[Where we left off, Hueco Mundo]

Right now both Kisuke and Yoruichi were feeling very tense at the moment. It took about three hours of moving for the large group to reach an abandoned building of sorts. It was large, about the size of a small castle, and looked to have been nearly destroyed if the multiple blown out holes and deteriorated walls were any indication. The ruins all around told of a once hierarchy or some form of society for the hollows. A system of power similar to that of the soul society's. It made sense to the two since both sides were eternal enemies. It's only fair to assume that the hollows were organized long ago in some form or fashion. Now though, the only thing to confirm that though was how the ruined castle looks.

After they found this place, Grimmjow showed the girls and Ichigo a large room that just so happened to have some of the same white clothes he had on. They were very similar to the type of outfit a soul reaper wears, and that caught Kisuke's eye the most. Why were these clothes still here after so long? How were they in perfect condition despite however long they've been here? Who made them all that time ago, and just who were those hollows? All questions Kisuke filed away for later, right now both he and Yoruichi were seated in between the large group of adjuchas and the girls. They were all seated on a large set of stairs that were off to the side of a large room where the roof had caved in judging from the debris all over the place. The reason the two were nervous was the fact that even though they had power and experience on their side, there was too many unknowns and they were outnumbered. The adjuchas would prove no problem to them, it was the group of girls that were with Ichigo that were the issue. Despite the five suppressing their powers, the two could tell that they were all above lieutenant level, with the blond and pale one easily reaching captains level. Couple that with both Ichigo seemingly being protective of them and this Grimmjow guy wanting to fight, and that made an ensuing battle between them all most likely a losing effort. The two thanked their lucky stars, and of course Kisuke's genius, for the cloaks they wore essentially masking them as soul reapers from ever hollow there.

Right now, they were all clothed and seated to the right of the two ex-captains.

Halibel was wearing the standard outfit of the white hakama pants but decided to wear a top with a high collar, slim on the waist and short sleeves. She also wore black gloves on each hand along with black sandals while her hollowed out blade was attached horizontally on her back. She was seated closes to Yoruichi and was still fairly suspicious of the two.

Apache was seated a few steps higher and was wearing the same hakama and sandals as Halibel. The big differences were the top and wrist guards she wore on both hands. Her top was a short jacket, much like Grimmjow's, but she wore a black shirt under it that only covered her breast. It completely showed her midriff. The wrist guards were both black and wrapped completely around her wrist and partially on her hands while her sword was tied to her belt.

Next to Apache was Sung-Sung. She wore a long white dress with a split on its right side and long, baggy sleeves. She wore the same style black sandals as the others and had her sword hidden in one of her sleeves.

Below Sung-Sung and next to Halibel was Mila Rose. She wore a bit more of a revealing outfit with a top that only covered her breast and didn't even end towards her stomach. The top also had no sleeves while her bottom was a short skirt barely made it to her mid thigh. Unlike everyone else, she wore long black, boot-like sandals that reached to the bottom of her knees and her sword was attached to her hip.

Ulquiorra was last as she was sitting next to Mila Roses opposite side. She wore the same style hakama and sandals as both Halibel and Apache, but the top she wore was more or less and long, white coat. It was only zipped high enough to keep from coming undone, but loose enough above to expose some of her cleavage for a certain strawberry arrancar. It reached to her ankles and had long sleeves. Her sword was attached to her belt.

Standing in front of the large group was both Ichigo and Grimmjow preparing for the showdown. Ichigo had cleaned himself up rather well in the girls' opinions. Even Yoruichi had to admit she was liking what she was seeing.

Ichigo wore the standard hakama and black sandals, but much like Ulquiorra, he also wore a long white coat. The long sleeves were rolled up slightly so the red fur cuffs on his wrists wouldn't get caught in them, and the coat was actually completely unzipped, showing the long black shirt he wore under it.

"You ready for this, Ichigo?"
Grimmjow spoke with a huge grin on his face as he drew his sword and got into stance.

Ichigo responded by smirking himself and drew his large cleaver from his back, it unwrapping automatically, ready for a battle.
"Bring it on Grimmjow. Don't even think of holding back on me."

"Wasn't planning to!"
Grimmjow shouted as he rushed towards his rival.

Ichigo did the same, rushing forward and raising his blade high in the air. Grimmjow reared his arm back as they approached each other and the two clashed violently, causing a large and heavy amount of dust to fly everywhere. Everyone in the stands had to cover their eyes from the debris. The sound of metal clashing together could be heard within the dust cloud as the two combatants engaged each other. The sheer amount of force with each of their blows caused more and more dust to rise from where they were. The first to leave the dust was Grimmjow as he had leapt high into the air. He had a large grin on his face as he looked back down to see Ichigo wave off the dust with a simple flick of his wrist. Ichigo gave him a smirk as he looked up to Grimmjow. The teen turned hollow leapt into the air at high speeds and the two clashed once more.

Down below, everyone was watching the battle intently. Kisuke was astounded by what he was seeing. He already had a broad idea of how strong Ichigo would have been had he gained Rukia's powers and even when he would achieve his own power. He would have most likely evolved from a lieutenant class soul reaper with Rukia's powers to an easy captain class with his real power. That was always Kisuke's hypothesis once he heard of the young woman entering the world of the living, but after everything that has happened and Ichigo achieving the powers of a hollow, those theories and expectations were shattered. The sheer power radiating off the teen was enough to make any captain, himself included, sweat and feel small by comparison. Ichigo simply was on a whole new level of power that the former captain just could not comprehend now, and maybe with enough time, Ichigo could end Aizen's plans once and for all.

Back to the fight high above, Ichigo and Grimmjow were blurs of blues and oranges in the sky. Their speed was too much for the common adjuchas in Grimmjow's crew, yet the girls along with Kisuke and Yoruichi could follow along with them. Albeit, barely at times. Ichigo and Grimmjow continuously clashed with one another, causing shockwaves to erupt with each one. The sight was truly glorious to the group down below as they looked on.

After several more clashes, Grimmjow broke away from Ichigo and raised his left arm. Ichigo, sensing exactly what his opponent was doing, raised his own left arm as well. Grimmjow's hand glowed a vibrant red with a light blue outline around it whereas Ichigo's was black with a red outline around it. Both grinned at one another before firing their own versions of a cero, causing them both to clash with one another. The force of the two beams colliding with each other sent a massive shockwave of power all throughout the broken castle and further into Hueco Mundo. The adjuchas were barely able to even move from the force of the two blast while the others struggled somewhat.

The two beams illuminated the dark sky in bright blues and dark reds as both vied for dominance of the other. The beams began to grow in size as both combatants poured more power into their respective attacks, trying to beat the other in this deadlock. Eventually, after a loud and almost primal scream from both arrancar's did the resulting explosion occur in the air. Everyone down below had to brace themselves from the blast as the explosion generated a massive force that whipped the sand and even several large chunks of debris around the place.

Far away from the battle and feeling every single bit of the reiatsu being released, were two individuals wearing tattered brown cloaks. One was a tall man and the other a small girl with one eye. The two had been following where the clash of large energy was until they saw that explosion and decided to kick it into high gear. That soul reapers offer can wait another day.

Another individual that witnessed the explosion and beforehand felt all of that energy that rivaled and even surpassed his own, was the self-proclaimed 'king' of Hueco Mundo. He looked on as the size of the explosion was seen from far and wide, and growled in anger. This would not sit well with him or his rule.

Back at the epicenter of the explosion, both Ichigo and Grimmjow didn't even look winded from that display of power and were actually grinning to one another. They readied themselves for more until they heard multiple people down below gasping for air. The two looked down and saw that Grimmjow's crew along with Apache, Mila Rose and Sung-Sung were down on the ground and trying to breathe. It was then that the two realized that they were emitting too much energy for those down below to handle and reigned it all back in. Once they did that, they floated back down to their respective groups and lowered their blades.

"Guess we can call this one a draw, eh, Ichigo?"
Grimmjow spoke with that grin still on his face. He sheathed his blade just as Ichigo placed his cleaver on his back. The bandages mysteriously wrapped back around the large blade in the process.

"I guess so."
Ichigo started as he gave Grimmjow a nod.
"So how exactly did you get this form anyway?"
That was a million dollar question and one Kisuke was very interested in hearing an answer to.

Grimmjow just chuckled a bit as he walked over to his crew, Ichigo not too far off as he went over to his group.
"Guess you can say it's your fault, Ichigo."

Ichigo raised a brow at this.
"My fault? How?"

"When we fought the first time, your energy was different from others I'd faced up to that point."
Grimmjow explained as he looked over his crew and saw that they were recovering slowly.
"When we were tearing into each other, your energy lingered on me for a time. After we passed out however, that energy started merging with mine and pretty soon, I became like this."
He motioned to himself as he said that last part and smirked at Ichigo's surprised look.
"So thanks for the upgrade, Ichigo."

Kisuke was stunned at what he was hearing. If what this Grimmjow fellow said was the truth, then that meant that Ichigo's energy could change anyone into an arrancar. Was that what he had done with these women that were with him now? If that was the case, then he needed to get Ichigo away from them and Hueco Mundo fast.

Ichigo nodded to Grimmjow and let out a small chuckle himself.
"No problem there Grimmjow."
He looked to the adjuchas in Grimmjow's crew and had a thought.
"You know, if you want I could try the same thing with your friends here."

That caused both Kisuke and Yoruichi to widen their eyes in horror at just what Ichigo just said. Why would he create more arrancar as it is now? If one of them could go toe to toe with him now in power like Grimmjow, not to mention they still had no clue just how powerful these girls were, then who knows just how strong even more would become.

Grimmjow and his guys were shocked to hear this. This guy they had met a little less than a week ago was offering them the chance to evolve even further and faster than the normal means. Was this some sort of ploy or trap? No, the orange haired hollow has shown no ill intent in his actions at all. He is honorable and upfront with his reasonings and is willing to help others. The group of five women near him was a strong indication of that as is. Maybe this was the best decision for them all.

The girls near Ichigo were surprised by what they heard Ichigo say, but at the same time it just showed the type of person he was. He cared for others and would even put them before himself. For Ulquiorra, that was why she loved him. She stood next to him as he placed his arm around her waist lovingly and watched the interaction.

Grimmjow looked to his crew for their input and could feel the resolve in each and every one of them. This caused him to smirk as he turned back to his rival now turned ally for now.
"Now that sounds like a damn good offer."

Ichigo smiled back to him as he went towards the adjuchas. He had discussed this with Zangetsu and the pale hollow version of himself confirmed it. All he needed to do was to make contact with them and pour his energy within their bodies like how he did with the girls. This would be different though as with the girls he immediately had sex with them and further added his energy to theirs, effectively making them stronger than an average arrancar. Grimmjow was different as well since his evolution came from an early stage in Ichigo's power. When they fought as adjuchas, Ichigo's ability was slightly unstable and could have killed Grimmjow in the process, but maybe the panther's will to live and grow was what saved him. It also explains why he was so powerful as now the two were connected. Meaning that when one gets stronger, the other does as well.

As Ichigo went over to them, Kisuke made his voice known, despite it being possibly the worst idea right now.
"I don't think you should be doing this Ichigo."

Everyone turned towards the man in the cloak with a confused eye. Halibel had narrowed her eyes as she had a feeling this man would chime in at some point.

"Why shouldn't I exactly?"
Ichigo asked with a raised brow as he watched the man carefully, his instincts ready for whatever might happen.

Kisuke was slightly fazed by the multiple eyes on him, but didn't let it show as he answered.
"Because this isn't you Ichigo."
He started as he noticed the distrust in Ichigo's eyes.
"You were never meant to be a hollow, you were meant to be a soul reaper instead."

Ichigo narrowed his eyes at this point, as he was starting to get irritated by whoever this person was.
"And just who the hell are you to decided who I am or not?"
He asked with a hint of anger in his calm demeanor.
"I don't know who you two are, but your should leave."
That had an undertone of fury the two did not want to feel right now.

"Ichigo I'm just trying to help you."
Kisuke started again, deciding to go for broke at this point as he recognized that Ichigo was attached to this place and these people.
"Don't you want to see your family again? Your two sisters have been worried sick about you."
Kisuke was hoping that this would at least cause Ichigo to think things through and consider coming back with him, but it had a different effect all together.

Faster than any of them could see, Ichigo had went over and lifted Kisuke by his throat into the air, a look of rage in his eyes.
"If you've done so much as a parted a hair on any of their heads,"
He started in a dark tone as Kisuke had trouble breathing at this point.
"I will end you."
His tone was the exact same as when he had killed that shark arrancar that had hurt Ulquiorra and girls.

Yoruichi was the one to interrupt as she didn't want Ichigo to kill her best friend.
"We're not threatening you or them."
She said rather quickly, seeing Kisuke starting to turn blue from lack of oxygen.
"They miss you and want you to come home Ichigo, that's why we're here. Nothing more."

Ichigo looked to the woman as she was concerned for her friends life and listened to her words. His sisters missed him, that meant that they were saddened by his sudden disappearance. The last thing he ever wanted was to make them sad or worse, to make them cry.

Sighing, Ichigo let Kisuke go as the man fell into a heap on the ground. Yoruichi went near him to make sure he was alright. Aside from the large red mark around his neck and losing oxygen for a time, he would be alright for now.

"Give me some time to evolve Grimmjow's crew, then we leave."
Ichigo turned and walked towards them, but stopped and turned his head to look at the two with a slight glare in his eyes.
"All of us."

The two knew that this was non-negotiable and reluctantly nodded to him. Ichigo turned and went to Grimmjow's crew once more to take care of them.

While this was going on, the man and little girl watched from atop a hill not too far away from the large group. They watched as the orange haired one wearing the long white coat was doing something to those adjuchas. Whenever he touched one, they glowed for a time before beginning to change their form. Every time they glowed, a sword would come out of them at some point.

The tallest one with what looked like a mask atop his head and another, larger one at the very base of his body transformed into a fairly tall and lean with silver like hair. The mask fragment on his head looked more or less like a bulky hammerhead shark that left his left eye uncovered. He had what looked like a sharks mouth with razor sharp teeth. A sword within a sheath appeared out of his back.

The next was one with large arms changed to a tall and bulky man with red hair that flowed past his neck. He had slightly tanned skin and some kind of mask fragment were the eye holes from before, only now they were below his actual eyes. A sword appeared out of his right arm in its sheath.

After him, the tall and lanky skeleton one was next. His appearance changed to that of a tall and lanky man with a long face and short black hair. The remains of his mask covered the left side of his face and a long point on the right. His sword and sheath came from his hands.

Next was the bull-like adjucha with blond hair. He was a fairly average height, with long blond hair and his mas fragment at the very top of his head resembling a broken helmet. His blade and sheath came from his head.

Last was the only gillian of the group. He shrank into a hefty man with black hair and a mask fragment that covered the right side of his face. His sword and sheath came out of his body.

After they all marveled at their new appearances and power, the five quickly got dressed as they did not want to walk around stark naked like some individuals did earlier. Grimmjow nodded in approval, happy that his crew could now stand with him properly. With that, Grimmjow turned towards a slightly winded Ichigo and grinned.

"Guess that's something else I owe you for, Ichigo."
He held his arm out.

Ichigo took it as the two looked each other in the eyes and smirked/grinned.
"Anytime Grimmjow. Looks like next time we can battle proper without having to worry about everyone else's safety."

Grimmjow chuckled lightly as he nodded. The two let go as Grimmjow turned and walked away.
"Di Roy, Edrad, Shawlong, Yylfordt, Nakeem,"
He started as he walked past his crew, each one nodding to him after thanking Ichigo.
"Let's go."

And with that, the group left in a burst of sonido, leaving Ichigo and the girls with Kisuke and Yoruichi. The two former soul reaper captains were a little disturbed watching the whole process unfold as it seemed highly unnatural to them. Whatever Ichigo was now, it was unlike anything they had ever seen before.

"Are you okay, Ichigo?"
Ulquiorra asked, worried for him as he seemed tired after changing the five.

Ichigo smiled towards her before bringing her close enough to plant a chaste kiss to her lips. He smiled at her blushing form.
"I'll be just fine."
After that, he turned towards Kisuke and his smile dropped as the other girls also looked to those two, ready to fight.
"Now then, take me to my sisters. Now."

Kisuke sighed, knowing that he would have to make many gigai's tonight.

The man and little girl high above on the hill watched as the first group had left. The little girl looked towards the man and frowned.
"Shouldn't we do something Stark?"
Her tone sounded of one of sadness as she looked towards Starks stoic face.

Stark sighed as he watched the rest.
"I don't know Lilynette."
He spoke in a somber tone as he watched the rest of the group leave through a terrible looking garganta of sorts.

Lilynette looked down with her one good eye as she knew that they were both worried of the same thing happening to them as many others in the past. She looked up to him once more as he watched the group leave.
"Do you think we'll ever meet that orange haired guy again?"

Stark looked to her and saw the uncertainty in her eye. It wasn't her usual childish look, not this time. He smirked to her as he turned and saw the garganta close.
"Maybe."
He started as he stood up and turned to leave. Lilynette stood and watched him, surprised to see a smirk from him at all.
"Just maybe we will."
Stark turned back towards her and saw her small smile. That spoke volumes to him.
"Come one Lilynette, let's go."

Lilynette kept her smile and rushed over to catch up him. Whatever happens now, the two knew that they may have just found someone that could finally match their strength and quell the loneliness inside them both.

Next chapter will finally have Ichigo and the girls in Karakura Town. Things will start to get very interesting now since Rukia never lost her powers here.

Till next time.

Ja Matane.