Starting Over

Chapter 12: The Mission

A/N: I will be finishing up the Starting Over with the next chapter and it will be the final chapter and relatively shorter than this one (hopefully ). I have enjoyed writing this story and I Never Knew. I might do a short Drabble serious of Byakuya's and Yoruichi's pregnancy and birth on the humorous side.

Squad 10's Office

Ichigo had roughly just finished his captain's training at the academy and was barely settling in as a captain. Ganju, his lieutenant, had managed to afford Ichigo with a headache on a daily basis. Ganju was to Ichigo as Kenpachi was to Byakuya. I must have been out of my mind to recommend him for lieutenant, Ichigo thought as he sat at his desk rifling through the stack of papers that was back-logged. However, it was too late for the could'ves, should'ves, and would'ves; the damage had already been done. Ganju and Rangiku would get along just great, since they both like to slack in their responsibilities. Ichigo glanced over at Ganju's desk and eyed the overflowing papers that called for attention; just then the said person entered the office.

"Gosh Ganju, do you even know the meaning of work?" Ichigo asked annoyingly.

"What are you talking about?" Ganju asked, knowing that he was trying to avert the obvious.

"I'm talking about that overflowing stack of papers on your desk that needs to be done by this afternoon."

"Oh that, I'll get to it in just a bit Ichigo."

"No, you will get to it now."

"You're not my boss." Ganju blurted out.

"Excuse me!" Ichigo said as his voice was starting to get loud.

"Okay, okay; gosh you don't have to so pushy." Ganju replied wondering why he even accepted the position in the first place. Here, was this young cousin telling him what to do; it was bad enough that his own sister always bossed him around.

Squad 6's Office

Byakuya had just sat down for his morning cup of tea, after saying goodbye to Yoruichi; who was going to travel to the world of the living to look at wedding dresses. Yoruichi wasn't impressed with the ones in the Seireitei; so she decided along with Rukia, that they would go to the world of the living. Byakuya reflected on the fact that he was about to be married soon; and no doubt to Yoruichi of all people. As he took his first sip of hot tea, his left eye started twitching. Byakuya thought, that couldn't be a good sign. Then his right eye started twitching, along with a tingling sensation at his temples; and that could only mean one thing-Kenpachi.

"Hey noble captain, how's it going?" the said cause of Byakuya's distress asked.

"Why are you here Zaraki?" Byakuya asked rubbing his temples; as he pondered on why idiots never get the message that they are a pest.

"Is that any way to greet your guest?"

"Since when are you a guest?" Now, what do you want? I'm busy."

"Oh nothing your nobleness; I just stopped by to say hello. Oh, but I do need to know what colors will be in your wedding. You know, I want to make sure that I am presentable when I make my entrance."

"Purple, now leave." Byakuya responded.

"Purple, hah! I'm surprised you didn't say pink." Kenpachi said as he felt a glare from Byakuya.

10th Division Office

Ichigo was still at his desk going through the mounds of paperwork, when Renji entered the office.

"Hey Ichigo, what's up?" Renji asked as he scanned the office, noticing all the mounds of paperwork on the desks.

"Renji, what are you doing here?" Ichigo asked never looking up.

"Someone told me that you wanted to speak to me." Renji replied.

"Would that someone be a little short midget?" Ichigo said with a chuckle as he looked up at Renji's expressionless face.

"I suppose."

"Well don't sound all happy and stuff." Ichigo said as he noticed that something was off with Renji. "Well, I wanted to ask you to be my best man at my wedding."

Renji was taken back at what Ichigo had stated; as he thought surely he would ask Chad to be his best man. "Are you sure Ichigo? What about your friends in the world of the living? Why ask me of all people?"

"Look Renji, I know I could have asked one of them to be my best man and all; however, I wanted to give you the honor of being my best man. You know, you're almost like a brother to me; and besides I think I kind of know what's eating at you right now. So why don't we leave it at that and do me the honor." Ichigo replied as he hope that had put some ease to Renji's mind, but he knew deep down that it would not heal the hurt.

"So you figured out what you think is wrong with me. Well, I can't say that there's no truth to it. It always seems that I am unlucky in attaining what I want. I have been unlucky in allowing Byakuya to take Rukia away from me all those years ago; and now, once again, she is being taken away from me by you. Just what am I supposed to do, eh Ichigo?"

"Renji, I won't say I know how you feel, because I don't. And I won't apologize for loving Rukia, so don't ask me. It really sounds like you are madder with yourself versus being mad at me. You have to give life a chance and learn from your lessons and move on. But, if you desire not to be my best man, I will try to find someone else." Ichigo said as he stood up and faced Renji.

"I'm not saying that I don't want to be your best man, of course I do. I just want to be sure that is your final decision. Yes, I have moved on, whether you think so or not; it's just here of lately, these repressed feelings have resurfaced. I have pretty much accepted the fact that it was my own insecurities that have allowed things to slip through my hands; so I am not faulting you for this. But, I would be honored to be your best man at your wedding."

"I understand and thank you so much, maybe you will find someone at the wedding. I already know someone who likes you very much." Ichigo teased.

"Yeah, who is it?"

"If I tell you who it is, it would just take all the fun out of you trying to guess who it might be. They will be at the wedding." Ichigo said as he sat back down at his desk. "Sorry, Renji but I have to get this work done. Hey, let's go out for dinner tonight."

"Okay, I will see you later then." Renji said as he left Ichigo's office.

"Hello son, how is it?" Isshin asked as he stood in the office that was ever so familiar to him. He noticed things hadn't really changed that much since he had left.

"Well for one thing, I'm up to my elbows in paperwork." Ichigo replied as he glanced at his father.

"Hey Uncle, how are you?" Ganju asked as he interrupted the father and son conversation.

"Nothing much, just came to talk to Ichigo, how are you Ganju and that sister of yours?" Isshin asked as he walked around the office.

"I'm doing fine and she is fine; wondering when you will stop by and have dinner with her." Ganju replied.

"That's good, tell her real soon." Isshin responded.

"I see they managed to let you be captain once again. What squad are you in?" Ganju asked as if he didn't know all ready.

"7th division." Isshin answered.

"Ganju, your work." Ichigo interrupted.

"Gosh, I can tell you are some kin to my sister." Ganju said as he returned to his desk.

"What brings you by here, dad?"

"Oh, I just wanted to stop by and say hello."

"What happened with the captain commander?"

Isshin told Ichigo the outcome of the meeting with the captain commander; along with the stipulations that was set forth.

"So thirty days, eh? Well that's not too bad; in fact, it'll be here quickly and sooner than you know it. As you may or may not know, I am getting married." Ichigo said in a matter-of-factly voice.

"What! My dear son has finally grown into a man. Who is it Ichigo? Is it that boobilicious girl name Orihime? Now, that one would be a great choice son." Isshin said as he spun around the room laughing.

"I'm sorry to burst your bubble dad, but it's not her."

"Oh, let me see then." Isshin said as he pondered who it could be, while scratching his head.

"It's Rukia."

"No, not my dear daughter Rukia!" Isshin teased. "Congratulations son, I'm proud of you."

"Thanks dad. We are having the wedding in the world of the living; in that way, you can see Karin and Yuzu and my friends will be there as well."

Isshin turned his back from Ichigo and said, "that's fine, son," after waving his hand goodbye-he left the office.

Ichigo sighed and thought that if one more person interrupted him before he could finish his paperwork, there will be hell to pay. As he started back on the pile of papers before him, a Hell butterfly appeared with a message from the captain commander that was calling for an emergency meeting. Great, Ichigo thought, just what I needed. How am I supposed to get any work done, if I am constantly being interrupted, he fumed as he departed towards the first division office. Ichigo mused to himself, this better not be a waste of my time, either.

1st Division Office

The captains entered the first division office and lined up; when they noticed a new captain standing there. Some of the captains began to whisper among themselves such as, Shinji and Rose; as they tried to ascertain who the new captain was. Captain Hitsugaya stared at the new captain with his ice cold eyes trying to determined where he had seen him before. He was trying hard to rack his brains where exactly he knew him from. Ichigo was now standing where Captain Hitsugaya normally stood, by Byakuya; and Isshin stood directly across from Ichigo. Of course, Byakuya stood in his normal spot doing his normal behavior of having his eyes closed and wishing the meeting would hurry up and be over.

The captain commander arrived and called the meeting to start. "I want to thank you all for being here on such short notice. There are a couple of things that I need to direct your attention to before telling you the reason why I called this meeting. After much consideration and talking to Central 46; we have decided to reinstate Captain Shiba Isshin as the new captain of the 7th division."

At that moment Captain Hitsugaya froze his eyes directly on Isshin; and wondered how could he not have known that it was his former captain. Toshiro thought, if he is a Shiba, then how is he related to Ichigo? There was much explaining to be done to him by his former captain and he would not wait another minute to hear his excuse as to why he had abandon his former post. But for right now, he would have to wait for the meeting to be over.

The captain commander continued, "I also want to say that Captain Shiba Isshin is the father of Captain Shiba Ichigo. Now, before everyone gets in a tizzy; just let me finish telling you the main reason for me calling this emergency captain's meeting. There have been some reports by the Stealth squad that some of the residents of the West Rukongai District are missing and the numbers are impressive. With that being said, I am assigning several personnel to check this out further to see exactly what is going on; since the report failed to find any cause of motive for such actions. The following personnel will see to the investigation of the West Rukongai District: Captain Kuchiki will be in charge, Captain Zaraki, Captains Shiba Isshin and Captain Shiba Ichigo, Captain Hitsugaya, and Lt. Abarai. Meeting dismissed."

Byakuya sensed another headache forming and couldn't understand why the captain commander always paired him with that fool. Kenpachi only smirked as he left the 1st division office; and Toshiro was hot on the trail of Isshin as he cornered him outside the office. Ichigo walked past and asked him if he was okay and Isshin responded that it was something that he had to face and come to terms with. Isshin also said that he would meet the rest of the party at the gate that lead to the West Rukongai District.

"Tell me why did you just abandon us like that? Was it that you didn't care about what happened to us? Tell me Captain Sbia Isshin!" Toshiro angrily said as his voice spoke volume.

"It wasn't for that reason. Yes, I took off for the world of the living after I came back from my unapproved visit the first time, when I took on that Black Hollow that was created by Aizen. I was at my limit of fighting, injured, and I couldn't use bankai. This young girl showed up; she was a Quincy and saved me from further harmed. She actually killed the Hollow, but she was bitten by the Hollow also. I didn't tell the previous captain commander this, as I knew it was forbidden to interact with Quincies; and besides I was already in hot water and didn't want to receive any more punishment. I kept thinking about her and I wanted to see her, so I just left. I am sure you understand how love goes sometimes. When I got to the world of the living, I met Uyruu's father, Ryuuken; he was standing there with the same girl in his arm that had a hole in her chest from fighting the Black Hollow. He couldn't and didn't know how to save her; that's when Urahara showed up and we followed him back to his shop. To make a long story short, the only way I could save her from dying was to tie reishi strings with her soul; that would protect her for as long as she lived. That day I lost my Shinigami powers and had no means to return to Soul Society; and besides I couldn't let her die, the woman who saved my life, the woman who I loved, and the mother of my children." Isshin explained as he eyed the sky.

"So all this time you been living in the world of the living with no powers, but you seemed to have them now."

"My powers took a while to return back to me after Masaki died. They returned back to me during the fight with Aizen. But you know, I have two other daughters that I have to attend to; and you know they are human. Karin might have some early development of Shinigami powers; as you might be well aware of Toshiro."

"Yes, I am well aware of that, but did you know?" Toshiro asked surprised that he had known about their interactions.

"A father always knows, Toshiro; don't worry about it. I am just glad that you were there to protect her." Isshin said as he tore his eyes away from the sky and looked into ice green cold eyes. Toshiro remained without words afterwards and felt he should keep his thoughts about Karin to himself. Isshin, on the other hand, knew that he would have to explain his actions to his former Lt, and third seat. He always knew that Toshiro had would it would take to be captain one day and was glad that he was the next captain. "I don't want you to think that I didn't think about the consequences of my decision to save Masaki that day; and if I had to do it all over again I would. I knew you would be able to carry on as captain, even though I had no other choice to do what I did, without Masaki dying right then and there. So, I apologize if that makes me weak and irresponsible."

"There's no need to apologize." Toshiro said as he walked off to meet the rest of the captains along with Isshin.

The Rukongai West District Gate

Byakuya decided right then and there that he would have to have a meeting with the captain commander to ask him why he kept assigning Kenpachi with him. He didn't quite understand his reasoning on the matter. Maybe he got the impression they were friends or something; but weren't they? Surely, he didn't think such foolishness. But truth be told; and denial be admitted, Byakuya had somewhat thought of Kenpachi as a friend. A friend that was close enough to be best man at his wedding. Did I ask that fool to be my best man? What in the world was I drinking, Byakuya asked himself as he searched for the answers he tried so desperately to deny. Sadly, Byakuya had to finally admit to himself, that he considered the barbaric fool a friend of his, surely this was a sad day in the Seireitei.

"What are you thinking about oh great noble leader?" Kenpachi asked. "I say we just go in there and check things out."

"I'm thinking about the best possible plan of action; and… why I considered you a friend." Byakuya said as the last part was but a whisper.

"Tsh, even nobles need a friend." Kenpachi responded.

Byakuya just sigh and shook his head in amazement. Byakuya decided to split the group up for better coverage of investigation. Captain's Shiba Isshin, Shiba Ichigo, and Hitsugaya were in one group; while Renji, Kenpachi, and Byakuya were in the other group. Byakuya was baffled how after all this time Ichigo turned out to be a Shiba. He had previously thought his resemblance did bare a striking image to Shiba Kaien; but he concluded that it was no way the boy could be a Shiba living in the world of the living. Surprisingly, it was this boy, a Shiba that had changed so much in the way the Soul Society was governed. It was the same boy that had prevented him from making a horrific mistake in allowing his sister, Rukia, from being executed. In addition, this same boy, a Shiba, was about to marry his said sister.

Kenpachi walked steady with the group; however, he was beginning to get impatient with all this walking around. He glanced over at the noble captain and wondered to himself, why he had found an interest in such an arrogant man. But the man was truly gifted in the art of fighting, and this more than anything made Kenpachi felt drawn to the man. Kenpachi overlooked at lot of the man's arrogance just for the opportunity of fighting him again; and any other person who would speak so lowly of him would have found themselves gone with the wind. But, he knew under that cold interior was a man with conflicted emotions that hid its presence to others. For Kenpachi, it was the fun of extracting those emotions that made everything interesting. He really didn't want to be his best man at the wedding, but since the noble captain had asked him; he did feel honored to accept his offer. Kenpachi wondered though, he must not have any friends that he could have asked; much like himself-not having friends. Perhaps, that is what likely drew these two together their common need for friendship, not that Kenpachi felt he really needed a friend; but sometimes it's just nice to have one.

"How much longer are we going to be walking in circles? I'm ready to make waste of things." Kenpachi impatiently asked.

"I see patience isn't one of your virtues. We will keep walking until we find something." Byakuya replied.

"Tsh."

Renji walked slowly behind the two captains and felt amazed by their interaction; though it was quite comical. He would have rather joined Ichigo's group than having to be stuck among two bickering captains. They continued down the street that was too familiar to Renji and things hadn't really changed over the years. People still hung out on the streets, sleeping on benches in the heat of the sun, and still sold water and supplies at the stands. Nothing really stood out to Renji that would make him otherwise think that something strange was going on in the district. The only thing that kind of stuck out was that there weren't a whole lot of people walking down the street as usual; however, Renji attributed it the people that might have gone missing.

"Hey Captain Kuchiki, there's really no difference in the everyday life of the people in the district; however, I noticed there's not a lot people walking down the street as previous times. Do you think this is a concern?" Renji asked, as he attempts to break the silence.

"Perhaps," Byakuya replied as he kept walking down the street.

The other group walked in the opposite direction and more towards East Rakongai District. Still there didn't seem to be anything out of place. Isshin and Toshiro managed to clear up their differences; while Ichigo had to endure all the explanations and questions. Ichigo could only imagine how Toshiro and Rangiku must have felt when his father abandoned the squad, but that didn't make him not to understand his father's decision. They continued walking when Ichigo had an idea to go talk to the elder of the district, perhaps he would know what was going on.

"Toshiro, why don't we go talk to the elder of the district, he might have some ideas as to what is going on." Ichigo suggested.

"Fine, and that's Captain Hitsugaya to you." Toshiro said as a mask of frustration covered his face.

"If you noticed or not, I am a captain; and I can now call you Toshiro." Ichigo retorted.

Toshiro sighed as it was nothing he really could say because it was the truth; and it wasn't like he was going to do it anyway. They finally reached the elder's place and inquired about the happenings in the Rukongai District. He told them, it appeared like the time before when Renatus had his group of Hollows killing the residents; however, this time they were missing and he had no idea of the fate of these residents. Toshiro asked the elder if he knew if they had been taken to another area or not, or even if they had left a trace of where they were going. The elder replied that he had no clue as to the whereabouts of the residents. After the conversation, Toshiro and his group left with nothing more to go.

Toshiro and his group met up with Captain Kuchiki's group and exchanged notes. There was nothing to go on as to why the residents were disappearing except for what the elder had told Toshiro. Byakuya was a lost as to what to do, even where to go for that matter. It wouldn't make sense to go to Hueco Mundo without any pertinent evidence or reason to be there. It was getting late and the sun was about to set for the evening. Byakuya motioned that they all return back to the Seireitei and try again in the morning.

Little did they know, they were being watched by someone hiding their spiritual pressure; and had overheard what had been said. To the said unknown person, this was working out to their favor; and they would make sure that no traces would lead them to Hueco Mundo. However, there was one Soul Reaper he noticed among the group that sparked his interest. The sheer thought of it overruled his thinking; he could not miss this chance to finally take him down. The unknown person thought if he attacked him, surely he would give his position away and the link to Hueco Mundo, but not if he did it carefully-he could take care of two stones at one time. Whatever he decided to do, it would have to be done quickly and concise; there would be no room for mistakes. He hated that Soul Reaper more than life itself, he was repulsive, and always sticking his nose in things that didn't pertain to him. The unknown person was going to make sure that he wouldn't stick his nose into anymore of his business.

The group had made its way to the gate almost and most of them had already entered the Seireitei, when a squelching yell was easily heard coming from the rear of the group. There on the ground was Ichigo sprawled out with a blade through his chest; as blood spewed on the dirt surface as Ichigo lied there with his eyes looking upward at the sky-motionless. The others rushed over to Ichigo's body as they tried to revive him back to life. Isshin was frantic as he tried to use pressure over the wound in his chest. Byakuya checked his pulse and did not feel one.

"I'm sorry Captain Shiba, I think he is gone." Byakuya sadly reported.

"I think we should give it a minute before you completely say he's gone." Renji said as he stared at Ichigo's body.

"What do you mean, Renji?" Toshiro asked with a confused look. Isshin was wondering what in the world was he talking about as he gazed upon his son lifeless body.

"I mean just give it a minute, something might happen." Renji said not wanting to alarm anyone.

King, what have I told you about getting yourself killed?

Am I dead?

What do you think? You are such as nuisance.

Suddenly a strange color reiatsu started swirling around the chest wound of Ichigo. Ichigo quickly stood up as he let out a bellowing howl. Byakuya looked at him as if he had three horns on his head instead of two. Toshiro could do nothing but stare in amazement; and Isshin looked at him as if he had seen the Vaste Lorde before. Renji just stood back and looked as if it was something normal.

"Hey you," Shirosaki spoke while pointing at Isshin. "Haven't we met before?"

"It can't be!" Isshin said more to himself than anything. "How is this even possible, that you would even remember me?"

"Now, wouldn't you like to know? But I'm not about to tell you." Shirosaki laughed cynically. "And besides, I got some business to take care right now."

Byakuya and the others stood there in amazement, even Kenpachi was awed by the conversation. "So, Captain Shiba, you know this thing?" Byakuya spoke up.

"Well this thing as you speak of is still my son, Captain Kuchiki. But to answer your question, yes I know him; as I fought him when I was in the world of the living before; and he is the partially the reason for my leaving."

"Sorry to be the bane of your existence, but it was you who were looking for me. Now, don't worry I don't come out often. I only come out when my host decides to get himself killed; something that I told him not to do." Shirosaki said sarcastically. At that moment Shirosaki sensed the person who had attacked him and quickly moved over to the said assailant. Shirosaki started attacking the man without mercy and would have finished him off if not for the Isshin yelling at him to stop.

"Why should I? Shirosaki asked

"For one thing we need to ask some questions." Isshin replied.

"You're too soft."

After questioning the said assailant, he was taken to the Magot's nest by the Punishment squad. The others went to the hideout that the assailant had told them where the others of his group would be at. Isshin was wondering how long Ichigo was going to be in that form; however, he didn't know what they were going to be up against and decided not to inquire about it.

"What's wrong? Are you afraid?" Shirosaki teased.

"Why would I be afraid of you?" Isshin replied. It wasn't so much of being afraid as it was to knowing how long Ichigo could be in that form. Renji walked over to Isshin and whispered to him how to change Shirosaki back into Ichigo by cutting off one of his horns. Well that's simple enough, Isshin said to himself.

"Oh what are you planning? You actually think I am going to let you cut off my horn?" Shirosaki asked?

"Dam, you're able to hear below a whisper I see?" Isshin said, while being surprised that he actually heard what was said.

"You really want me gone that badly? Very well, just tell my host the next time he gets himself killed, I might not be able to save him." With that said, Shirosaki felled to the ground; and within moments Ichigo had returned to his natural self. Ichigo stood up but was kind of confused as to what happened and how he got to be where he was at. Isshin explained everything that had took place after he was attacked.

Kenpachi was the first one to enter the hideout where the other men were at. He had waited all day long to slash someone to pieces and he was not going to leave until he fulfilled his desire.

"Which one of you in here are the strongest?" Kenpachi asked as he swung his zanpaktou over his shoulder.

"That would be me, the leader of this group, why do you want to know?" the man said.

"Why, I want to know? So I can have my way with you. Why else would I ask such a question?" Kenpachi said as he lowered his zanpakutou to the ground. "Hey, haven't I seen you before?"

"I don't know, have you? What's wrong? You can't remember those who you cut down?" The man teased.

"I don't keep up with such foolishness. Prepare yourself." Kenpachi said.

"I see now, too bad pests don't know when to stay down." Byakuya said as he drew Senbonzakura.

"Stay out of this, he is my prey; go find your own." Kenpachi said with an angry voice. But of course Byakuya flash-stepped to make the first move; however, Kenpachi pushed him out of the way while slashing the man in the chest.

"I told you to go find your own to fight, this one is mine." Kenpachi said as he started in for another attack. The other men saw this and joined in the fight and attacked Byakuya and the others. After several rounds the other men were defeated and taken to the Magot's nest. However, Kenpachi was still fighting his opponent; whom had turned out to be a formidable opponent.

"Well I see you still have some strength in you; bring it on and show me what you got." Kenpachi said as he made contact with the man's chest once again. Kenpachi stopped in mid fight and noticed the look on Byakuya's face. Damn fool, Kenpachi thought to himself; as he understood that look of revenge. Kenpachi had no anger towards the opponent he was fighting and was only fighting for the joy of fighting. However, for Byakuya, it held another meaning; it held a purpose of wanting to fight this man. The Hollow that was thought to have been defeated; and dead; the Hollow that had tried to take away Byakuya's happiness. Kenpachi didn't know how the Hollow could have even survived, but here he was now fighting the same said Hollow-Renatus. Kenpachi threw his zanpakutou over his shoulder and merely excused himself from the fight by claiming that he was bored fighting him; as he walked over to Byakuya and said, "He's all yours." Byakuya nodded in thanks and walked over to Renatus.

"I don't know how you were able to come back from the dead, but I assure you this time, there will be no coming back." Byakuya said. "Scatter…Senbonzakura…" As the tiny pink petals sprayed around Renatus, it started slicing his already wounded body.

"Oh, don't you worry about how and why I am back, Soul Reaper; and don't think that zanpakutou is going to be any effect on me either. I am about to show you why I was able to come back through my immense power; and that power will completely destroy you this time. There will be no room for any doubts about my ability to do so." Renatus taunted.

"I don't think so." Byakuya responded; not impressed with the words spewing out of Renatus mouth. "Banaki...Senbonzakura Kageyoshi…"

Renatus had seen this before; however, it didn't really faze him at all as he himself could transform to his final form. However, he determined he had enough strength to fight him without transforming. Transforming was not something that he really cared to do; because it took away some of his innate powers.

Byakuya used his hands to motion where he wanted the petals to go and without fail it reached its target. Renatus was deeply wounded by the slices of Senbonzakura's petals. Damn, he thought, I might have to transform. Again, Byakuya attacked him with the petals and this pushed Renatus to change into his final form. Byakuya stood there and noticed the form he had previous seen and it was more hideous up close and personal. The protruding horns on top of his head, the claws for fingers and toes; and a tail, made Byakuya nauseous just looking at it.

Byakuya saw that he needed to up his ante, so he used Senkei and proceeded to attack Renatus. Renatus tried to escape the blade but he could not for it would reach him no matter what he tried to do to avoid it. "Are you finished yet? There's no way for you to escape my blades. You have pushed me to this level that I feel that you need to be cut down by my own hands. Don't worry, you want be able to last much longer," Byakuya said as he pulled down another blade.

"Who said I was worried?" Renatus said as he managed to slice Byakuya's shoulder. "Now, who's laughing? You can barely move with that wound in your shoulder, must known hold a zanpakutou." He taunted.

"Byakuyrai."

"Oh, you think this will stop me? Ha, ha, ha,...keep thinking that." Renatus said as he landed another cut on the opposite of Byakuya's shoulder. "Well, it looks like it's almost over for you; I say we end this right now."

"Shukei Hakuteiken, this is my final form of my bankai; here I come." Byakuya said as he executed his attack on Renatus. Afterwards, Byakuya could hardly maintain his stance but he did not waiver.

"I see…cough…cough…perhaps, I miscalculated you." Renatus said as his body slowly turned to ashes and was truly gone this time.

It seemed like a long trip back to the Seireitei, but they all made it back. Squad four was busy tending to Byakuya's wound and checked Ichigo to make sure he was okay. Yoruichi and Rukia arrived at squad 4 to check on their fiancés; and told them they didn't care how bad they were hurting, they were going shopping the next day. Ichigo and Byakuya looked at one another and wondered what in the world was they doing all day. Byakuya looked at Kenpachi and said, "You're coming to, my friend."