Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. I only own Asuna.
It seemed as though the walls were closing in on them as they continued running. Uryū glanced back, his eyes widening. "Don't look now, but that section we just came through is collapsing on us," he observed. "I'm running as fast as I can, but I still don't think we're going to make it through!"
Asuna glanced back seeing that what he said was true. "Then quit looking behind you and concentrate your efforts on running! Once the restricted current swallows you up, it's all over!" Yoruichi scolded them all as they continued to run faster.
From up top, the currents exerted a heap of their purple substance. It nearly fell entirely on them but they increased their speed just in time. Unfortunately, it could move on its own and reached for Uryū, since he was the closest to the back, his cape had of course been a disadvantage.
"Uryū! I knew that stupid outfit would get him caught." Ichigo halted and grabbed the hilt of sword, ready to use it when given the signal.
"Hold it, you mustn't do that Ichigo. The restrictive current entangles the spiritual body. If you reveal yourself using your zanpakutō , it'll swallow you, too." Yoruichi and the others stopped and watched as Uryū was dragged away.
Making a quick decision, Chad rushed forward, using his strength, he ripped Uryū's cape and freed him. "Thanks for that, Chad." Uryū thanked his tall friend.
Chad merely nodded and the proceeded to threw the Quincy over his shoulder and then the group ran like hell. "What do you think you're doing? Hey, put me down, will ya? I can run on my own!" No one listened to his pleas and continued moving forward.
Asuna dared a glance back and saw something out of the ordinary going on in the distance. "I don't mean to bother you while you're running but…something else is coming." A beam of light appeared before it burst through the currents, revealing an enormous, object started heading their way. "Yoruichi, what is that?!" She all but yelled as she ran faster.
"It's the Cleaner! It comes through here every seven days to clear out the passage way, and it's just our bad luck that today is the day! Don't look back at it!" He warned the group. "That'll only slow you down. Just keep running or it'll crush you to powder!" Yoruichi encouraged them. "Go, go! We're almost to the exit!"
"Guys, we're not going to make it!" Uryū yelled as the Sweeper quickly closed in on them. Asuna's eyes widened when Orihime turned around, facing the sweeper before placing her hands on her hairpins.
"Hinagiku, Baigon, Lily! Santen Kesshun, I reject!" A triangular, orange shield placed itself between Orihime and the Sweeper. The force of the impact sent the group flying out the Dangai and hurdling towards the ground.
Landing on her own two feet easily, Asuna coughed slightly before dusting off her shihakushō and made sure her zanpakutō was still in its holder that was strapped to her back. Confirming it was alright she sighed in relief.
"Is everyone alright?" Asuna questioned as groans in replies reached her ears.
Orihime checked on Ichigo as he laid in a comical way with his legs over his head. "Ichigo, the way you landed showed tremendous artistic flare!"
Ichigo in return grumbled, "Gee, thanks a lot."
Uryū stood up and adjusted his glasses. "I knew it would be rough getting through that gate, but I had no idea it would take such a toll on my equipment. I wasn't expecting to use my spare cape so soon." He pulled out another piece of clothing from his jacket, earning looks from Chad, Ichigo and even Asuna.
"Oh, man, don't tell me he brought a change of clothes." Ichigo huffed out as Orihime smiled.
"Guys, isn't this great? We all made it and everyone's okay!" Orihime piped in.
Yoruichi lunged at Orihime. "It's not great! We were lucky!" The cat smacked his head into Orihime's face, injuring her eye.
She held the said body part while crying in pain. "My eye!" Tears streamed down her face as Yoruichi stared at the girl.
"I told you not to expose your spiritual powers in there! We're fortunate that the Cleaner only made contact with the shield area. If it had even touched any part of the six-flowers themselves, we'd all be dead now." That was a little harsh.
"I…I didn't know…" Orihime stammered as Asuna walked forward.
"Yoruichi to be honest, she didn't deserve that. I think nobody deserved that. I mean lighten up. How was Orihime supposed to know that? And anyway, if it hadn't been for her quick thinking, we wouldn't have made it through that gate in the first place." Orihime stared at the girl in surprise.
In reply to Asuna's wonderful speech, the feline turned its head towards her. "I don't think any of you appreciate how serious the situation really is."
She rolled her eyes and sighed. Uryū glanced around. "Listen… Doesn't it seem awfully quiet around here?"
"Yeah… Is this place really the Soul Society?" Ichigo asked as they tried to find at least one soul in the village.
Yoruichi nodded. "Yes. And the specific area we are in is called the Rukon District. It's here in the Rukon District that souls come to live when they first arrive in the Soul Society. As a matter of fact, it's right on the perimeter of the Seireitei, where Soul Reapers live. It's the poorest section yet also the one with the greatest freedom, and it has the largest population of souls within the Soul Society."
"If that's true, then where is everybody?" Uryū asked as Asuna continued to stay silent and stared ahead.
"Hey, look at those buildings over there. Why do they look so different from everywhere else?" Ichigo observed the other section, which had a more formal and well-done structure.
"Just forget about that." Yoruichi said but the orange haired Soul Reaper didn't forget it.
"I know… I bet that's the Seirei – whatever you just mentioned – where all the Soul Reapers live!" He ran toward the other set of buildings, ignoring Yoruichi. "Alright you Soul Reapers, here I come!"
"Wait, stop you idiot! You can't run up to the gate like that! You'll be killed!" Asuna's eyes widened as enormous blocks that set into place on the ground in a flowing sequence until they entirely surround the Seireitei, she flash stepped towards Ichigo but found herself in the midst of dirt flying in all directions from the impact of the forming wall. Ichigo coughed out any dust that tried to get in his lungs.
"Well, well," a deep voice was heard over everyone. "It's been a long time since anyone has tried to pass through the Spirit Gate without a travel permit. And I don't get many guests these days, so welcome to you, little man and little girl."
The man speaking sure did surprise them all. It was a humongous being wearing a Soul Reaper uniform, half of it resting off his body. The left arm bore metal layers of armor with the other covered by the robe's sleeve. On his head was a red, cylinder-shaped hat with two yellow tassels on the side. His sideburns were so long that they had to be tied up near his chin. The same went for his waist-length hair.
Asuna stared up at him, her eyes wide. "Damn! Your big." Ichigo glanced at her.
A golden handle to a massive axe with red markings slammed itself down near Ichigo and Asuna. It caused rubble to fly everywhere, along with a new cloud of dust. "Jidanbō." The giant introduced himself as he glanced down at his two opponents. "Whenever you are ready, give it all you've got! And good luck."
"He's a leviathan." Uryū spoke up for the rest of them. "What kind of creature do you suppose he is? He is way too big to be a human being."
"He is known simply as Jidanbō. He was chosen from amongst the very best warriors the Soul Society has. His task is to guard the Hakutō Gate, one of four entrances that make up the Spirit Gate." Yoruichi said.
"He's the guard? If we intend to get through this gate, it looks like we have no other choice but to defeat him." Asuna placed a finger on her chin.
"Yes, but that will not be an easy task, I'm afraid. In the 300 years Jidanbō has served at this post, countless invaders have tried, but not a single one has ever broken through the Hakuto Gate. Jidanbō has become a legend of power and strength."
"How are we supposed to defeat somebody like that?" Uryū asked.
"That's where your intelligence and creativity come in. The first thing we need to do is to have a meeting to decide on a strategy. Ichigo, Asuna, let's start with – AHHH!" Poor Yoruichi didn't even see it coming. He knew it would happen but didn't expect it to be so soon. "No! Chad, Orihime, come back here, both of you! Have you lost your minds?!"
Jidanbō brought down his axe and forced Chad and Orihime to skid to a stop. He created a makeshift wall from the ground, surrounding him, Ichigo and Asuna.
"He's not only huge… He's insane!" Uryū confessed as Jidanbō chuckled.
"You two need some work on your manners. Are you country-bumpkins or something? We're civilized in this city. Here are the rules."
A finger went up with each one said. "Rule number one: always wash your hands before you sit down to eat. Rule number two: don't eat food that's fallen on the floor. Rule three: battles in the city are always fought one-on-one." The last rule shocked the two. They didn't think that was entirely fair at all.
"The kid with the spiky orange hair was the first to approach and challenge me, so he shall be my first opponent and then the girl with black h-," Jidanbō looked closely at Asuna and then blinked. "You look familiar but no matter. I will deal with her too. Then, I'll come back and deal with you two. I won't take long, promise…" He stomped away to face Ichigo again.
"Orihime," the said girl turned to see Chad whispering to her. "I'm going to wait for the right opportunity and punch a big hole through this wall. As soon as it's open, you aim Tsubaki at the big guy through the opening."
Asuna sighed lightly as she reached for her zanpakutō, her hand wrapping around the hilt, ready to draw it but a voice stopped her, "Asuna, right?" Ichigo asked and she nodded at him.
"I need you to stand down," her eyes widened. "Look I don't know you but if your by any chance related to Rukia, I will consider you as my friend so I'm asking you to stand down and let me handle this." She smiled lightly at his words and nodded before flash stepping a safe distance away.
"What was that? Don't tell me you two are still plotting schemes over there." Jidanbō smirked.
"I got your back, Ichigo." He nodded and offered a small smile.
Both teens sweat dropped. "Even his hearing is powerful!" said Orihime amazed.
"Orihime, Chad! Are you there?" Ichigo called from the other side.
"Ichigo! Yes, we're here! Are you alright?" She called back to him.
"Yeah," he answered. "I'm still alive and kickin'!"
"We're coming to help you. Just wait right there!" Orihime called from behind.
"Yeah, well, here's the thing, Orihime. I actually want you and Chad to stay put. I asked Asuna to stand down and let me handle this by myself."
Orihime protested against his decision. "What?! Ichigo, this is too big a job for even you to handle alone!"
"Don't worry! Just wait for me over there. It'll be okay." Ichigo reassured her and glanced at Asuna. "And if its to much to handle, I got back up."
Uryū rushed forward. "I refuse to do that!"
"Yeah, tell him!" Orihime encouraged Uryū.
"Ichigo, we can't afford to wait around. Instead of wasting time battling the guard individually, we've gotta attack together and get pass this gate!"
"You're here too, Uryū?" Ichigo questioned in a taunting manner.
Uryū's temple throbbed in response to Ichigo's idiocy. "I've been here the whole time! It's just like you to waste energy on stupid comments, Ichigo."
"Oh, shut up. You're giving me a headache!"
Chad silently walked up the rock border, becoming serious as he said, "Can you defeat him?"
"Hmm…" He massaged his neck while in deep thought. "Probably."
A fist started pounding against the other side of the wall. "Probably? Don't you understand that this is a life-and-death situation we're in here?!"
Ichigo let out an exasperated sigh. "Look, don't worry about it alright?"
"How can I not worry, Ichigo?" Uryū said.
"Listen, I'll tell you all an interesting little story." Ichigo started. "Remember when I was training with Mr. Hat and Clogs? He said it was going to take 10 days for my Soul Reaper powers to be completely restored. But as it turned out, it only took me five days. So, what do you think I did those other five days?"
"Knowing you, probably goofing off." Uryū answered.
"I fought with him the whole time, for so long, non-stop for five days and nights."
"I see," Uryū's muffled voice said. "And, you learned all his fighting techniques, right?"
"Wrong again."
"So what's your point, then?"
"I didn't learn a single thing about fighting, but in those long hours," Ichigo grabbed his Zanpakutō's hilt as the bandages unraveled. "I gained tremendous strength and stamina."
Asuna smiled lightly as she stood aside as Ichigo and Jidanbō stared down at each other while in their stances. "You done making speeches yet?"
"Look pal, I never asked for you to wait, so you could've attacked anytime, right?" Ichigo mocked.
Jidanbō growled inwardly with his own vein popping out. "So, you are a country-bumpkin after all. Didn't your folks teach you any manners? When someone is polite enough to wait for you, you should always say 'thank you'!" His mighty axe went up and came down, heading straight for Ichigo who challenged him.
As the weapon's sharp edge landed on its target, heaps load of rubble and debris flew in all sorts of directions. It even went over the rock wall the rest of the group was near.
Asuna merely closed her eyes, suddenly loosing herself in her own thoughts, everything around her dissapearing.
She wondered if they would ever make it out alive, if they did get the chance to get in. If this was the welcoming party they were having, she didn't want to stick around for the after party.
She blinked finding herself out her thoughts. "-once, I'll be able to give it everything I have. Of all the intruders who have tried to get past this gate, there have only been two who have come along before you who were powerful enough to stop my first thrust. But that is where the story ends, because neither they, nor you, could ever hope to fend off my second thrust!"
Ichigo prepared himself for the upcoming attack and once again stopped Jidanbō's axe. It was pretty powerful, though, for it even pushed Ichigo's hair back as sparks flew.
"Are you still standing?" Both had difficulty either holding up or pushing down the other's blade. "I guess I get to keep trying my attacks on you, then! See how you like this." Jidanbō let out a short laugh, bringing his axe away from the orange-haired boy. "Jidan Ten Strike Festival! One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six! Seven!" Each time the giant Soul Reaper counted, he swung his axe at Ichigo.
Asuna frowned. "What in the world is he doing?" She countered.
"Uh… Seven! Eight! Twelve! Nine! Six! Uh, wait," Jidanbō held the weapon high in the air. "I've never had to count this high before. But I must be at ten by now, so it's time to finish this!" With a single swing of his axe, he ended up leaving a crack in the gate behind him and sliced the rocks surrounding them in half.
Shielding her eyes, Asuna coughed. "Everyone alright?"
Finally, the madness died down and everyone watched the battle before them. "Got him…I think." The bottom half of the makeshift wall crumbled and fell. The smoke that hid Ichigo subsided, revealing the orange haired boy standing tall with Zangetsu held behind him.
"What? That's impossible! How can you still be standing after that attack, Spiky Head?"
Orihime became bubbly and filled with relief. "But he's still alright!"
"Are you finished, gatekeeper?" Ichigo opened his eyes, going back into a fighting stance. "Cause if you are, then it's my turn now!"
Beads of sweat rolled down Jidanbō's face. He held his head back in slight fear at what Spiky Head was capable of, but he quickly shook that fear off. "I'm not done. I'm not done! I just have to bring out some more weaponry!" As he said, he brought out yet another weapon from inside of his robes.
"He's got another axe!" She mumbled in disbelief under her breath as the giant took both mighty axes in hand, Jidanbō used his immense muscles to break off the armor on his left arm.
His face turned red with veins popping out in the process. The armor shattered and fell in front of Ichigo, who didn't budge a single inch as the pieces piled up. "My ultimate attack. See if you can withstand the Jidan Bonzai Strike Festival!"
Just before Jidanbō touched Ichigo, "Sorry, pal, but I'm gonna break your axes." He flicked his wrist, faced the silver edge of the zanpakutō upwards, and then sliced both of the giant's axes off the handles.
Quickly drawing her zanpakutō, Asuna skidded back as she shielded herself and this time, the blast was so powerful that Orihime had to use her Santen Kesshun.
The aftermath of Ichigo's attack cleared most of the battlegrounds. He even forced Jidanbō so far back that he fell and slide on his rear end. "What… What was that?"
The gatekeeper jumped back on his feet before scratching the side of his head with a chuckle. "Whoa, you almost got me that time! I can't believe I slipped and fell on my behind. It's been a long time since that happened. Uh, what's that weird look on your face for?" He pointed a thick digit toward Ichigo as he indeed gave him a confused sort of look.
"I bet you think you're the one who sent me flying backwards, don't you? You should really know better than that! But it's typical of a country-bumpkin like you to believe that a gatekeeper like me could be blown away so easily. All I have to do is make one more swing with my mighty axe and –." Jidanbō was horrified to see that his precious axes were now down to the golden handle. His shook so much that more drops of sweat formed on his face.
Yoruichi hopped up on a large piece of debris, or possible the axe. "Huh… It appears Jidanbō's mighty axes have been modified somewhat." Asuna placed her zanpakutō back in its holder and flash stepped towards the group.
"Well? Are you gonna say something or just stand there?" Ichigo leaned Zangetsu on his shoulder. He waited for the giant to respond but only received silence. For a short moment that is.
"My axes… My axes are ruined!" And cue the waterworks from the insane leviathan, making Asuna's eyes widen and sweatdrop. "Why did you have to do it? Why did you have to destroy my beautiful babies!?" He continuously banged the remains of his weapons on the ground, causing Ichigo to lift off one foot each time. It finally stopped, but Jidanbō still whimpered with tears coming out.
"This giant is such a big tough guy on the outside but on the inside…" Asuna started slumping her shoulders.
"He's more like a little boy." Orihime finished for her.
"Look, I'm sorry, about your axes and everything. But hey, I couldn't let you keep swinging them at me! Although, I guess I should have destroyed one of them and let you keep the other one. My bad." Ichigo fanned his hand to help the guard calm down.
Jidanbō sniffled a little and looked up at him. "No, you not bad. Even though you're my enemy, you still care. Instead of only thinking of your quest and your desire to get through the get, you're actually concerned for your opponent and his axes! What a good person you are, my spiky-headed enemy. What a generous heart you have!" He carefully held Ichigo with the tips of his fingers.
"Well, it's only natural to wanna console someone who cries so much, even if they are really…big." Ichigo consolted.
"I know. I'm acting like a big baby." Jidanbō stood and wiped away his tears. "All that crying and moaning over a couple of old axes! I'm nothing but an embarrassment of a man. I'm a total loser…"
". . .Huh?" Asuna mumbled confused.
"A total loser!" The giant shouted, arms shooting out into the bright sky. "You beat me, not only as a warrior and gate-keeper; you have defeated me as a man as well! It has been 300 years since I became the keeper of the Hakutō gate. And in all those years, never have I lost a challenge or allowed anyone to pass this way. I thought the day would never come, but you were the first man to defeat me." With his left hand, he wiped away any left over tears before standing straight again. "Therefore, I, Jidanbō, grant you passage through the Hakutō Gate."
"Yes!"
"You're allowing all of us to pass?" Uryū asked in disbelief and Jidanbō nodded.
"That's right. I was decisively defeated in battle by your leader. As a result, I have no right to stop anyone in your group."
"What?!" Uryū had red signs furiously shaking above his head as he jutted a finger at Ichigo. "Whoever said anything about Ichigo being our leader? Absolutely not!"
Ichigo simply stared at Uryū with a comical expression. "It's no big deal, but why are you upset, Uryū?"
"So your name is Ichigo, huh Spiky Head?" The giant asked and the orange haired boy nodded.
"That's right. I'm Ichigo Kurosaki."
"That's a pretty cute name for someone who seems to take himself so seriously, don't you think?" Asuna hid a grin behind her fist.
His temple throbbed as his teeth were akin to a shark's. "My name is not cute! Ichi means 'number one', and Go stands for 'guardian' and that's what I am!"
Asuna chuckled under her breath. The giant chuckled at his ranting. "Yeah, whatever. You take care now."
The gatekeeper placed a large hand on the West Gate's door. "I don't know why you are so determined to pass through this gate, but those you will meet on the other side are all very strong."
Ichigo faced Jidanbō again and smirked, "I'm aware of that."
"Very well. As long as you think you know what you're getting into… Now, stand back, and I'll open the gate for you." Jidanbō slid both hands underneath the door. "This is not going to be easy. It's been closed a long time." He began lifting the heavy entrance as his muscles' veins popped out. A bright light shined while the gate slowly opened.
"Amazing…" said Ichigo.
"I never thought anyone could lift something so heavy!" Orihime stated and Asuna nodded but frowned upon seeing Jidanbō's quivering hands.
Ichigo jogged to him to check out the problem. "Jidanbō, what is it? Why are you frozen like that? Is something wrong?" Ichigo saw an unknown figured approach them up ahead. They wore the same Soul Reaper uniform but had a white haori with the sleeves cut off. "Who is that?" He demanded.
"That is none other than… The Captain of Squad 3, Gin Ichimaru!" Jidanbō stated in a frightened tone. Asuna frowned as she turned her head towards the said Captain.
Moments seemed to pass as everyone stared at the silver haired Captain. "Ok now, who the hell is this?" Ichigo demanded as Asuna slowly drew her zanpakutō.
