arc and before the Thousand Year Blood War Arc. So there will be a few differences. The biggest being that Chōjirō Sasakibe is still alive. Also, Ichigo is now the Captain of Squad 9 and Renji is Captain of Squad 3. Something that will be explained (in greater detail) in later chapters.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. All characters and actual story of Bleach are owned by Tite Kubo. However, I do own Akio Yamamoto, Benito Muerta, and all the OC's that will be in this story.

Chapter 1: The New Lieutenant of Squad 13

It had been seven months since the Xcution incident. Kugo Ginjo was brought back to the World of the Living for burial per request of his killer. Now, Ichigo Kurosaki, hero of the Winter War, defeater of the traitor, Sōsuke Aizen, has regained his powers as a Soul Reaper. After a meeting with the Quincy known as Ivan Azgiaro, Ichigo reunited with Zangetsu.

However, this time he wasn't just a substitute; as further reward for his actions, Ichigo was asked to become a full time Soul Reaper. After some encouragement from his friends and his goofy father, Ichigo accepted and left Karakura Town forever. Once in the Soul Society, Ichigo quickly rose through the ranks and became Captain of Squad 9 of the 13 Court Guard Squads, replacing Kensei Muguruma.

But our story doesn't begin with the great hero himself. Our story begins in Hueco Mundo, world of the Hollows. Our story begins with the former Tres Espada, Tia Hallibel, and her Fracciónes, walk to Las Noches, hoping to find the remains of Aizen's Arrancar Army. However, they will soon find someone else. Someone who will present himself as a greater threat than Aizen ever could.

As usual, Hueco Mundo was nothing more then dark and depressing. A fact that was not lost on any of the women as they made their way to the abandoned palace, Las Noches. A blonde woman with tan skin and a rather revealing two-piece outfit was leading this group of four. One of the women, a tomboyish looking girl with dark blue hair came up to the leader. "Master Hallibel," She began. "How much further?"

Tia Hallibel, the former Tres Espada in Sōsuke Aizen's Arrancar Army surveyed the area before her. "It won't be far now." She said. "So please, no more complaining Apache."

The girl, known as Emilou Apache, nodded. "Yes m'lady."

A woman with amazon-like features and rather large breasts then stepped forward. "Master Hallibel, I see someone in the distance."

Hallibel looked out. There was indeed someone up ahead. It was definitely a man, but he was too far to identify. Hallibel then called out. "Identify yourself! Arrancar or just a regular Hollow?"

Hallibel got no response. Apache then stepped forward. "You will reply to Master Hallibel you disrespectful cretan!" She shouted at the figure.

Once again, no response. "Ladies, prepare yourselves." Hallibel said, warningly.

The women got ready to draw their Zanpakuto's, only to see that this figure had suddenly appeared in front of Hallibel, it was the Sonido, something similar to the technique Flash Step, which Soul Reapers used. Looking at him, Hallibel could just tell he was an Arrancar. He was dressed in an Arrancar's clothes, his hair jet black. And his eyes were nothing more than dark, blank spaces. He also wore a playful smirk. Hallibel gasped, she knew this man. The man then suddenly leaned down and kissed her hand. "It's been a long time, love." He said.

Hallibel's Fracciónes were too shocked to respond. Hallibel's mouth was wide open. "Benito?" She asked.

The man looked up at her and smiled. Hallibel's assumption was correct. "Benito Muerta?" Hallibel.

Benito Muerta affectionately stroked her cheek. "It's been too long Tier." He said, sweetly.

Apache then spoke up, overcoming her shock. "How dare you!" She shouted. "You will address her as Master Hallibel, future Queen of Hueco Mundo!"

Hallibel groaned. She had told Emilou not to call her that. Hallibel raised her hand to calm down her subordinates. "Calm down ladies, this man is an ally."

Hallibel raised a hand, meaning to shake Benito's. Benito chuckled. "A handshake, Tia? After all these years this is the kind of hello you give to your former lover?"

The Fracciónes was shocked by this. "Lover?" They all shouted in unison.

Benito smiled. "Tia never told any of you about me. Yes, I am Benito Muerta, former member of Sōsuke Aizen's Arrancar Army, and the former lover of your mistress, Tia Hallibel."

The amazon woman stepped forward. "For the record madame, I think you can do better then this.

Benito raised an eyebrow, he then walked towards the amazon woman. "Smart move, Mila-Rose." Said the third member of the Fracciónes.

Benito studied Franceska Mila-Rose. He then looked at Hallibel as if asking permission. Hallibel sighed. "Do as you must, what Mila-Rose said was out of line. Just don't kill her."

Benito nodded and grabbed Mila-Rose by the neck. Hallibel raised her hand to stop the other two. Benito smiled menacingly at the woman before him. "Quit is a strong word my dear. I prefer: Left to pursue my own goals."

Mila-Rose managed to choke out her next words. "How could you even be alive? Aizen would've hunted you down."

"Take a look a the back of my hand." Benito simply replied.

Mila-Rose did as told. An Arrancar in Aizen's army had a number tattooed somewhere to signify his/her rank. And his number was... "That's impossible." She choked.

"You think Sōsuke kept me alive all this time just because? He couldn't kill me, no matter how hard he tried to." Benito smirked.

Benito then dropped Mila-Rose. He then walked back towards Hallibel. "Tell me, Tia, what do you think is going to happen to Las Noches? With Sōsuke in prison, and Baraggan dead, who is going to take over?"

Hallibel shrugged. "What do I care? I'm not interested in taking Aizen's position." Hallibel replied.

Benito grinned. "Who says you have to?"

Hallibel was suddenly interested. "There's only one man at the moment who is powerful enough to become the new King of Hueco Mundo. Of course, that would be me. However, every king needs a queen, Tier." Benito continued.

Hallibel knew immediately what he was talking about. "What do you say, love? You and me, together, just like old times. Only this time, we'd be ruling Hueco Mundo together. In fact, we can do more, we can gather up the remains of the Arrancar Army and model them into our image." Benito said luringly.

Despite Hallibel's clear stance of not wanting to rule Hueco Mundo, the offer was impressive. Her obvious affection for Benito was an obvious factor. For years, she had hoped to be by his side once again. And she was more than willing to become the queen if he were the king. "Feel free to take time considering my offer, love. I'll be waiting in Las Noches." Benito said.

After planting a kiss on Hallibel's lips, Benito started walking away. Hallibel's Fracciónes was shocked to say the least, was Hallibel really going to take this man's offer. Suddenly, he turned around and smirked. "One more thing," He said. "Grimmjow says hi."

Those words shocked the ladies even more.

"...Request granted."

Those words put a smile on Rukia Kuchiki's face. "Thank you for your kindness Head Captain Yamamoto." She said, bowing.

Head Captain Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto nodded. "Transfer requests are common Lt. Kuchiki, it is no trouble at all."

Rukia bowed once again. "I'm sure Captain Kurosaki will be quite surprised. For that reason, I will deliver the news to him myself, if it's all right with you of course." She said, smirking.

Yamamoto nodded. "Very well, there are no rules against a request such as that."

"Thank you again, Head Captain." Rukia smiled.

With that, Rukia left the Squad 1 Barracks. Yamamoto then turned to her former superior, Squad 13 Captain Jūshirō Ukitake. "I'm surprised you are okay with this Jūshirō."

Ukitatke shrugged. "Rukia has been a fine lieutenant, but I know of her close relationship with Captain Kurosaki. If she wishes to join his squad to be near him, than who am I to stop her."

Yamamoto nodded, then he thought for a moment. "Master?" Ukitake inquired.

Yamaoto chuckled. "Allow me to help you find her replacement Jūshirō."

"You...want to help?" Ukitake asked, clearly shocked.

"Yes," Yamamoto began. "For awhile now, I've been watching this years graduates of the Shinō Academy. And I have found a very interesting student. One who possesses spiritual pressure that is at the level of Ichigo Kurosaki when he first came to the Soul Society."

"You mean as a Ryoka?" Ukitake asked.

"Correct, and because of this discovery, I realized that he is already on the level of a lieutenant. Currently he is the third seat of my squad. At first I was going to place him in Squad 9, but this has certainly changed things. If you accept, he will be placed in your squad, immediately." Yamamoto continued.

"And just who is this man sir?" Ukitake asked.

Yamamoto turned to his Lieutenant, Chōjirō Sasakibe. "Bring Akio in here immediately."

Sasakibe nodded and ran out the door. Yamamoto then continued. "As you know Jūshirō, after the Shiba clan and the Shihōin clan were disgraced, they were replaced by the Ōmaeda clan and the Yamamoto clan as two of the Four Great Noble Clans. After the Winter War ended, I realized, now more than ever, that my death is coming soon due to my age."

"But sir..." Ukitake began.

"Even souls do not live forever Jūshirō, eventually we simply dissolve into reishi. Because of this, I began a search for my replacement."

"But sir, isn't that against the clan's laws? You must find a pure-blooded Yamamoto and I know for a fact you don't have children." Ukitake pointed out.

Yamamoto sighed. "That is something that I regret every day. Children can be such a joy sometimes Jūshirō."

Ukitake placed a hand on his former teacher in comfort. "Luckily, I was able to find a way around it. Families in the Soul Society, noble or not, are not bound by blood. Reminding my fellow clansmen of this, I was able to take this boy in as my son."

"S-son?" Ukitake stammered, even more shocked than before.

With that, the doors opened again. Inside, stepped a tall, young man. He had black hair that was slightly spiked. The most notable distinction about this man, to Ukitake, was his face. Not only did he have a permanent smile but his eyes portrayed...no, they radiated kindness. The young man then bowed respectfully to the two captains before him. "Father, Lt. Sasakibe has brought me here as you commanded. Is there something you need me to do?" The young man asked.

"Actually, Akio it is news that I have for you." Yamamoto replied.

Akio Yamamoto was curious to say the least. "And that would be..."

Yamamoto gestured to Ukitake. "This is Captain Ukitake of Squad 13. As of now, you are being transferred to his squad to be his new lieutenant." The old man explained.

Akio took a look at Ukitake, and then back at his adopted father. "Very well, sir." Akio simply said.

Yamamoto glanced at Ukitake. "Well, Jūshirō, what do you think?" He asked.

Ukitake studied the young man before him. "Master, I well not go against your judgement. Akio will become my lieutenant, effective immediately." Ukitake decided.

Akio bowed to his new captain. "I will not disappoint you Captain." He said promisingly.

Rukia skipped playfully as she made her way to Ichigo Kurosaki's office. She could not wait to see the look on his face when he finds out he's going to have to put up with her even more. True, she was always greatly irritated by Ichigo's personality. Hell, he was rude, annoying, and incredibly unpredictable. But, that was what she liked about him, all those qualities gave him a never-say-die attitude for the sake of his friends. However, that didn't mean she didn't enjoy annoying the hell out of him at times. A fact that was not lost on her, Ichigo or any of their friends. She then reached the office of Squad 9. She knocked on the door. "Come in," Came the obviously bored voice of Ichigo Kurosaki.

Rukia opened the door and grinned at the sight. Captain Ichigo Kurosaki, orange hair, well-built body and all, seemed ready to fall asleep as he continued his regular paperwork. He then saw her and quickly fixed his state. "What're you doing here Rukia? Can't you see I'm busy?" He asked.

Rukia pouted playfully. "Is that any way to treat your new Lieutenant, Captain Kurosaki?" She asked back.

Ichigo nearly fell out of his seat hearing that. "L-lieutenant? Rukia, what the hell are you..."

"I transferred," Rukia replied. "Aren't you going to welcome me into Squad 9."

Ichigo groaned. "Old Man Yama hates me doesn't he?" He asked himself.

Rukia laughed at Ichigo's obviously angered mood. She smirked and rubbed his orange-colored hair. "Come on Captain," She said sarcastically. "I'm sure this will be fun if you let it be that way."

Ichigo exploded hearing this. "Shut up!" He shouted. "I'm not going to have a lieutenant who's favorite thing in the world is bunny rabbits! Do you have any idea how bad that's going to make me look to Renji and Kenpachi?"

Rukia hit him in the head with a large stack of paperwork among hearing this. "You may be a captain but I'm still going to hit you for comments like that!" Rukia shouted back.

Ichigo rubbed his head. "Well, it can't be helped. Stay in the squad if you want. Just don't become a burden." He said.

Rukia grinned, same old Ichigo. "Of course, Captain Kurosaki."

Ichigo then gave her that smile she loved seeing so much. "And stop calling me Captain. The others can but you're my friend."

Rukia nodded. "Of course, Ichigo."

The next day, the Lieutenants of the 13 Court Guard Squads were meeting to check in with one another and begin the day. Minus Squad 5 Lieutenant Momo Hinamori, however. She was still recovering from her injuries during the Winter War. People across the Seireitei couldn't help but feel sympathy towards the girl, for she was also going to the Seireitei Mental Institution to recover her mental state. Something that was badly damaged due to the pain that Sōsuke Aizen caused.

However, one topic seemed to interest all of them: Who would replace Rukia as the Lieutenant of Squad 13. "Who do you think it will be Rukia?" Asked Rangiku Matsumoto, Lieutenant of Squad 10.

Rukia shrugged. "I'm not sure," She said. "It's probably Kiyone or Sentarō. Captain Ukitake is bound to promote one of those two eventually after everything."

However, the opening of the door and the man who walked in quickly destroyed that theory. Akio Yamamoto gave off a polite smile as he walked into the room. "Good morning, fellow Lieutenants." He said calmly.

Nobody responded, they were all studying this new lieutenant. Trying to decide what kind of man he was. "I am Akio Yamamoto, the new Lieutenant of Squad 13." Akio continued.

Hearing the name Yamamoto shocked the Lieutenant's. "Yamamoto?" Spoke up Rukia. "You wouldn't happen to be related to Head Captain Yamamoto would you?"

Akio nodded. "Yes, he is my adopted father. And you must be Rukia Kuchiki, the girl I am replacing as Lieutenant in Squad 13. It's a pleasure to meet another member of a prominent noble clan. Especially one as prominent as the Kuchiki Clan."

Everyone looked at Sasakibe. He sighed, knowing what they were expecting to hear. "Head Captain Yamamoto swore me to secrecy, sorry."

Someone snorted behind the lieutenants. They all turned to see an incredibly fat man who had the look of an arrogant punk. It was Marechiyo Ōmaeda, the Lieutenant of Squad 2. "No wonder he became a lieutenant. Old Man Yama probably pulled a few strings."

Everyone was shocked and angered by this, especially Rukia. She knew for a fact that Ōmaeda became a lieutenant because his rich family pulled a few strings with Central 46. He had no right to be calling himself a lieutenant. The reason Akio became a lieutenant, however, was unknown to her. To everyone else's surprise, Akio said nothing. In fact, all he did was walk up to Ōmaeda and study him for a moment. He then smirked. "Very well, if I'm so weak, then prove it in a match tomorrow outside the Seireitei." He said.

Ōmaeda raised an eyebrow before Akio continued. "The match will be one-on-one, first one to concede loses."

Sasakibe stepped in. "Akio, you know the rules! Lieutenants can't..."

"...Release their Zanpakutō's in the Seireitei, I know." Akio finished.

Akio gave a calm, yet steely glare towards Sasakibe. "That's why I'm having it outside the Seireitei."

Akio turned back to Ōmaeda. "Well..." He began expectingly.

Omaeda grunted. "You're on newbie!" He said eagerly.

Akio smiled. "Very well then," he turned to the other lieutenants. "Do come to the match tomorrow, for I promise a spectacle."

"...A challenge!" Thundered Yamamoto.

"Lt. Ōmaeda challenge Akio to a sparring match tomorrow, sir." Reported Lt. Sasakibe.

Yamamoto sighed. "Akio agreed didn't he?"

"I'm afraid so, sir. I believe Lt. Ōmaeda might've stepped on your son's pride with his words." Sasakibe continued.

Yamamoto thought for a moment. "Let the challenge continue as it is." He decided.

"Sir?" Sasakibe began.

"Lt. Ōmaeda needs to learn respect. And I know my son, his pride wasn't just stepped on, but also he wishes to prove himself to the others. So allow the challenge to continue." Yamamoto explained.

"But aren't you concerned that Lt. Ōmaeda might defeat your son?" Sasakibe asked.

Yamamoto chuckled. "Once again, I know my son. He will defeat Lt. Ōmaeda, it's just a matter of how quick the match will be."

"It's this way, come on!" Shouted a Soul Reaper who was leading a group of friends to the location of the match between Lt.'s Yamamoto and Ōmaeda.

Among the people who were intensely interested in this match was the Captain and Lieutenant of Squad 11. Well, the lieutenant was interested, she just also happened to drag her captain as well. Yachiru Kusajishi was in high spirits the moment she learned of the fight. Shockingly, the captain wasn't, but as always, Yachiru managed to drag him along. "Come on Kenny, it's that way." Yachiru said, pointing to the direction the group of Soul Reapers were running.

Squad 11 Captain Kenpachi Zaraki sighed. "Why did you drag me to this again?" He asked.

"Because it's a fight," The little, pink-haired girl replied. "You like fights Kenny."

Zaraki shook his head. "I don't like fights I don't participate in. And besides, I know for a fact that Ōmaeda is weak as hell. Despite his insistence that he is incredibly strong."

Yachiru nodded in agreement. "But still, Old Man Yama's son is fighting. Don't you wanna see how strong he is? For all you know, he could be as strong as Ichi'."

Zaraki thought for a moment, the little girl did have a point. Yamamoto's son could be as strong as Ichigo, and boy, would he be thrilled if that were the case. He could stop chasing after Ichigo asking for rematches and ask the kid for a fight instead.

Ichigo was also dragged to this whole thing by Rukia. Of course he was glad to go, it was better than his stupid paperwork. "So it's Ōmaeda versus..." Ichigo began.

"Head Captain Yamamoto's son, Akio." Rukia replied.

"Isn't Old Man Yama a little old for kids?" Ichigo asked.

Rukia shrugged. "Every one of the Four Noble Clans needs a leader at one point, I think Yamamoto sees he needs to find a new one soon."

The two were then surprised to see Head Captain Yamamoto, along with Lt. Sasakibe, in the crowd. Ichigo and Rukia decided to join the two. "Head Captain Yamamoto!" Called out Rukia.

Yamamoto turned around. "Ah, Lt. Kuchiki, Capt. Kurosaki, I see you've decided to join the spectators. You're just in time, the match is about to start." He said, seeming surprisingly...happy.

Ichigo was shocked to hear this change in personality. "You seem in high spirits, sir." Ichigo pointed out.

Yamamoto nodded. "Why wouldn't I be?"

Ichigo shrugged. "I don't know, wouldn't you be opposed to this?"

Yamamoto chuckled. "As irritated as I am that Akio would agree to this, I will not get in his way. This is a battle of pride, Capt. Kurosaki, therefore, I cannot stop him."

Yamamoto then looked at the battlefield. "And it's not like this match will be long. Akio will make quick work of Lt. Ōmaeda, and then Lt. Ōmaeda will learn respect. Something I'm sure Capt. Soifon will appreciate."

Ichigo was shocked again. "Are you really that confident?"

Yamamoto chuckled again. "I'm not confident, I'm positive."

Akio and Omaeda then stepped forward. "You remember the rules right?" Akio asked.

"Duh! I'm Lt. Marechiyo Ōmaeda, the best damn Soul Reaper in the Seireitei and the one who will surpass Head Captain Yamamoto! The first one to concede loses!"

"Then lets get started already, I'm getting bored waiting." Akio said, smiling playfully.

Omaeda was furious with his calm demeanor. "I'm going to show you who's the best you daddy's boy!"

Omaeda drew his Zanpakutō and charged at Akio. Akio made no effort to move, he didn't even draw his Zanpakutō. This caused an uproar from the crowds. "Why is he just standing there?" Ichigo asked.

"He's not even going to defend himself?" Rukia asked, even more shocked.

"Kids got a death wish!" Someone else shouted in agreement.

Yamamoto was silent. Ōmaeda then took a vertical swing at Akio. What happened next shocked everyone. Akio took a quick step to the right and delivered an uppercut to Ōmaeda's jaw. Ōmaeda grunted and recoiled. He rubbed his jaw and glared at the man before him. "You'll pay for that!" Ōmaeda shouted.

"Take another shot then." Akio said, still wearing that playful smile.

Ōmaeda charged again and took a horizontal swing. This time, Akio jumped and delivered a dropkick on Ōmaeda's forehead. Ōmaeda fell to the floor. "Get up you fool!" Screamed the voice of Squad 2 Captain Soifon.

Ōmaeda quickly recovered and then growled at his opponent. He then started to swing madly, hoping to cut Akio in some way. Akio just jumped around Ōmaeda left and right. It seemed that he was just toying with the Lieutenant of Squad 2. After a knee to the gut, Akio jumped back and waited for the large man to recover. Ōmaeda soon recovered and gave his opponent an even more menacing glare. "Draw your Zanpakutō! Are you too proud to fight with it?" He asked angrily.

Akio chuckled. "I clearly don't need it against you."

Ōmaeda showed visible anger for a moment, then he smiled. "Then I guess you won't mind if I do this." He said confidently.

Ōmaeda pointed his Zanpakutō at Akio. Ichigo and Rukia immediately realized what he was about to do. "Crush, Gegetsuburi!" He shouted, releasing his shikai.

Gegetsuburi immediately changed into a large, spiked ball and chain. He then swung it in the air, twirling it around by the chain. "Watch out newbie!" He shouted, mockingly.

He swung Gegetsuburi at Akio. Akio quickly jumped out of the way. He then looked at the ball, as if studying it. "It looks like I won't win this one without my own Zanpakutō." He said to himself.

Ōmaeda brought back Gegetsuburi and swung it again. This time, Akio blocked with his zanpakuto. This amazed the crowd, especially Zaraki and Yachiru. "He's just like you Kenny. He's strong without releasing his Zanpakutō." Yachiru said, amazed.

Zaraki nodded, his interest in the young man had definitely increased now. Meanwhile, Ichigo and Rukia were growing increasingly amazed at his abilities. "You feel that, right Rukia?" Ichigo asked.

Rukia nodded. "His spiritual pressure is rising quickly. It's like with every attack Ōmaeda uses, he's simply increasing his power."

"Akio has a strange habit of constantly increasing his spiritual pressure." Yamamoto explained. "The times he does it the most, are when he gets bored during a fight and wishes to end it quickly. "That is what's happening at the moment."

Akio continued to block Ōmaeda's strikes with ease. Akio then took another moment to study his opponent. "He's getting frustrated...and tired, I may be able to end this soon." Akio said to himself.

"Come on!" Ōmaeda shouted. "Is that the best you've got?"

Akio smirked. "Well, he wants my best," He said to himself. "But I don't want to show everything..."

Ōmaeda took yet another swing at him and again, Akio blocked it. "Oh well, I promised a spectacle to the other lieutenants, I suppose they deserve a little demonstration."

Akio then raised his Zanpakutō. "You want the best I've got, Ōmaeda? Well here it is!"

Rukia's eyes widened. "He's going to release his Zanpakutō!"

Yamamoto nodded. "It's almost over."

Akio then shouted to the heavens. "Light up the sky, Kaminari!"

Akio's Zanpakutō was then covered by electricity. It then changed into a lance that was used during medieval times. The most notable feature on it was the lightning shaped designs that covered it. "Meet Kaminari, my Zanpakutō." Akio said, threateningly.

Ōmaeda smirked. "That's it? I expected more!"

Akio grinned. "And you'll get more."

Ōmaeda growled upon hearing this and swung Gegetsuburi for the umpteenth time. Akio swung Kaminari and hit the spiked ball. Ōmaeda then screamed as electricity coursed into his hands. Everyone was amazed as they watched the electricity course across the chain. Yamamoto then explained Kaminari to a stunned Ichigo and Rukia. "Kaminari has at least 10,000 volts of electricity stored inside it. He can use it to add extra power to his strikes, or use it as a projectile attack. Part of the reason Ōmaeda is feeling pain at the moment, is because the metal in his Gegetsuburi is drawing the electricity from Kaminari."

Ōmaeda dropped Gegetsuburi due to the obvious pain in his hands. He then saw Akio disappear from view. Akio reappeared in front of him. "It's over..." Akio said simply.

Akio slashed Ōmaeda's shoulder. Ōmaeda screamed as the electricity coursed through his body. Blood shot into the air and made its mark on the ground. Ōmaeda collapsed onto his knees. Akio stood over his opponent. "Say it..." Akio said quietly.

Ōmaeda whimpered. "I...I give up."

Akio smiled. "Good..."

Akio turned to his father and bowed. "Forgive me father, while I have brought honor to the Clan with my victory, I have also dishonored the Clan due to my brutal actions." He said sadly.

Yamamoto shook his head. "You have done no wrong my son."

Akio sighed. "Very well then..."

Akio turned to a member of Squad 13. "Bring a member of Squad 4 to tend to Lt. Ōmaeda's injuries." He said, clearly concerned about Ōmaeda.

Ichigo was amazed. "That guy...he was so powerful."

Rukia nodded. "And did you feel his spiritual pressure."

Even Kenpachi Zaraki was amazed. He then grinned. "Looks like I've found a worthy opponent Yachiru." He said, his lust for battle surfacing.

Yachiru giggled in response.

The doors to Las Noches' throne room swung open. Tia Hallibel couldn't help but notice that the palace hadn't changed much since Aizen's days. The designs remained practically the same. She then saw Benito sitting on Aizen's old throne. He smirked when he saw the four ladies walk in. He then turned to a tall, well-built man with light blue hair. "Told you they'd come eventually Grimmjow." Benito smirked.

The former Sexta Espada, Grimmjow Jaegerjacque, rolled his eyes. "Whatever, Beni." He said in response.

Benito then gave a lazy smile to Hallibel. "So, have you decided Tia?" He asked.

Hallibel narrowed her gaze her former lover. "We accept your terms Benito. My Fracciónes have promised to serve you and treat you with the respect that they treat me." Hallibel replied.

She then glared at him. "However, let me make something clear to you, ever since our experience with Aizen we've become...wary of trusting others. Therefore, if you betray us, I promise you I will kill you. Do I have your word that we can trust you?" She asked.

"Tia, my love, I can promise you that easily." Benito replied.

Hallibel smiled. "Very well then, what's our first move?"

Benito chuckled. "I have a friend who's taking care of that right now."