AN: Hey everyone, I know I know. It's been a loooooooooooong time since I last updated...for that I am sorry. I didn't mean to leave you all hanging, but I've just been too busy. Waaaay too busy and so I haven't had enough time to focus on the story.
I'm gonna post 2 chapters today though so yay to that! Oh, and I'm working on creating a database page so the MISC section won't be so long and filled with all the character information.
As always, a big thank you to all who continue to support me and the story!
Quick Recap:
1. Aizen & Wonderweiss vs. Yamamoto (World of the Living)
2. Kishin & Ulquiorra vs. Vasto Lorde Ichigo
Now on with the story!
Reading the story:
-Scene change: "888"
-Rated M Scene: "XXX"
-Hello, how are you? (Someone in their own thoughts)
-Hello how are you? (A different person speaking in someone's mind)
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Bleach.
Chapter 53
Kishin didn't waste any time thinking about anything else after getting confirmation that Ulquiorra would help him against Ichigo. He didn't have the luxury as he was getting weaker and weaker by the moment. The instant his Hollow mask completely reformed, Ichigo reappeared with Tensa Zangetsu back in his hand. Ichigo let out a bellowing cry in anger from being swept away, but that moment of pause let Ulquiorra blitz him, earning a strike right against Ichigo's side.
The loud clashing between Ulquiorra and Ichigo reverberated across the entire night sky, but Kishin drowned it out as he couldn't afford to lose focus. He closed his eyes and concentrated, gathering what little reiatsu he had left, both Hollowfied and Shinigami. He quickly locked onto Ichigo's location as his reiatsu began surging high into the sky. A heavy pressure like that of gravity at fourteen different points began to shine down towards the ground as his rasp winded voice began chanting in the air.
"Heavy is the steel of metal. Strong is the pillar of the heavenly temple. Break free. Fall down. Be cast in iron. Line in rows of two by two. Aim with focus, speed, and power. Fire across the endless void unhindered by mortal touch. Now seal. Hold firm the will of the gods above steady and still in chaos. The towers erect that touch the sky imprisons the imperial menace. Tendo #24: Ju-Yon Bo!"
High in the sky appeared 14 majestic bronze colored rods that exuded an aura of unbreakableness. They twinkled like stars against the dark blanket of the night sky above and flew through the air with a speed faster than blazing comets. Ichigo roared as he felt the immense pressure of the 14 rods aimed straight at him. He stood atop of Ulquiorra's beaten body and attempted to slash out at the incoming attack, however it was too late. The 14 rods pierced through his body immobilizing him in place. There was no damage actually done to Ichigo's body, however he was effectively paralyzed. As physically powerful as Ichigo was in his current Vasto Lorde form, the rods that pinned his body in place could not be budged or broken.
"GRUAAAHHH!" He shouted at the top of his lungs, but it didn't do him any good. In a fit of frustration and anger he began to charge a Cero at the tip of his horns, but it was right at that moment when Ulquiorra appeared and slashed down with a green javelin in hand.
CLANK!
The sound of hard glass breaking made a crisp resounding echo as Ichigo's left horn was broken. What followed suit was a close proximity explosion caused by the interruption of his mid-forming Cero. A billowing plume of darkened smoke clouded the sky as a red light reflected across everyone's face from the trail blaze left behind in the surrounding aftermath destruction.
Ulquiorra was blown off into the distance from being too close to the blast range whilst everyone else just closed their eyes to prevent the dust carried by the wind pressure from blinding them. As the spectacle began to slowly die down the smokescreen and bronze colored rods dissipated revealing Ichigo reverting back to his regular form.
Kishin felt a sense of relief that the worst seemed to be over. His vision then started to grow dark as a heavy sense of overwhelming exhaustion hit him. His Zanpakuto immediately regressed back into its sealed state form and all the blood he had been recirculating back into his body started leaving from his wounds once more. He couldn't even complain about the pain because he couldn't even feel pain at this point. Only numbness. Without any strength left in his body he lifelessly dropped to the ground.
"Kishin!" Rukia immediately ran to his side kneeling in his pool of blood. The light in his eyes quickly leaving him.
"No no no! Stay with me! Kishin, please! Say something!"
"Ru-kia..." He barely managed.
Rukia felt like breaking down as a stinging pain prickled her heart. She could tell from the way he spoke that it physically hurt him to speak. Her tears ran down the side of his cheek as she cradled his head in her arms.
"S-Shhhh...it's okay Kishin. Don't speak. Just stay with me, okay? I'll get help. We'll heal you. Just stay awake okay?"
Kishin half-heartedly smiled as he felt his body shutting down. He couldn't even feel the physical sensation of Rukia holding him close. He tried taking in a deep breath, but it only caused him to feel a sharp stinging pain in his chest.
"Ngh..." He clenched his teeth from the pain.
"Kishin!"
"Haha...guess I overdid it senpai."
Rukia quickly shook her head. "Don't talk anymore! Just focus and staying awake."
The sound of her voice echoed in a drowned kind of noise as if he was hearing her speak from under water. "Rukia...I feel...cold."
Rukia's entire body shook with fear as Kishin dying started to become a true reality. Never once did it ever cross her mind that Kishin would actually die.
"D-Don't say that! You can't leave me..." The sound of her voice wavered and cracked.
...
Silence.
She waited for a response but none came. Immediately her heart stopped dead in its tracks when she felt his pulse and breathing cease.
"NO! Inoue!" She frantically shouted as she attempted to restart Kishin's heart.
Orihime was already halfway to Ichigo when she paused in her tracks from the loud shouting. She was frozen in place as she didn't know what to do. She wanted to help Rukia, but she desperately wanted to go to Ichigo's aid. She didn't even know if Ichigo was still alive, yet she also knew that Kishin was nearly dead at this moment. Just as she was at a loss for what to do, a burst of reiatsu erupted forth from Ichigo's body which quickly filled in the hole in his chest. Life was revitalized in his body again as he groaned, struggling to get back up.
Orihime felt immediate relief and was about to run to him when Rukia called out to her again. Tears ran down Rukia's face as her shaking arms were covered in Kishin's blood. Her shout had snapped Orihime back to reality causing her to swiftly cast her healing barrier right over Kishin's body.
Rukia remained knelt on the ground with her numb hands in front of her. The red color of Kishin's blood reflected in her eyes as her emotions became lifeless and cold.
"I-I can't...I can't feel his pulse…"
"Kuchiki-san…" Orihime whispered, wanting to somehow comfort Rukia, but her heart froze up when she caught the despondent look in Rukia's eyes.
"Kuchi-"
"Inoue." Rukia interrupted. Her voice was listless, desperate, and pleading. "Please heal him...I'll do anything so please. Don't let him die!"
Orihime bit the bottom of her lip. She never saw Rukia like this before. She had always known Rukia to be strong, noble, and graceful and so she was both shocked and afraid at how broken Rukia appeared right now. All she could do to give Rukia comfort was to focus on healing Kishin, so without hesitation she nodded with confidence. "Mn. I won't let him die."
At this point everyone had already made their way around the barrier, standing in silence unable to utter a single word. Everything that had transpired thus far was like a blur of a whirlwind. Ichigo's death to his Hollow transformation, Kishin's own display of Hollow powers, Kishin and Ulquiorra joining forces to defeat Ichigo, Kishin's near lifeless body lying on the ground, and the lifeless body that should have been Ichigo which was now completely revived and fine.
On that note they all turned at the same time when they heard Ichigo approach them. His clothing was in a complete mess, but his body seemed otherwise unharmed much to everyone's shock. The look in Ichigo's eyes showed his disbelief in what just occurred. Flashes of his time in his Vasto Lorde state began to rapidly appear in his head causing him to shiver in fear. Fear of what he had done and of what he could have done if he hadn't been stopped by Ulquiorra and Kishin. The chain on the pommel of Tensa Zangetsu made a slight clanking noise as Ichigo's hand trembled from his shock.
"Ichigo…" Renji called out his name, unsure of what else he should say.
Everyone else remained silent as well since they too didn't know what to say at this moment.
"What...What did I just do…" Ichigo managed to let out as the devastation all around reflected in his eyes.
It was then that Ulquiorra's weak sounding but calm and neutral voice echoed from where he laid motionless on the ground. "You are difficult to kill for a mere Human...Kurosaki Ichigo."
Ichigo whizzed his head around and stared at the powerless Espada.
"Ul...quiorra…"
Ulquiorra attempted to get back up, but the muscles in his body simply gave out. His green-yellow eyes remained fixed on the dark night sky as a sense of ease and peace overtook him. He didn't know what changed, but for now he only felt like resting. He could tell that his end was coming. The bones in his body seemed like they would wither away at any moment and so he finally shut his eyes. A crack appeared along his wings catching everyone's attention.
Ichigo was immediately alarmed. "O-Oi! What's happening?"
Ulquiorra just glanced down at the tip of his wing with his signature emotionless expression. "It appears I've reached my limit."
He struggled to turn his head to grab another look at Orihime. The memories of his short but rousing moments with her began to flash in his head. Even now as he looked at her incredibly fragile frame, there was no fear reflected in her eyes. No hate. No anger. It was too pure. He lifted his weary hand towards her in almost what seemed to be a gentle and loving gesture and asked, "On'na...do you fear me?"
The look in Orihime's eyes slightly wavered in sadness at how brittle Ulquiorra looked. She simply shook her head and stared him right in the eye.
"No. I don't."
A slight smile found its way to Ulquiorra's lips as he shut his eyes once more.
I see. So this feeling is a heart.
Just as he felt himself go cold, a flutter of warmth and life began to fill him once more pulling him away from death's door.
What is this?!
He opened his eyes again, but instead of seeing the dark night sky, what he saw was the orange hue of Orihime's barrier.
…
"Why?"
It was all he could ask in his confusion, but Orihime didn't answer. She didn't know what to say. She just couldn't bring herself to let Ulquiorra die as well. Even though he was the one who killed Ichigo in front of her, even though he was the one who captured her, he was also the only one who kept her company in her loneliness. He had never laid a single hand on her, not once. It just didn't feel right to her to let him die.
Her silence only continued to confuse Ulquiorra, but in the end he simply let it go. Just when he thought that he began to understand Humans, he now also accepted the fact that he may never come to fully understand why they were the way they were. That only fueled his intrigue of them even more.
"K-Kurosaki-kun." Orihime worriedly called out.
"U-Uh? Yeah?" He awkwardly replied.
"Stay inside my barrier too. I'll heal you with Chigetsu-san and Ulquiorra-san."
"Y-Yeah…" Ichigo could only agree as he didn't know what else to do. The entire situation had gotten out of hand that he no longer questioned anything. He could only remain silent whilst trying to sort through his thoughts and feelings.
888
Back in the World of the Living stood Aizen atop a large burning crater as a worn out and weakened Yamamoto laid in the center. A small stream of smoke floated into the air from beneath Yamamoto's body as he struggled to lift his head. The ancient Captain had managed to kill Wonderweiss for good, however he overlooked one simple fact. That the flames of his Ryujin Jakka were sealed away and not actually extinguished. Since they were sealed it meant that they were contained somewhere and should the seal be broken, the flames would burst out all at once. He never imagined that Wonderweiss was the container itself, and so, to protect the World of the Living from being destroyed by his flames, he had contained the potential explosion with his body. The result was his current sorry state.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Aizen clapped his hands together and slowly began walking down from the edge. "Well done, Yamamoto Genryusai. You understood quickly that if you didn't sacrifice your body to contain your flames, the surrounding towns and cities would be annihilated by your immense power."
He then slowly unsheathed his Zanpakuto and pointed down at the ancient commander. "Yamamoto Genryusai. I will not spare your life. Your death will mean the end of Soul Society's long standing history. Sayonoara, Captain Commander."
"Heh." Yamamoto merely grinned and stuck out his burnt left arm grabbing onto Aizen's ankle. "Don't get cocky with me boy. Hado #96: Itto Kaso!"
"UH?!" Aizen immediately attempted to flee, however it didn't even take a second to pass before a giant crimson blade of pure force and reiatsu more than several stories high erupted into the surrounding area destroying everything in its vicinity. A small fluctuation burst from the side of the attack as Aizen managed to save himself from taking anymore damage. A part of his clothes and hair were singed, but he was otherwise left unharmed, though he still clicked his tongue and slightly frowned.
"Tch. Damn that old fox. Hm?"
Just then a Garganta opened up right as the attack from Yamamoto's Kido ended. Stepping forth from that dark portal were the Captains that had left Las Noches.
Aizen smirked in amusement at their timely arrival. "Well now, I suppose it is about time for all of you to return."
Toshiro frowned and glanced around at the chaotic destruction of the fake town. "Aizen. You bastard. Where's the Captain Commander?"
Without needing to give a reply, Kyoraku spotted Yamamoto in the center of the crater nearby.
"Yamaji!" His shout drew everyone's attention as they all noticed the badly wounded state that Yamamoto was in. Not only was his body charred, but his left arm was completely destroyed causing them all to slightly panic. Especially so for Kyoraku and Unohana as they both knew better than anyone else how powerful Yamamoto was. And for Aizen to make Yamamoto look like that greatly alarmed them.
Before the Captains could make a move, the sound of Aizen brushing off the dust from his coat returned their attention to him. "Now now, Gotei 13. It's unwise to take your eyes off of your opponent when they are standing right in front of you."
Mayuri frowned and displeasingly glared as he hated the condescending tone of Aizen's voice.
"Aizen. Exactly what were you doing all this time in the World of the Living? I thought that you would have moved on already to the real Karakura Town yet, here you still are. It seems that the Captain Commander gave you more trouble than you anticipated."
Aizen merely smirked at Mayuri's attempt to provoke him. "Trouble? Is that what you see? What I see is the Captain Commander lying on the ground and I standing from above. Tell me, Captain Kurotsuchi, not even your Captain Commander could stand on even footing with me. So why don't you show me where you're getting all your confidence from?"
"Kuh…" Mayuri's hands trembled by his side at Aizen's jabbing remark.
As Aizen gave the Captains a once over his expression slightly changed with surprise. "Interesting. So Captain Chigetsu is not among you."
Byakuya furrowed his brow and unsheathed his Zanpakuto. "Is that truly something worthy to note?"
"It is. After all, without him the rest of you and your combined might amount to nothing."
Kinji frowned and took a step forward. "You're really looking down on us too much. Bankai! Koku No Sanpo!"
Without waiting any longer Kinji rushed forward and struck down with his staff only to miss as Aizen dodged in the air. Toshiro and Byakuya acted next as they too released their Zanpakutos.
"Bankai: Daiguren Hyorinmaru!"
"Bankai: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."
With a slash of Toshiro's blade he sent forth several dozen blue ice dragons right towards Aizen who easily sidestepped every single one. A burst of pink colored cherry blossoms then illuminated the sky as Byakuya's Senbonzakura petals spread out to entrap Aizen within the center. Just as all the petals came crashing down towards Aizen, he disappeared in a flash of incredible speed with his Shunpo and struck out towards Kyoraku who barely managed to defend with his Shikai blades.
Soi Fon released her Shikai soon after followed by the release of Komamura's Bankai as they attempted to pincer attack Aizen only to fail. His speed was so fast that none of them could follow his movements.
"What's wrong? Gotei 13? I'm here." Aizen said amusedly as he slowly walked towards them from behind.
Soi Fon widened her eyes in alarm and questioned, "His speed...there's no way he's faster than me! Did he use his power already?"
Aizen just waved his hand dismissing her worries. "Relax. This is not the power of my Kyoka Suigetsu. This is simply my basic strength."
"Impossible! I'm the leader of the Onmitsukido. You're saying that you're at a level that surpasses even my speed?"
"Why is that so hard to believe, Captain Soi Fon. If you want my honest opinion, then to surpass your level of strength is not very difficult to do."
"You…" A raging inferno of anger and frustration began stirring deep inside her at Aizen's mocking remark. This only made Aizen taunt her more.
"Oh? Is that hatred I see in your eyes, Captain Soi Fon? You know what I said is the truth. After all, it's because you were so weak that you let Captain Amagai die."
"You..." Soi Fon felt so enraged that she couldn't even move her body. And part of the reason was that she also felt somewhat guilty at failing to avenge Amagai's death.
Mayuri also clenched his teeth in frustration at Aizen's arrogant tone. "Hmpf. I've heard enough of your ridiculous chattering. Let us see how you fare against this! Bankai: Konjiki Ashisogi Jizo!"
The loud cry of a giant baby echoed in the air as the golden face of Mayuri's large Bankai appeared in the sky. It screeched once before spewing out a giant cloud of purple poisonous smoke. Aizen remained unfazed and appeared right by Mayuri's side an instant later. His speed was so quick that Mayuri wasn't even able to register Aizen's presence beside him until it was too late.
SCHLICK!
"GUAAAH!" Blood spurt forth from Mayuri's side as Aizen slashed him across the back.
"Captain Kurotsuchi!" Komamura shouted as his Bankai swung down its giant blade towards Aizen. A loud whistling hissed in the air as the wind being cut from the giant blade moved downwards, however its movements were so slow that Aizen's expression was that of contempt. Instead of dodging he raised up his sword to block it instead.
CLANG!
Komamura was instantly shocked that he wasn't even able to make Aizen budge. Just then six yellow rods bound Aizen by the waist followed by four yellow chains of Kido.
"Hm? Kido?" Aizen glanced to the side and took note of Kinji who was the one who casted the spells. "Do you think that your little spells will be able to hold me? Captain Tsunayashiro."
Kinji just smirked. "I don't need to hold you forever, Aizen."
"Uh?!" Aizen exclaimed in the next instant as a wave of ice froze the lower half of his body. Toshiro quickly flew by Kinji's side emotionlessly. "How's that? Aizen."
"Captain Hitsugaya. Have you matured a little since we last met? Perhaps your rage and anger has died out. I take it that Hinamori is doing well then?"
A loud thump pounded against Toshiro's chest when Hinamori's name rolled off Aizen's tongue.
Aizen took note that he had hit a nerve and smirked. "If not Hinamori then...perhaps your reunion with your old friend caused you to mature. Sojiro was it? Since you are here, I presume you were the one to kill him with your own two ha-"
"Shut up!" Toshiro growled under his breath. The look in his eyes instantly changed from one of calm to one of pure anger.
Again Aizen merely smirked. "Did you know? Captain Hitsugaya. He never actually wished for your death. His only wish was to die by your hands. So? Tell me. How did he actually end up dy-"
"AHHH!" Toshiro screamed with fury and charged right at Aizen with his sword raised high. Aizen grinned and immediately caused his reiatsu to burst forth all at once breaking free of his restraints. He then slashed out with his Zanpakuto slicing Toshiro right in half, however he remained unfazed when the Captain turned into nothing but an ice clone.
Toshiro appeared in the distance and heavily panted as he barely managed to replace himself in the last moment to save his life.
"Huff. Huff. Huff. Damn!" He breathlessly cursed.
Kinji appeared by his side and placed his hand on Toshiro's shoulder.
"You alright?"
Toshiro quickly nodded. "Yeah. I almost fell for his damn provocations."
Aizen smiled amusedly at the duo and questioned, "Almost you say?"
Toshiro grinned and thought of a certain red headed friend of his. "Let's just say that I've had my fair share of getting provoked over the years that I've learnt to ignore most of it."
Cutting their conversation short, Soi Fon appeared at the top of a tall building with a giant yellow rocket hooked on her right arm. She immediately aimed it straight at Aizen and shouted, "Ban-kai! Jakuho Raikoben!"
PEW!
The missile flew right through the air and exploded where Aizen stood.
BOOOOOOM!
A fierce burst of wind from the residual explosive force rushed out in all directions causing all the Captains to distance themselves from the center of the impact. A giant plume of smoke rose into the air obscuring all vision. Just as Soi Fon steadied her footing she felt a cold blade run through her chest. Aizen stood behind her with an expressionless look as he slowly withdrew his sword.
"As leader of the Onmitsukido, you've got quite a flashy technique."
"Captain Soi Fon!" Komamura shouted in alarm.
All the Captains were currently too far away from one another as they had distanced themselves in order to escape the blast range of Soi Fon's Bankai, but now that worked against them as they weren't able to quickly come to one another's aid. Komamura being the closest arrived first and slashed down with his giant Bankai's blade, but Aizen merely slashed upwards, breaking Komamura's Bankai with no resistance at all.
"I-Impossible!"
Aizen just scoffed and slashed once more leaving a large gaping wound across Komamura's stomach.
"Impossible you say? It is because you think it impossible which is why you fail to evolve. No, rather, it is fitting that you think it impossible. My understanding of power is different than yours for we are no longer beings in the same realm of existence."
Aizen then turned behind him with an amused expression as he found that instead of coming directly to face him one by one, Kyoraku, Byakuya, Toshiro, and Kinji had opted to first regroup.
"Oh, I commend your foresight and wisdom to not attack me alone, however even together it will make no difference."
Toshiro frowned. "We'll see about that. Hyoryu Senbi!"
A large crescent wave of ice flew straight towards Aizen as Byakuya directed with his hands the movement and flow of his Senbonzakura to attack Aizen from behind. Just as Aizen took one step forward, nine dark purple spheres of heavy gravity appeared around him locking him in place.
Kinji held out his hand and calmly said, "Bakudo #79: Kuyo Shibari."
It was then that Kyoraku appeared from high above and narrowed his eyes with triumph.
"Bushogoma."
With a slash of his blades a whirling blast of wind flew straight at Aizen. The three attacks soon merged as one creating a brilliant shining color of blue, pink, and green that flashed across the sky.
Kinji squinted and attempted to see through the smoke cloud. "Did we get him?"
However, panic filled his entire being as he was immobilized in the next instant by six yellow rods. The sound of Aizen's voice then filled his ears from behind.
"Right. You are the Commander of the Kido Corp as well. Indeed your skill in this area is magnificent. Then, Kido Corp Commander, how would you rate my Kido in comparison?"
"Aizen!" Kinji shouted in panic.
Aizen just grinned in response. "Hado #90: Kurohitsugi."
"KINJI!" Toshiro shouted in the distance, but it was too late. A dark black coffin enveloped Kinji within blocking all view from inside. Moments later the coffin disappeared revealing nothing left within.
"Kin...ji…" Toshiro breathed out in disbelief.
There was nothing left of Kinji at all. Not even a scrap of his clothing was left from Aizen's devastating Kido spell. Still speechless, Toshiro froze in place, but Byakuya didn't delay and surrounded Aizen in all directions encapsulating him within his Senbonzakura petals. Without wasting time with words he immediately caused all his petals to coalesce into a giant sphere.
"Gokei: Senbonzakura Kageyoshi."
FA-BOOM!
The hundreds of millions of cherry blossom petals exploded in a brilliant light of bright pink with Aizen inside. Byakuya narrowed his eyes, not letting down his guard as he didn't believe for a second that his attack had killed Aizen, however he shook with disbelief as what he saw within the center of the explosion falling down towards the ground wasn't Aizen, but Kyoraku.
"What?!"
"Surprised Captain Kuchiki?" Aizen said from behind.
Byakuya immediately turned, but all he could feel was a sharp searing pain that cut across his chest from where Aizen struck him. Aizen watched Byakuya slowly fall towards the ground as he gazed with complacent eyes.
"And so the prideful Captain of the Gotei 13 falls. Even if you were on guard against my Kyoka Suigetsu, it is futile to combat it. Kyoka Suigetsu's hypnosis is flawless."
"Kuh…" Byakuya spit forth a mouthful of blood as his back finally crashed onto the stone hard ground. He glanced to his left where he found Kyoraku's bloody frame from receiving his Senbonzakura's full on attack. The only one left was Toshiro who was seething with rage. All sense of his rationality went out the window at this point as he shouted and flew straight at Aizen with his blade stretched taut.
"AAAAHH! AIZEN!"
Aizen just shook his head with contempt. "My my. You're full of openings."
Just as Aizen moved to strike the final blow, he paused and slashed to his right where he managed to block the edge of a giant black crescent shaped blade. He then stuck out his left palm erecting a green colored diamond shield of Kido that blocked the tip of a long bo staff. This was precisely Kinji who had suddenly re-appeared. Thanks to that Toshiro managed to come back to his senses and stopped his reckless attack.
Aizen on the other hand smiled with mild amusement. "I see. As powerful as I am, even my Kido spell wouldn't have completely destroyed you without leaving a single trace left behind, Captain Tsunayashiro. Your Bankai certainly has quite a unique ability."
Kinji cursed beneath his breath and quickly dashed back by Toshiro after his ambush failed. Toshiro felt a sense of relief after realizing that his friend was okay.
"Damn it Kinji. I thought you were dead."
"Ah...sorry. I didn't have much time to explain. I may be the Kido Corp Commander but I hate to admit it. The strength and power of Aizen's Kido is even stronger than mine."
"Tch. Damn monster. So, what do you think? Any ideas on how to beat him?"
Kinji just frowned and shook his head. "I'm thinking. What do you think Kishin would do?"
Toshiro furrowed his brow thinking really hard, but his expression changed into one of awkwardness as he replied half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Errr...at a time like this he'd probably crack a joke."
Kinji's expression became dumbfounded as he nodded in agreement. "Y-Yeah...I can see that."
The two of them were brought out of their side discussion as Aizen interrupted, "Shall we leave it at this then? If you two are no longer interested in this battle then I will take my leave."
Kinji and Toshiro frowned as they both got serious once more.
"Tch. I didn't take you as an impatient guy." Kinji remarked.
"I'm not. By all means, take as much time as you wish to discuss at your leisure. In the meantime I'll go about my own business. You can come find me when you've worked up the courage to face me once more."
A thick vein popped on Kinji and Toshiro's foreheads as Aizen's way of provoking them really reminded them of Kishin. The only difference being that Kishin did it without really meaning it whilst Aizen did it because he actually looked down on them. The two Captains immediately gripped their weapons in preparation to attack when the Aizen that they were looking at melted from their view.
"Shit!" They both exclaimed at the same time knowing that they had both fallen under Kyoka Suigetsu's hypnosis.
CLANG!
Just before Aizen's blade could cut through both Captains, it was stopped dead in its tracks by the blade of another. It was someone who they all recognized, yet someone who they hadn't seen in over a decade.
"C-Captain SHIBA?!" Toshiro exclaimed in disbelief at the appearance of his old Captain.
Kinji also commented with shock. "Captain Shiba? As in Shiba Isshin? The previous Shiba Clan Head and 10th Division Captain who went missing over a decade ago?"
Isshin just grinned at both of their responses with a calm and confident aura. He was dressed back in his Shinigami shihakusho with his old Captain's haori tied around the left side of his shoulder as it flowed down past his waist. His thin facial hair around his muzzle made him look a little older than he was back when he was in command of the 10th Division, but his spiky black hair hadn't changed styles one bit.
He and Aizen disengaged swords allowing him a moment of rest so he finally greeted, "Yo! OW!" He groaned right after as Toshiro kicked him in the shin.
Isshin furiously rubbed his leg with a tear hanging from the corner of his eye. "Sh-Shiro-chan, why?"
Toshiro pointed an accusing finger at him and grumbled. "You...You just disappeared out of nowhere without any notice or any letter and then you re-appear like nothing ever happened and the first thing you say is YO?! You left an ENTIRE division behind! Do you th-"
"Wait wait wait wait!" Kinji quickly interjected. "Toshiro, I know you've got a lot on your chest that you want to let loose but can this all wait? I mean...we're sorta in the middle of a situation here…"
Toshiro bit his tongue and gave an angry glare at Isshin who simply gave an innocent and clueless expression back. With a final sigh Toshiro reigned in his dissatisfaction and nodded.
"Yeah. Fine. But this isn't over." He then redirected his attention to Aizen who was still smiling amusedly in the distance.
"First the Captains of the Gotei 13, now you, Kurosaki Isshin. It appears I am getting to see many old faces today."
Isshin quickly straightened himself out and focused his gaze on Aizen. He firmly gripped his red hilted Zanpakuto in hand and prepared himself for battle. "Oi, you two youngsters."
"Captains." Toshiro quickly corrected.
Isshin awkwardly coughed. "Ahem...Captains. What do you say we work together and get rid of this bastard?"
"Is it really necessary to even say that? Of course that's what we're gonna do." Toshiro responded in a matter-of-fact tone of voice.
Kinji nodded in agreement. "Yeah. I'll try to distract him and give you both an opening to close the distance."
Toshiro frowned in seriousness as he stared at Aizen's Zanpakuto. "What about his Kyoka Suigetsu? Without a way to combat it we'll practically be fighting blind."
Isshin just shrugged. "No use thinking about it now. If we don't fight then we'll definitely lose. But if we do fight, then there's a small chance that he'll slip up somewhere giving us an opportunity."
Aizen simply waited patiently with indifference and stuck out his left hand in the next second.
FWIP!
Kinji's staff was immediately caught in Aizen's grasp, stopping its forward momentum. "You'll have to do better than that, Captain Tsunayashiro."
Kinji scowled and sent the crescent blade behind his back slashing horizontally at Aizen, but it again was stopped dead in its tracks from Aizen blocking with his katana. The shock and force was absorbed within Kinji's weapon making him smile. He continued exchanging several blows with Aizen with the force of each strike getting absorbed in his weapons. Finally after the tenth blow he struck down with his staff transferring all the stored energy from his clash with Aizen into this one attack.
"Take this!"
BOOM!
His staff made contact against Aizen's defending sword causing an eruption of reiatsu to blow into the area, however instead of seeing Aizen get blown away, Aizen instead remained perfectly still and completely unharmed.
"W-What?!"
Aizen just smirked and moved to grab Kinji's staff, but Kinji quickly disengaged and jumped back into the distance.
"What's wrong Captain Tsunayashiro?"
Kinji was too shocked to respond so Aizen just continued, "Your Bankai can absorb the physical force generated from two objects and store it as raw energy which you can then unleash as one massive blow causing your attack to multiply in strength by many times. Correct?"
…
Again Kinji couldn't answer.
"There's no need to be shocked that I was able to block such an attack. After all, I told Captain Komamura already. My understanding of power is different from yours."
FWISH!
A giant ice dragon appeared right by Aizen, however it failed to capture him. Dozens and dozens of blue ice dragons then came raining down from the sky, flying and chasing Aizen in a futile attempt to catch him. Just as Aizen dodged the 12th one, Isshin appeared from behind and struck down with his Zanpakuto shouting, "Burn, Engetsu! Getsuga Tensho!"
A large burst of light blue reiatsu flung out from Isshin's sword cutting everything in its path, however Aizen was faster and disappeared right before the attack could reach him. He appeared behind Isshin and struck down with his katana only for it to be blocked by one of Kinji's weapons. Isshin used that opportunity to swing around and slash towards Aizen's chest, but Aizen merely took a step back to avoid getting hit before sticking out his hand.
"Raikoho."
CRACKLE!
Yellow lightning flashed across the sky from Aizen's Kido, however Isshin managed to dodge in time as he Shunpo'd back by Toshiro's side. A bead of sweat dripped down the side of his forehead.
"Phew. That was close." He tried to lighten the mood a bit with his comment, but they had no time to relax as a hundred rods from Aizen's Hyapporankan came flying at them.
Just as Isshin and Toshiro were about to move, a shower of green colored lasers came shooting down from Kinji countering with Hado #67. The Bakudo rods broke like shattered glass. Kinji then clapped his hands together causing 5 giant iron pillars to fall down towards Aizen.
Toshiro used that chance to slash out his Zanpakuto. "Guncho Tsurara!"
A barrage of sharp icicles went flying through the air as Isshin also swung out his blade and shouted, "Getsuga Toutou Kaen!"
A burst of blue flames quickly erupted from Isshin's Zanpakuto before fanning out towards Aizen.
With a slightly amused look, Aizen swung his blade in two simple arcs. "Hado #78: Zangerin."
Fa-BAM!
Two giant purple colored slashes intercepted and neutralized Kinji's Kido and Isshin and Toshiro's abilities, but it was also at that moment when one of Kinji's weapons struck out at Aizen's back.
Clang!
A large green barrier instantly appeared behind Aizen to block the attack, but that didn't stop Kinji from continuing with his onslaught. He threw down his staff like he was throwing a spear to which Aizen countered by simply reaching out his hand and grabbing it. That was when Toshiro appeared on Aizen's right and slashed out with his Zanapkuto forcing Aizen to defend with his own. His left side was now completely open which Isshin didn't let the opportunity go to waste. He swung down his sword aiming right for Aizen's neck, but Aizen merely used his overwhelming strength to knock Toshiro away so he could defend against Isshin with his Zanpakuto.
Isshin frowned when he failed, however he quickly made a flicking motion with his fingers generating a force so strong that it sent Aizen crashing down to the ground. Toshiro immediately followed up by stabbing his sword high in the sky.
"Sennen Hyoro!"
Several large ice pillars formed right around Aizen and converged to encase him in an icy prison, but not even a fraction of a second passed before they shattered like brittle glass from the force of Aizen's reiatsu. Still, Aizen didn't get any time to breathe or relax as he was instantly bound by yellow chains from Kinji's Bakudo spell.
Isshin then appeared and shouted, "Getsuga Tensho!"
BOOM!
The ground and several buildings in the area were immediately destroyed from the force of Isshin's attack. A burning veil of blue flaming reiatsu illuminated the vicinity as Toshiro and Kinji regrouped with him. They took a moment to catch their breath as Kinji questioned, "Did you get him?"
Isshin simply frowned. "Not sure. Definitely felt like it connected, but this is Aizen we're talking about. You can't exactly trust what you feel."
"Indeed." Toshiro nodded.
"UH?!" Kinji and Isshin exclaimed in shock as the Toshiro beside them had Aizen's voice. His appearance then wavered as he transformed back into Aizen whilst Kinji and Isshin glanced at the person who had taken Isshin's attack. There in the center of the rubble knelt a heavily wounded Toshiro as large parts of his ice wings had been cut off. The 12 ice flowers that typically floated behind him were now down to only 2. Blood seeped down from his forehead and arm as a large gash ran down his chest.
"Toshiro!" Kinji and Isshin shouted in alarm.
Aizen just grinned with amusement. "My my, to think that you would attack your own past subordinate, Kurosaki Isshin. How uncharacteristic of you."
Isshin gritted his teeth in anger at Aizen's taunting remark, but he was able to remain calm nonetheless.
"Aizen, you bastard. That was a cowardly move. Getsuga Toutou Kaen!"
A fierce wave of burning blue flames swept out towards Aizen forcing him to dodge in the air where Kinji appeared striking down with his staff. Aizen was about to defend with his Zanpakuto when he Shunpo'd into the distance to avoid getting hit by a large ice dragon.
"Oh? To take a direct hit and still be able to fight, I commend you for your resilience, Captain Hitsugaya."
Toshiro gasped as he fell to the ground whilst bleeding out. Only one crystal flower was present behind his back now and it was steadily beginning to crumble away as well. He tried to get back up, but it was no use. He had lost too much blood. His vision darkened as he fell into unconsciousness. His Bankai immediately dissipated following his inability to continue.
"Toshiro!" Kinji shouted when he noticed his friend no longer moving. That moment of distraction was all it took for Aizen to get behind Kinji and stab him through the chest.
"Kuh!" Kinji vomited a handful of blood as he struggled to glance behind him. "D-Damn it…"
Aizen just smirked and slowly withdrew his sword as Kinji collapsed to the ground. "Your inexperience in battle shows, Captain Tsunayashiro."
Just then Isshin appeared from behind a giant boulder and struck out at Aizen's side.
"As for you." Aizen said and turned. "An excellent decision for striking from the shadows, however it still isn't good enough."
Aizen raised his Zanpakuto to defend, however he widened his eyes in shock when he felt powerful black bindings wrap themselves around his body. He glanced down at Kinji who was the source behind the attack.
Kinji just weakly smiled as blood dripped down his lips. "Bakudo #99: Kin."
Aizen struggled to free himself, however it was too late.
"Captain Tsunayashiro, damn you!"
Isshin finally arrived right before Aizen and slashed him across the chest. "HUAH!" He shouted as his blade drew blood.
"NGH!" Aizen groaned as he was blasted into a large building nearby from the force of the attack.
Isshin furrowed his brow in seriousness as he said to no one in particular, "That was the real Aizen right?"
Bam.
There was a loud sound of rubble moving as Aizen shoved a rock wall off of him. Blood seeped down his chest as his white jacket was ripped in half.
"A well timed spell, Captain Tsunayashiro. Level 99 Bakudo without the incantation. You are indeed deserving of the title as Kido Corp Commander."
Isshin was just about to press his attack when he paused and noticed a dark glowing orb embedded within the center of Aizen's torso. It began to emit a heavy light as the wound around Aizen's chest began to close up.
"What the?" He let out in confusion.
Aizen just smirked, placing his hand over his closing wound. "Ah, I forgot to mention. I have subjugated the Hogyoku."
The wound on Aizen's chest had finally completely healed, however it didn't stop there. Rising forth from the wound was a white elongated material that stuck out almost like a branch.
"What the hell is going on?!" Isshin questioned aloud.
Aizen lowered his Zanpakuto and merely smiled with calm. "It seems that the Hogyoku is finally beginning to understand my will. Kurosaki Isshin, did you truly believe that you and the others would have been able to wound me had I not allowed it?"
"What? The hell are you going on about? You're saying that you deliberately let us hit you?"
"Heh. Indeed. My Kyoka Suigetsu's ability is perfect hypnosis. Avoiding your attacks would be easier than lifting a finger."
"Then why the hell didn't you just use your Kyoka Suigetsu to defeat us right off the bat?"
"Isn't it obvious? Kurosaki Isshin. I used you all to push myself to my physical limits in order to stimulate the Hogyoku's power."
"What?! Exactly what are you planning?"
"The true power of the Hogyoku is not to break down the barrier between a Hollow and Shinigami as Urahara Kisuke believed. Instead it has the ability to guide and direct one towards their desires and make them come true. How did the Humans around Kurosaki Ichigo suddenly manifest such powers? How could it be that Hinamori Momo, a Lieutenant of the Gotei 13, make such a mistake as transferring all of her powers to Kurosaki Ichigo instead of only just half? Why did the Visoreds become stable Hollowfied beings instead of having their Hollowfication removed when Urahara Kisuke tried to save them?"
Isshin's eyes slightly wavered as he was trying to understand where Aizen was going with his explanation. "You're saying that...all of these things happened because the people these things happened to, wanted it to happen?"
"Heh, you understand quickly, Kurosaki Isshin. Correct. The deepest desires of those within the surrounding influence of the Hogyoku had their wishes come true. Of course, there is a caveat. If one does not have the ability or capability to actually make their wish come true, then nothing will come of their desires. That is why I say that the Hogyoku is a guide that helps direct one towards achieving their goals. And now you can bear witness as I begin to embark on my path towards godhood-UH?!"
Just then a red beam of light tore a small hole through Aizen's shoulder interrupting him mid-sentence. With a look of indifference, Aizen turned to look behind him where he found two familiar people standing atop a tall broken building.
"So...you've come at last. Urahara Kisuke. Shihoin Yoruichi."