Chapter 4: Tag games, investigations, Learning Bankai
(Repentance tower)
"Yoruichi, Sensei."
"Yoruichi...Shihoin."
The Kuchiki matriarch stared at her old friend, "It's been a long time over a century I believe. I thought you were dead."
Yoruichi eyed Byakuya before she saw Ichigo.
"What happened to Ichigo?"
Minato spoke, "I did it...the twerp actually thought he could fight me."
Masaki had instantly gone to her son's side, "Ichigo, my little Ichigo!" She then started to heal him with Kido.
"Then I will return the favor."
Minato explained, "I've heard of you Yoruichi Shihoin the 'Flash Goddess'. I even heard you and Bya-chan once played tag.. how about taking me on? I am a 'Flash Master' too."
Yoruichi smirked, "My...you talk big but let's see how you back it up?"
She then disappeared and Minato did as well but he disappeared with a yellow light.
Yoruichi appeared behind Minato but he quickly turned around and tried to slash Yourichi with his claws.
But Yoruichi appeared far away with Ichigo...but then in the blink of an eye Minato flashed right in front the ex-captain with a yellow burst.
Minato grinned with one clawed hand raised.
He tried to strike her but missed.
Yoruichi smirked as she appeared on a building along with Masaki holding Ichigo.
"I'll admit you're much faster than Bya-chan but you still can't catch me."
Yoruichi had to admit Byakuya has good taste in men.
"Oh really?" But then a familiar voice behind spoke
to Yoruichi's shock there was Minato right beside her! But how? He was still standing beside Byakuya! Then the Minato beside Byakuya vanished with a yellow light. It was an afterimage!
The blonde espada smirked, "When I was alive I was the fastest shinobi in the elemental countries not even Maito Gai with his gates open could hope to catch me!"
Yoruichi was stunned, "This man is unbelievable! He's actually faster than me!"
Byakuya had a slight smirk on her face, "Well Yoruichi it looks like my husband is the new God of Flash."
Minato spoke, "You can go free I just wanted to test you." Yoruichi and Masaki instantly flashed away.
Minato then flashed to his wife again.
"Minato-kun you are incredible."
Byakuya wrapped her arms around him.
Minato grinned, "Naturally! So shall we go and find our Sochi?"
"Yes, I'm ready to see our son."
Byakuya and Minato then turned to leave.
Ukitake spoke, "Byakuya wait! Where are you going? What about them?"
"I'm going with my husband to find our son...I have no interest in them. Do as you please."
She and her husband soon flashed away.
Ukitake then sighed, "Boy at least with that man here she's more life-like." Soon Rukia collapsed from the spiritual pressure. Hanataro ran to her worried.
But Kaien appeared in front of him, "Sorry Kid I'm taking her."
"Poor Rukia I'm guessing the orange haired kid...she left him to try and protect him...Ugh! Looks like I'll need to retrain her!"
"It looks like she was focusing the whole time...I don't blame her."
Ukitake sighed again, "Oh well I guess I better call them out."
"Hey! Sentaro! Kiyone! Come on out now!" soon his two third seats appeared.
After a brief argument they both stood to attention.
Ukitake sighed he did truly care for those two but they could be such trouble sometimes.
Soon he ordered Kiyone to go tell Unohana and Sentaro to place Rukia back in the cell...They both were both to obey until they saw Kaien! they both froze in shock.
Kaien thought, "Central 46 really is ordering this? This can't be right! What the hell has happened? A guy goes away for a few centuries and everything is all screwed-up!"
Kaien spoke, "Captain I'll take her." He then disappeared along with Rukia. Sentaro was stuttering as was Kiyone until she remembered what Ukitake ordered and went to fetch Captain Unohana.
Ukitake sighed, "At least I know Kaien will take care of her."
Hanataro was speechless.
"You're probably wondering why I'm letting you live." Ukitake said.
Hanataro spoke quietly. "Y...Yes."
"Why wouldn't I? We aren't sure who killed Aizen but...you Ryoka may have the answers we're looking for...I can't kill you until the investigation's over." Ukitake turned to look at the timid boy, "But more importantly...what you did may be questionable but you were trying to save one of my subordinates...I won't just stand by and watch you get killed."
(With Uryu and Orihime)
Uryu and Orihime had managed to steal some Soul Reaper outfits...Orihime's clever suggestion. They managed to fool them and were trying to head to the Repentance Tower where they thought Rukia was...but then a man with spiky black hair and aqua green eyes flew by them...the two Ryoka only caught a glimpse but saw Rukia in his arms.
Orihime spoke, "Uryu-kun that was..."
The Quincy nods, "Yes he has Rukia." The two decide to follow the man.
(With Kaien)
Kaien used shunpo and flew through the Sereitei listening as Rukia explained about her life since his 'death'.
Kaien whistled, "Wow you really went through a lot Rukia I'm sorry I wanted to come back sooner but I needed to train first."
Rukia nodded, "Yes...Kaien-dono." She still couldn't believe he was alive but here he was right in front of her...
Kaien was deep in thought, "What happened to this place in the past few centuries?"
(Near Sixth Division barracks)
Naruto had wandered away from Masaki and the others and made it to the Sixth Divsion barracks...but then he sensed a sinister presence behind him and turned to face a man with messy dark blue hair and green eyes. The man wore a black kimono and had a sword like many of the people Naruto saw. He even wore a white haori.
The man smirked and drew his sword.
"Control their minds...Saimin." His sword glowed purple.
Naruto felt a strange sensation and collapsed.
The man then picked up the young blond Kuchiki heir. "Hm...you have incredible spirit energy for a kid...you will make a fine solider for me." He shunpoed away.
(With Yourichi and Masaki)
Yourichi is slightly exhausted, "Phew! that's the cost of being away for a few centuries. A couple of hundred shunpo and I'm exhausted...I must be finally getting old."
Masaki giggled, "No, no Yoruichi you're just slightly out of practice."
The two shared a slight laugh before turning to face the orange haired youth on the ground.
"Get up Ichigo...you must become even stronger."
"When you awaken my little Ichi...I'll start teaching you about the true power of both your zanpakuto and some Kido."
After Ichigo woke up he had a fit until Yourichi and his mother explained to him about what they would teach him.
(In the secret training ground)
Yourichi explained, "Ichigo we don't have enough to wait for your wounds to fully heal."
"I know you're in pain right now but please try and bare with it."
Ichigo was determined to learn he then drew both his zanpakuto and released Hinotehime into Shikai state.
Masaki asked Yoruichi to allow her to teach Ichigo Bankai and some Kido, since he's her son and Yoruichi will teach him shunpo.
"Ichigo did you know Zangetsu is a constant release zanpakuto?"
Masaki stood across from her son while asking him this.
"It's a what? By 'constant release' do you mean like Kenpachi's?"
Ichigo was surprised.
"I see...you weren't made aware by them were you?"
Masaki sighed.
"Both your zanpakuto have a second release state." The hybrid informed her son.
Ichigo was shocked.
"The first release is called Shikai. The second is called Bankai. It's mandatory for a captain to have mastered both."
"With one exception, each and every captain has mastered Shikai and Bankai."
Ichigo was surprised, "One exception?"
"Kenpachi Zaraki sweetie!" Masaki sighed.
Masaki then told him, "In the enitre history of the soul society Kenpachi Zaraki is the only person to achieve captain rank without either Shikai or Bankai. The gotei 13 valued his fighting prowess and dedication that much. But of course you learned that from fighting him."
"So mom if you're a former captain then does that mean?"
"That's right...I have mastered both Shikai and Bankai."
"Now in the terms of your zanpakuto's fighting ability the difference between Shikai and Bankai...usually depend on the user's talents but it's essentially five to ten times greater."
Ichigo was stunned.
"Incredible isn't it?" Masaki smiled, but told Ichigo sternly, "However due to the huge difference even for someone with talent it could easily take more than ten years to master Bankai."
"What?"
Yoruichi then spoke, "When your mother says ten or more years she means normal training."
Masaki nods, "We're going to use a different method with you Ichigo...You'll learn Bankai in just three days."
(With Momo)
Momo had been sitting in her squad's holding cell but when Rangiku showed up she handed her a letter which she claims was written by Aizen...but was forged by the villain. The villain hoped to create chaos and disorder among the captains. Momo later after reading the letter broke out and headed for the third division barracks not believing what the letter said. Now she faced her dearest and oldest friend Toshiro Hitsugaya.
(With Toshiro)
Toshiro couldn't believe what he was hearing his childhood friend Momo claims Aizen said in his letter that Toshiro himself was the one who was threatening the Soul Society. Now Momo attacks Toshiro.
Toshiro tries to reason with her but it doesn't work she's too confused and distraught to think straight. Then Toshiro sees Gin grinning.
Toshiro growls and spoke, "I see this is your doing too huh Ichimaru?" He then dived down with his hand on his zanpakuto. But then Momo intercepts ...Toshiro curses inwardly, "Damn it I can't avoid her in midair!"
He had no choice and struck out at the fifth divsion lieutenant sending her to the ground in a heap.
Toshiro looked at her worried, "Momo!"
"My who would've guessed the captain of tenth division could be so cruel?" Gin shook his head, "Why'd you have to hit her so hard? The poor little thing was suffering."
Toshiro growled again, "Aizen...wasn't enough for you! You had to hurt Momo too didn't you!"
"Her hands are bleeding from gripping her sword so tightly."
The young taicho looked at his childhood friend.
Gin chuckled, "I have no idea what you're talking about."
Toshiro then released an icy blue aura, "I gave you a warning Gin...that if you ever made Momo bleed...I'd kill you!"
Gin sighed and his own violet aura came into existence, "Captain of tenth division if you insist on drawing your sword here I'll have no choice but to stop you."
The two auras grew bigger and caused the area to quake from the power.
Kira was shocked, "C-Captain..."
Gin spoke, "Move aside Kira you don't want to die do you?"
Toshiro spoke out. "Don't be stupid! just 'moving aside' isn't enough!"
He then pointed outward with his sword. "Leave! and when you can't see us anymore keep going! If you're within three Ri then I can't guarantee you won't end up dead!" The youngest captain then leapt into the air.
He then spoke his shikai release, "Reign Over the Frosted Heavens, Hyōrinmaru!" A dragon made of frozen water formed around him from his sword. the clear sky was now cloudy.
Kira was amazed, "Amazing spiritual pressure so dense that it's capable of altering the weather! So this is captain Hitsugaya's ultimate water-ice type zanpakuto...Hyōrinmaru!"
Toshiro then waved his sword and the dragon charged at Gin. Kira had no chance against the water.
Gin managed to dodge. But Toshiro appeared and used another swipe. Gin used his own zanpakuto to try and endure the hit but then the young white haired captain appeared behind him. Gin's arm was now frozen and immobile from the chain on Toshiro's sword.
Gin then turned his head and opened his eyes fully to reveal slitted crimson eyes, "Shoot to Kill, Shinso!"His zanpakuto suddenly extended and burst through his captain's haori heading straight for the shocked Toshiro. He ducked unfortunately now it headed straight for Hinamori!
Gin spoke, "Are you sure want to dodge it? The girl will die."
Toshiro watched with horror, "Momo!"
But then his sword was blocked by another. Rangiku appeared with her own zanpakuto blocking Gin's.
Toshiro was surprised, "Matsumoto!"
Rangiku spoke, "Sorry captain I had gone back to our squad barrack to wait for you when I sensed Hyōrinmaru's reiatsu and had to come back."
"Captain Ichimaru please with-draw your sword or you will face both of us." Rangiku asked.
(Sokyoku hill training ground)
Yoruichi watched as Ichigo stretched out his limbs...He had been training all day yesterday against his zanpakuto he had managed to pass Zangetsu's test and now was battling against Hinōtehime.
Soon Ichigo was done with his stretching and hopped up. "Okay I'm warmed up now."
He then placed his shirt back on. "Now where'd Yoruichi and mom go? I'm ready to begin."
Yoruichi was thinking whether or not to extend his training, his combat skills and spirit energy increased dramatically. Masaki managed to teach Ichigo some Kido.
Yoruichi thought. "I wonder if I should extend his training. Where did Masaki go?"
(Senzaikyu tower)
Rukia had been recaptured when Captain Tosen managed to use his Shikai to disable Kaien.
Rukia was surprised at what the guard told her, "What did you say?"
The lead guard spoke, "You didn't understand me? Then I'll say it again Rukia Kuchiki your execution has been changed once again...it will be tomorrow."
(fourth division infirmary)
Toshiro and Rangiku were looking over Momo.
Toshiro spoke, "Matsumoto thank you for coming..if you didn't Momo would be...dead."
Rangiku looked at her captain, "It's all right captain..." they both thought back to last night after Gin left.
"Gin that habit of yours hasn't changed..."
Just then they saw a hell butterfly and then there was an announcement, "Attention all captains and lieutenants! This is our latest development. The final time of Rukia Kuchiki's execution shall be 29 hours from now."
Toshiro was shocked and then turned to leave...
Rangiku noticed, "Captain?" She wondered what was going through her captain's mind.
Toshiro spoke, "Matsumoto we have to stop the execution!" Soon the two of them headed for Sokyoku Hill.
(Sokyoku Hill)
Two people sensed powerful spiritual pressure..the taller person spoke, "So that's his reiatsu."
(Training ground)
Ichigo was battling Hinōtehime and Yoruichi felt like something ominous was coming on the horizon. Then the top exploded stopping Ichigo's battle with his zanpakuto.
"So this is where you were." A familiar voice spoke, "So those are your zanpakuto...training for Bankai eh? You look like you're having fun."
Soon a familiar red head lieutenant came out from the smoke, "Mind if I join in?"
Ichigo was shocked, "Renji!"
"I know you're thinking what am I doing here right?"
Renji grinned.
"It's nothing there's just not much more time left...and I need a place to train."
Ichigo was surprised, "Not...much...more time left?"
"I'll tell him...They've changed the date of Rukia's execution..it will be carried out at...noon tomorrow."
Yoruichi, Ichigo, Zangetsu, and Hinōtehime were shocked at the revelation.
Renji spoke, "As much as I hate saying it...I'm not yet strong enough to save her yet."
"Relax I won't get in your way..."
His sword glowed,"I already know how to externalize my zanpakuto." A baboon with a snake tail appeared next to him.
Yoruichi spoke, "There's...no way he can fully master Bankai by then!"
Ichigo spoke, "Yoruichi are you sure you should say that? This training was your and mom's idea! So you don't get to give up!"
"But Ichigo if you don't achieve Bankai by tomorrow..."
Ichigo told her, "Mom I told both of you...I don't care what happens if I don't." He then pressed his broken sword to his palm, "If tomorrow's the deadline then I'll just take care of it today!"
(With Rukia)
Rukia was lying on the floor of her prison thinking about what to say for her last request.
Rukia spoke, "So tomorrow I die...But maybe I could ask them to let Ichigo and his friends go home. I am a Kuchiki after all so maybe they'll honor my request."
She then was thinking on her reaction to the news. Rukia knew it was because of the dream she had...the dream of that night the night Kaien Shiba had seemingly been killed by her hands. But then she remembered he was alive!
But however she still blamed herself for him becoming half-Hollow so she would allow herself to die.
(With Byakuya)
Minato told Byakuya he'll go look for their son, "I want to explore this place Bya-chan...I'll find Naruto." So after the two shared a quick kiss he flashed away.
The sixth division captain was walking when Ukitake came up and called her name,"Byakuya! There's trouble!"
"There's no need to tell me Ukitake...The hell butterfly has already informed me."
"Oh so you already know?"
Byakuya nodded, "Yes. So what of it?"
Ukitake was shocked, "W-What?"
Byakuya didn't even face her fellow captain, "If Rukia is to be executed tomorrow then I accept it.."
She then started to walk off, "Do not bother me with such trivial matters..."
But Ukitake grabbed her haori.
"Why you're...heartless! Didn't you hear me? Don't you even care? It's tomorrow! Tomorrow! By tomorrow Rukia will be-" Suddenly his sickness started to affect him again and he coughed a bit.
Byakuya glanced at him and spoke, "Don't strain yourself Ukitake...you'll only shorten your life."
The sixth division captain continued, "You've already let one of your people die once before...two or three more make no difference."
"And in any case Rukia is a member of my clan...you are not the one who decides whether she lives or dies."
She then looked back at the thirteenth division captain, "Do not do anything foolish."
Byakuya then flashed away to find her son.
Ukitake then reminisced about his former lieutenant Kaien knowing he wouldn't just let Rukia die...and even now when he was half-Hollow he still tried to save her only to be overpowered by Tosen...4th squad had been called to pick up the injured Kaien.
Ukitake spoke, "A lone captain making a fuss won't be enough to sway the tribunal." Ukitake then went to his barracks to pick up something...
Rukia once again relived that night when she had to kill Kaien to save him yet he came back as a half-Hollow soul reaper and would probably be tried as a hollow and executed...
Rukia thought sadly, "I did everything for myself...I'm not worth shedding blood over...Ichigo! Kaien-dono!"
(Next morning)
Rukia was dragged off by the guards...
(Sokyoku Hill)
Rangiku, Toshiro were standing there as were Gin and Izuru.
(Squad 11 barracks)
Two low level guards were arguing about stuff...when they heard a rumbling and saw their captain Kenpachi running by...they tried to appase him only to watch as he ran by.
Ikkaku came by and scolded them...Yumichika threatened them...they were shocked to see Makizo Aramaki with them...
Kenpaichi asked Orihime for directions...Yachiru headbutted her excitedly and told Kenpachi the way.
Unfortunately Yachiru sucked at directions...Kenpachi was so annoyed he decided to just trust his instincts.
In the holding cell Uryu was babbling about a butterfly and Ganju mentioned about it. Which escalated into a slight arguement with Uryu...then they were stopped when Kenpachi came crashing in and with Orihime much to their shock.
(Sokyoku Hill, training ground)
Renji has finished his training and has achieved Bankai...He sheathed his sword ready to leave, "All right I'm going."
Ichigo spoke. "See you later Renji."
As Renji walked by he asked. "Yoruichi will he really be ready in time?"
Yoruichi didn't know herself...
Renji explained. "I'm not asking if he'll be killed..I can see he's come a long way. I'm asking whether or not he can achieve Bankai."
Ichigo faced Hinōtehime and Zangetsu both at once...he's already achieved Bankai last night while Yoruichi and Masaki were gone investigating...he's training now to extend the amount of time he can hold Bankai.
Yoruichi told Renji that she truly believed he could achieve Bankai.
Ichigo overheard them and chuckled in his mind, "They don't know I already achieved Bankai last night!"
(Sixth Divsion barracks)
Byakuya was standing in front of a shrine gazing at the picutre of her first late husband...Byakuya cared for both her husbands equally she never prefered one over the other.
"Captain Kuchiki it's time to head to Sokyoku Hill."
"Very well." Byakuya closed the shrine, "I'll go right now...Hisano-kun..."
She also wondered, "Minato-kun...I wonder where you are now in the Sereitei?"
(Sokyou Hill)
Minato was hidden on the hill, "Bya-chan told me this is the ground where her younger sister will die...I can't just let this happen! I know Bya-chan regrets not being able to save Rukia herself...I'll do it for you Bya-chan."
The Cero Espada stayed hidden under a genjutsu.
(Seventh Division barracks)
A man with an afro and sunglasses raced to his captain's quarters...he slipped but managed to turn it into a sliding bow.
He spoke apologitically, "Captain sir! I apologize! I Tetsuzaemon Iba fell asleep on the toilet! For that I'll slit my own stomach!"
A tall man wearing an iron helment and gloves spoke, "You have no need...I'm ready." He is Sajin Komamura captain of seventh division he wears the helment to hide his acutal face...due to being shunned by the others when he was younger.
"But you hadn't needed to concern yourself Tetsuzaemon."
Iba spoke, "Sir I don't follow."
"Don't lie...you thought I...had doubts about the execution. So you tried to delay my departure so I would have time to think."
Iba nods. "Yes sir...it's true."
Sajin assured his lieutenant, "Don't worry I have no such doubts...Everything I do is out of gratitude to Captain-commander Yamamoto."
He explained, "Due to my appearance I was shunned by all...but Captain-commander Yamamoto took me in...the least I can do is repay his kindness. I have no doubts. Should he ever need my life...he shall have it."
Sajin then asked someone behind him, "How do you feel...Tosen?"
A dark skinned captain with braided dark violet hair and wearing a visor over his blind eyes was seen standing there with his own lieutenant.
Tosen spoke, "I'm doing just fine of course...The only path in these blind eyes is the path of the least bloodshed...I walk the same path as you Komamura."
(Second division barracks)
People were discussing about the execution..but stopped when Soifon and her lieutenant came walking by.
The lieutenant snorted while eating a bag of chips. He was a tall ugly looking man wearing a scarf as well as the usual soul reaper outfit. He is named Omaeda Marechiyo.
Marechiyo spoke, "They're idiots eh captain? Talking about the whether the execution is right or wrong!"
"Fools...the execution doesn't concern me...I only care about my honor and duties as a taicho of the gotei 13."
the second division taicho spoke emotionlessly, "Anyone who gets in the way of that is my enemy."
"And I kill my enemies...It's that simple."
Marechiyo was picking his nose. "I see."
"That goes to you too Omaeda."
He gazed down at his captain.
She spoke threateningly, "Get in my way and you are my enemy."
Marechiyo knowledged that. "Y...Yes captain."
(Hidden)
Aizen who was thought to dead was alive and investigating something, "Whew I'm glad I managed to use Kyoka Suigetsu into fooling that bastard into thinking he actually killed me! He's dangerous and I have a feeling he has something to do with Captain Hirako's disappearance."
Next time: The execution begins! Stop the Sokyoku! Captains battle!