Ichigo learns of the King's Key's theft and learns from Yamamoto of what he believes Aizen shall do...

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Bleach 365: Ichigo Returns, Desperate Measures!

There was a bustle going on in the Seireitei. Every Shinigami had been gathered around the tall stage in which Yamamoto Genryuusai was standing atop. Renji, Chad, Uryuu, Rukia and Orihime were standing near the back with Shuhei Hisagi and Tetsuzaemon Iba. There was a crack of light and Ichigo appeared through a Senkaimon. He looked around at the mess.

'Whats going on here?' he said. Everyone was silent, observing his wounds. Suddenly they all charged at him, firing questions his way. He cried out as he was engulfed, his cries drowned out. Suddenly there was a huge bang and everyone was quiet. Yamamoto pulled his cane from the ground, flames sparking off it.

'Silence!' he roared. The captains were standing next to him, some on either side.

'Aizen has the Kings Key.' Yamamoto declared. Ichigo gasped.

'What!?' he exclaimed. Renji turned to him.

'Didn't you fight anyone? Isn't that why you're hurt?' he asked. Ichigo shook his head.

'No, they didn't come through Karakura, I fought an Espada.' He explained. They turned attention back to Yamamoto.

'We must be ready for the worst. I want extra security around the Repentance Cell.' He demanded.

'Why the Repentance Cell?' called out a Shinigami. Yamamoto sighed.

'This, my fellow Shinigami, is a tale of utmost importance.' He began. 'The Repentance Cell is the Gateway to the King of Soul Society's palace.' There were many gasps from the crowd. 'Inside this palace resides a stone. The Kakuyuugou.' He exclaimed. 'Now I'm sure most of you by now know what the Hogyoku was. Well, this is the Orb of Fusion. Its powers are practically unknown. However, if Sosuke Aizen were to get his hands on it, all worlds will fall before him and his Arrancar army. We must stop him!' Yamamoto bellowed, throwing his arms up into the air.

'If Aizen gets the orb, we will undoubtedly be thrown into war!' cried Komamura. Shunsui nodded.

'It will be our only option.' He sighed.

'The Winter Battle is nearing.' Yamamoto said solemnly. 'I hope you are all ready.' They all looked around nervously.

'It shall be epic. Shinigami versus Hollow. Captain versus Espada. And only one of us shall stand victorious over Aizen. We must win.' Yamamoto explained. He concluded by saying one quiet line.

'It shall be the war to change the worlds…'

Later that day, Ichigo and the others were huddled around a small fire outside the Division 4 barracks.

'You really think the war will come so soon?' Orihime asked, sounding scared.

'Don't worry about it Orihime…' Ichigo smiled. 'I'll protect you.'

'But…Kurosaki-kun…' she said, her smile fading. 'I wish to fight.'

Ichigo sighed.

'But we need you to heal us Orihime.' Rukia pleaded. Renji nodded.

'She's right Miss Inoue.' Uryuu said feebly. 'We cannot be caught off guard.'

She sighed and nodded. Then as the silence came, they heard footsteps heading their way.

It was 4th Division Captain Retsu Unohana and Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu. Unohana smiled at them.

'Orihime…' she said softly. 'You do not need to worry.' They didn't quite understand.

'We shall be backing you all, ready to help and aid you!' Isane smiled. Orihime's face lit up.

'So…I can fight?' she smiled gleefully. Ichigo scratched his head.

'I dunno…I don't want you getting hurt.' He said woefully.

'Ichigo.' Came a voice and they turned to Chad. 'Let her, she's strong. She took out that Arrancar on her own in Karakura Town.' He reminded them.

Ichigo nodded.

'Okay!' he smiled. 'I guess we're gonna need all the help we can get!'

'That's the spirit.' said Unohana kindly. Renji turned to her.

'Lady Unohana…' he asked. 'What do you think will be the outcome of this battle?' her smile disappeared and she looked down.

'I…do not know…it's definitely not certain that we will win. We must hope that we have luck on our side.' She said solemnly.

That night, Ichigo went to sleep quickly. He was tired after his fight with Grimmjow. He fell asleep quickly and woke up in a place he thought he had left behind…

'Hey there, champ.'