Within the walls of Las Noches laid a great palace with blue domes and white spirals fashion to its dark gray menacing walls. As It stood above most of the grand structures within the world of the living and even in the soul society itself.

As rather it should be. For the palace itself was the domain of the fifth Espada. With its size and scope meant to symbolize the great and overwhelming power of the personal chosen arrcancar within Barragan's army. However, to Grimmijow who lived within the palace and inside grad bedroom with a double bed and majestic furnishings. Was seen nothing more than a mark of utter embarrassment. For More than anything he wanted to beat Kurosaki with everything he had. Along with the Quincy bitch who constantly beaten him on a daily basis and thought that with the power of segunda etpa he finally achieve that desire in defeating Bambettia and figured that Ichigo would soon followed suite.

But in the end...nothing changed.

Ichigo Kurosaki with same dame look and with the same infuriating eyes. The Boy continued to look down at him as lesser and procced prove it in the end by crushing him with only a fraction of his new power and worse yet. He was made into a laughing stock in front of all of Las Noches.

All them laughing at him, mocking him, insulting his dreams, ambitions, making feel worth less then trash...as usual.

'Well, aren't you in a salty mood as ever' A snarky voice called out from the entrance of the espada's room and Grimijow grunted in annoyance.

It was a thine built Espada that wore a black outfit, that consisted a longed selves vested shirt, black pants and medium length black hair that came down to his neck. While sporting a wide and cheeky smile.

'What do you want Nnoitra Gilga?' Grimijow growled lowly in impatience.

'Oh, just to see how you were healing up and I can tell you are doing a lousy job at even that, especially seeing how you almost wet yourself after pissing old king cold off' Nnoitra rumbled and Grimijaw face twisted in rage '

'Shut the hell up! I could have beaten Ichigo Kurosaki had he not gotten lucky that one time! if only bone face bastard just given me another chance-'

'And you would have failed just a miserably' Gilga harshly cut off whining panther.

'You were always failed pathetically against that orange haired brat. To point that your one sided grudge has become half-time entertainment to everyone here in Las Noches ' Nnoritra then walked past Grimijaw looked out through the window in his room. 'And for many such measly entertainment has longed sense ran its course'

The 5th Espada then growled. 'Oh, and what do you want me to do then huh!? just learn to accept my place here and be a bitch to everyone around me like you? Fuck off!'

Nnoitra then narrowed his eyes.

'I don't give two pieces of flying shit of what everyone thinks of me! I will defeat Ichigo Kurosaki, I will make those Smug assholes acknowledge me and I will become the king that stands above everyone else!' Grimmijaw boasted loudly but Gilga just looks at him in dismay.

'If you didn't care about what people thing then you wouldn't waste your time trying to get their acknowledgement...you dame hypocritical pussy' Nnoritra jeered and Grimijow could do nothing but just wrapped his arms around himself and turn his head away.

The leaner Espada then let out a sigh and turn his head to face the door.

'Jabbjacker...I know you want to be the king that stands high above everyone...but that pride and ego of yours isn't enough to bring you up to the top...and especially when you use Nelliel's own fate as an excuse to justify it'

Grimmjow then growled in offense. 'And you think I don't have a right to avenge her!?' the fifth espda snapped and Nnoitra then shot him a horrfic murderous eye budging look.

'...And you think you are the only one that deserves that right?' he threated in a dark deep voice that made the panther arrancar to quickly lose his attuited and sulk further into his bed. Which then caused Gilga to roll his eyes in annoyance.

'You are strong Grimmijaw and have a lot of potential, even Nelliel thought so too when she trained the both of us...'Noritoa then eyed distastefully at the 5th Esapda. '...but you act as too much of a self-entitled brat to ever bring the full bring out of that potential and if you continued to act the same way as you are now. You will never the be king of anything...but your own failure'

Nnoritia scolded again while the latter kept his silence. Which the other Espada then took that as his que to leave and walked out of Grimijaw's room.

As the other Gilga walked down across the blacked hallways he came upon another Esapda. Who had short blond hair, freckles and wore a black robe and shirt with a metal chain around his neck. While a large purple sheathed claymore hanged on his back and who was someone Nnorita also disliked but at the least with much lesser contempt then Grimmijow.

'What do you want Wonderweiss Margela?' He said in a tired impatient voice which made the blonde espada smile with a goofy childish grin.

'Oh nothing, but listening to that punk Jaegerjaquez getting his just deserts even when it comes from people like you…' Wonderweiss grin then turn malice. '4th Espada Nnoritia.

The thin espada then narrowed is eyes in displeasure before scoffing. 'If you to feed on other people's misery, then do it yourself or fuck off. I'm not some clown for your personal entertainment!'

At that Wonderweiss wave up both of his hands in defense.

'Whoa, now. Don't get your panties in a twist. I am just messing with ya' the blonde Espada joked innocently, yet Noritoa knew better.

'Whatever, just do you part on the mission, when we invade the world of the living. While I will deal with Ichigo Kurosaki' the 4th espada said dismissively. While Wonderweiss gave him a knowing smile.

'Of course, Nnotitia…though I am a bit curious of the new shingmai power Ichigo has. It is definity different then how he usually fights' the blonde Esapda commented and for once Gilga was given paused.

'It isn't just different' the 4th Espada thought. 'It was like orange haired punk fought like a completely different person'

Nnoritia then gave the curiosity look, before dismissing it with a uncaring grunt.

'But Yeah, well whatever' he spat with disinterest. 'Even if Ichigo was able to defeat grimmijaw with that new power of his and even if he was holding back…it is nothing compared to the power that I wield...' Nnoritia's eyes then soften for a brief moment before hardening into cold steel.

'And just like what he did Nell…I will humiliate him with this power of mine and dragged him down beyond the brink of despair'

Nnoritia proclaimed as he opens up the front doors of another of the great place and in front of the walkway lay the rest of his arrcaner teammates.

First being a couple of a brutish back-haired man and a thin fair skin white haired women, the second being a dark-skin man who wore a hood a black jacket and hood that covered his head and face and the third being a young feminine looking man black hair neatly combed and wore a black vested long-sleeve shirt and pants.

Upon witnessing his crew. Noritia for the first time in a long time smiled with battle lust and anticipation.

Later on, in the world of the living.

Ichigo stood silent as he witnesses the site before him and unable to decide whenever he should express disappointment, laughter, confusion or even a combination of all three.

'Uh Uryru...what exactly is this?' the orange haired teen question as he witnesses what looked like a boarding station that was filled with nearly over a hundred civilians line up to several ticket booths and on the otherside of them them saw another massive groups of people sitting benches that surround several silver pads on the ground. Which from what Kurosaki could see took in the shape of an encrusted cross with red ruby jewl embedded in its center. With carved flams blows our from its sides.

'This Kurosaki, is the sun gate station. The main means of transportation between the barrier cities of the world of the living and the soul society' Uryu explained and then further push up his glasses. 'Surly you haven't forgotten something so basic, have you?

Ichigo, realizing he slipped up again immediately recomposed himself.

'I oh yeah, I remembered I just uh...though it, was a bit more of a fancy teleportation device used only for the elites not...' Ichigo then lowered his eyes in disproval upon seeing the lines and booths. 'Not something that is treated like a subway station'

Uyru gave off a slight giggle and straighten up his face. 'Oh, please Kurosaki, unless it was going from a location within in a single city. That would be one thing. However ever since the hollowing night, most of the infrastructure of the country and across the planet earth has been destroyed. Along with the roaming hordes of hollows among the ruin-wastelands. It makes extremely dangerous travel to the nearby cities by bare foot. Let alone by any other conventional means'

Ichigo then gave a sour but understandable grumble. 'Well, I guess that makes since'

'More like common sense actually...' Uryu stealthy insulted kurosaki. Which Ichigo to his annoyance caught on to it.

'Urgh fine whatever!' he sneered in anger and then stared back to the gate station.

'So, what? Are we just go to the booth get our tickets and wait to be called upon to go to the soul society?' Ichigo asked and Uryu once again looked like he had to strife his laughter.

'If we were just ordinary civilians sure...but royalty has its advantages' Uryu said prideful as he then walked to a nearby Soldat security guard who immediate stood himself up and quickly allowed Ishida and Ichigo to come and allowed to sit on a nearby beach near the sun gate.

'Okay...so what now?' Kurosaki said blankly and Uryu then adjusted his vest.

'We wait for one and half hour until are names called out just like everyone else'

Huh...WAIT WHAT!' ichigo shouted in disbelief. 'You said that royalty came with special privileges!'

Uryu once again push his glasses unashamedly. 'It's does...with us not having to wait in line for five minutes and paying 320 yen (2.90 US dollars)'

But this only made Kurosaki twitch is eyes in unbridle outrage and indignation.

'That barley cuts down any time at all and all that saved us was literal pocket change!' Ichigo yelled while Uryu just kept a up an air of indifference.

'You should be grateful of the privileges given to you Kurosaki. After all there are many people who would be grateful for being above to save over 300 yen' the white prince said almost tenderly. Which made ichigo almost reconsider his opinion.

'So, 320 yen is a lot of money these days?' he asked and Uryu then remain silent for a few moments before answering.

'...Not really and that goes for even among the lower economic classes. After all it is just pocket change' the prince said bluntly and kurosaki soon regretted for even thinking of taking back anything of what he said at all.

Eventually after over an hour of waiting Ichigo and Uryu's names were called out. Allowing to them step on the sun gate and transported to their location in a flash of light. Then as the flash died down and Ichigo allowed his vision to readjust. The youth widen his eyes in amazment at what he just witnesses before him.

He was in a central station room that had several large windows surrounding it. Revealing a overlook of the massive landscape before his eyes. Which included all the city-wards of the city of Tokyo and aside from a few European architectures here and there. It looked exactly same as the city he once visited occasionally in his own world. With the only other big difference being that the Tokyo tower looked much larger than he could possibly imagaine. As it stood above the rest of buildings like mountain among trees.

Yet as Ichigo walked closer to the window he began to notice some more differences. As the capital city as large as it was in this alternate world. Looked absolute tiny in comparison to the one in his own. With only a handful of its wards kept up in good condition. While the rest of them outside its barrier shield and were left to rot. Even Mount Fuji which usually was covered in snow this time of the year was like with the rest of the countryside left naked, barren and lifeless.

'Is there something wrong Ichigo?' Uryu asked as he walked next to sadden teen.

'It's...nothing' the Kurosaki lied dejectedly and then stared back at his friend.

'So, since we are in Minato Tokyo, we just go that central Sun Gate station here and head to soul society? The soul reaper asked and Ishida nodded his head in confirmation.

'Indeed...however due to the massive booking of transports. It will take a while until our own boarding is ready, which from what I have been told won't be up until tomorrow' Uryu explained. Which almost made Ichigo want to outburst...until another reason came into his mind when he notice the gigantic hundred mile creator created from his battle yesterday in the distance…and still seeing smoke coming out of it.

'Does the loaded booking...have anything to do with my fight with Grimmijow?' Ichigo question slowly and Uryu left out a deep breath.

'There are many people who now longer feel safe in Kakaura town or anywhere else in the living world. When news spread that Bambettia the explosion was defeated in battle by the 5th Esapda...many of the people's faith was shaken and broken and unfortunately this usually happens when any sternritter suffers death or defeat from the arrancar army' the white prince explained sourly and ichigo's then felt his heart ach in sorrow.

'Are sternritter death's common?' Ichigo asked again and Uryu gave his friend a sour look.

'I wouldn't go so far as to say it is common...but every once a decade or so it happens. Especially when the fighting the Espada, the Privaron, Numeros …and at times even overwhelm by a massive hoard of hollows numbered in the millions' Ishida said sadly. While Kurosaki's fists then tighten.

'But...aren't the Sternritter supposes to be like the elite Quincy, the best of the best? I mean that was what I always told about them' Ichigo question in shock and anger while still saying his words carefully. But Uryu mealy sigh dejectedly

'That is indeed the case Kurosaki...however not every sternrriter are equal to one another in power. In fact, over half of them, are only at level of a low tier espada...and many are not lucky enough to just face those of the lower tier...' Uryu said grimily and Ichigo looked on sadly at the rest of the people in the lobby.

With many carrying large groups luggage, holding on to children and some of them or talking about personal plans on their phones and if Ichigo listen carefully. He realized to dismay and own confirmation that many of the conversations were about moving out of Kakaura and other small cities...and some to the soul society itself.

'As you can see Kurosaki, the people's faith in the holy kingdom and in its knights has always been fragile at best. Which has only worsens as the war with Barragan dragged on for over the past fifty years. With many of the civilians of the living world wishing to move out the realm all together then live and raised a family in an environment not plagued by constant raids of hollows' the white prince explained grimly. Having also listen in on the conversation with the civilians.

'But unfortunately for them. Too many people migrating to the soul society would only threaten the balance of souls and because of that. Access to the after-life is heavily regulated and restricted. In fact, most civilians from the world of living are in fact denizens from the soul society. Who were given bodies of Kishi to live out their days here. With Tokyo being one of major cites of the world where many of them are sent to live in'

Ichigo then lowered his face. 'I guess there have been a lot of riots among the people who were drafted away their home...The youth mused and Uryu Ishida let out deep breath.

'More than you can realize Kurosaki...which is why as you can already guess. I didn't just bring you here for a causal tour...' Uryu said sternly and Ichigo just rolled his eyes.

'Figures' he said lowery as he then looked up at the Tokyo Tower in the distance. 'So, I guess we are staying in a hotel for the time being?

Uryu then nodded. 'Of course, Ichigo, However I should mention that it won't just be us staying there'

Ichigo then widen his eyes. 'Really anyone else we know?

Ishida then smiled. 'Well, there is Keigo, Tatsuki and Mizuke, who also have business in the soul society and booked the same trip tomorrow morning with us and more pleasantly your finance will also be joining them'

'Oh, so Kiego and the rest ar-…' Ichigo's face then frozen upon realizing what Uryu just said to him.

'MY WHAT!" Ichigo scream in his head and then slowly his face turn to the white and hoping that is version of Uryu was merely joking.

'Now come on Ichigo. You two have been a loving couple for years now and just last month you asked her hand in marriage., Which of course she accepted...don't tell me you have already forgotten about it?' Uryu said with dry snark in his voice. While the orange haired youth began sweating in a panic.

'Finance! I thought when Keigo said I had girlfriend, I thought it was a woman I would occasionally hang out with! Not be engaged to! I never even went out with a date before in my own world!' he screamed in his head

'Just how the fucking hell I am supposed to keep up my cover now!' Ichigo continued though in terror. While Uryu merely gave Ichigo a knowing glace.

Meanwhile in the Shibuya shopping center.

A busty woman with long orange hair with blue star hair pins and brown eyes walked down the shopping districts carrying varies bags over her shoulder. Her attire consisted of a black straight paint suite with a golden X emblem attached to the right side of breast, with a white shirt underneath. Along with black dress pants and shoes. All the while following in front of her was a red haired woman with twin pigtails who wore a gray fur coat and a matching gray cap that shared the same golden X emblem on top of it.

'Come on Orihime, you don't want to miss you finance leave after his booking, do you?' the red-head shouted in impatience. Which made the other women blush in embarrassment.

'S-sorry Riruka it just that I rarely visit the human world anymore and I just wanted to get as much stuff as I can before returning back to the HQ' she said sheepishly but this only made the other women pissed.

'Most of the stuff you spent a fortune on could have easily been bought back home!' Riruka busted out and the girl continued to look away in guilt.

'I sorry' she said pitifully. But the red-head just shrugged and shock her head before walking on.

'Come on the hotel shouldn't be that far away from here' The fullbringer said tiredly while Orihime continued to follow her.

However, unnoticed by any of them. The couple arrancar disguised as human's both looked at two shopping girls...and smiled sadistically as a dark vile aura steadily began to rise from both, along from many of the other people next to them.