Ichigo grabbed his blade and turned around to face Yhwach. With the last of his strength, he used Sonido to get behind Yhwach. The Quincy King turned around as Ichigo's swung his sword. The scene felt nostalgic to Yhwach...before he realised that he saw this in a dream.
Oh, I see...So what I saw then was a scene of the future? I thought it was only a dream you were showing me...Haschwalth.
Before the Soul King's powers could fully return, with the last of his might, Ichigo swung his sword and cut Yhwach in half.
Yhwach's halved body fell to the ground and Ichigo landed near it, the rest of his mask crumbling away. Ichigo crouched near the body and put his hand on Yhwach's back. A blue vein pattern appeared all across his body as he retrieved all his Quincy powers. Ichigo stood back up and was about to walk away when a hand grabbed his blade.
Ichigo looked in shock as Yhwach looked up at him, the black matter around stirring. "The path...has been sealed...Ichigo." he wheezed. "The path to a world without...fear. The World of the Living...Soul Society and Hueco Mundo...they were all meant to become one again. Life and death...were meant to be combined as one. But that can no longer be. Thanks to you, Ichigo. How disappointing. Because of you, life and death will retain their shapes. And all that has life will constantly fear the shroud of death...for all eternity."
Yhwach's hand that was holding onto the blade's end went limp. He looked at Ichigo and as his vision blurred, he could faintly see the manifestation of Ichigo's Quincy powers...Old Man Zangetsu, standing behind Ichigo. Ichigo's eyes closed. "But if life and death were twisted into one...that wouldn't be called anything anymore."
Ichigo moved away from the body. It was strange. After that little spiel, Ichigo could kind of understand where Yhwach was coming from. Though that didn't mean he regretted cutting him down. "Kurosaki." Ichigo looked over to see Uryu coming towards him. "Looks like you did it."
"Yeah. Hey, Ishida...what was that thing? That arrow Yhwach fired back at you, why did it suddenly appear in him?" Ichigo asked.
"Oh, that was the ability that Yhwach gave me: 'A', the Antithesis. It's the ability to reverse events between two designated points. When he shot me with that arrow, I just reversed that event between us so it ended up affecting him instead. To be honest, I didn't even know that this ability would work on him."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah. Haschwalth did say that my ability may be the only thing able to stand up to Yhwach. I wonder...if he foresaw this kind of outcome?"
"Who knows?" Ichigo sighed. "Anyways, how is everyone else?" Uryu and Ichigo began walking away to where the others were. There, Rukia was using her kido to help heal the injuries Isshin got. Ryuken's right hand was still missing but Rukia stopped the bleeding. Same went for Byakuya who had to slice off his left arm. As for Aizen...Ichigo didn't know what to do since his restraints were gone so he just told Aizen to stay put. Aizen only agreed as he suffered injuries near the end of the fight. Ginjo and Tsukishima regained consciousness and their wounds were more-or-less healed. Ichigo thanked them both for trying to put their lives on the line.
"Don't mention it." Ginjo huffed. "Besides, we didn't do much, considering we were knocked out near the start of the fight. But with this, we can call it even, right?"
"Yeah." Ichigo nodded.
"Great."
Kenpachi was undoubtedly in the worst position out of all of them. He was missing a right arm, a left leg and also had several internal injuries and broken ribs on top of having right lung blown through. Members of Squad 4 appeared and as soon as they saw him, they hauled him away. Luckily, Rukia managed to attach Renji's left hand back to his arm but the left hand of his Bankai was completely destroyed. "You think it'll be alright?"
"Yeah. I'll get Captain Kurotsuchi or Akon to work on it. Even if they can't get it back to its original power." Renji said, with a slight smile on his face. The red-haired Shinigami was just glad that the fight was finally over. "Speaking of which, despite the injuries we all faced, you managed to get off pretty easy, huh?"
"Hm? I guess." Ichigo, while having a few bruises here and there, was relatively unharmed. Though that was mainly due to the fact that his high-speed regeneration healed every one of his injuries.
"Well, we'll be hightailing it out of here." Ginjo said as both he and Tsukishima got up.
"To where?" Ichigo questioned.
"We're staying over at the Shiba residence in Rukongai. Giriko's there too. Hopefully, he has some nice booze prepared." Ginjo yawned.
"Oh please. You should let up on all that." Tsukishima sighed. The two left, a green light flickering behind them as they did.
"Well, we should be going too." Isshin groaned with pain as he got up. All of his wounds weren't fully healed but it was good enough. "What are you gonna do, Ichigo?"
"I'll head back to the Soul King's Palace. I want to see how Orihime and them are doing. Besides, Kyoraku and the others are also there and it's better to help them all there."
"Alright then." Isshin drew his blade and opened the Senkaimon. Ryuken followed after him. "Wait!!" Uryu called out. "Ryu...Father." It physically pained Uryu to even utter that word. "Thanks. If it wasn't for you..."
"Don't even mention it. I'd rather not hear thanks from the likes of you." Ryuken quickly replied, pushing up his glasses.
"Why don't you come back with Ichigo? I'm sure Orihime would heal your-"
"I can live without a hand."
"Don't worry, Uryu. I know some healing kido too so I'll reattach the hand for him!!" Isshin reassured him as they both walked through and the gates of the Senkaimon closed.
"Nii-sama, what will you do?" Rukia asked.
"I'm going to go investigate the many reiatsu of Arrancar that have appeared. After that, I'll see if I can come join you lot in the Soul King's Palace."
"Captain Kuchiki, what about your arm-" Renji tried to ask but Byakuya ignored him and simply said, "Take care, Rukia." before disappearing using his shunpo.
"Wow. He's really gone soft." Ichigo chuckled which earned him a hit on his side by Rukia. The two began arguing for a bit before calming down.
"Hey, Rukia."
"What?!"
"...Thanks."
"For what?"
"Just...thanks. Come on, let's get to the Soul King's Palace. We better see how Orihime and them are doing."
"Aaah, I see. So you're going to make sure that she's okay, right?"
"Shaddup."
Chapter 687: THE UNWINDING HERO
- Wahrwelt, Destroyed Throne Room -
Ichigo, Rukia, Renji and Uryu appeared in the room where Ichigo and Yhwach clashed. There, they saw Orihime still healing both Ganju and Chad. Orihime herself looked somewhat healed. "Ah, Ichigo!!" Her eyes lit up as she saw all of them come through the gate that Yhwach opened.
She got up and tried to run over to them but tripped. Ichigo instantly appeared in front of her and caught her. "Th-Thanks." she said, slightly blushing.
"It's alright. How are you doing?"
"Th-That's what I should be asking you!! All of you, well maybe not Uryu, but the rest of you look terrible. Here, sit down and let me heal you."
"Don't worry about me. Heal those-"
Both Rukia and Renji hit his back and demanded he let himself be healed as well. Ichigo gave in and Orihime extended her 'Soten Kisshun' over to the three of them and left out Uryu, since he had zero injuries on him. "Jeez, could you guys hold back a bit when you hit me?" Ichigo moaned, rubbing his back.
"It's your own fault, fool. Take a rest."
"Wahahahahaa!! Rukia is right. You should take a rest, Ichigo!!"
Ichigo's eyes widened as he saw Ichibei Hyousube, the last member of the Zero Division alive, approach them. "Monk!!"
"Ichigo. It seems you stopped Yhwach. I humbly thank you for fulfilling my selfish request. If we of the Zero Division just defeated Yhwach earlier then we wouldn't have thrust such a burden upon-"
"Relax. I don't care. I'm just glad you're alive."
"Sir!!" An officer clad in white arrived and addressed Ichibei.
"Ah yes!! What is the status of all the Shinigami here? I presume Squad 4 made it up okay?"
"Squad 4?" Ichigo repeated, curious.
"Yes. It seems Urahara made a gate to the Soul King's Palace and that gate is still active, allowing members of Squad 4 to come up here. Well, I suppose 'here' would be more Wahrwelt. Either way, it's the same place, different name. Now, what's the status of the Shinigami up here?"
"Sir! Head Captain of the Gotei 13 and Captain of Squad 1, Shunsui Kyoraku along with Lieutenant of Squad 1, Nanao Ise, were found, unharmed. It seems Lieutenant Nanao healed his injuries.
Captain of Squad 2, Soi Fon and Lieutenant of Squad 2, Marechiyo Omaeda, were found injured. Members of Squad 4 are currently treating them.
Captain of Squad 3, Rojuro Otoribashi, is being 'dezombified' and Lieutenant of Squad 3, Izuru Kira is well and unharmed.
Lieutenant of Squad 4, Isane Kotetsu was treated by Izuru Kira and is currently helping treat the others who were injured.
Captain of Squad 5, Shinji Hirako, has been treated by Lieutenant of Squad 5, Momo Hinamori and the group with them, the ones known as the 'Vizards', are also receiving treatment.
We've received intel that Captain of Squad 6, Byakuya Kuchiki, is down in Soul Society and is receiving treatment from Squad 4.
Captain of Squad 7, Sajin Komamura, has morphed into a wolf. It is safe to assume that he'll no longer be able to resume his Captainly duties. Lieutenant of Squad 7, Iba Tetsuzaemon, is receiving treatment. He has also given information that Arrancars from Hueco Mundo have come to help fend off the remaining Soldats.
Captain of Squad 9, Kensei Muguruma, is also being 'dezombified' while Lieutenant of Squad 9, Shuhei Hisagi, has been treated by Izuru Kira.
Captain of Squad 10, Toshiro Hitsugaya, has light injuries and is currently receiving treatment from Izuru Kira. Lieutenant of Squad 10, Rangiku Matsumoto, is by his side.
Captain of Squad 11, Kenpachi Zaraki, has received heavy injuries and is being operated on by several members of Squad 4. It is unknown whether or not he'll live. Lieutenant of Squad 11, Yachiru Kusajishi, has gone missing. We've conducted numerous searches across Seireitei but it is safe to assume she has died in battle.
Captain of Squad 12, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, was found in a capsule, presumably healing. Lieutenant of Squad 12, Nemuri Kurotsuchi, has died in battle. On another note, Kisuke Urahara, Yoruichi Shihoin, Yushiro Shihoin and two unidentified Arrancars have been located. Apart from the female Arrancar, who is fine, the rest are receiving treatment.
Captain of Squad 13, Jushiro Ukitake, is dead. His body has been found. That is all to report!!"
"I see..." Ichibei nodded, stroking the black beard of his. "In any case, it seems that the Gotei 13 has been broken up. But I'm glad that the Captains - or at least, the majority of them, made it out okay. Now then, Ichigo-"
Ichibei turned around and saw Ichigo get out of the 'Soten Kissun' despite Orihime telling him to stay. "Where do you think you're going?" Ichibei asked.
"To help!! There must be tons of Shinigami trying to help Kyoraku and them, right? I'll at least see if I can be of some-"
"Oh!! You don't have to worry about that!! Besides, those other two Fullbringers who brought you back to Wahrwelt are helping out."
"Wait, Riruka and Yukio are helping out with the treatments?"
"Yes!! It seems they came earlier to see if the battle was done and when Lieutenant Isane saw them, she made the two help out. So there isn't anything else for you to do other than rest."
"Mm. There might still be something-"
Ichibei tapped Ichigo's forehead and suddenly, Ichigo fell back. In the next moment, black reiatsu burst out of his body and Ichigo reverted back to his Shikai form - wearing a ragged sleeveless Shihakusho with two blades in either hand. "There. I tapped a relaxation point. The fact that your Bankai was undone so easily means that you must take a little break. You shouldn't worry so much. The threat has been dealt with, after all."
Ichigo had an annoyed expression but that soon passed and he just sighed. "Maybe you're right." Ichigo continued to look up at the sky and closed his eyes. It felt like he could go to sleep in that moment but suddenly, he felt a light shaking. "What's this?"
"Oh, Wahrwelt is destabilising."
"Huh?"
"Well, since you killed Yhwach who held he Soul King's power, the Soul King's power has no vessel and will therefore disappear. As it starts to disappear, the World of the Living, Soul Society and Hueco Mundo will slowly begin to collapse and fold into one before being destroyed entirely." Ichibei calmly explained.
"WHAT?! I DIDN'T KNOW THAT WOULD HAPPEN!! WHAT DO WE DO?!" Ichigo shouted out, panic overcoming him and also the others.
Ichibei still held a smile on his face. "Don't worry. I have an idea. You just stay there and rest." Ichibei then turned around and walked away to do who knows what.
Ichigo held a confused face before collapsing back on the ground and looking up at the sky. "Jeez. Guess I should take a break..."
Looking up at the boundless sky.
To Be Concluded in Chapter 688: Finale - The Death The Strawberry