"You might want to think about heading back before the shit hits the fan, Isane." Iba stated as he turned his gaze to the squad 4 captain.
Ikkaku snorted.
"The same goes for you, Tetsuzaemon, unless you want to lose your position as captain, you should both go…" Ikkaku retorted.
"I'm not really concerned with what you think I should do." Iba countered stubbornly.
"Tch. Don't say I didn't warn you…" Ikkaku replied.
Isane sighed, bringing her hands up between the two men before she spoke.
"The way I see it; they are expecting all of you to be on your own, with us, it might be able to make a difference." Isane pleaded.
"What makes you think we want your help?" Ikkaku growled.
"Look, I know what your skill level is; I am not offering my assistance in this fight as a way to demean you or your squad, I simply wish to fight for my captain's honor, for the same reason you are fighting." Isane countered.
"I can respect that, but, it doesn't change the fact that you're a healer…things could get pretty ugly in the next couple minutes." Ikkaku retorted.
"I am an officer of the Gotei 13; I may be a healer, but I also know how to fight." Isane challenged.
"Just let them stay if it's what they want, not our problem if they want to risk everything…" Yumichika stated before jerking his head to his left.
Ikkaku followed his gaze, turning his attention to the sounds in the distance—they're not even trying to hide their footsteps, and from how heavy they sound, I bet that's Muguruma.
"Too late now, if you're gonna fight you might wanna get ready…" Ikkaku snapped as he turned on his heel and called out his instructions.
"Arm yourselves and prepare for battle!" Ikkaku yelled out to his men.
One by one each member of the 11th division stood to their feet, the sound of steel leaving sheaths echoed off the treetops as the hum of impending war hovered in the air around them. The trees that had once given them cover now felt more like a hindrance as Ikkaku gripped the hilt of his Zanpakuto.
"Half of you face the east, we're expecting attack from both sides, keep your eyes open; Ninja's will be dispatched!" Ikkaku ordered as he stepped forward with a grin.
Isane Kotetsu inhaled a deep breath as she caught sight of another captain's haori stomping forward from the bushes. Without another thought she reached her right hand to her left hip and pulled her own Zanpakuto free from its sheath and called upon her Shikai.
"Run! Itegumo!"
The sound of Isane's command caused confusion as Kensei Muguruma turned his gaze in her direction, his lips parting as he realized the squad 4 captain's intent to fight.
"What the hell are you doing, Isane!?" Kensei yelled, giving away his position; knowing the squad 11 men wouldn't move forward unless outright challenged.
"Fighting to the death, if that's what it takes!" Isane countered as another wave of anger assaulted her—the memory of my captain will not be in vain!
Shuhei Hisagi and Mashiro Kuna stepped forward flanking their own captain on each side, all three foes holding their unsheathed Zanpakuto.
"You going to do the right thing, Muguruma?" Iba called out to him as he walked forward, taking his place at Isane's side, blade in hand.
"What the hell are you talking about? I'm here on orders to collect deserters, and that's what I'm going to do!" Kensei snapped.
"Is that right? Then why don't you quit stalling and bring the fight to us then." Ikkaku snarled.
Kensei turned his head allowing himself to meet the former squad 11 lieutenant's gaze—behind it, he could see the man's resolve—this isn't going to be as easy as I thought…
"Don't allow Yumichika to corner you, keep him in the open." Shuhei stated as he narrowed his gaze to the former 3rd seat of squad 11.
"What?" Kensei spat as his brow furrowed, wondering what it was his lieutenant knew that he didn't.
"Just trust me." Shuhei replied.
Ikkaku's grin widened as he heard a terse command coming in from behind him.
"Move out!" Soifon demanded as she appeared on the scene, not wasting her time trying to reason with Zaraki's men.
One by one a barrage of black clad Ninja's appeared raising their steel blades aiming for vital areas that should have taken down the men they perused, but the Zaraki squad held their ground as the sound of clanging swords set the battle in motion.
With a rush of adrenaline Ikkaku and Yumichika turned their bodies back to back, Ikkaku keeping his gaze to the right while Yumichika watched the left.
Extend, Hozukimaru!"
"Bloom, Fuji Kujaku!"
Kensei Muguruma sprang forward into the melee; his two co-lieutenants not far behind as a rush of commands sounded off in unison, almost seeming to meld together. Kensei pushed forward with his Shikai, intending to end the situation as quickly as possible, as he swung his right arm sending a green shockwave of air hurling towards Ikkaku. Ikkaku let a grunt as the attack made contact with his right shoulder and burst, causing Ikkaku's flesh to rip open on contact.
"Looks like you're my opponent then…" Ikkaku called as he stepped forward with a smirk.
Kensei rolled his eyes as the stubborn bastard charged at him—should have known this asshole wasn't going to make this easy! Letting out two more gusts of wind in Ikkaku's direction Kensei figured the man would yield to the oncoming attack, but he didn't.
Kensei gritted his teeth as Ikkaku lifted the wooden staff in his right arm; the wound to his shoulder not making one damn bit of difference as the crazy bastard walked right between the two shockwaves of green wind. Kensei lifted his forearm just in time to block the heavy blow from the former squad 11 lieutenant as his staff aimed for his left side.
"Split Apart, Hozukimaru!" Ikkaku yelled.
Kensei grimaced as the blade attached to the end of Ikkaku's now mobile three part staff slashed him across the back of his left shoulder, spurting blood across the trees behind him. Kensei lifted his right arm as he pivoted his large frame and swung out with his blade aiming for Ikkaku's sword arm. Ikkaku moved forward into the attack allowing Kensei's blade to dig into his flesh as he barreled forward with his left hand, his bare knuckles meeting the squad 9 captain's jaw.
Soifon gritted her teeth as she watched from her position; it should have been easy for the punishment force to take down Zaraki's men; but it seemed they all shared in their former captain's lust for blood; It didn't matter how many lashes her Ninja's landed, Zaraki's men kept getting back up to fight back, and now, her men were the ones getting injured.
Thinking the best option to win would be to take out their leader, Soifon turned her attention to Ikkaku Madarame and let out a huff as she witnessed the man land a harsh punch to the squad 9 captain's jaw—Ikkaku is only a lieutenant, yet he's going toe to toe with Captain Muguruma?
Out of the corner of her eye Soifon noticed the flashes of white mixed up within the melee and her lips parted—what the hell are they doing here!? Isane Kotetsu had positioned herself directly between both Ikkaku and Yumichika giving them assistance from those who wished to attack from behind, while Iba kept close to her side, now fighting off Mashiro Kuna—It looks like I have no choice but to treat them as my enemies as well…
Yumichika lashed out with his forked Shikai against the squad 9 lieutenant just as the chain of his Shikai wrapped wound the forearm of Yumichika's sword arm. Instead of trying to pull away, Yumichika leaned in grabbing the chain with his left hand, the motion catching Shuhei off guard, he had no choice but to barrel forward as Yumichika swung Shuhei around by his own weapon.
In the process Yumichika freed himself from the chained double scythe. Shuhei's gaze widened as Yumichika's arm raised, his violet gaze narrowed as he landed a savage strike across the squad 9 lieutenants chest, blood splayed in the air spattering across Yumichika's face as Shuhei forced himself to keep his footing.
"You really think you're going to be able win against us?" Shuhei breathed as he righted himself for another attack.
"It looks like we're not to be underestimated!" Yumichika countered with a smirk as he wiped the squad 9 lieutenant's blood from his cheek.
"You're fighting for nothing…" Shuhei taunted.
"It may seem like nothing to someone like you; but to us, we're fighting for everything!" Yumichika snapped.
"You really want to push this that far?" Shuhei continued.
"I'll take this as far as I have to; I will fight until I have nothing left, you'll have to drag my bleeding corpse back to the Seireitei!"
Kenpachi jarred awake at the sound of squeaking hinges. As his eyes opened he was hit with a piercing ray of sunlight; forcing his eyes to close again, making it difficult to figure out the reason behind the door being opened.
Kenpachi listened as the sound of something scraping against the concrete filled his ears; so many hours locked in complete silence, the sound made his skin crawl like nails on a chalk board. Kenpachi felt something heavy hit against the side of his right arm just as the door was forced back closed, the clicking sound of the lock echoing, causing Kenpachi to curse out loud.
"Fuck!"—I wasted a perfectly good opportunity…
Kenpachi turned his head as the smell of food wafted in the darkness, but the assault from the sunlight made his vision weaker. Kenpachi couldn't even make out his own hand in front of his face. Kenpachi reached over, grimacing against the pain that shot out across his chest as he felt out with his hand. Kenpachi let out a snort as his fingertips hit the side of a bowl, inside it felt like rice with some sort of slop on top of it.
"What's the fucking point!?" Kenpachi grated as he reached his hand back and laid flat on his back.
"Eating will help stabilize what strength you have left, that is, if you plan to escape…" Aizen spoke lowly.
"Not Hungry…" Kenpachi growled as he lifted his right arm and pressed his palm over the left side of his chest—bleedings stopped, I guess the wounds healing over again…
"He is right ya know, if you really plan to escape you should eat."
Kenpachi's eye jerked open at the sound of the voice he'd just heard—what the hell?
"You hear somethin' just now?" Kenpachi asked aloud.
"I did not." Aizen answered, the tone of his voice sounding normal and nothing like the one Kenpachi had just heard.
"He can't hear me, dumbass, only you can." The voice continued.
Kenpachi let out a ragged breath as he lifted both of his hands allowing them to cover his face—get a fuckin' grip, will ya? Ain't no way I'm hearing voices!
Kenpachi felt a sting of pain as his heart rate began to speed up as sweat began to collect across his brow. Kenpachi lowered his hand back down to the bowl—maybe I should eat after all. Kenpachi grimaced as he gripped the bowl with his left hand and using his right forearm he pushed himself back up into a sitting position. Kenpachi gritted his teeth as he leaned back against the stone, allowing a deep grunt to escape as he squeezed his eyes shut against the pain he shouldn't be feeling.
With a trembling hand Kenpachi dug his fingers into the food and brought it up to his lips forcing himself to chew and swallow the food even though his stomach clenched in protest. Kenpachi ignored his stomach as he forced himself to keep eating the mediocre food that had been given to him.
Kenpachi allowed the bowl to drop back down to the floor once he'd managed to finish its contents, as his stomach expanded from being filled Kenpachi felt his energy begin to rise a little; the uncontrollable tremors in his body subsiding.
"Now break that bowl and use it!"
Kenpachi paused as he allowed his eyes to open—I can't see shit in front of me, is someone else in here!?
"Who's in here!?" Kenpachi growled into the darkness demanding to know.
Sosuke Aizen allowed his left eye to open even knowing he wouldn't be able to see the man who shared his prison—it would appear it's already started to begin…
Ikkaku Madarame staggered back as the captain of squad 9 lashed out with a crushing wave of spiritual pressure along with six gusts of green wind. Ikkaku gritted his teeth as each gust hit its target bursting along each side of his ribcage and both shoulders.
Kensei stepped forward feeling a little bit more confident against his opponent now that he'd managed to get the crazy bastard back a few yards. The two men met gazes and Kensei felt the sudden boost in confidence dwindle as he met the crazed look in the man's eyes—he's not fighting for himself right now, or for the sport of it; he doesn't even give a shit if I manage to kill him.
"You really willing to die over this, Ikkaku?" Kensei yelled, his brow furrowing in agitation.
"You're damn straight I am. If you think you have what it takes then come at me." Ikkaku snarled.
"Bankai! Tekken Tachikaze!" Kensei yelled as a massive cyclone of wind surrounded his frame causing Ikkaku to do nothing more than chuckle.
Kensei stepped forward, his own resolve clear as the purple armor of his Bankai surrounded both of his arms and around the back of his shoulders, in each hand Kensei gripped a pair of black and silver knuckle blades.
"This is your last chance; you're not going to be able to win against me with just a Shikai!" Kensei warned.
Ikkaku allowed his head to swing back as a roll of manic laughter rolled from his chest.
Kensei raised his brow at the man and for the briefest moment he felt a twinge of fear—if I didn't know any better, I would think that was Kenpachi Zaraki laughing at me…
"With just my shikai, you say? Well in that case….BANNNNKKKAAAAIIII!"
"Ryumon Hozukimaru!"
Kensei felt his lips part and the breath leave his chest as he watched Ikkaku Madarame slam the pieces of his wooden staff together as a gust of red spiritual energy burst forward shielding the former squad 11 lieutenant from Kensei's vision.
Kensei took a step back, not knowing what to expect. As the Crimson wave of spiritual pressure lessened the view was clear. Ikkaku stood with a weapon unlike any Kensei had ever seen before. The massive steel like blade that resembled an axe's edge hovered over Ikkaku's frame complete with a handle connecting to each side, a red dragon appeared along the frame of the axe like blade lit up by energy a third of the way; in his hands, Ikkaku held two more giant pummel like blades.
Soifon's steel grey eyes darted across the forest floor at the melee in front of her, a rush of frustration washing over her petite frame as she watched her men being bested by a group of roughnecks with no cares of whether they lived or died. Clenching her hands at her sides Soifon looked to the middle of the chaos going on before her, little by little Zaraki's men were somehow gaining!
"I've had enough of this! If I take out Madarame now, it will put an end to this!" Soifon grated as she reached her hand back pulling her Zanpakuto free from its sheath.
"Sting all enemies to death, Suzumebachi!" She grated as the black and yellow stinger appeared over her right middle finger, attached to an adorning wrist sleeve.
"Why the hell is Muguruma just standing there talking!? It's not like we can reason with these animals!" Soifon growled as she braced herself to make her move.
In a flash Soifon ran forward and thrust her body into shunpo, mid-way in the air she realized her error as a massive wave of red spiritual pressure surrounded Ikkaku Madarame. Ikkaku appeared just as she used her stealth move; Utsusemi.
Using the move allowed her frame to move to the left and prevent herself from falling atop the large axe like blade that blocked a direct line to Ikkaku's body but it seemed her tactics had been in vain as Ikkaku raised both of his arms gripping the middle handle and begun to spin the colossal blade's in a clockwise motion.
Soifon let out a deep grunt as one of the blades connected to the middle swung around tossing her body backward as the silver edge tore through the flesh of her lower abdomen. Soifon let out a huff of air as her eyes widened in disbelief; both of her hands reaching down to inspect the unexpected wound that had been inflicted. With a hard thud, Soifon landed atop a downed tree sideways on her ribcage not far from the melee.
"Fuck!" Soifon grated as she reached her bloodstained hands up and prepared to stand.
Ikkaku turned his gaze trying to figure out what it was he'd just hit with his blade. As he turned to the fight behind him he realized the release of his spiritual pressure had been too close to his comrades; it seemed like he'd inadvertently sent both Yumichika and Isane flying forward due to the gusts.
"Pretty ballsy move you just pulled there, taking out half of your team with it." Kensei sneered.
Ikkaku turned his gaze back to the man in front of him and snorted.
"Tch, taking a ride on a little breeze won't hurt 'em much." Ikkaku countered as he leaned his body forward and raised both of his arms in preparation for attack.
"I'm feelin' lucky today, are you Muguruma?"
"I wouldn't make any sudden moves!"
Soifon lifted her head as she heard the threat—how the hell did he get over here so fast!?
"It seems Ikkaku isn't in the mood for playing any games; the blast of his spiritual pressure combined with his spinning sent a lot of us flying around; I guess today I'm the one who is lucky." Yumichika boasted.
"What makes you say that? I'm a captain; you're merely just a 3rd seat!" Soifon growled as she forced herself up to her feet.
"Actually, if you want to get technical I'm not even that, anymore…" Yumichika countered as he raised his Zanpakuto.
"So I guess there is really no sense in me hiding this any longer!" Yumichika continued as his violet gaze narrowed at the squad 2 captain.
"Hiding? You've been hiding power too!?" Soifon accused as she stepped forward about to spring her own attack.
"Tear in Frenzy! Ruri'iro Kujaku!"
Soifon stilled, her steel gaze widening as Yumichika lifted his left hand to the blade, a bright white light gleaming of the edge of steel.
"What the hell is this!?" Soifon cried as she looked down realizing she had somehow been covered with bright colorful vines on all directions.
"Careful Captain; the more you struggle the more of your Reiatsu my little buds will collect…" Yumichika smiled.
Soifon's gaze darted to the small flower like buds that had begun to grow along the sides of each vine. Soifon braced, attempting to use shunpo in order to escape but like an elastic band she was hauled back in place by the vines.
"You son of a bitch!" Soifon spat as she pushed her spiritual pressure forward attempting to use Shunko in order to burn the offending vines away from her but just like the bastard had warned her the buds only sprouted into flowers, collecting her energy.
"I should drain you dry after attempting to kill Ikkaku…" Yumichika threatened.
Soifon narrowed her gaze at the man and lifted her lips in a sneer.
"I don't give a damn what you do!" She retorted.
"Oh? I really don't think that's the case. Tell me, Captain Soifon; what you would do if it had been Yoruichi who had been confined?" Yumichika asked.
Soifon's eyes widened and her chest heaved at the mere thought of Lady Yoruichi being held within the Muken.
Yumichka watched as the petite captain's knees gave out from under her as his flowers pumped the Reiatsu from her small frame; it wouldn't be long now and she would have nothing left, a small white lily already beginning to come to full bloom at the end of one of his vines.
"I'm going to allow you to live; it would be wise not to make me regret that decision!" Yumichika stated before allowing the vines of his Shikai to pull back but not before reaching down and grabbing one of the white lilies.
Soifon let out an exhausted sigh as her body was released from the grips of Yumichika's vines; no longer having enough energy to support herself she fell forward landing on her front in a mess of foliage—I can't believe he's been holding back a power like this for so long! I can't even move!
Soifon used what little energy she had left to force her head to the side in order to look at Yumichika.
"Zaraki is in the Muken; Kurotsuchi implanted him with a device that's cut off his spiritual pressure, he's no better than an average human now. You won't be able to get inside, the central 46 has forbidden anyone other than members of my squad and the Head Captain entrance." Soifon explained.
Yumichika nodded his head to the fallen captain before lifting the white lily to his lips. Soifon watched in astonishment as every wound that had been previously inflicted on him healed instantly.
"I appreciate your cooperation."
Those were the last words Soifon heard Yumichika speak before exhaustion and darkness overtook her.