Mayuri looked at the sight where Nnoitra was supposed to be. The Bakudō that had sealed him had been destroyed and Nnoitra escaped.

"The Espada running like cowards?" Mayuri asked himself. "How out of character...what were they truly doing here?" Mayuri used flash step to return to the others who were on the roof recovering for their battles.

"What are we waiting for? !" Korin insisted. "We need to go after them!"

"If my guess is correct, which I am 100% sure it is, The Senkaimon they just used will open any minute." Mayuri told everyone.

"How can you be sure?" Hikari asked.

"You dare question me?" Mayuri asked. "I am sure because I say so! Now stop it with your idiotic questions. I don't have the time or patience to try and improve your worthless intelligence."

Hikari lowered her head and kept her opinions to herself.

"Megalomaniac," Korin muttered under his breath.

"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL ME?" Mayuri demanded to know.

"MEGA-LO-MANIAC!" Korin shouted at him. "It Means you Think you're more important than you actually are!"

"HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT!" Mayuri shouted back. "I am A captain of-"

"And the fact you keep saying you're a captain just Proves it!" Korin interrupted. "You're nothing but a Cold hearted Old fool!"

"When we return, I'll see to it that you get exactly what you deserve for your insubordination!" Mayuri scolded.

"I dare you to try it!" Korin threatened.

"Whoa whoa whoa you two!" Kiyoshi said getting in between the two of them. "No fighting."

Mayuri turned around and refused to acknowledge either of the lieutenants. Korin then turned around and seethed his anger.

"So..." Ichigo interjected. "You guys know that guy from earlier?"

"Captain Asharu Sukairā," Hikari told him. "He is the reason the 16th squad exists. He insisted that the head captain create the 16th to find lost and ancient artifacts that hold significance to the soul society."

"He was originally a 3rd seat on squad 1 and often instructed students at the soul reaper academy on Kidō." Korin explained.

"Just come out and say it you two!" Kiyoshi insisted. "The guy was awesome! He went around to every squad, met every soul reaper, and talked to them like they were family. Plus, he even talked Kenpachi down from a fight once! I thought such a feat could never happen."

"If he was such a great guy, why did he steal the box?" Ichigo asked.

"Isn't obvious?" Mayuri asked. "He helped create the 16th squad so he can find that one artifact and use its power to take control of the Serettei."

"No!" Hikari protested. "Captain Sukairā would never do that! He's not like that."

"Aizen wasn't like that." Korin muttered

"Well then, shouldn't we be focused on going back to the Soul Society?" Ichigo asked.

"WE? ? ?" Mayuri asked. "YOU Are a substitute Soul Reaper! You are not needed here! This is a matter for TRUE Soul Reapers, not the bottom of the barrel!"

"What? !" Ichigo shouted. "I'm only trying to help you Toilet Bowl head!"

"What help?" Mayuri asked. "They got away! You are no longer needed as you will just get in our way!"

"Ahem!" Korin coughed drawing all attention his way. "Actually captain, I was sent to bring Mr. Kurosaki back to the Soul Society with me."

"Oh?"

"Yes. Being a Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo is the only person my captain can trust with a very sensitive matter. We might as well bring him back cause my captain needs to speak with him."

"And what if I don't believe you?"

"Then you can take it up with Captain Kabugi!" Korin threatened. "And she has been very upset lately. I'd like to see you go into her office and see how much of you comes back out!"

Mayuri was silent for a moment as he contemplated the possibilities. Just then the Senkaimon opened. The very one the bad guys escaped through.

"Fine fine!" Mayuri rushed to say. "Just hurry up!" He flew up to the Senkaimon and passed through it.

Ichigo looked at Korin. "You didn't have to defend me." Ichigo said.

"Yeah Well I figured you could be useful." Korin replied. "Unless you think you're not strong enough." Korin the Flew up and through the Senkaimon.

Ichigo scoffed and followed after, along with Kiyoshi and Hikari.

Upon reaching the Other side of the Senkaimon, Ichigo met up with Mayuri and Korin and Found himself inside the Department of Research and Development. There they found Nemu waiting for them.

"Just as I suspected." Mayuri. "They used the Department's Private Senkaimon. I made a mistake by leaving then."

"How can they?" Korin asked.

"Nemu, where is Shizuru?" Mayuri asked.

"She left for her private room sir." Namu answered.

"I need to ask my Dearly beloved some questions." Mayuri said to the Lieutenants and Ichigo. "You lot follow that trail of Blood. I'm sure it will lead you to Sukairā."

There in fact was a trail of blood spots on the floor leading out of the Department. Mayuri left to find Shizuru, and the others followed the trail of blood.

Asharu Sukairā went through the Serretei all alone now under the dark of the night sky with only the moon as light. He was wounded from his earlier fight, but didn't have the time to heal it properly. He carried the box carrying the Bureiburū under his arm with his hood up in an attempt to hide his face. He walked across an empty Courtyard and tried to get the other side as fast as he could.

"Stop right there, Sukairā!" Renji Abarai called out to him. Asharu looked around only to notice Renji standing there and as Asharu realized he was quickly surrounded by a group of Soul Reapers, from the 6th squad, Including 3rd Seat Isao Taimukīpā and his former ally Saya Mai Tokiha who had her Soul Reaper uniform on now.

(Flashback)

Mai, Akane and Natsuki helped Asharu out of the Department of Research and Development. His wound was bleeding profusely.

"Ladies." Asharu said. "There is no need to help me. It's only a scratch."

"With all do respect-" Natsuki started but was cut off by Asharu.

"Look! You girls need to get out of here before you're caught with me." he told them. "Go. Find your squad mates and warn them as to my location, but Lie about my Intentions."

"Why?" Akane asked.

"This makes you girls appear innocent." Asharu said. "My biggest concern is making sure you girls face no repercussions for helping me. Once this is over, I'll suffer full responsibility."

"What do we tell our squads?" Natsuki asked.

"I don't know." Asharu said. "Uhhmmm...how about that I stole from the DRD? That should get some attention. Now go!"

Asharu used Flashstep to get away from them. Mai did not like this idea one bit, but followed it anyway. First she snapped her fingers and a small flame from the bottom of her foot climbed up her ninja costume, destroying it only to replace it with her Soul Reaper uniform. The girls, after placing on their Soul Reaper Uniforms, split up.

Mai found Renji walking in the streets. He was Yawning, so he must be heading off for some sleep. "LIEUTENANT ABARAI! LEUTENANT ABARAI!" Mai shouted in a panic while putting on her best Actress.

Her Shouts got Abarai's attention and Almost stopped his heart. "GGEZ!" He said after jumping up. "Mai? ! What's wrong with-"

"Lieutenant!" She interrupted, breathing hard like she had been running for a while. "We have a problem!"

(End Flashback)

"Wow," Asharu said aloud. "You guys got organized faster then I thought. Hey Renji, you're looking good. Get another Weird Tattoo?"

"Sukairā!" Isao shouted stepping forward. "You have stolen from the Department of Research and Development! We Demand you hand over what you have stolen and Surrender at once!"

Asharu then held up the box to make sure everyone got a good look at it. As he did he scanned the Soul Reapers to see how they would react...as if he was looking for something specific. "You mean this?" He asked plainly. "Kurotsuchi's newest toy? And do you wanna know the least what it is or it works?"

"Captain Sukairā," Renji said. "This doesn't have to end Violently."

Asharu gave a sinister smirk. "Oh...yes it does." he coldly said. He then quickly lifted up his free hand. "Hadō 63 Raikōhō!" A Massive Wave of Yellow energy fired from his hand at the Lieutenant just barely missing him, but close enough to have Renji think it was intended to hit. Asharu then fired Raikōhō at the Other Soul Reapers having them scatter around, and causing them to be distracted. Asharu used the opportunity to use Flash step, Got Behind Mai, and took her hostage by holding his Zanpakutō right to her neck.

"Alright Renji!" Asharu said with Anger in his voice. "Let me Go or I'm going to kill Mai!"

"You wouldn't Dare!" Renji shouted.

"Try me!" Asharu tested. However he whispered in Mai's ear, 'I'm so sorry for this, Mai.'

Renji gritted his teeth as he had no idea what to do. As he did, Asharu noticed something around Renji's Neck. Renji had a Necklace with a key at the end of it similar to the one Hikari had that Asharu took. *Of course.* Asharu thought. *Kage would've picked him.* "Lieutenant!" Asharu said. "I will offer a trade! The Girl for the Key around your neck!"

"What?" Renji asked.

"The Key that Kage gave you." Asharu cleared up for him. "It's one of 3 keys that opens the 16th squad vault."

"What do you want from the vault?" Isao asked.

"Nothing for little boys to worry about mIsao soup!" Asharu word played, his sword's blade right at Mai's neck ready to cut.

...then...there was a change in the spiritual pressure. It was large yet, not over whelming, but clearly was being held back. Just enough released to show off a Captains presence. From Behind the squad's reaper's The Captain of Squad 6, Byakuya Kuchiki, stepped forward.

"Captain Kuchiki..." Mai said, she always seemed awestruck every time she saw him.

"Byakuya." Asharu said smiling. "How have you been buddy?"

"I'm no friend with any traitor." Byakuya said coldly.

"After everything we've been through?" Asharu asked."You giving me a glance that one time?...the one time you told me 'I don't think so.'? What about those good times?"

"Hand over Mai this instant." Byakuya ordered. "There is no use in keeping a hostage if you don't intend to kill them."

"Rr!" Asharu scowled. "You don't think I would?"

"I know you better then you know yourself." Byakuya said. "You would never hurt her."

Asharu then took his Zanpakutō and Stabbed Mai From behind, surprising everyone, even Byakuya. "YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING KUCHIKI!" Asharu shouted. "NOW I WANT THE KEY!"

Byakuya said nothing and drew his sword. "Scatter Senbonzakura." he called. His Blade then began to glow and scattered. Each of the the hundreds of tiny blades floated in the air and Byakuya controlled the petals to rush behind Asharu and streaking him from behind. Asharu then quickly released Mai and used Flash step to dodge the attack. The Petals entirely missed Mai when they passed so she would be even more hurt. Asharu reappeared to the Left right in the Sights of Renji.

"Roar Zabimaru!" Renji called. His chained blade extended far ready to cut Asharu. However, at the Last possible second, Asharu lifted up his sword and Zabimaru made contact with Auroras blade and (Just like with Nnoitra) Renji's Weapon disappeared and reappeared in Asharu's free hand.

"I guess this will do." Asharu said once he got a good grip on Zabimaru. "BANKAI!" Asharu then released the few Power of Zabimaru as it became the massive Skeleton of the snake and Coiled around the area. "Hihiō Zabimaru!"

"My Bankai?" Renji asked astonished. "I didn't know you could do that."

"Aurora reveals the Secret's of the Zanpaktuō to me!" Asharu explained scanning the area with his eyes and feeling relief when he saw Isao carry away the injured Mai. "I might as well be releasing my Own Bankai. Now attack!"

Hihiō Zabimaru turned to Byakuya and Charged directly at him. Byakuya pointed his finger and it was glowing a light blue. " Hadō 33," Byakuya chanted. "Sōkatsui." The Beam fired out of his Finger at Hihiō Zabimaru and on contact caused its many pieces Blow away and Fall in every direction.

During the attack, Asharu Charged at Renji at full speed. Renji tried to defender him self with his own Hadō. "Hadō 31!" he chanted. "Shakkahō!" Renji fired a ball of red energy at Asharu but he quickly used Flashstep to avoid it. Asharu then palmed Renji in the face and tripped him from behind to make him fall backward. When Byakuya destroyed Hihiō Zabimaru, Asharu had ripped the key from Renji's neck and fled via flashstep.

At the Squad 14 Barracks Haruka Katsu waited outside looking up at the moon. Mizutoki eventually came out near him.

"You got Sake 'Dear'?" Mizutoki asked him.

Haruka hated being called Dear but he acted like it didn't bother him as he held up to bottles of Sake. "From Rangiku's private stash!" he cheerfully said as he handed Mizutoki a bottle. Mizutoki chugged the thing down like it would be his last drink. "Gaaah! I needed that. This day sucked. I finally get alone with Nanao. And I am made a full. Damn it all."

"It sounds rough." Haruka replied. "Want me to get Rangiku over here, fill her with Sake and get her to do a little dance?"

"Hahaha!" Mizutoki laughed. "Ya know what 'Dear' you're alright. Woman will prefer me to you, but they'll give you glance...probably."

The 2 drank and talked for a while. Finally Haruka asked, "Hey Mizu, What did the Captain tell you earyler?"

"She told me not to tell anyone..." Mizutoki said in a serious tone. "...and with good reason. Just drop it k?"

Haruka nodded and just then a Hell Butterfly came up with a message. "Attention all Soul Reapers. Asharu Sukairā has stolen from the Department of Research and Development. He must be apprehended at once. Lethal force is Authorized."

Mizutoki spat out his Sake at the news. " *cough cough* Did they say Sukairā?" Mizutoki said remembering that was name that the thief said when she stole the book. "We gotta find him! Come on!"

Mizutoki ran off. Haruka finished off the last of Rangiku's Saki, tossed the canteen aside and followed.

In the Squad 16 Barracks, Captain Kage Ookamiken stood in her office with the back door open to the outside so she could see the moonlight. She closed her eyes for a moment and felt the key around her neck. When she opened them again she saw Asharu Sukairā standing outside a few meters away.

"Captain..." she said calmly.

"Been a while...Captain." Asharu said with a smirk.

(To be continued)