A/N: I can't believe the manga is finally over. I was hoping the anime would come back, but, well . . . Anyway, things were definitely different these last two chapters. SPOILERS: 10 year time skip, no Ukitake, new captains, no Hisagi bankai, Rukia's a captain, and has a KID with Renji. They're most likely married, but still . . . Despite their history, I'm still not sure about them as a romantic couple. Honestly, I was hoping for Ichi-ruki, but you don't always get what you want . . . and that's why we have fanfiction. Anyway . . . I hope you all enjoy!
Chapter 49: Gotei 13 Invading Arc: Re-Infiltration
Byakuya's POV
"The good news is that we didn't have to worry about the Kōtotsu after all. The Kōryū, on the other hand, is a whole other story."
I resist the urge to roll my eyes at my spirit's statement of the obvious, choosing to focus on keeping pace with the Cleaner while not going so slow that the Restrictive Current behind us would catch us. Everything appeared to be going according to plan during our first few seconds in the Dangai, until the Kōryū appeared out of nowhere. A part of me thinks this is one of Inaba's tactics to stop us, but then again, it could be that the current sensed our combined spiritual pressure on its own accord. . .
. . . It's not everyday that four Gotei 13 captains are traveling through the Dangai at the same time.
"Damn it. The current is still picking up speed. It won't be long before it overtakes us," I hear Captain Hitsugaya say on my immediate right. A sudden shift of spiritual pressure alerts me to something that was going on behind us, so I turn my head slightly to see that Komamura had suddenly stopped running. "What the hell are you doing Captain Komamura?! You need to move!"
"I'll hold it off. You three go on without me," is what we hear the anthropomorphic wolf say as he unsheathes his blade. "Bankai: Kokujo Tengen Myo'o!"
It's a valiant effort on the Seventh Division Captain's part to stay back to try to hold the current at bay, but in truth, I knew it wouldn't work, regardless if he used his bankai or not. The Restrictive Current was known to be an unstoppable force for a reason.
I can feel Komamura's spiritual pressure rise with the release of his bankai, but it soon becomes muddled before slowly disappearing. It was now obvious that his attempt to buy us time was more or less a futile endeavor.
"Up there!" I say as I spot an opening just up ahead, high on the wall to our left. We jump, all three of us leaping through the opening to find that the portal dropped us off high above the Sereitei. So much for an inconspicuous entry.
"I can't believe Komamura did that." says Captain Hitsugaya, his voice still holding a trace of awe as we watch the entry point close.
"I hope you're not thinking about going back in there. Let it go. Going back for him would be futile at this point. Besides, Komamura isn't the type of guy to let something like the Restrictive Current keep him down." says Zaraki in his usual abrasive tongue.
"We can't waste anymore time. We have to keep moving." I say, rather reluctant to even sound agreeable to what Zaraki just said. It wasn't long before we were on the move again, and from the feeling in the air, I can tell that things have been far from peaceful during the time we have been away.
The most evident of this fact was coming from the area close to the First Division. There were three powerful spiritual pressures' battling in that area, the largest of them being the Captain Commander's own. The other two were most likely the reigais of Captain Kyoraku and Captain Ukitake. In terms of strategy, I can see why Inaba sent those two to face the sotaicho. However, knowing the type of man Yamamoto is, the two reigais may end up as burned husks once this is all over.
"What now?"
We had come to a stop at an intersection, and Hitsugaya was standing just in front of Zaraki, preventing him from moving any further. The fight-loving captain was already looking annoyed, but the white-haired soul continued to stand his ground.
"Look, with the three of us together like this, we're too big of a target. Inaba must already have some, if not all, his reigai roaming through the Seireitei, so it won't be long before they detect us. It's best if we split up now and meet up at the 12th Division barracks later. That's the most likely place Kageroza will be."
"Fine then . . . We'll be going this way then." says Zaraki, not even bothering to speak another word to the rest of us as he and his lieutenant go down the pathway to our right. Hitsugaya continues going forward, leaving me to go down the pathway to the left.
Master, you do remember where this pathway leads to?
"Yes, Senbonzakura, I know exactly where this road leads to." I say as I feel his presence on my right.
It has been quite a while since I walked along this particular street. To be honest, I have been reluctant to travel along this stretch of road since I confronted Abarai among the pillars months ago. It was the first time that I was ever challenged by a subordinate since I became the captain of the Sixth. The fact that it was my own lieutenant who challenged me would be seen as shocking to most, but for me, I actually expected it.
I knew that Renji respected me as a captain and as a shinigami, but I could still sense the vague feeling of animosity between us ever since he came to the division after serving as a seated officer in the 11th. There was only one likely reason behind it: Rukia. Rukia has mentioned to both Minata and I in the past that things have been different between her and Renji since their days at the Academy. They're still friends, but things are not so simple between them anymore. . . .
. . . And unfortunately, I know a part of it is my fault.
"I was wondering how long I would have to wait."
"Hmm . . ." The sound of the voice came from somewhere on my left, so I turn to see Captain Hitsugaya walk out from behind one of the pillars, the eerie light emanating from his eyes instantly alerting me to his Reigai status.
"I'm not going to give you a rambling speech. I will stop anyone who tries to pass through this point, no matter what," he says, his voice and glare a perfect copy of the original. "However, if you want to run away. I won't go after you."
"Do you really expect me to do that? It matters not who stands in my way. They shall all be eliminated."
"Thanks for getting straight to the point." he says as he grabs the hilt of his blade. I too ready my zanpakuto, knowing very well that regardless if I was facing the original or the Reigai, Captain Hitsugaya was known to strike quickly.
"BANKAI: DAIGUREN HYOURINMARU!"
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