(Author's Note: Sorry for the long Hiatus, you can stop sending me all those emails telling me to continue lol. I'm sorry. I felt really bad for not posting for a couple of months, but Bleach has been pissing me off so much. I've actually stopped reading it two months ago. I will not give up on this story though. I'm already writing out a timeline for the sequel. I say about ten or more chapters left before this one ends. Please read and review this chapter!)

(Chapter 38)

Yamamoto nodded, for the first time in many years every single Captain and Vice-Captain were in attendance, "With that said, let's begin. Along with our allies from the human world, let us speak on this issue… Nearly all of the Seireitei's normal operations will cease to exist starting now!"

Those newest to their posts looked at the head captain in shock.

'What does that mean?' Renji wondered, noticing the look of confusion on several other captains as well. He was glad he wasn't the only one confused.

"All non military operations will be disbanded until this war is over. And due to the most recent news, the number of those assigned to the human world will be cut in half."

The newer captains looked at him in confusion.

"Excuse, but what recent news?" Hisagi asked curiously.

Yamamoto nodded, "Of course, this information was only given to captain due to it's oddity, but now I will reveal it to you all."

The meeting room grew deathly quiet.

"As of last month, not a single hollow has entered the human world."

Everyone, other than the older captains, looked at Yamamoto in absolute shock.

"What?" Renji exclaimed in shock.

"I am sure you know what this means. This has never happened in the history of the human world…. Aizen is up to something, and it must be larger than we could have ever imagined. We believe he's looking for something."

Ikkaku frowned in confusion. "Like what."

"Something he didn't have last time." Kyoraku replied, "We think he is building an army, more vast than anything we have encountered before."

"How?" Hisagi asked, "How would he be able to do that? How can he stop hollows from leaving Las Noches?"

"The manner in which he is doing this is being researched as we speak." Komamura explained.

Ukitake nodded, "Because on the absence of hollows, the number of spirits entering soul society is vastly expanding. More shinigami are being called to keep the peace in Rukongai. Aizen might purposely be doing this to upset the balance of souls entering and leaving both the human world and Soul Society. While are attention is focused on controlling the number of spirits, he can use our distraction to his advantage."

"What of the pulses? Hollow may not be leaving Hueco Mundo, but spirits may still be transforming right? Why aren't they keeping the balance?" Renji asked.

Yamamoto began, "Because the shinigami stationed in the human world aren't worried about attacking hollow, they're able to do their jobs more thoroughly. It would be against our duty to allow hollows to be born and is one thing that the Royal family will not tolerate."

"So… If Aizen is building this army…And is planning on assaulting the human world with it… what will we be doing in the mean time? Unlike hollows, we shinigami must be trained to fight. We can't boost our numbers as easily."

One of the vizards, Lisa, suddenly spoke up.

"What of the Royal Guard? Will they be sending us help?"

Half the people in the room didn't know what she was talking about.

"My oh my Lisa-chan, that's supposed to be a secret you know" Kyoraku replied calmly.

Isshin coughed, "Neither the Royal Family, nor the Royal Guard, will act least the very gates of the Royal Palace have fallen."

"Kurosaki Isshin is correct which is why, to prepare for the assault, mass training will begin for every shinigami that we have at our disposal." The head captain's voice grew harder, "That is over three thousand shinigami! Due to their inexperience, Captain's Ukitake and Kyoraku will be training Captain's Madarame, Shuhei, and Abarai in order to get them to captain level as quickly as possible. Captain Zaraki and Captain Shihoin will begin training with the lieutenant 's of all thirteen divisions."

"When will we begin?" Yoruichi asked.

"The very second this meeting comes to a close." Yamamoto explained. "Now, this matter has been brought up before, but now it can be discussed in greater detail. I am sure all of you now know the Urahara created the Tenshintai, a device that allows one to summon the spirit of their zanpakto to subjugate the spirit and obtain bankai. This method is very dangerous and cannot be used more than three times. If you fail by the third, you will not be permitted to try again."

The room grew quiet again, "Who wishes to undergo this method of obtaining bankai?"

Hisagi immediately stepped forward, followed by Kira, Matsumoto, and Rukia.

Rukia locked eyes with Byakuya, who did not like the idea any more than the thought of her becoming a vice-captain, before forcibly turning away..

They were inspected by the head captain for only a moment before he nodded his head in approval.

"Very well, the four of you will be given time to train with your respective trainers. When they believe you are ready… you my use the method."

"Training is all well and good." Ryuken explained, stepping forward, "But your forgetting a big thing."

Everyone in the room watched as the Quincy stepped forward.

"Aizen has intel on each and every one of you, enough to know exactly how you will react at any given time. This is dangerous information to have. We will need the same on him and his Espada."

Unohana nodded, "He is correct. Due to our investigation, during the attack in which Urahara was captured, it was revealed that Aizen managed to revive his fallen Espada like he said he would. They will no doubt be stronger when they attack, but we know that much. And on Aizen…"

"Only those that have not seen his zanpakto, Kyoka Suigetsu, and possess captain level reiatsu will be able to challenge him." Kyoraku replied.

"Who among you fits into those categories other than myself?" Ryuken asked. He wasn't being cocky, he was being honest.

No one stepped forward.

"Ichigo would have." Chad whispered, causing everyone to grow serious.

"What of you, Kurosaki Isshin?" Tessai asked.

Isshin frowned, "I could have done it… but he was wary of me when we met last month."

"You will be joining us?" Renji asked, noticing the similarities that Isshin shared with Ichigo.

"I will assist you when the time comes, to get my son back, but the safety of my two daughters comes first."

"Within the Seireitei is the safest place." Kyoraku replied. "To have you closer to us, they could be allowed to live here for a time."

Yamamoto nodded, "Your skills would be greatly needed here. Ishida Ryuken, you and your son would be welcome as well."

Isshin seemed to think on it.

"I'd rather not; I'll stay in Karakura Town." Ryuken replied, "As will my son. Our training methods are different than yours."

"I have tried to keep my daughters and Ichigo away from this life style as much as possible, but it came back to bit me in the ass. Give me a while to explain the situation to them…" Isshin replied calmly.

Yamamoto nodded, "Then, with that said, the meeting shall come to a close. Captain's rally the squads together and explain our plans. Captain Hirako along with Vice-Captain Matsumoto, you two will be in charge of the disbanding of squad ten. It has already been decided what new division they will be occupying. To everyone else, I want the training to begin as soon as possible. If that is all… dismissed!"

One by one, they left the meeting hall. The reality of the situation hit home to them all.

This war was bringing about changes that have never occurred before.

"Oi Shinji," Love began as the vizards made their way towards the squad ten barracks. "There's no turning back now."

"I know." Shinji replied calmly.

"What that Espada did to Hachi… I can't forgive him." Lisa whispered.

As they passed, they missed the look Ryuken and Isshin gave them.

"Why didn't you tell them what we saw?" Ryuken asked quietly.

Isshin didn't answer.

"Your not an idiot Kurosaki. We both saw your son that day."

"Then why did the vizards give the others a completely different description on who they fought? You saw the report the same time I did. They said they fought a man with brown hair, grey eyes, a faded goatee, and the number one on his hand. Shunsui told them that it was the same man he fought during the war. Your right, we both saw. We both saw that man carrying Ichigo. The vizards said they had nearly defeated him, did it look like he was in battle?"

Ryuken's eyes narrowed, "No, but Ichigo did."

"If it had been Ichigo that fought him, they would have said something immediately, but they haven't. Why? Why would Ichigo be fighting them in the first place? Is he under the effects of Kyoka Suigetsu?" Isshin frowned, "I don't know… but at least now I know he is alive."

"Aizen may be behind this as well. He was there. So… will you tell the others that Ichigo is fighting for Aizen?" Ryuken asked.

Isshin narrowed his eyes, "No… I can't… not until I know more. We can't be sure it was Ichigo in the first place."

"What are you saying?"

"We can't be too sure with Aizen... I fear he's taken far too much of an interest in Ichigo, though. And he knows about me, how much I'm not sure, but I think he's after the power our family possesses."

Ryuken nodded, "Perhaps. We can't do a thing about it right now, all we can do is wait."

Isshin nodded as the two made their way out of the first squad's barracks.

(Hueco Mundo- Medical Bay)

Golden eyes stared down at the hands before him.

A month, an entire month, it had taken for him to completely heal from the battle over Karakura Town.

His long orange hair fell over his face messily due to him not bothering to tame it. That was the least of his concerns.

'I failed.' He thought to himself. It was the same thought that played over in his mind for the past month.

He hadn't spoken much, not even to Halibel, who visited often; usually when he was "sleeping"

"I failed." He whispered. 'I must find him. Kurosaki Isshin'

He flexed his fingers and checked his upper body; completely healed.

His thoughts returned to the battle with the vizards.

They had defeated him, but what had keep him alive long enough for the others to come and rescue him?

A vision of himself, afloat with draconic wings, passed in his mind.

'Those wings… That voice… What did it mean?"

'Do not forget the one who made you what you are. I am no longer complete so I cannot heal you, but worry not…. They are coming….'

When he had first woken up, he had half expected for the wings to still be attached to him.

Szayel had explained they receded into his back before he arrived back in Las Noches.

'More question.' Ichigo thought to himself, but unlike before, he did not let it bring him to despair. As far as he was concerned, he had his priorities straight.

Find a way to speak with his father, Find a way to rid himself of Tensa Zangetsu and Hichigo, and last, discover the secret behind this new… entity, one that desired to keep him alive.

"Isn't that right, Kurosaki-kun?"

Ichigo's eyes glanced to his right, he had been successful in blocking out Orihime til this moment.

She had been at his side every day. She said it was to 'keep him company'

He had noticed she was acting very different since he had woken up though, like she had needed to speak to him about something. He hadn't bothered to ask her what was wrong yet.

"Orihime?"

Orihime smiled, "Yes, Kurosaki-Kun."

Seeing him at that moment; his long hair messily covering his face, his golden eyes peering into hers, she blushed and looked away.

"Where is Wonderweiss? Why is he not with you?"

She blinked, "You don't know? Aizen sent him, along with Ulquiorra and Neliel to help Lilynette gather the Gillian…"

Ichigo watched her face sadden as she finished speaking.

The room grew deathly quiet, the tension was incredible.

"For the assault against Soul Society."

Ichigo frowned; he had not wanted her knowing anything about what they were planning. The people they would be fighting were her friends and used to be his.

'So she knows…'

"Orihime." He whispered, unsure what to say.

She shook her head, "Please don't say anything. Please don't lie to me anymore."

Ichigo turned away; ashamed.

"How long…"

"Have I known that you aren't truly the Ichigo I remember?" Orihime asked sadly. "Since the beginning. Just like I know that Urahara-san isn't really Urahara-san"

Ichigo's eyes widened.

She smiled, "I'm not as stupid as people think."

"No." Ichigo whispered.

There was silence for a full minute before…

"Do you hate me?" He asked.

Orihime shook her head, "No" She whispered, turning back to him. "I could never hate you. You may not be the same Ichigo I remember, but you are Ichigo."

Ichigo watched as she brought a hand up, moved his hair out of the way, and touched his cheek.

"Why did you help me… knowing what we were planning on doing?"

Orihime looked deep into his eyes, he could see tears slowly form, "Because no matter what you do, no matter what you decide, no matter what you've become, I will always be by your side. I know you plan on sending back to Karakura Town after this is all over. I don't want to go though. I don't want to leave you."

Silence passed between them, this time for several moments before Orihime stood up and made to leave.

Ichigo stopped her by grabbing her hand.

"I may not be the Ichigo you remember, but all those past memories, all those past emotions… they are mine as well. I remember how much you loved me and... I know what my feeling for you used to be. I hid it very well. To protect you from my enemies." He whispered softly.

Orihime was taken aback when Ichigo suddenly leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers; her eyes closed.

The kiss was brief, but it made the message clear.

" You were once my heart… I loved you." He finished, watching as a smile formed on her face.

"Then I am happy." She whispered back. "Thank you. I've always wondered, if he… you ever had feeling for me. I can stay with you, knowing that I once was your heart, without regret. I will always be by your side Ichigo, even if what your doing is breaking my heart. Please remember that."

Ichigo nodded.

"Ah, am I interrupting?"

Turning around, they watched Szayel walking towards them.

"I was just leaving." Orihime replied, wiping her tears away.

When she left, Ichigo turned to the Arrancar, "What?"

"Nothing, merely relaying a message, as ordered by Aizen."

Ichigo's eyes narrowed, "Aizen."

"He wishes to speak with you…"

(Hallways of Las Noches)

Slamming his fists against the wall in desperation, his forehead resting against its cold surface, Aaroniero struggled to control his breathing and the tremors that wrecked his body.

"Submit… Damn you" Aaroniero whispered, his visage still of Urahara.

'Did you honestly believe I would not protect my mind from this very thing? Release me.'

Unable to control his nausea, "Urahara" hunched over and threw up against the side of the wall and the floor.

Wiping his mouth, he released a shaking breath.

Never, never before, had a being refused to submit to his will after he had absorbed them. Usually all their will died with them, but not in this case.

Urahara's will remained fully present. He was like a virus within Aaroniero's body, torturing him from the inside. Aaroniero had no way of fighting him off.

"Aaroniero?"

The Espada looked over his shoulder.

Ichigo was looking at him in confusion, eyebrow raised.

"Nothing… Of concern." He explained in Urahara's voice.

Ichigo nodded, "How is the work on the Hogyoku coming along?"

"Everything's running on schedule. Six months now." He whispered tiredly, wincing as he felt his brain "spasm"

Ichigo nodded, "Aizen calls for me. I should go."

He began to walk away, but stopped and looked over his shoulder.

"Orihime… Isn't fooled by the façade. Your visage no longer needs to be that of Urahara."

"If only it were that simple." Aaroniero whispered weakly.

Ichigo frowned, "What do you…"

"I haven't been able to change out of this appearance."

The Primera's eyes widened, "What?"

"It appears… Urahara held one last ace in hole. His will is trying to break me… to take control of this body."

Ichigo froze.

"Can you keep him at bay?"

"Yes. I have been."

Ichigo grew deep in thought. He held a sense of empathy for Aaroniero. He knew what it was like to fight off a being that wanted to take control from within.

He had nothing to say.

"I will continue to do so, Ichigo, but the second the Hogyoku is complete I will expel him."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow, "You can do such a thing?"

"I absorbed him, I can undo it as well." Aaroniero replied.

The Primera nodded, "I should go. Aizen is waiting."

Urahara nodded as Ichigo began walking way.

(Aizen's Throne Room)

"A calm…" Aizen began, watching Ichigo arrive into the throne room from atop his throne. "Before the storm."

Ichigo stopped at the base of the large flight of stairs that lead up to Aizen. His golden eyes locked on Aizen instantly.

"That is what these seventh months are. To Hueco Mundo… To the Human world… To Soul Society. A clam before the storm. Not even hollows are entering the human world anymore."

Ichigo rose an eyebrow, "How? Why?"

"An invention of my own design, a seal. Placed in the center of Hueco Mundo. The seal is equivalent of the one Soul Society has if it ever needs to lock down. It is a worst case scenario method. As for why… I'm sure Soul Society has already deduced. To divide their attention. Countless souls are filling Soul Society daily, they will be over populated and must focus on controlling the population. They will find it hard to train or focus on us while dealing with this problem. Every other month I will deactivate the seal so that balance between the world is kept, if only barely."

"Them knowing this…"

"Does not concern us. They have no choice but to divide their attention."

"What of the Hollows here then? They need to feed on the souls of the deceased to grow stronger." Ichigo asked.

"As all starving beasts. They will turn on each other. Gillians will multiply, and our numbers will increase."

"Why tell me this?"

Aizen stared down at him emotionlessly. "Because I am putting you in charge of gathering my army together."

"But Lilynette…"

"Doesn't disobey me as you do." Aizen interrupted calmly.

Ichigo's eyes narrowed.

"You have too much free time on your hands." Aizen explained. "I am not foolish Kurosaki Ichigo. I know how much you detest me. But you will understand that I am in charge. You will not disobey me again. Is that clear?"

Ichigo bowed, "Forgive me. I… I made a mistake in going to Karakura Town."

Aizen raised an eyebrow.

"I know I haven't been myself recently, but that has changed. I can assure you."

Aizen eyed him a moment, "Very well, go."

Ichigo nodded and vanished via sonido.

"You sure it's wise… Leaving him unchecked like this?"

Aizen smirked as someone appeared beside him.

"Let him think I am naïve." Aizen replied, standing up from his seat and turning to the Arrancar.

"You have served me well. Warning me of the Espada's plans to overthrow me after the war, Tell me about Ichigo ordering Zommari's execution, Warning me of them trying to make Ichigo king…"

The Arrancar grinned, "Of course, Aizen-sama. They are foolish to move against you."

"And your loyalty will not go unrewarded. After the war. After I've dealt with them, you will take the position, Primera. That power I will bestow upon you with the new Hogyoku. Second in command only to me."

The Arrancar bowed deeply, "Thank you, Aizen-sama."

Aizen walked around his throne and went to the balcony that rested off to the side of the throne chamber.

"I will call upon you soon, don't try to contact me to talk about what they are planning."

"They will regret crossing you. After all you've done for them..."

"Worry not. I forgive them."

The Arrancar raised an eyebrow, "You do?"

"I forgive them because… since the beginning… I have never trusted anyone, Szayel."