The green-haired sternritter was aware the arrancars planned an unsanctioned attack, thanks in part to her king. With that knowledge in mind, she practiced how to reduce her spiritual pressure enough to seem akin to a regular human but only slightly above. During the attack of the night prior, she pushed herself to keep off the pesquisa radar of the arrancars as she observed the battles from the shadows. By the time things had settled, she was so exhausted she collapsed on the sofa without dinner.
During the attack, however, she took particular interest in a select few individuals. One of which was Sakura.
Her power fluctuated at different times during her time. The biggest and hardest was when she went up against Ichigo and Rukia. The wave of reiatsu that hit her that night during their confrontation feft like a punch to the gut, even with the distance between them. She honestly frightened her with her raw power and fighting prowess. Arata and Ichigo weren't slouches when it came to power, yet she easily manhandled them all the same. Her growth rate was also alarming, and she dreaded the day when she would finally learn her resurreccion. 'Is it extreme to say she could be a special war power?'
Ichigo Kurosaki was another she closely watched. His progress was going just as her king had predicted. He still struggled with containing the hollow within him, but she could say with confidence that will change soon enough. 'Hell, with Arata by his side, He'll probably speed up the process.'
Speaking of, Arata was another figure of importance she took note of. He was essentially in the same boat as Ichigo Kurosaki when it came to their growth rate, but was in a better position with no rampant hollow problems. His little bout with Sakura and fight with Grimmjow told the undercover quincy he was good when it came to current strength, but despite this, his power was... messed up. Candice didn't know how else to say it, but his reiatsu and the reishi around him seemed distorted, like trying to funnel thick pudding through a narrow and broken straw.
Meninas and Liltotto recently messaged her saying Yhwach had been silent for the pass couple days. Other than Jugram Haschwalth, his second, none of the other sternritters knew what became of their godly king.
Which was why when the man decided to check up on her, she just had to grill him to get the inside scoop.
She was slightly taken back by his sudden arrival. He came out from the shadows like a predator in the bushes. "What're you doing here?" she grumbled, having only awaken a few minutes beforehand.
The mask of indifference and professionalism he wore did not shake as he approached the young woman. "His majesty saw fit to reward you for your efforts." He reached into his pocket and took out a heart-shaped container, similar to the one used to keep her bow. This container, though, was different in both size and color. It was slightly smaller than her first and the color was an emulsion of light green and dark green.
She took the gift from the grandmaster's hand and studied it. "What does it do?"
"It will alter you Heilig Bogen into a stronger bow. Our top engineers have developed a mechanism within the container that will increase the flow of reishi into the bow and your body, allowing for faster firing rate and stronger arrows. Seeing as your spiritual pressure has been steady increasing, his majesty saw enough reason to gift you the first of this advanced device."
Candice smirked in approval, happy her king was acknowledging her. "Tell his majesty I accept this with pride." Her grin persisted as she leaned back on her couch. "Speaking of his majesty, care to share what he's been up to in the pass couple day?"
"No" the blonde curtly said. When he turned to leave, Candice raced in front of him, stopping him.
"Ah, c'mon. Not even a small hint?" She knew she was pushing it, but her curiosity got the better her this time.
The quincy grandmaster stared back at the awaiting face of his subordinate for a moment. At first, Candice thought he was going to blow her off, but she was in for a surprise when a small grin crossed Jugram's face. "He's on a recruiting run."
A shiver ran down the Thunderbolt's spine at the smile and a sense of confusion crossed her being. "Don't you usually recruit soldats? Why is he wasting his time doing something so meager?"
"You are actually the reason our king is out and about."
"Excuse me?" Candice responded with a look of shock.
"Or rather, your introduction to Arata Takahashi has encouraged him" Jugram amended. "We located his place of origin."
The look of shock turned to excitement and intrigue. "You're kidding... Where? Where is it?"
"I'm afraid that is all I am allowed to-"
"Bullshit. Arata is MY target. I have the absolute right to know." the girl challenged.
Her fellow quincy and superior did not appreciate her tone one bit. His expression scowled and he said, "Your mission is to monitor and report the progress of Ichigo Kurosaki and Arata Takahashi. And unless commanded otherwise, that is all your mission entails. Am I clear?" The tone brought even more shivers down her spine, and she knew to stop when she was ahead. There was a reason Jugram Haschwalth was respected. And feared.
"Understood. But may I ask one last question?" He nodded, and Candice then asked, "If his majesty really went to Arata's 'place of origin', you think he'll find people worth a damn?"
He simply nodded and passed her. Before the shadows engulfed him, he said one last thing. "Whoever his majesty brings back, heads will definitely roll." And he was gone.
As much as Candice wanted to take his last statement as a once in a lifetime joke, she knew man well enough to know he was always serious. "Smug bastard..."
Elsewhere...
Kisuke was toiling in his lab when he sensed a pair of twins entering his shop. He got up to greet them.
"Akira, Akane. How's Karakura treating you two?" Kisuke said in a friendly manner.
"Just fabulous! Business has been popping since we opened. It's like they've never seen a multicultural diner before" Akane laughed.
"Well, when you live a small town like this, any kind of change is bound to bring a wave of excitement." Kisuke chuckled, remembering the time he got set up in Karakura. He was the talk of town once, but that has since died down.
Yoruichi, in her black cat form, entered the room. Before she could say anything however, Akane squealed and scooped her up. "Yoruichi senpai! You're just as cute as ever I see." She hugged the cat with more passion and snuggled her into her plentiful chest.
Even without a proper human face, Yoruichi couldn't help but smile at the redhead. "Akane, as much as I love the attention, can you let me down now, please?"
"Sure... in a couple minutes."
"Sister," Akira whined. "You're embarrassing us!"
Kisuke chuckled at the sight. "So, do you guys have anything juicy you wanna share?" To his disappointment, he received none. Akane laughed in nervousness while Akira looked away sheepishly, scratching the back of his head. "Even you guys didn't dig any dirt about Arata?" Kisuke sighed.
"It's not from a lack of trying!" Akane argued. "The guy's past is like the sky. Literally empty."
"We even pulled in favors from some friends in Reverse London." Akira added. (A/N: From Burn the Witch). "The West Branch has nothing on him. Either he literally never existed until several weeks ago, or he's really good at covering his tracks."
"I can't imagine how frustrating that must be, considering you both were lieutenants and some of the best scouts in the Soul Society." Yoruichi commented.
"Coming from you, senpai, that's one hell of an honor. Come here!" and Akane squeezed the cat with more love. But in Yoruichi's perspective, it was more force.
The former head of the R&D department pondered on this new and rather unsettling information. If what the twins were saying was true, he worried whether or not Arata might actually prove to be another one of Aizen's machinations. 'But what was that spiritual explosion? He has to have been apart of that in some form. Not to mention that familiar energy I sensed. Why does it feel so familiar?'
The idea that Arata could be an agent of the traitorous ex-captain crossed his mind more than once. It wasn't entirely out of the realm of possibility either, what with his arrancar-like characteristics and shady background. Yet despite that, he fought by their side, even risked his life for others.
There were many words he would give to Arata, but subtle wasn't one of them. Quiet, yes, but he's made his motives clear as day; he's as straight forward as they come. 'A bull in a china shop' Kisuke quipped. Someone like that would be put to better use as a soldier, not an undercover agent. Aizen wouldn't put his money in a plan that wouldn't pay off or at least pay off enough.
Plus, he found the possibility of Arata betraying them rather low. It was clear to Kisuke, Yoruichi, and Tessai that the man had formed relationships deeper than business, even if Arata himself would never admit it. The man would most likely protect those he's got until the very end than jump ships.
Kisuke sighed. "Alright. Conclusion: We've got nothing on the big guy. Other than what we already know."
"So he must be with Aizen then?" Akira supplied, though he doubted the idea.
Kisuke shrugged. "It's the only plausible option on the table, but we can't really make that conclusion based on circumstantial evidence. As long as he doesn't turn against us, we should focus on prepping for the future."
To that, all of them nodded in agreement. "The Soul Society seems to be right on top of that. I mean, they sent a deployment here for god's sake." Akane said.
"And a powerful bunch at that." Kisuke said with a smile. "We've got lieutenants from squads 6 and 10, a lieutenant-class from squad 13, a third-seat and fifth-seat from squad 11-"
"From Zaraki's squad!?" Akane raged, her usually laid back demeanor changed to that befitting a raging hollow.
"Shit..." Kisuke cursed, realizing his blunder. In the midst of his talking, he forgot the history Akane and Akira had with their former squad.
"Akane..." Yoruichi softly called. "I have a bottle of sake in my room. Do you wish to share it with me?"
The redhead nodded and started to head towards the cat's room with said cat's directions. Kisuke looked over at Akira and saw he was also in the same state as his sister, only in a more collected way. "I'm sorry. I should've-"
"No, no, it's alright." Akira sighed.
"... Time heals nearly all, but it seems you two need more that." To that, Akira chuckled hollowly.
"We get its traditional and all, for future Kenpachis to fight to earn their place as Squad 11 captains, but... Captain Gosuke Kiganjo was a good man." The redhead laughed warmly at the memories of his late captain. "He was a lazy bastard and a slob, but his heart was always in the right place. He cared about his troops and he cared about doing the fight thing." His expression turned sour and with a huff, he crossed his arms. "But then some psycho from Zaraki comes in. Takes his life, his captain's coat, and Squad 11 with him."
"And there was no way we were gonna call that monster our captain. So we turned tail and ditched his ass!" Akane yelled. The boys jumped in surprise.
Yoruichi strutted in after. "She drank the entire bottle in one go." she briefly explained.
And true to her words, the female redhead shambled like zombie fresh from the grave. Her eyes were enflamed with passion and anger at just the memory of her late captain's parting. "ARGH. I swear, I'm gonna find those Squad 11 douchebags and carve my name in their skulls! Let's see how their psycho captain likes that!" But when she took another step, she wobbled and tripped. Her brother swiftly caught her and saw the tears brimming in her eyes.
"Should we be concerned?" Kisuke questioned.
Akira shook his head and sighed, "No. Look, we respect Zaraki's power and acknowledge him as a great Kenpachi - probably the best Kenpachi, but-"
"We will never call that man a captain." Akane finished with a hiss.
With their message clear as day, Kisuke and Yoruichi nodded. Seeing as their business in the shop has been concluded, Akira, with Akane clinging to his arm, exited the shop. Yoruichi looked up to see her friend in deep thought. "Penny for your thoughts?"
"... I don't know if you sensed it, but Arata has this faint energy around him, and I think I figured out why it felt so familiar." The way her old time friend spoke told her a brilliantly bright lightbulb just lit inside his skull.
"What is it then?"
"...The hogyoku. Oh boy..." The blonde sighed, the reality of Arata's appearance looking more serious than he had anticipated. "It was a good thing I implanted those trackers on his armor, in case things turned south with the big guy."
The two went to Kisuke's labratory where he stored his current inventions and computer. After booting up the computer, he immediately closed his more... personal tabs, to which Yoruichi smirked at. He booted up the tracking system on Arata. A blue screen popped up showing a map of Japan before it zoomed in on Karakura town. The screen continued to zoom in until it came to a bright red dot.
"Huh. He's on his way to the Visored hideout."
Meanwhile...
"I can't believe you climbed my window just to wake me up." Ichigo said followed by a yawn.
"I was not going to let you sleep in when we have important training to do."
"I get that. And I wasn't gonna sleep in. I'm not irresponsible."
"Yes. Only reckless."
Ichigo snorted. "You're one to talk."
The otherworlder woke up early so he and Ichigo could make the most of the day. He even took the risk of calling in sick, to which the staff took protest to, afraid his absence would bring about the worst in the delinquents. But he pressed on, finding the matter to Ichigo's dilemma of greater importance. 'It's not like they will fire me. I have proven vital to the school environment. Kicking me to the curb will only make things worse.'
Both men were dressed casually. Ichigo in white pants, white shoes, black undershirt underneath a white shirt, and a blue coat. Arata was dressed in black shoes, blue jeans, and a black tank top. However, the atmosphere was anything but casual.
"I don't get why you can't train me yourself. You have an inner hollow like me." Ichigo argued.
"Because my hollow is vastly different than yours. You need people who have gone through similar pains to fully learn how to understand, and in turn, control your inner hollow." Arata explained. "Besides, I'm not a good teacher. You'll learn more from the Visoreds than you can from me." Arata heard a grunt, which told him Ichigo's feelings enough.
I mean, that's up for debate, buuuuut...
'You've been silent for some time now. Something bothering you?' Arata inquired to his zanpakouto.
Oh? Are you worried about me? I'm so touched!
Arata rolled his eyes. 'You are my zanpakuto. If connection between us desists, who know what will happen to our already tumultuous power.'
Hitokiri shrugged as she sat inside the cabin in the woods.
I'm just as surprised that Sakura is in this world too. But I'm content overall.
When Arata arched an eyebrow at the statement, she elaborated.
Oh, I'm just happy you're playing with everyone so well. For a loner like you, that's an achievement deserving of praise.
She was actually really happy Arata found people to connect with. He may reason that they're superficial, business relations at best, but she knew better. If only he would admit to it. She stayed silent during past events to fully take in what had happen and to bask in Arata's behavior.
The Visored's base was only some distance away, so they would arrive in no time. Arata slowed to a stop, however, when his ears didn't pick up Ichigo's steps.
He didn't even need to hear the lightning crackle from the storm brewing in the boy's mind. He could just feel it. "Let me guess: you're curious to my relationship to Sakura, correct?" He turned around and true to his words, Ichigo nodded, his usual scowl cranked up to eleven.
"How do you know that... woman?" The teen choked the final word out. Calling Sakura other than a monster felt dirty, especially after the threats she made against him and his loved one.
Arata knew how the situation looked. With his sudden appearance, unknown background, and now obvious relations to an arrancar from Aizen's army no less, the train of thought the boy would obvious suspect him of treachery. Arata's response was swift and smooth. "She is my older sister."
"What?!" Ichigo blurted in total shock. Of all the answers Arata could have given, that was the last thing he expected. it wasn't even on the list.
"Let me amend that actually: she is my older sister through adoption. She took me in when I was six, when I still a runaway."
"So... an arrancar took you in?" Ichigo attempted, but the idea was so bizarre he couldn't believe it.
The hitokiri shook his head. "She was human before, but now that she's in leagues with Aizen, she got power boost. Must have picked her up from my hometown."
"And would you mind saying where this hometown of yours is?"
"Someplace you wouldn't believe" and he continued on with their walk. Ichigo frowned, disliking how evasive he was being about all this. He followed behind nonetheless.
The walked through the abandoned storage facility for some time until Arata turned and entered one of the open warehouses. Ichigo wasn't paying much attention until now, relying on Arata's directions, but he could feel a number of people inside the warehouse. He placed his guards up just in case and followed behind Arata. As soon as he was in, the door closed, shrouding the interior in a dark shade.
"Arata! I'm so glad you helped me persuade our mutual friend! So you actually do care about us" yelled a familiar voice and it took Ichigo a second to surpress his annoyance when recognition finally came in his mind. He looked up and saw the entire Visored group gathered above them
"I only stepped in because you were giving a bad pitch." Arata retorts. "Where was that Hirako charm you proudly boasted about?"
Shinji simply chuckled. He turned his head towards the teenage boy. "My, so serious" he laughed as he took a look at the solemn expression on his face. "I wonder what that means. Did Arata knock some sense in you? Are you finally ready to join us? Am I right?"
Ichigo was silent for but a moment. "Bite me!" he suddenly shouted to Shinji's shock.
In Arata's case, he expected no less from the teenage soul reaper. Even after their talk last night, Arata doubted very heavily the teen would even consider jumping ships just because of one problem.
"I have no intention of joining up with you people. I only came here because Arata said I should. I'm not that desperate so don't kid yourself." Ichigo said.
'Evidence would say otherwise' Arata remarked in his mind. His situation was a desperate one.
The smallest of grins grew on Ichigo's face. "I'm here to use you, Shinji."
The frown on the blonde's face told Ichigo and Arata he was not in the least bit amused with the boy's choice. "Oh? Is that so?"
"I came here with one purpose in mind and I'm not leaving until I get it. I want you to teach me how to control the hollow inside me and after that, I'm outta here."
Arata scoffed, which did not escape Ichigo's hearing. "And here I thought you were smart." And with that, promptly smacked the teen upside the head.
"What the hell was that for?!" Ichigo questioned as he caressed his throbbing head.
"You are here for their help. All you're doing is making a fool out of yourself and convincing them why they should kick you out right this instant."
"I get that, but like I said I ain't joining them! Isn't that the same as you?"
"False. I offered them knowledge and advice, and in return, they induct me as a fellow visored and help me train. Like I said before, it's a beneficial partnership. Whereas in the case with you, you cannot make any such demands without giving something in return. You need the Visoreds more than they need you." Ichigo scowled down at his feet, knowing that there was an iota of truth to Arata's words. "Did you really think you could just waltz in here and expect them to just them to teach you?"
"No. I'll make them teach me" the teen stated, eyeing Shinji.
The former captain arched an eyebrow at him. "Oh yeah? How so?"
"I guess I'll beat it out of ya." His wrist was caught in a harsh grip just before he could pull out his badge. "Arata, let go-!"
"How did you all take to my advice?" Arata asked aloud.
The blonde man narrowed his eyes slightly. "What are you getting at, Arata?"
"Just answer the question."
Shinji looked around at his fellow visoreds and said. "It was... useful."
"Really now?" His deathly voice was almost mocking. "I take it you've all advanced to some degree?"
It was starting to dawn on the group what Arata was formulating in his mind. "...Our progress is relatively new, but... we all gained an extra thirty seconds." Shinji admitted for all of them. He chose to not to say Mashiro actually gained an extra hour, but still. They all gained more time on their masks and that was just through starting a (somewhat) civil dialogue. Who knows how long they could go on if they and their hollows evolved to more tolerable relations.
Ichigo was out of the loop about what they were referring to, but he listened with vested interest.
"Again, what're you getting at, Arata?" Shinji called out, wanting to where his mind has gone to.
"You can't get something for nothing, and considering you all cannot pay me in what our deal had described, I offer an alternative: teach Ichigo Kurosaki how to control his inner hollow with me assisting on the side."
His words rang true, despite the pride of each and every visored member. Ever since Arata spoke his piece and witnessed the struggle the man had over his powers, no one was drawing a definite conclusion on how to fully repay him. Money wouldn't sway him. Offering to use alternate forms of power like kido wouldn't work either as his hollow powers were more likely more potent than any kido spell he could utter. Plus, they already knew Tessai, Hachi's old captain, was on the job of teaching him kido, so what better could they do? They all genuinely wanted to repay the help he had given them, but the hollow within him was much, much more different than any of them anticipated.
However, what he was asking of them didn't sit well with them. He was essentially demanding they teach a brat their ways with no long term pay-off.
"Arata, that isn't gonna work for us!" a disgruntled Shinji groaned. "We want to pay you back, we really do, but if the kid wants our help, he'll need to prove it himself."
"How?" Arata asked.
"We'll need to look at his power first. After that, we can determine if we want him or not." Hiyori chimed in. She had been uncharacteristically keeping her trap shut throughout the entire conversation, not just because she was afraid of poking the bear that was Arata, but also to gauge Ichigo. The rest of the visoreds were also silently assessing the boy.
He could've threatened to leave the group, but seeing as Ichigo planned to make them teach him, he wanted to help the boy-
...No. He needed to be here. It was a matter of obligation. He promised Isshin, and Arata was a man of his word.
An eerie silence befell the abandoned warehouse, leaving most its occupants on edge. "Ichigo," Arata said after about several seconds or nerve-wracking stillness. "Transform. Now."
The orange-haired teen had thought Arata was giving him the go-ahead to fight Shinji and so transformed into his soul reaper garbs. Just when he was about to jump up and engage, Arata gripped his shoulder in tight grip. The question on his tongue died just as soon as it was formed when Arata pressed his mask, transforming before unsheathing his bladed and attacked Ichigo.
Shock was the prominent feeling throughout the warehouse when the resulting shockwave shook everything in its path. "W-What the hell, Arata!?"
"They want a demonstration of your power. And what better opponent could you ask for than the man who could wear his mask indefinitely?"
"A little forewarning would've been nice!" Ichigo pushed Arata off and jumped back, putting some distance between them. He wasn't given much time to appreciate it when Arata flash-stepped in front of him and uppercutted him into the air. Ichigo stopped himself before he could hit the ceiling. Arata shunpoed up to him and the two soul reapers locked swords. Sparks flew and sprinkled down to the ground.
With a grunt, Ichigo pushed Arata off him and the two entered a full melee, swinging and swatting their swords at each other. It was brought to a pause when Arata grabbed the teen by the face and tossed him into a pile of wooden crates. 'Why you-!" His eye popped when he saw Arata plummeting towards him at break-neck speed.
Shinji and the Visored stood back and watched the whole spectacle. Their heads pivoted as they watched the two move around the warehouse floor.
"Well, this surprising" Rose said. "The boy turns out to be a good fighter. He seems to be holding off Arata."
"Sorry to say this Rose, but you're wrong there." Shinji said in response with a frown. "Arata had a harder time against Hiyori than Ichigo. He's only playing with him. He hasn't even whipped out his shikai."
"To be honest, it doesn't look like Ichigo is bringing everything he's got to the fight either. He seems to be holding back." Hachi then noted.
"That's because he's afraid" Arata called out. He pushed Ichigo back with a front kick. "He's afraid his inner hollow will burst free if he uses anymore of his power. An ever-rising and glaring problem, which was why I brought him here. However..." Arata perched his sword on his shoulder and pocketed his unoccupied hand. "That isn't what we want right now. Ichigo, whether you like it or not, you will have to let that inner hollow loose right now and hollowfy."
"What? I won't do it!" the strawberry teen snapped.
"The Visoreds want to gauge your strength and the hollow's strength as do I" He unperched his sword and raised it up, the blade pointing down. Ichigo's eyes widen. He knew what was gonna happen next. "But if you won't bring the beast out... I'll just force it out."
"Execute my enemies: Hitokiri"
A white glow envelopes his blade and transformed it into the man-slaying axe Arata liked. His eyes turned dark and his irises gold. He slammed the top of the weapon down on the concrete floor, creating ripples of dust waves. Unease ran down Ichigo's spine as he watched the insidious transformation of his eyes. It still shocked him at how Arata could be so close and intimate with his hollow to this extent.
"I always wanted to clash blades with you the moment I met you. A slight shame it is under these circumstances." Arata shrugged. "Regardless... I'll force that hollow to surface..." He flash-stepped in front of the boy. While Ichigo always did his best to remain composed even in the most heated of situations, Arata wasn't a man anymore. He was a demon. "Even if it means I have to break you."
Ichigo had but a second to react as Arata sent his axe crashing down upon him. The two large zanpakutos connected and the shockwave was so great the surrounding barrier around the warehouse cracked. The ground beneath Ichigo also cracked, sending debris in all direction.
To have watched Arata fight was one thing, but going against him was entirely different. If he had to describe it, he would call it refined savagery, if such a thing existed. The way he moved was quick and balanced while his attacks were hectic and strong. Ichigo was utterly floored by this form of fighting. It was like fighting a strange combination of Kenpachi and Byakuya.
Arata let off one hand off his weapon and pushed Ichigo by his weapon hard, sending him skidding back before regaining himself. He saw Arata charge and swung, his inner instincts to survive kicking in, and he swiped his jugular. And just like the arrancars, it didn't even faze him. He attacked again, but Arata parried him and using a lighter attack, sliced his front before hook kicking the boy in the head. Arata then followed up with a spinning kick which resulted in Ichigo crashing to the ground.
"You think he's going too far?" Hiyori questioned.
"Yeah. But I think that what we need about now." Shinji replied. "Hachi, you think your barrier is gonna hold."
Arata delivered another overhead attack. Ichigo, still on the floor, stopped the pronged axe before it could cleave into his face. An other tremendous wave shook said barrier, prompting another crack to form. "I'm not quite sure." admitted the rotound man.
"Are you actually trying to kill me?!" grunted Ichigo.
"This pain is nothing compared to what Sakura will bring upon you and your ilk. Do you realize that?" Arata stated. "Those weren't simply threats meant to goad you, Ichigo, they were promises. And if I know anything about my nee-chan - and I do - she always keeps her promises." The thought of his dear adopted sister bring harm towards to the people he also knew, including Orihime, brought... less than comfortable feelings to surface.
The teen was beginning to lose himself if the darkening sclera was any indication. Ichigo roared in defiance and pushed Arata back some. "You don't think I don't know that?! With her power... she could destroy anyone who gets in her way. That's why I need to get stronger. To prevent that from ever happening!"
"And how are you going to achieve that if you keep half-assing everything?" Arata rhetorically stated. Ichigo roared as he pushed Arata off him, not knowing Arata allowed such an action to occur. "How about you use that bankai of yours? Maybe then you might defeat me."
His hands trembled. Ichigo was tempted to give into the hitokiri's words, but held back with great restraint. "Shut up."
"You're still afraid of that hollow inside you. I thought you made a vow to become better. I thought you vowed to Orihime to become better. What a disappointment you are, lying to her face."
"I SAID SHUT UP!"
Arata charged forth and charged a bala in his open hand. "Make me!" Arata single-handedly swung his axe, breaking through the silver edge of Zangetsu. While Ichigo was preoccupied with the block, Arata jabbed him in the side with his bala hand, winding and stunning the boy as he flew to the side.
'How could he have such a good connection with his inner hollow like that?' Ichigo questioned within the confines of his mind. Arata flash-stepped behind him to first slash his back before front kicking him away. 'How could he stay perpetually hollowfied without losing... what's left of his sanity?' Arat flash-stepped again, but Ichigo was ready. He blocked his slash, only for it to dig in his sword again. 'How could he do it? How could he make it seem so easy like breathing? Just... how? HOW?!'
Arata pulled back his axe before hitting even faster. His first slice was on the boy's stomach. When he staggered back, Arata took this and slashed him across his chest, cutting cloth and skin. Ichigo deflected his third attack and counter-attacked. His swung for his neck, only to lose more hope when his blade bounced off Arata's armored forearm. He then used said forearm to push the blade away and quickly gut punched the teen so hard he was sent crashing into a wall, spitting crimson out his mouth.
For a second, Arata thought he knocked the boy out as he stared at his still form through the dust cloud. But when a huge spike in Ichigo's spiritual pressure was felt, the Visoreds gasped in collective shock while Arata readied himself for the worst.
For the first time, Arata saw the hollow mask of the substitute soul reaper, yet it was incomplete, covering just the upper left corner of his face. It had semi-sharp teeth above the mouth and red markings near the eye. His other eye had darkened, and everyone knew it wasn't Ichigo fighting at the moment.
"RAAAAA!"
The monster screaked and it came at Arata. And it came hard, capturing the man's throat in a vice and slammed him into the opposite wall. Spit flew out the otherworlder's mouth as he felt everything within his throat region tighten. The hollowfied Ichigo just cackled up at him in amusement.
Once again, this world caught him with his pants down. He expected the inner hollow to give Ichigo a generous boost in power, but this was far from what he was expecting. Hiyori's boost paled in comparison to the teen's power.
This hollow... it's...
Arata paid no heed to Hitokiri as he reacted just when his mind started to fade from the oxygen lost. He gave a nasty right hook to the hollowfied Ichigo, knocking him away from him. Had he not had his hollow power boost, it probably would've dislocated his jaw.
The hollow scowled, seeing it lost its grip on its prey. Arata stumbled for a moment until his vision lost its blurry spots. "Huh. That was brutal. You nearly dominated me for a moment there. You may know how to make your enemies suffer, but so do I."
"Hachi, form more layers to the barrier stat!" Shinji ordered to which Hachi followed. He and the rest of the Visoreds moved to stop the out of control hollow lest it destroys their base, but Arata held out a hand, stopping them telling them he will handle the situation. They nearly dismissed him before the hollowfied teen pounced, Zangetsu raised high above him in hopes of cleaving Arata in half.
The hitokiri jumped and met his offense with his. His axe deflected Ichigo's sword and he kicked the right of his face. This hollow state of Ichigo's was more durable as it tanked the otherwise bone-breaking hit. The hollow grabbed his ankle and into hurled him down to the lowest floor. Arata's landing made an small crater. He groaned, but when the mad cackle of the hollow came closer and closer, he snapped his eyes open and rolled out the small hole. Ichigo crashed where Arata once laid resulting in a cloud of dust and debris obscuring him. Without another second to waste, Ichigo raced to Arata.
The otherworlder parried the hollowfied teen's large swing and sliced his chest. The hollow though appeared unfazed by the wound as he kicked Arata in retaliation in the stomach. He was pushed off before both his shihakusho and skin were cut through, blood sweeping through as a result. Arata blocked his next attack with his armored left forearm. With how bad his arm recoiled from the hit, the swing probably would have lopped his head off. In a downward diagonal swing, he sliced a large wound off of Ichigo, but the hollow again reacted underwhelmingly, and grunted from the wound.
This small trade of blows came to an end when the hollow swung a heavy blow at his head. Arata had not time to react.
The onlookers near by gasped. Hiyori - who froze in a silent panic when she heard the shattering of the mask - took a good portion of his mask off, but that paled in comparison to the damage Ichigo's hollow did. A full quarter of his mask shattered and fell to the ground. The upper right corner of his face was exposed, showing rather dry tan skin. A medium sized cut was formed above his right eye and was bleeding. A bulging eye felt air in a place its owner did not want to feel air around.
Oh dear. Ichigo, I hope you're ready for a lot of pain right about now.
Arata barely registered Hitokiri's voice. What did matter was the fact his mask broke, and furthermore, someone saw his face. And the perpetrator was just laughing at his pain.
The hollow swung Zangetsu again, this time towards Arata's neck. His attack was strong, evident by the fact Arata had much difficulty when he blocked the attack. Rage surged as he dropped his axe, pulled back his other arm and with a roar befitting a raging beast, punched the hollow fragment on Ichigo's face so hard it shattered. The force of the punch slammed Ichigo's body to the ground. His face bounced painfully on the concrete floor.
Arata began to calm himself. His eyes lightened as Ichigo's eyes returned to their original state as well. Dazed, pained, and completely in shock, the substitute shifted his head to look up at Arata. His eyes widen as he caught a good look of a quarter of Arata's flesh. He then took note of his eyes. His beyond aggravated brown eyes.
Said eyes enlarged when Arata realized it was Ichigo who was starring at him. He turned his back to him with a grunt and shielded his face from any overly curious peepers.
"What that good enough?" Arata yelled, his voice holding some ire on the edges. "Are you all satisfied now?"
Shinji didn't show it, but he was relieved that Arata didn't tear off the boy's skin for what he did. Or rather what his hollow did. Hiyori though steamed at the fact the strawberry got off easy; She was strangled, had her mask ripped off her face, and kicked in the face, but Ichigo got off with a punch? She will not stand for the injustice!
"HEY, BALDY! Why the hell aren't you making him suffer?! You pickin' favorites now or something?!" Hiyori screamed, her frustration out in full display.
"You want a cough drop?" Mashiro offered. Hachi was beside Ichigo healing his wounds.
"Oh... Thanks" Arata accepted.
"STOP IGNORING ME!"
The small visored was ignored while the blonde pseudo-head of the Visoreds spoke. "He has passed, Arata" he said. He turned to Ichigo. "Alright, Ichigo, we'll teach you how to control your inner hollow."
With a groan and the king of headaches, Ichigo got back up. He might be in pain, but the knowledge he accomplished what he came here to do brought a smile of relief to his face. He looked over at Arata, who had just transformed back into his civilian clothes and was currently sitting against a pillar.
He walked - or rather hobbled - his way to the hitokiri. He noticed the munching motions of his jaw and the crunching sound from his mouth region. "You're not supposed to eat it, you know."
"What?"
"You're supposed to let the cough drop melt in your mouth."
"Oh... I'll ask for another." He passed by Ichigo, but he suddenly paused. "...You alright?"
"What?" Ichigo looked back at him.
"Boy, I asked if you were alright. As in, health-wise?"
A vein popped on the orange-haired teen's forehead. "I heard you the first time. I'm just a bit stunned you're asking that after that stunt you just pulled off a few minutes ago." Ichigo said with his usual scowl.
"I assume you are mad?"
The two stared at one other for some time, until finally, Ichigo's features softened and he sighed. "Not really. I mean, we achieved what we wanted from this meeting, right? I'm one step closer in achieving my goal." The whole meeting was about what Ichigo expected, minus Arata actually fighting him. Other than a few more scraps than he wanted, he got what he needed. And that's all that matters. "What about you? You doing good there?"
Arata let out a drawn out sigh in response. "Other than annoyed, I could be worse."
And Ichigo understood why: he just saw Arata's face; or at least a good portion of his face. "Yeah... I'm sorry, Arata. I know your mask means a lot to you and I just-"
"Your hollow was the one that wronged me. Not you." Arata said to ease the boy. "Sooner or later, I'll make that hollow pay." he then said as he cracked his knuckles.
"Just try not to kill me in the process, alright?" Ichigo sweatdropped.
In Hueco Mundo...
Tesra cringed when Nnoitra was flung into one of the many red pillars that dot the inner dessert of Las Noches. Once again, Sakura was pulling no punches when it came to training, and it was even worse to witness as Nnoitra was happily taking ever punch with glee.
The fraccione, however, did appreciate the improvements it did for his master. Once strength reliant, the new diez espada moved with more elegancy - an adjective Tesra never once thought to associate with Nnoitra. He was faster too; his moved faster on foot and even faster with sonido, a technique Nnoitra heavily neglected in the past.
Sakura stared at the dust cloud her otouto made, but then, Nnoitra flashed behind her with a static boom, and for the first time, caught Sakura off guard.
She blocked the sword with a raised forearm. Nnoitra noticed she took a step back and smiled happily. "I nearly had you there, huh?" he chuckled.
"I will concede to that notion, yes." Sakura laughed back. She pushed him with a kick to the gut. "You're getting faster, but don't get cocky."
"Just you wait, nee-chan. I'll get strong enough to challenge you, and then it'll be a real treat."
She shivered in excitement at the idea. Just imagining him and/or Arata equaling her in power and fighting her brought a delightful feeling in her tummy. She could barely hold her anticipation.
A soft chuckle brought them out of their battle haze. They turned to see a new arrancar beside an uneasy Tesra. This arrancar was male, but had an effeminate appearance. He had short and curly black hair with his hollow fragment, which consisted of a top row of teeth, in it. He had three lavender diamonds above his left eyebrow and his eyes were lavender too. His clothes consisted of a long-sleeved arrancar shirt and hakama pants. The sleeves were long enough to cover his hands and his shirt had opening on his sides.
"Luppi," Sakura casually called. "What you brings you here?"
"Must I need a reason to watch you, Sakura?" Luppi replied, his lips positioned in a small smile. He licked them wet and stared at Sakura with what most would consider bedroom eyes.
Nnoitra nearly popped a blood vessel, he was so pissed. How dare he ogle his nee-chan like a common whore?! When Aizen replaced Grimmjow with Luppi for the sexta position, he could only laugh as he saw the dejected look on the dishonored arrancar. He got his just desserts, is what Nnoitra initially thought.
He quickly changed his tone when he realized Grimmjow was far better than this little prick any day of the week. For starters, at least Grimmjow didn't flirt and disrobe his nee-chan with his eyes. Second, Grimmjow was stronger than him, even without his other arm; Luppi's power was espada worthy, but the owner of Pantera eclipsed his by a long shot.
The look of murder when Luppi audaciously took one of Sakura's hand into his own made Tesra recoil. Before any blood was shed, however, Sakura looked over her shoulder at Nnoitra, halting him. He begrudgingly listened.
"My, your skin is simply marvelous. How do you keep it so immaculate after all the scraps you surely gain." He moved his hands out of sleeves to fully appreciate Sakura's skin in all it's glory. His finger tips glided over the back of her hand and it was enough to make him smile. So supple and smooth, the little sexta couldn't help but let his imagination run wild.
"Well, the soap here is pretty good and my healing abilities do away with most I happen to get." Sakura answered honestly.
"What are you doing here?" the tallest out of them growled. He held back every fiber of his being from ripping Luppi a new hole in his body. "Can't you see we're training?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't quite remember ever instigating a conversation with you. How about you... go away?" He tried dismiss with a wave of a sleeved arm, but that only made the ebony-haired espada tremble in silent fury.
"Now, Now, Luppi. My otouto brings a good point. You are interrupting us. Unless you have something to say, I suggest you leave." Sakura said before Nnoitra tore the tomgirl apart.
Disappointed, Luppi sighed. "So boring! Fine. Lord Aizen scheduled a meeting a half an hour 'til now. He sent me to inform each of the Espada."
Nnoitra and Sakura nodded. They turned away, but before leaving, Luppi sneaked one last look at Sakura. Her back was turned to him, so he couldn't see the luscious pillow that were perched on her chest, but he did appreciate the sight of her concealed bum. The hakama pants fitted so perfectly on her, and he saw the outline of her plump cheeks. He ingrained that into his memory.
Nnoitra gave him the side glance and immediately took notice of the wanton look on the sexta's face. He followed the direction of his eyes and...
Lets just say he would gladly take any punishment Aizen dished out if it meant he could end this waste of flesh.
Luppi apparently had his fill of eye candy and sonidoed away. With a huff, turned back to Sakura, who was eating a cupcake she made prior to todays training session. "Did you know what that little bastard was doing?!"
'Huh. I thought he could hold out longer before he vented.' Sakura stuffed the rest of the cupcake in her mouth, chewed and swallowed, and wiped her face clean. As she healed her mask she said, "I believe he was appreciating the sight of me."
"SO YOU KNEW?!" he bellowed out in confusion.
She laughed, but it was in joy at the sight of the overprotective nature Nnoitra was demonstrating. "Oh, Nnoitra. You shouldn't worry over such matters. I prefer fighting over fucking anyway." She then sighed, her mind reminiscing of a time almost forgotten. "Believe it or not, I am not unaccustomed to men, and even some women... admiring me. I used to be quite the maiden in my youth."
Interested, Nnoitra walked up in front of her and sat down, intent on listening to Sakura more. This was the first time she ever spoke about her past. And to say he was interested was an understatement. "Before you became a hitokiri?"
"Mmhm." she nodded. She ran a hand over her head. "I used to have such long and beautiful hair. I was desired by ever man in my village and envied by ever woman as well. I was simply the picture-perfect example of a woman, and was hounded by many suitors. I even got married once, too, when I was... 16 I think"
Nnoitra balked. Sakura was married?! He didn't know what else to think because the fact was just so outrageous. She didn't seem like the type to settle down and have kids. Though, now that he thought about it, that's pretty much what she did when Arata came into the picture. Albeit adopting a brother than conceiving a child, but she raised him nonetheless.
"How did that end up?"
"Oh, you know, the typical. Vikings pillaged my home, houses were burned, people were taken, and others were killed." She spoke about it so casually, like she saying aloud a recipe or talking about other mundane topics. "My father was killed, my parents-in-law were killed, my husband was beheaded, my mother and sister-in-law were raped and probably enslaved, and..."
Her pause gave Nnoitra pause. Her eyes looked clouded as she stared down at her lap. Because of the mask, it obscured the expression on her face. "Nee-chan?" he uttered lowly.
His words brought her back to before. To another voice that called her by the same title. Back when her life wasn't painted in crimson, before her hands even held the masakari. "Ayato..."
"What?"
"Hm? Oh. Nothing." Her demeanor returned to normal. She got up and gestured for Nnoitra and Tesra to follow.
They made their way to the conference room as if nothing extravagant was said. Nnoitra, as much as he wanted her delve more into what she said or even her past, he knew, somehow, that he needed to hold back. He had no doubt Sakura would tell him without failure, but the way her mood shifted, how she suddenly became another person for a split second warned him he shouldn't.
Their walk to the meeting was slow; they had no rush. They arrived just in time to see everyone, save for Grimmjow, at their seat. Sakura and Nnoitra sat down and their lord started talking.
'He must really like the sound of his voice.' the hitokiri pondered. He went into detail about the usual: recent events, invasion plans, training, etc. Sakura diligently listened, but the same couldn't be said for a select few. Yammy was literally drooling on the table.
"Now on for our last topic of discussion..." Usually Aizen finished off their meetings with discussing Szayelaporro's latest inventions. She especially paid closer attention to this one; she loved hearing about the mad scientist's latest tech.
"Arata Takahashi" Aizen said. His eyes drifted towards Sakura's for a second until he continued on.
And for the first time since entering this world, Sakura felt a very displeased frown appear beneath her masked face.
1.) Omake: Honored Warriors Illustrated Picture Book
Before Grimmjow got the boot, Aizen and the Espada held on last meeting. And Sakura was running terribly late, and Tousen was absolutely fuming.
Suddenly, the door was kicked open and Sakura waltzed in with two big plates of pizza. "Ciao, my dear Espada!" She placed one of the large dishes in the center and began handing out slices to the rest of the room's occupants.
"Sakura, You stalled this meeting just to make-"
Tousen was immediately cut short when Sakura stuffed a piping hot slice in his mouth. "Lord Aizen, you want a slice?"
Aizen nodded, to Tousen's disbelief that he was allowing this, albeit small, insubordination. She handed him a slice of pepperoni.
She was nearly empty of the first plate when she came to Aaroniero. She hesitated handing a plate to his awaiting hands. "Umm... Can you even eat?"
2.) Omake: Honored Warriors illustrated Picture Book
Candice hummed as she carried her bags of newly paid for apparel. She was unknowingly heading towards a sewing shop, but paid no mind as she was so immersed in humming her tune.
A male body bumped into her, causing her fall on her butt and drop her bags. She cursed, ready to give the jackass a piece of her mind. That is until she say it was the other active quincy in town.
"Apologizes. I wasn't looking where I was going." Uryu offered a hand, to which Candice numbly accepted. From the outside, she looked unperturbed, but inside...
'SHIT! SHIT! SHIT!' She thought her mission was gonna fail right then and there. She had no doubts she could take him, but she was more worried what her king would do if he found out.
She got up, but noticed Uryu was eyeing her, but not her face. Her blouse covered chest. It was subtle, she will admit, but she had enough experience to know when a guy was unclothing her with their eyes and Uryu was definitely doing just that, she was sure of it.
A vein bulged in her neck, but reined herself back before she did anything rash. "Thank you." she forced out.
"Be careful. You never know when you might bump into any undesirables tonight."
'Oh really?' The two walked away in opposite directions. Through gritted teeth, she said, "Great. Not only did my mission become at risk, but I allowed a perv to escape me. I need a drink."
Her fellow quincy, however, was thinking of matters unrelated to flesh. "The buttons on her shirt were absolutely horrendous..."
