Disclaimer: It's that time once again! Today's guest for our disclaimer is...

Ulquiorra: ...

Denim88: ...

Ulquiorra: No.

Denim88: But...

Ulquiorra: I won't repeat myself. (leaves)

Denim88: Well...I guess I'll do it.

Naruto is property of Masashi Kishimoto, Bleach is property of Tite Kubo. I own neither. It's a cruel world, I tell you.

Chapter Eleven: Paint the Sands Crimson

Rukia and Cirucci staggered for a moment as the palace halls shook. Something hit the ground hard. Really hard.

"What was that?" Rukia asked as she turned to Cirucci. The Privaron shook her head, unsure herself, though Naruto's explosive power could very well be the source.

"Let's keep going. We're closer." Cirucci replied, putting a slight increase in her pace while still helping the wounded Shinigami walk.

Chad opened an eye to see a silver haired woman standing over him, a green glow coming from her hands. He let his eyes adjust before he finally recognized her, "You're...one of the vice-captains from Seireitei."

Isane Kotetsu nodded, "Yes. Soul Society sent a small response team after we were informed that our own Shinigami had entered Hueco Mundo. We just got here a little while ago." She turned her attention to her other companion, who was also her superior, "Unohana-taichou, Sado-san is awake."

Retsu Unohana, who was currently watching over the unconscious form of Gantenbainne Mosquedo, the one-hundred seventh Arrancar and a Privaron like Cirruci, gave a nod, "Good work, Isane. Let's heal this Arrancar before we move onward."

Chad took in a deep breath before he spoke again, "Isane-san, where are Ichigo and the others?"

Isane guessed that Chad, having just woke up, wasn't able to sense the giant beacon of reiatsu that was rippling through all of Las Noches, "I believe they are with the Media-Espada, Uzumaki-san, if the plans have gone accordingly."

"Plans?"

"Yes. I don't believe you and your friends were informed, but Naruto Uzumaki has decided to help us fight Aizen and save Orihime Inoue."

Chad felt a bit confused. He was under the impression that Ichigo, Ishida, Rukia, Renji, and himself were going to save Orihime. Not some Arrancar.

"Oh. That's news to me."

Isane gave a sigh, "My apologies that we didn't let your friends know, Sado-san. Although...we didn't entirely expect your group to go into Hueco Mundo in the first place. Originally, Naruto was going to get Orihime out of here himself, along with the Hogyoku."

While Isane continued healing, Unohana looked onward. She had managed to stave off the Exequias without bloodshed, and she now had time to worry about other things.

Like the faint signature of Sakura that was in the same direction as the two other giant power sources that were likely battling. Though Unohana was usually not one to favor people in treatment and safety, she had always cared deeply for Sakura. The girl showed great promise in the ways of healing, though she also had a natural talent in fighting. She gave her division a new outlook on combat, and for that Unohana was thankful.

'Sakura, please keep yourself and the others safe...I'll be there as soon as I can...I promise...' Unohana thought before heading over to help Isane.

Renji and Ishida looked on as Mayuri Kurotsuchi snapped off a portion of his zanpakutou from the chest of Szayel Aporro Granz, who was currently experiencing a severe lag in reaction time due to a concoction of the Twelfth captain's own design. After all that effort the two had put into their fight with the Octava, the Espada had been taken out by the eccentric captain with little difficulty.

There had been some setbacks...well, in Kurotsuchi's view they were setbacks. Namely the fact that Nemu had been drained of most, if not all her life force, "Nemu, get up, we have work to do."

No response.

"Nemu!"

"..."

A groan, "Must I do everything? I swear, you are about as useful as..."

Naruto skidded a few times in the sand as he tried to stop himself from hitting one of the many giant pillars embedded in the sand, but to no avail. He smashed into the red structure, feeling like someone had taken away his ability to breath as he forced himself to remain standing. Harribel was upon him not a second later, and only decades of training gave him the honed reflexes to duck and avoid getting slashed in the chest.

Raising one of his tails, he attempted to stab Harribel in the shoulder, only for her to move to the side, then avoid three more tails and attempt to deliver a vicious snap kick to her subordinate. Naruto knew better than to try and catch her foot, choosing to instead lean back and lash out with two tails while the other four were used to shield him after Harribel decided to go for a direct spin kick to his side. The tails took the attack full force while Harribel quickly twirled around, avoiding Naruto's attempted attacks.

"You could have avoided that."

Naruto gritted his teeth as he felt his body shutter under the powerful blow delivered by his superior, "Yeah, but it would have kept me from doing this."

Harribel felt herself lose footing as Naruto did a quick sweep kick with his feet. A second later, she had her blade pushing against two blade-like projections on Naruto's right forearm, and pushed off the whisker-marked Arrancar, putting some distance between the two of them.

Naruto didn't give her a chance to breath before he was upon her again. He spun his body around, tails slashing at the air while he moved his bladed arms in a similar manner. Harribel disappeared from view as Naruto landed before she reappeared right behind him.

"Harribel...you don't have to fight me, you know." Naruto spoke quietly, "We...we can work together. You can't honestly believe that Aizen is right in what he's doing."

"It doesn't matter what I think, Naruto." Harribel replied with a sigh, "He gave us our power. I'm indebted to him."

"No you're not. If Aizen were truly a good leader, he wouldn't hold that over your head like that. A good leader takes charge of a team and earns their loyalty through trust; not through fear."

Harribel remained quiet, the wind softly blowing around them, "Do you truly believe that you're capable of taking him down, Naruto?"

A soft laugh, "Only if I have the help of those who want to defeat him as well."

Harribel was quiet once again, though Naruto swore he hear her take a shaky breath, "I always worried that you'd end up getting yourself in over your head one day..." She turned to face him, "I'm sorry, Naruto. I cannot help you...doing so would put Mila, Sun-Sun, and Apache all in danger as well."

"I understand..." Naruto replied, turning around as well, "Harribel, just to let you know, I hold no grudge against you for doing this. It's part of your trait of death, after all, isn't it? Sacrifice..."

"..."

Naruto lifted his two bladed arms, "I would rather not continue fighting you, but I can tell that we don't have any option...well, we do, but..." He shook his head, "I'm sorry, Harribel-chan."

The Tercera closed her eyes, "Don't be sorry."

"Harribel..."

"One more thing, Naruto."

"Hm?" Naruto perked his head up as he noted her voice was now just above a whisper.

"I-I always wanted you to know this..." She paused before taking in a deep breath, "I've...ever since we became a team, I always admired your cheerful personality. I've grown to feel even more strongly in that admiration towards you." She looked up at him, "I guess, in a way...I've fallen for you, Naruto."

Naruto blinked a few times before feeling his skull-armored face heat up, "Um...how long have you felt like this?"

"I can't remember how long."

"Oh..." Naruto scratched his head, "Well, this is...um...awkward..." Naruto could tell it took a lot for Harribel to say that, "Why didn't you ever tell me?"

"Duty comes before pleasure, Naruto."

Naruto nodded, "Ah..." He sighed, "You know...I'm pretty sure that, in a way, I also felt that way towards you...sorry for never noticing."

"Don't be sorry, Naruto. Please..."

The two combatants stood at ready again, "Harribel...I don't think I have it in me to honestly try and defeat you."

The female Espada nodded, "I'm afraid to admit I feel the same."

"We're at a bit of a stalemate then, aren't we?"

Harribel shrugged, "As long as I can hold you off until someone else arrives, this is fine with me."

With that, the two were mere blurs once again.

Sakura was now awake and alert, thanks to Orihime's healing abilities. She had been watching Naruto and the female Arrancar fight for quite some time now.

She had been shocked at Naruto's appearance when he released his Resurrección, namely because he resembled a six tailed fox.

"The Kyuubi's still in him..." Sakura commented softly.

"What, Sakura-san?"

Sakura turned to Orihime, "Nothing, Orihime. I was just thinking of how powerful Naruto is."

The usually cheerful orange haired teen smiled softly, "He truly is strong, isn't he?"

"Hn, he's still holding back."

The two women turned to the Sexta, "What do you mean, Grimmjow?"

"I mean what I said, what do you think?" Grimmjow growled, rolling his eyes at Orihime, "Naruto's only using six of his tails. I've seen him go up to eight...only once though, and that was when he was getting ganged up on by several hundred Adjuchas in Hueco Mundo. It was a bit of an overkill if you ask me, but right now he's still holding back a good deal of his power."

"I-I thought he said you were stronger than him."

Grimmjow chuckled, "That baka would say something like that." He shook his head, "Naruto surpassed me decades ago. He still looks up to me like an idol though. I wish he'd stop it; the only thing I still got on him is my agility and speed. Though...if he gained enough power, he could probably beat me in that area too."

This was a rare moment for the others, especially Apache, who was used to Grimmjow being a jerk. The Sexta had openly admitted that someone was better than him...and he seemed proud.

Before any further words were said, however, Grimmjow felt a pressure against his neck. He saw delicate arms around his neck, and a sai against his throat, "Don't move, Grimmjow-sama. I would prefer not killing you."

Apache blinked, surprised to see Sun-Sun had managed to sneak up on them without her noticing. If she was here...than that must mean that...

Apache whirled around while raising her bracelets, blocking a punch from her Mila-Rose, "Mila, what gives?"

Mila had a unreadable expression on her face, "Harribel-sama has asked that we deal with you all while she focuses on fighting Naruto."

Apache gritted her teeth, "Is that so?"

"Yeah. Sorry."

Apache frowned, "Mila, you don't have to-"

"I know...but I am. Harribel-sama requested we do..."

Apache's eyes flickered through a myriad of emotions in an instant before they settled on one of her more familiar ones; anger, "Then I'm going to have to fight you, aren't I?"

"You're still injured. Naruto's the only one who can help this battle, and he's occupied with Harribel-sama. Not to mention that Stark will likely be here soon, if his presence is the one I feel getting closer."

Apache focused her Pesquisa for a moment, and her face went pale. Sure enough, that was definitely the reiatsu of the Primera heading their way. She cursed under her breath while pushing against her friend's blade, "Then I'll have to fight you and defeat you before he gets here!"

Naruto raised his arms, bladed protrusions catching Harribel's sword as she tried to slice at his neck. He tried to knee her only to meet air, then ducked as the Tercera flew behind him, her sword shaving a few stray hairs from the blond.

Trying to capitalize on the opening he made, Naruto pointed index finger at Harribel's abdomen while charging up a Cero and quickly firing it. It made contact, but Harribel managed to dull the blow with her hierro and increasing her reiatsu output. She halted her trajectory upward, and held her sword vertically, point high above her head as she channeled power into the oddly fashioned zanpakutou.

Naruto's eyes widened, "Aw hell..."

Harribel spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, "Proyectil Azul."

A blast of concentrated energy shot out from the tip of Harribel's blade, making way towards Naruto. The Media-Espada flipped backwards just in time to avoid being cut in half, though the explosion still caught him a bit. He grunted as he was forced back by the shock wave created by Harribel's attack, landing on his feet while digging his claws into the sand. His six tails waved around a bit before becoming rigid. Naruto took in a deep breath while his tails began to curl towards Naruto's chest. A ball of red energy began to form, pulsing violently as it built up power.

Harribel seemed to recognize whatever Naruto was doing, placing her sword in front of her while gathering energy into the hollowed center of the blade. The spiritual pressure in the area was already intense enough, but with the two preparing whatever it was that they were doing, the sand itself seemed to be pushed further down into the ground.

By now the pulsing light being stabilized in front of Naruto's chest was humming at a high pitch, letting out a constant whine that one might interpret as a scream. Crimson eyes closed as Naruto sucked in a deep breath, holding it for a moment before he let out a cry.

The area became completely silent before Naruto's earth-shattering scream was let loose while the red ball of energy was unleashed as a fast moving wave towards Harribel. The Tercera let loose her own built up energy, launching it at the high speed sound wave attack. The sound waves smashed into the energy blast before plowing straight through and hitting Harribel. She clutched the left side of her head as she felt disorientation take over.

"Chillido de la Sangre has a wicked after effect, doesn't it?" Naruto spoke calmly, "It's not really a straight offensive technique. It's supposed to be used to create an opening against the enemy."

"I know; I helped you in creating it." Harribel spoke, still trying to gain her bearings. She noticed Naruto vanish from view again, and could feel the faint presence of his reiatsu behind her.

Whirling around, she intercepted one of his bladed arms, though she was having trouble maintaining her balance with her vision spinning. She leaned back, but was unable to avoid the tail that caught her foot, tripping her up. Before she could even react, Naruto had her pinned with his hands around her wrists, tails pressing on her midsection while his feet pushed on hers.

He hesitated for a few seconds while pulling back his fist, bladed projections on his forearm ready to stab the Tercera through the chest. He stared into Harribel's eyes, and it seemed like an eternity before she spoke, "You're hesitating..."

Naruto gritted his teeth, "Of course I am..." He looked away, "I can't kill you, Harribel."

Harribel took advantage of the moment that he lowered his guard, and pushed him off. Naruto fell back as she got up and jumped back a good fifteen or so feet to put a little distance between them, "You could have finished me off right there."

"Yeah, and you could very well use more of your power, yet you're holding back."

"The same goes for you, Naruto." Harribel shot back with a weak glare, "How do you plan on making this little war against Aizen successful if you cannot even strike down one of us?"

Naruto growled, "Because I can't kill the ones I care about, Harribel!"

The two once again ran at each other, their battle continuing.

Meanwhile, Mila was still locked in combat with Apache while Sun-Sun had the sai pressed against the Sexta Espada's neck. She looked to Ichigo, Nel, Sakura, and Orihime, "Move, and I will kill him."

Grimmjow snorted in laughter, "That's a load of bull." He looked to the girl behind him, "I'm calling your bluff right now, Sun-Sun."

Sun-Sun glared at him, "I'm serious...I-I'll cut your throat out right now if you don't-"

"Sun-Sun, that's enough. I'll take things from here."

Sun-Sun froze in place as she felt a sudden weight of reiatsu wash over them. She turned to see the Primera standing a ways from her, Lilinette behind him.

"S-Stark-sama..." She let go of Grimmjow.

Grimmjow smirked, "Big mistake!" He elbowed her in the side, sending her rolling through the sands a bit. For a moment, he wondered if it was fair to strike her like that. He shook his head as focused on the bigger threat; Stark, "Hn...so you're here now, huh?"

Stark just remained frowning, "You're being labeled a traitor along with Apache and Naruto, Grimmjow."

Grimmjow laughed, "Fair enough!" He rolled up his sleeve, "I'm sick of taking orders from the arrogant waste-of-a-Shinigami anyway!" He unsheathed his blade while looking to the others, "Stay back, this is my battle."

Orihime shook a bit; even she was informed of who Stark was, "Grimmjow...Stark is-"

"Hey, I said leave this to me, Orihime! What kind of job would I be doing if I had you fight instead, huh?" He turned back to Stark, "Don't think that just because you're the Primera that you have this fight in the bag!"

Stark shook his head while pulling out the sword at his side, "Grimmjow, you're arrogance will be the death of you someday. I only hope it won't be today."

Grimmjow blinked, and suddenly felt a presence behind him. A hand rested on his shoulder, and he turned to see Stark standing behind him, "You-?"

Stark delivered a kick to the Sexta's back. Grimmjow cried out in pain as he went flying, but managed to stave off his projection by gripping the ground as he slid, "That won't happen again, Stark!"

The two locked weapons, swords sparking as the blue-haired Arrancar tried to hold his ground. Much to the Sexta's dismay, he felt himself sliding back a bit. He let out more spiritual pressure, halting his adversary. Stark seemed a bit surprised as he lifted an eyebrow, "Hm. You have gotten stronger."

"Shut up!"

Grimmjow managed to push the Primera away, and made a quick swipe to his chest. Stark took a step back, avoiding the blade with relative ease before blocking a second strike with one arm holding his sword.

The Sexta cursed his inability to hit the Primera. Swipe after thrust, none of them managed to even graze Stark. Grimmjow took a second to analyze his surroundings.

That Sakura girl had gotten to her feet finally, and was now engaged in a fight with Sun-Sun while Apache and Mila continued to duke it out. Lilinette was standing off to the side, unsure of what to do. Naruto and Harribel were flickering around in the background as their high speed battle continued. That Inoue girl was standing a little ways off from who he believed to be Nel Tu.

One question remained: Where the hell was Kurosaki?

"Getsuga Tenshou!"

Ichigo answered Grimmjow's silent question as he launched a wave of black and crimson. The wave screamed through the air, making its way towards Stark with a promise of pain should it hit.

Grimmjow jumped back as the blast hit Stark with a mighty explosion. Ichigo reappeared by his Arrancar rival, "So who is that guy?"

Grimmjow grunted, "Stark. He's the number one Espada. He was teaching Naruto how to fight about a century ago. He faster than both me and the idiot, but I have no clue about his abilities. Naruto may know a thing or two about him, but it's unlikely. The guy keeps his true power under wraps almost all the time."

Ichigo could hear the uncertainty in Grimmjow's voice, "That bad, huh?"

"Yeah."

"I hate to ask this, but...we might have to work together on this one."

"Tch, fine. I'm already neck deep in hell as it is. May as well fight with you to try and keep Stark from killing me." The two looked to the clearing smoke, the silhouette of Stark standing in the same place it had been.

"You're Ichigo Kurosaki...aren't you?" Stark spoke as he became visible to the two, "Aizen-sama ordered that you be dealt with accordingly." He held his blade in a ready position, "Sorry, nothing personal."

Stark was a blur as he moved towards them. Ichigo and Grimmjow prepared to defend as he stopped before them, lashing out at Ichigo while blocking Grimmjow's blade with his hand. Ichigo felt a tingling sensation run up his arms from the blocked attack, and barely had time to avoid the rising kick from the Primera. Grimmjow used Sonido in an attempt to get behind Stark and kick him in the back of the head, only for Stark to fade from view.

"He's fast!" Ichigo spoke in an exasperated voice. His arms were still throbbing in mild pain as he tried to get a peg on the Arrancar, "Grimmjow, any suggestions?"

"Yeah!" Grimmjow replied, "Don't die!"

The two moved to opposite sides of their battleground as Stark suddenly appeared, slashing vertically and crashing into the sands where they had been. He stood straight, his eyes trained on Ichigo, "You're pretty good for a human who has Soul Reaper powers."

"I get that a lot." Ichigo smirked, "I haven't shown you my real powers yet..."

Ichigo raised a hand to his face, smirking a bit. As the area suddenly became saturated in a darker aura, Stark got into a ready stance.

"What is he up to?'

Kisuke sighed as he made the finishing touches on the barrier around Karakura after the Twelfth Division constructed the basic outline and properties. Adding on the fifth and central pillar had been an arduous task for the man, but he had done it.

Soon enough he'd have to get the citizens of the city asleep, lest the spiritual pressure from all the fighting that would inevitably take place cause problems for them. He knew for a fact that being the spiritual hotspot in the world would have some nasty consequences for the place if the proper measures weren't taken.

Kisuke adjusted his hat as he smiled proudly at the central pillar. It stood a good one hundred yards higher than the four cardinal direction pillars, and was twice as dense. It was the extra measure taken to insure that the barrier would hold. The former captain snapped his fingers, and the barrier became invisible to the naked eye, just like the other four pillars.

Heading out of the small opening he had made in the barrier, Kisuke spoke to himself, "Just hope Naruto can keep his end of the bargain. It's going to be a real ugly fight if we don't have some backup from him."

Harribel grunted as she skidded across a dune, Naruto pursuing her the whole time. Pulling back her sword, she charged up a Cero before swiping at the air, unleashing the wave of power in a large arc. Naruto raised his arms in front of him, tucked his feet towards his chest, and curled his six tails in front of his body to act as a shield.

The area shook as the fox-like Arrancar was hit with the full force of Harribel's attack. A small trail of smoke was seen cascading towards the sands. A geyser of sand flew into the air as Naruto crashed into the ground. A moment later, an explosion of red sent more sediment into the air, and Naruto could be seen racing across the ground, practically gliding as he charged at the Tercera.

Harribel remained in place, raising her sword a second time. Closing her eyes, she concentrated all her power into the tip of her blade. Her eyes opened to reveal a glowing light, her teal eyes practically fluorescent as she took aim.

Naruto skidded to a halt not a moment too soon, and rolled to the side. A second passed before a red blast of energy roared through the spot he had been just moments ago. Naruto stood straight, only to be nailed by a Bala. He strained to open his eyes, seeing another one of the small projectiles flying at him. He got in a ready stance and just as it was about to hit, delivered a spinning kick to the ball of energy. It was sent towards a pile of rubble, causing an explosion that sent more debris raining down to the ground.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're trying to actually defeat me, Harribel-chan." Naruto grinned, "You're truly serious, aren't you?"

"Correct." Harribel spoke, "I cannot find it in me to kill you...but I can defeat you other ways that don't involve taking your life."

"You sure about that?"

"Positive." Harribel spoke. She flickered from view, and a moment later she was upon Naruto, "I'm still faster than you, after all."

Naruto turned around, his face meeting a foot to the cheek. He heard a crack before he went rolling across the sands. He stood up and shook his head a bit. He looked to see Harribel had disappeared from her previous location. He opened up his Pesquisa to try and get a peg on her. His body turned around, and he aimed his index and middle fingers. He fired a quick Cero towards a random dune.

A moment before the blast connected with the dune, Harribel phased into view in the air above the explosion. She didn't give Naruto a second to even move before delivering a volley of Bala towards the Media-Espada.

"Damn!" Naruto cursed before he took off, running just a few milliseconds ahead of the barrage Harribel was making. He made his way towards the Tercera, intent on forcing her back into close combat. She stopped her assault, moving into a defensive stance.

Naruto's bladed forearm met her zanpakutou, and he pressed down on her weapon with all the strength his form could give. She winced before giving in and being pushed back. She staggered as she landed in the sands again while Naruto landed a short ways from her, his tails waving behind him.

"I have to end this, Harribel..." Naruto spoke, his voice laced with anger, despair, regret, and...fear?

"How do you intend to do that, Naruto?" Harribel spoke, already having a faint idea of where he was going with his train of thought.

"Simple. I'll take you out with a single attack...albeit fairly weakened, but still..." Naruto held his two hands before him as though he held a small ball in them. His tails curled in front of him while a slight breeze picked up, "It's interesting, Harribel. My form...it's based off a demonic-fox...did you know that?"

Harribel actually gave him a curious look, "No. What of it?"

"The Kyuubi no Yoko, or simply the Kyuubi, was a nine-tailed demon fox, just as the name states. It was one of nine living tailed beasts that was composed of an energy called chakra..." Naruto's fingers twitched as a small ball of swirling light could be seen developing within his palms, "The Kyuubi had the power to create a tidal wave and topple a mountain with a single swing of one of its nine tails..."

"I see..." Harribel replied, "So...you're saying that you're attack is of similar power, is it? The Tormenta?"

Naruto smirked, "Not only that..." Naruto's aura began to change from overbearing to almost bloodthirsty as he went on, "Ages ago, these nine-tailed beasts were sealed within human beings, making them and the beasts forever bonded. These people were called Jinchuuriki; living sacrifices. When they died, they took these mighty and supposedly immortal beasts with them to the grave. While they lived, these individuals gained immense chakra from their residing demons."

Harribel's eyes slowly widened, "You mean to say that...?"

"Yeah..." Naruto nodded slowly, "I was the host...and still am...of the Kyuubi no Yoko."

Harribel felt her breath hitch ever so slightly as Naruto's reiatsu crashed down on the area with a force he had not used yet in their battle. She felt her body become a little weaker, yet she was still able to move.

"I cannot let him use his Tormenta. It could cause irreparable damage to the area if he manages to use it, and it could actually overpower me." the Tercera thought. She began to gather more energy into her blade, a slight whistling picking up over the rushing winds Naruto had created.

Naruto, meanwhile, was trying to keep the growing maelstrom in his hand from getting too strong. Raising his hands while his tails flexed a bit, he stared Harribel down, preparing to launch his most powerful technique.

Ichigo moved like a mad man, weaving, ducking, and parrying the swipes that he could as Stark attacked him and Grimmjow relentlessly. It seemed so unreal; one man able to handle both him and Grimmjow at once. It wasn't helping Ichigo's faith in his own abilities to see that Stark appeared almost bored fighting the two.

Grimmjow, on the other hand, was feeling his temper rise. If only Orihime had more time to heal him up, he may be able to call upon his released state. Right now though he was too drained. Pure willpower and the need to keep him and the few that mattered in his eye alive drove him to continue. From the looks of it, Ichigo wasn't doing much better.

The Sexta ducked under Stark's blade and tried to nail him with an uppercut to the jaw. Stark moved to the side while holding Ichigo's black katana in one hand, preventing it from swiping at his arm, "You two are growing weary."

Grimmjow growled, "Don't get so cocky! I'm not dead yet!"

Stark blocked another attack from Grimmjow, pushing him away before intercepting Ichigo's blade. Ichigo's black and yellow eyes that hid behind his mask were locked onto Starks, "You really believe that much in Aizen, huh?"

"That's none of your business, Kurosaki."

Stark flickered from view, and Ichigo felt flesh being cut open on his left side. He growled in anger before pursuing the Primera again, Grimmjow following close behind.

Stark just sighed, "Looks like I got no choice..."

"Kurosaki-kun!"

Naruto turned to the sound of Orihime's scream. He saw the Shinigami teenager falling to the ground, pieces of his odd mask cracking a part as he did so. Grimmjow too had fallen, a small puddle of blood forming around him.

"What happened...how did-?" Naruto's thoughts were abruptly cut off as he spotted Lilinette a ways off from the rest of the group.

Naruto's mind began sounding off an alarm.

Lilinette. She never went to battle alone! Did that mean she went with Mila and Sun-Sun? No...Harribel wouldn't allow that...

"Oh no..." Naruto felt a wave of dread wash over him. It was one thing to be fighting Harribel...but...

The blond had no time to move, not even breath. He felt a sharp, searing pain rip through his sides. He cried out, catching himself while looking up, "S-Stark..." The winds around him stopped, and the orb of wind and power died in his hands.

The Primera Espada looked down to Naruto, his face neutral, "Naruto...why did you have to go and pull this stunt?" His voice sounded anything but willing to cause more bloodshed to his one-time subordinate, "Stop now and I'll try and give Grimmjow, Apache, and yourself time to escape into Hueco Mundo before Aizen truly gets involved with things."

"I..I can't do that..." Naruto spoke, rising to his feet as blood ran freely from his wounds, "Y-you don't understand...there are...there are innocent people's lives involved. I won't let Aizen go and kill so many people just to create a damn key..."

"You're a real enigma, Naruto. I never thought an Arrancar could care so much about humans. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that concern is rubbing off on a lot of us." Stark replied, scratching his head.

Harribel took a few steps forward, her blade at her side, "Stark, let me-"

"Forget about it, Harribel. I've been watching you. You're fighting with pulled punches the whole time. You could have finished Naruto off a good five minutes ago...I'll take care of this for your sake. I don't want to put the strain of defeating him onto you, considering that you seem to care about him a lot more than as just a friend."

"I..." Harribel looked away, knowing the Primera was right.

"So...you really will kill me, huh?" Naruto spoke, forcing his body into a ready stance, "I won't let you take me out without a fight, Stark. You know that better than anyone."

"Damn it..." Stark grumbled, "It had to be you with the morals, didn't it, Naruto?" His blade was again at his side, "So be it. Don't take it personally, Naruto. I just have duties."

"Same here." Naruto responded, "Mine just happen to be towards those who can't fight this battle, and to those that I care about, you included."

"I suppose, in a way, you're right, Naruto." Stark sighed, "I just wish that Aizen wasn't so hellbent on becoming the King of Soul Society and all existence or whatever..."

The two said not a word more. Naruto shifted his footing a bit while Stark raised his blade a bit.

A few memories flashed through Stark's mind as he moved with Sonido. Watching Naruto learning the Grand Rey Cero, which was against the rules at the time for a Fraccion. He remembered the numerous times that Naruto tracked him down, only to find him sleeping. Within the first five years of being his subordinate, Naruto had found almost half of his favorite places to sleep.

He remembered when Naruto and Lilinette first met, and how Lilinette had taken to seeing him as a big brother. Thinking of Lilinette made him think about how much this was going to wreck the girl after all was said and done. She seriously had a soft spot for Naruto, and the blond he was pretty sure felt the same. After all, when you don't have any direct family in a place like Hueco Mundo, adopting others into a surrogate family was the closest thing one could get to the real deal.

Perhaps it was all this thinking that made Stark lose his concentration for a brief moment. Maybe it was the growing feelings of protecting others that made him move his blade ever so slightly so that it wouldn't cut off the blond's neck.

All he knew is that just a millisecond before he was about to land his blade on Naruto, he adjusted it so that it wouldn't dismember anything from him.

It was instantaneous. Naruto was stumbling to the ground with his clawed arms still in a position to slash at Stark. The Primera was walking slowly past Naruto, his eyes closed as he stopped in place.

Crimson splashed onto the sands as Naruto's eyes went glassy. He coughed a bit, before falling to the ground in a crumpled heap.

Sakura, who had engaged Mila-Rose and Sun-Sun along with Apache by her side, stopped in the midst of delivering a earth-shattering punch. All four of them froze in place after feeling a sudden drop in Naruto's reiatsu.

Apache was the first to reply, "Naruto!"

Sakura stood stone-still as she watched the Primera Espada deliver a lethal blow to Naruto's torso. That wasn't what had her worried though.

Naruto's armored form gave off a faint glow of orange and red before it began to break apart into bits of light, forming Naruto's zanpakutou once more. If Arrancar were anything like Shinigami...and their Resurrección was like a Shinigami's shikai or bankai...

"Oh no..." Sakura whispered.

Naruto felt cold. He could feel his body shaking as he tried to move. A chilling grip on his body wasn't going to stop him! He was Naruto Uzumaki, damn it!

"He...he just finished me off in two moves..." Naruto thought, "If only I had..." Naruto eyes slowly became dull, the life almost completely gone from his once brilliant sapphire orbs.

Nel had watched the whole scene unfold, forcing herself to stay put unless she get in the way and put more stress on Naruto. He had been doing so well against Harribel, and he looked like he was going to win until Stark appeared.

The youthful-looking Arrancar stared into Naruto's fading eyes. She didn't remember most of her supposed past-life, but she did know that this blond haired Arrancar was very dear to her. She felt the need to protect him. The need to keep him safe from this kind of danger. Something in the back of her mind told her that's what she would do if she had the strength to do so.

She had failed to do so, though.

"Naruto!" She cried as she raced towards the blond's body. She fell onto his shattered form, "Naruto, get up!"

There was a grunt, and she looked to Naruto's face. He forced open an eye, and when he caught sight of her face, he smiled, "Nel-chan...are you...alright?"

Nel just cried as she tried to hug the Media-Espada, "Nel'sth sorry! I wasn't strong enough to protect you! I...I...couldn't..." She choked on her words as she let out another sob.

Naruto let out a quiet shudder which sounded like a laugh, "Nel-chan...I need you to get out of here...t-take Orihime and...and get her to Soul Society...she'll be safe there..."

"Nel can't do that, Naruto! Nel doesn't have the power to create a Garganta..." She whispered, her forehead pressed against his, "I'm sorry..."

"I-it's okay, Nel-chan...we tried..." Naruto wheezed a bit, "Nel...I'm just happy that...I got to see you again..." He placed a hand on her head, "I just...just wish that it hadn't been...like this..."

Naruto's eyes were soon staring blankly ahead. Nel felt her chest constrict on her, "Naruto?" She shook his shoulders a bit, "N-Naruto?"

Stark and Harribel watched as the small Arrancar wept into the Media-Espada's shoulder. Stark sheathed his blade, his head bowed as he turned away. Harribel, much to her disappointment, was feeling the sting of moisture in her eyes as she did so as well.

"Naruto..." she whispered softly. Looking one last time to the blond, she let her shoulders slouch a bit before she continued onward to retrieve Orihime and prepare for the war with Soul Society.

Then it happened.

A strange, yet...familiar reiatsu began to make itself known. Stark was the first to turn around. He looked to see a faint, pink aura forming around the child-like Arrancar.

"That spiritual pressure...I recognize it." He spoke to himself.

Nel then let out a grief-stricken cry, "Naruto!"

Neliel Tu Oderschvank had finally woken up from her slumber.

Shikamaru checked over his zanpakutou one last time before sheathing it and heading out of his small office. He wouldn't admit it...but he wasn't looking forward to this at all.

"Damn it, this is going to blow..."

Okay, so maybe he would admit it in a certain roundabout way, but still, no one could really blame him. After all, he would be one of the few Shinigami that was going to be at the front lines during the battle over Karakura.

A knock at his door shook him from his thoughts. He looked to see Rangiku smiling, "Hey, Shika. Are you almost ready?"

Shikamaru sighed, "As ready as I'll ever be."

The Vice-captain of the Tenth Division gave an understanding nod before walking in, wrapping her arms around his shoulders from behind, "Don't worry, Shika. Taichou chose you for a reason."

"Yeah, you wouldn't stop nagging him until he did." the fifth seat snapped back, earning a flick on the ear from the buxom woman.

"Not just that, Shika. You truly underestimate your ability." Rangiku continued, placing her forehead against the back of his head, "I won't deny part of me is nervous as well. However, the part of me that wants to keep everyone else safe and make sure we win this war is a lot more influential. Hell, even Haineko has been giving me a pep-talk!"

"Hn. Kusakakage has been telling me that if anything goes wrong it's probably because it was meant to be. He's not too worried...just annoyed that we , and I quote, 'have to go and fight a war against some half-crazed traitor and his league of super-powered Hollows...'. He isn't to thrilled, more or less."

Rangiku just laughed a bit before speaking again, "Shika...take care of yourself out there. You have one of the most important jobs."

"Eh...I'll do what I can."

"Shika," Rangiku turned him to face her, "I'm serious. Don't go and be careless, though I know you tend not to be. I'd hate to lose a...a good friend...like you in this war."

Shikamaru felt his face heat up a bit, "Alright, alright. I'll be careful. You do the same...though I doubt it'll be that easy. I'll likely have to save you from yourself, more or less."

Rangiku smirked, "You'll rescue me?"

"Er...well, yeah, your my superior. That's what-"

Rangiku planted a chaste kiss on Shikamaru's right cheek before looking to him again, "You're truly a sweet guy, Shikamaru. I'm glad I nabbed you up from the Academy as soon as I could." She walked away, putting a little bit more sashay into her step than she normally did, which caused a few unseated officers carrying papers to trip as they watched her pass by.

Shikamaru blinked several times, trying to get the image of Rangiku's posterior out of his mind, "Troublesome..." Trying be the key word...not that he didn't mind the view too much.

"Nara."

Shikamaru turned around, and stood straight as he could, "Hitsugaya-taichou."

Toshiro Hitsugaya stood in the Nara's entrance to his office, "At ease. You normally don't act so formal anyway."

"Right." Shikamaru returned to his usual semi-slouching stature, "You need something, taichou?"

Hitsugaya shook his head, "No, I just came here to inform you of a change in plans."

"A change?"

Hitsugaya nodded, "Yes. We're moving you from the western pillar to the central pillar. It's a better strategy. It'll be harder to locate, and, while I mean you no offense, you're not exactly on the warrior side of the spectrum in terms of battle. I think having a patient fighter like yourself guarding that central pillar will prove much more useful to our efforts. It'll give you more time to build up a strategy should someone attack you."

Shikamaru nodded, "I understand, taichou."

Hitsugaya nodded, "That will be all, Nara. Take this time to prep yourself for battle.

As the young, silver-haired captain left the room, Shikamaru sighed, half from relief, and half from being stressed out. His transfer to guarding the central pillar was good news; the structure was made to be hidden well enough so that it wouldn't be noticed right away. As his captain had stated, placing him there would be good, and allow him more time to prepare for a fight against one of the Arrancar.

With that thought in mind, Shikamaru did the one thing he always did to clear his mind; sit in his office chair and nap.

As Mayuri Kurotsuchi and Nemu dug around in the wreckage of Szayel's laboratory and collection of various oddities, Renji and Uryuu were recovering slowly from the battle. Pesche and Dondochakka, who had been resting against a pillar of the ruins, suddenly sat upright.

"Hey, Renji, you feel that?"

The Sixth Division Vice-captain nodded, "Yeah...it's...powerful. Must be Ichigo or something..." Renji focused on the power a bit before shaking his head, "No...that isn't Ichigo. It's...different."

"It's Nel-sama."

Uryuu and Renji turned towards the two Arrancar, the Quincy deciding to ask, "Nel-sama...you mean...?"

"Yeah, that's Neliel Tu Oderschvank's reiatsu...though..." Pesche paused, trying to collect his thoughts, "We always believed she had lost her power decades ago."

"She must have gained them back. I mean, that's definitely her power, don'tcha know?" Dondochakka added, looking towards the direction the reiatsu was coming from.

"It is hers...but...how?" Pesche asked, only to receive a shaking head from Dondochakka.

"Wait, you mean that little brat of an Arrancar is the one unleashing that reiatsu?" Renji asked, a look of clear disbelief on his face, "You're joking, right?"

The Arrancar duo didn't reply. Uryuu adjusted his glasses before speaking, "I suggest we wait a bit longer before we go over and assist Ichigo and the others with their situation. I'm sensing a lot of high-level powers over in that direction."

"Yeah...it's not settling well with me." Renji agreed.

As the pink cloud of smoke cleared, Stark and Harribel stood in place. Mila-Rose, Sun-Sun, and Lilinette had joined them, standing a ways away from the two Espada. Sakura and Apache stood, unsure of what to make of the situation as they felt the new presence filter through the air.

"I thought you had died..." Stark spoke to the figure in the smoke.

Harribel raised an eyebrow, "Stark, what are you talking about? Do you-?"

"Stark-san...it's been quite a long time, hasn't it?"

Stark-san...only one person ever referred to him as that. The way it was addressed was in a polite, somewhat familiar tone, while keeping the respectful edge to it. Only one person had ever really managed to call him as such so easily.

"Neliel Tu Oderschvank. It's good to see you...well..." Stark looked to the fallen figure of Naruto as the smoke blew away, "I wish it was good to see you."

There beside Naruto's body stood Neliel Tu Oderschvank, the former Tercera, a proud woman with swordsman skills that were spoken of all over Hueco Mundo by the intelligent beings that lived in the wasteland. Gone was her white uniform, instead she bore the tattered remains of her green garb she had worn as a child, which had surprisingly ripped enough to be used as a shirt and shorts.

Nel looked to Stark for a moment more before kneeling beside Naruto. She was quiet before placing her fingers delicately over his eyelids and closing them, "Naruto-kun..." She picked up the blond, and with little effort, dashed over in a graceful fashion towards Sakura, Orihime, and Apache.

"Wh-who are you?" Apache spoke, taking a step back.

Nel smiled, "I'm a former Espada...Neliel Tu Oderschvank. You can call me Nel, though. Thank you for helping, Apache. You're truly brave to have gone this far..." She looked to Sakura, and continued, "Sakura...I need your help."

Sakura raised an eyebrow, "My help? In what?"

Nel looked to the five Arrancar, "I'm sure Harribel and Stark are honorable, but I cannot be so certain that they will not try and take Orihime back to her prison while I'm busy fighting. I need you to help Apache keep a watch over her. In the meantime..." She looked to Orihime, "Try and heal Ichigo and Grimmjow...I know you already did once, but...you're a strong person, Orihime. I believe in you."

Apache swallowed hard before she spoke up, "W-what about...Naruto...?"

Nel frowned, "I...I do not know..." She hardened her features before standing, "I won't let this end like this. Please stay here. It's my turn to help."

Sakura stood up, "Nel...you shouldn't-"

"No, Sakura. This is my fight...please do not interfere..." The former Tercera spoke, "They took Naruto from me. I will not let this go without consequences."

The deadly edge in her otherwise soft voice sent a chill up Sakura's spine. She nodded before taking a step back, "Be careful, Nel..."

Nel turned to face Sakura again, "I will. Please keep Orihime and the others safe."

Sakura nodded, "I will."

Nel gave a last nod before she walked onward. She blocked out the turmoil of emotions in her right now. Naruto's death was still fresh in her mind...along with tons of new memories...memories of long ago.

A lesser person would have broken down by now from all the flashbacks and the loss of a loved one. Not Nel, though. No, she was made of tougher things. She would endure the pain for now, and mourn after she had taken care of business. Naruto wouldn't want her breaking under pressure.

So she wouldn't.

Stark gripped his blade a bit tighter as he turned to Harribel, "You know who that is, don't you?"

Harribel nodded slowly, "I do...I don't believe it, but...it's her..."

Nel stopped about twenty paces before the two Espada, hand on the hilt of her sheathed blade, "I will be your opponent."

"Nel...don't be ridiculous...your outnumbered and your reiatsu isn't stable enough to put up a fight against us."

"That doesn't matter." Nel spoke sharply, "You killed Naruto. Even if I must lose both my arms and legs before I do, I will avenge Naruto."

For some reason, none of them found her declaration that hard to believe.

In the forest of Naruto's mindscape, a chilling wind blew through the air. Trees that once bore green leaves were now yellowing and falling off the branches. The blond lie in front of the cave where the Kyuubi was sealed, his breaths shallow and weak.

"Well, this is a familiar scenario, isn't it?" growled the bijuu.

Naruto's only response was to give the Kyuubi a ghost of a glare as he kept his eyes focused on the demon-fox.

"I suppose you wish for me to lend you my powers to revive you, correct?" The ancient beast didn't even wait for a reply, "So be it."

End of Chapter Eleven: Oh noooooo! A cliffhanger again? Now, before you skewer me with sharp and possibly rusty objects, remember that there's more to come! Don't hate me; it's just my horrible fanfiction writer's way of staying satisfied, I promise! I'm sure many of you have theories of what's going to happen in future chapters, and I'm sure some of you may be close as to what will happen. That doesn't mean I'm going to let you know though, heheh. Well, as always, thanks for reading the chapter, and look forward to more to come!

As always, a big thanks to my beta-reader, Paradox Jast for looking this over for me!