Disclaimer : As Always, I don't own or have any claim to bleach or any of these characters. Just writing this for the fun of it. Also Changing to M rating for safety with the violence, not sure what counts as heavy.
Bold Italics= hollowfied Visored
Bold = hollow
Orihime woke that morning to a text from Tatsuki asking to meet up, saying she had something important to discuss. It was unlike tatsuki to be so vague but she hadn't been to school for a few weeks so something could have happened there. What if Tatauki had fallen for a man? Orihime was excited to tell her how Ichigo had asked her out, she could still barely believe it.
I know Tatsuki will react, she'll be excited and want to help me to set the date sooner,she thought with a smile. Maybe we go skydiving or to the beach. I wonder if there are good dating spots in the soul society? I should ask Rukia about that.
Before leaving she sent a text to Ichigo saying she was heading to Tatsuki's and that she wanted to meet up afterwards. He replied asking her to let him know when she left Tatsuki's so they could meet up, Orihime was extremely excited skipping down the road with the big smile on her face.
She arrived at Tatsuki's house and knocked on the door, only to find it was left open.
"Tatsuki, are you ok? is something wrong?" Orihime called getting no response, now she was worried.
She entered the house to investigate to a distressing sight. Tatsuki unconscious and standing over them, Former Captain of the 9th Divison Kaname Tosen.
Orihime instantly summoned Tsubaki in his bow form.
"Strange, your energy feels different from when we last met." Tousen commented before he placed the tip of his sword on Tatsuki's throat and ordered "Disarm."
Orihime stood there for a moment processing everything that was happen before resigning and putting her bow down. She couldn't let anything happen to Tatsuki.
"Lord Aizen has ordered your capture, comply and there doesn't need to be any bloodshed, resist and your friend will die right before you."
"How..how do you know who Tatsuki is?" Orihime asked.
"I simply interrogated students at the school you attend and replaced their memories once I was done. It took me while to find someone you had a strong connection with but I am a patient man." Tousen replied than continued as if reading her mind. "You think you are buying time by asking questions, but in truth you are wasting time your friends don't have. As soon as you entered this house I activated a Kido barrier that will suppress any spirit energy that is released and Lord Aizen's army has descended on this town to slaughter its guardians."
Orihime eyes went wide as Tousen open a small Garuganta that showed a scene play before her.
Toshiro ignore Mastsumoto's and Yumichika's bickering as he tried to enter his inner world. He was almost there until they start shouting at each other, and too think they came to this park for the peace and quite, at least Ikkaku was focused on his training. Toshiro knew he needed to be stronger, Aizen didn't break a sweat taking him down and he wanted revenge for what he put Momo through. Even knowing Isshin would back them up if needed didn't calm his mind, there was a good chance Aizen had shown him his 'Shika' like everyone else and he would fall prey to the same illusions Toshiro had in their last confrontation.
A mighty gust of wind surged through the trees around them, alarming all 4 shinigami as a Garuganta ripped open and eleven arrancar stepped through the hole in the world.
"Arrancar? But how? Its way too soon, there shouldn't be that many of them." Yumichika exclaimed.
"You're right, Aizen must have found way to awaken the Hogyoku early. That bastard is good at doing the impossible." Toshiro reasoned but than spotted a certain pale arrancar that matched the reports of the last attack, "Priority threat spotted, emergency captain override" he yelled pressing the tattoo on his chest.
"Requesting secondary confirmations" a voice message played
"Confirmed" Matsumoto called.
"Acknowledged"
"Limit release" Toshiro and Mataumoto called together.
Grimmjow laughed "Looks like you picked a good spot to enter the human world, we already have some fresh meat in front of us." He was accompanied by his Fraccion, Ulquiorra, 3 Privaon Esapda and a lone Numeros.
"One of those shinigami is a Captain, that should keep you entertained. We all have our assignments," Ulquiorra state to Grimmjow then turned to the other Arrancar "Remember, succeed here and you may prove worthy of filling the vacant 10th rank."
The five departed with a using Sonido leaving Grimmjow alone with subordinates. Shawlong addressed his leader "If I may, allow us to test these shinigami, I doubt they can stand up to our might."
"You have a point, I don't want any boring fights give them hell." Grimmjow commanded wondering who would even be worth fighting, shame i don't get to fight the kid Ulquiorra failed to kill.
"Sit upon the frozen heavens. Hyorinmaru"
"Growl Haineko"
Grimmjaw watched as the shingami unleashed their power and clashed with his men. Edrad took the bald one as their fight moved into away from them. Di Roy chase after a guy who wore feathers on his face and Nakeem fought the woman who's sword had turned to ash which she now controlled. Shawlong and Yylfort fought the boy who wore a captains robe. The shinigami didn't look like much but appearances can be deceiving.
Toshiro charged to fight the Arrancar who was just watching , he sense the most Spiritual energy coming from him and wanted to strike him down before he could release his power. However he was intercepted by two of his cronies. Their sword skills were above average but barely threatened him. He quickly checked to see how the others were doing, Ikkaku and Yumichika were no were to be seen by he could still sense their energy and Matsumoto was holding her own against her opponents and would likely soon gain the upper hand.
"Come on Bro, you shouldn't look away in the middle of a fight," One of his attacker said trying to catch him off guard not realising how mediocre his attacks were to Toshiro. "Otherwise you'll fall before you even learn our names. I'm Yylfort Granz number 15 of the arrancar," He continued to brag as he and his comrade continued their combined assault.
Toshiro gave him a blank look and said "those numbers mean nothing to me." He than sliced his sword unleashing a torrent of ice along its path, driving back both opponents. Toshiro continued to push them by controlling the ice turning it into his signature Chinese Ice Dragon and launching it at them forcing them to separate. The dragon followed Yylfort who, realising it would continue to home in on him, met it head on. His sword glowed with spirit energy as he attacked and crushed the dragon's head. The body of the dragon was slowed by his attack but it wasn't stopped, its remaining momentum pushed it forward into its target.
Ice encased Yylfort's upper body as he struggled to free himself. He just caught me by surprise, I won't let that happen again. He thought as he flared a burst of Spiritual energy around his chest to break the ice and prepared to fight more seriously.
Toshiro didn't give him a chance, flashing behind him to land the final blow. Yylfort tired to defend but the persisting cold made his moves sluggish allowing Toshiro an easy kill. As he felt the shinigami's blade craving through his neck, he cursed his arrogance for underestimating his opponent.
"It seems the rank of captain isn't just for show," Shawlong said rather flat as he watched Yyylfort's head and body fall to the ground.
"Aren't you upset I just killed your comrade?" Toushiro asked.
"Not at all, the weak shall perish at the hands of the strong. I am grateful to know that I can't afford to hold back." Shawlong replied. "I will show the true strength of the Arrancar, Snip Tijereta" a cloud of energy surrounded him and Toshiro felt his power increase drastically. When he emerged his sword had disappeared and he was now equipped with a bone like armor, claws and a tail.
"What the hell?" Toshiro was astounded by what he saw.
"Our Zanpukato's vastly different from your shinigami ones. We use them to seal our power so we can take on a human appearance, when we release our powers we regain much of our Hollow appearance before we became arrancar. We called this released from, Resurreccion"
"hmm It reminds me of our Bankai, if my powers were still limited you would have certainly posed a challenge, What's your name?" Toshiro asked showing a small respect for the first opponent he'd fought for while that wasn't constantly boosting or taunting.
"I am Number 11 Shawlong Koufang."
"Captain of the 10th squad, Toshiro Hitsugaya, Do those number mean anything?"
"From 11 down they merely recorded which order we were created by Aizen, but from 1 to 10 are the strongest among all the Arrancar, in that order. They are called the Espada."
"Good to know," Toshiro said as thanks before launching an Ice dragon at Shawlong.
He managed to evade it by flashing only to find it following him at a much faster speed than previous one.
"This again? You'll need to fight seriously if you wish to kill me." He called as he charged a cero to intercept the dragon.
"No I won't"
Before he could launch his attack, Shawlong was struck in the back by a second Ice dragon launching him into the first, in between the crushing force of the two attacks he could do nothing as the excess ice formed a cross shaped flower. As he froze right down to the bone Shawlong tried to escape but the cold sapped his strength and he could not break free. His last thoughts were of concern for his leader Grimmjow, if this Toshiro was this powerful without his bankai could he surpass even higher ranked Espada?
Inside the training room at the Urahara shop Renji and Rukia were trying to hold Chad down as he tired to leave to fight the arrancar.
"Damn it man, you been training hard today, you're exhausted and in no shape to fight right now." Renji told him
"But -"
"No buts, this isn't the same as fighting as human pukes, most of them are at least as strong enough to fight captains" Rukia said.
"They are right, but all of you are spent, and Rukia you've barely finished your training, you're not ready to use it in battle. I'll go." Urahara said drawing his sword. "Tessai make sure they don't do anything stupid."
"Sure thing." his friend replied.
As he started to walk Yoruichi appeared beside to join him and Urahara decided to indulge a paranoia he had, "Yoruichi where's Orihime?".
"I think she was catching up with a friend from school who had something important to talk about." Yoruichi replied curious as to why he asked as they headed for the entrance.
"I'll be enough enough reinforces for the Captain Hitsugaya, I want you to find Orihime and make sure she doesn't get into trouble."
"On it, knowing her she'll straight for the battlefield in case someone is hurt." Yoruichi commented as they left the store.
"Oh my, some little shinigami have come out to play, its my lucky day." A voice called from above.
Urahara and Yoruichi looked up to see a lone Arrancar standing in mid air. He had short black hair, the remnants of his hollow mask sat on left side of his head.
"Lord Aizen said you were strong, but even than the odds aren't in your favor." he called down.
"Excuse me, but there is two of us and only one of you, how are we at a disadvantage?" Urahara replied.
"I'm more confused that Aizen only sent one Arrancar at us?" Yoruichi added.
"Oh he recommended I bring some back up, but ultimately left the decision up to me. And lets see if you still think you have the advantage after witnessing my power. Struggle, Trepadora."
"Fascinating." Urahara commented as he watched the Arrancar release his Resurreccion.
"I am Luppi Antenor, after I defeat you I will earn my place among the Espada. As you can see this isn't two against one, its two against eight. What hope do you have against those odds." The boastful Arrancar claimed, as the smoke of his transformation cleared to reveal eight giant tentacles stemming from his back.
"He's all yours." Urahara said unfazed by the transformation, he had found its activation to be interesting but was ultimately disappointed in the final result.
Yoruichi flashed directly behind Luppi who couldn't comprehend her speed. He felt her hands grip his jaw and the back of his head, Yoruichi leaned in and whispered "Sorry but you wouldn't be much fun to play with." Before Luppi could react she swiftly twisted his head breaking his neck.
Yoruichi was about to drop his body and flash after Orihime when all of a sudden Luppi's body started to glow, red cracks appeared over all of his dead body.
"Oh shit, That's Itto Kaso." Urahara yelled to Yoruichi. Aizen must have implanted the spell to activate upon his death using his whole body, turning him into a bomb. With that much mass sacrificed, the spells going to have enough the destructive power to level several city blocks.
Yoruichi seeing no other option, threw the dead body over her shoulder and flashed skyward.
"YORUICHI!" Urahara yelled after her, not sure if even the Flash Goddess was fast enough to get the body a safe distance away and escape the explosions radius.
Yoruichi gave it her all in a race against time and gravity, climbing higher and higher into the sky. She felt the energy emanating from the dead body increase in intensity, using all her strength she threw it as high as she before accelerating towards the ground at her maximum speed, now added by gravity in her bid to out run the explosion.
Unfortunately it wasn't enough, caught on the edge of the blast she was engulfed in destructive red energy and was sent plummeting to the ground.
Urahara managed to catch her before she crashed into the ground.
"Thank god, you're alive" he said cradling her unconscious body, her entire back was heavily burned but she was breathing. You must have used Skunko to shield yourself from the majority of the damage, let's get you inside and healed up.
Lisa Yadomaru was returning to the Visored Hideout after collecting the latest issue of her favorite manga when she sensed the Arrancar enter the human world. She considered whether or not she should help them but than sensed a Captain's unrestrained presence and decided they should be able to handle it themselves, especially if Ichigo was fighting with them.
As Lisa turned the last corner to get home she sensed three of the arrancar sitting on top of a nearby building. She wondered what they were doing there, Aizen shouldn't have known were they were and if his goal was to eliminated or capture them it would take far more than three people.
One of the Arrancar tried to ambush her but she merely rolled to avoiding the surprise attack.
"Damn, I missed." complained Cirucci as she swung her sword handle and the disc blade on the end of a whip followed Lisa.
Lisa managed to dodge again and quickly eject her soul form out of her Gigai and easily knocked the disc blade back to its master.
"Hey Lisa what's the racket out here?" Kensei asked as he and Mashiro existed the hideouts barrier.
"It seems Aizen sent us invitation to join the fight." Lisa answered as one the Arrancar back flipped off the building and landed striking a pose.
"Appearing out thin air, a very good entrance. What did you think of mine?" Dordoni asked as Mashiro alone clapped.
"Hey Kensei, I wanna fight that one." She said as she continued clapping.
"Whatever" Kensei sighed dismissing his frustration for the goofy antics.
"Were you two even listening to our orders, Stall the Visored should they choose to disrupt the mission" Gantenbainne said addressing his comrades.
"Perhaps but you heard Ulquiorra, this is our chance to reclaim our position as an Espada," Dordoni countered.
Well these ones are stupid. Their orders are to stall us if we get involved, meaning Aizen doesn't think they can take us head on, they are just canon fodder. Lisa thought as raised her hand to her face and summoned her Hollow mask. "Lets go to work" She said as Kensei and Mashiro also summoned their masks.
"Now I'm super Mashiro," the young girl called as the battle began.
Lisa charged at the Cirucci who laughed.
"Don't think I'll let you get close to me so easily," She called as she whipped her disc blade at Lisa, who batted it away with her bare hand using her hollowfied strength. Lisa closed the distance between them in an instant and tried to take her opponents head. Unfortunately Cirucci manage to block her attack with the hilt of Zanpakuto and flashed to put more distance between them.
Cirucci face was strained with rage, she had wanted to have fun while toying with her opponent but it seemed she had underestimated them. She considered releasing her Resurreccion but decided she needed to save it to counter any trump card Lisa might have. While the Hollow mask was powerful she hadn't released her sword and that troubled Cirucci.
The truth was that it was simply unnecessary, against a ranged opponent that disc blade whip might have been trouble but there was simple way for Lisa to win. She waited for Cirucci to attack and just as before knocked the disc blade away and flashed behind her too strike.
"Did you really think something that simple would work on me?" Cirucci asked mockingly as blocked Lisa's sword.
In response Lisa kicked her opponent's legs out from under her, and as she fell Cirucci realised the disc blade was to far away, she wasn't going to able to block the next attack that was coming.
"You really shouldn't have held back just because i was." Lisa commented as she finished off her foe.
She than walked over to see that other fights were going well, both of the Arrancar had already released their powers but that didn't seem to be a problem her Mashiro or Kensei. Mashiro's foe had created two tornadoes that each had multiple Bird-like extensions to attack with, however Mashiro danced around them like a leaf in the wind.
Kensei on the other hand was dominating his opponent, both were skilled hand to hand fighters but Kensei clearly had the upper hand never once taking a clean hit. After being overwhelmed by Kensei skill Gantenbinne had released his full power to get an edge but Kensei wouldn't let him have the time to charge his attack and while the armor that he now donned increased his power, it did nothing to help his speed allowing Kensei to continue to beat him to a bloody pulp.
Both Visored quickly grew bored of their little fights and decided to end things, Kensei's fist glowed with Spiritual energy, "Sandbag beat." He called as he threw rapid consecutive strikes all aimed with the intent to kill, pulverizing Gatenbinne to dust.
Mashrio danced until she had clear shot and shouted "Mashio Super Cero," as she kicked, firing a lime green blast at Dordoni who used his tornadoes to block the attack.
A frustrated Mashrio flashed behind him and called "Mashiro super kick" as her leg sent Dordoni across the horizon.
"Well that's was hardly worth the effort," Lisa said after dismissing her hollow mask.
Ichigo and Ulquiorra met high above the city, intercepting each other path.
"I'm surprised that you would seek me out after our last battle." Ulquiorra said not understanding this action, Ichigo just grinned.
"Well I needed to thank you." he taunted "because of our last fight i found the drive to push myself to new heights."
"What nonsense, even if you had a year to train you could not approach the true power of the Arrancar."
"So you say, lets see if i can't change your mind about that," Ichigo drew his sword, the bandage sheath unfurling and pointed his blade at his enemy. His signature black and red energy rolled over him "BANKAI!"
Ulquiorra was impressed, the boy hadn't been lying. The Spiritual energy he possessed had not only stabilised but increased to the point his Bankai's appearance had slightly changed, Ulquiorra would have to take him seriously from the start. "Not bad boy, but don't think it will be enough. If you want to have a chance at defeating me you should unleash your inner hollow"
"Thanks for the tip but I'll pass. Here's one for you, don't underestimated your opponent." Ichigo taunted getting into a fighting stance.
"You would face an opponent you know is stronger than you without using your full strength? Is it because you let naive morals limit yourself out of fear of becoming a monster?" Ulquiorra asked failing to understand this human.
"No, I just do things my way. I won't let someone else fight my battles for me."
"A meaningless distinction, In battle victory is all that matters."
"No there is far more meaning battle. I am protector, my blade carries that responsibility and its those I protect that give the strength to fight."
"You humans place such illogical value on meaningless emotion, nothing truly matters. Now fight as the monster you really are."
"If that's what you want, than how about instead I show you the power a man can achieve without becoming a monster." Ichigo said reaching into his robes and pulled out his Quincy Cross.
Ulquiorra instinctively drew his blade as a second sword formed in Ichigo's left hand. It was made of pure spirit energy and he could tell it was weaker than Ichigo's Zanpukato but it somehow represented a greater threat to him.
Ichigo released a large amount of Spiritual energy compressing most of it into his Quincy Spirit Sword vastly increasing its power compared to what he could produce in his human body. It seemed it was easier to use and balance the energy within the Spirit Sword while in his Shinigami form. This turned his Spirit weapons from simple tools into noticeable threats.
"Before we start, what's your name?" Ichigo asked as he suppressed strange sinking feeling stirred in his soul, he needed his complete focus to fight this opponent.
"Ulquiorra Cifer, you should have stayed dead Ichigo Kurosaki." Ulquiorra said with disdain in his voice while releasing an incredible amount of Spiritual energy. Light green surrounded the Arrancar and he launched himself forward to impale his foe.
Ichigo matched him charging forward swinging Tensa Zangetsu to deflect his sword and than striking with his Spirit Sword. As their blades meet the steer strength behind them created sparks of friction as Uliquorra caught Ichigo second sword with his free hand. At first the Spirit Sword did nothing, but as Ichigo tried to overpower him again he felt the energy slowly weakening and cutting through his iron skin.
Ulquiorra pulled back causing Ichigo to fall forward and he flashed behind the boy and fired a cero.
"Getsuga Tensou!" Ichigo yelled recovering fast enough to unleash a counter attack.
The green and black energies collided creating a booming shock wave that could felt miles away.
Grimmjow stood a few meters away from Toshiro, the look in the Shinigami's eyes was great. They contained an intelligent caution against the unknown but also a cold confidence that he would strike down his foe. They were the eyes of a predator not unlike his own. Seeing him up close and getting a glimpse at his power, Grimmjow could tell this shinigami was worth killing.
Toshiro could also tell what his opponent was, a wild animal. A beast that once it caught your scent would hunt you until its hunger was satisfied. A beast that he would put down long before he became its prey.
"Tell me Shinigami, are there people stronger than you in this town?" Grimmjow asked.
"Don't know, we don't exactly have a score board." Toshiro replied as if the idea was stupid, "But I'll tell you this much. My captain who trained me when he could get off his lazy ass, was one of the best."
Grimmjow smiled "Now that's more like it, Lets do this kid."
"I'm no child, I'm Toshiro Hitsugaya Captain of the Tenth squad." He responded.
"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, Ranked Sixth among the Espada." I wanna kill this guy, going to have to do this fast, Tousen is not a guy who takes his time. "Lets go all out from the start," Grimmjow said drawing his sword that glowed blue as he placed his hand like a claw over the base of the blade. "Grind, Pantera" He called ripping his hand along his sword.
"Bankai, Daiguren Hyorinmaru" Toshiro commanded releasing his true power.
As Spiritual energy swirled around the both fighter, Grimmjow let out a booming roar that created a sonic wave clearing the sky and revealing his new form. His blue hair now extended beyond his waist, his arms and legs had gained a feline appearance and his new ears and tail cemented him as a were-cat. Blades extend from his fore arms and craves, his teeth visible through his psychopathic smile were jagged and sharp. He was the beast that had claimed the title King of the Jungle.
Toushiro was unfazed by both his foes new appearance and the sonic wave he unleashed. Unfurling his ice wings Toshiro showed off his Bankai, ice armor covered most of his body making him appear as a Dragonic warrior. A dragon head gauntlet covered his sword arm and three ice flower hovered behind him, each with four petals.
Matsumoto having finished off her opponent observed as the two stare each other down, waiting to see who would make the first move. The King of the Jungle verses The Diamond Dust Dragon, no doubt there was going to be collateral damage. Matsumoto called the Soul Society in order to get them to suppress the damage as much as they could on their end while she'd do her best to save any civilians endangered, trusting the Ikkaku and Yumichika wouldn't need her help.
Toshiro made the first move, flying forward and slashing at Grimmjow who easily dodge the attacks and the ice that sprang forward from Toshiro's sword. The amount of Ice produced in his Bankai form created a fair distance between the fighters which normally would afford Toshiro an advantage, but one of Grimmjow's greatest strengths was his speed and without flashing he closed that distance in seconds before launching a counter attack. Toshiro blocked the blade aimed at his neck and as Grimmjow tried to chain another attack Toshiro froze him from head to toe in a large block of ice. This only bought him a few secs before Grimmjow burst out of his prison and continued his attack. His claw intercepted by an ice wing which tore in half but before could follow through with another attack Toshiro's ice tail struck him, sending him flying and freezing him again.
"Nice try, Toshiro was it but your ice isn't cold enough to freeze someone as powerful as me all the way through." Grimmjow taunted
"Than I just have to pierce you with my blade and freeze you from the inside out." Toshiro countered as he glowed white with energy and created ten ice dragons. He surged forth with the dragons either following or charging ahead to begin the attack.
"Good answer" Grimmjow in the middle of savage laugh "but there's no way you're going to get that chance." Grimmjow said as he raise both his elbows forth. Five small green stone darts appear on each on them and he fired them intercepting all of Toshiro's dragons shattering all the ice. Toshiro didn't let his surprise slow him down, calming himself and continuing his attack. Grimmjow meet him head on, their blades clashed as they passed each other not stopping. Grimmjow flipped around ready to attack again but than he noticed Toshiro's extended ice tail whipped at him from behind.
Grimmjow laughed as he simply batted the tail away, "That type of weak surprise attack won't on me. You need to step up your game." He called as he flashed behind Toshiro, where his wings couldn't block the attack, plunging his right claw through his back aiming for his heart. A clean hit, and yet all that was in Grimmjow's hand was ice.
"Than how about this," Toshiro said coldly as he appeared behind Grimmjow and stabbed him. Toshiro had used his tail attack as a distraction to make an Ice puppet than combine it with an incomplete after image flash technique to put his foe in fatal position.
Grimmjow didn't have time to flash away, in desperation he twisted his body while putting his left claw to block the attack and Hyorinmaru struck though his palm. Grimmjow tired to claw at Toshiro with his other hand only to blocked by the captain's ice wings. Knowing what was about to happen Grimmjow tried to remove the sword from his hand but Toshiro grabbed him by the fore arm to prevent him from escaping. Toshiro's freezing Spiritual energy invaded his body and began traveling up his arm. Making a split second decision to survive Grimmjow roared in pain as he cut off his left arm.
"A bold move, I didn't expect you'd find a way to survive that," Toshiro told him with his cold neutral expression as he shatter the frozen arm attached to his sword.
"Are you kidding, I'm not going to be taken down by a punk like you. I only need one arm to finish you off." Grimmjow said suppressing the pain as what was left of his healing powers sealed the stump on his arm to prevent blood loss.
"You Arrancar all seem to suffer from the same delusion of gander in regards to your strength." Toshiro commented unimpressed.
"ITS NO DELUSION, I WILL CRUSH ANYONE WHO LOOKS DOWN ON ME BECAUSE, I AM THE KING." Grimmjow shouted enraged as his finger glowed blue and five giant blade of spirit energy draw back as if they followed the path of his claws. "LETS SEE IF YOU CAN HANDEL MY STRONGEST ATTACK, DESGARRON."
Ulquiorra and Ichigo were evenly matched, both possessed incredible speed and reflexes allowing them to trade blow for blow.
It had been clear in the beginning that Ichigo wasn't experienced in duel wielding leaving many openings in his fighting style for Ulquiorra to exploit. Ichigo had struggled to keep up with a serious Ulquiorra barely avoiding several fatal blows. And yet as the fight continued he was rapidly improving. Ichigo had quickly learned how to chain his attacks better, defend and countered simultaneously, he also was correcting many of his mistakes that led to said opening.
Ichigo could feel skills growing but it wasn't enough so he kept pushing himself to be better, letting his instincts guide his blades and now his swords flowed as if both were extensions of his bodies.
Ulqiorra had trouble believing how the boy could grow so much in the middle of a fight, it was like he was always to meant to dual wield swords. The potential the boy had almost frighten him, because he could not grasp what the upper limits of his power would be if given time to mature.
As the fight continued both of them were slowly being covered in minor cuts and what had become a stalemate of skill continued. Ichigo briefly considered uses his hollow mask but decided against it. He could feel that Ulquiorra still had untapped power hidden away and if the fight escalated the town might be endangered.
Ichigo managed to put Ulquiorra on the defensive by storing a Getsuga in his zanpukato to vastly increase its power. To counteract this Ulquiorra copied a similar technique he'd seen Harribel use too charge his sword with a Cero and the fight was even again. The sound of their clashing swords rang though the sky yet Ichigo heard a different sound, he heard the emptiness of the heart of his opponent.
Ichigo could sense why Ulquiorra had wanted to fight his inner Hollow, it was because he was simpler. His hollow was beast that lived for violence something that made sense, but Ichigo himself confused Ulquiorra. Why wouldn't he use his full power? even if they were relatively even at the moment doesn't it make sense to completely overwhelm your opponent? If he wanted to protect his friends why wasn't he trying to kill him with everything he had or if he knew he couldn't win, why didn't they flee the battlefield? These question came from deep within Ulquiorra's soul, it was possible he wasn't aware they plagued him.
Ichigo got distracted by this insight allowing Ulquiorra to unleash the cero in his sword which he barely defended with his Getsuga. Before the energy dispersed Ulquiorra used it was a smokescreen to get in close and unleash a series of swift attacks. Ichigo was able to block each strike but the desperate movement require allowed Ulquiorra to flash directly behind him. Seeing this coming Ichigo turned to counter but as his zanpukato was about to reach his opponent Ulquiorra flashed behind him again, stabbing at his open back. Without his Spirit Sword to block it Ichigo would have received a fatal wound.
Out of his growing frustration Uliquorra came at Ichigo with a powerful overhead strike, uncharacteristically using both hands in an attempt to overpower Ichigo's defend seeing as he couldn't out manoeuvre it. Ichigo caught the attack between his sword that he held in an X guard. Ichigo felt his muscles strain stopping the attack but he managed it, allowing him the opportunity to push his opponents sword off to the side with his Spirit Sword and land a counter with Tensa Zangetsu across the Espada's chest. The force of the attack knocked Ulquiorra back a fair distance and he looked down and felt the blood from shallow cut with his hand regaining his calm neutral expression.
"That's some tough skin you have there." Ichigo said surprised that attack hadn't done more damage.
"All arrancar have iron-hard skin called Hierro, We among the Espada have the toughest. You didn't notice because you never hit me last time." Ulquiorra stated as his wounds healed themselves.
"I remember things differently, my hollow cut your arm clean off." Ichigo retorted.
"Exactly, it takes a monster to kill a monster." Ulquiorra taunted as the his torn shirt revealed a four tattooed upon his chest.
Ichigo went to say something but in that moment of clam he realised where the sinking feeling was coming from, Orihime.
"No, you bastards" The truth that she was being targeted dawned on Ichigo as white unrelenting rage blinded him.
Ulquiorra saw his distraction, seizing the opportunity he ran him through with his sword. Ichigo moved at the last sec avoiding a blow to the heart but the sword was still buried in his shoulder, he looked Ulquiorra in the eyes and Arrancar was surprised to see the black sclera and yellow eyes.
"YOU WANTED TO SEE A MONSTER!" He cried dismissing his Quincy sword, his free hand ripped across the air in front of his face summoning his Hollow mask. Ulquiorra tried to withdraw his sword but Ichigo grabbed his arm and separated it from his body with Tensa Zangetsu.
Ulquiorra surged backwards in shock that history had just repeated itself and could only watched as Ichigo pulled the sword out of his body and the wound started to heal itself. Ichigo didn't give Ulquiorra the time to react, returning the sword to its owner as a projectile which Ulquiorra barely managed to catch mid flight, holding it near the tip of the blade that almost before it pierced his chest.
"I WON"T LET YOU HURT HER, GETSUGA TENSOU" Ichigo screamed in rage following up the attack.
Ulquiorra corrected his grip on his sword and blocked the attack, focusing a ton of energy to act as a counter. The massive violent torrent of energy overflowing from Tensa Zangetsu still overpowered Ulqiorra's guard, cracking parts of his sword and sent him crashing to the ground but he took far less damage than he would have from a direct hit.
But Ichigo wasn't done, he extended his hand charging a Cero in his palm. Letting out a Hollow scream he fired the Cero at Ulquiorra who hadn't fully recovered from the last attack.
Ichigo thinking his opponent was either dead or in no condition to follow, took off at full speed, racing through the sky like a fighter jet heading straight for Tatsuki's place. Hoping that Orihime was there and that he'd reach there in time to stop whatever they had planned.
Ulquiorra laid in the crater his impact had made, he'd managed to fire a low powered Cero at the last second to offset some of the damage of Ichigo's attack, saving him again from a direct hit. Ulquiorra was thankful that his instant regeneration ability, something most arrancar trade for greater power, was the greatest among the Espada. The resulting explosion had still damaged him but it wouldn't take long to heal, his arm was already mostly restored. He wanted to simply use his Resurreccion and show the boy despair but Aizen needed the town intact. Ichigo had clearly manage to sense that the attempt to kidnap the woman. Full control, Instant regeneration and Cero. He is even more dangerous than i suspected, Ulquiorra Analysed. His spiritual energy not only increases but its darkness and savagery becomes comparable to that of an Espada. No matter, I should still be able to hold him off long enough to let lord Tousen complete the mission.
Orihime watched as her friends fought for their lives. Toshrio fought against a cat-like warrior, Ikkaku fought against a guy with giant flaming fists, Yoruichi was caught in a massive explosion that may of killed her and Ichigo was fighting the same person who nearly killed him from the last invasion. It was all because of her, because for some reason Aizen wanted her for some unknown reason.
"Comply or more arrancar will follow." Tousen stated as a matter of fact.
Seeing no other option she said in a low voice "I will do as you ask."
"Good, we will allow you one goodbye but must you wear this" Tousen said throwing her a bracelet without removing his sword from Tatsuki throat. "It will mask your existence from anyone but Aizen's followers."
Orihime felt ashamed that she was giving in to his demands but what else could she do? Her heart continue to struggle with reality, wishing that none of this was real as she slipped on the bracelet.
Suddenly her body lit up, an energy flowed over her and destroyed the bracelet and the energy pulsed off her body knocking Tousen away from Tatsuki.
A hidden kido even I couldn't sense? It must have been Urahara, Tousen thought cursing the sly shopkeeper.
Seeing her chance Orihime quickly redrew Tsubaki and shot an arrow at Tousen, who easily blocked the attack.
"Santen Kesshun : Prison" Orihime called having used the arrow as a distraction to set her defensive spirits to trap Tousen in a barrier. Before he could attempt to break she quickly sent Tsubaki to reinforce the barrier "Shiten Koshun".
Tousen soon learned of the reflective nature of her new shield as his first attempt to break the barrier backfired. Interesting even if I manage to break the prison I risk a critical or even fatal injury. I wonder what other talents she has been hiding.
Orihime picked up Tatsuki and run out of the house, flashing after she got out the front door. She soon run into the kido barrier Tousen had mentioned that stopped her in her tracks. The barrier wasn't particularly powerful but without Tsubaki to break it they were trapped. Orihime set Tatsuki down in one of her neighbors yards hoping Tousen would ignore her as she tried escape but slipping though the barrier like she had with Hachi's but to no avail. This barrier was nothing like her powers so she had no sway over it.
An explosion torn apart Tatuski's house and Orihime's spirits returned to her as Tousen walked out of the what remains of the building. Orihime was shocked to see that he had Hollowfied like Ichigo could, she could see the burns that covered him beginning to heal.
Tousen silently thanked Aizen for giving him such powerful regenerative abilities, without it Orihime would have escaped him.
"I told you there would be consequences for resistance, Hado 54: Haien" He said as he fired a purple kido blast at Tatsuki.
"Shiten Koshun : Redirect" Orihime cried barely managing to save her with a new two layer barrier. Baigon, Hinagiku and Lily created their usual defensive barrier but it fed the energy of the attack back into tsubaki's sheild which sat just behind them. Once the energy was transferred Tsubaki converted it into an arrow and returned it to its owner.
"Bakudo 81 : Dakun" Tousen chanted creating kido shield which blocked the returned attacked. He was about to make his next attack when he sensed a large killing intent barreling towards him.
He almost didn't recognize the spiritual energy that accompanied it realising it was a Hollowfied Ichigo coming for him. How? how does he know where we are or that the girl is even in trouble?
The Barrier behind Orihime shattered as something past through it too fast for her eyes to comprehend, but she instinctively knew that Ichigo had come to save her.
Ichigo's first slash struck like a meteor, devastating the road they stood on forming a crater.
Fortunately for Tousen his enhanced senses could track what eyes could not allowing him to dodge Ichigo attack at the last second, a feat only a Vasto Lorde class fighter could accomplice with skill alone.
Ichigo continued to attack, using the momentum he had left to overpower his foe.
Despite his own hollowfication Tousen was forced to retreat from each strike, barely able to fend off his foes attacks.
"Controlled Hollowfication, no wonder you were a match for Ulquiorra this time." Tousen commented
"Back off, I don't know why your after Orihime but I'm not going to let you take her." Ichigo declared defiantly.
"Lord Aizen has ordered her capture and it will be so." Tousen replied coldly
"I figured you would say that," Black and red Energy flared from Ichigo's body "Don't say I didn't warn you" he said in a low growl as he extent his left hand, his Quincy cross still hung on his wrist flared to life as he summoned his Spirit sword.
Ichigo emptied his lungs in a battlecry as he unleashed a fierce onslaught upon a shocked Tousen, slowly overpowering him.
How did he become so powerful in just over a month? At this rate I'll have to use my Resurreccion. Tousen thought as he desperately defended himself unable to counter against the constant stream of berserker-like attacks from both of Ichigo's swords. Their fight took to the sky as Tousen tried to put some distance between them but Ichigo's Bankai's speed, boosted even further by his Hollwfication denied him that advantage.
However using both his Quincy and Hollow powers at the same time had consequences. Ichigo could feel parts of his body slowly tearing themselves apart, like when he first unlocked his Quincy powers just on a smaller scale. He could withstand the pain so he pored spiritual energy through out his entire body using his Instant regeneration to heal the damage. It would burn through large amounts of his Spiritual energy but he had plenty of to spare, his hollow training saw to that.
Tousen attempted to outlast Ichigo or wait for an opening but Ichigo's Hollow mask and experience fighting Ulquiorra made that difficult. He tried positioning himself to Ichigo's left, the side with his less dangerous Spirit Sword. While he could block the Spirit Sword, this tactic didn't slow Ichigo at all who would instantly follow up with Tensa Zangetsu. Tousen purposely avoided any attack from Ichigo's Bankai, his guard would not hold long under that intense spiritual pressure. He could parry both blades but Ichigo's rapid combos left no chance to counterattack.
Fortunately for him help arrive, Uliquorra observed the fight from a distance careful to avoid being noticed. If he made a move on the girl Ichigo would notice but it would allow Tousen to regain the initiative of the fight while fulfilling the mission. No, it is a mistake to underestimate the boy Ulquiorra thought deciding to take direct action. He cut his palm, letting the blood drip to the end of his fingers than extended his hand, pointing his index and middle finger forward taking aim.
Ichigo sensed danger above him turning to see Ulquiorra and his blood being absorbed into a Cero dramatically increasing its power.
"Grand Ray Cero" Ulquiorra said as he released the barely contained ball of energy.
It ripped its way across the sky at phenomenal speed landing a solid hit on Ichigo. How is that guy still standing! And how can a Cero be that fast? he thought as the explosion pushed him into ground.
"Thank you Ulquiorra, he has become quite troublesome." Tousen said as the Espada joined him.
"Indeed, but he is not our mission." He replied
"You are right, let's finish this."
Ichigo lifted himself out of the rubble he was under, having only sustained minor injuries thanks to his enhanced durability that came from his Hollow mask. That attack was something else, he though noticing that the upper left side of his mask had been broken and that Spirit sword had dissipated. He repaired his mask quickly and he went to resummon his sword, bracing himself for the pain as he began drawing in energy from the environment. But before he could finish he than noticed that Tousen and Uliquorra weren't above him anymore.
"No! Get back here" Ichigo called as he raced back towards Orihime. He saw his foes standing either side of her, and watched Tousen cast a binding kido on her. Ichigo decide he needed to her somewhere safe before continuing the fight. Unfortunately when he was just a few meters away, a yellow light descended cutting them from reality stopping Ichigo in his traces.
Damn it, if I had both my arms I could have finished him off already, Grimmjow thought as he panted from exhaustion having tried repeatedly to break Toshiro's defense with his Desgarron. Toshiro wasn't fairing well either, having been forced to take the attacks head on or else they'd hit the town. Toshiro had tried to counter attack but Grimmjow was too fast to hit without using a technique that would endanger civilians and he wouldn't fall for the same trick Toshiro used earlier again. So it turned into a battle of attrition between who would break first Grimmjows stamina and speed or Toshiro's defense.
Grimmjow put everything he had left, pushing himself to the absolute limit, into his final Desgarron. Rather than throwing the blades like he had previous and charge at his opponent carrying them behind him. Toshiro created several thick ice walls to hold off the attack. His blue claws began breaking through each wall, shredding them apart but Toshiro kept reinforcing them by making more and more ice, as he had against his previous attacks.
Grimmjow roared, pouring his very essence into his attack as it start to dissipated, a final flare of life burst through the blades and they broke through the ice surprising Toshiro and pleasing Grimmjow. Toshiro's wings folded in front of him to block his claw, they shattered as it hit dispelling the last of the spiritual energy Grimmjow had. In a last ditch attack to make use of the opening he'd created Grimmjow throw his lower body forward, aiming the blades on his calves at Toshiro's throat and stomach. With only his sword to defend himself one of his legs was bound to hit. Grimmjow wondered in his exhaustion would this shinigami die by slit throat or disembowelment, the answer was neither. Toshiro's sword defended his throat, and his tail caught the other.
Grimmjow's undying tenacity proved to be even greater as he wildly tried to claw at him with his remaining hand only for Toshiro to regenerate his wing to block it.
Toshiro panted, "You are certainly strong, but this is the end" he said extending his hand.
This can't be the end. I refuse, I can't lose. I can't die yet. Grimmjow thought as Toshiro hand began to glow.
"Hado -" toshiro began as a yellow light descended, knocking him away saving Grimmjow.
Grimmjow let out a weak laugh "Mission Complete. I guess I was lucky today, next time I'll kill you for sure Shinigami."
"Doubtful, next time we meet I won't be held back by worrying about the innocent people below." Toshiro taunted which stung Grimmjow deep as he ascended back into the Garganta that a Gillian had opened and saved him using Negacion.
Uryu arrived too late, when he showed up he first checked on Tatsuki's condition confirming she wasn't injured. Than he turned to see Tousen and Uliquorra with the bound Orihime ascending within the Negacion. He watched Ichigo hopelessly pounded Tensa Zangetsu against the light only to have it bounce off it with no affect.
"ORIHIME! GIVE HER BACK YOU BASTARDS!" He yelled at the pair of abductors.
"Ichigo Kurosaki, I know your pain." Tousen replied "I too failed a friend I cared for, that is what set me on my current path. Take comfort in that fact we won't kill her as long as she cooperates. Soon Aizen will create a new world where Justice will be upheld."
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR BULLSHIT!" Ichigo cried as his rage reached new heights. He recognized this light as the way Aizen escaped the Soul Society, back than Captain Commander Yamamoto said they couldn't stop it but that was before he had his mask. This is a hollow technique, I know I can break with my new power. Ichigo thought as he reached deep within his soul. The flower pendent on the end of his sword shone, a golden light enveloped Tensa Zangetsu.
Ichigo flashed to meet Tousen and Ulquiorra in the air, "I SAID GIVE HER BACK!" He roared as he swung his sword.
Following his instincts Tousen guarded when it shouldn't have been necessary and yet somehow Ichigo's sword broke the Negacion, a strike that would have slain him had he not blocked it.
"Ulquiorra, leave now" Tousen said with a sense of urgency. Recovering from the shock of what just happened Ulquiorra grabbed Orihime and flew towards the closing Garganta.
Ichigo tried to intercept him but it was Tousen's turn to go on the attack, at first keeping their swords locked as the golden light faded from Ichigo's sword, than he landed a powerful kick that sent Ichigo hurtling to the ground.
Uryu took aim with his bow but he couldn't get a clean shot and so Ulquiorra had a clear path back to Hueco Mundo.
"ICHIGO, I KNOW YOU'LL SAVE ME. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES, I BELIEVE IN YOU." Orihime shouted from the bottom of her heart as the Garaganta close behind her.
"Orihime I won't let you down, I promise." Ichigo muttered filled with pain.
"It seems you have a talent for the impossible," Tousen said drawing Ichigo's attention again "Undoubtedly you will find a way into Hueco Mundo in an insane attempt to rescue your friend, let me teach why that is futile, the difference in our power" He pointed his sword towards the ground and called "Suzumushi Hyakushiki: Grillar Grillo" Darkness surrounded Tousen, flowing in and out of his body as it changed him.
Out of the darkness a nightmare emerged, Tousen's new form was that of an insectoid beast covered in black fur, sporting four fly-like wings and a long tail. He had two large horns that grew from his hunched shoulders and his four long clawed arms would strike fear into the hearts of men. The energy the beast expelled greatly surpassed Tousen's previous power so much so that Uryu wonder if he was still the same being. As he watched from the sideline he was painfully aware that even his strongest attack could not harm this thing.
This must the release form Zangetsu was talking about earlier Ichigo thought to himself
"This is a power the Vizored would not dare stomach, they lack the will to fully embrace power. The power that Aizen gave to them, you chose your teachers poorly Ichigo Kurosaki," Tousen declared in his new form as parts of his new mask strained and than opened. "I can see, I CAN SEE!" He shouted laughing with joy as he viewed the world for the first time. "So this is light, and that is the sky. This is what the world looks like"
"Shut up," Ichigo said as he picked himself up "I don't care that you can see now or what power you have. I won't forgive you for taking Orihime."
Ichigo launched himself at his foe fighting with all the ferocity as before but Tousen quickly gained the advantage, easily knocking away Ichigo's sword with one set of his claws while attacking with the other. Ichigo was overwhelmed by Tousen's monstrous strength barely able to defend himself, his own frustration and rage grew even greater. After being knocked back Ichigo used his speed to create afterimages which confused his opponent allowing Ichigo to land several blows in his back, severing one of its arms and a wing.
His reactions aren't half as good as it was before, he mustn't be use to having sight yet. Ichigo thought as he saw Tousen's limbs regenerate.
"You must see that this is pointless, give up." Tousen said as he charged a pair ofgreen Ceros in front of each of his new eyes.
"Getsuga Tensou!" Ichigo cried as he fired his signature attack to counter.
What he didn't expect that Tousen's Ceros would completely overpower his Hollowfied Getsuga. He didn't have time to put up any defense before the green energy poured over him and exploded. He emerged from the blast with his uniform wreaked, covered in burns and his hollow mask cracked but he remained airborne. As he dulled the pain he felt with rage something deep within him stirred.
"Are you ready to admit defeat?" Tousen asked completely confident Ichigo was no longer a threat to him.
"No and I will never will," Ichigo replied while more dark energy flowed out of his body as he tapped into a deep power reserve built during his training. He felt a tug at the back of his mind but he was so angry he didn't care, as long as he could kill the thing in front of him.
Tatsuki awoke in fear, quickly taking in her surrounds she focused on the familiar sight of Uryu.
"Are you alright?" he asked without looking at her, unable to peal his eyes from some sight.
"Yeah I'm fine, thanks for asking." She sarcastically quipped annoyed something else had his attention. Than she saw it, the bug monster that gave off a similar but worse feeling as the blind dude. She watched Ichigo fighting it, Tatsuki didn't really know what was happening but she'd seen Ichigo in his weird clothes fighting monster before but than something more important came to mind.
"Uryu, where's Orihime?" She asked but he didn't response, "Hey where is she? Is she ok?"
"I'm sorry but now isn't the time, its probably best if you get out of here." He said with pain in his voice.
"Don't screw wi-" She started to go off at him but was cut off by an explosion. She looked over to see Ichigo covered in injuries. "Aren't you going to help him?"
"There's nothing I can do, they are in a class of fighter far beyond me," he said knowing he would only get in the way, a fact that burned him. He also noticed Tatsuki was Spiritual aware, something he hadn't been aware of.
"Will he be ok?" Tatsuki asked never having seen him struggle at dispatching the monsters around town.
"Its hard to tell but Ichigo has always managed to pull though against stronger opponents," Uryu said.
Suddenly Tatsuki felt Ichigo's energy change, it had been darker than normal in this fight but it didn't scare her like this did. She watched black and red energy gathered around his skin and started to from a white beastly shell, with monstrous claws and tail to compete with his foes appearance.
"Ichigo," She said in shock of the sheer darkness that inhabited him in that moment.
Ichigo was could see the apex of his hollow powers, the ability to infuse his body with his Hollow power thus achieving a complete Hollowfication. As he began the transformation he felt his limits expanding, This is the boost I need to kill this bastard, to crush him, to tear him piece and burn them to ashes.
Than in a clarifying moment he he heard a soft voice. He couldn't understand what it said but it stirred a light within him which calmed his bloody rage. He turned his gaze over where the voice originated and saw Uyru and Tatsuki. He looked into their eyes filled with fear, fear of him.
Ichigo thought back to his fight with Hollow Zangetsu and the words that given him the strength to reach this point.
As long as you have the strength to control it, your power is not something you should fear and you clearly demonstrated that strength in our fight. So stand tall and remain true to yourself, and you will be able to protect those you care for and keep your promises.
Ichigo realised he couldn't control this new power, that in a fully released state he would try to sate his animalistic drive to destroy and it would consume him. He remembered the reason why he gained his powers in the first place and why he fought, to protect people not destroy.
He ripped off his Hollow mask dispelling all the Hollow energy in his body. With his now clear mind Ichigo channeled all his rage into his desire to save Orihime rather than to avenge her capture and then looked at his Quincy Cross, he would fight this battle the way he always had, using his own strength. Now confident in his control he summoned his mask once again and started to absorb Spiritual energy from the air drawing in as much as he could. As he formed his Spirit Sword he knew he needed it to be stronger.
"Ichigo, the answer lies in your blood" Old man Zangetsu's voice whispered into his mind.
By pushing the energy he absorbed into his heart Ichigo felt a great surge of power flowed through his blood stream,infusing his body with Quincy power that extended into his swords. His Spirit sword solidified into the same sword Quincy Zangetsu wielded and he remember the name of this technique.
"Blut Arterie"
Watching Ichigo discard the power he'd almost unleashed Tousen couldn't understand why he would do this. The boy had almost achieved his own Resurreccion, a power that would match or possibly surpass his own. Instead he choose to use his Quincy sword, a foolish mistake made out of fear. Tousen once believed fear was important as a warrior but he was wrong, fear held him back for so long and by abandoning his fear of hollows and accepting them into his body he'd surpassed his limit as a shinigami.
He charged forward at incredible speed for his size, and stabbed both his left claws at Ichigo with such strength to crush him into dust. Both his hands were blocked by the solid Spirit Sword which refused to break and Ichigo stood there unfazed.
Impossible I've surpass the Esapda, how was he not overwhelmed by my strength? Tousen thought confused, than he noticed Ichigo arm, blue lines of light shone through his skin along his arteries. Tousen had no idea what this was but it was clearly the reason for his new strength. Tousen savagely attacked over and over again using all four of his claws only to be unable to land a solid blow.
Pain tore its way though Ichigo's body as though his blood was poisoned, his Quincy and Hollow powers reacting badly to one another. He could feel his regeneration working overtime as his body tore itself apart but the pain was worth the power it gave him, he could take it. With indomitable focus he continued to side step, block and counter every attack Tousen sent his way. Locked in an constant struggle the first to make a mistake would fall. In a desperate attempt to prove his superiority Tousen fired a continuous barrage of Balas from his eyes at point black range. But Ichigo cut down each blast undaunted, and as Tousen had left himself open and Ichigo jumped forward to deliver a decisive blow. Tousen managed to avoid a fatal blow and flash away at the last second but lost most of the upper left of his body, including his horn and two arms.
Tousen breathed heavily as his limbs grew back keeping his distance from Ichigo. Tousen was ashamed that his attempt to break the boy's spirit had only served to make him even stronger, and now he was in no position to retreat because if he turned his back to Ichigo now, he would surely cut him down.
Casting the shame aside Tousen noticed Ichigo was also breathing raggedly, but what really caught his attention was Ichigo's eyes.
"I don't understand, why is there no hate in your eyes?" Tousen asked unable to comprehend what was going though the boys mind.
"Its not that I don't hate you. I hate you so much I was nearly consumed by it." Ichigo answered.
"That is what it means to be a Hollow, to consume and be consumed. Are you too consumed by fear to let your hatred run wild?" Tousen asked still trying to make sense of everything he'd seen Ichigo do.
"No, not fear. Pride." Ichigo said with a smile under his mask.
"Pride?" such an answer confused Tousen who had discarded his pride long ago.
"Yes, I fight to protect people and I would do anything to save my friends, I don't care if I have to use hollow powers. What I do care about is whether or not I can stand proudly in front of the girl I've fallen in love with." Ichigo said looking at Tensa Zangetsu and the flower pendent.
"And what if you failed to save her, if she died before you could reach her. Would you cast aside your pride and seek vengeance no matter what the cost?" Tousen asked as his arms finished regenerating.
"That doesn't matter because I am going to save her and I'll start by defeating you." Ichigo cried as the fighting spirit in his eyes burned bright, His Spiritual energy wrapped around both his swords. "Than I'll destroy Ulquiorra, after him I'll take down Aizen and anyone else who gets in my way." Ichigo than launched himself into the sky and ready his final attack.
"How very admirable but all you will achieve is a slaughter. I fight for a greater cause, for which even the most dreadful deeds will become Justice." Tousen retorted as he prepare to counter, drawing circles of green energy with his arms. He abandoned his efforts to understand Ichigo realising they were fruitless, they had chosen different paths and despite both being Visoreds could no longer understand each other.
"Getsuga Jujisho" Ichigo yelled as he fired a cross shape blast from his swords, the vertical black slash contrast against the white horizontal.
"Los Nueve Aspectos." Tousen muttered as great concussive force burst forth from each circle he drew. The thundering clash of the two techniques shook the entire town as they battled for supremacy. Much to Tousen's surprise Getsuga Jujisho overpowered his attack and came baring down on him. He tried to block it with his arms but in the end he was overwhelmed.
His final thoughts were first to his friend and how he'd failed to both avenge her or carry on her will. Than his thoughts turned to Komamura and Shuhei, his friends he'd betrayed and never showed his true self too. He wished he could have seen them with his eyes just once. As his mind faded out of existence he thought of the pride Ichigo had possessed and he wondered if he'd maintained his warrior's pride would things had been different? Perhaps his revenge wasn't worth it.
As Ichigo landed on the ground he dismissed all his powers returning to Zangetsu to shikai and then collapsed from pain and exhaustion. He'd pushed himself beyond his limit, gaining a new power and now needed rest but that was the last thing on his mind. He wanted to push on, Orihime was in the hands of the enemy and that drove him mad.
"Ichigo" Uryu and Tatsuki called as they ran to him.
"Hey guys, is everyone else ok?" Ichigo asked.
"All the battles have ended and I can sense everyone, It seems like they made it through ok." Uryu informed him.
"That's good," he muttered than he heard Tatsuki who had tears in her eyes.
"You idiots, why didn't you tell me about all this?" Tatsuki said as she gave Ichigo a weak punch.
"Tatsuki, I'm sorry I didn't realise you could see spirits but even than it doesn't really affect you. I'm kinda suppose to keep it a secret." Ichigo said trying to explain.
"if I had known...than I wouldn't have..." Tatsuki sobbed.
"Wouldn't have what?" Ichigo asked confused.
"The blind man, he made me trick Orihime to walk into the trap. He was going to kill my parents otherwise, he..he made me betray her." Tatsuki said overwhelmed with guilt.
Ichigo's surprised turned to anger, to just how low could Aizen and his lackey go. "Tatsuki," he said getting her to look him in the eyes, "I'm going to get her back, no matter what."
Tatsuki was taken back, even though she just told him she'd betrayed them he didn't hate her. All he cared about was saving Orihime, "You better, I'll consider us even for you not telling me about all this." She said with a thankful smile, choosing to believe in Ichigo who finally passed out.
Authors Notes : Friend of mine did the new cover image, had originally wanted close up of broken mask on his face but he convinced me to go with this. I think it turned out ok.
Hello readers
I would like to apologise for how long this chapter took to come out, life got a bit crazy plus writers block for about a month and than I ended up rewriting over half the chapter cause I wasn't happy with it. Next one hopefully wont take as long.
Hope you guys enjoyed and that it lived up to expectations. As always constructive criticism is welcome.
Explanations:
Toshiro trick was combo of Zanhyo Ningyo (his Ice clone) and Utsusemi. Toshiro hasn't displayed a mastery of Flash steps like Byakuya but I dont think its a leap to say he would try to improve to the point where he pull off in incomplete version. The Diamond Dust dragon was a fun way to describe him, and Matsumoto talking to the soul society was referring to the Spacial Freeze Yumichika called in during Ikkaku fight with Edrad
Tousen's power level is kinda hard to judge, in the anime he claims to have surpassed the Espada but the fight with Komamura really doesn't sell that, whereas in the manga he never made that claim but completely dominated Komamura as oppose to the anime where he could fight back. I'd say since he acts basically as an enforcer that he at least believes he's stronger than the espada and is at least on par with the top 3.
The gold light Ichigo used to break the Negacion just alludes to the similarity to hacchi and Orihime's powers, it doesn't add any power to his attacks, just let its affect the barriers.
Didn't write Ikkaku's fight because time and it would be rehashing canon, something I'm trying to avoid where I can, same for matsumoto's fight, she was strong enough to take that guy after the limiter came off. As for Yumichika well he'd either lure his foe far enough away so he could use his shikai without being noticed, or take him out with a surprise attack, didn't have any inspiration to write it and when i tried I was never happy with it. Wasn't particularly inspired for the Visored fights either but they turned out half decent and I decided it was worth added them rather than keeping it 'off screen'.
