SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 2 out, this is Chapter 3 of this fic. For everyone who put this fic on your favorited and followed lists and/or story alerts, thank you, but remember everyone, a lot of authors (myself included) sustain on readers' reviews.

Pairings: Ishida/Hasu, minor pairing Hitsugaya/Karin

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

Chapter 3: The Bount Assault! The Gotei 13 of Destructive Earthquake

"Through some of the old Kuchiki literature, we were able to gain some new information on the Bount." Yamamoto begin the data-collection meeting. "As such, I will report it now. At one time, experiments that were currently forbidden here in Seireitei were being conducted in large numbers. This is truly an old story back when we were trying to develop our medical abilities. The person most famous in this field was a scientist named Ran'Tao. He was conducting research that focused on eternal youth. But at some point, there was a bad accident. Humans, with a certain type of soul, were affected by that, allowing them to have eternal life. Those are the Bount. It is said that Ran'Tao took responsibility for this after the incident and was exiled from Seireitei. The Bount were kept in the real world in order to give them a chance."

"Give them a chance in the real world, huh?" Kyoraku scoffed. "Isn't that more like the higher-ups trying to cover their asses?"

"Kyoraku!" Ukitake chided .

"Never mind." Yamamoto cut in. "Whatever the case may be, they are the result of what we created."

"So it seems that the Bounts have come to Soul Society for revenge, after all." Hitsugaya concluded.

"But, whatever the reasons may be, we must eradicate the Bounts." Yamamoto gave the order. "Regarding this case, the Shinigami Daiko Kurosaki Ichigo and his group have come here to Soul Society."

"Well, how to put it." Kyoraku chuckled. "They're quite a hardworking group."

"Reporting in!" an Onmitsukidō messenger brought in a message. "Just now, we've detected a Bount's presence, as well as the Reiatsu of Kuchiki Rukia of the Gotei 13."

"Captain Kuchiki, captain Ukitake, please head out." Tula gave the go-ahead.

In Rukongai...

"Scatter, Senbonzakura." Byakuya released his Shikai, just before Yoshi could land the finishing blow on Rukia. Hitting Yoshi on the back, he caught the falling Rukia in his arms.

"Rukia!" just then, Ichigo came in with Inoue. "Byakuya. Inoue, take care of the kid. I'll see to Ririn."

"Kuchiki!" Sentarou and Kiyone, had also arrived on the scene. "Captain Kuchiki." he saluted.

"Hurry up and help them." Byakuya instructed.

"My duty ends here." the unscathed Yoshi chuckled, using the fan shield to block off Byakuya's attack.

As if on cue, explosions were heard all over Seireitei as the buildings detonated.

Omake: Kon-sama's Ultimate Shinigami Illustrated Guide

In the Squad 11 Barracks...

Members of Squads 8 and 11 were moon-viewing.

Zaraki: What a great moon.

Yachiru: It's pretty.

Kyoraku: Have another one. (Refills Zaraki's sake cap)

Yachiru: This is just perfect for watching the moon.

Ikkaku: (Glares at the two Squads from the roof of the wall, his bald head is revealed to be the 'moon') Enough already, you guys!

Yachiru: (Points) It's Baldy! (Giggles)

Everyone else: (Burst into laughter)

SailorStar9: In the next chapter, Ichigo, Ishida, and Sado begin searching for the Bounts again, and Ichigo takes the modified Ririn him. Elsewhere in a forest in the Rukongai, Byakuya encounters Kariya.