The sinister eyes that glowed red in the spreading darkness above Karakura Town narrowed. There were many people in the area, most of them having insignificant reiatsu.

He snorted. Small fry, he thought derisively. I go for the big fish.

He soon located six high-reiatsu beings – a girl in short hair, a girl in long hair, a boy with short red hair, a tall boy with orange hair, an old man and another boy, this time with white hair.

The old man and white boy had overwhelming reiatsu that nearly blocked the reiatsu of the others from his senses. Luckily, he was observant. I cannot take them, he thought. The others will do just fine.

He descended upon the soccer pitch, his claws gleaming and leaving short-lived rents in the air they passed through.

This will be quick.

-

Hitsugaya stiffened and drew his Zanpakutou. "It's here," he whispered urgently to his sword. Hyourinmaru did not reply, gathering his energy should his master activate him without warning.

An unseasonal wind howled around him. I didn't do that, Hyourinmaru muttered. Hitsugaya ignored his sword, and feeling a strong, dark reiatsu, looked upwards.

A huge figure, akin to an ape's, hovered above him. Hitsugaya's eyes widened. Why is this Arrancar here? All the strong ones should be in Hueco Mundo! He thought frantically.

Hyourinmaru let out a warning snarl, and Hitsugaya paid dearly for his moment of distraction. Hailstones started falling from the sky, one grazing his elbow. Hitsugaya bared his teeth in irritation. It wouldn't do him any good to be injured before the fight even started.

Below him, people started scattering and running in all directions. Much to Hitsugaya's relief, an announcement was made: "The soccer final will be postponed to a later date, due to the – ow! – weather. We apologize for the inconvenience…"

Hyourinmaru said, This Arrancar is not easy. You may need to activate Bankai. However, you can kill him if you get the limit release from Soul Society.

Hitsugaya considered his Zanpakutou's words, and rejected the idea almost immediately. "I'm not going to Soul Society for help," he said.

You'll pay, Shinigami! So will I! Hyourinmaru snarled.

Hyourinmaru's warning came too late. Shouting "Soten ni zase, Hyourinmaru!", Hitsugaya shot up to where the foe was waiting.