Moon Princess Chapter 5, a bleach fanfic

Chapter 5: The Invasion Begins

The clashing of swords, the roaring of a monstrous Hollow, the grip of death, blood on the floor and on your face, either your own or of another.

These are things that every Shinigami should be accustomed to, a horrific lifestyle filled with tragedy, but necessary for the good of the entire world.

Only the warriors with the strongest of will and hardest of hearts can endure and move forward. That is a general belief but some know better and others give up entirely with the rest none the wiser.

"Kaien… Ka… Ka… ien…" Barely uttered the depressed and horrified woman who has the corpse of a dying comrade on top of her while her own sword pierces through his heart. "Kaien, please… you can't. You can't die! KAIEN YOU CAN'T DIE!"

Upon closer inspection, the deadman in question bears the same face as Ichigo!

Gasping in horror, Ichigo awakens from what was in actuality just a bad dream.

"Damn… that really made me feel like crap," The teen muttered as that odd nightmare really had him spooked.

He gets on his feet to try to get his bearings and it doesn't take long due to the revelation that he was sleeping while sitting on a chair, odd since he recalls lying down on a floor. He then takes a look around to see he is surrounded by multiple skyscrapers.

"Waltz back into my Inner World again,"

During his time training with his father and Kisuke, Ichigo would sometimes collapse from exhaustion, being worked to the bone by the two, and as he recovered he ends up inside his soul.

Unable to rest since there aren't any physical limitations here, Ichigo would either explore the city that resides within him, converse with Getsuhime, or preferably both and as far as he can tell this city goes on seemingly forever but luckily his Zanpakutō already had an immediate understanding of the geography and structure since day one so he doesn't have to worry about being lost.

Though this is the first time he's set foot here without Getsuhime being the first thing he sees and now she is nowhere in sight. What's more, he was sitting on her chair.

Ichigo turns around to see where he was sleeping and it's actually more like a throne made of silver surrounded by elaborate metalwork that depicts the lunar phases clockwise with the Full Moon at the top of the metalwork, the New Moon phase located at the top of the throne, the Third Quarter on the left and the First Quarter on the right. Attached to all that is the tallest building in this world that strongly resembles the Empire State Building located in New York City from the United States but there is no entrances anywhere, let alone a backdoor as the building is actually just one gigantic extension of the throne, which is crazy.

Ichigo once asked Getsuhime what if it rains since there's nothing to cover the throne and all she could say is that any rain in this world happening is entirely up to him.

Being cryptic is something she and Kisuke have in common, and he can only hope that he can keep that to himself.

Ichigo went looking for the partner whom he shares his soul with, making short work of sensing her Reiatsu, who is in the building left of the throne and goes in through the door and to his surprise, the only thing on the first floor is one large pool.

"Jeez, I guess when you live alone in a city that you can control with a mere thought you can pretty much do as you please with these skyscrapers," Ichigo noted, amazed while wondering what other surprises the other floors on this building have in store.

"That's one way for it," Getsuhime replied who comes out of the pool.

"WHOA! HIME!" Ichigo cried in pure shock with his face completely red, quickly covering his eyes from the sight of his purely naked Zanpakutō Spirit. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Relaxing. You said we both need to take our minds off the mission to be at ease before we storm the Seireitei," Getsuhime said nonchalantly. "And so that's what I'm doing. And I do feel at ease."

"And I'm glad you're taking my advice by relaxing in a pool. Good choice, but please show some decency when around men," Ichigo pleaded, trying his best not to gaze at her curvaceous body that surpasses Orihime.

"You're technically the only man who can see me so this is something that may happen too many times in the future that you might as well get used to it occurring," Getsuhime stated shamelessly and not seeing the problem.

"Besides, this wouldn't be the first time you've seen a woman without clothes. Like Orihime Inoue when she went into the gym's locker room to change but went into the one for the boys by mistake and she was just lucky that you were the only one there at the time."

"HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!" Ichigo demanded in horror and embarrassment, briefly forgetting that she was naked before looking away again.

"I live inside your soul, which is spiritually connected to your heart as well as your mind. Accessing all your memories is something that is unavoidable and beyond my control, especially once the connection between us has been established," She explained.

"Makes sense, somehow." He muttered.

After that shellshock, Getsuhime dries up, back to looking like a Princess, and the two walk to the building right of the throne and once they reach the third floor, Ichigo is presented to a massive garden.

Two of the upper floors have been removed along with the other rooms to make way for a garden filled with every flower he's ever laid eyes on. There are even trees of all kinds, such as the Cherry Blossom.

"This is incredible," Ichigo said in awe, having never seen anything like this.

"Yes, just as Yasutora Sado is much more gentler than his tall appearance would suggest, possessing a fondness for adorable animals and stuffed toys, you too have a soft spot for the beauty that flowers represent," Getsuhime said as she began to water some of the flowers.

"What do you do to light them up if they're all inside this building?" Ichigo asked.

"The lightbulbs above radiate ultraviolet light, like the fake sun in Urahara's Study Chamber, only way more effective than the ones made by humans so they're in good hands inside," She explained.

"There is still so much about the Gotei 13 that you don't know, like, for instance, each of the Divisions has the insignia of a type of plant that is known by Mankind to represent something of significance, for example, the 6th Division is represented by these Camellia right here, that signifies Noble Reason," She explained as she finishes watering said flowers.

"There's nothing noble about Byakuya Kuchiki," Ichigo scoffed in disgust at the mention of Rukia's deplorable brother.

"Indeed," Getsuhime agreed as she turns to another bunch of flowers, the Marigolds. "Now these little ones on the other hand represent Despair, which is pretty much what Rukia must be feeling right now, being sentenced to death and no doubt still believing you dead as well."

"In that case, I better get to her fast and give her some much-needed hope," Ichigo declared.

"Then perhaps you should give her some Snowdrops then," Getsuhime suggested. "It is the one that represents her Division."

"I'll think about it when I get her out," Ichigo shrugged.

"Do you know why I brought you here and bothered to tell you about the significance of these flowers?" She questioned him.

"I guess… maybe to help ease my mind about what woke me up," He presumed, recalling that strange nightmare.

"Yes, I felt your mind fall into turmoil for the briefest moment, not enough to affect this world but it certainly affected your psyche, no matter how minuscule," She said.

"I just wish I knew what it was I saw. That was definitely Rukia crying in agony and the man on top of her that she impaled, he looked like me but his hair was raven black and he was certainly more mature looking," Ichigo said feeling disheartened. "That couldn't have been me, and the name she kept crying too, Kaien. My dad mentioned it to me before."

"What you saw wasn't really a nightmare but a memory," Getsuhime said, shocking her master.

"A memory? But how, I've never met Rukia until the fight against the first hollow I'd ever seen. There's no way I'd forget something like that. Could I?" He questioned with great confusion.

"That wasn't your memory but Rukia's," She corrected. "Remember, when she made you into a Shinigami, she unintentionally gave you her Zanpakutō as well, Sode no Shirayuki. Even though she fell dormant due to being bound to another soul that wasn't her master's she still became a part of you for a time and in that short connection you gained access to her memories and by proxy Rukia's which lie somewhere locked away in this world."

"Where exactly?" Ichigo asked curiously.

"Not sure yet, those memories are as much an anomaly here as you were to Sode no Shirayuki. For all we know they could be in this garden right under our noses with us none the wiser. Within my throne or perhaps even at the edge of this world," She replied. "You want to find them?"

"Definitely not. I'm not invading someone's memories, especially not the ones of my friends. You find them, you keep them locked away or get rid of them. Just… make sure I don't experience anything like that again," Ichigo instructed deeply disturbed by the thought of witnessing any dark moments in the lives of those closest to him without their knowledge.

That's an invasion of privacy he wouldn't wish on anyone since he could never forgive anyone who sneaks a peak at his mind. Getsuhime gets a pass because she's a part of him. Still, what he saw he cannot unsee, especially if that man is exactly who he thinks he is.

"As you wish," Getsuhime replied in obedience.

"Why now though, for her past to start riling me up all of a sudden," Ichigo wondered.

"You're more in turmoil than you were when training with your father. The closer one is to their final destination, the more anxious one becomes to get there immediately. The mind is bound to focus on memories best locked up and Rukia Kuchiki is full of repressed memories that will pop up the longer you think of her while feeling this way." Getsuhime explained.

"You could tell all that based on that one horrific memory?" Ichigo questioned, interested in her analysis of Rukia.

"I learned from you that people who are too boastful and behave as if they know better than anyone else are the ones who hide the biggest vulnerabilities," She replied. "You wanted to call her out on her bluffs every time she called you moronic even when there was no sense in doing so but chose not to press the matter knowing that all you'd accomplished is seeing a whole other side to her you may not be prepared to deal with."

"True, and I bet that other side is going to be the first thing I see when I find her," Ichigo sighed, now more worried about Rukia's state of mind when they reunite.

"You should go back to your friends, the time to strike is now," Getsuhime suggested.

"Right. To get back outside I just have to sit on the throne?" He asked for verification.

"For now, yes. Like I told you before, our bond is vastly different from other Shinigami and their Zanpakutō and you never attempted to commune with me the old fashion way with Jinzen (Sword Meditation), you'll momentarily need an alternative exit, that being the Lunar Throne," She explained.

"Nice, talk to you again when you're technically just a voice in my head," Ichigo joked as he proceeds to the Lunar Throne.

"Master, one important factor you need to keep in mind in the foreseeable future," Getsuhime said.

"And that would be?" Ichigo asked.

"I would ask you not to call me by any nicknames," She said with more sternness that gave the orange head pause. "You should know by now that to us Zanpakutō, our names are sacred, everything in Soul Society is almost completely defined by Kotodama. I have but one name and would appreciate it if you would use it accurately always."

"Hi…?" He came close to calling her just Hime (Princess) again but was quick to stop in an effort to not upset her if that is what he was unknowingly doing, it is then that he recalls how distressful she was when they first met about not having a name to call her own. "Sure, whatever you say."

Ichigo reaches the Lunar Throne and lies down. He feels weird lying on it, for one he thinks this throne should be reserved only for Getsuhime and the other is that he can already hear what snarky remarks his friends would make if they saw him sit on something so fancy as this. So annoying.

As soon as he sat there, he instantly found himself back in Kūkaku's place, recalling that he stayed a little longer at night to practice more before resting and he ended up sleeping on the floor but he was not alone as Ganju is sitting at the corner doing something he can't see exactly but there is a long piece of paper he seems to be holding so he must be reading something.

"Hey, what time is it?" Ichigo asked while rubbing his eyes from how sore they felt.

"Good, you're awake, the sun is about to rise so you're right on time," Ganju replied to him without facing the Shinigami.

"Jeez, I can't believe I slept on the floor. Could've used that nice bed the twins offered," Ichigo whined while rubbing his back as he gets up.

"Not my problem, now get lost, dandelion," Ganju demanded very grumpily.

"It seems I'm not the one who woke up grumpy," Ichigo snorted as he leaves the room, and the instant he did, his stomach began to growl a bit. "I sure hope breakfast is ready for me."

"If you're hungry I can help with that," Getsuhime spoke from his mind, and without him attempting anything, his body began to surge with his Reiatsu.

"What the…" He began and looks at the edges of the ceiling where these Light Vines Kūkaku mentions light her house and from them, tiny particles of light come out of them and are absorbed into Ichigo, and this lasted for almost twenty seconds before this ceases. "What did you do?"

"As a Zanpakutō of Light, I can absorb and draw power from all other sources of light nearby for many good fortunes," Getsuhime explained.

"Like filling my stomach?" Ichigo asked in awe as the hunger he felt seconds ago is gone.

"Call it a bonus, as long as we can absorb light any form of fatigue will be rendered obsolete," She explained.

"Now that is awesome, and it tastes pretty good," Ichigo smirked with gleeful satisfaction, having felt the light in his mouth also. "Though it doesn't do any good to the light sources you've siphoned," He said as he notes how dim the light in the corridor he is in has gotten.

"All becomes irrelevant when compared to your health," Getsuhime dismissed.

Ichigo eventually goes to meet with the others and finds his three friends already having breakfast.

"Ichigo!" Orihime cheered being the first to notice him.

"I thought we'd had to wake you up considering you stayed up late a bit longer than the rest of us," Uryū said.

"I'm a morning person when I know the next day is going to be a big one," Ichigo replied and he looks to see that Orihime is the only one of the three who isn't done eating. "Odd, you're usually a fast eater, Hime." When he said that, he swears that he felt someone behind his back twitch.

"Oh, I guess I'm not that hungry today," Orihime replied playfully but that may have been a wrong thing to say given how Ichigo is looking at her with skepticism. For as long as they've known each other, Orihime has always had a big appetite.

As if to prove her wrong, her stomach began to growl at that exact moment, in response, the young girl proceeds to punch her own stomach four times, to the shock of her male friends.

"See… I'm like a balloon full of air," She insisted weakly from the self-inflicting pain.

"Please don't tell me you neglected food made for you for my sake," Ichigo whined.

"It's okay! I don't mind at all. We all have to save our strength as much as we need to take one for the team," Orihime shrugged as she stands up and offers Ichigo her plate. "So go ahead, the last one to eat should have the biggest tummy."

To her relief, Ichigo picks up the fish on her plate but instead of putting it in his mouth, he abruptly shoves it into hers.

"How about I take one for you instead," Ichigo said smugly. "You're the healer, so your health is more important than the muscle as far as I'm concerned. Besides, I'm already full."

"Oway…" Orihime gives in to her hunger and eats up the fish.

"What am I going to do with you," Ichigo sighed with a faint smile as he watches her eat her breakfast.

"If you're insisting on not eating then we better head out. Kūkaku and Yoruichi are waiting," Uryū said with the four soon heading out as soon as possible. Kūkaku was sitting on the platform looking at each of them, Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko beside her, including Yoruichi.

"Good, you're here," The Cat said.

"Yep, now let's get this party started already," Ichigo replied with determination.

"Hey, why isn't Ganju here with the rest of you?" Kūkaku asked from her spot on the platform. Ichigo was wondering why did Ganju need to be here.

"Last I saw him he was reading something where we were training," Ichigo replied. As he said that Ganju's voice was heard coming from the right of where they were standing.

"Never fear, Ganju is here!" He said panting heavily. He was standing there holding a long piece of folded paper. "You should know the hero is always the last to make his entrance." He said pointing to himself.

"I have enough idiots to drive me crazy, I don't need another," Ichigo said to himself while shaking his head. Kūkaku heard him and chuckled. "Wait, you're coming with us? Why?"

"Using the Reishūkaku properly is not enough, a spell is needed to give you the necessary power to break through the Shakonmaku and I know the second incantation," Ganju declared. "Sure, Yoruichi knows it as well but she'd be better off focusing on powering the core along with the four of you."

"She?" Ichigo questioned in confusion.

'Oh, poo, I was so hoping to keep that a secret for a while longer.' Yoruichi silently cursed at Ganju for nearly spoiling a huge surprise, though knowing him, he'll quickly dodge the subject to focus all attention on himself.

"That's where I come in," Ganju boasted.

"Okay, but why you exactly? Last time I checked, we're heading into Shinigami territory and you made it unbearably clear how you feel about them," Ichigo questioned, still holding a grudge over his manhood. Ganju's first response to his question was glaring at Ichigo.

"I have my reasons, you just focus on your own for storming into that dead zone," He said coldly, and Ichigo could barely hide how this reaction made him gulp.

Whatever his reasons are, they're obviously personal. People don't just hate those from a big organization just because they're a bunch of jerks, but because they hurt you close to home.

"All right, you two that's enough, it's high time we get this party in gear," Yoruichi dispersed the moment before it could've possibly escalated.

"Right," Ichigo muttered while Kūkaku hits the side of the cannon and a hole started to form. When a hole about 6 feet wide formed, She spoke.

"Get inside everyone," She ordered. Ichigo and his friends along with Ganju and Yoruichi then walked into the cannon and stood in a circle with the spiritual core in the center. "The sun will be rising soon, that will be the signal to begin the launch ceremony."

The hole was sealed shut and Ichigo and his friends placed their hands on the Spirit core and looked up at the opening they were about to be shot through. Yoruichi's voice made all of them look down at him to see him standing in the spiritual core.

"Lend me your ears, children," Yoruichi began. "Stay together once we are inside. If you meet anyone of the Captain class, those who wear a white haori, flee immediately and without question. Do not take unnecessary risks. Do not place your trust in anyone within those walls. All Shinigami you see from this moment on will be your enemy. Remember that we are here to rescue Rukia. They are her jailors and they will not simply let you walk out with her. Securing her is our top priority. What happens after that will come when we make it that far." They all nod in acknowledgment.

Then they heard Kūkaku chanting, "It has begun, start pouring your spirit energy into the core," The Cat said and they did.

Soon a bubble-like barrier forms around all of them. An oddly fascinating sensation came to everyone as they felt each other's spirit energy.

Orihime's is bright and gentle, but with otherworldly strength. Uryū's very focused, calm, and different from the rest due to Quincy being an anomaly when compared to residents of Soul Society. Yasutora is tough and unyielding, like a tamed beast. Ganju is wild, conflicting emotions rolling together.

Ichigo is an unrefined power that eclipses them all, but more than that there is this light that is so illuminating the rest can't help but want to reach out to it. There's something else, an unknown variable that feels like it doesn't belong but desperately wants to as it hides from the world behind Ichigo, holding within despair and fury like no other.

Such emotions completely overshadowed Yoruichi's power from everyone, someone who's old, yet lively. Powerful, yet subtle. Great, yet… incomplete. Form of a cat, feel of a… Shinigami?

"Ichigo?" Orihime was the only one who dared to ask the question on everyone's mind.

"Yeah?" Ichigo replied.

"Are you sure you're all right, your Reiatsu feels odd?"

"You think so, why?" He asked, being the only one who never notice the oddity with his own power.

"Let's just say there's a lot about yourself that even you don't know about yet," Yoruichi noted.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ichigo questioned, feeling offended by that.

"Don't believe anything they tell you," Getsuhime warned him with an urgency that concerns Ichigo but chose to ignore yet take her word for it.

"Kakaku Taihō #2. Kagizaki (Adhering Blossom)!" Kūkaku yelled, having finished the incantation, and slammed her flaming fist on the ground and suddenly they were fired into the air accelerating upwards leaving a trail of smoke clouds behind them.

From inside the bubble, everyone looked down at the ground below them in amazement. After accelerating up for a while longer the cannonball suddenly stopped and started moving to the left, heading straight for the Seireitei.

"All up to you dumb kids from here on out," Kūkaku said fiercely before becoming somber. "Don't die on me too, Ganju."

A fair distance from the Shiba residence, Isshin watches his son and friends take off into the Seireitei.

"All right, the time is now," He declared, his body surging, releasing a fair amount of his incredible power that shapes into a flaming aura before he starts to hover in the air and rushes straight into the sky as though he is a fireball.

Back with Kūkaku and his attendants, they are left stunned by the great Reiatsu that can be felt from their distance.

"What is this incredible power?" Koganehiko asked in awe.

"It's monstrous. Definitely that of a Gotei Captain but at the same time it feels somehow human," Shiroganehiko added just as awestruck. "Who is this individual?"

"It can't be. But… it has to be," Kūkaku uttered noticing the fireball chasing after the group.

Within the Reishūkaku, Ganju takes out the folded paper he had earlier and unfolds it.

"What's that for Ganju?" Ichigo asked.

"The Kakaku Taihō cannon launch: Method Two involves two steps, the first spell controls everything from launch to directional settings, and the second spell controls acceleration and axis adjustment. After that, you gradually improve the accuracy," Ganju said looking at everyone.

"Oh," That was all Ichigo could say.

"Don't get in the way and you all will get there safely," He said while looking at Ichigo before he turned his attention to everyone else and spoke again. "There is something I have to tell you all. In order to get into the Seireitei, we are going to have to stabilize the cannonball. We must keep the spiritual energy output by each person at a constant level. To do that I want you to keep your hands on the spirit core that way you can see how much energy everyone is releasing and adjust your output accordingly. One mistake and It will be the end." He explained.

Everyone was okay with what they had to do, well almost everyone. Orihime was scared that she would not be able to match everyone else's power level. Ichigo saw that she was stressed and put his hand on her shoulder and smiled.

"Don't worry, everything will be all right," He said in a calm voice that made her smile back.

"You're the weakest among us, so raise your Reiatsu to its peak. We'll handle the rest," Uryū instructed with her nodding.

Ganju then began chanting. While he was doing so and everyone else focus on keeping the Reishūkaku stable, Ichigo couldn't help but notice something chasing after them, a fireball of all things, and no one but him and Yoruichi realized who it really is.

'Dad!' Ichigo wanted to scream in shock but forced himself to stay calm otherwise he risks ruining everything with his emotions disrupting his spirit energy.

'That inconsequential moron!' Yoruichi too wanted to scream and did a better job hiding it. 'He truly is going to wish his wife was the one to kill him when I'm done!'

"A breach inside the Seireitei?" Asked one of the Captains named Sōsuke Aizen, a mild-featured man with brown scholarly hair enhanced by square glasses, along with soft brown eyes and the standard Shinigami uniform with a captain's haori.

"You don't think it could be those Ryoka do you?" He said as practically all of them are alarmed by the news about an invasion.

Before anyone could say or do anything else, they heard the footsteps of someone running. They all turned towards the door to see the Captain of the 11th Division, Kenpachi Zaraki go running out of the room.

"Wait Kenpachi! Where are you going?" Aizen asked but he never received an answer.

Suddenly there was a loud booming sound that echoed throughout the room. All of the captains turned towards their Supreme Commander who looks at all the captains and spoke.

"This is most unfortunate, but such a major disruption leaves me with no choice in the matter. This Captain's meeting is hereby dismissed. All squads are to heed the Alert and report immediately to their battle stations," As he said that all of the captains began walking out of the room.

"Oh dear, I just know everyone's going to be breathing down my neck for this," Gin sighed, getting the feeling that this is all his fault.

"What did you expect, with the way you handled things, no one's going to be happy with you," Aizen sighed, already knowing how disastrous this all will turn out to be. "I simply can never figure out how you function, and I've known you the longest."

"Come on, Captain, have some mercy for your former Lieutenant, I didn't mean for all this to happen," Gin whined, now looking genuinely sad.

"Spare me your crocodile tears, Gin. Just make sure to stay with your Division this time and do your job more properly," Aizen scolded and meant to leave the 3rd Division Captain but paused to say something else. "By the way, there's been a change of plans."

"Oh?" Gin asked now curious.

"We'll talk about it in detail later but bear in mind that you won't be doing "that" for me anymore," Aizen said.

"Aww… but I was so looking forward to being the center of attention," Gin now pouted childishly and was disappointed by whatever Aizen meant.

"Sorry but if what you told me is true then I have someone else more fit for the job and one way or another, the outcome will turn out the same. No, it will be much grander than I dared imagine. Probably," Aizen smiled warmly at Gin before taking his leave.

"I just know Reiō is punishing me over something. How cruel life is," Gin pouted some more.

"How childish," Whispered the youngest Captain who walks passed the fellow whitehead.

"It's rude to eavesdrop, you know, Captain Hitsugaya," Gin lectured.

"You're one to talk, Gin," Hitsugaya hissed.

"Do I have to go and talk to Rangiku about your attitude, young man?" Gin scolded him as though he's his father, which always riles the young man up but this time he ignores him and leaves. "Aww, so even little Tōshirō is giving me the cold shoulder. Poor me."

In a matter of moments, the Seireitei watches as the unknown force heads straight for the Shakonmaku, many expecting the predictable outcome that the barrier will dispose of the threat easily while others are concerned if rather things will likely turn the other way.

"We must all remain calm. The Shakonmaku will ward off any invaders," Aizen said, trying to keep his Division from getting scared.

"You're absolutely right, Captain. But just to be on the safe side we should make sure everyone takes cover in case of the unthinkable," Momo suggested hiding her nervousness. "It's been far too long since we'd had any sort of danger at our doorstep that there's no way of knowing the outcome."

Just as she said so, they look back up to see the core collide with the barrier. As it contacted the barrier it created a shockwave that blew away surrounding clouds in the sky. It was like the cannonball was stuck to the barrier, with no movement from the spot it hit, only vibrating, and creating a bit of yellow lightning around it.

'Oh my, it looks like they're going to make it with flying colors,' Aizen mused to himself, already knowing what was about to happen. 'How unexpected, which I enjoy but not at all what I wanted. Oh well, I suppose it can't be helped.'

No one could notice the Captain as he points one finger directly at the incoming barrier whiles said finger is shrouded with his Reiryoku.

"Hadō #1. Shō (Thrust)." He whispered and without anyone's knowledge, he fires a seemingly and unnoticeable amount of energy from his index finger straight towards Ichigo's group just as the Reishūkaku was about to safely pierce through the barrier without any harm to them.

Aizen's attack hits, the impact proving to have an incredible amount of kinetic force that caused a chain reaction that disrupted the Reishūkaku.

"Oh no!" Isshin gasped in horror just as he was about to reach them as he attempted to hold on to the Reishūkaku and head in with them, the sudden shockwaves would've temporarily weakened the Sekkiseki long enough for him to safely pass through but now things have gotten beyond their control.

"What's going on? This damn thing looks like it's about to burst with us inside it," Ichigo said in shock as the rest of them as they are now stuck within the Shakonmaku, electricity dispersing everywhere with the two barriers now in conflict with each other, the bigger one hell-bent on tearing the small one to pieces.

"Not good, someone with incredible Reiryoku must've hit us just as we were about to pass through," Yoruichi said incredulously.

"Who the hell would be so catastrophically stupid to do that?!" Ganju shouted. "Yes, this will ruin everything and ensure we die but the shockwaves will be so devastating that they'll definitely reach all the way to the Seireitei, resulting in Reiō knows how many casualties."

"Doesn't matter! Everyone listen very carefully," Yoruichi demanded. "We still have a chance to make it. Forget about keeping the barrier stable, pour all of your Reiryoku into the core, if we can cause a chain reaction of our own before it's too late we can still make it to the Seireitei and minimize the damage. Now LET ALL OF YOUR POWER LOOSE!"

At his desperate command, everyone does that, pouring all their power as recklessly as Ichigo prefers to do in a last-ditch effort to survive the devastation that they're about to unleash upon the upper echelon of Soul Society.

'I just know this is your doing. Damn you Aizen!' Yoruichi cursed as he actually did recognize the trace of Reiatsu that attack possessed, even for the briefest of moments.

"They won't make it," Isshin cursed, realizing what his son's group is planning on doing and knowing they won't be able to accomplish it by themselves, even with Ichigo and Yoruichi's immense Reiryoku, and quickly rushes to aid them by unsheathing his sword. "Just like old times, partner! Now BURN, ENGETSU!"

By his command, power erupts from his still dormant but very functional Zanpakutō, though instead of transforming as Getsuhime did, Engetsu's blade is sheathed in flame-like energy that also engulfs the sword's tassels, creating long trailing streams.

Isshin lands on top of the Reishūkaku and stabs it with the now burning Engetsu, pouring all his power into it, using his own Reiatsu to make the chain reaction needed to survive.

"Who the fuck is this guy!" Ganju yelled, losing concentration to see the Shinigami on top of them eclipsing their combined Reiatsu to empower them.

"Mr. Kurosaki!" Orihime gasped.

"This is what he meant by right above me!" Ichigo cried.

"Ichigo, do what he's doing. Stab me below you and let our power run loose!" Getsuhime pleaded as Isshin's method is their best chance.

"All right!" He shouted as he lets go of the core to raise his sword. "Purge, Getsuhime!"

"What are you doing?" Uryū demanded while frightened upon seeing his cousin's blade become silver again and he stabs her down upon them.

For one second, all of Seireitei stopped moving.

Kenpachi has a shit-eating grin as they feel the destructive Reaitsu coming down on them. Normally, Kenpachi couldn't sense anything for shit, but even he could feel what was coming down on them.

Sitting on his shoulders is a very small, young girl with pink hair, dark pink eyes, and a perpetual blush on her cheeks. She wears the normal Shinigami robes and a lieutenant's insignia on her arm, said insignia is the Yarrow, its meaning is to Fight, and she too has a grin on her face but is more cheerful and cute, all the same, she is very eager for the fighting that awaits them.

Aizen puts his palm on the shoulders of his Lieutenant Hinamori, feigning the horror she felt, staring at the falling star. Inwardly, he smiles feeling one of his biggest experiments about to come crashing down on the Seireitei.

Renji would have smirked at the first time he saw his Captain in shock if he wasn't feeling the same way. He felt two powerful spiritual forces coming through the barrier, one fueled by a blazing fire capable of scorching the land without resistance and another a light so bright it dwarfs the sun and can devour all shadows without mercy. The latter also felt uncomfortably familiar.

Just like that, they both knew that Rukia's execution might be the second worst thing to happen to them this month.

Rukia gasps, looking out of her prison, the Senzaikyū (Palace of Penitence), and immediately recognized the reaitsu and looked out with horror and disbelief of multiple kinds in her eyes. And yet, a small traitorous spark of hope lit up in her.

"Captain!" Rangiku shouted as she only just now reunites with her Captain, that being the young boy, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, barely arriving in time to his Division just as they all watch what is about to unfold.

"Everyone, be on your guard! Whatever's happening, the Sekkiseki won't hold out for much longer and so we must prepare for a fight in case of the intruders land over here," Tōshirō ordered, pulling out his Zanpakutō, a normal looking katana with the exception of the guard that is in the shape of a four-pointed bronze-colored star.

Its hilt is light blue, and sheath dark blue and the blade is somewhat longer than most Zanpakutō, at about 1.4 meters long. This makes it taller than Hitsugaya, preventing him from wearing it at the hip so Hitsugaya instead carries it on his back by his green sash over his right shoulder and when he took out the sword, the sheath completely dissolved.

Rangiku was going to pull out her own Zanpakutō that she carries behind her back but stops once the high amount of Reiatsu above increases, leaving her speechless as she looks back up.

"What…" She uttered, recognizing one of the individuals above them.

Shinigami all over the Seireitei didn't move, even as it became painfully obvious what was coming for them all. Shock and horror had triumphed over hope and survival instincts. Normally, anything coming towards the Seireitei would be destroyed by the barrier, but now they weren't so sure.

Finally, Rangiku spoke the words she wanted to say.

"Captain Shi-"

BOOM!

A horrific explosion shattered the barrier, lighting up the sky and sending a shockwave to rock all of the Seireitei. Glass windows were shattered, Shinigami were blown off their feet, and everything went white.

In an instant, the Shakonmaku was no more.

"Are you all right, Lieutenant?" Matsuri Kudō opened her eyes after attempting to shield herself from the devastating blast but found herself unable to take cover in time and luckily didn't have to as someone showed up in front of her to shield her from the shocks.

She looks to see it is the Captain of the 7th Division, the tallest among the thirteen of them who hides his face behind a helmet, and in addition to his Shihakusho and haori, he wears light-brown gloves with bracers and shoulder weights over his haori and large, plated boots instead of sandals.

"Captain Komamura. Yes, thank you. What about the others?" Matsuri asked, turning to see many of their Division members are down on the ground but not too worse for wear.

"Let us attend to them before assessing the situation," Sajin Komamura instructed as he and his Lieutenant rush to help their subordinates.

One of the last Sajin helps back on his feet is a man looking like he's in his late twenties with a distinctive haircut and wearing black sunglasses with his standard Shinigami uniform. He carries his Zanpakutō as a small blade inside his uniform.

"On your feet, 3rd Seat Iba. I've never known you to lie down on the dirt before the fighting has even begun," Sajin demanded.

"YES SIR!" Tetsuzaemon Iba boasted as he rises again. "You know that I would never bring shame upon you or our Division."

"Good man," Sajin praised.

"It doesn't seem like everyone is hurt too badly, though I don't think all of the Divisions were as lucky as us," Matsuri informed. "That blast must've reached all the barracks."

"And it doesn't seem like the Ryoka landed anywhere near us but we can't be too sure," Sajin said. "For now we must focus on our own jurisdiction. Barricade the area, no one leaves without my consent and any suspicious activities are to be investigated and if necessary, treated with hostility."

"Yes sir!"

"Izuru. Izuruuu… Wake up Izuru, otherwise, I'll have to spank you," Called the voice of a serpent in the ear of the down Lieutenant. Said man screams in terror at the possibility of a snake over him as he crawls away, only to see that it's just his Captain, Gin Ichimaru playing games with him again.

"Captain! Of all the times to be making jokes!" Izuru Kira, the Lieutenant of the 3rd Division cried indignantly.

Izuru is a young man with blue eyes; and shoulder-length blond hair that is combed into three points, with two in the back of his head and a third combed to cover his left eye. He also wears the standard Shinigami robes and the third division's lieutenant armband on his left arm and the insignia of the 3rd Division is that of the Marigold.

"Well, you were sleeping on the floor, I had to wake you up somehow," Gin teased.

"I wasn't sleeping, I was lying flat on my ass after whatever that thing occurred," Izuru whined as he looks up in horror at the Shakonmaku, or rather the lack of one in the sky. "There's just no way. How could there be anything powerful enough to not only break through but even destroy Sekkiseki?"

"Beats me but I will tell you this, the Head Captain is going to have a field day with all of us," Gin shrugged.

"Captain Ichimaru! Lieutenant Kira!" A random Shinigami yelped getting up. "Are you all right, sir?"

"Healthy as a newborn. Glad to see everyone else isn't a sleepy head like a certain someone," Gin joked.

"Captain!" Izuru cried.

"Any injuries that need attending?" Gin asked, ignoring his Lieutenant.

"Doesn't seem like it," The Shinigami said. "Everyone was merely knocked to the ground."

"Captain," Another Shinigami trembled. "What was that…?"

"Too soon to tell but we aren't dealing with one individual. Right as the brightness faded I saw four bolts of light split from where the Sekkiseki was destroyed," Gin said. "One of them landed near here so come along now, we have some scoundrels to deal with."

"Yes sir!" The Shinigami replied as they quickly find the landing spot, only to see a large crater with no enemy in sight.

"They're already on the move even though they were directly in the blast," Izuru scowled.

"Playing cat and mouse, eh? All right, we'll play," Gin smirked. "Spread out. Go into teams of three and call everyone else if you find them."

While the various Shinigami ran around to find the intruders, Isshin, and Yoruichi on his left shoulder are hiding on top of a tree sighed that was left mostly unscathed from the shock but in good enough condition for them to hide in. "That guy has always been hard to predict but this time we can count ourselves lucky." He sighed.

"Luck will be one of our main benefactors in succeeding in this mission of ours," Yoruichi said, also relieved for the narrow landing. "It was unfortunate that we were all separated but I'm confident they'll survive long enough for us to reunite so long as they avoid any Captains."

"Yeah but I'm less worried about Ichigo, I know he has the best chance among those kids of making it out alive so I would like to find the others first," Isshin suggested.

"Indeed. I didn't want to say anything and risk boasting his ego but I'm actually not too worried about your son fighting against a Captain. So long as it isn't Kyōraku, Unohana, Kurotsuchi, especially Yamamoto and Aizen, Ichigo can look after himself." Yoruichi nodded.

"Confident that he can handle Byakuya and Soifon, eh?" Isshin smirked.

"I'm willing to wager," Yoruichi mused. "As for you, count yourself lucky that we have more important matters to attend to otherwise I'd had your head decorated on my kitty litter for your ridiculous stunts."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm an idiot and my dumber son gets it from me, I've heard it all before," Isshin whined as they get on the move.

Momo groaned as she stirred on the floor. She hadn't been knocked unconscious, but everything still hurt and from what she could tell, the barrier made from Sekkiseki was gone, glass shards were strewn everywhere, everyone was freaking out in one way or another, and her Captain was just standing up.

"Momo!" Aizen shouted as the Captain rushes for his Lieutenant with worry all over his face. "Are you okay?"

"Yes!" Momo replied. "What in Reiō's name was that!?"

"I'm unsure," Aizen lied. "All I know is that a great danger has come to the Seireitei."

"What do we do?" Momo paled.

"I will partner up with the other Captains and arrange another meeting," Aizen stated. "You will get all the other Shinigami to safety."

"Are you sure?" Hinamori asked. "Don't you need my help?"

"Momo, please," Aizen replied with a smirk, twirling his Zanpakutō flamboyantly. "Don't you think I can take care of myself?"

"No, I do," Momo blushed. "I'll get everyone as quick as I can."

"Good, and if the Lieutenants are required to attend, I'll let you know personally," Aizen stated as he proceeded to leave at high speed, leaving Momo to help the others.

Aizen smirks to himself, his project had just touched down in Soul Society and was already incredibly powerful, who knows what strength it would get in the future. In his head, his Zanpakutō cackles, and he had to restrain himself from joining in.

'I know you're excited Kyōka but try to not get overexcited just yet,' He suggested.

"Cease your need for overcaution for once, Sōsuke. I know things will go the way we want them to one way or another anyway so why not celebrate early," His Blade spoke with pure malice. "I've been waiting a long time for this."

'Indeed and I know you speak the truth but you felt what I did before the blast destroyed the barrier. There is an unknown variable we did not account for and until we see the boy in action, I will not pat myself in the back just yet,' Aizen said.

"Then let's send the failed executioners on him already. Surely they've realized by now that he's here for the bait and they'll be hell-bent on finishing what they've started, especially poor miserable Renji," Kyōka scoffed.

'Until we see him take on a Lieutenant at full power and how he handles them, I won't let that failed excuse of a man make a move, and I'm not sure if Renji is actually up to the task,' Aizen shook his head. 'Which is why we'll be sending him some backup,'

"Oh, so that's how it's going to be, eh?" His Zanpakutō cackled again. "Sorry Tobiume, it's been fun."

'Not what I was going for. But… I know better than to argue when you have the better ideas,' Aizen's grin widens that it now rivals Gin's.

"Damn…" Ichigo growled as he lies on his knees after falling from the sky and mostly landed on his feet. He has zero injuries but the crash still hurt that he may need at least a minute to relax before moving, not that he really wants to.

"You really should find a place to hide out and relax," Getsuhime suggested.

"No. I can move forward now, that fall was nothing," Ichigo argued as he gets back up on his feet, using his Zanpakutō for support, said blade is still in the release form before he instinctively reseals her and he leaves the crater he caused. "Where are the others?"

"Safer than we are, I imagine. The Reiatsu of the entire Gotei 13 is running amok trying to find us. So many surges of power make Reikaku difficult. We cannot track the others by sensing their spirit energy yet, not until everyone regains their composure and puts real effort into tracking us properly." Getsuhime surmised.

"So it's just us now," Ichigo cursed his luck. "If I remember correctly, I saw Orihime get blown off with Uryū so I can have some ease knowing she'll be fine. Ishida has gotten stronger as well and I'm sure Ganju is with Chad so no point in worrying about those two either."

"I wouldn't put too much faith in them yet. You never took the time to really learn their capabilities," Getsuhime warned.

"All I have besides you is faith. It'll have to be enough," Ichigo said somberly before preparing to move.

"Oh my, what luck!" A man from above said, making the orange head stop in his tracks. Both he and his partner jump off the building on Ichigo's right and land in front of him. "Can you believe this, first we skip out on our boring guard duty, and the Shakonmaku blows up, putting the Seireitei into a panic that even our Captain who has the shittiest Reikaku must be feeling everyone shitting their pants from anxiety and this one falls right into our hands!"

The man who spoke first said before he starts bouncing on his toe and singing.

"Lucky, Lucky me! Today I am so Lucky!" He then stopped bouncing and singing and pointed his sheathed Zanpakutō at Ichigo. "You, on the other hand, most certainly are not."

Ichigo for his part was studying his two enemies.

The man in question is tall and muscular and is bald. To Ichigo, the scalp looks like it could be very reflective while under the sun. His eyes each have a small red marking at the outer corner.

The Shinigami robe is pretty standard, with the exception of no tabi with his sandals. The tsuba of his Zanpakutō is an oval with what looks like three small teardrops in relief on both the top and bottom end, and he instead carries it on his hand.

"Is that right," Ichigo questioned while holding Getsuhime that he never bothered to sheathe while he examines his new opponents and can already tell that the bald one is really experienced.

The other one he's not sure. He is a stark contrast to his bald friend, for starters, his shihakushō has some customizations, an orange piece of clothing sits on top of his uniform around the neck, which covers most of his chest that would otherwise be exposed by his uniform. This is connected to an orange sleeve on his right arm under the much looser fitting sleeve of the uniform. He has colorful feathers on his right eyelashes and eyebrow. He has shiny skin, purple eyes, and jaw-length black hair, which, in conjunction with the feathers, gives him a somewhat feminine appearance.

His Zanpakutō has a bronze tsuba shaped like a German cross, purple hilt-wrapping, and a fuchsia-colored sheath.

"Because the way I see it the ones who are unlucky are you two," Ichigo declared, firming his grip on his sword.

Then things got weird as the bald man began performing an odd dance.

"Lucky, Lucky, Lucky!" Ikkaku chanted as he danced.

His friend waited patiently for him to finish and this went on for a while before Ichigo lost his patience.

"What is wrong with your friend?" Ichigo asked the Shinigami with the weird eyelashes while looking at the bald-headed one strangely.

"What the hell do you mean what is wrong with me?!" The bald man yelled, "Can't you see I am doing my lucky dance for you? The least you could do is be appreciative!"

"Buddy, I have seen some ridiculous dances in my life and have been forced by my mother to make such ridiculous dances before, and compared to you I'm a professional. And no, I am not proud of that," Ichigo mocked him.

"Damn greenhorn, no appreciation for a warrior's love for combat," The Bald one sneered at Ichigo's response.

"You can't just accuse someone of being a greenhorn because of that," Ichigo protested.

"You're obviously new here so you can't really blame Ikkaku for his rude comment, that's just how he is," The pretty boy commented while snickering.

"Everyone in this lousy excuse of an Afterlife is absolutely insane," Ichigo hissed. "You know what, forget it, let's just do this already, I have better places I have to be at."

"Get this over with? I don't think so, pal, you're going to be my new sparring partner and unless you beat me or I kill you, there's no way you're getting out of it," The man now known as Ikkaku declared.

"Then you're in for a disappointment and not because you're going to win?" Ichigo sneered while positioning himself for an attack.

What happened next made Ichigo raise his eyebrow, the pretty boy backed away and stood in the corner while Ikkaku unsheathes his Zanpakutō and held his blade in his right hand and the sheath in his left.

"Don't tell me you are planning on facing me alone?"

"We are from the 11th Division and our policy is all fights are fought one on one," Ikkaku said.

Ichigo nods in acknowledgment but made a note to keep his guard up for the other one just in case.

"Before I kill you, what is your name?"

"Ichigo Kurosaki. You?"

"I am Ikkaku Madarame, the 11th Division's 3rd Seat," He introduced himself. "Now let's get this party started!" He boasted and rushes in to attack, however, Ichigo was the one to make the first move, making a high jump to dive at Ikkaku from the sky, who tried to block with his blade.

The Pretty boy became shocked at the massive crater created by the blades clashing. Pain exploded in Ikkaku's limbs as they nearly dislocated from the shock of the clash.

'Holy Shit! This kid is really strong!' He thought and yet a shit-eating grin spread on his face as he registered his opponent's strength.

"Grow, Hōzukimaru (Demon Light)!" Ikkaku roared as he slams the hilt of his sword into the sheath and that is when the transformation begins, taking the form of a Kikuchi Yari with a wax wood shaft. The pommel has a red horsehair tassel.

"Talk about a makeover," Ichigo said impressed by the massive change this Zanpakutō went through.

"It's just a Melee Zanpakutō, nothing special," Getsuhime countered unimpressed.

'Struck a nerve, did I.' Ichigo thought amused by her response.

"You're pretty good, Ryoka," Ikkaku complimented. "But it's time to get serious!"

Ikkaku lunged, his spear thrusting toward Ichigo's face. With a smirk, Ichigo easily swept the spear aside with his free hand and drew back Getsuhime.

"Split Apart, Hōzukimaru!" Ichigo's eyes widened as the spear separated in two places, curving around his back, the blade aiming for his neck. Ichigo managed to block with Getsuhime before backpedaling for a bit.

'It went from a spear to a Three Section Staff?' Ichigo muttered incredulously. 'Still think it's nothing special?'

"I stand by what I said and you shouldn't be so easily impressed by everything," Getsuhime stands by her words.

'You sound jealous,' He accused while suppressing a snicker.

"I don't know what that means," She countered.

"Okay, your strength is nothing to scuff at but I can tell just by looking that your skillset is more for battling Hollows than a Shinigami," Ikkaku said.

"Well, my weapon of choice is a Zanpakutō so that's better than only qualifying to fight Shinigami," Ichigo retorted.

"You got me there," Ikkaku mused as he readies to attack again. Ichigo might actually like this guy if the scenario was different but he shouldn't let this drag out. He has to get to the others fast. He only hopes that the pretty boy is as weak as he looks and that more won't come yet.

Ganju groans, dazed from the crash and wondering where the hell he was while trying to fight off a crippling headache.

"Are you all right?" Asked a calm and gentle voice trying to help him, and that's when he notices that it was Chad.

"Oh, it's you. I've barely heard you talk that I completely forgot what you sound like," Ganju said getting up with Chad lending him his hand, which he accepts, and he then notices that it's just the two of them. "Where did everybody go?"

"After the blast went down we were all separated into four groups, however, I think Ichigo is the only one that's alone right now," Chad explained, doing a good job as always to hide his emotions and concerns for his friends, especially his best friend since he's all on his own. "I'd handled the fall pretty well but I had to catch you as soon as I saw you fall with me."

"Crap," Ganju scowled, they had been relying on Yoruichi to guide them to the Senzaikyū. With the cat gone, they had no idea where to go. "We'll have to try and be as sneaky as we can while trying to reunite with the others and engage in fights only if we have no choice."

"Yeah and it seems that we'll have to start doing that now," Chad said as he spots several Shinigami heading their way from their west but from this distance, they have a chance to easily avoid them if they run now.

"If things continue to get worse from here I might actually have to kill a Shinigami at least before I die," Ganju cursed.

"Killing anyone will only make things worse for us than they already are, even though they'll show us no mercy for simply breaking in, avoiding lethal force is the least we can do," Chad argued.

"Jeez, for a big guy with a brutish face you sure are a softy deep down, aren't ya," Ganju noted.

"I'm many things but right now I'm prepared to fight and win," Chad declared and just then, his entire right arm all the way to his shoulder gets covered in a liquid which then solidifies into a form of armor.

The shoulder fans out a bit into an upward extension, parallel to his height. It has an indentation at the top in the middle of the extension, stopping just where his shoulder begins, separating the upward extension into two. There are two wing-like protrusions on either side of his wrist. The arm is black, with a dark magenta strip running down the middle of the arm, tapering down towards a point that stops at the wrist. The dark magenta strip is outlined by a thin white line. These patterns are on the top as well as the underside of his arm.

'Whoa. What is this odd Reiatsu? He's human but there's something beastly about that arm.' Ganju thought, sensing the strange and ominous power Chad radiates that thankfully is under control enough that no one but him can sense it at the moment. 'I can already tell that this guy can give likely a Lieutenant a run for their money so things MIGHT not turn out so bad for me.'

Orihime sighed, she and Uryū laying on her Santen Kesshun that soften their fall. "That was close. Uryū, are you okay?"

"N-not really," Uryū replied, looking at his burned and bleeding hands.

"Oh no!" Orihime exclaimed. "What happened?!"

"My hands got reaitsu burns, a minor setback at best at least when it comes to the Kurosakis," Uryū grimaced. "It happened last time I wielded Ichigo's power, it's just worse this time but I'm still really lucky. Isshin's monstrous power combined with his son should've killed us but if this is the worse they could do for friendly fire then we have nothing to worry about."

"Let me help. Sōten Kisshun, I Reject!" Orihime quickly got to work, and soon his hands were okay.

"Thank you, Orihime," Uryū practically glowed with gratitude.

"You're Welcome," Orihime smiled before she started looking around. "Looks like we got separated. I hope Ichigo is okay."

"He's fine," Uryū said, getting up. "For now, let's just try to find everyone. Tell me something, that shield of your levitates, right."

"Yes, I can move it wherever I need it to be to block attacks," Orihime explained. "Why, you think it can be used to fly us places and make a bird's eye view? I've never really considered it."

"It's worth a shot but not right now. Consider it a last resort to escape if we're spotted," Uryū replied. "Right now we seem to have the element of surprise. Let's not waste it."

Orihime nodded and together they got up to find the others.

The battle between Ichigo and Ikkaku has turned grim, for Ikkaku that is. His Zanpakutō's trick was simple for Ichigo to avoid after the first time, and Ikkaku's arms were already injured from the first clash.

'This guy's insane…' Ikkaku growled. 'He's so fast even though it doesn't seem like he can use Shunpo (Flash Step) and he hasn't released his sword yet. How embarrassing! If I lose like this I might never be able to face the Captain again.'

With visible effort, the 3rd Seat blocks a slash that creates another crater in the ground, and the blade on his spear cracked.

"Damn, you're getting wrecked!" Ikkaku's Zanpakutō growled in pain from the crack while his partner makes a particularly large slash to ward Ichigo off.

'I KNOW! Just shut up and let me fight!' Ikkaku demanded.

"Face it, partner, you don't have a prayer against this kid, not unless you use all of my power," Hōzukimaru advised.

'HOW DARE YOU?! You're suggesting I use that against some kid who should still be in his diapers being breastfed by his mommy!' Ikkaku came close to screaming outwardly at his Zanpakutō. 'I can't believe I have such a pathetic Zanpakutō. I'll handle this on my own!'

"Your funeral, loser. At least I'll die in a blaze of glory and by a pretty lady no less," Hōzukimaru mocked.

"These two are exhausting to listen to," Getsuhime sighed.

"Agreed. Well, Ikkaku this has been a good warm-up but I got stuff to do here, so I have to end this," Ichigo smirked.

"The hell you will!" Ikkaku roared, charging with Hōzukimaru spinning on the end segment. His effort succeeded only in making Ichigo grin, swinging his sword with a little reaitsu fed to it. An explosion of reaitsu rocked the area, and Ikkaku's unconscious body flew through the air before crashing to the ground in a heap.

"Think anyone felt that?" Ichigo asked Getsuhime.

"I don't think so, everyone is still in a panic so your recklessness won't get us killed yet," She said.

"Thanks for the boat of confidence," Ichigo whined as he turns to the pretty boy who steps in to fight next, a deep frown on him.

"I commend you for defeating Ikkaku, he was our Division's third strongest but if you think that means you have a chance of leaving this place after what you've done then you have another thing coming," He said raising his sword.

"Your friend's not dead, and his wounds won't worsen too badly that he won't recover," Ichigo pointed out.

"I'm grateful. Him not so much when he wakes up to find out he's still alive," He replied.

"What, he has a death wish?" Ichigo questioned.

"Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn't. He's like a pendulum, you see, he lives to fight and the only death he'll accept is death on the battlefield. Never much to look at but his resolve is most stunning," He replied.

"Creepy is the better word," Ichigo whined as he points Getsuhime at him. "Let's make this quick, I really don't want to waste any more time."

"As Ikkaku told you, you ain't leaving without a fight," He declared. "By the way, the name is Yumichika Ayasegawa, the 11th Division's 5th Seat. Bloom, Fuji Kujaku (Wisteria Peacock)!"

By his command, Yumichika runs his hand along the length of the blade as it glows a white light and transforms. It takes the form of a sickle-shaped blade, distinguished from the khopesh by the cutting edge being located on the inside. A hinge at top of the hilt allows it to split into four identical and evenly spaced blades. The hilt and tsuba remain the same in this form. The blade's overall design most closely resembles a shotel.

Upon the release, both Ichigo and Getsuhime hear a moaning of anguish coming from Yumichika's blade.

"Would you STOP calling me by that insufferable nickname already!" Fuji Kujaku cried at his master in outraged.

"Nickname?" Ichigo repeated.

"That's not his real name?" Getsuhime wondered.

"You can hear me?" Fuji Kujaku asked Ichigo in wonderment. "A man with an Open Heart. Perfect! Answer me this, new guy. Which color is more beautiful? Lavender or Azure?"

"Azure," Ichigo quickly answered as it was an obvious one in his opinion.

"Yes! You hear that, a human has better taste than you, you ugly excuse for a man." The Zanpakutō taunted his master.

"Quiet you!" Yumichika yelled at his sword before looking at Ichigo in confusion. "You can hear the voice of my blade? But how?"

"Apparently because my heart is always open, whatever that means," Ichigo replied. "If I am understanding whatever this is correctly and judging by his outburst, his name must actually be pronounced as Ruri'iro Kujaku (Azure Peacock)." He made a quick guess.

"YES! Oh, Reiō, it's been so long since I've heard my name from the lips of another, I think I'm going to faint from joy," The vain as Hell Zanpakutō cried in pure hedonism and they all swear he might start to cry.

"This is getting awkward really fast," Ichigo muttered.

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!" Yumichika roared as he harshly throws his Zanpakutō to the ground. "You're so damn annoying and full of yourself, it's disgusting!" He sneered before directing his anger at Ichigo. "You see what you've done-"

Yumichika is forced into silence when Ichigo moves in at high speed to deliver a swift sucker punch to his pretty face, hitting the wall behind him so hard that a hole is left in his wake, knocking the Shinigami unconscious.

"That's enough out of you guys," Ichigo hissed.

"You don't know how long I've waited to do that myself." Ruri'iro Kujaku grinned in satisfaction as he reverts back to his sealed form. "But you really should've hit him even harder."

"If I'd used more force he would've died," Ichigo argued.

"That's the point!" Ruri'iro Kujaku replied.

"Wouldn't you rather reach a compromise with your master someday?" Getsuhime suggested.

"You could never understand my pain. That bastard, Yumichika has wasted and dedicated his entire life to the most barbaric, most ugly, and detestable Shinigami Division in the entire Soul Society, and because of it, he shuns me for being a Kidō Zanpakutō when the 11th Division only accepts Melee Zanpakutō. Trust me, you don't want to meet any more of them. There's nothing more despicable, more ugly, and atrocious than a man from the 11th Division." Ruri'iro Kujaku protested. "The only reason I'm less harsh with this hairy brain is because we've known each other long enough for me to tolerate his crap."

"I appreciate you too, buddy," Hōzukimaru cackled, used to his friend's vain personality.

"If you two are going to keep talking, you might as well make yourselves useful answering a question for us," Getsuhime demanded.

"That's right, a real drag that I knocked these two out before interrogating them but you two should do," Ichigo said, seeing this as a chance to ask where Rukia is. Yoruichi mentioned the place she should be kept prisoner but she was supposed to guide them there but now things have changed big time.

"Oh, so that's why you let these two losers off the hook, eh? All right but if you have the decency to spare Shinigami, you mind helping a brother out first," Hōzukimaru requested.

"You really think you're in a position to make requests with your useless masters down for the count," Getsuhime said a little condescendingly.

"Not at all but look at it this way, you two have invaded the most ''sacred'' place in Soul Society for whatever reason, you're in big trouble one way or another but if you manage to cause more damage without killing anyone, the more selfless Captains may show you leniency." Ruri'iro Kujaku pointed out. Of course, he's lying but Ichigo doesn't have to know that.

"Right, and Ikkaku has a better chance to fight the next day if his wounds are closed up right now," Hōzukimaru pressed forward.

"I can't use Healing Kidō or Kidō in general," Ichigo said.

"That's all right, you have everything you need within my hilt," Hōzukimaru said. "My partner likes to prepare for the worst, you see, taking inspiration from a former Captain he once admired before his untimely demise, he got the idea to make the hilt of my sealed form hollow to store a small vial that contains special healing ointment. You can remove the hilt's pommel to use it." Hōzukimaru explained.

"Really?" Ichigo said intrigued, picking up Hōzukimaru that reverted back to his katana form once Ikkaku was down for the count like with Ruri'iro Kujaku, and he was right, there is a hidden vial in the hilt that contains ointment that's familiar to Ichigo. "I've seen this type of ointment before. My dad used it on two patients who got shot in a mugging gone wrong. After he successfully got the bullets out, he closed their wounds easily and were as good as new the next day even though one of them should've never been able to walk again after that."

"Medicine from Soul Society that the Wretch provided for him, no doubt. Pretty risky since using anything here into the Human World is known to have undesirable consequences if this ointment got out into the public," Getsuhime stated.

"Well, nothing major happened afterward that reached the news so that's never been a problem for us," Ichigo said as he proceeds to use the healing ointment on Ikkaku's wounds as carefully as he could as to not potentially make things worse.

"Nice hands, you have a doctor's touch, kid," Hōzukimaru mused.

"I am the son of a doctor. Though this medicine isn't as potent as the one my dad uses but it'll keep him well until proper aid arrives," Ichigo sighed. "Should I do the same for Yumichika?"

"No, no, please, don't do anything nice for him. I want to see his reaction when he wakes up to see his face horribly bruised," Ruri'iro Kujaku snickered with insistence.

"Suit yourself. Now, I did you guys a solid, now you do one for me," Ichigo said more seriously. "Tell me where can I find Rukia Kuchiki?"

The question gave the two Zanpakutōs pause, needing a bit of time to digest his words.

"Sode no Shirayuki's Master. You came here for her?" Ruri'iro Kujaku questioned incredulously.

"Yeah, that about sums it up," Ichigo shrugged.

"Of all the dumb things we've heard in recent years, and we're from the 11th Division, this one definitely takes the cake," Hōzukimaru wanted to laugh but held himself back. "It's going to take at least an eight-man team each Lieutenant-level to pull off such nonsense."

"We're more than prepared for this task no matter what it takes," Ichigo said with fierce determination.

"That so, huh?" Hōzukimaru smirked.

"This day is full of surprises," Ruri'iro Kujaku shared the same smirk. "All right, if you want to find those two beauties then go south from here and you'll see the main office of the 13th Division. Once you get there, turn west where you'll gaze upon truly stunning white towers known as the Senzaikyū. That's where prisoners scheduled for execution are held until their timely demise, right in the tallest one."

"Got it, thanks," Ichigo said as he prepares to leave. "Which way is south, though?"

"To your left," Getsuhime replied.

"What, you got a compass I don't know about?" Ichigo half-joked.

"Yes, I do," Getsuhime replied as she seemingly manifests behind Ichigo while floating, wrapping her right arm around him and showing him a compass she was holding in her left hand for him to know which way is south.

"How about that," Ichigo snickered and proceeds forward.

"He didn't even question if I was telling the truth or not. He is interesting," Ruri'iro Kujaku mused.

"If his heart truly is open to the voices of Zanpakutō then it shouldn't be difficult to tell truth from lies. Every person's Heart hates to lie," Hōzukimaru stated.

"And yet he chose to help out ugly Madarame," Ruri'iro Kujaku questioned.

"Guess he really is a greenhorn. That's okay, he'll learn the consequences of showing mercy soon enough if he manages to survive this stupid mission of his, and maybe then I'll finally have the fight of my life that'll end it," Hōzukimaru smirked.

"You and Madarame are always so stupidly obsessed with dying in battle, it's about the only appealing thing you two have going for you," Ruri'iro Kujaku shook his head but still smiles.

"Goddammit! I forgot to tell him to beware of Captain Kenpachi Zaraki!" Hōzukimaru cursed his forgetfulness.

"You sure you want to make it to Rukia first? Regrouping with the others sounds more beneficial for now," Getsuhime asked.

"I'm sure, my dad and Yoruichi have a better chance at tracking them than us so it be best to focus on ourselves while we reach our destination," Ichigo suggested. "Besides, apart from two Zanpakutōs, who here besides Byakuya and Renji know about us?"

"Yes, I suppose that is the most preferable option," Getsuhime conceded.

Ichigo kept going until he came to an intersection. He stops in the middle and looks around to see if he is still in the clear but is unfortunately not, spotting a group of about twenty men approaching from the left

"Hey, you!" One of them said getting Ichigo's attention, "Why are you just standing in the middle of the street? Aren't you supposed to be looking for the Ryoka?" He demanded, mistaking Ichigo for a comrade.

"Like I can find anyone suspicious in all this chaos with all the Divisions going crazy," Ichigo replied, taking advantage of the misunderstanding.

"What are you, a 13th Division pansy? Quit with the excuses and search harder like the rest of us! Now that I think about it, I've never seen you before. What Division are you from?" The same man asked.

Ichigo remembered that Ikkaku and Yumichika were from the 11th so maybe he can blend with them.

"I wouldn't use that one, these men are pretty ugly," Getsuhime suggested, remembering the description Ruri'iro Kujaku gave them.

'Worth a shot,' Ichigo thought as he goes for it.

"11th Division, sir," He said. The other Shinigami look at each other before looking at Ichigo with a pissed-off look on their faces.

"If you're from our Division then how come we've never seen you before! Judging by your sleeveless shihakushō, I'd picture you for a 9th Division chump," He accused Ichigo while pointing.

Ichigo mentally cursed himself for making such a stupid mistake he was warned not to do literally seconds ago.

"It always has to be the hard way with you, doesn't it?"

"Yeah… I'm a man desperate for firsthand experience. The good and the bad," Ichigo sighed as he reaches for his Zanpakutō to fight these brutes but then from the back of the group Ichigo and the Shinigami could hear shouting and screams.

They all look at the back to see a small scrawny looking Shinigami stumbling through the crowd only to land at Ichigo's feet. He looks up at Ichigo and then looks back at the crowd.

He is a short male Shinigami with blue eyes and chin-length black hair, with bangs framing the side of his face. A standard shihakushō with what appears to be a small sack of some kind on his back.

'I think I found my escape.' Ichigo thought, looking at the tiny Shinigami with a smirk on his face.

"Why are they all looking at you like that with their Zanpakutō drawn?" The scrawny-looking boy asked. "Unless you are one of the Ryoka… everyone… is… searching for," He stuttered.

Before he could realize the depths of this situation, Ichigo grabs him and placed his Zanpakutō to his neck, and spoke.

"Okay, everyone backs off and leaves, or else your little friend is going to be missing some pieces!" Ichigo said as he looked at the group of Shinigami.

The little man whom Ichigo took hostage starts screaming and yelling about fainting at the sight of his own blood.

"Forcing our way through these men is more preferable, you know," Getsuhime suggested and she may be right on the money again because Ichigo is left puzzled with the enemy Shinigami starting to laugh instead of panicking and trying to save their comrade as Ichigo had planned.

"Not the reaction I expected," Ichigo said to himself. "Hey, didn't you punks hear me, I said I am going to cut your little friend up if you don't back off!" Ichigo yelled at the group. One of the Shinigami decided to speak.

"What the hell are you doing, Idiot?" The Shinigami asked Ichigo.

"I took a hostage!" Ichigo protested further puzzled.

"I can see that, but does he look like one of us to you?" The Shinigami asked.

"What do you mean "does he look like one of us to you?" He's wearing a Shihakushō like you, he's obviously a Shinigami," Ichigo shouted at the apparent stupidity of these men. He then looks to the young man for confirmation. "You are a Shinigami, right?"

"Yes, I am. But even if we are on the same side we're from different Divisions. I'm from the 4th and they're the 11th." He explained with a smile.

"And what difference does that make?" Ichigo asked now very confused.

"Ha. I guess you really are from the outside. I should not have to explain this to you, but it is much too insulting to have you lump us together so listen up!" The Shinigami Leader said before continuing.

"There are 13 Divisions assigned to protect the Soul Society. We of the 11th is led by the strongest Captain, making us the strongest Division and always the first into battle," He said while the other Shinigami of his group yell in confirmation.

"The 4th Division is nothing but a relief and medical squad. It is the division where all the losers and wimps who cannot wield a sword get assigned. So, when it comes to the 4th…"

"WE HATE THEM! SO, IF YOU WANT TO KILL THIS ONE, GO AHEAD!" The entire group yelled.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes before he spoke.

"Is that right," He said in a deadly tone, releasing his hold on the little man, and began walking towards the group.

"Condemning someone to their death just because they have different responsibilities, and people who are burdened with preserving your lives after a long and hard battle no less. As the son of a doctor, I can't let that slide, and when this is over, you'll beg the 4th Division to save you," He stated while Getsuhime radiates with his Reiatsu.

"Let's make this quick kid. What's your name?" He asked the little Shinigami.

"I-I am Hanatarō Yamada," He stuttered as he answered Ichigo.

"Tell me Hanatarō. Do you know the fastest and safest route to where Rukia Kuchiki is being held?" Ichigo asked, deciding that there may perhaps be a benefit in helping this small Shinigami out. "I already know how to get there but after this, I may need an alternative."

Hanatarō's eyes went wide before answering.

"So, you are here to rescue the younger sister of the 6th Division Captain. If you will trust me, I can take you there, I know a way to get there that will allow us to avoid Shinigami," He said as he stood up and looked at Ichigo. Ichigo was unsure of his honesty but decided to trust him for now.

"All right, I'll let you lead but first there's this trash that needs to be taken care of," Ichigo said ready to fight again. "When this is all over, tell the 4th I'm sorry for overworking them."

Over an hour later, another Captain's meeting was called by the Head Captain of the Gotei 13 to discuss the latest crisis and this time each of the Captains have their lieutenants beside them.

The only Captain and Lieutenant who aren't present again are those of the 13th Division, instead, the two Co-3rd seats, Sentarō Kotsubaki and Kiyone Kotetsu will act as their Captain's stand-ins for him.

Sentarō is a tall man looking to be in his mid to late twenties with dark hair and a short goatee. He wears a customized version of the standard Shinigami shihakushō, wearing a thin white headband and white straps around his shoulders, which are tied in a circle at his back.

Kiyone is a petite young woman but still taller than Rukia and Soifon, with dark blond hair and gray eyes. Her uniform is standard but with the collar of a white shirt protruding over her top and white gloves.

The entire room was tense, no one said a word, they all just stood there with a serious look on their face while some looked at the person opposite to them, or some just stood there with their eyes closed.

No one dares to begin speaking without their leader being the first to do so, as it should always be when the Head Captain is before them.

"This Ryoka invasion is making the Gotei 13 look like fools," He said with evident anger in his tone that he does well to suppress to not make the younger Lieutenants feel more nervous than they already are. "The 4th Division is running over with injured caused by the destruction of the Shakonmaku."

"If I may ask, Head Captain, but what's the status of the Sekkiseki? Surely it can't be all gone, could it?" Aizen asked.

"I have already spoken with the Kidō Corps Commander and the situation is grim, though the Seireiheki remains intact, the Sekkiseki itself has been robbed of its power and therefore the Shakonmaku is truly gone," The Head Captain informed, leading to horrified gasps from nearly everyone, except for Byakuya who remains composed but his eyes say volumes of his shock and Mayuri Kurotsuchi has a sinister grin fueled with excitement instead.

"Truly gone? I mean, we've all seen it shatter to bits but for it out of use is unbelievable," The 8th Division Captain, Shunsui Kyōraku said in amazement.

He is a tall man with light skin, high cheekbones, grey eyes, and long wavy brown hair. His hair is tied in a long ponytail and has long bangs that frame the left side of his face. He also has a noticeable amount of body hair on his chest, feet, and arms. He wears a Sugegasa straw hat and a pink, flowered lady's kimono, which he drapes across his shoulders and over his captain's uniform. Although his haori and obi sash are cheap, his pin-wheel hairpins are very expensive. He does not wear tabi with his sandals. He has thin facial hair around his mouth and on his cheeks.

"Will it be difficult to restore the barrier in case of any future endeavors to come?" The 4th Division Captain asked with concern.

Retsu Unohana has the appearance of a slender and very youthful woman with blue eyes and black hair. She wears the standard Shinigami captain uniform apart from using an obi instead of the normal sash. Her hair is long and is always worn as a large braid down the front of her body.

"I'm afraid the only means to restore Sekkiseki lies nowhere else than the Reiōkyū (Soul King Palace). Until we can make a request to restore the wall, we're on our own to solve this crisis as it should always be," Genryūsai answered firmly.

"Could we be dealing with an exceptionally powerful Hollow like a Vasto Lorde?" Soifon wondered out loud.

"Vasto Lorde?! She's just guessing, right?" Kiyone asked pleadingly to a well-endowed young woman who's her sister Isane Kotetsu, and she is the tallest female in the room, and the most beautiful.

She has gray eyes and short messy silver hair with strands on the right side of her face that are shoulder-length and styled as two thin braids. She wears a thin dangling red earring on each ear and a standard Shinigami uniform with her lieutenant badge on her left arm.

"I hope so, I mean, it's only been 22 years since the Ōin War but I don't think any of us are ready for another," Isane said just as nervous from the prospect of facing another demigod-like Hollow.

"The Reiatsu we sensed from above was most certainly not Hollow-like, they were definitely that of Shinigami. Three to be precise," Mayuri corrected Captain Soifon.

"That's what I thought as well, however, among the deadly flames, there was this light mixed in that was truly ominous and gave up the ravenous sensation that we usually attribute to a Hollow," Tōshirō backs up Soifon's suggestion.

"I have mixed feelings about this ominous hunger myself. I don't think it's a Hollow either but I can't imagine anything else that could radiate such mindless destruction," Captain Tōsen stated.

"Perhaps it is neither a Hollow or a Shinigami, but rather something that is both," Sajin suggested, and that even gave the Head Captain pause to consider such a possibility.

"Oh my, Captain Komamura. Are you suggesting we're dealing with the legendary Arrancars, like Arturo Plateado? Quite a scary thought but none of the Ryoka I saw possessed hollow masks. They were a bunch of human teenagers," Gin said next, feigning surprise. "I sure do hope that the Onmitsukidō (Secret Tactics) get in gear and find them as quickly as possible. Eh, Captain Soifon."

"There wouldn't be a need for my men to work so hard if you had done your job, you useless fool," Soifon scoffed, placing the blame on Gin as does almost everyone else.

"Jeez, tough crowd," Gin whined.

"Damn, and I could've sworn I saw one of those bolts land near my Barracks, yet instead of rushing over there to fight them you all forced me to attend this stupid meeting," Kenpachi growled with pure annoyance and boredom. "I swear, if Ikkaku defeated a single one of them before I got a chance to fight them, I will throw a fit."

"Inexcusable!" Genryūsai demanded silence as he slams his cane on the floor again. "If this is how things are then I am left with no other choice. As of-"

The Head Captain is interrupted by a strange Shinigami who seems to appear out of nowhere.

This Shinigami is a member of the Onmitsukidō, the Inner Court Troop to be specific. Dressed in a black and red shihakushō with a purple pack on his back and a weird hat that looked like an open book was resting on his head.

All in the room immediately look at the man with wide eyes before looking at Soifon who was as baffled as the rest. The odd thing about this encounter was that instead of the man kneeling in front of the Head Captain or the 2nd Division Captain who commands the Onmitsukidō, he is kneeling in front of Kenpachi Zaraki.

"Captain Zaraki, I have bad news," He said.

"Well then let's hear it," Kenpachi said lazily. The other Captains and Lieutenants are now intrigued by the news.

"3rd Seat Madarame and 5th Seat Ayasegawa have been defeated in battle and are currently receiving medical care at the 4th Division," The Trooper informed in an emotionless tone. All of the other Captains and Lieutenants were wide-eyed. The thought of both a 3rd and 5th Seat losing in battle told them that their enemy is very skilled.

"Is that right?" Kenpachi said narrowing his good eye with intrigue.

"Yes sir, and according to 5th Seat Ayasegawa, who is the only one of the two to be conscious explained, or rather, lashed out in anger, how one man bested them even with their Zanpakutōs released," The Trooper explained.

Now the expressions become of pure disbelief Before anyone could say anything another of the Inner Court Troops appears in the room in front of Kenpachi again.

"Captain Zaraki, I have bad news," He said kneeling in front of Kenpachi. "More than 70% of the 11th Division has been put out of commission by a single Ryoka. From the reports we have gathered from those who were conscious, the single Ryoka wears a standard sleeveless shihakushō and orange hair." The Shinigami finished.

"Impossible!" Renji shouted over the familiar description, at least the orange hair part.

"The 11th Division is one of the strongest, there's no way!" Isane gasped.

"How could a handful of these Ryoka do this!" Izuru practically yelled.

Even more of the Inner Court Troops show up but this time they present themselves before Captains of the 4th, 7th, and 9th Divisions.

"Captain Unohana! 4th Division's 4th Seat, Hanatarō Yamada has been reported missing by the Relief Team assigned to the 11th Division Barracks and has presumably been kidnapped by the Ryoka," The Trooper informed, with said Captain remaining composed but for those who look, they see sadness.

"Captain Komamura! 7th Division's 5th Seat, Jirōbō Ikkanzaka was found defeated and heavily injured with both his Saketsu (Binding Chain) and Hakusui (Soul Sleep) destroyed. He's lost all of his powers and cannot resume his duties as a Shinigami ever again," The Trooper informed.

'Well, at least one good thing came out of all this.' Matsuri mused to herself, unconcerned of what happened to the 5th Seat who is known to be a dishonorable man and quite the misogynist, so no harm done.

Her Captain would disagree, at least on the part about losing a member of his Division, as evident by his suppress growl that everyone can hear fairly enough.

"Captain Tōsen, 20% of the 9th Division have made contact with two of the Ryoka and were soundly defeated," The other one informed Tōsen who remains unresponsive, unlike his Lieutenant who is horrified. "None of their injuries are severe and will recover but cannot return to their posts."

"Oh boy… this is going to be a long day," Kyōraku muttered, having another headache and he still hasn't recovered from the one he got this morning because of a hangover he had last night.

"How could this be happening?" Muttered in disbelief the Lieutenant of the 8th Division, Nanao Ise, a slim and youthful girl with long black hair normally kept pinned back, with flat bangs that hang to the right side of her face, slightly light blue eyes that have a deep tint of violet and wears glasses with a slight oval shape to them.

"Reiō curse me! I should've sent the entirety of the Onmitsukidō to hunt down the Ryoka the moment they stormed into Soul Society when I had the chance," Captain Soifon growled furiously while biting one of her nails.

"I knew that this execution nonsense was going to start a riot but this is just too much," Sighed her Lieutenant, Fujimaru.

"What do we do?" Momo uttered feeling terrified.

"Stay calm for one, anxiety will only give our enemies more weak points to exploit," Aizen advised her not to give in to fear.

"Give them all the weak spots they want then. Things are getting really interesting," Kenpachi grinned, actually happy by the terrible news about their forces falling apart.

"For once, we are in an agreement," Mayuri also grinned.

For the sake of maintaining order, the Head Captain slams his cane down on the ground again to silence the whole room.

"From now on only high-ranking officers are allowed to engage these Ryoka. Understood?" He asked to which everyone nodded. "Very well, dismissed!"

All of the Captains then began exiting the room along with their lieutenants.

"Lieutenant Kudō, I'm leaving the 2nd Division in your capable hands while I mobilize the Onmitsukidō. Prepare for war," Soifon ordered Fujimaru, leaving via Shunpo.

"Yes, Captain!" Fujimaru obeyed but first stops to speak with his sister before heading out also. "Looks like we're gonna have those dark times you foresaw, after all, sis," He said in a low voice so that only they could hear one another.

"No, not yet. The way I see it, this is but a prelude of things to come and unless we act fast, the climax is something neither of us might come back from," Matsuri muttered feeling dire about everything.

"Everything always has to be cryptic with you, doesn't it," Fujimaru whined.

"I don't make the rules on how this works Fujimaru. I'm just the viewer," Matsuri protested.

"Make haste, Lieutenant Kudō," Sajin ordered as he takes his leave.

"Coming!" The two Kudōs said at once.

"He was referring to me, you idiot," Matsuri scolded.

"What do you expect me to say when we're both the same rank!" Fujimaru argued.

"Should we join in the hunt for the Ryoka as well?" Rangiku asked her young Captain.

"Not yet, our top priority right now is making sure that our Division remains on standby and pass along the order that they should leave the enemy to us Captains and Lieutenants, many of the Jigokuchō were killed in the blast so passing along messages will be difficult with the few that remain," Tōshirō said.

"How many of the Ryoka do you think truly are and could all of them be as strong as the one who brought down the 11th Division singlehandedly?" Rangiku wondered out loud.

"Too soon to tell and the only one who can tell us anything is the Gatekeeper Jidanbō who's currently incapacitated after his fight," Tōshirō stated.

"That and it's not like the residents of Rukongai would be cooperative and let us see him while he's recovering," Rangiku noted.

"A minor setback at best," The 10th Captain shrugged. "Anything else you'd like to tell me?"

"Sir?"

"We're all admittedly spooked by all this and what's been happening to the 7th, 9th and especially the 11th certainly isn't helping anyone, except Zaraki but I did notice you were particularly frozen before the Shakonmaku was destroyed," Tōshirō said sternly but within it hides a concern for his subordinate. Rangiku is a lazy piece of work that doesn't make things easy for him most of the time but when she's serious, she's someone to be praised, and when she's worried so should he.

"Nothing that you don't already feel yourself about the crisis, sir. I mean someone or something broke through Sekkiseki and not only survived but shattered it also," Rangiku shrugged innocently. "I've been a Shinigami a lot longer than most of the current Lieutenants as you know so I understand a bit more about all the stuff in the Seireitei and the Laws so for something as indestructible as Sekkiseki to just up and be destroyed is beyond crazy."

"You said the same thing about the Sōkyoku (Twinned Punishment) being used to eradicate a single soul that's not a Captain-level threat," Tōshirō noted and this makes his Lieutenant groan.

"I'm trying to stay sober for a change so can we please not bring up this topic now of all times," Rangiku insisted while rubbing her head.

"Have it your way," Tōshirō mused as they walk forward while he silently whispers. "You and Ukitake aren't the only ones who think the whole thing with Kuchiki's sister is absolutely ridiculous."

'What's the use in bringing it up? If I was the only one who felt it then I must be going crazy.' Rangiku thought as she does her best to hide her troubled mind. 'There's just no way it could be him and yet, how could that Reiryoku have been anything but Getsuga (Moon Fang)? Fuck, I guess I do need a drink.'

The 6th Division Captain has an unreadable look on his face, but his Lieutenant, however, looks like he's about to commit murder.

Instead of leaving with Byakuya, Renji left before him. Utilizing the Shunpo, Renji disappears from view of the rest. His Captain simply narrows his eyes before leaving in a different direction.

"Renji," Momo whispered, concern for his redhead friend as she is walking away with her Captain back to their Division.

"Everything all right Momo?" Aizen asked her.

"Captain? Yes, everything's fine," She assured him but he does not believe her.

"I know I'm not one to talk but you really shouldn't keep things from me," Aizen smiled kindly. "It's plainly obvious that the 6th Division is taking this matter more personally than the Head Captain if the description we just heard is anything to go by."

"You really think so?" She asked now looking concerned.

"An orange-haired boy. The young human Rukia Kuchiki gave her powers to also has orange hair, and though it seems very unlikely but whatever happens next, Captain Kuchiki and Lieutenant Abarai will want to settle the matter themselves," Aizen said dejectedly.

"The human became a Shinigami again and is coming for Rukia?" Momo questioned, not able to believe that. "How could something like that happen?"

"I don't know, and to tell you the truth, the one thing about living that has always scared me is not knowing. And now I am experiencing this fear more and more but what I do know for certain is that the members of the 6th Division are the most dutybound and prideful of the Gotei 13, and even if the circumstances were different, I'm sure that they'd be front and center to fight and leave even the 1st Division at the back."

"That's a tad bit exaggerated, don't you think," Momo now drops a sweat at the bizarre yet accurate description.

"Probably. I don't have the best relationship with Captain Kuchiki," Aizen mused.

"Who really does?"

"Now, now, Lieutenant, you should always watch your tongue when near the barracks of the other Captains," Aizen half-joked while placing one finger on his mouth with Momo doing the same as a friendly gesture.

"Ah, but there I go again, rambling about everything instead of the one topic I just started. I'm sorry for bothering you, Momo,"

"Not at all, Captain," Momo said waving her hands to reassure her Captain that he did nothing wrong.

"We should head back to the barracks now," Aizen said.

"Is it okay if you go on your own? There's someone I have to check up on first," Momo said almost pleadingly.

"Of course, you can, I can look after everyone until you're ready to return to duty," Aizen smiled in response.

"Okay, I promised that I won't be late," Momo vowed in respect before departing and passing by Gin and Izuru.

"Momo, where are you going?" The fellow Lieutenant asked curiously.

"Izuru? I'm going to check on Renji, I can't explain it yet but I'm really worried for him and I just know he's going to do something really crazy," Momo said before leaving.

"Don't rush in on your own," Izuru advised but she was already gone.

He feels conflicted about what to do because like her, he also noticed his old friend Renji since his academy days looking like he's becoming erratic with all the alarming news they received but for Momo to believe that he would do something she would feel the need to help, that's something he can't shake off.

"If you want to follow, then go right ahead," Gin insisted, knowing what his Lieutenant is thinking.

"I'm sorry?" Izuru asked, caught off by his words.

"You're not the only one who can read a person's thoughts by their expressions, you know. It's quite obvious that young Abarai's behavior has you scratching your head too much and now sweet Momo just went to fetch him. She might as well since Captain Kuchiki won't do it but with the Ryoka running loose I'd be more worried about her," Gin stated.

"You really think she'll run into one of the intruders if she somehow ends up by herself," Izuru asked now nervous.

"Who knows? With the way things are now and everyone none the wiser, it is smarter to always assume the worse and stay in numbers, and I'm sure three Lieutenants have a better chance of coming back alive than just one," Gin shrugged.

"I… you'll have to go back to the barracks by yourself, for now, Captain. Forgive me," Izuru said as he goes to find Momo.

"You'd better also walk the courage to ask her out! Reiō forbids your affections for her aren't so stupidly obvious," Gin cried out but his right-hand man presumably didn't hear him.

"Must you be so cruel to the poor boy and say that out loud for everyone to hear, Gin," Aizen deadpanned. "When you say ''affections'', it can be interpretive as something a bit more advance than just romantic feelings, and we both know young Kira is afraid of just about anything so intimate."

"He just never learned how to truly talk to a woman is all. He's a working progress but he'll get there eventually," Gin mused.

"You really shouldn't push your luck any further, after all, it can be seen as no less than a miracle that the Head Captain chose to postpone any punishment against you until the Ryoka have been dealt with and if you spearhead the assault and at least capture one of them then you'll be pardon," Aizen sighed.

"Come now, Captain, you know I love to push my luck better than anyone, and while we're on the subject of me being cruel to my subordinates, you're quite the hypocrite," Gin accused and to that, Aizen at first remains silent with no emotion displayed on his face before answering.

"Yes, I really can be cruel to my most faithful, can't I?" He asked in a way that almost sounded rhetorical but none but Gin could tell.

Hanatarō led Ichigo into the sewer system of the Seireitei. It was a genius idea on his part because this way they avoided all of the Shinigami and any other confrontation that may arise.

Ichigo for his part couldn't shake the suspicion he feels for Hanatarō that he is leading him into a trap. Finally having enough, he decided to voice his thoughts.

"You were too quick to help me back there. I can understand wanting to get out of that mess after what those bastards said to you but what's the real reason?" Ichigo asked. Hanatarō stops walking and turns to face Ichigo with a sad look.

"I know more about you than you think, from listening to Rukia. She talked a lot about Ichigo Kurosaki," He said, surprising Ichigo. He was about to ask what exactly Rukia said about him, though Hanatarō went and explains his unspoken question first.

"Please save her. You got to. Please rescue Ms. Rukia," He begged Ichigo.

"Where and when did you speak to Rukia?" Ichigo asked.

"Before she was transferred to the Senzaikyū, she was held in a cell within the 6th Division barracks where I was assigned janitor duty at the time. So, I saw when she was brought in," Hanatarō explained.

"Janitor? I thought you were a medic?" Ichigo questioned.

"I am but the 4th Division also has all sorts of different tasks besides healing, like grunt work, shores, and cleaning up for the other Divisions," He explained innocently. "And managing the sewers is how I know my way around so well and why the stench really isn't all that bad anymore."

"Talk about disrespect," Ichigo said annoyed by all that. 'At least now I know why dad not only has zero qualms about doing the shores when we dump all the work on him but why he also seems to enjoy it. Old habits die hard, I guess. Wait… Yamada?'

"It's really no big deal, and besides, the other Divisions are more focus on keeping the peace in Soul Society, maintaining balance in the Human World, and purifying Hollows so grunt work really shouldn't be something they should bother with," Hanatarō insisted, clearly resigned to these unfair conditions. "Except paperwork. No one can get away from that and from what I hear, only the stuck-up Captains are okay with that, and contrary to popular belief there aren't that many stuck-ups."

"Good for all of you," Ichigo said sarcastically.

"Anyway, at first I was scared of being near Rukia. I mean she is nobility after all, but when I spoke to her, she was kinder than I had expected her to be. From that day on my cleaning chores at the barracks stopped being something I dreaded. Instead, it became something I looked forward to and little by little Rukia started to tell me all kinds of things about the human world. All of the stories she told me had one thing in common, you Ichigo." Hanatarō said.

"Rukia was incredibly nice for a Noble, I thought she wouldn't even look at me, and yet she called me over for someone to talk to," Hanatarō said. "She didn't even want me to call her 'Miss Kuchiki', she just wanted 'Rukia'."

"Yep," Ichigo said with a smile. "Sounds just like the hobbit."

"Her voice was so gentle, and her demeanor so kind. She talked about the living world for so long," Hanatarō said. "About juice boxes, TV, and mod souls in stuffed animals. But mostly... she talked about you, Ichigo."

"She said she could trust you with her life if she needed it, despite only knowing you for a few months," Hanatarō continued. "But she told me that because of what she did, you had to go through a lot of changes and pain in your life. She thinks that she could never make it up to you, and that seems to bring her even more pain than her impending execution."

"Always so dramatic, that one," Ichigo said somberly before he becomes more determined. "Come on Hanatarō, let's go save Rukia!"

After walking for a while Hanatarō stopped Ichigo by a latter leading up to the ceiling of the sewer. Ichigo looked at him and was about to ask why he stopped him, but Hanatarō spoke first.

"This is where we need to get out in order to reach the Senzaikyū," He said pointing to the ladder. Ichigo nods and began climbing up.

When he removes the stone covering the exit, he sees that they are in an open courtyard of some sort. There was a thick fog covering the entire place, so it was extremely hard to see. When Hanatarō came up he pointed out a white tower in a distance behind some larger buildings. That's the Senzaikyū.

"The mist is starting to clear up. Time to move," Ichigo said. Both of them started walking before Ichigo stopped all of a sudden.

"What's wrong Ichigo?" Hanatarō asked.

"There is someone up ahead, by the stairs," Ichigo said as he narrowed his eyes at the person standing there.

Both of them stopped and stared at the person as the mist cleared. After a few seconds, the mist became clear enough for them to see who it is. When Ichigo saw who he is, his blood began to boil.

"It's been a while, Thief. I wonder if you still remember my face," The person in front of the stairs spoke.

"I do, Renji Abarai," Ichigo scowled. "But you'll be forgotten soon enough."

"You remember my face and my name," Renji gave a grin of spite. "Impressive, but this is the end of the line."

"For you," Ichigo growled, blue reaitsu forming around Getsuhime as he unsheathes her.

"Renji… Abarai? The 6th Division Lieutenant," Hanatarō gasped in horror at the thought of facing such a mighty opponent.

"No need to fret. This guy won't be much of a problem anymore, especially since he chose to come alone," Ichigo said reassuringly to him, walking towards Renji. "Just in case anyone does show up, I suggest you hide so you don't get caught any further, not like this asshole will be doing any talking after this."

"All right… be careful," Hanatarō pleaded, exiting the battlefield.

"You fool," Renji snarled. "You are going to die here. I'm going to kill the one who stole Rukia's powers. As long as you live, Rukia will never recover her power!"

"Why would you care after you all sentenced her to death?!" Ichigo roared, charging at Renji and swinging Getsuhime with full force, and Renji barely got his Zanpakutō drawn in time to block it. The red-haired Shinigami moved to retaliate, calling the name of his Zanpakutō.

"Howl, Zabimaru (Snake Tail)!"

THis month just wasn't for me. First I find out that Queen Elizabeth is dead, that was truly sad, her life story was captivating and for all it's painful flaws I have a lot of respect for monarchy goverment, granted the name "United Kingdom" is misleading based on my studies but I think it be a real shame if the commonfolk use her death as a way to remove the system completely, but I'm Puerto Rican so it's none of my business.

Speaking of my home, a hurricane hit us, leaving us without power for a week, it was so bad that I couldn't go online throughout that whole time so trying to play Bleach Brave Souls was a hassle, collecting Orbs without using money, which I will never do, is unberable enough so I have zero confidence in getting the New Ichigo to celebrate the return of the Anime.

Now to a possitive note, the Anime is coming back! I am so excited that I've already started working on the new chapter and may or may not upload the sixth on the same day the Anime will air. Sure, everyone will be too focus on Bleach to care for a Fanfict but hey, I'm euphoric, as should the rest of us be.

See you all next time folks, and as always, Favorites, Follows and Reviews can help keep me going.