Disclaimer - I do not own Bleach


Chapter Twenty One - Espionage at its Finest

-Soul Society, Squad One Barracks-

The next day, Byakuya and Mayuri have been summoned by the head captain. "I thank you both for coming here on such short notice." Yamamoto greeted the two as they entered his quarters

"What did you summon us here for, head captain?" Byakuya asked

"As you already know, we have preparing to kill Ichigo Kurosaki should he prove to be a threat to us. However there is one thing that presents a problem and that is Kisuke Urahara and Yoruichi Shihoin." Yamamoto said

"So you want us to kill them too?" Byakuya curiously asked

"Only if necessary. Knowing Kisuke Urahara, he will most likely know what we are up to and he and Yoruichi might get in the way. If things get out of hand, eliminate them as well. I did not mention this at the meeting as it would cause captain Soi Fon to object, that is why I'll leave it in your hands." Yamamoto explained

"Finally, the chance to get rid of that irritating Kisuke Urahara." Mayuri said while sporting a very big evil grin

"Do not forget, only deal with them if absolutely necessary. They are to be left alone if our whole operation goes unnoticed." Yamamoto reminded them both. "Make sure that no one else knows about this assignment. I do not want Soi Fon to get word of this."

"Yes head captain." Byakuya said before he and Mayuri left the head captain's quarters

-Karakura Town-

The next morning, Ichigo got up rather early. The news that there was another quincy in town left him really restless. He looked at the clock and saw that it was still a quarter to six. 'So what am I supposed to do know? It's still so early.'

"Get some rest Ichigo. The quincy still hasn't gone somewhere since you came back. If he really is here to keep an eye on you, then he will not make it obvious."

'I guess you're right. Still, I don't like this one bit.' Ichigo said while going back to sleep, an uneasy one

"You don't have to Ichigo. If the quincy gets moving we'll wake you up. You will need the rest if you are to go to hueco mundo later."

'Okay then. Don't let me sleep that long.' Ichigo told them while trying and eventually, getting some sleep

One and a half hour later

"Ichigo, wake up, breakfast is ready." Yuzu yelled from the kitchen but got no response. "That's weird. Did Ichigo go out?" she wondered before walking to his door. "Ichigo, you in there?" again she got no response so she decided to let herself in. "Ichigo?" she asked as she entered his room and saw he was still sound asleep. "Oh he's still sleeping." she whispered before going back down

"Hey Yuzu, where's Ichigo." Karin asked as she was eating her food

"He's still sleeping Karin." Yuzu answered

"Really? At this hour? That's weird. He's usually awake by now." Karin wondered

"I know. Let's just leave some food for Ichigo when he wakes up." Yuzu said as she went and looked for something to place some food in

Nearly two hours later, Ichigo finally woke up. He checked his clock and saw it was nearly nine thirty. 'Well that was a long sleep. Yuzu's gonna be worried I didn't join them for breakfast.'

"Don't worry about that Ichigo. She came here earlier and saw you sleeping and decided to just let you sleep."

'And you didn't wake me up why?'

"Stop whining already. Just go get something to eat. Since it's nearly nine thirty, you should be able to gather some stuff about this new quincy."

'Fine.' Ichigo grumbled before changing from his pajamas to some other clothes. He then headed downstairs and saw Yuzu doing some house chores. "Hey Yuzu, good morning."

"Good morning Ichigo. I left your food on the table." Yuzu cheerfully said before going back to what she was doing

As Ichigo prepared to eat, he realized something. "Hey Yuzu, where's Karin?"

"She went out to have another soccer game with her friends." Yuzu answered

"Oh okay." Ichigo muttered before finally eating. He headed to his room after finished eating. "Hey Yuzu, if you need anything, I'll be in my room."

"Alright Ichigo." Yuzu responded

"Are you sure that was a good idea? What if she needs you for something and you are out there?"

Ichigo paled for a bit as he realized what he just did.

"You are hopeless." White said in frustration

'I'll just have to make this quick then.' Ichigo said before leaving his body. 'Hey I just had a thought. If I use that zombie thing, I can still remain invisible right?'

"Yes Ichigo. The invisibility can only be broken if you dispel it yourself or take any offensive action."

'Alright then. Might as well give it a shot.' Ichigo said before having his flames enter his body. He then had it just read some of his magazines until it was given other instructions. 'Damn it. This is just gonna be even more suspicious if she finds it just reading and not responding to her.'

"You can also have it speak Ichigo. Like we said, you have complete control over anything under the influence of this ability. This includes it being able to speak when you want it to speak. Since it also becomes an extension of your eyes and ears, you will also notice if your sister is near your room."

"Yeah but just be very careful about it. You still have no practice about it and you're already using it. Don't screw this one up Ichigo or things will get complicated."

'I know.' Ichigo said before leaving his house through the window, headed towards where the new quincy was

When he arrived, he saw it was a rather small house, smaller than the fullbringers. It appeared to be only good for two people. He peeked through one of the windows and saw the new quincy wasn't a guy, but was rather a girl and she headed to the kitchen

"Look at that. That is one hot girl." White commented

'She is the quincy I sensed yesterday? Who is she?'

"That is what you are here to find out Ichigo. Go inside the house. Look around and find out whatever she has that might be related to the wandenreich but do not touch anything." Zangetsu instructed him

'Ok I'm doing it.' he said before making his way inside. He looked around the house and saw nothing that was even remotely out of this world, except for the papers on the table in the living room. Just when he was about to look at it

"How in the hell do I cook this thing?" a yell suddenly came from the kitchen which startled Ichigo

He peeked at the kitchen and saw the the girl was having trouble cooking some pork. Ichigo didn't really judge since he himself doesn't even know how to cook that much

"Whatever I give up. Might as well cook something simple." the girl, Bambietta Basterbine said as she looked to her fridge and grabbed some eggs

"You know, I really didn't think you had it in you to spy on a girl like this, Ichigo." White said which made Ichigo's face go red

'Shut up you! I'm not here to spy on her like that and you know it.' he grumbled. 'Damn hollow.' he said which caused his hollow to laugh

It didn't take long before Bambi finished cooking and headed to the living room with some food. As she was eating, she decided to have a look at the daten again. She never really memorized any important information and just thought that as long at it wasn't Yamamoto, Unohana, Jushiro or Shunsui she was fighting, she would be ok. Ichigo decided to have a peek as well and saw something very interesting. It was the full details of every power that the squad captains have. With the exception of the bankai's of Jushiro and Shunsui, everything was written in great detail, including how good they are at other things such as kido. Bambietta just flipped through the pages, only scanning the things and soon arrived at a page which greatly caught Ichigo's attention. It was a page that had 'Notable Threats' on top along with the description that says 'these have the power to completely change the outcome of the war. Do not let them fight at the same time.'

What really caught Ichigo's attention was the fact that his name was on top, the most dangerous of the threats. Others included Sosuke Aizen, Kisuke Urahara, Ichibei Hyosube and Kenpachi Zaraki which wasn't surprising.

'Who is this Ichibei Hyosube?'

"He is the leader of the royal guard, squad zero Ichigo. Not many have met or even seen him as the royal guard's jurisdiction is only the royal palace. It does not extend to the soul society."

'The royal palace? That's the place Aizen was after right?'

"Yeah. The royal palace exists within the seireitei Ichigo but like the wandenreich, it is in another dimension."

The trio's discussion was interrupted when they heard a voice

"So, I'm supposed to keep an eye on this Ichigo Kurosaki guy." Bambietta said to herself. "I'm never gonna understand why they chose me of all people to do this but whatever. Might as well do this then." she said as she went to the kitchen and just left her plates there before heading to her room

Since she was alone in the house, or so she thought, she just casually stripped out of her clothes as she entered her room. The sight of which made Ichigo catch a nosebleed and faint. 'Wha... What the hell?' was all Ichigo managed to say before fainting. Before he fainted though, he could hear maniacal laughter

Bambietta soon came out of her room wearing clothes that were more appropriate for going out before heading to the door. She locked it and left, not knowing there was still someone at her house. She headed for the river to investigate something. 'So, this was where Ichigo's mom was killed according to the daten. Does Ichigo even know that his mother was a quincy? Or that the hollow wasn't actually the one that killed her? I almost feel sorry for the guy, having the truth hidden from him like that.' she thought as she arrived and walked along the riverbank, thinking her next move. 'His Majesty wants me to keep an eye on him for any suspicious activity, but simply stalking him is suspicious on its own right. I wonder, would that even work?' she thought before heading to a rather familiar destination. 'That soul reaper does this nearly every time she was here. I wonder if I would be able to avoid suspicion. Either way this is probably the best option.'

At Bambi's house, half an hour later

"Ichigo. Wake up."

Ichigo groaned as he slowly came to his senses.

"Get up already! Something interesting is happening." White yelled at him which made Ichigo get up

'How long was I out? And what was I just doing here unconscious here anyway?' he wondered before remembered the girl, who was unknown to him, just strip in front of him and his face immediately went red. 'Damn it.' he grumbled as he tried to clear his head

"Focus Ichigo. Concentrate on where the quincy is now."

'Huh? What? Why?' Ichigo asked as he still have not fully regained logical thinking

"The quincy Ichigo. She left here right after she stripped. You need to know where she is."

'What?' Ichigo asked. This made him regain all his senses and focused on where she was. 'My school? Why would she be there?'

"Most likely to pretend to be a student Ichigo. It seems she wants to imitate what Rukia and the others do when they are here."

'This complicates things. How am I supposed to keep an eye on her and lay low with everyone in school?' he grumbled before leaving the house and flashed straight towards his school

"I don't think it's all bad Ichigo. There is still a strong chance this could work in your favor."

'What do you mean?' he asked as he arrived at the gates of his school

"Think about it. If she is in your school, and most likely in your class, you will be able to keep an eye on both her and your friends. The only problem is if those weirdos from the other day go near your house. Honestly, this might be for the best, depending on what those guys do."

"He is right Ichigo. Having both her and your friends in one place is for the best. While she keeps an eye on you, you keep an eye on her. However, you will have to learn how to control your body if you are forced to be away from it to avoid suspicion."

'This are never simple are they?' he thought while walking down the halls and looking for the quincy girl

He saw the girl who just arrive at the office of the principal. After asking a few questions, she was directed to one of the teachers in the room

"Excuse me, maam. I'd like to enroll for high school." Bambietta said respectfully

"Of course young lady. Do you have any of the requirements such as report cards or school records?" the teacher asked

"I'm sorry but I didn't bring it." Bambietta said sadly, which she faked obviously

"In that case fill out this form. You can bring the requirements when school starts." the teacher told her

"Thank you. May I ask when school will start?" Bambi asked

"In about three days young lady."

"Here it is maam." Bambi said as she finished filling out the form

"Great. Just come here first with your requirements. Classes start at around nine so come here a bit early. I'll direct you to your class assignment when I evalute your requirements. Here is a list of them." the teacher said while giving her a paper and looking at the form. "See you during the first day Bambietta Basterbine."

"Thank you very much maam." Bambi said before leaving and heading home

Like before, she oblivious to the fact that someone had been stalking her just recently

"Ichigo, follow her home."

'So now who wants to spy on a girl?' Ichigo mocked White

"I do want to spy on her. There is something else."

'What is it?' Ichigo asked while following Bambi to her house.

"She appears rather hesitant upon enrolling. There may be a chance she is not here to spy on you alone."

'So she is here for something else?'

"I can't be sure about it. Just follow her home. She might reveal something that could answer this question."

'Alright then.'

Soon enough, Bambi arrived at her house with Ichigo following her

"This is so irritating. I have to bring these to school? As if this wasn't annoying enough." Bambietta said before making some fake documents. Since quincies manipulate reishi, she just manipulated some to make it appear real despite the fact that they were completely fake. Making fake documents took her nearly an hour which annoyed her even further. 'Almost done. I just need to get the name of another school and this should be good to go.' she thought before heading to her room

'She's just settling with that? If the school checks out whatever school she puts in those, she's gonna get in trouble.'

"So go inside the room and tell her, then have your way with her." White mocked him which made Ichigo's face go red as he remembered what had happened earlier

'Shut up! I'm not a pervert like you.'

"Do schools even check with other schools if a student brings all of the requirements Ichigo?"

'Uh. To be honest, I'm not sure.'

Bambi soon came out of her room, grumbling. "Where did I put it?" before searching the living room. Nearly half an hour later, "Here it is." she said as she held up what looked like a candy dispenser

'Is that a?' Ichigo wondered

"Yes. It appears to be a memory alteration device like the one Rukia used."

'I thought only soul reapers had those.'

"Not necessarily Ichigo. Those things are relatively easy to make if you know what you are doing. It makes sense now. It appears she plans to completely bypass the part of the requirements to get into the school."

'Won't she make it suspicious if she altered someone's memories in broad daylight?'

"She would but remember Ichigo, she is a quincy. Unlike a soul reaper who has to be in a gigai to be visible to non spiritual beings, quincies can manipulate their own reishi to achieve it. In other words, she can be invisible to regular humans at will."

'How come Uryu hasn't done anything like that?'

"This level of reishi manipulation is not easy to pull of Ichigo. Even at Uryu's level, he cannot use this yet. He will need to train even more before he can use this type of manipulation."

'Interesting.' Ichigo said as Bambi put away the memory alteration device

Ichigo continued to observe as Bambi got back to the daten. She got a blank piece of paper and decided to write something. She wrote basically what appears to be an organizational tree. With the lieutenants and other notable soul reapers at the very bottom, the captains above them, the head captain and including the royal guard

'Five members? Wouldn't squad zero be made up of more than just five members?' Ichigo wondered

"They have no need for members Ichigo. Those five are captain level fighters and aside from the head captain and Kenpachi Zaraki, each is stronger than a court guard captain. Their spiritual pressure would probably be equivalent to two or three court guard captains, depending on who you compare it to."

'Really? They're that strong?'

"Of course they are. They don't have that position for nothing Ichigo. But don't worry. They are nothing you can't handle. You just need to learn your powers first."

As Ichigo was conversing with his inner spirits, Bambi was comparing her organizational tree with the one from the daten, trying to see if she missed anything. 'So, these royal guard members are stronger than the captains. It would be a bad idea to fight these guys on my own. Is that why Yhwach selected some of the sternritter for his schutzstaffel? So they can fight the royal guard?' she wondered. "Still though, if His Majesty's goal is to kill the soul king, what is his endgame? This daten doesn't even have the answer to that." she said to herself, not knowing someone was listening

"It's just as I had thought. You can go home now Ichigo."

'What did you even have me come here in the first place?'

"I wanted to see if she is completely loyal to the wandenreich. As I thought, she isn't."

'What makes you say that?'

"Quincies who are loyal to Yhwach would obey without hesitation. The fact that she is questioning Yhwach's motives is a clear indication that she isn't downright loyal. At this point, I am not a hundred percent sure about that, but that was a helpful information."

'Oh I see. So what now?'

"Go home for now. When your sisters go to bed, you go to hueco mundo. We are now pressed for time."

Later in the evening, Ichigo finally left for hueco mundo. After a while, he finally arrived and it was the desert inside las noches. As Ichigo prepared to make his way outside

"ICHIGOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"


Here is the next one. Hope you enjoy it