Moon Princess

by romeoraiden

Ichigo Kurosaki was born destined for greatness but has had to suffer as he grows to embrace his destiny. Naturally, he will not endure this burden alone as he will have many allies to help him along the way. But only one of them can help him go beyond as his ever-faithful sword of the moon. (M for Violence and bad language)

6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6: The Strawberry Against the World

Ichigo breathes a little heavily while trying to keep his balance after being hit on his right knee and right abdomen in two rapid hits that he could not block. He's lucky to have always been sturdier than the average man, even at a young age, otherwise, these blows would've cracked open his bones and possibly protrude off his flesh.

Like what happened with Chad because of Shrieker, a steal grinder once fell on him, coincidentally and courtesy of a Hollow too intelligent for its own good that tried to kill Ichigo, along with Orihime and his sisters while they were walking by a construction site and he was able to shield the three with his body.

His opponent knows this due to witnessing the display of monstrous strength and durability, hence why she doesn't bother holding back her strikes and proceeds with her attacks.

Ichigo stutters before swinging his very durable wooden sword to parry a strike from Rukia with her own.

The first strike comes as she jumped him, then aiming for his left abdomen and later the left temple of his head, both attempts Ichigo successfully parries and even succeeds in blocking a thrust into his chest that the truer Shinigami next makes that is much faster, and was merely lucky to have blocked, try as he might deny.

After parrying another blow aimed for his neck, Rukia puts more effort into her strikes, giving Ichigo less of a chance to fight back until he can't block anymore and gets sent flying until he hits a wall.

The impact wasn't in any way harmful so he hardly felt it but his breathing does get harder with how exhausted he felt.

"You may be strong enough to punch through concrete and sturdy enough to endure tons of force falling on you but in a battle between Shinigami, skill, and agility almost always have the advantage," Rukia said while maintaining a fighting pose that Ichigo would expect to see a master have, not someone that looks like she belongs in high school.

"So you keep telling me," Ichigo groaned while adjusting himself.

"Ready for more punishment?" Rukia asked smugly.

"Are you? Because I can do this all day," Ichigo hissed before charging in to attack Rukia with the intent to stay on the offensive this time.

The two clash again, parrying every blow they make after another until Ichigo succeeds in delivering a blow so hard that it blew Rukia a few feet away from the impact, though she easily shrugs the blow off by backflipping before she could be harmed by the fall.

Ichigo lungs forward at her with a horizontal slash that she not only avoids by leaping pretty high but also lands on top of his head to make another leap and what little weight she has, which Ichigo can attest to her barely having any at all, coupled with her jumping again caused Ichigo to hit the floor rather harshly but nothing occurred that needs attention.

As soon as he recovers he turns his head around to see that Rukia was already close to attack again, aiming for his left abdomen that he was already prepared to block with his weapon, however, Rukia planned for this as she halts her strike before the two wooden swords could even touch each other, and then, like a ballerina, she spins her body to have her sword switch for his right side to deliver a blow that should end this fight.

At that moment, time seems to have slowed down for Ichigo as he watches the sword aim at his unprotected right arm with him certain that he can't block with his blade and out of pure reflex he does the only thing he's sure he can do, letting himself fall to the floor as quick as he can, and thankfully this works out, the Shinigami's wooden katana narrowly missing the Agent, only an inch apart from his nose.

As soon as the katana was away from him, Ichigo rapidly gets on his feet faster than Rukia could blink but this only prompts her to make a horizontal slash at him that he quickly responds by making an impressive backflip that easily avoids the slash, and as soon as his feet hit the ground, the two clash swords one more time and lock themselves in a stalemate.

"Look at you, moving around like you know what you're doing," Rukia hides her impression of his growing progress by teasing him, she always did, hence why he doesn't take them seriously anymore.

"Yeah, well, you're getting sloppier, that makes it easy for me to see you coming," He taunted back.

"I'm predictable?!" She repeated and took it as a challenge. "Trust me, you haven't seen all I got yet," She said, ready to take things to the next level, but unfortunately, she cannot as a phone starts ringing from Ichigo's pocket, killing the tension.

"Aren't you going to take that?"

"What, so you can take advantage of me answering to knock me down," Ichigo hissed.

"Ichigo, I'm a Shinigami, I have my honor. And dirty tactics are reserved for Hollows and the occasional criminal," Rukia insisted with the lovely tone she uses for her fake persona in school. "Besides, there's a high chance that might be your mother and if you don't answer, she'll hunt you down again."

"Enough said," Ichigo gave up, turned his back on her to pick up his phone to answer it, and ''shocker'', it is his mother. "Yes, mom?"

"Ichigo, where are you? School ended two hours ago and it's almost dinner time?" Masaki demanded but not so sternly and just worried.

Ever since the incident with the first Hollow, she's become increasingly concerned when he and the twins aren't at home at the time they're expected to so her calls are becoming more frequent it's annoying.

He understands her worries completely as he feels the same way for his sisters, they do live in a big city where anything can happen, ambushed by an invisible monster notwithstanding.

But he also knows how suffocating worrying over someone can be, and that is something he appreciates about his dad who always gives him his space, albeit a little too much but dammit, he's taking advantage of it.

"I told you this morning that I would go spend some time with the guys," Ichigo lies again as he has been doing ever since he began being a Shinigami Agent.

"Oh really? Because I just so happened to have seen the ''guys'' walk past the house an hour ago and they asked me where you were since they have no idea where you are either," She replied a bit smugly.

"Chad, Keigo, and Mizuiro aren't the only boys I hang out with, they're just the ones I make time for the most," Ichigo countered.

"I never said Chad was among them," Masaki said smugly as if that somehow gives her the advantage when she's adding fuel for her son.

But then again, this isn't the first time she told him that she talked to one of his friends asking where he is only for him to use that as an excuse to lie his way out of being out only for it to be revealed that she was also lying as a way to expose his deception.

He's not falling for it again.

"There is no ''guys'' without Chad! You either talked to them or you're just making things up to get me to confess whatever it is you think I'm doing!" Ichigo argued while walking a bit away from Rukia.

"Are you coming home, or not!" She more or less relented and became more demanding.

"Yes, I'm coming. I'll be there in maybe thirty minutes. You're cooking today so dinner will be ready by then," Ichigo gave up while doing his hardest not to yell at her. "Scratch that, I'll be there in forty minutes. Got to go see Mizuiro for something."

"What makes you say that, I just said that dinner is almost ready," Masaki questioned.

"Unlike Yuzu who has a clean schedule that never interferes with her studies, especially when she has a difficult exam or project to make, you don't always make time for the house because of your bakery so the fact that you've chosen now to call me instead of an hour prior indicates that almost ready means the opposite," Ichigo said familiar with his mother's lack of a schedule.

Seriously, if thieves were planning to rob their home, they have difficulty finding the perfect moment to sneak in undiscovered because there's no way to tell when she leaves or stays home.

Masaki makes a loud and offended gasp at his explanation. "Are you accusing me of being unpredictable in a bad way!" She demanded.

"Your words, not mine," Ichigo said smugly.

"Your father will hear about this, young man!" She warned just as her son hangs up.

"Thanks for the heads up but as if he needs an excuse to attack me," Ichigo hissed, putting away his phone.

"Your family belongs in an asylum," Rukia said half joking and half serious.

"So I've been told," Ichigo sighed tossing her his wooden sword and they head out.

They take the chance to spar whenever Ichigo's studies or Hollows aren't an issue as they have ever since his third encounter with one and so far Ichigo shows quick progress in swordplay and hand-to-hand combat but no luck with Kidō and Hohō, not that Rukia expected much with those two and is just glad to have any progress with him.

The place they've chosen to train undisturbed is below a bridge in an unpopular area in Karakura where mostly street punks hang out and scaring them off is easy for the two so thus far they haven't had to deal with anyone that would be a problem to the training.

"You know, all this training would probably be more comfortable if you'd give me a bigger sword to work with since that's what I've been using to fight Hollows," Ichigo suggested.

"Wouldn't be worth much in the long run once you learn to properly control your Reiatsu," Rukia said.

"What do you mean?"

"The reason why your Zanpakutō is huge compared to my own is because of your inability to suppress your spirit energy and because Shinigami and their blade are connected, it reflects on the size of your sword. For example, all Captain-Class Shinigami have to regularly keep their Reiatsu in check otherwise they've all be wielding swords the size of skyscrapers," Rukia explained.

"Damn, swords that big must be a hassle to carry around," Ichigo muttered as he imagines such huge blades.

"I'd imagine so and once you learn to keep yourself restrained, not only will Hollows arrive less and less but your Zanpakutō will shrink to a more natural-sized and standard katana, therefore, teaching you how to fight with a heap of raw iron will be a waste of time," Rukia said. "You're just gonna have to adapt with what I teach you until you get a proper sword, which shouldn't be too hard since you have a gift for gaining new experience as you move along."

"Yeah, I guess I can do that," Ichigo sighed.

"You guess?" Rukia questioned.

"What I mean to say is that I'm not so sure myself how well I can keep this up for much longer. Sure, Shrieker went down like the little bitch he always was in life but I'm not so sure how well I stack up against more than one of them in a fight, much less against these Menos Grande you mentioned before," Ichigo said, expressing self-doubt on how long he has before he faces an exceptionally powerful Hollow and cannot defeat it.

"You're way too impatient. Take it from me, wanting to take shortcuts into becoming stronger only leads you to trouble," Rukia advised, noting that he's become more anxious to fight Hollows despite his frustrations with his human life being interrupted, though she can't blame him seeing what's happened thus far.

Two of his closest friends, Orihime and Chad had been targeted by Hollows, the former had it worse and on both occasions, there was something that complicated matters when defeating those Hollows should've been an easy task for him to dispatch off in just a few moments.

He's on edge and erasing their memories of the events hasn't eased his mind much from the traumatic experiences, and she suspects that at least Chad is regaining his original memories, indicating that the encounter with Shrieker has increased his Reiryoku, which isn't good for many reasons, one being that avoiding Humans becoming Spiritually Aware, or Watchers as Soul Society calls them, is one of the duties of a Shinigami and the other is because it will make Ichigo feel worse and guilty if Hollows start attacking him again.

"You're strong enough to overpower any common Hollow already, even if you get swarmed, what little you know is enough to defend this town," She said next more encouragingly.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Ichigo said dryly but what she said meant a lot to him. "Now that you mention it, what did you mean by taking it from you?" He next said, eager to see what potential screw-up Rukia made to make her say that.

"Nice try, pal, but I ain't here to humor you," Rukia scoffed, quickly catching on to his true intent.

"C'mon. I need something to get my mind off Hollows. Tell me more about the Life Beyond. I would like a heads up on what awaits me when my time in this world is over," Ichigo insisted.

"I don't know, Ichigo, considering your delinquency, I wouldn't want to get your hopes up," Rukia said while assuming her cheery girl persona and rubbing her right cheek to feint concern.

"Are you accusing me of going to Hell?" Ichigo questioned, more annoyed than offended because he's confident in himself that he is a good person, and her laughter at his expression increases his annoyance.

"Now, now, if it makes you feel any better, Tatsuki might join you in the Pit too. I don't like her a whole lot either," Rukia mused. "Too bossy, even for my taste, and she's more of a brute than you are."

"Huh," Ichigo gives himself paused to consider that for a moment.

"Wow, you have it bad for her, and not in a sexual way," Rukia said pretending to be taken aback.

"It's complicated," Ichigo sighed.

"I could tell, while everyone else seems to admire her in some regard, you look at her like she's just another Hollow to be cleansed," Rukia said.

"Nothing that extreme. She is just a constant reminder of a pitiful part of my life that she keeps reminding me of. Sometimes it feels like she enjoys stumping on open wounds," Ichigo scoffed.

"It must be serious because the way you taunt and insult each other doesn't seem like you're saying them for laughs like the way you do to your dad or me," She pressed.

"As I said, it's complicated," Ichigo shrugged, wanting the subject dropped.

"I'm a good listener and can probably help you with this dilemma," She insisted.

"What, are Shinigami also experts in dealing with zombies without keeping them buried where they belong?" Ichigo asked sarcastically.

"No, but I know what it's like to inexplicably become estranged from a friend out of the blue," Rukia replied, doing an excellent job at hiding her sadness once she said that, thinking of a certain redhead that never left her heart.

"Sad to hear but you calling her my friend is where a draw the fucking line," Ichigo refused to talk.

"Oh, don't be like that, you big baby," Rukia refused to stop pressing and this went on for a while now, turns out the midget is in love with getting under people's skins and boy did she find multiple soft spots with Ichigo to keep his blood boiling for days on end.

He'll miss her when she finally leaves but he will welcome the peace and having his closet back with open arms and never let it go.

(Present Time)

Orihime and Uryū have been fortunate to avoid being spotted and only engaging in combat against one Shinigami named Jirōbō Ikkanzaka, and he was a real piece of filth, preferring to attack Orihime simply because she's the weaker of the two and using dirty tactics to win no matter the cost, however, Uryū proved too great for him and when faced with the chance to kill him, the Quincy decided to strip him of his powers, robbing him of his life as a Shinigami.

A fate worse than death in Uryū's opinion since he can't imagine what his life would be like if he were to somehow lose his own Quincy powers.

The main reason he spared him was that his last name was the same as Jidanbō, meaning he must be the relative the Elder they spoke to mentioned who was a poor excuse of a brother. Even if the two didn't get along they were still family and no one deserves to experience such pain.

To better avoid being spotted, Orihime found them some spared Shihakushō for them to wear and blend in with the Divisions, something Uryū was abhorred about doing due to his Pride as a Quincy and that black has always been his most unlikable color but was quick to relent in favor of safety.

So far so good, they'd passed by several Shinigami who paid them no mind, largely due to how plenty of them are still in disarray but they both agreed that it was still best for them to avoid contact altogether and not risk anyone asking questions they can't answer.

They then pause as they felt a surge of Ichigo's reiatsu in the distance.

"I think Ichigo ran into someone tough again," Orihime gulped as the two were able to faintly feel Ichigo fighting against Ikkaku and Yumichika but just enough to know that he was fighting at least two Shinigami who were stronger than any they'd come across.

It was only now that they can sense him again due to him giving out more spiritual energy and because the Gotei 13 is in a calmer state of mind so Reikaku should be usable to its natural capacity.

"You could say that again," Uryū growled, recognizing the reiatsu of the guy Ichigo's fighting. "Renji Abarai, one of the bastards that took Rukia in the first place."

Orihime's eyes widened, "Should we go help?"

"I don't think we'll be able to reach him from our distance," Uryū said regrettably while looking at the location of the tower.

---

Momo leaps from building to building, trying to find Renji who up and vanished from her sight once she started looking for him, depending on sensing his Reiatsu to find him, however, despite his arrogant and loudmouth behavior, Renji is hard to find when he doesn't want to be found and knows how to cover his tracks that even the Onmitsukidō would have too great a challenge to locate him.

Luckily, she doesn't have to search for long, instantly feeling the sudden spike of Renji's power from her left.

"Renji? He's in the Senzaikyū, where Rukia is?" She muttered before rushing over there as fast as she can.

"MOMO!" Izuru cried out to her, almost instantly catching up.

"Izuru, what are you doing here?" She asked confused.

"When you said you were going to look for Renji I got worried. Pretty much everyone agrees not to travel alone," Izuru explained.

"Wish Renji got the message sooner because right now he's fighting someone and I don't recognize this Reiatsu. It's enormous," Momo said growing more worried for Renji.

"I feel it too, it's definitely one of the two Ryoka that destroyed the Shakonmaku, and I get the feeling he's only toying with Renji. Let's hurry!" Izuru pressed as the two hurried to assist their fellow Lieutenant.

---

Getsuhime clashes against Zabimaru with incredible force, the shockwave alone blowing dust in the air.

Renji jumps back and swung his blade, Zabimaru that has transformed into an even longer 6-part segmented blade; each segment is wider than the one preceding it from the hilt, with 2 pick-like protrusions on the front and back of each segment, with the ones on the front much longer than the ones on the back. The segments of Zabimaru can grow in number almost without limit and are connected by a stretchable thread, making Zabimaru more useful as a whip than an actual sword, however, it can serve as a regular sword just as easily, thanks to Renji's swordsmanship. Its guard and handle remain the same.

Extending and shooting it at Ichigo, who merely sidesteps it before swatting away the follow-up slice with Getsuhime. Renji recalls his blade, then was forced to duck under a blast of energy from the sword.

"Amazing!" Hanatarō gasped watching everything unfold from a building he's hiding in. "He's completely overpowering Lieutenant Abarai! What kind of human is he?"

"Tell me, Ichigo!" Renji snapped. "Do you really think you can rescue Rukia?"

"I do!" Ichigo declared fiercely.

"Even if you defeat me here, there are still 11 Lieutenants left," Renji explained. "And above them, there are 13 Captains. You'll have to defeat us all to rescue Rukia."

"I don't care how many Lieutenants and Captains there are!" Ichigo roared. "Not one of you can stop me! Not against what I have become."

"That confidence of yours borders on insanity!" Renji taunted. "You get yourself a better-looking Zanpakutō and you suddenly think you're invincible! Do you even know its name this time? Have you unlocked its true power?"

"Don't flatter yourself. You're not fit to hear her name," Ichigo boasted as he swings his sword down on Zabimaru that Renji can't dodge, and he can only pale as an explosion rocked the area as the blast hit, sending him flying.

"Fuck!" Renji roared, spinning in the air to land on his feet.

"I got to give you some credit, you too have gotten stronger since last time," Ichigo stated. "I mean you could barely move after I hit you with a similar attack during our first fight."

"You seem to think that you already know my strength just by having fought me once," Renji growled. "Well let me tell you something, amateur. When the ranked Lieutenants and above are sent out into Human soil, our powers are severely limited by 80% so that we don't adversely affect the human world. Unlike you, we like to avoid living humans from being able to see spirits so they don't get targeted by Hollows. I'm five times more powerful than before!"

"If that's your idea of a big difference then you're clearly out of your league," Ichigo shot back. "I have been overpowering you this whole fight! You have yet to even cut me! But then again, you alone have proven to be a better warm-up than all the members of the 11th Division who only excel at boasting greatness."

"Allow me to fix that, and you can bet your ass I'll make you pay for insulting my former Division!" Renji roared, jumping in the air and swinging Zabimaru down.

Ichigo rolls his eyes as he easily parries the swing from Zabimaru with enough force to push Renji back a bit.

'I'll admit his Zabimaru is amusing, though while he can be stretched to incredible lengths in its whip form, Renji only has a limit of three consecutive attacks before having to bring the segments of Zabimaru back together to recover, leaving him fairly vulnerable,' Ichigo quickly analyzed Renji's fighting pattern.

"Yes, but for someone of his rank, he surely has a way to mitigate this vulnerability. Shunpo should be the best option to evade attacks as he retrieves Zabimaru's segments, something you have yet to perform," Getsuhime pointed out.

'Like it'll matter,' Ichigo hissed as he parries a second and third strike from Zabimaru, forcing Renji to bring the segments of his sword back together to recover and that's when Ichigo makes his move to deliver what should be a finishing blow only for the Lieutenant to suddenly blur from view, catching Ichigo off guard and rushing past him so fast that Hanatarō barely registered what happened, or at least that's how it looked like to the 4th Seat when in fact Ichigo saw the next attack coming and avoided effortlessly.

"Congratulations, you realized the minor weakness of my Zabimaru, however, that won't benefit you in the long run because I am more than prepared for it," Renji boasted.

"Spare me your idle boasts. You're as predictable as me so if you think you have a chance to beat me just because you're a more ''experienced'' Shinigami then prepare for a rude awakening," Ichigo taunted.

"Took the words right out of my mouth!" Renji shouted as he blurred from sight again, and Ichigo jumped back to see where he went. This decision proved wise for the Shinigami Agent, allowing him to see Zabimaru rushing from above.

"This is all your fault!" Renji roared. "If it weren't for you, Rukia wouldn't be going through all this!"

Ichigo slashes Getsuhime upwards, deflecting Zabimaru and jumping upwards to clash with Renji in mid-air. As the two fell, the blades countered and parried each other in an attempt to cut the owner.

"Don't give me that crap!" Ichigo roared even louder and pushes harder, knocking Renji to the ground.

"My word," Hanatarō gasped. "Those two are so strong."

"The one at fault IS YOU!" Ichigo yelled as he falls with the intent to end this fight.

"Bakudō #4. Hainawa (Crawling Rope)!" Lieutenant Kira yelled who just arrived at the scene along with Momo, and from his left hand, he fires a crackling yellow energy rope that he launches at Ichigo that wraps itself by his right hand to pull him away from the momentarily defeated Renji.

"What the…" Ichigo shouted before he swings Getsuhime to destroy the energy rope to free himself, and he ends up landing right next to Hanatarō.

"Renji!" Momo shouted with the two Lieutenants arriving alongside Abarai.

"What are you two doing here?" Renji asked in disbelief to see his comrades here of all places.

"We just knew you were going to do something crazy so we decided to find you," Momo said helping him up to his feet.

"Great, more of them," Ichigo sneered. "Should've knocked him out cold by releasing sooner."

"Hard to believe you would've since you wanted to prolong his beating," Getsuhime lectured.

"Yeah," Ichigo smirked.

'Oh no, two more Lieutenants. This isn't good,' Hanatarō thought, fearing for Ichigo's wellbeing.

"So you must be one of the Ryoka responsible for all this mess," Izuru said standing to face Ichigo.

Ichigo says nothing and just glares at the new opponents.

"Your reign of terror ends here so unless you want a brutal end you'll surrender right now," The 3rd Division Lieutenant declared, unsheathing his Zanpakutō, a simple katana with a normal rectangular tsuba, with only an omega design on the top and bottom half.

His threat meant very little to Ichigo, unconvinced that this gloomy-looking guy will pose a bigger challenge than Renji who, if he's lucky, is the strongest Lieutenant the Gotei currently have.

"Wait, Izuru! Don't either of you dare interfere!" Renji protested, walking in front of his two friends. "He's my opponent and has to be killed by me and me alone!"

"Don't be foolish Renji. Look at yourself, if we hadn't arrived when we did you'd be dead for sure," Izuru scolded.

"That's right. These Ryoka are too dangerous to fight alone except for the Captains. Let us help you, Renji," Momo pleaded.

"Listen to your friends, Renji. Unlike me, you need all the help you can get and your dear Captain is not here to save you this time," Ichigo taunted, now with a guilty pleasure in watching one of the men who left him for dead be put in such a vulnerable position that would make any man's pride fall to pieces.

"You bastard!" Renji yelled, more eager to fight than ever. "Fine! You two can assist, but the killing blow is mine!"

"How pathetic you've turned out to be, Renji," Said a voice that only Renji and Ichigo can hear. "That's twice now you needed saving from someone as insignificant as a human."

"No kidding, you really are the purest scum. Unfit to ever be called a warrior worthy of our power," Said another voice with a tone more serpentine.

'SHUT UP, Zabimaru! Not one more word out of you,' Renji suppressed a vicious howl at his Zanpakutō. It seems he has a complicated relationship with his blade as much as Ikkaku and Yumichika do.

'A Zanpakutō with two voices. Does he have more than one?' Ichigo wondered.

"No, Zabimaru is one entity with two heads. Rather insightful, this one is, and as someone who doesn't like monkeys or snakes, you'd never get along with them," Getsuhime said.

'A monkey and a snake molded together? It's a good thing I can only hear the spirits and not see what they really look like,' Ichigo whined, not a big fan of the two types of animals.

"Ichigo?" Hanatarō whispered nervously worried for him.

'I can feel Hanatarō's worries from here. Guess I better put on a better show for him to keep him encouraged,' Ichigo thought, readying his sword.

"You'll be forced to your knees begging for forgiveness when this is over," Izuru declared.

"We'll see!" Ichigo shouted, rushing towards the three Lieutenants so fast they barely had time to Shunpo out of the way as he slams Getsuhime on where they were just standing so hard that he leaves a large fissure.

"Hadō #4. Byakurai (Pale Lightning)!" Izuru shouted, gathering high-density spiritual energy that he discharges from his left hand, firing a pale-colored bolt of lightning at Ichigo that he narrowly avoids as it could've hit his neck but this doesn't deter him, and proceeded to go for Kira.

The two clash with their blades but as expected, the Lieutenant can't handle Ichigo's strength the way Renji can and gets knocked to the ground upon impact.

"Bakudō #62. Hyapporankan (Hundred Steps Fence)!" Momo yelled, generating a blue-white glowing rod of energy in her hand, and throws it at Ichigo who takes the time to notice it, knowing Izuru wouldn't be able to mount a counterattack from their first clash yet.

That one rod quickly multiplies into a hundred more rods which proves a problem that rains down on Ichigo and nearly pins him against the floor but avoids most of them nonetheless and the ones that could've hit him he destroys with Getsuhime.

Ichigo then looks up to see Renji above him swinging down his Zabimaru but Ichigo not only evades the snake sword easily but grabs it by the back of one of its segments and pulls so hard that Renji falls helplessly on the floor.

"Now you're just embarrassing yourself, man," Ichigo chuckled, amused by Renji's helplessness, and proceeds to attack him again.

"Allow me to redeem myself," Renji growled as he momentarily releases his hold on Zabimaru so that he can place both his palms on the ground. "Bakudō #21. Sekienton (Red Smoke Escape)!"

As he shouted, red smoke bursts forth from the ground his hands are placed on, swiftly engulfing the surrounding area and briefly obscuring any further movement from Renji once engulfed, shocking Ichigo who is forced to cover his eyes from the smoke.

"Dammit! Enough with these childish tricks!" Ichigo roared as he swings his sword horizontally, releasing a shockwave that dispersed the smoke, letting him see his surroundings clearly and catching Renji already several feet away.

"Bakudō #30. Shitotsu Sansen (Beak-Piercing Triple Beam)!" Momo yelled, casting another Kidō, generating a burst of crackling yellow energy in her palm, drawing an inverted yellow triangle, which has solidified energy in the shape of smaller triangles from its three points that are then fired and hit Ichigo, pinning him against a wall by slamming into his body in three places in the shape of a perfect triangle and immobilizing him.

"Goddammit!" Ichigo yelled enraged and to the surprise of the Lieutenants, the sealing Kidō shakes violently and with sheer force alone, the Shinigami Agent breaks free from the seal.

"No way!" Momo uttered in disbelief. "Even if his Reiatsu is higher than mine, you can't just release yourself from Kidō like that."

"Yeah, this little shit has a gift for crumbling everything that is the norm for us," Renji hissed venomously.

"You have wasted enough of my time, Renji. Like I told you before, I'm going to save Rukia even if I have to crush every Shinigami in the Soul Society," Ichigo declared.

"NO! I won't let you. You will not go near her ever again!" Renji roared with fierce determination mixed with anger but also sadness, something that Ichigo only now realizes has plagued his eyes since they met once again.

"I was wrong, you're not much of a warm-up after all. Just a distraction that brings too much attention and it's time I end this," Ichigo said pointing his Zanpakutō at foes.

"I don't think so! Raise your Head, Wabisuke (The Wretched One)!" Izuru commanded as he finally uses his Zanpakutō, with the blade losing its curve and straightens, and where a normal katana would end, Wabisuke's blade makes two 90-degree angles, forming three sides of a square, reminiscent of a hook and has its cutting edge on the inside of the angles.

"Snap, Tobiume (Flying Plum Tree)!" Momo unsheathes her Zanpakutō to fight, a regular katana with a light red handle and a rectangular tsuba with a five-petal flower designs stamped on it. The blade straightens to become a double-edged sword and produces multiple jutte-like prongs along its length at various intervals, not unlike a Seven-Branched Sword, exactly three prongs, one at the back and two in the front.

"Too little too late to give me a challenge," Ichigo smirked.

"But you still won't use me?" Getsuhime questioned.

"I want to see what they can do before I show them what you're made of," He insisted.

Momo makes the first move with her sword being set ablaze and as she swings it, a huge fireball is launched straight at Ichigo that he casually parries and tosses to the floor with no damage to himself, just then, Izuru Shunpo his way closer to him to swing his sword and Ichigo easily blocks a hit from Wabisuke, and as he pushes the Lieutenant back, Kira is persistent and continues his assault, delivering four more swings at Ichigo who at this point is more annoyed by how easy it is to block these attacks.

"Jeez, is this how everyone else feels when I stubbornly keep marching forward," Ichigo whined to himself as he knocks Izuru to the ground after parrying the sixth swing. "No wonder everyone's always mistreating me. I'll just have to hit harder and get brought down less."

"Hadō #31. Shakkahō (Red Fire Cannon)!" Renji shouted as placed both hands together as high-temperature red flames form on his hand that he discharges to fire at Ichigo.

The Agent parries the red fireball out of his sight casually but this distracts him from Momo who slams her Zanpakutō on the ground while it surged with flames and the ground below Ichigo starts feeling warm way too fast, alarming him to the danger as he makes a high leap to escape the towering torrent of flame Hinamori brought upon him.

"I have you now!" Izuru declared, charging after Ichigo again in the air where the two clashed with their swords four more times, the final one ending in a shockwave that knocks them both back down, though Izuru handled himself pretty well this time to Ichigo's surprise as he just noticed that his swings are getting slower.

"I feel heavy…" Getsuhime said groggily.

"What's wrong?" He asked concerned by her voice and it worsens when his sword suddenly becomes so heavy he has to use both hands just to lift it and struggles to remain on his feet. "Getsuhime?"

"I'm impressed that you can still hold your blade despite how heavy it's gotten but from here on out you won't be able to fight with it," Izuru declared.

"What have you done to her?" Ichigo demanded.

"My Wabisuke doubles the weight of anything it strikes, be it inanimate objects or living beings, and is cumulative. For example, most Zanpakutō weigh around 10 pounds but with the first strike from my own it doubles it to 20 pounds and if I keep striking the sword, the weight doubles again to 40 pounds,"

"You're kidding me!" Ichigo wallowed.

"I don't make jokes and thus far I've hit you 10 times, therefore your sword now weighs exactly 10,240 pounds. It's useless to you now," Izuru declared, seeing a victory for them.

'Shit, and him saying I'd fall to my knees begging for forgiveness makes a whole lot of sense now,' Ichigo bemused. 'And considering the hook end of his blade, it is a gruesome function to decapitate a fallen opponent by holding it beneath their necks and lifting it like a reverse guillotine.'

"You'd better wrap this up now," Getsuhime insisted.

"Yeah, playtime is now officially over, and there's no way in Hell you're cutting off my head with that thing, you gloomy-looking creep!" Ichigo shouted as he raises his Zanpakutō with all his might.

"You're such an idiot! No matter how hard you try, it's useless!" Renji shouted as he, Momo, and Izuru attack him at once.

"Purge, Getsuhime!" Ichigo howled with his sword shining in light and transforms into its Silver Form.

'A Zanpakutō of Light!' Momo gasped.

'NO! My Wabisuke's been nullified,' Izuru uttered as Getsuhime has become weightless, as evident by Ichigo disappearing from their view.

"Where did he…" Renji muttered once the three Lieutenants stopped in their tracks.

"I'm threw playing with you, Renji," The trio turn to their left to see Ichigo at a fair distance with his Reiatsu being absorbed into Getsuhime, converting it into light energy for an attack to finish this fight. "Getsuga Tenshō (Moon Fang Heaven Piercer)!"

In an instant, Ichigo fiercely swings Getsuhime, releasing a crescent-shaped blast at the three Lieutenants, and with its velocity, none of them will get away in time. The only one who can do anything is Renji who runs forward in a fruitless attempt to shield his friends from the full front. The resulting attack of light sends them crashing violently to a wall, all while devastating the area around Ichigo.

---

Many Shinigami felt and fewer even heard the density of the explosion as all now know where one of the Ryoka is and that three Gotei Lieutenants are fighting him.

"Look over there, Kenny! There's another fight going on in the Senzaikyū!" Yachiru said to Kenpachi while pointing to where they needed to go.

"Damn, now he's fighting three Lieutenants at once? This guy is just begging for me to find him," Kenpachi said with a sadistic grin, growing more desperate by the minute to fight one of the Ryoka.

---

"He is definitely your son. How reckless," Yoruichi sighed, knowing the trouble Ichigo is in.

"Nothing he can't handle. Let's just continue to find the others," Isshin insisted, confident that his son will be all right.

"Agreed,"

---

"Ichigo?" Chad said looking at the sky, worried for his best friend while he and Ganju are fighting Shinigami of the 9th Division and are fortunate to be victorious despite the disadvantage in numbers.

"Reiō cursed me. It just occurred to me that we just declared war on the whole Seireitei, but I didn't think things would go down like this," Ganju said in awe at all the destruction happening everywhere.

"I know, none of us wanted any of this to transpire but I'm afraid it can't be helped," Chad said with regret. "Let's hurry, we're safe for the moment."

"Way ahead of you,"

---

"Oh, sweet Reiō… am I dead?" Hanatarō sobbed, frightened by the whole battle, especially as the blast reached where he was hiding.

"You're fine, buddy," Ichigo assured him as he opens his eyes to see that he is being carried by the Shinigami Agent who grabbed him in time from the blast and is now up on a roof.

"Wow, you're as fast as you are strong," He mumbled.

"Thanks, now sit tight while I check on those idiots down there," Ichigo said as he gently drops Hanatarō and vanishes from the 4th Seat's sight as though he used Shunpo.

Ichigo inspects the Lieutenants, both Momo and Izuru are completely out cold, the wounds they received from his attack aren't fatal due to Renji shielding them. Speaking of Renji…

"No… I won't lose… not to you… not again!" The 6th Division Lieutenant is way more stubborn and his will is made of iron, despite possessing the more serious wounds, bleeding all over, he will not stay down.

Ichigo has to admit, he sees a kindred spirit in him now. If only the circumstances were different.

"Give it up Renji, I have no intention of ending any of your lives and you're worse off than your friends," Ichigo insisted. "You couldn't beat me before when I had a faux Zanpakutō I could never commune with. What makes you think things will be different now that I have a true partner whose power pretty much transcends everything you've come to know."

"There you go again, with your arrogant mouth. I can't stand that. You and your ugly face," Renji mocked.

"Hey now, at a first glance, people would easily mistake us for relatives so you're ultimately insulting yourself," Ichigo mocked back before becoming more serious. "But really, man, stay down and let me pass. I must save Rukia."

"From what YOU caused!" Renji shot back.

Ichigo scowled. "Have you ever wondered why Rukia gave me her powers?"

Renji was temporarily struck mute, causing Ichigo to scoff.

"I was under attack by a Hollow, one who was on the verge of becoming a Gillian (Lowest Great Hollow), according to Rukia who realized too late by its capacity to use more advance hollow abilities so defeating it proved a real challenge. It was going to eat me, her, my parents, and my two sisters," Ichigo snarled. "She gave me the power so I could protect myself, protect her! We would've died if she hadn't! Could you imagine how strong a Hollow that ate a Shinigami and someone like me would become?!" Renji paled at the implications. "We had no other options. Could you blame us for not thinking of them?"

"Yes, we broke the Law," Ichigo said. "But if the Law says what we did is grounds for death, then I'll kick down the Law and beat down anyone who upholds it!"

Renji growled, unable to accept that Ichigo was justified in his actions.

"You bastard!" He roared, more adrenaline pumping through his veins to remain on his feet. "This is your fault! If you'd never existed, Rukia would have never been in that situation at all!"

"You think I don't know that? That's why I have to save her!" Ichigo shot back.

"And what happens if you or one of your friends die saving her? She accepted her fate to save your worthless life! Can you possibly imagine the pain she would feel after you threw it away!?" Renji roared.

"Of course I can imagine that! But to me, it'll be even worse if we don't do something!" Ichigo shouted back. "And if this army of yours continues to dare stand in my way I'll tear every last one of you apart!"

"Empty promises!" Renji hotly declared, tears forming in his eyes. "Easy to state! How could you stand there and declare a pipedream like defeating all of the Captains so easily?"

"It's not a dream nor will it be easy! It never crossed your mind how I became a Shinigami again, has it? I didn't exactly sacrifice anything but because of the lengths I had to go through to come here, nothing's going to stop me!"

"You really are insane," Renji said more softly with his strength now fading. "To believe that you can do this for her when I can't do anything."

"You never even wanted to stop me to begin with, didn't you?" Ichigo questioned.

"No… not really," Renji said. "I was just scared of getting my hopes up," He stumbled forward, coughing up more blood. "Can you promise me something? Do what I couldn't. Defeat Byakuya and save Rukia. Please."

"… I will," Ichigo swore.

"Thank… you… Ichigo Kurosaki," And with that, Renji dropped to the floor but Ichigo catches him first.

"Renji!" Ichigo now curses his brash assault. "Damn, I never meant to take things this far."

"N-no, he's okay," Hanatarō who jumped back down stated and quickly went to check his vitals. "Though he has lost a lot of blood. Around a class 2 hemorrhage. A few sessions of Healing Kidō in a safe place will do the trick."

"He can't do that because more Shinigami are coming," Getsuhime warned, sensing high Reiatsu heading their way.

'Captains?' Ichigo asked only now picking up on the massive Reiryoku.

"Doubtless,"

"Crap! Sorry, Hanatarō but we got to go. Captains are heading this way," Ichigo said.

"What?!" Hanatarō gasped.

'We have to run fast,' Ichigo said with haste.

"No good, the speed boost I offer you is too noticeable by foes like Captains, they'll spot you wherever you go for sure," Getsuhime countered. "Hiding is our best chance."

"You're right, shit. I almost forgot about that technique," Ichigo muttered as he holds on to Hanatarō tightly. "Whatever happens, DO NOT say a word, stay completely mute."

"Huh?" Hanatarō uttered confused.

"Gengetsu (Phantom Moon)!" Ichigo half shouted and his Zanpakutō bursts with light that wraps itself around him and Hanatarō just as the entire area becomes surrounded by more Shinigami, including seven Captains along with their respective Lieutenants except for one.

Hanatarō stares in fear at so many powerful beings in one spot and the grave danger they pose but Ichigo doesn't look all that apprehensive. Yes, he's tense but not as much as he should be.

"Move quickly and with subtlety," Getsuhime advised.

"Yeah," Ichigo whispered. "Remember what I said, Hanatarō."

With those words, Ichigo begins to move gently while dragging a stunt Hanatarō, confused more than ever by how they are just moving about without the Captains doing anything to stop them.

"Just what is going on here?" Captain Kyōraku asked not believing what he was seeing.

"NO, MOMO!" Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya yelled loudly, running passed Ichigo and Hanatarō towards the unconscious Hinamori. "Momo! Are you all right?! Talk to me! MOMO!"

"It can't be…" Rangiku uttered in shock at the sight of three of her comrades, Lieutenants at that all soundly defeated and in terrible conditions.

"Wow, even Pineapple lost," Yachiru said, just as perplexed, familiar with Renji's strength as a former member of the 11th Division.

"How could this have happened?" Nanao mumbled in horror. "Even their Zanpakutōs are destroyed."

"I can't believe it. For Renji to be defeated, even with assistance from Hinamori and Kira," The 9th Division Lieutenant Shūhei Hisagi growled in outrage.

He is a tall and lean-built man with dark grey eyes, short black hair, and three scars straight over his right eye leading down his cheek. Additionally, he has the number ''69'' tattooed on his left cheek, as well as a blue-stripped tattoo running across his left cheek and over the bridge of his nose. He wears a choker around his throat and matching armbands on his upper arms. His Shihakushō is sleeveless and has his Lieutenant insignia tied on his left arm which is a White Poppy that signifies Oblivion.

"Could this have been the same Ryoka who wiped out the 11th Division?"

"No doubt, the strange force that destroyed the Sekkiseki is spread all over," Captain Tōsen affirmed.

"How dare they…" Tōshirō growled in pure anger at what's been done here.

"Captain Hitsugaya, I must ask for you to calm down and give us space," Captain Unohana instructed as she and her Lieutenant walk to the injured. "We'll begin treating them at once."

"All right, but wouldn't it be better to take them back to the 4th Division Barracks?" Tōshirō asked, giving the two space.

"Lieutenant Abarai's wounds are clearly the most serious and must be treated quickly. We have no time to waste. Isane," Retsu said.

"Yes, Captain," Isane replied as the two begin using Kaidō.

"Is there no sign of the Ryoka?" Sajin asked sensing the area.

"No, it's like they vanished as soon as we arrived," Matsuri answered confused as to how Ichigo managed to evade them so easily.

"Are you for real!" Kenpachi shouted in outrage. "I missed him? Goddammit! How long do I have to wait before I can fight these Ryoka!"

"They're really strong and really good at playing hide and seek. These new guys are a full package," Yachiru smiled.

"These new adversaries to the Peace have come prepared and are indeed not to be underestimated," Kaname warned, also troubled as to how could he not detect the Ryoka, there's no way he could've gotten far. "After this, the Head Captain will surely give the Wartime Exemption."

"It can't be helped, Kaname. I am sorry but we must see to it that these invaders are punished severely," Sajin declared, tightening his fists.

"This is just great. Like it or not, it seems that only we Captains have a chance at stopping these guys," Kyōraku sighed while tipping his hat.

He then turns his head to see the Sixth Captain who arrived at the scene to be the most silent in the group, giving his fallen Lieutenant a cold glare before turning away.

'Byakuya,' Ichigo glared, a maelstrom of rage boiling up inside at the mere sight of the 6th Division Captain responsible for all that's happened to him and Rukia.

There he stands close to the Captains with them none the wiser that he's there.

"Where are you going in such a hurry? C'mon, your subordinate is right over there fighting for his life," Shunsui lectured.

"A ridiculous suggestion. I am more sorry about Lieutenants Kira and Hinamori who clearly only ended up in this sorry state because they went looking for that fool whom no one told to go face the enemy by himself," Byakuya replied, having only contempt for his subordinate's decisions. "If it were up to me, I'd have him arrested for insubordination and endangering the lives of more competent officers."

"Now, hold on there," Kyōraku began, disturbed by Byakuya's harsh words.

"You'd do well to tread lightly with your words, Captain Kuchiki," Sajin said, also troubled by his words, and goes to face him. "I find it difficult to believe that a man of your stature needs to be reminded of the value of Lieutenant Abarai and how dutiful he has been in the short time since he started serving in the 6th Division in just a few months. Though his decision to go after the Ryoka by himself was foolish it does not dismiss his valor in the face of such adversaries."

"I need no one to remind me of an officer's value, Captain Komamura. And you do well not to lecture me on how to lead my own Division," Byakuya said sternly before vanishing with Shunpo.

"Bastard," Kenpachi sneered in disgust over Byakuya's attitude.

"Captain Kuchiki!" Sajin said a bit louder.

"He's not worth it, Sajin. Like it or not, Kuchiki is most certainly not behaving the way he should," Kaname advised his friend to stay calm.

"That's true," Kyōraku sighed sadly while noticing that the other Shinigami look troubled by the argument the Captains just had. "Question is, now what do we do? If we can't track them down, then we have even more trouble."

"There will be another Captain's Meeting after this but before that, we better act ahead, inform our Divisions to cease all attempts to hunt for the Ryoka, we can't afford any more injuries at this rate," Retsu advised.

"That's probably for the best," Tōshirō agreed, all while tightening his fists with suppressed anger, hoping that the one responsible for this will be found by him. "I'll make him pay for what he has done here."

"This is so stressful," Matsuri gave a big sigh before making a weak groan that makes her hold onto her head.

"Are you all right, Matsuri?" Hisagi asked. "Another migraine?"

"Yeah but it's minuscule this time," She breathed in. "It won't bother my work at all."

---

Ichigo and Hanatarō retreated into the sewers successfully without being caught and are now resting after such an arduous fight.

"Dammit!" Ichigo growled while punching a hole in a wall, still refusing to showcase his full fury. "I should've cut him down when I had the chance."

"If you had you would've given us away. Gengetsu's ability to refract visible light to make us invisible while soundproofing our movements would've been nullified if we were directly affected by large amounts of hostile Reiatsu and six Captains present is too great a threat. At your current power level, you can probably only fight one of them at a time, not that many," Getsuhime warned.

'Maybe you're right but we should've gotten straight to Rukia instead of heading here,'

"Too risky, we don't know if busting her out would alarm all to our location," Getsuhime argued against it.

"Are you all right Ichigo? That was a pretty intense battle. Are you sure you don't need me to check you up?" Hanatarō asked concern.

"I'll be fine, I spent more of my Reiatsu defending myself than actually fighting since those guys were no more than a nuisance," Ichigo shrugged.

"Wow, you're really amazing," Hanatarō said in awe.

"It's nothing. You should see the two assholes who trained me," Ichigo sighed as he lies down on a wall to relax after such a stressful day. "They piss the hell out of me but I got to give them credit, they fight like they were meant to take on entire armies of Hollows on their own each."

"Really? Wow, if you're this strong, then rescuing Rukia should be easy," Hanatarō said feeling confident.

"Count on it," Ichigo said fiercely, ignoring Getsuhime's warning as he will stop at nothing to save Rukia no matter how many captains he has to crush.

"I'm jealous. I wish there was more I could do to help but I'm afraid the best I can do is heal any wounds I can," Hanatarō said meekly.

"Don't start beating yourself up. No matter what anyone tells you, what you guys in the 4th Division do is more important than fighting," Ichigo said uncharacteristically stern.

"Really?" He asked.

"My dad's a pain in the ass with me but he's more a respectable doctor. We don't always see eye to eye but when it comes down to it he takes his work seriously and he is good at it. Regardless of our issues, I admire him a lot for all the good he does," Ichigo said, expressing a level of respect he would never show to his dad in person. "I'm sort of a delinquent back home, always getting into fights, not by choice mind you and because of that, my old man keeps attacking me himself to force me to always be prepared to defend myself."

"Sounds rough," Hanatarō commented.

"You have no idea," Ichigo sighed. "Despite that, I do appreciate his efforts if nothing else, and while he does force me to stay on my toes all the time, he does advise me to be cautious about how hard I hit those who are weaker than me. ''Bones are easier to crack but fixing them up is the real challenge'' he says, so I should always be kind enough to call for the hospital whenever I'm forced to hurt somebody."

"Wow, your dad kind of reminds me of my brother," Hanatarō said intrigued, and that gave Ichigo pause.

"Your brother?"

"Yes, I grew up with two brothers, and we joined the Gotei 13 to become doctors but my eldest brother died more than twenty years ago during the war," Hanatarō said reminiscing on darker times.

"There was a war in the Soul Society?" Ichigo asked. The second time he's heard about it.

"Afraid so, decades ago, we were invaded by the biggest army of Hollows unlike any we have ever seen, led by an incredibly powerful Hollows of the Vasto Lorde class. You know of them?"

"A little, my mentors spent more time teaching me how to fight Hollows rather than learning about their physiology and hierarchy," Ichigo said. "What I do know is that above the common Hollows there are three types of high-tiers called the Menos Grande, the first wave is the Gillians, followed by the Adjuchas (Intermediate Great Hollows) and lastly the Vasto Lordes."

"Yes, the Gillians, while rare have been seen from time to time in Soul Society and the Human World. I'd even encountered a few myself when I was sent out to the fields to heal. The other two classes are even rarer, so much so that I and so many others believed that they were just fairytales, scary stories of godlike monsters the older generations of Shinigami tell new recruits to spook us but we all received a rude awakening that the Vasto Lordes are real when two of them stormed into the Rukongai and threatened to tear through the Seireitei. Those were dark times indeed, and though the war only lasted for six months, the scars left behind made us feel like we'd been fighting for years. What made things worse was that those Vasto Lordes were just generals in service to a more powerful Hollow."

Ichigo can tell just how much of a hard topic this is for him, his face says it all, someone who suffered so many nightmares even after the threat was all over and peace restored.

"I've seen many people come and go in my lifetime, that's pretty much how life is for a Shinigami, to walk with Death wherever you go but the losses we all suffered in that time were the hardest to swallow," Hanatarō said sadly. "I always wanted to be like my brothers but as far as everyone's concern, it's never been about the three of us since I've always been the black sheep following behind Isshin and Seinosuke."

That revelation made Ichigo drop a million bullets of sweat from his face that he quickly dries up to not catch his new comrade's attention.

'Fuck me! This shrimp is one of the uncles goat-chin mentioned,' He nearly exploded on the inside.

"This must be what they call the Hand of Fate. How else could you have found yourself being aided by people who don't know you're their relative," Getsuhime said, also surprised by this revelation.

"I'm… I'm sorry for your loss. I don't know what it's like to lose a loved one but I've seen what that kind of pain does to people so whatever it's worth, I'm sure that your big brother would be proud to know you're doing all right for yourself and can still find happiness, even if it's just with the little things," Ichigo said, trying to give him comfort.

"You really think so?" He asked, not so sure by his words but still happy to hear them.

"Call it a hunch," Ichigo gives him one of his rare smiles as confirmation. "We better rest up, I can already tell that tomorrow will be even more hazardous than today."

"Sure," Hanatarō smiled now feeling more cheerful.

'You're putting us in a real tough spot. You better realize that you old bastard,' Ichigo breathed in a sigh of irritation, definitely not looking forward to what awaited them when they reunite.

---

A weak groan escapes her mouth as Momo awakens from her daze. Everything hurts but not as bad as she expected it would. From what she can barely see with her blurry vision is that she is in a dark room and what little light there is comes from one or two lanterns.

"Momo!" Someone nearly cried out, upon seeing her awake and getting her attention as she turns to her right to see Tōshirō sitting next to her, looking worried.

"Little Shiro…" She replied weakly.

"Don't raise your tone, you know the best way to rest more is to have a quiet environment," Her Captain sitting on her other side half-lectured, also looking at her with concern.

"Captain Aizen," She responded with a bit more strength but was still pretty soft.

"Good, we are relieved to know you are also doing well for yourself," Aizen smiled kindly at her.

"Also?" She repeated, not getting the meaning until it all comes back to her at that moment. "Izuru and Renji! Are they all right?" She asked with more vigor.

"I'm all right," Izuru responded who is lying down in another bed and looking more alive despite still being bedridden. "I was the first of us to wake up."

"And all this time I thought you were the less stubborn one among the Lieutenants, you were the most impatient to get back up," Gin said standing a bit far from everyone and lying next to a wall. "Captain Unohana and Lieutenant Kotetsu spent more than an hour patching you three before we could move you to the 4th Division Barracks for proper care."

"I see. And what about Renji?" Momo asked.

"Right here," Tōshirō said, turning to his back where Abarai lies and was still unconscious. "I'm afraid his wounds were the worse out of all of you so we don't expect him to awaken any time soon."

"The important thing is that he will wake up and will continue with his duty when the time comes. For now, all of you should rest," Aizen assured. "Oh, before I forget, I had this little lady fixed up for you."

He presented Momo with her Zanpakutō, the blade completely restored for her to see before he unsheathes it in the scabbard.

"Tobiume. You restored her yourself, Captain?" Momo said incredibly relieved but also surprised. As far as she's known, a Zanpakutō that's been damaged can only be restored with the spiritual energy of the Shinigami who owns them.

"Under normal circumstances, our beloved blades can't be restored with the Reiryoku of another but that doesn't mean it's impossible, you just need to have the right trick to make it work. I've already restored Wabisuke and Zabimaru," Aizen smirked, which is all the assurance she needs, not hesitating to hold Tobiume again in her arms and keeping her close.

"I'm sorry," She said softly to both her Zanpakutō and the Captains.

"I'm the one that should be apologizing. I should've known that my words earlier would've pushed you to find and help Renji, in doing so that almost got you killed," Sōsuke said bitterly with remorse.

"Please, don't say such things, Captain. We're glad we came to help Renji when we did. Worst case scenario he could've died if he fought the Ryoka alone," Izuru argued, not regretting what happened despite their loss.

"Glad to know someone cares for poor Abarai. The lad can't even count on his own Division to back him up," Gin said sounding bemused.

"Enough about Byakuya," Tōshirō shrugged. "Momo, Izuru. You both faced one of the Ryoka. What can you tell us about him?"

"He is very strong. It felt like we were fighting a Captain. Even when working together the only thing we accomplished was annoy him," Momo said reminiscing about the fierce showdown between them and Ichigo. "Orange hair, brown eyes, a sleeveless shihakushō like the 9th Division members and has a red belt rather than an obi sash. His Zanpakutō, he only released it for a second once Izuru used Wabisuke's power on it, which nullified the increased weight."

"Cancelling out Wabisuke's power?" Tōshirō questioned bewildered.

At a first glance, Lieutenant Kira's Zanpakutō isn't all that impressive but one need only think about the possibilities to realize that Wabisuke is actually very powerful.

"The only way I can think of that happening is if the enemy can dispel all weight from himself while still possessing the mass needed to cause serious harm,"

"Yes, I barely caught a glimpse of it but I was sure of its power. It's a Zanpakutō of Light. The second one I've ever laid eyes on," Momo continued and that surprised the three Captains.

"Fascinating. Out of all the Elemental Zanpakutō, those of Light and Darkness have often been considered to be fairytales, since their powers are hard to fathom," Aizen said intrigued. "Anything else?"

"The Ryoka revealed his intentions to us during the fight and his determination to carry it out speaks volumes of his character. He and the others invaded Soul Society to rescue Rukia Kuchiki from being executed, which means that he must be the human whom she gave her powers. Ichigo Kurosaki," Izuru explained.

"That's what this is all about?" Tōshirō questioned in disbelief but not by much. He has his own misgivings about the implications of this sudden execution that pretty much don't add up with the Laws he has come to know about Soul Society.

"I knew Kuchiki's sister would be the subject of many headaches but this is going overboard," Gin said.

"That's an understatement but not all too surprising if you ask me," Aizen said more composed.

"You knew that at least someone would try and stop the Execution?" Tōshirō asked.

"More or less. I haven't spoken with Captain Ukitake since the order was given to bring Rukia Kuchiki in for her crime of turning a human into a faux Shinigami but it's easy to imagine what his reaction would be to all this. ''Lunacy'', he would protest, and truth be told I agree with him," Aizen confessed. "The crime of giving our powers to a human is a capital offense, we all know this, and is true but the punishment for such a betrayal to the Gotei 13 and to even Reiō himself shouldn't be death, especially to the human in question. That last one violates one of our most important Laws written down by the King; Never allow Humanity to suffer or die at the hands of the Spiritual."

"Careful, Sōsuke, your words imply that Captain Kuchiki, Head Captain Yamamoto, and even Central 46 are in the wrong here," Gin warned.

"I'm only speaking what many of the more practical minds feel about this situation," Aizen insisted.

"Well, I can already hear Rangiku's drunken ass screaming ''I told you so'' to everyone about how dumb this whole situation is," Gin sighed.

"Don't you start giving me more headaches," Tōshirō protested and this made Momo chuckle a bit.

Just then, a black butterfly with its wings outlined in purple arrives that moves close to Gin and lands on his left index finger as soon as he raises his hand towards it.

"A Jigokuchō? Is it about another Captain's Meeting?"

"I'm afraid so," Gin muttered disappointedly. "This is the third one in a single day. Why waste these little fellows on calling for an assembly when the Head Captain can just outright say it through them."

"It is merely protocol, Gin, it can't be helped. Besides, this way better shows how serious he is taking this matter and he should hear what we just learned personally," Aizen stated.

"More like him finding more excuses to yell at our younger generation,"

"Gin," Aizen warned.

"Fine, fine. Shutting up. Killjoy, every last one of you," Gin whined.

"Old people," Tōshirō whispered to himself over the utter nonsense happening at every corner around him and he doesn't like any of it. "We better get it over with then," He urged, eager to focus on more pressing concerns.

"Rest well, you three, I promise I will visit you first thing tomorrow morning," Aizen assured Momo as the Captains depart.

"Thank you. Rest well yourselves Captains, little Shiro," Momo replied sweetly, and this causes a tick mark on Tōshirō's forehead.

"Again with that stupid name," He whispered to himself but chose not to voice his protests and just let her rest.

Soon enough, the Lieutenants are left by themselves but surely a nurse will come to attend to them shortly. The 4th Division has always been the most dutiful despite what everyone thinks.

"Do you think Renji will be okay?" Momo asked Izuru.

"No doubt, Chojirō Sasakibe aside, Renji is one of the strongest Lieutenants, a loss like this won't stop him from getting back up," Izuru said confidently that their friend will be okay.

"I don't mean physically. I meant concerning all this," Momo corrected. "I knew the moment we felt them near the Senzaikyū that this was about Rukia's cruel fate. I don't know what Renji was expecting once they received the orders to retrieve her from the Human World but it was most certainly not this."

"That is a very good question," Izuru said now more concerned.

It wasn't that long ago that Renji was promoted from his former post as the 11th Division's 6th Seat to the Lieutenant of the 6th Division as both he and Momo were chosen to oversee his ascent as per regulation that two current Lieutenants are assigned to test the candidate's value before promotion and before passing, Renji requested to be Captain Kuchiki's Lieutenant once the position became vacant.

Why he chose that Division was a no-brainer to anyone since the 6th Division has long since been under the control of the Kuchiki Clan, one of the Four Great Noble Clans of Soul Society who hold so much power and authority and those lucky enough to be accepted as the right hand of the Head of the Kuchiki Clan who are also the Captains are granted special privileges, however, those close to Renji know that his reasons for joining the 6th Division were for more personal matters, and his ascension occurred nearly the same time that Rukia was assigned to Karakura Town.

"The only thing I can say with certainty is that he will most definitely proceed to do something even more incredibly stupid," Izuru said.

"Yeah, that's kind of what I'm expecting also," Momo sighed. "Guess we'll have our hands full tomorrow."

"Only so long as nothing else happens, yes, but knowing our luck, so much is going to happen tomorrow and it's going to be bad," Izuru said.

"I hope you're wrong. I really do," Momo said, fearful for all their sakes.

---

The Captains along with most of the still active and uninjured Lieutenants of the Gotei 13 once again gather in the 1st Division Barracks to discuss the latest events that have occurred within the Seireitei and the ever-increasing threat of the Ryoka, and this time all of the Captains are present for this meeting.

"Jūshirō. Back in good health, I see," Captain Kyōraku said with relief to see his best friend back on his feet.

The 13th Division's Captain, Jūshirō Ukitake, is a tall man with a somewhat emaciated appearance due to him suffering from a serious and incurable illness he's had since his youth that occasionally causes him to cough up blood, hence why he often spends his time recuperating at Ugendō, his family's estate, however, this has not stopped him from being a Shinigami Captain and a very beloved one who is one of the most senior members. He has long white hair that almost reaches his waist and is parted on the left side with one long piece that tends to fall over his right eye, though strangely his eyebrows are instead black. He also has green eyes. Ukitake wears the standard Shinigami uniform with a long-sleeved captain's haori, and a crimson lining and wears a narrow white obi.

"Kyōraku. As always it's good to see you, old friend," Jūshirō smiled.

"Likewise, though I got to tell you, it is surprising to see you up and about so early," Kyōraku noted.

"I consider it a relief, especially with what happened to the Sekkiseki. My Division was adamant on me lying down but duty must come before my health," Jūshirō shrugged.

"Worst case scenario you should let Captain Unohana give you a quick checkup in case you decide to help on a more serious matter because things are only going to get more hectic," Kyōraku advised.

"Yes, I was thinking the same thing," Jūshirō stated.

"Well, this is a surprise," Aizen said as he, Gin, and Tōshirō only just arrived at the Captain's meeting. "Are you sure you should be up right now, Captain Ukitake?"

"Ah, Aizen, Ichimaru, and Hitsugaya, always a pleasure," Jūshirō greeted. "Don't worry about me just yet. I can handle a meeting with the Head Captain, even on his worst days."

"Something he secretly appreciates but would rather not disclose, period," Kyōraku joked.

"Oh, sure, when you joke at someone's expense it's all fine and dandy but when I do it, it's off to the Nest of Maggots for me," Gin pouted.

"Give it time. You'll get on his good grace eventually," Kyōraku smiled as the Captains will soon begin their meeting. "So, Jūshirō, I take it you were informed on everything else that's happened?"

"Yes. It's almost impossible to believe but in just one day these Ryoka have made a mockery out of the Gotei 13, taking down so many of our Division members practically with no effort," Jūshirō said disturbed. "Not to mention that three of our Lieutenants were hospitalized so casually. However, I have noticed something that a lot of us seem to be ignoring."

"Like the fact that the Ryoka haven't killed anyone yet?" Kyōraku noted.

"Exactly, apart from Jirōbō Ikkanzaka's loss of power and status, as well as the serious state of the fallen Lieutenants, the enemy seems to be avoiding lethal action, as though they almost don't intend to mean us harm," Jūshirō concluded.

"Hinamori, Abarai, and Kira have surely already been questioned about their encounter with one of them so we may know more very soon," Kyōraku said as they all get into position in a single horizontal line across the room while the Captain Commander stood in front of the line looking at all of the Captains with his staff in hand as always.

"Let us begin this Captain's Meeting immediately!" He demanded. "What's the status of the defeated Lieutenants?"

"Sir, Lieutenants Momo Hinamori, Izuru Kira, and Renji Abarai have all suffered heavy damage that would've killed lower-ranking officers and as such needed immediate medical care by myself and my own Lieutenant, Isane Kotetsu," Retsu began. "They have all been spared from possible death and should recover very soon, however, for the moment Abarai is the only one who hasn't regained consciousness as a result of receiving the full force of the Ryoka's attack."

"What have the two conscious Lieutenants spoken about the enemy?" Yamamoto asked.

"I can answer that, sir," Aizen said. "According to Hinamori and Kira, they only battled against one of the Ryoka. His name is Ichigo Kurosaki, the very same human to whom Rukia Kuchiki gave her powers."

That revelation gave a few gasps from everyone who isn't in the known yet.

"What nonsense are you spewing?" Soifon demanded in disbelief.

"I concur, you expect us to believe this? Humans can only get our powers if a Shinigami is truly stupid enough to relinquish them and this boy in question had his stripped when his Saketsu and Hakusui were destroyed," Mayuri complied while turning to Byakuya. "That is of course, according to the information given to us by the very man who did the dirty deed. Anything you neglected to tell us, Captain Kuchiki?"

"Are you accusing me of incompetence, Captain Kurotsuchi?" Byakuya questioned with his face revealing nothing but his usual sternness. None can tell if he's even remotely annoyed by Mayuri's words or the mere mention of the human who in his opinion is the true cause of this mess.

"Not yet but if this farce is to be believed then I have a few more words to say to you," Mayuri pressed.

"You're the last man alive who should accuse anyone of dirtying their hands," Byakuya taunted.

"I am what I am, and proud of it. You? Please, even an infant can tell you're not all there anymore," Mayuri fought back with a cruel grin.

"Now this I can't let slide. You can say whatever you want about me, and I insist you do, please. Mmmm~ But I have to stand my ground when it comes to my subordinates and Kira is no liar, nor one who would make a mistake about such a delicate issue," Gin said next.

"The fact alone that Abarai went to face the enemy by himself following the information we received from the previous meeting and that the battle took place in the very same place where Rukia Kuchiki is being held for her eminent execution gives more than enough reason to think that this is connected to her and by proxy the human boy who wielded her powers," Tōshirō said next, backing what they learned.

"Even if it is true, how could this boy regain his Shinigami powers after receiving such a serious blow to his soul? Merely surviving and going back to his normal life would've been very difficult but still possible," Retsu added to the confusion.

"Well, he is definitely a Shinigami still, and if the report about this Ichigo Kurosaki being the one who slew the Gillian-Class Menos that invaded Karakura Town is also true then him already being as strong as a Captain is also to be considered truth based on all that's happened," Aizen continued, getting mixed reactions from everyone, except for Yamamoto and Byakuya who remain silent.

"But that's impossible," Nanao uttered, finding this hard to swallow.

"We don't know what his abilities are but we have confirmation that not only does his Zanpakutō pack some real destructive potency, it is also one with power over light," Tōshirō said next.

"A Zanpakutō of Light? Those exist?" His own lieutenant asked bewildered.

"Extremely," Gin replied.

'Ichigo Kurosaki? A blade of light? There's no doubt about it now. He's the one,' Matsuri thought as she contemplates all that she heard.

"Have they also told you what is their objective for being here?" Sajin asked.

"Yep, and you're gonna love this," Gin said with a half-smirk. "The kid is here to stop the Execution and reclaim our dear Captain Kuchiki's kid sister."

Now that gave everyone who didn't know this already pause, made Jūshirō feel a huge pit in his stomach grow, and even made the Head Captain raise an eyebrow, all the while Gin looked at Byakuya to have a kick out of him struggling so hard not to express at this very moment.

"That's what this is about? Half of the Gotei is in shambles, so many subordinates in the hospital, and all because a human wants to save that useless girl?" Soifon questioned in disbelief.

"I'm no psychic but my best guess is that the boy had no idea that humans gaining Shinigami powers was a crime because Ms. Kuchiki neglected to tell him and now he's here trying to right his wrong by busting her out, like if this was one of those dramatic stories in the Human World they call Manga," Gin continued.

"Then the next course of action is clear now. We must form tighter security on the Senzaikyū," Captain Soifon declared. "I will mobilize the Onmitsukidō to surround the area."

"Like Hell you will!" Kenpachi raised his voice in defiance. "Screw your lackeys, the kid is my prey."

"What did you say, you gibbering oaf," Soifon said growling at Kenpachi.

"You heard me. We've all seen what happened to the small fries who went against this kid. Sending more will accomplish nothing," Kenpachi smirked. "And since oh ''great'' Byakuya also failed to deal with the kid, it's my turn to have a crack at him."

"You think this is a game!" Soifon shouted at the violent Captain, getting the Lieutenants to feel nervous about the possible conflict that might unfold. "These intruders have done enough damage and must be dealt with swiftly. All you'll accomplish is drag things out."

"Damn right I will!" Kenpachi admitted. "And besides, what are a bunch of pansies who hide in the shadows as if that's something to be proud of and are supposed to accomplish when real warriors couldn't?"

"Guard your tongue before I cut it out myself!" Soifon warned.

"Captain, please, now is not the time to be fighting amongst ourselves," Fujimaru insisted to his Captain.

"Indeed we shouldn't," The Head Captain replied, earning him silence from everyone. "It is clear now that we cannot afford to leave these matters in the hands of lower rank officers and members. As such we the Captains shall take to the battlefield and end this ourselves."

"Furthermore, the Onmitsukidō is to focus all their efforts on finding the remaining Ryoka, spare no expense in finding them and when they do, notify us Captains immediately so that we may face them ourselves," His orders receive a bow of compliance from Soifon and Fujimaru. "And as for this Ichigo Kurosaki. I hereby order Captains Zaraki, Hitsugaya, and Kuchiki to head to the Senzaikyū and await his return. Act however you see fit but regardless of the circumstances, this boy is not to escape your grasp nor get away with Rukia Kuchiki!"

"Finally speaking my language, old timer," Kenpachi smirked. Though he is disappointed that Byakuya and Tōshirō will be tagging along, he'll find a way to make sure he has Ichigo all to himself one way or another. "Ichigo Kurosaki, eh? That's a good name, hope your sword swings are even better when we finally fight."

Byakuya and Tōshirō remained silent upon the order. Both are eager to see it through, having their own reasons for wanting to fight Ichigo as well.

"Everyone!" Yamamoto yelled, and all of the Captains and Lieutenants look up at him with a serious look on their faces, "Let us declare all-out war on these Ryoka!" He declared while slamming his cane once more on the floor.

---

Renji groaned as consciousness drifted back into him. It took a moment to realize he was in the 4th Division.

"What the hell happened?" Then a pain radiated from his arms and chest and he remembered, memories of an orange-haired punk coming to him. "That's why."

He turns around to see both Momo and Izuru lying in beds beside him, looking better than him and sleeping, but guilt still instantly comes crashing down on him.

'I really am the lowliest of scum. Yet again I endanger more of my friends while I am helpless to do anything,' He mumbled with his heart and mind radiating with shame. 'It wasn't supposed to be like this, and the bitter truth is there's really no one to blame but myself.'

"Too little too late for your eyes to be open, you worthless man," Again he hears the voice of his Zanpakutō mocking him.

He looks behind him to see Zabimaru along with Tobiume and Wabisuke placed on a table with his sword glowing with red Reiatsu and from the blade, the true form of the Zanpakutō manifests.

"Zabimaru," Renji whispered as he sees his partner, who is a large white baboon almost twice the size of a grown man with long purple markings along his back and arms but the most notable trait of this creature is its tail that is actually a white snake, fitting given his name. Overall, his appearance strongly resembles that of a nue.

"How long are you going to lie there moping and feeling sorry for yourself? It's bad enough we share a soul with you, it doesn't mean we should bear your immaturity," The Baboon said coldly to him.

"That's right, you lazy scum! Need we remind you that your emotions affect your Inner World, right now it's unbearable to be there because of the chaos you're causing to our home," The snake spoke next with intense rage. "We're so sick and tired of your obsession with that ugly midget."

"We haven't spoken like this for almost a whole year and that's how you greet me. I gotta tell you, your attitude leaves a lot to be desired," Renji shrugged, not letting the words of his own sword affect him.

"We're all fixed up and ready for battle once again, all that's left is for you to do your part by getting back up," The Baboon said.

"Yeah! I want to fight that albino bitch again, I don't care how many times you get hospitalized. I won't be satisfied until I sink my fangs into her delicate flesh," The snake declared, itching for payback. Renji can only guess that he is referring to Ichigo's Zanpakutō.

"Hate to break it to ya, but we had our chance to settle things with that kid and lost. No, I have bigger fish to fry now," Renji said turning away from his Zanpakutō with dissatisfaction.

"Oh? Does that mean you want to take it up to the next level?" The Baboon questioned with intrigue.

"Yeah, when I'm healed, I'm going to take your challenge," Renji stated.

"About damn time!" The Snake grinned savagely. "Although, you do know you'll have all of Seireitei gunning for you if you do what you're planning. Plus, your best chance of survival lies with teaming up with the Ryoka, and I am not too keen on being buddy-buddy with Getsuhime. I'm telling you that bitch is not natural, I felt like we were being sucked into an endless white abyss when we fought."

"I don't care. The Seireitei can go to Hell,"

The Baboon grinned as well. "When you are ready,"

"Summon us again, Renji Abarai." Both Heads of Zabimaru said at once before vanishing.

Renji closed his eyes and drifted back into sleep. "I'm going to do what I should've done from the beginning, and this time, I won't fail again."

---

"What a day, wouldn't you agree, Captain Aizen?" Gin said enthusiastically.

"Indeed, in fact, things are going a bit farther than I imagined," Aizen said while he is writing down a letter at his desk with both of them in an unknown location far removed from the eyes of all Shinigami.

"If you ask me, the boy has progressed too far and too fast for my liking," Kaname said also in the room.

"I understand your concern, Tōsen but really now, why get all worked up about it, all that matters is that everything goes as planned," Aizen shrugged. "The fact that he bested three Lieutenants without even trying is proof that he's already prepared to fight a Captain. That makes me excited."

"As much as I would love to see that demon possibly be cut down like the animal he is, I am not so confident with young Hitsugaya and Kuchiki in the mix," Tōsen said skeptically.

"All right, now that part I too have misgivings about," Gin said with a small frown. "Our dear Head Captain made a wise decision sending three Captains to handle little Kurosaki but he really couldn't have picked a worse team to deal with him. I mean, Kenpachi I understand but Tōshirō and Byakuya? That shrimp has a vendetta now after what the kid did to Momo and don't even get me started on Byakuya."

"Yamamoto has always had a good relationship with the Kuchiki Clan, having fought alongside many of the Heads of the family since the Gotei 13's inception to defend the peace of Soul Society, therefore it's understandable that he would entrust the 6th Division Captain to deal with the Ryoka, especially since he was the one who failed to kill him before," Tōsen reminded.

"I know that but it still doesn't make any sense. It's bad enough that Byakuya's okay with letting her die but aiding in making sure his own sister stays in that horrible palace all alone. Deprived of any real peace and kill the only one who can save her? How cruel can the old man be for ordering this?" Gin wondered.

"It wouldn't be the first time the Kuchikis have allowed one of their own who just so happened to be of common birth to suffer so cruelly, lost, and forgotten to time," Tōsen's frown deepened while tightening his fists. "I once had the pleasure of meeting Byakuya's wife long ago when she was in better health. I needed no eyes to know that despite growing up in one of the worst places in Rukongai, she was a soul of the purest heart that if she were a star in the sky, she'd be one of the brightest. Her only sin in life does not excuse the pain that she had gone through for so long."

"Yes, Hisana Kuchiki was a fine addition to such a detestable family," Aizen noted, also familiar with Byakuya's late wife and how her loss affected him so severely. "Poor thing, alas that is how the world is, for now anyway."

"My patience runs thin, Lord Aizen. I simply cannot bear the state of the world any longer," Tōsen said while raising his head at the ceiling.

"I understand but don't strain yourself too much on this. We're so close now, soon everything we worked for will bear fruit and we shall finally bathe in the Soul Society's new dawn," Aizen said now having a deep frown that conveys so much emotion and anticipation that has been withheld for years.

"Ooh, I'm looking forward to it," Gin said getting goosebumps. "By the way, that letter your writing wouldn't happen to be the one you planned to give to Momo when you wanted me to be the center of attention, would it?"

"And what if it is, Gin?" Aizen said calming down.

"Just asking, since you took away my fun and plan on leaving me on the sidelines," Gin replied, making Sōsuke sigh.

"You'll have plenty to do soon enough Gin, trust me. And besides, Tōshirō and Rangiku will need you once they see Isshin again," He replied while turning to him and being unable to suppress a smile once Gin loses his entirely from the implications.

"Oh, so that's how it is, eh? Now that won't be fun at all, Captain," Gin said exiting the room.

"Is that a no then? He can be such a drama queen," Aizen shook his head. "By the way, Tōsen, do you have anything on Kurotsuchi? He was less talkative than I thought in the last meeting and way too subtle with his displeasure about leaving Ichigo to the other Captains."

"I was just about to tell you about that," Kaname replied. "That devil is indeed furious about the Head Captain's orders and instructed his Lieutenant to spy on Ichigo during the fight in hopes of possibly getting a sample of him while he goes to find the other Ryoka. And I believe he may go after the Quincy."

"Is that right?" Aizen frowned again. "Odd, I thought he lost his interest in Quincy after what he did to Sōken Ishida. That man sure knows how to waste time."

"Capturing at least one or two of them and making sure the others discover this will surely lead them into Mayuri's trap," Kaname suggested. "It'll be problematic if he is able to get even a small understanding of the boy."

"That is something I will not stand for, not to that freakish insult to men of science," Aizen said adamantly as he walks out of his desk and starts to work on a computer. "It was high time I dealt with the S.R.D.I. (Shinigami Research and Development Institute) once and for all anyway and this new virus will do just that. Pity Mayuri beat me to the punch about further tarnishing Kisuke's legacy but this will send the message on who is the smartest man in Soul Society and I'll still have time for my main act."

---

The sun was rising with the light shining down on the Seireitei who's been up at arms since the Ryoka attacked and things haven't gotten any better with Ichigo's group doing well to hide from the Shinigami after leaving trails of injured in their wake but none dead yet which does give comfort to those frustrated by the recent failures.

All is quiet in the Senzaikyū with the guards stationed there ordered to leave the vicinity immediately with the chosen captains standing by.

"Kenny, how long do we have to wait before Icchi comes to play with us," Yachiru whined as they were all waiting for Ichigo to arrive.

"Soon, he's coming. I can feel it," Kenpachi said with a grin, he just knows that Ichigo will be here soon.

"You have better be right, I want to get this over with already," Tōshirō said with impatience with both his Lieutenant and Byakuya beside him.

All of them are standing on one of the tall buildings next to the stairs that lead towards Rukia Kuchiki.

"Things aren't over until I say they are, kid," Kenpachi half growled, getting back on his feet.

"Would you stop messing around!" Tōshirō snapped at him. "Do I really have to remind you that as Captains of the Gotei 13, our duty to uphold the law and peace comes first!"

"Pretty words, brat, but only an idiot would believe that garbage," Kenpachi snorted, not buying the young Captain's words.

"What was that?" Tōshirō growled.

"Captain…" Rangiku muttered nervously, not wanting there to be a fight between the superior officers now of all times.

"Please, even I can tell that the reason why the old man selected the three of us to hunt this kid down is because of our eagerness to rush right ahead before anyone else. Me because I'm sick and tired of fighting weak and boring opponents. You because the new kid beat up your girlfriend, and of course, how could we forget pretty boy here who sucks at killing even a single human," Kenpachi taunted Byakuya next.

"If you have even a sense of mannerism that at least Unseated Shinigami are expected to have, I would advise you not to make such ridiculous claims," Byakuya lectured, not even looking at any of them and just staring anywhere else that doesn't show Kenpachi's face.

"Oh, so does that mean you don't want to take a page out of your Lieutenant's book and undo your failure personally? I'm surprised, considering that this is all your fault. Which you know, thank you. Except that lately, you've become quite the little bitch and I can only stomach so many at a time and I don't need you being one too," Kenpachi pressed.

"I have every intention of seeing that pretender perish by my blade once and for all and would prefer it if you two weren't involved either," Byakuya replied more fiercely. "However, I also won't waste my energy arguing over who gets to kill some lowly Ryoka either. If your lust for blood exceeds your duty as a Captain then by all means. Death by your blade seems like a more fitting end for such a rat."

"I was hoping you'd see it my way," Kenpachi smirked.

"You two are the most insufferable men I'd had the displeasure to work with and I used to serve under the most childish captain imaginable," Tōshirō hissed at the bickering of the two men.

"Aww, don't be so gloomy, Frosty, you got to look on the bright side of things," Yachiru smiled, enjoying the bickering between the grownups.

"That's Captain Hitsugaya to you!" Tōshirō snapped at the small Lieutenant.

"It's official. Reiō is punishing me," Rangiku groaned, having a major headache and she next proceeds to reach for her huge cleavage where from it she pulls out of all things a large bottle of sake. "Screw it, I'm having a drink right now."

"Drop that bottle at once!" Tōshirō demanded but his Lieutenant ignores him.

"Save some for me when the fighting tragically ends," Kenpachi requested.

All the banter then stops when they all feel a familiar spark of Reiatsu heading their way.

"He's here," The fight-loving Captain smirked.

---

Safely hidden from everyone within another building close to the Senzaikyū who also senses the Reiatsu of Ichigo is a woman who quickly reaches for an earpiece to commune with someone.

"Master Mayuri, the Ryoka is heading this way and it seems like he's still alone," The woman spoke, communicating with the 12th Division Captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi.

She is slender and youthful, named Nemu Kurotsuchi, the 12th Division Lieutenant.

Well-endowed with green eyes, her black hair is pulled back into a long braid, with slightly parted bangs. Her uniform consists of a short black kimono, which extends to mid-thigh, with a white nagajuban underneath. The sleeves of her kimono are not as wide as those worn by most Shinigami, and the upper parts of the sleeves are puffed. She wears a traditional wide white obi, fastened with a red cord. On her left sleeve is her lieutenant's armband with the insignia of a Thistle, which represents Vengeance, Strictness, and Independence. She wears white gloves, which only cover the back of her hands and wrists and a dark red choker.

"My, my, it seems this one must lack a functioning brain," Mayuri said mockingly to Ichigo's reckless approach. "No matter, just make sure you remember to do your part Nemu. I want as many samples from him as you can collect, his blood, his flesh, his nails, a piece of hair, shards of his Zanpakutō, even his shihakushō is to be extracted. Perhaps a souvenir he keeps on his person. I'm improvising at this point, but you have better bring me something of value. Heck if you are somehow able to pick up his unconscious body while he lies beaten would be most appreciated."

"Understood, Master. Though knowing Kenpachi Zaraki, I may not be able to get away without losing a limb," Nemu complied obediently and almost emotionlessly.

"I fail to see how that's my problem," Mayuri replied coldly. "I have my hands full enough as is looking for the other Ryoka, I don't need you wasting my time with injuries you haven't received yet."

"Yes, sir," She complied again, not bothered by his harsh words.

---

Rukia looks out the window of her cell, pondering her predicament. She recognized his presence and knew it was him the moment the Shakonmaku was destroyed, she really should have known that Ichigo would come to help her no matter what, but even so, she never could have predicted the chaos he and his friends would make.

Destroying the barrier made of Sekkiseki on the arrival alone ruffled a few feathers on its own no doubt. And while she couldn't know for sure, she felt enough surges of reaitsu to think that plenty of Lieutenant-level Shinigami was defeated.

She's lucky to be able to feel as much as she has thus far due to the tower she is trapped in also made of Sekkiseki, dampening her spirit energy so even using Reikaku has become a shore but she definitely felt it.

Renji… fought Ichigo again, and lost again, even with the likes of Momo and Izuru helping him.

"Dammit Ichigo," Rukia thought as she grabs her throbbing chest, a chest that was beating particularly hard as of late. "I didn't want you to save me! I came here to my death to keep you out of trouble!"

A fleeting memory of her sword stained in a close friend's blood screamed in her vision, his body mangled by the machinations of the sickest hollow she had the displeasure of slaying. She shook the painful memory out of her head. Her heart throbbing more painfully than ever.

"Kaien, why does everyone I grow close to face such dangers? Why do they all die for me?"

---

I couldn't get this out sooner because of how hooked I was with the Anime's return but I'm sure I wasn't the only one. Aside from rushing and skipping scenes from the manga, something I was hoping wouldn't happen, I thoroughly love the Thousand Year Blood War, and I also like that Ichigo now has golden Reiatsu like in the manga. I'll miss the blue Getsuga but we didn't lose anything as a result and removing the red outlines from the Black Getsuga made Tensa Zangetsu seem more imposing while in Hueco Mundo. Stylish.

Regarding my tale, I really like Hanatarō and intend to make him more involved in Ichigo's life and give him a bigger role. Also, I always planned for Getsuhime to grant Ichigo invisibility, I looked it up, and realistically that should be an ability that anyone with Light Manipulation should be able to pull off, but there is more to Gengetsu than just that. Next time is the Clash of the Titans, hope you're all looking forward to it.

Before I forget:

Bounterhunter1977: You gave me something to consider because I honestly didn't think of Ichigo having Rukia's memories through all that much. I appreciate the support.