SailorStar9: This is the start of the new arc of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts? Read and review.

Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot bunny. Heck, even the pairings aren't mine.

Prologue: The True Mastermind Revealed!

"How convenient." Inaba droned as he approached the defeat Ichigo and Rukia. "You people could potentially interfere with my plans. I appreciate being able to eliminate you right here." he was cut off when Renji's Zabimaru smashed into him from the side.

"Yo, Ichigo." the redhead grinned. "You've really stepped into it this time, haven't you?"

"Let go of the girl." Hitsugaya informed Reigai Kira after Reigai Isane was taken out. Smacking the Kira clone, he claimed Nozomi and Shunpo-ed off before Inaba's attack hit.

"Put her down!" Inaba chased after the ice Captain.

Landing on a post of the abandoned oil field, Hitsugaya let Senbonzakura's petal wave wash over and close in on Inaba who took to the skies to avoid the attack.

"They just keep coming out from the woodwork." Inaba snorted.

"Nii-sama." Rukia blinked.

"Such a shameful defeat, Kurosaki Ichigo." Byakuya remarked.

"Wait, you guys are the real thing, right?" Ichigo wondered.

"Well, duh." Renji scoffed. "It ain't just us."

That said, Ikkaku and Yumichika appeared, followed by Hisagi and Ōmaeda. Matsumoto made herself known beside her Captain as Komamura and Isane showed themselves. Iba and Kira also showed themselves, along with Tula with Nemu beside her. Zaraki had also moved in with Yachiru on his back.

"You're all..." Ichigo looked around at the assorted Shinigami.

"The real ones?" Inaba twitched.

"Captain Kurotsuchi, this is your problem." Tula told the scientist. "Deal with it."

"I intend to." Mayuri answered. "What interesting things you have been doing." he addressed his subordinate. "Forgetting your place, for one."

"Well, if it isn't Captain Kurotsuchi." Inaba mocked. "You've graved us with your presence sooner than I expected."

"You have been incredibly late with your report, don't you think?" Mayuri retorted. "Thanks to you, I've been stuck rescuing this worthless bunch when I have far more better things to do. Quite the thankless job. I look forward to paying you back for it. A million times over."

"Most amusing, sir." Inaba fired back. "You appear to believe that you've won, but I assure you you're mistaken. This is a temporary withdrawal."

"You bastard!" Ichigo barked when Inaba opened a Senkaimon. "Wait!"

"Stop, Ichigo." Renji chided.

"The Dangai is presently under his control." Mayuri reminded. "If someone as pitiful as you were to charge in without thinking, you would most certainly be doomed. Though if this folly is your way of saying you wish to die, far be it from me to stop you. It's exactly the kind of death I would expect of you."

"I look forward to demonstrating my true power to you all once I've reclaimed Nozomi." Inaba declared before entering the Senkaimon.

"Your true power?" Hitsugaya echoed.

"That is when Soul Society and the Real World will fall under my control." Inaba bragged. "Well then, esteemed Shinigami, and the Shinigami Daiko, let us meet again some day."

"Like hell I am letting that guy control anything." Ichigo seethed after the Senkaimon closed.

Omake: Shinigami Zanpakutō Introductions

Kon: (In Ichigo's body and still trapped in Inaba's Shitotsu Sansen) Man, that was a close one. (Sighs in relief when the Bakudō fades)

Ichigo: (With Tula and Rukia in tow) Are you guys OK?

Rukia: (Helping Ichigo with Sado) Are you all right, Sado?

Inoue: (Helping Tula with Ishida) Hang on, Ishida.

Tula: (Chiding) It isn't like you to be this reckless.

Ishida: Sorry about this.

Kon: (Gushes and feigns wounded) Nee-san, me too! Injured person here! Can't move a muscle! Hey wait! (Wails when he is completely ignored) Carry me on your back! Let me lean on your shoulder. Don't abandon me.

SailorStar9: In the next chapter, In the next chapter, Ichigo, Kon, Inoue, Ishida and Sado are all in Urahara's shop looking after Nozomi when Rukia appears to inform Ichigo to join the Soul Reapers in his room to formulate a strategy on Nozomi's protection.

Now that's done, read and review.