Yuroichi was staring at nothing. And Ichigo didn't bother to say a word. Right now she could easily kill him with one blow and he wanted to stay on her good side. It was as if she was waiting for Kai to come back and appear over the hill smiling at her. That it was all just a bad dream or he was kidding. But the more the two waited the less anything happened. Kai didn't come back and it wasn't a dream. It was reality and reality had just slapped Yuroichi in the face.

She lowered her head and turned away, "Come on, Ichigo. Let's finish your training."

Ichigo opened his mouth to protest. To want her to go back and get him, but he didn't carrot top kept quiet as they slowly made their way back to the cavern. Ichigo knew there was nothing he could say right now to make the situation any better. Yuroichi was right Kai had made up his mind and she wasn't going to wait for him. She had had enough.

Kai came to stand in front of the wall. He placed a lonely hand against its cold surface. Everything seemed cold now just like the inside of Kai. The wind seemed to have picked up and storm clouds loomed overhead.

The wall parted for the Reaper. He didn't have to destroy it. The wall opened and let him enter. He didn't question. He didn't care why. Kai entered the Seireitei with his mind full of things, but he needed to clear it and concentrate on Aizen. He needed to get to Aizen. Kai didn't care who he encountered this time. He would let nothing stand in his way. He wouldn't be weak, but he would control his power.

Several shingami stood were on patrol when Kai appeared from an alleyway. At first they couldn't tell who it was due to the bandages, but the Reaper's fiery red hair gave him away. The shingami immediately drew their swords and faced Kai, but Kai just looked at them. Karite was at his side again. The phoenix had calmed itself, and it too waited patiently for Kai's next move.

What do you plan on doing with them?

I don't wish to kill them.

But they're in your way.

They aren't a threat.

But they're between you and Aizen

I know that.

They won't hesitate to kill you. So you must not hesitate to kill them.

They're innocents.

Since when do you care? They aren't innocents if they wish to kill you.

"SHUTUP!" roared Kai. The shingami looked at him confused. Who the hell was he yelling at? They hadn't said a word to him and there was no one else around. Something filled the empty sheath tied around Kai's waste. Karite had returned the blade that Aizen thought he had taken away. Kai looked at the two soldiers.

"My fight isn't with you. Let me pass and I won't kill you."

"We can't allow that Master Zetsumei. We have strict orders to place you under arrest and bring you straight to General Yamamoto."

"I can't do that." Kai's hand went to his blade and the shingami immediately charged him, but before they could even raise their blades Kai had struck them down, dead. Blood flowed from their lifeless bodies as Kai stepped over them and headed towards the execution grounds.

He was nearly to the grounds when the alarm went off. But Kai didn't run he continued on as calm as he could possibly remain. He wouldn't flee. His feet would remain rooted once the fight began and he would finish it.

"CAPTAIN AIZEN!" breathed Momo as she rushed into his office, "He's back. They just found the bodies of two shingami. He's headed toward the execution grounds. What are your orders?"

Aizen's eyes grew wide. Impossible! He shouldn't have healed this quickly! But he can't be healed. He's going to fight me in a weakened state. My former Captain is stupider then I thought, "My squad will not confront him. Allow him to enter the execution grounds." He looked at the bracelet dangling from his wrist, "I'll take care of him."

"Yes sir."

Aizen swept out of his office and headed towards the grounds where he would face Kai yet again, but he knew this fight wouldn't be as easy as the last one. Kai would no doubt be prepared even if he was still severely injured.

Kai didn't encounter anymore shingami by the time he reached the grounds where the white tower loomed just in the distance. Rukia was watching him closely. The Reaper already had his blade drawn as he waited beneath the storm clouds for Aizen to show.

A crowd had gathered around the execution grounds with all eyes on Kai. Byakuya was among them. They couldn't believe he was going to fight let alone move with the amount of bandages that covered his body. But the Death God didn't show weakness as he waited patiently and he hid his pain. Aizen would fall. The Phoenix was restless again and the burning returned, but this time it was more intense then it had ever been.

Are you ready?

Yes.

Wait for him to strike. And if he pulls that trick again you fight it! Why?

Because it's not real. It's my mind.

You control your mind. No one else!

Right.

It wants to be released. Can you feel it?

It burns.

As it's supposed to.

Aizen appeared in front of Kai with the same calm demeanor he always showed. That's why at first Kai had enjoyed having him as a pupil, but Aizen never showed much emotion. He rarely felt anything and soon Kai found out he was only training under him and had agreed to become second in command so he could take his position. That's when he grew to hate the Captain. Aizen didn't have his blade drawn. His arms rested calmly at his sides.

"Why are you here?'

"To kill you."

Aizen smiled, "You're covered in bandages, Kai."

Aizen always had a habit of talking down to Kai even though Kai had much more seniority over him. When Kai would give him orders he would always argue and try to force his views in, but Aizen learned at an early stage that that wouldn't work.

"You're still injured. At least give yourself time to heal."

"My injuries are nothing. I set out to do something, Aizen. I won't back down."

"Will you run? You have a tendency to do that." A smiled crossed his face.

Kai's grip tightened. And he shifted in his stance.

Wait! Wait for him to strike. Be patient.

Be quiet.

Be patient. He's trying to get to you. Don't let him in.

Right.

Aizen was surprised his former Captain didn't strike. At first it seemed he would lunge at him, but then he suddenly calmed down. The Reaper's spirit energy was low and he had loosened the grip on his sword. The crowd waited with anticipation for the fight to begin. They wanted to see the two fighters clash.

"Well Kai? Are you going to kill me? Or run away? And shame your sister again?"