A/N: Argh, fever attack once again. Not the best of holidays I've had in eighteen years…

This is it, the start to fun. Let's hear the applause. From now until many chapters later, heh heh heh, war time people. Enjoy.

Appreciate the reviews last chapter. Please keep that up as well, haha.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and/or Bleach.

I Live On

Chapter 25: It's On

Heaving his body out of the tunnel, Naruto cursed as he quickly adjusted himself before pulling Chad and Orihime away from the Cleaner. To think that their luck would be so bad as to meet this dude at the start of their chaotic invasion, it certainly didn't bode well for them at all.

Naruto was half tempted to blast that thing into oblivion but knew better than to blow up like that. True, he could have erased its presence with Kido, but then the resultant explosion would have been like a free alarm for the Shinigami. Now was not the time to get them all alert. Not yet.

Anko and Lunar grunted as they landed gracefully onto the ground, helping the rest of the teenagers to a safe landing. That had not been their idea of a flashy arrival. Looking around, they found many souls wearing pure white clothing staring at them, along with lots of whispers.

Suddenly realizing just which part of Rukongai they were in, Naruto frowned before motioning to the others to get a move on.

"Eh? Aren't we gonna bust our way in?" Ichigo asked, wondering just where they were all running to now.

"Correction, you guys are taking the relatively 'safer' way. Us three, as in Lunar, Anko and I, we are gonna bust our way in."

Before Ichigo could sputter out his response to that, Naruto had already changed his focus, "Tatsuki, Orihime, not feeling weird or anything?"

"Nope."

"I'm fine, Naruto-kun."

"Good to know, Ishida, Sado, I assume you two are fine."

"Hai."

"Of course."

Breathing a sigh of relief, he realized that Urahara's reishi adjustion worked for all the teenagers. The gears in his mind working hard, he tried to find the direction to which Kukaku might be residing in. Though to be honest, it shouldn't be too hard to find. That woman always liked to be obvious.

Yoruichi in her cat form purred before whispering, "Where to?"

"I'm thinking Shiba's house."

"Oh? You know Kukaku?"

"Hm. Under shaky circumstances, but yes."

"Then I'm assuming…"

"The only way to get those four newbies into Seireitei would be using her specialized reiatsu cannon."

"Do I want to know how you're going to get in?"

"Oh, the usual way."

"You mean usual for you."

"Hm, touché."

Slowly picking up speed, Naruto turned to Anko, "Girl, I'm going to go ahead to sort things out. You take the lead and make sure no one gets lost."

Raising an eyebrow, Anko eyed him suspiciously, "Ok?"

"Lunar, you can detect my signature. You be the compass."

"Hai."

"Wait, what the… Naruto?" Tatsuki could barely utter her protest before Naruto was off in a red blur.

"Stubborn as ever." Orihime muttered.

Ishida adjusted his glasses, "More like arrogant."

"Heh, for once I agree with specs."

"I have a name, Kurosaki."

"I just said it."

"It's not specs."

"That's what you say."

Chad could only chuckle as the banter began once again. These two never could stop their bickering. He supposed it was because of the Quincy Shinigami hatred thing, but then again, Naruto never bothered with Ishida's comments. Seemed like Ichigo had a long way to go.

With Naruto, Yoruichi asked, "Ne, how well do you know Kukaku? Is she your…?"

"Eh? No, no, no. Oh hell no. I treat her like my older sister!"

"Hm… pity."

"… huh?"

"Nothing…"

"I don't wanna know."

"You might."

"…"

Her chortling accompanied them the rest of the way, until a huge house with two wooden arms situated on either side of the infrastructure holding a banner saying "Shiba Residence" came into view.

Yoruichi shook her head and gave an exasperated sigh, "Some people just don't change."

"Heh, you're right about that one."

"Well then, shall we?"

Taking a few steps towards the building, Naruto readied himself mentally for the tongue lashing that he was sure to get. This was Shiba Kukaku after all. Violent and crazy as hell sister of his.

The black cat on his shoulder however, seemed relaxed as ever, clearly waiting to see a show. Slanting a glare at the feline, Naruto gulped before knocking on the door, "Anybody home?"

"Of course!"

"Such a redundant question!"

"However – "

"Strangers – "

" – Are not allowed – "

" – Into this residence!"

Deadpanning, Naruto sighed, "Should have known these two idiots would appear."

Standing tall with their muscular arms crossed and their mustaches twitching, the two Shiba guards stood there, hindering the entrance.

"Oh? Isn't this?"

"Indeed it is!"

And together as one, both yelled out at the top of their voices, "The traitoooorrrr!!!"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!" Unable to contain his annoyance any further, Naruto raised both arms and pummeled his fists into their stomach, instantly ridding them of any more noises. It wouldn't do for him to be discovered even before starting the plan now, would it?"

Siroganuhiko coughed, before muttering, "Just like old times…"

Koganuhiko nodded, "But even so, we cannot… oh!"

Both pairs of eyes soon locked on to the black paw that was currently waving at them.

"That, that's…!"

"Could it be?!"

Sure enough, Yoruichi picked that moment to show her cat face, formed into a cute smile, "Yo."

"Yoruichi-sama!"

This time, Naruto chose to ram his fists into their heads, "I said be quiet damnit!"

"H-hai…"

"U-Understood…"

Rolling his eyes, Naruto took a step into the building, glancing at Yoruichi every now and then, "Heh, figured you would know her too."

"Oh? Not surprised at all?"

"Ah well, you're both ol… erm… I mean…"

Cue death aura, "Finish that sentence and I'll show you death myself."

"Erhem, let's just change the topic."

Walking down the stairs, both were greeted with the sight of one Shiba Kukaku, who was currently waking up from the nap she was having, "Urgh, what's with all that noise? Can't trust those dumbasses to do anything."

"Get up you lazy woman." Yoruichi smirked as she suddenly changed to the male tone while hiding behind Naruto's neck.

Kukaku, due to her sleepiness, connected the voice to that of a blurry Naruto, and due to reflex, her fist launched itself at an exasperated Naruto, who quickly dodged it, "Oi, oi, that's not funny!"

"Ha, payback gaki."

"Who are you calling… wait…" Rubbing her eyes, Kukaku blinked, before rubbing her eyes once more, "I'm not going senile am I? It is Naruto?"

"I'm back, o-ne-san."

A resounding slap to the cheek was his reply as Yoruichi quickly leapt off his shoulders to avoid the fist that followed up with an uppercut, getting him in the jaw. The force of the punch so great that Naruto was sent falling backwards with his body an arc.

Landing loudly, Naruto spitted out the saliva, rubbing his cheek with his left hand, before rubbing the back of his head with his other, "I know you're angry and all…"

The next set of actions again shocked Yoruichi.

"Of course I'm angry!" Kukaku cried as she swung her arms around Naruto's torso, pulling him into a warm embrace, "Do you have any idea how worried we all were?!"

Tears were drifting down her cheeks as she yelled at the blond for being such a 'big, fat idiot'.

Naruto sighed, before hugging her as well, "It's good to see you, ne-san… it really is."

"Welcome home brat. Unohana's waiting for you, you know that right?"

"Yeah… how's Miyu?"

"Under the care of the fourth division, as far as I know, Haku and Sakura are taking care of her, and doing a fine job, but kid, she misses you, hell, they all miss you."

"I know, I know… that's why I came back to settle things."

Kukaku raised an eyebrow, "Oh? That's interesting. What 'things' are you going to settle? No, before that, what's that old coot doing here?" Pointing at the black cat, the one-armed woman jeered as she schooled her face into a mocking smile.

"You're one to talk." Noticing that finally the focus was on her, Yoruichi transformed back into her human form, naked of course, and opened her arms, "No hug?"

"Heh, you just don't change. Come 'ere." A wide grin now took the place of the sneer that was there before and together, two old friends greeted each other enthusiastically, eyeing one another up and down, wanting to see just what these years did to them.

Just then, Yoruichi once again felt the feeling of something covering her from shoulders downwards and realized it was Naruto's jacket. His voice sounded from the exit of the room, "You'll catch a cold. I'll be out there to make sure they find the right place. Honestly what is taking them so long?"

Kukaku raised an eyebrow as she saw the shaded look of amore Yoruichi had within her eyes, "Please don't tell me…"

Shaking out of her reverie, ex-second division captain turned around, "Hm?"

"Sigh, ah… guess it can't be helped. He does have the charisma."

"W-what are you talking about?"

"You lying to me? Puhleazeeeee, who do you think I am?"

"Kukakuuuuu…"

"Since when did you start whining?"

"When you make fun of me."

"Well duh. That's a boy compared to you, a hag."

"Oi."

"What, it's the truth."

"Then you're a one-armed hag."

"… you really know how to hit where it hurts don't you?"

"You're too kind."

Missing out on this amusing conversation, Naruto found himself at the entrance to the Shiba residence facing a very entertaining scene. It wasn't often that both Ichigo and Ishida had expressions of mortification on their faces. In fact, both were so damn arrogant it would take a lot to scare the heck out of them. To think all it took was Kukaku's house. Blackmail material enlisted.

Tatsuki and Orihime were currently arguing with Siroganuhiko and Koganuhiko about letting them enter, who were of course, insisting that they stay out here until someone cleared their identity. Anko and Lunar, for some reason were standing at the side, looking bored.

Naturally, Naruto went towards the two Vaste Lordes first, "What's wrong?"

"Naruto-sama, all is fine."

"Lunar, I said cut that out."

"Is that an order?"

"I don't want it to be, but if that's what it takes, then yes, it is."

"Hai, goshujinsama. (Term used by maids to address their masters)"

"……" He was rendered speechless for a moment, his face running through fifty different expressions, trying to avoid thinking of the ecchi scenes that were playing out in bits and pieces in his mind.

Anko chuckled, "Lunar, I think he wants you to stick to Naruto-sama."

"Really?" The brunette tilted her head, "I don't mind, but if Naruto-sama says so… though I find it weird that he would change his mind so quickly."

"Haha, yes, soon you'll find that he's more than a bit weird." Noticing that Naruto was still dazed, Anko pinched his cheek, "Isn't that right Na-chan?"

"Huh? O-ouch!" Finally snapping out of it, Naruto shook his head, "Right, right, my bad. Let's just forget that scenario just now. Back on track, what are you doing over here?"

Anko shrugged, "Well, we're hollows. Thought it be best if we took a low profile. Are those two shinigami?" She was referring to the two tall tree trunks. Compared to them, Sado was a smaller tree trunk.

Naruto shook his head, "Not technically. They are not under the jurisdiction of Seireitei, and though they wield powers that are similar, they are not Shinigami."

Lunar then asked, "So this is where we're supposed to enter?"

"Yeah, just go on in. Don't make yourselves too comfortable, we'll be moving out soon." Naruto spoke as he watched Anko and Lunar make there ways into the residence, completely ignoring the four heatedly quarrelling people.

Shaking his head, the blond then went over to Ichigo and Ishida, "Oi, what's wrong with you two?"

Ichigo immediately turned to him and yelled, "What do you mean 'what's wrong' ?!!! Look at that house!!"

With his eyebrow twitching, Naruto watched as Ishida too, started freaking out, "What is this?! What is that fashion sense?!"

"Horrible! My eyes are going blind!"

"My brain cannot take this abomination any longer!!! Argh!!"

Naruto couldn't help but rub his fingers over his temples, "Why do I even bother…"

Ignoring the two psychos, Naruto finally approached the four, who were surprisingly, still arguing. Tatsuki stood there with her arms crossed, yelling all sorts of profanities at the twins, who were acting all hurt at the words she was shouting. Knowing the idiots, they probably took it for real.

"Now, now, Tatsuki-chan, let's calm down. Here, take a deep breath, nuh-uh, shush, listen to me, caaaalm down. That's right, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out." The raven-haired girl continued glaring at the sniffing twins even after Naruto escorted her into the building.

Orihime was simply upset that the two men dared to block the way of young ladies such as them, and was pouting all the way. Naruto had simply pushed the twins out off the way, before comforting the orange-haired girl.

A tongue lashing followed for Siroganuhiko and Koganuhiko and had them in tears in no time. Naruto simply sighed before patting them on their backs and letting them drown in their pool of misery or whatever.

It was a full hour later before everyone settled down in the meeting room. Kukaku had been satisfied with her 'interrogation' of Anko and Lunar regarding their true motives, not impressed with how Ichigo and Ishida mocked her house and enjoyed the small chats she had with Tatsuki and Orihime.

Yoruichi and Naruto, on the other hand, were laying out the plan and discussing fervently as to the most effective way to break and enter the holy Soul Society.

When Kukaku had first seen Anko, she had frowned and looked at Naruto, asking, "Oi, gaki, don't tell me what they said about you is true."

Naruto had gazed at her right in the eye, a devious glint within those cerulean orbs, before that foxy grin appeared on his lips, "It's about to become true."

"Oh?" Her eyes narrowed for a moment, before she understood, "I see. Payback?"

"Is a bitch. They'll soon learn to not overlook that fact." His grin widened, "And that is why I came to see you first."

"Haha, you prankster, you!" Ruffling his hair playfully, Kukaku let him go before continuing her reminiscing session with Yoruichi.

Anko had stayed silent until Naruto walked past her, where she whispered a quiet, "Thanks", which the blond returned with a firm nod, "Anko, you're my ally, my friend and lover. That's all I need to know." His words echoed in her mind even as he walked away, and the ex-kunoichi couldn't help but feel a little more confident.

Currently, Naruto was explaining the process to Ichigo and the others. Anko and Lunar knew what they had to do already, and frankly, to them, it wasn't that hard at all.

"Alright, guys, I'm counting on you here. This time, the success of us returning with Rukia heavily depends on you." Naruto eyed each and every one of them seriously, "No joke."

Tatsuki gulped slightly and Orihime nervously fiddled with her fingers. The boys seemed to be taking it better. Sado looked the same as ever, Ishida had his poker face on and Ichigo was surprisingly calm and collected.

Naruto nodded before continuing, "We're splitting into two teams. As you already know, one of them would be Anko, Lunar and I. The other would be the rest of you. Kukaku can only help you for the first bit, once you're inside, you're on your own."

Raising her hand, Orihime asked, "Ano, first bit? Inside?"

Naruto chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll explain it all. Now, my team would start work in about two hours. You guys however, can go anytime you master how to make a proper reishi cannonball, courtesy of Kukaku-ne-san over here. Though I suspect it would take you guys at least one day, given Ichigo's crappy control."

Before Ishida could raise a question, Naruto stopped him, "Regarding that, Kukaku would be teaching you guys the mechanism to enter Seireitei after I finish this lecture. Moving on. Yoruichi would be leading your group so don't worry, it'll be fine. Under circumstances where Yoruichi could not give you orders, Ichigo, you take charge."

"Eh? Me?" The orange-haired boy stared at him, "You sure?"

"You the powerhouse, you tell me." Naruto sent him a grin, that was gladly returned.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence."

"Any time. Anyone reject this proposal?"

Everyone shook their heads, feeling alright with how the group was arranged as of now. Though Tatsuki still pouted at not being on the same group as Naruto, she knew better than to voice that childish thought at such a time. There would be heaps of opportunities when they all returned safely.

"Now, here's the map of Seireitei. I'm only going to focus on the gate in which we arrived in. Look at the Hokutomon (West Gate), we're going to force entry from there, and by doing that, absorb most of the attention onto us three hopefully. By creating as much havoc as we can, you guys then enter through the sky, penetrating Seireitei's natural barrier before splitting ways and quietly rescuing Rukia." Naruto looked up from the map after marking out the various positions as to where the actions were going to be carried out, "Are we clear?"

"Did you just say you intend to draw the attention of this big a place onto just you three?" Ichigo asked in disbelief.

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "You think I can't handle it?"

"Well, yeah. I mean what if they just bombard you?"

Tatsuki too voiced her opinion, "What if all the Captain class gang up on you because the 'traitor' appeared? You sure bringing Anko-san and Lunar-san is enough?"

Orihime bit her lips, "I… I don't think the captains would do that."

Everyone stared at the meek girl in surprise, Naruto in particular, with a hint of pleasure in his voice, "Oh, why's that?"

Taking a breath, Orihime continued softly, "Judging from the attitude of that Gin person we met back in Karakura, his arrogance seemed to be overpowering, and based on that, I do not think the Captains would 'lower' themselves to the level of a 'traitor', much less surround him themselves."

Naruto clapped and kissed Orihime's cheek, giving her a slight blush, "Good thinking. Yes, that's what I'm counting on. But then again, the lieutenants might surround me along with a few seated officers, so you're right, I can't let down my guard too much. But trust me when I say the three of us is enough. The Old Man obeys the rules strictly, and that's going to cost him this time. As long as the captains do not release their zanpakuto, I'm safe."

Kukaku interrupted here, "Zaraki Kenpachi."

Naruto halted, before shrugging, "Fight to the death."

"Can you win?"

"If I want to. I just can't be bothered fighting him. It's a waste of time. Time I don't have."

"Why? Why? What do you mean by that?" Tatsuki asked eagerly, wanting to know what this Kenpachi guy was.

Yoruichi sighed, "Zaraki Kenpachi, arrived at the eleventh division one day in torn rags with nothing but a battered zanpakuto. He killed the previous division captain and took over until this day. He's the only one to reach captain status without achieving bankai."

"Huh? Without achieving bankai… wait so all captains know that?" Ichigo asked.

"What did you expect? Some do and some don't? Don't count on it boy. All of them know it, and Zaraki… heh, he doesn't need it to be on that level. The moment he plucks off his eyepatch, be prepared to be screwed all over." Naruto added grimly.

"Right…" Trailing off, Ichigo clenched his fists, wondering just how strong the enemies were. It didn't matter, because he would eventually beat them all up and rescue Rukia, but hearing Naruto, who was already one of the most powerful Shinigami he had ever seen (granted, he only saw a few), and if these Captains were even stronger than him, then he truly had a tough road ahead.

Naruto had already explained to him the meanings of bankai and shikai and told him that his zanpakuto was currently in a permanent shikai form. To achieve bankai, one had to achieve total connection with one's spirit within the blade and come to an agreement of sorts, before the power breach could be achieved. Naruto admitted that he himself had not reached that stage yet, and jokingly told Ichigo to not feel too left behind.

The room was silent for a while, before Naruto spoke again, "I guess that's all for now. This will be the last you see of me for a couple of days. Kukaku-ne-san, they're all yours." Getting up from his seat, Naruto proceeded to retreat to the room specifically prepared for the three of them when Tatsuki and Orihime grabbed him on either side and hugged him tightly. The slight tremors that ran through their bodies told him of their fears and feeling slightly apologetic at having to put them through this ordeal, he pulled them close to him whispering soothing words before kissing them once each, gazing into their eyes as a silent promise, that he would definitely return to their sides after this was all over.

Reluctantly, the two girls released their hold on him, and gazed at his retreating back. Ichigo and the others all stood up and wished him luck as they bid him goodbye for now. The few words they exchanged brought smiles to the males' faces and even a few blushes on Ichigo and Ishida's. Those were mere flashes and quickly erased as somber expressions replaced them once Naruto started leaving.

Before he stepped out of the room, a black cat had once again settled onto his shoulder. Scratching her back gently, he gave her a grin, before he walked towards the room prepared, where they would meditate and prepare for the battles ahead.

Tatsuki suddenly gritted her teeth, as though making an important decision, before rushing over to Anko and Lunar who were about to follow Naruto.

Anko was surprised when the young raven-haired girl bowed before her, "Please, take care of Naruto-kun."

The orange-haired girl was right beside her, mimicking the action to a shocked Lunar, "Onegai. (Please)"

She didn't know what to say. She certainly didn't expect these two to trust her so quickly, but she supposed it was because of Naruto. Lunar, throwing away her usual cold façade for the moment, kneeled down and touched Orihime's cheek, before gently replying, "I will protect Naruto-sama with my life, because he is the one that saved mine." Her smile widened slightly, "Do not worry. He'll be fine."

Anko grinned, "You heard her. I'm not saying those mushy words." Playfully she dragged Tatsuki back up straight, before ruffling her hair, "Not bad for a young girl. No wonder Naruto loves you two."

Laughing at the blushes on both of them was reward enough as the two Vaste Lordes left, leaving small waves of goodbye as their final gesture.

It was silent for quite a while before Kukaku rose from her seat and clapped her hands hard, "Alright, we need to get working as well. Siroganuhiko! Koganuhiko!"

"Hai!"

"Hai!"

"Bring them to the lobby. Show them the spheres."

"Understood! Come on, let's get moving!"

"Here, this way!"

Kukaku yawned as she stretched her body, her eyes drifting to the room Naruto was in currently, before focusing on the task at hand. She still had time to send him off later, but now, she needed to get these brats to understand the basics to form the famous Shiba Cannonball.

Speaking of which… where the hell was Ganju?

Within Seireitei……

"Come on Rukia, you've got to eat something." Haku persuaded persistently, not wanting to see the petite woman waste away like this.

"Yeah, it's no use just starving yourself." Sakura was combing her hair, easing out the ruffled bits that formed due to rough mishandling but those brutes.

Yugito had wanted to come as well, but so far, only the fourth division had access. Hanatarou was here too, but had gone out to give the three of them some free time.

"There's no point." Rukia whispered, "They're going to execute me anyway…"

Haku sighed, "Didn't you tell us about that kid you met in Karakura? I'm sure he'll find some way to come and save you. Even Hanatarou is admiring that guy's antics, and that kid hasn't admired anyone since Naruto."

Rukia chuckled, "Nah, Ichigo had better not come. His crappy skills would just get him killed."

Sakura rolled her eyes, "I doubt it Haku. Didn't his Hakusui get damaged? Surely he can't survive that."

Haku muttered, "True, but give the girl some hope."

Rukia laughed, "I'm fine! Really…" She wasn't worried in the least about Ichigo's health. With Naruto in Karakura, there was absolutely no way Ichigo would be left for dead.

"Sigh, if only Naruto was here…" Haku continued stirring the soup, her mind focused elsewhere.

Rukia grimaced guiltily. It had been Naruto's idea to not let the others know about his whereabouts until he decided it was safe. They had already discussed this way before Gin arrived, and Naruto had made Rukia promise not to reveal that they had already met in Karakura to prevent the girls from taking any impulsive actions. The last thing he needed was having them placed in more danger or suspicion because of him.

Sakura clenched her fists, "I know… I want to see him too… I… I miss him…"

Haku nodded sympathetically, "He'll be back, I know he will."

Rukia, on the other hand, could only sigh in despair, He's not coming… he can't… he's not at full capacity yet…

Those had been Rukia's thoughts all along. She had no idea how Naruto would have taken her capture. Just what would he do now?

Naruto… where are you…

Outside Seireitei…

Two hours had passed by swiftly. Naruto and the two Vaste Lordes had already headed over to the Rukongai where it was around noon time, and people were swarming the district. To the blond, the more people that witnessed this moment, the better. These citizens of Rukongai needed to see that Seireitei could only rule their lives to a certain extent, and to handle the rest, you had to take hold of your own destiny.

Smiling wickedly at the idea of injuring Jidanbo in front of the citizens that adore him so, Naruto began to whistle merrily, completely at ease with the fact that he was about to declare war on one of the most powerful organizations ever to exist in all worlds.

Kukaku was accompanying them this time, leaving Ganju with the brats. That annoying brother of hers had once again ridden off on those stupid pigs of his with his punk friends and went off to have 'fun'. And he was late home. She was so going to grind him to dust later.

Naruto merely laughed and asked, "So how's he been?"

"Eh… the usual. You know how he is."

"Haha, does he still hate me for stealing his o-ne-chan's love?" Naruto wiggled his eyebrows at an amused Kukaku as they both remembered how a young Ganju had said that exact phrase when he noticed how Naruto was a lot closer to his sister than him.

"Probably. When I left, he was just telling Ichigo how much he hated you."

"Ho! Propaganda now. Let's hope Ichigo doesn't believe all that he says." Shaking his head in exasperation at the childishness Ganju still seemed to show, Naruto laughed, "Least I didn't get mouth-thrashed by him before this. That would have had my confidence drop by bounds, given his vocabulary."

Kukaku's expression seemed to darken at this, "Oh yes, that mouth of his… Yoruichi, remind me to use detergent when I get back."

Yoruichi chuckled, "Sure."

Anko and Lunar could only listen on and catch certain bits of humour, seeing how they had no idea just what exactly the other three were talking about.

"Ne, ne, Lunar, do you know what they are referring to?"

"I have no clue, Anko."

"What?! Use your mind reading skills or something then."

"They're our allies, I refrain from doing such a thing."

"… I'm your ally, why do you always do it to me?"

"Because you're funny."

"……"

"And because you're very easy to tease."

"… Grr… alright, then why not her as well?"

"Those two are scary."

"Sometimes… I fail to understand your logic."

"Not sometimes Anko. Always."

"… I think – "

"Always. You know I'm right Anko."

"Grrrrrrrrr…"

Naruto, on the other hand, now faced Yoruichi, "Take your time with them. They're all a bit green right now, but I have to say they've got more potential than all those Shinigami recruits we've been getting. I guess, what I really want to say is… look after them for me… please."

Yoruichi gazed at him intently, before nodding, "I give you my word as Shunshin."

Naruto shook his head as he smiled, "No need, I want your word as their mentor. I know you would never let harm come to them, but I still want to hear it from you."

The dark-skinned woman shrugged, "You'll see it when we meet again." Leaning forward and placing her lips next to his ears, she whispered, "Don't you dare die on me, you hear?"

Naruto's reply was to pull her into his arms and kiss her passionately on the lips, "Not on my death, heh." And with that, he waved his arms at the two Vaste Lordes, along with one final salute at Kukaku, the three of them disappeared.

The wind blew by the scene, rustling the leaves on the ground as Yoruichi and Kukaku stood there in silence.

"He's quite the man isn't he?" Kukaku asked when Yoruichi turned around and headed back to the Shiba residence.

"He's probably the only man that actually fits the ridiculous requirements of the Shihouin clan's marriage terms." She didn't stop as she said this, though Kukaku could just visualize the slight upturning of the corners of her lips, "And what's more… he's actually, really loving me for love…"

Kukaku chuckled as she shook her head at the absurdity of the statement. The Shihouin were famous for their marriage arrangements and Yoruichi, since she became 'of age', had received multiple 'invitations' and what not along with meeting dozens of different men. She had long since given up on love, and though she did have a small crush on Ukitake, it was soon forgotten as she left Seireitei to help Urahara and Tessai.

Yet she had met him.

Uzumaki Naruto… You really are one of a kind……

At the Hokutomon……

The citizens were greeted with quite a surprising sight. Everyone's favorite giant gate watcher was currently shivering before three people, a blond, a violet and a brunette. Or rather, Jidanbo was scared of the aura the blond was oozing off.

"Yo! Jidanbo, long time no see!" Naruto's cheerful grin only served to scare the giant more.

"Y-you have g-guts coming back here now U-Uzumaki-san…" Stuttering, Jidanbo readied his axes, "I-I won't g-give u-up without a fight…"

Rolling his eyes, Naruto replied, "Ah put those away. You can't defeat me back then, you definitely cannot defeat me now. Now either you open the door for me, or I bust my way in. Your choice."

Jidanbo's eyes widened, before quickly crossing both axes before him, "Naruto-sama, please, don't do this. Go back in and admit your wrong. The others are all worried about you!"

At that, Naruto's eyes softened, "Thank you Jidanbo… but I can't do that. I'm here to prove that those who wrong me are going to pay. I'm not going to be the hero this time, oh no. I've always wanted to try the role of a villain, seeing how Pein and Madara all had so much fun trying to kill me, don't you agree Anko?"

The violet gave a playful nod, "Ah, but we've already role-played that in our own time, remember?"

Naruto deadpanned, "Not as in when we're in bed An-chan."

"Oh? Pity."

Shaking his head in exasperation, Naruto turned back to a flabbergasted Jidanbo, "Trust me, I know what I'm doing. I'm still the Uzumaki Naruto you know." Cerulean orbs stared right into his eyes and the giant saw for himself the determination that resided within him.

Sighing, the giant stood up, before taking a battle stance, "I see… you're going through with this anyway… well, I wish you luck, Naruto-sama, because I believe in you now. Your eyes have never lied to me. However," He swung his axes and heaved them onto his shoulders, "The job of a gate watcher is to protect the allocated gate, or die trying!"

Jidanbo huffed and took a step forward, "Well then, which of you is first?"

Naruto raised an eyebrow, "You're not afraid that all three of us are going to bombard you and kill you?"

Jidanbo shook his head, "Naruto-sama is too kind and honorable to do such an act."

"Kind yes, honorable, hell no. Shinobi don't need that stuff. Next time, I'm gonna beat that honor stuff out of you. But you're right, I won't kill you, I just need you to be subdued while I bust this door open. Lunar, all yours."

"Hai, Naruto-sama." And to the citizens' amazement, Lunar whispered, "Tiamat."

'Understood.'

The tiara on her head glowed for a second before she transformed into her battle attire, releasing her true reiatsu as her lavender eyes glowed. Glittering ribbons appeared from the tiara drifted across her skin, forming an elegant gown with flickering tips of cloth connected to the gown floating in the air around her, controlled by her reiatsu, poised to strike at any moment. At that moment, she seemed like a goddess of white, pink and red.

Before Jidanbo could pick his jaw up from the ground, Lunar had already struck, "Grab."

'Clutch.'

The ribbons that were previously moving aimlessly seared towards the giant, instantly capturing him in a tangle before wrapping themselves around certain joints of his, twisting and turning them, eliciting gasps of pain from the gate watcher, who could only watch helplessly as he fell to the ground, incapacitated.

"W-who are they…?" He muttered as he watched Naruto walk up to him with a grin.

The blond replied, "Now that is a secret, but since we're such good friends, let me tell you. They are hollows, Vaste Lordes in fact."

The extent to which Jidanbo's eyes widened was quite incredible and the numerous incoherent words that he muttered after hearing that slightly amused Naruto, who then asked Lunar to gag him as well.

Ignoring the heated whispers of the citizens, Naruto gave Lunar a thumbs up, before nodding at Anko, who too began her transformation.

"Alexandra."

'Time to play…'

Black mist seemed to permeate the air as she rose in the air, bending her torso forward as she curled up into a ball almost, before four wings of the purest black erupted from her back, flapping as they helped her gain balance in the sky. Next, stretching out her hands and legs, numerous star-shaped rings of violet appeared an inch above her feet, before spinning fervently for a few moments. The resonance could be heard clearly in the air before the rings are locked in place. What used to be purple hair now gained a shade of white at the tips, and the now long hair cascaded down her body. Finishing the ritual, Anko placed her hands together, summoning up her purple reiatsu and pulled her palms apart, revealing a long crystal-like kodaichi.

An angel of death would be accurate in describing her at this moment.

The citizens were in frenzy, seeing how both women were expulsing an unreal level of reiatsu, suppressing them at levels in which even Shinigami couldn't achieve. Little did they know, what they felt was but five percent of the real power.

Anko, upon receiving Naruto's signal, began charging her sword with violet energy, levitating the weapon using simply her right hand as she aimed it at the door. Pulling it back in an arc, she waited for Naruto's Kido before they combined the attacks to make what could be one of the biggest explosions Seireitei had ever experienced.

"It's time." Finally releasing all his self-limiters in hiding his reiatsu, a crimson torrent of power surged within him, exploding outwards as he chanted, "Hado no Hyaku sanjuuni! Enken Shisai! (Destructive Arts No. One Hundred and Thirty Two, Judgment of the Holy Flames)" The crimson reiatsu compressed itself once it left Naruto's body, forming an arrow before blasting off towards the door, just when Anko had released hers.

The power behind the purple sword could be heard even as the sonic resonance spread through the area, echoing in their ears, "Murasaki Niji! (Lavender Assonance)"

If it were purely elements, then hers would be gravity while Naruto's would be fire. Gravity focused mainly on compression and manipulation of time/space boundaries. Fire was simpler – destruction. Yet Naruto now had a compressed fire with a gravity elemental attack ready to combine with it. Result?

The resounding explosion that occurred shook possibly all of Seireitei as the Hokutomon was completely torn off the holy walls of Soul Society, smashed into half before the pieces were flung to somewhere within the place.

The ringing in everyone's ears didn't recede and hence only Jidanbo saw Naruto and the other two Vaste Lordes walk into Seireitei gracefully without hinderance. The giant gate watcher couldn't help but gulp in daze at the power Naruto had just displayed. It would seem that the ex-Second division Lieutenant really was back, and stronger than ever.

Naruto raised an eyebrow in amusement as he watched several Shinigami shakily stand before them as they yelled something akin to 'intruders' and the usual. Anko and Lunar didn't even bother to move as more came to have them surrounded.

"Hey! T-that's Uzumaki Naruto! That's the traitor!"

"Oh god, it really is him!"

"Kill him! He betrayed us all!"

"Wait, look, there's two females with him as well."

"I-I think I know one of them! Didn't Soifon-taichou say that he ran off with a hollow?"

"Those two are hollows? Where're their holes? And scratch that, why are they so god damn powerful?"

"Why are you asking me? I don't know the answer!"

"Ah who cares! Just grab him! YAAARGGGHHH!!!"

Naruto lowered his head and sighed, "This is the welcome I get. Expected, but still disappointed. If this is the quality of Shinigami Seireitei has to offer, then it's not going to be long before the whole place dies out."

Anko shrugged, "Ne, ne, mind if we go have some fun now? It's kinda boring just standing here."

"Anko, have patience." Lunar chided softly.

"Tch, master's pet."

"I'm honored."

"What is wrong with you?!"

Naruto couldn't help but laugh as he realized that he had indeed made some of the best friends and allies in this life while he was classified a 'traitor' by his hometown. "It's okay. Remember girls, don't overdo it. I can't have you killing off half the population."

"Right, right, cripple, injure and incapacitate, but try not to kill, got it. Can we go now?" Anko seemed almost eager as she licked her fingers, intent on getting some fresh blood and shrill cries from her soon-to-be victims.

"Yes you may. Lunar, you be careful too. I want you back in one piece, you hear me?"

"Hai, Naruto-sama."

In a flash, both Vaste Lordes utilized a simple Sonido and disappeared. To them, it was more like instinct, and hence it was no surprise that the Shinigami all blinked when the two females just… disappeared.

Naruto, on the other hand, grinned, cracking his knuckles one by one as he stared each one down, his cerulean orbs slowly growing icy as he finished his warm up, "It's on now bitches."

Where Rukia was being held……

For the past ten minutes, loud cries of pain could be heard along with constant thuds and explosions. After the first big blast, many smaller ones followed and even someone without reiatsu could tell that something chaotic was happening to Seireitei at this moment.

Haku and Sakura had immediately gone back to their divisions to see just what was going on, and so it was only her and Hanatarou left in the holding place.

Rukia frowned as she asked Hanatarou, who was currently peeking out of the window to try and find out what in the world was happening, "Hanatarou, any luck?"

"H-hai! Oh my! You're not going to believe this, but, we're being invaded!"

"Say what?!" Rukia immediately hopped up, "Is it hell canines again? But it can't be! Or is it?"

"No, all I can see is a red blur, hey! There's another one, but I have no idea who that is. Never even seen her before, whoa! Look out! Those ribbons are dangerous!! Eh? WHOA! WATCH OUT!!! Whew, that was close, that purple energy blast could have killed them all. Hey, are those really wings?! Cool!"

Rukia, upon hearing those words, instantly froze. Could it be? Did he…was he actually stupid enough…?

Just then, a clear voice sounded right through Seireitei, a very familiar sound to almost everyone as Rukia felt tears trickle down her cheeks.

"RUKIA!"

Biting her lips to try and control her emotions, the petite woman could only lower her head in a complicated mixture of joy and anger as she held a hand to her mouth to prevent her sobs from being audible.

"GET READY TO BE RESCUED BY YOURS TRULY!"

Hanatarou could only gape as realization dawned on him, "R-rukia-san? Rukia-san! Are you okay? Was that…?"

Finally getting a grip on herself, Rukia laughed, "Yes… yes… it is the baka…"

I liked it. I liked it a lot. Heh, chaos man. More to come.

Just wondering, how many of you sorta guessed I would do this? A straight up approach? Most of you probably did haha, but yeah, it was fun to write.

Review man, I want to see lots of reviews commenting or guessing just what else I'm going to do to the canon storyline. I'm going to be playing around a lot. Heh heh heh. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I promise you a captain vs Naruto fight very soon. Don't worry, Ichigo will still fight captain level people and gain his bankai. Naruto's bankai will also be revealed quite soon I think. I've got it down already.

So people, review and tell me your thoughts. Thank you. XD