Chapter 6
Here we go! This is the time skip since I wanted to skip the Training Arc, so now we're at the Soul Society Arc!
Now Issei, Ichigo, and Uryu will shine in their battles, while Chad, Orihime, and Tatsuki will struggle due to their limited abilities. Even with the Boosted Gear, Tatsuki cannot counter the more skilled fighters such as the Lieutenants and their Captains.
Issei will struggle since he has his limitations as well, but he'll put up a good fight until the end so let's get started!
2 Weeks Later...
Ichigo was standing in front of the Urahara Shoten, waiting for the others after he got the message from Urahara about the gate being completed for their rescue mission to save Rukia and Rangiku. After Ichigo got his ass handed and lost his power by Byakuya Kuchiki, he asked Urahara to train him to become a Soul Reaper again so that he could save Rukia, saving his life as his family.
Issei was at the Ishida hospital recovering from Soifon's attacks which pissed him off for underestimating the Captain after trouncing the Lieutenant. It was thanks to Ryuken and Griselda that Issei learned that the Captains earned their title for a reason and should never be underestimated in battle. After fully recovered, he threw himself into training with Muramasa and Ryuken to prepare to face the Soul Society and settle the score with Soifon for that sucker kick she landed on him.
Ichigo was happy to hear that Issei was doing well, but he was worried about the others coming along since he knew Uryu was more than capable of defending himself. At the same time, Chad, Orihime, and Tatsuki were another story. Chad was able to increase the number of his attacks from five to ten, but the problem was that he only had one offensive attack, and that was not enough to fight higher-ranked Soul Reapers. Orihime finally told them that she lost Tsubaki, one of the pieces of her hair clips, in the battle against Kurumi and what she did to Orihime while they were all busy.
Tatsuki comforted her and decided to get stronger as well, but the problem was that she wasn't a Soul Reaper like Ichigo, so her attacks were limited to her Boosted Gear's boosted attacks. However, she could unlock a few new techniques since she was able to train with Urahara's friend. Tatsuki could now use Transfer, which allows her to send her Boosts to a person. Minor Fire Magic, which she can use to enhance her punches and kicks, and finally, a move is known as Crimson Punch.
Urahara's friend was none other than a black cat that could talk and went by the name of Yoruichi. Which was met with some odd looks from the teenagers as they were surprised that Urahara's friend is a cat instead of a human. Kisuke was offended by this and reassured them that Yoruichi was much stronger than he appeared to be. Issei, Orihime, and Chad trusted Kisuke and accepted this cat, but Tatsuki and Ichigo were slightly more suspicious of his intentions toward the black cat. Still, they didn't voice their opinions since they knew they needed all of the help they could get when they were invading the Soul Society.
Ichigo's training included unlocking his own Zanpakto and learning how to use his new strength. At the same time, Issei focused on increasing the uses of Muramasa's abilities and how to combine them with his Fullbring. 'I know Issei has been trying to learn how to get better at using his strings and his Fullbring, but I'm worried about the others since their now as strong as Uryu and I, which means if we get separated, then...' Ichigo pondered until a cold feeling touched his face as he freaked out from Issei standing next to him with his hand outstretched holding a can of some coffee.
"Here. I figured you could use some coffee since it's early in the morning." Issei said as Ichigo recovered from his panic and took the drink before opening it and saw Shirō was on Issei's back while playing her handheld game. She glanced at Ichigo for a moment before waving to him with her tiny hands. "Morning, Ichigo-Onii Chan. I tasted Urahara Sensei's message, which strangely reminded me of cherries." Shirō said as she returned to her game before Issei patted her head.
"Yeah, she insisted on coming along. I figured she could be a lookout of sorts." Issei said as Ichigo looked at him for a moment before the Fullbringer sighed. "Okay. Shirō wanted to come and chat with Ururu before seeing us off. I didn't want Shirō to be in danger while I was gone, so I asked Urahara if he'd look after her, and before he could even voice his opinion, Ururu came out saying that she wanted Shirō to stay with them. Neither of us could say no to Ururu, so we agreed, and Shirō liked the idea." Issei said before Shirō nodded in confirmation at what he had just told until Orihime and Tatsuki came up to the Urahara Shoten with Chad behind them until Uryu showed up with Quincy's attire.
After they said their introductions to each other, Urahara himself opened the door of the Urahara Shoten as he welcomed the group of six before taking them all in and letting Shirō head to Ururu's room before he took the others to the basement.
"Okay, everybody, please look over here. We're about ready to go!" Urahara announced, snapping his fingers as a large stone door frame formed in the middle of the extensive training field. Surprising Ichigo and the others since they wondered where he hid a massive door like that in the basement of his shop.
"This is the Tenkai Ketchu, a modified gateway to Soul Society. Now, listen very carefully! I'll teach you how to go through this door without dying." Urahara said seriously. Then, he appeared behind Ichigo and poked his head with his cane, forcing Ichigo's soul out of his body, revealing him with his standard Shinigami uniform, with Zangetsu wrapped in its bandages on his back.
"Next time, give me a warning before you do it!" Ichigo said, narrowing his eyes at Urahara.
"Oh my god, t-there are two Ichigo's now!" Orihime said as she started poking Ichigo's human body with her finger, much to Issei and Tatsuki as they began to chuckle at Ichigo looking at Orihime. At the same time, Chad caught his friend's body while Uryu observed the process.
"Why are you touching my body?" Ichigo questioned in a deadpan voice.
"Oops! S-Sorry…!" Orihime said, blushing fiercely as she backed away from it until a stuffed lion came out from Ichigo's shoulder. "Yeah, leave my body alone for a bit," Kon yelled as he looked at Uryu and Chad before looking at Orihime. "Oh, but you can touch me all you want, Orihime.~" The Mod Soul said to Tatsuki's horror as she recalled what the perverted lion did to her when using Ichigo's body last time.
"Why don't I touch you pervert!" Tatsuki said as she tried to rush towards the bear. Still, both Issei and Orihime were holding the angry girl back as Kon was picked up by Chad which scared Kon due to how scary Chad seemed when he was up close until he took the lion away from their group Urahara called to them.
"Pay attention to me! Now, as you know, Soul Society is a world of souls, so you can't enter it unless you are a soul. Now then, I have a device that would convert your physical body into a soul. This allows you all to enter the Senkaimon and into Soul Society." Urahara explained as Ichigo and the others looked in awe at it until Issei pondered an important that he needed to know the answer to.
"Is there any time limit for how long you can open it?" Issei asked, looking directly at Urahara. Urahara was slightly surprised at that question as he pulled Ichigo away from the gate without hearing anything he had just said.
"Ah, yes! How very observant of you, Hyoudou-san. Yes, because of the heavy modification I made to the gate, we will only be able to hold it for a maximum of 5 minutes," Urahara answered; this information scared them well until Uryu asked Urahara.
"So, all we have to do is reach the end before our time runs out," Uryu remarked, all the while calculating the speed he and his friends might need to be at to reach the end.
"Right, Ishida-san," Urahara replied.
"If we can't, then what should we do?" Orihime asked.
"Walk forward," A gruff male voice replied, getting everyone's attention.
The group glanced around until they saw a black cat that's been watching them all for the past week.
"Yoruichi-san!" Inoue voiced in surprise.
"Didn't I say earlier: The heart and the soul are connected? What's important is how your heart thinks," Yoruichi said.
"Is no one even questioning that the CAT is talking?" Issei asked as Ichigo looked at him and asked. "Dude. We're humans who have supernatural abilities, and one of them has a gauntlet with a literal dragon in it. Yet a talking cat freaks you out?"
Issei looked back at Ichigo and replied. "Look, it's one thing to have supernatural powers, but a talking cat is like something out of an anime."
"He's not wrong. Even I find the talking cat a bit odd." Uryu said as he fiddled with his glasses a bit before the guys saw Orihime pout at them as she held Yoruichi up for them all to see.
"His name is Yoruichi, and he isn't just a cat!" Orihime said, now holding Yoruichi to her chest.
"Still. It's hard to get used to the fact that a cat is joining us." Uryū said, pushing his glasses up.
"I'm still adjusting to it myself, but the training certainly helped me with my abilities," Chad said as he looked at his right arm before clenching his fist.
"Only those who listen to me and are prepared for it may follow me." Yoruichi finished as the group of teenagers looked at each other before Ichigo spoke first.
"I've made my decision, but the rest of you can still back out," Ichigo offered before the others gave their version of a reply
"No way. We're coming with you." Orihime said as Chad nodded, and Tatsuki had a severe look on her face before giving him a thumbs up.
"Don't make getting out-voted into a bad habit," Uryū said, pushing his glasses up again. "You'd make a horrible politician."
"Yeah. I agree with them. We all already said we're coming, Ichigo. Whether you like it or not. Besides, I'm worried about Rangiku, and I want to be there when you confess your feelings for Rukia." Issei said, turning Ichigo red as a strawberry, but before he could shout a rebuttal. The gate began to glow blue.
"The gate is about to open. Please jump in simultaneously when it does," Urahara instructed as everyone assembled in front of the gate and waited until... "Now!" Urahara yelled as the light faded to reveal a rippling substance between the stones. Everyone jumped into the portal and disappeared.
"They're off. I hope they are safe." Tessai exclaimed with a sigh as Urahara deactivated the Tenkai Ketchu.
"As do I, Tessai. Be careful, Kurosaki-san. I am leaving the rest up to you now." Urahara said solemnly as he walked back to the front of the shop where Shirō was showing Ururu a truck on how to defeat a boss; she was having difficulty making the two grown men chuckle at the two girls.
"Hope you come home to Issei. Your sister will miss you."
Dangai
Everyone entered the Dangai and immediately started to run.
"Where are we?" Orihime asked as she stayed on the path but looked around the area they were in before Yoruichi explained to them all, so there weren't any other questions.
"This is the Dangai, a separate dimension between Soul Society and the Human World," Yoruichi explained as they continued to run inside the Dangai until everyone noticed the walls were beginning to close in on them.
"What's going on?" Uryū yelled, "The walls are closing in and following us!"
"Just keep looking forwards and keep running!" Yoruichi shouted as he kept running on his paws. "We must get near the exit before the time runs out." No sooner had the words left Yoruichi's mouth than a liquid tendril shot out of the wall following them, ensnaring Uryū's cape. Uryū began to choke as he struggled to untie his cape until Chad tore the mantle off of him and carried him over his shoulders.
"Thanks," Uryū muttered as Chad continued to run while carrying him. He was grateful he was facing the other direction so no one could see his embarrassing figure.
"Um, guys…" Ichigo said, continuing to look back. "There's a light heading toward us…." He said as said bright light began to rush towards them until Yoruichi looked back and gasped.
"That's the Cleaner. It only appears once every seven days. Why did it have to show up now?!" Yoruichi yelled as he sped up to the exit. "Double time it! If that thing touches us, we're done for!"
'Damn, that thing is fast! It looks like I have no choice but to use it!' Issei thought. "Everyone, grab onto me quickly, and don't let go no matter what!" Issei yelled as Yoruichi jumped onto his left shoulder. Chad, who was carrying Uryū, grabbed onto Issei's left arm, and Orihime grabbed onto his right arm, smothering it between her big breasts before Ichigo grabbed Orihime's left arm as well.
Issei summoned his bow and Muramasa's strings before firing an arrow out the exit until he felt something. 'Perfect.' Issei said in his mind as he tied the rope to all of their wrists before he charged up his gloves by hitting them together before he felt the power charge up as a slight temporary boost until he muttered to himself.
"Time to fly."
He said as he punched the gathered-up power behind them all, pushing everyone out of the Dangai… into a height of fifty feet in the air. However, as they were about to crash. Issei pulled the string of the arrow he shot earlier in the Dangai, which helped their descent become much smoother until they were a few inches above the ground.
The string snapped as the arrow dissipated and let the group fall to the ground on their feet.
"Is everyone okay?" Issei voiced out as he sealed Muramasa and his bow before seeing some people in the area look at them all.
"To think I need to use my spare cape this early," Uryū said, making everyone look at him weirdly as he put on his new cape and adjusted it to ensure it was on the right.
'I honestly can't think of anything to say to him.' Issei thought as he knew that Uryu would bring a spare cape since he had his Quincy pride or whatever.
"He brought a backup cape," Ichigo and Tatsuki said with a shocked faces as Orihime and Chad looked at their friend before the oranges haired girl whispered to the giant.
"And I thought meeting a talking cat was weird at first," Orihime said with a snort as Chad stifled his laugh, but the others could see that the giant's shoulders were shaking from his laughter as Issei then looked at their surroundings and rose a brow at this.
'Hey, Muramasa. This...This is the Soul Society. Then why doesn't it look like Heaven?' Issei asked as he was surprised to see a massive difference in the Heaven he was told by Irina and her folks and what he saw right in front of him until the Fullbringer heard Muramasa sigh at his partner's question before replying to him.
[This is the outskirts of Soul Society. The poorest of the areas are the places where all souls are sent to upon their death, and at the center of this place, you can find the Seireitei, which is where the Shinigamis live. However, there are many times that I've seen the souls who live in the outskirts aren't treated with any respect and are abused by the Soul Reapers. Some of them like to flaunt their power or status and unleash their pent-up frustrations on the souls, but others still show kindness and respect to the friends or family that they have in this world.] This made Issei upset as he was surprised by how some of the Soul Reapers abuse their powers and abuse the souls of the deceased to have fun or some shit.
"Tch. If any of the Soul Reapers are like that bitch Soifon and that fatty with her, then I won't hesitate to punt their ass." Issei said as he clenched his fists, so tight blood almost leaked from his palms. He was so focused on his anger for Soifon that he missed the surprised look in Yoruichi's eyes as if he knew something before Muramasa patted his partner's back.
[Calm down. It would be best if you focused on saving your rage for when we enter the Soul Society. Know that once we enter the gate, we'll become enemy number 1. They will label you and your friends as Ryouka and try to either kidnap you or kill you all. Best you be careful as you traverse into their territory. The Lieutenant was easy since he was weak and not that skilled. The Captain, however, is one you must not underestimate. Even after training with your godmother and Ryuken, you are still not there. You have limited spiritual energy, your Kido spells are beginner, and your Zanpakto abilities, your CQC, and your archery are your strengths. Remember what I told you during our training. A Zanpakto isn't just a weapon. It's a part of their respective characters. A Zanpakto's true power comes from the wielder they reflect. It's why Zangetsu suits your friend Ichigo the most, and its powers are straightforward like himself. Suzumebachi fits Soifon, fitting her speed and deadly precision when she kills her targets. I, however, am a particular case since I've deteriorated for so long and regressed into an Asauchi to make a new reflection. The powers you've been developing reflect your spirit, such as the strings you use since they represent your way of connecting to other people.] Muramasa said as Issei continued to listen to his partner since he could understand why his powers were the way they were, but it didn't help that he hardly had any offensive abilities.
True, he has learned how to use his strings to make weapons, and armor, how to slice through walls and such with them, and how to control a person as if they were a puppet. Issei saved that one for emergencies, as well as the technique he created with his string clones. Issei's train of thought was cut off by feeling the ground tremble as he turned to see a giant gorilla-like figure out the two handles of what seemed to be weapons on the ground before it bowed its head to them all.
"Uh...Did I miss something?" Issei asked as Tatsuki filled him in. "Ichigo tried to rush into the Soul Society, but the gate nearly cut off his head as Jibando fell from the sky and monologued about manners. He said we could pass if Ichigo could beat him in a one-on-one match.
"As you can see, Ichigo won by destroying the guys axes which made the giant cry until he was humbled by Ichigo's kindness. Now he's opening the gate for us." Tatsuki said as Jibando nodded as he looked at Ichigo and his team.
"Please traverse carefully. If you do wish to save your going to face powerful enemies who are far stronger than I am so be careful." Jibando said as Issei and the others were taking their first few steps into the Soul Society until Issei's eyes widened as he felt a terrifying presence near them. Issei closed his eyes as he tuned everything out and focused on the sounds that he felt through the ground.
'One person. Male. He's making his way towards the gate. His spiritual energy is similar to Soifon's which means he's a captain. His heartbeat seems to be calm as if he could easily dispose of us.' Issei registered in his mind as his eyes opened to reveal the man that Issei felt through the ground. One thing that he liked about Alice is that she was able to feel the vibrations of the area around her as well as a persons breathing. Issei studied immensely on how he can copy the technique which took a lot of practice thanks to Griselda and learning how to use his strings to spread them through the ground to expand his feeling.
The man before them had short silver hair, slitted eyes which told Issei and Muramasa that he was serious and not to be underestimated. The other one walking next to the silver haired man seemed to have dark skin and dark brown braids. He had pupil-less eyes that were a pale lavender which told Issei that the other man has been blind since birth. He wore the same Shinigami uniform with the sleeves rolled up to the shoulders and his captain's haori over it that he saw Soifon wear when she came to kill him. However his uniform was tied with a purple obi sash, an orange scarf around his neck, white boots, and black, fingerless gloves. He also wore clear goggles as he kept his hair tied back in a ponytail.
[Focus on the silver haired ones stance. Like we practiced. Also be careful with that other one. I have a feeling he'll be more difficult that the blind one will be more troublesome than his partner.] Muramasa said as he tried to see what these two Captains were capable off as Issei responded to him.
'Right.' Issei said as he gathered more string into the ground and made sure to set them directly underneath the spot where the Captains stood. After making his preparations, Issei looked to see Jibando saying something to the men walking towards them.
"My, my. Now why are you letting those intruders enter the Soul Society?" Gin asked as he took out a small dagger and held it in between his fingers while the other Captain was observing what is occurring before him.
Jibando was sweating bullets as he spoke to the Captain. "I...I was defeated by their leader so it's only natural that I open the gate for them." He said as Gin looked at the giant guardian before chuckling a bit
"No. That's a ridiculous notion." Gin said as he pointed the dagger towards the giant before continuing. "Should a Guardian fail at their task then they only serve one use to us Soul Reapers. Death to keep the intruders out." He said as the spiritual energy picked up around the man as Issei readied his strings.
'Here it comes.' Issei mentally took note of as his eyes blinked for a moment until he gasped as Jibando's massive left arm fell off his body right behind them all, making a massive dust cloud with a large thud.
'W-What the hell? I only blinked for a moment and then his arm was sliced off his body? How the heck did that tiny dagger do that? Is it his Shikai's ability, Muramasa?' Issei asked as he was wondering what happened to the giant until he got a response.
[I was unable to hear the Shikai command but I do believe you are correct in assuming that it's his Shikai's ability. My hypothesis is that when the Shikai activates the blade extends at a speed faster than the eye can track and cut through multiple opponents with deadly accuracy. Be wary of that one. Our strings should be able to capture it but we'll only have a small window to do it. Are you in?] Muramasa asked as he sensed his partners stress before the Fullbringer nodded in reply.
'Yeah. I'm in. Let's do this.' Issei said as he tugged at the strings he laid out underneath the ground before he looked to see Ichigo blocking the second attack that Gin had sent towards Jibando again. Gin recalled his Zanpakto surprised before hearing Ichigo's name before he turned around and left the group before Issei's eyes saw what he was doing.
As did Muramasa.
[Go Issei! Do it now!]
"Right!" Issei yelled as he charged towards Gin using his Combo Star to give him a temporary boost in speed until he was a few feet away from the Captain. His trained ears picked up the words that the captain said.
"Shoot to Kill, Shinso."
Issei felt his body being pushed by an invisible blade of sorts until he bounced off the belly of Jibando and landed in the Soul Society ground as he heard the gate collapse behind him, trapping the Fullbringer in the Soul Society.
Gin walked towards the boy with a surprised expression on his face before Tosen stopped him with a hand on his shoulder.
"Boy. How long are you going to play dead?" Tosen asked as Issei's body moved quickly as ge swiped his hands towards then two as the ground underneath the two Captains were torn up before the two were trapped by Issei's many, many, many strings. That he laid out in the area before he swung them around multiple times until he released them and sent the two cocooned Captains into the wall far away from his spot before Issei did a few hand signs before whispering.
"Bakudou 21: Sekienton." Issei was then enveloped in a thick smoke before escaping the area as he pulled out something that he asked his Sensei Urahara to make for him until he vanished into the shadows thanks to his training with Griselda.
However unknown to the Fullbringer...
"My. My. To think he's using that sword. I've heard that it was cast aside by a deceased member and of the Kuchki clan but it's abilities are different from what we were told." Gin said as brushed the shoulders of his haori to get rid of some of the dust before Tosen came out of his own cocoon until he looked around the area trying to detect the boys presence.
"I've lost his spiritual energy. He's learned how to hide it for a human? Interesting. Being able to manipulate strings that not even I can see. Slicing through the ground and the buildings with the same strings he used to bound us and absorb our own spiritual energy to strengthen the cocoons he bound us in. That odd energy I felt coming from his gloves proves Matsumoto's report. He's a Fullbringer which means he's a human using the powers of a Zanpakto and a Quincy. Lord Aizen shall be very pleased by this boy." Tosen said as he turned around to go report to Aizen before Gin followed him but smiled a little as he let his mind wander to a woman he cared for greatly.
'So your the one that Rangiku fell for huh? Well I am happy and jealous that you captured her heart but I do hope you can see why I'm doing what I am doing. I can tell you and I are almost alike but you must be prepared to face the trials ahead of you because now...' Gin thought as he walked along the path before looking up at the sky. 'Now your in our turf. And many of them will not go easy on a human especially a Fullbringer who's also a Quincy.'
Issei was hiding in the shadows before he collapsed on the side of the building before looking at his shaking hands before clenching them tightly to calm himself down.
"Damn. I didn't think I'd be able to get away from them but unfortunately I'm stuck here with no way out of here." Issei said as he kept the hood over his head until Muramasa spoke to him.
[I do suggest we find someone who knows of Rangiku and Rukia's whereabouts since we will need information to locate the two of them. I doubt Rangiku was given a strict punishment since she didn't break any of the laws except for withholding information about your abilities unlike Rukia who broke a sacred law.] Muramasa said as he finished patching up Issei's scratch he received on the chest from Shinso's strike.
Issei nodded in reply as he looked at his supplies. He opened the small case he had on his belt before thanking Griselda and Ryuken for the items he was given the day before his training ended.
'Issei. When a Holy Sword is reacting to a person the church will seek them out to possibly recruit them. There are many Holy Swords that have been handed down to many exorcists but this sword is reacting to not just your power but also your heart. It wishes to fight along side you. In a way, it's similar to a Zanpakto but this blade is special since it was soaked in the blood of a Dragon and thus became a Dragon Slayer. It was originally your grandfathers before he died but I kept it close to me since I had a feeling that when you awoke your powers that you would have the same connection to the sword.' Griselda said as she handed the sheathed blade to Issei before his eyes widened at the blade until he felt a strong warmth envelop him as he heard a small voice speak to him.
It was the name of the sword.
"Ascalon." Issei said as he touched the hilt of his sword before feeling the warmth that the sword radiated much to Muramasa's displeasure.
[Tch. As if that sword can offer you much more than I could.] Muramasa said as he wasn't happy with the fact that Issei had a second sword with him but he was glad that Issei had Ascalon since the sword had its uses and was able to comfort Issei when he was in danger and heal his most grievous wounds. Issei was happy Muramasa was accepting of Ascalon but could tell that Muramasa was only putting up with the Holy Sword since it didn't speak to him like his Zanpakto.
"I'm still grateful that you were accepting towards Ascalon. It'll be helpful in our future battles but your right on getting information." He said as he looked at a passing Soup Reaper before smiling at him. "Let's see what he knows." Issei said as he got his gloves ready before grabbing the Soul Reaper as he came into sight before pinning him to the wall with a small dagger at his throat for intimidation.
"Where's Rukia Kuchki and Rangiku Matsumoto"
"I-I-"
"Well your useless to me." Issei said as he knocked out the guy with a sick left hook before tossing him into an abandoned warehouse next to him. "Okay. Someone's got to know where Rukia and Rangiku are right?"
19 Soul Reapers Later...
[I'm starting to doubt the intellect and qualifications of these Soul Reapers since I can't tell if this society is desperate for recruits or they were all the bottom of the barrel.] Muramasa said as Issei growled in annoyance at the 20th person he knocked out.
"Honestly. How hard is it to answer a simple question? Where are Rukia and Rangiku? Is that so hard to answer?" Issei asked himself as he felt his strings detect someone running on the sidewalk before growling to himself. "I swear if this next one doesn't have an answer I'm ditching this spot." Issei said as he grabbed the person by the front of their garments before he heard a small yelp and felt something soft in his hand.
"Wait a minute..." Issei said as he looked down at his hostage to see a small girl who had brown eyes, the standard Shinigami robes, with black hair pulled into a bun held in a tied cloth. She seemed to wear a badge on her left arm that showed that she was the lieutenant of Squad Five. His left hand was on her bust making the girl almost squeal loudly until Issei used his right hand to keep her quiet until he looked around to see if anyone was around before using his left hand to wipe the sweat on his head.
"Okay. I'm sorry for grabbing your bust but if you promise not to scream then I'll remove my hand. Deal?" Issei asked as he felt the girls head nod a yes before he removed his hand much to the girls relief until she looked at him and gasped lightly.
"Y-Your Issei Hyoudou, right? The one Rangiku talks about. The Fullbringer." She said with a shaky voice before Issei nodded. "Yes. My name is Issei but I mean no harm. All I'm trying to do is see if Rangiku is okay and save Rukia from being executed." Issei explained before the girl looked to the side for a bit until she nodded.
"Okay. My name is Momo Hinamori. As for Rangiku, she was given a lighter punishment due to not breaking the law like Rukia did. Unfortunately Central 46 still charged Rukia with the execution due to her giving her abilities to a Human."
"But it's because of Rukia giving her powers to Ichigo that his family is still safe from a Hollow attack. Isn't that a justifiable reason?"
"Unfortunately no. We can't allow any humans to obtain Soul Reaper abilities since it could cause chaos to the balance between Hollows and Soul Reapers. Also due to the incident that involved the last Substitute Soul Reaper, we had to be extra careful with spiritually aware humans."
"Kūgo Ginjō, right?" Issei asked as Momo nodded in reply which made Issei sigh before Momo looked at him with a calculating gaze.
"She said your a Fullbringer as well as a Quincy but you don't look like the ones that we were taught back in the academy about which makes me wonder a few things." Momo said as she looked down for a moment until Issei ruffled her hair a bit before asking.
"Is it wrong to ask if you know where Rukia is? I'm trying yo help her." He asked as Momo perked up at the question.
"Oh yes. I can take you to her. Rangiku was sentenced to spend some time 'reflecting on her actions' so she's in prison as well for a few more days until she returns to Squad 10 to do all of the paperwork she's missed in the last month." Momo said as Issei winced at the word paperwork knowing how Rangiku hated doing the cursed stack of papers of nonsense.
"Yikes. I almost feel sorry for her."
"Heh. Almost since she causes stress for Shirō."
"Uh...Who's Shirō? Wait do you mean Toshiro Hitsugaya? Rangiku's Captain?"
"Yeah that's right. Mind if we walk and talk?"
"Uh...Sure but if I am captured tell them that I forced you to lead me to Rukia. I don't want you to get into trouble, okay?" Issei asked as he walked with Momo at his side unknown to the stalker who was watching them
"Hm. Befriending Lieutenant Hinamori already and got her to lead you to Rukia and Rangiku's location? You really have a knack for connecting to people don't you, Issei Hyoudou. I can see why Rangiku talks about you."
Meanwhile with the other members outside of the Soul Society.
"So you and these brats wish to enter the Soul Society and save your friend? That's a suicide mission Yoruichi." Kukaku Shiba said as she smoked her pipe before the cat nodded in reply to his long time friend.
"I know but one of our team members is stuck in the Soul Society while we're out here. All I ask is that you help us get in and that's all. Nothing else." Yoruichi said as he held out a paw for Kukaku. "So won't you help us?" He asked as Kukaku looked at the paw before smirking back at the cat and nodding.
"Hell yeah. You can count me in. Sound like a whole lot of fun." She said before shaking the paw and going over the plan on how they would get in.
Tatsuki, Chad, Uryu, and Orihime passed the test with the orb easily but Ichigo struggled due to his massive amount of spiritual energy that he was having a hard time controlling and condensing into a sphere. Orihime and the others were eating dinner but the orangette was worried about Ichigo starving so she was going to sneak him some food until Yoruichi stopped her.
"No. It's best you leave Ichigo be for now. He needs to learn how to do it on his own." The cat said as the night continued before Ichigo was able to make a sphere for a moment until it cracked and caused a massive explosion inside of the training room.
Orihime, Chad, and Uryu were able to get Yoruichi's tail free as Ichigo collapsed from exhaustion until the others went to sleep. Orihime woke up in the middle of the night and ended up walking around the Shiba residences garden until she heard a bush rustle until a hand covered her mouth from screaming.
"Don't say a word because this is the only time I'll offer my help." The voice said as Orihime's eyes widened and slowly turned to see the red eyes of the Hollow who hated her more than anything.
The Arrancar Kurumi.
"Listen if I wanted to kill you then I would do it right now but the reason I'm not is because my boss is telling me to do this." Kurumi said as she let Orihime stumble into the grass before Kurumi sat on a stone looking at the girl with a bored expression. "Know that if you do try to run, I'll kill your right? Just listen and respond when I give you a question. Okay?" The centipede asked which made Orihime nod in reply before Kurumi smiled toothily at her.
"Good. Now listen up. My boss told me to inform you that Rukia will be executed by the end of this week which means you and your friends only have five days to get her out of here until the day of her execution. Now your wondering why I'm telling you this? Simple. Because I know your her friends and want to save her but I should tell you that your window of opportunity is limited and that your going to face a world of Hell once your get into that place. Me? I'm terrified of that place especially for my future King but I know he'll survive. He always finds a way how to get out of a bind he's in." Kurumi said before she began to walk away from the girl until Orihime called out to her.
"Wait!" She yelled as Kurumi stopped for a moment as Orihime asked a question with a serious expression on her face. "Why are you helping us? You could've said no and just killed me without worrying about the consequences so why keep me alive?"
Kurumi sighed as she looked back at the girl and bowed to the human. "I apologize for my earlier actions but I was being influenced by my instincts and my desires but now that I've got a better control of myself I'm more humane now so don't worry about me stalking or harming your friends. Make no mistake that we will clash one day but for now I'm willing to stay passive until I'm given the all clear to kill you." Kurumi said before she left the orange haired girl be for the night as Orihime headed back to the Shiba residence and went back to sleep pondering about what Kurumi said.
'Is she really an enemy or is she a friend?'
The Next Day.
Issei woke up with a blanket over his body as he looked to see Momo sleeping next to a wall with her head leaning on the doorframe. Some drool came out of her mouth which somehow made her seem cute to the Fullbring until he got up and shook her shoulders lightly which made Momo wake up with a tired look in her eyes until she shook her head.
"Mmmm...Good Morning Hyoudou-San." Momo said as she woke up to Issei holding an apple in front of her.
"Here. You need your strength for today since I've only got four days to get to Rukia and bust her out of her cell." Issei said as he stretched his back as Momo thanked him for the apple and ate the treat until Issei looked outside to see no one was watching them until he put his cloak on again.
"Let's go Momo." Issei said as Momo nodded in reply as the two headed out to Rukia's cell until they felt a massive amount of spiritual energy head towards the Soul Society. "This power. Definitely feels like Ichigo's energy." He said as Momo gasped at a shooting star that hit the shield that protected the Soul Society until the star exploded and sent four smaller stars into the Soul Society.
"Looks like their all separated. Okay then. Let's get going." Issei said as Momo lead him in the direction of the cell Rukia was in but as they were about to head out a voice stops them.
"Oh my. So this is where you were Momo. Taken as a hostage by the Ryoka?" The voice said as Issei readied Murasmasa to see that two Soul Reapers popped out of thin air.
"How shameful. Taking advantage of Momo and holding as a hostage. Have you no heart?" The other one said as Issei readied himself for battle.
"Uh who the hell are you two? Also I'm a little busy here trying to find Rukia." Issei said as the first one readied his blade.
"Fifth Seat of Squad Eleven. Yumichika Ayasegawa and this is Tetsuzaemon Iba. Lieutenant of Squad 7. Now if you kindly surrender and let Momo go then we can ensure you have a lighter punishment." Yumichika said as Issei assessed his opponents.
'They both seem to be competent fighters but compared to Rangiku and Rukia these two are weaker than them. I'll have to knock them out before others show up.' Issei said mentally as he charged at Iba and sent a double combo into his gut before punching Iba's sword multiple times and as the combo grew, the pressure behind the attacks pushed Iba back as he struggled to stop the assault of punches before his sword shattered into pieces which gave Issei the chance he needed.
"Thirty One!" Issei said as Shunpo'd behind Iba before sending his punch into his back, sending him into the wall unconscious as blood spilled from his forehead. "Perfect. Now where's the other one?" Issei asked before his hand moved instinctively to block a strike with his strings which shocked the Fullbring as he looked at the Shikai.
It was a sickle-shaped blade, or falx, distinguished from the khopesh by the cutting edge being located on the inside. A hinge at top of the hilt allowed it to split into four identical and evenly spaced blades. The hilt and tsuba remained the same in its Shikai form. The blade's overal design most closely resembles a shotel.
"Woah. Interesting Shikai. Never saw a sword look like this before. Hopefully it'll hold out longer than the other guy's sword." Issei said as he let his strings loose before he punched the wall beside Yumichika before following up with another punch that Yumichika dodged. After that it became a dance of dodge and attack as the two clashed between offense and defensive attacks.
Yumichika switched between defense to offense when Issei's form revealed an opening while Issei switched between offense to defense when Yumichika got close to him with his blades.
'I need to be careful. Thanks to the punches I've stored up from our flashes fight I've got about about a twenty punch combo in. That's less than the ones I had from the short battle with Iba, then again that Lieutenant was all bark and no bite but this guy seems to be stronger than him so why is he a fifth seat instead of a Lieutenant?' Issei pondered as he found his chance.
"Gotcha!" Issei yelled as he sent his strings to bind Yumichika's left ankle before Issei tugged the strings that sent him flying through the air and into the ground a couple of feet behind him.
After the dust cloud receded, Issei believed the fight was over until he felt something tug at his right hand which made him look at Yumichika as he slowly stood up and shouted at him.
"You ruined my makeup and my hair! And for that you'll pay!"
"Woah! Okay first off it's a fight! Second I'm trying to knock you out. I don't want to kill anyone when all I'm trying to do is save Rukia!" Issei replied back until he felt his entire being wrapped around by the many vines which worried Issei greatly as he then aimed a finger pistol at the approaching Soul Reaper.
"String Bullets." Issei said as he fired five bullets that hit Yumichika's left arm and his ribs until the blue vines seemed to be healing the Soul Reapers wounds as Yumichika smirked at his captor.
"This is the true form of my Shikai. Ruri'iro Kujaku. That is the true name of my Zanpakto. The blades can flare up and transform into a number of glowing peacock feather-like vines. These vines move to grapple and ensnare an opponent and once the opponent is sufficiently subdued the vines begin to grow energy buds that are being filled with your Reiatsu. Once the flowers fully bloom the collected Reiatsu shall be turned against the opponent, either seriously incapacitating you or killing you in the process." He said as Issei feared for his life until time seemed to stop around him.
Muramasa looked at Issei as he spoke to him from his inner world. [What are you doing Issei? Your far more than capable of defeating his opponent and yet you hesitate in releasing your full power. Why is that?] The Zanpakto asked as Issei struggled to reply until he looked down since he knew his partner was right in what he said.
"I...I...Ever since I learned how to fight I've been taught to never kill when using my attacks. Hollows are one things since I'm freeing their souls and sending them to Heaven but now..." Issei said as he knew this was just an excuse for his actions but he didn't wish to stain his hands in blood and kill a person he hardly knew, and that was until Muramasa punched Issei in the face much to his shock as he looked at his partners expression.
[Then you are a naïve fool!] Muramasa roared startling Issei since he never heard the calm spirit yell at him before. [You came here, invading the Soul Society with a ragtag group of friends to save Rukia from being wrongfully executed. Did you really believe that there wouldn't be death on both sides of this conflict?] He asked him. Issei was shaken as he was looking into the fierce eyes of Muramasa.
[Issei Hyoudou. You must understand that all actions have consequences, both positive and negative. You may have been strong enough to beat your past opponents enough that you didn't need to kill them, but there will be times where you must take a life to save another.] He told him getting Issei to shadow his eyes with his front bangs. [The Shinigami of Soul Society's Gotei 13 see you and your friends as enemies, and all enemies are either captured alive, interrogated and then killed or outright killed if capturing proves too much of a hassle.] Muramasa said as he pointed to an image of Yumichika, Iba, and Momo before speaking once more.
[Think about how these Shinigami feel. Someone breaks into your home, causes mass panic, destruction and chaos. You don't know why their doing this, but you'll use everything you have in protecting your home and its people. That is what you and your friends are doing. The Shinigami have taken offence and want justice, just as you want justice for their unjust punishment towards Rukia. This will come ahead and you must be ready to go all the way to fight for your ideals and principles just as they fight theirs. And this means that you must take a life if means keeping yours and friends' safe. They will show you no mercy, as such you can't show them mercy either. Do you understand my partner?] Muramasa asked him as Issei looked at his hands before clenching them tightly.
"I...I..."
[Before you reply. Know that should you die Rangiku will be sad as will Shirō, Orihime, and your other friends. I know you hate the idea of killing others but you must understand that sometimes you must do what has to be done to defend and save yourself. You already know what you have to do to win this battle so make a choice. Either allow yourself to be killed by this Soul Reaper or kill to survive and save your friends.] Muramasa said as Issei was brought back to the Soul Society as he looked at the flowers already halfway fully bloomed before he gritted his teeth.
"I'm sorry..."
Yumichika rose a brow at this until he felt blood leave his mouth as he felt a warmth on his chest. He put his left hand on his chest to see it turn red until he felt even more blood leave his mouth before the Shikai's effects wore off as flowers began to fall all around them as Issei coughed heavily as Muramasa and Ascalon began to heal his internal injuries until he walked over to Yumichika who was panting heavily on the ground with his Zanpakto back in its Shikai state.
As Issei looked at Yumichika's defeated form, the more he realized that the words Muramasa said to him were true. The Shinigami would kill him and his friends if this 'invasion' failed. Rukia would die due to her superiors not wanting to know the whole picture, the reason why Rukia had been forced to her powers to him. Ichigo owed her because without her, he and his family would be dead and Hollow food. As such it wasn't just actual, physical combat but also a battle of ideals, principles and views on laws.
"Who would've thought that coming here would force me to break the one rule I swore not to break when I took on martial arts?" Issei asked himself as he looked at his gloves before saw Yumichika try to hand Issei his Zanpakto.
"P-Please. Take my partner and...And give him a more fulfilling life than I could after I neglected him for so many years. I...I don't deserve a partner like him. Someone who's put up with my narcissistic personality and my fear of being outcasted by my Squad because of my shame in my own power." Yumichika said as he let a few tears escape his eyes but both Issei and Muramasa could sense Yumichika's Zanpakto's feelings as he died so Issei pushed the blade back to Yumichika before shaking his head.
"No. Muramasa and I can sense your Zanpakto's true feelings. Granted it is sad that you neglected its real name and power for so long but despite all that, it truly wishes to stay by your side until the bitter end. In a way, your Zanpakto is similar to Muramasa. He was tossed aside by his own partner and left to die but still he bonded with me and I accepted him just like how he accepted me." Issei said as he sat next to Yumichika while Muramasa continued to stitch his wounds.
"I can't understand you or your partners frustrations, your sadness, or anger, but there is one thing I do understand. The bond you two have despite you both neglecting the other. That's why seeing you now, reminds me of us humans. We can say we hate each other a lot but there are times when we still look out for each other no matter what. That is what I truly admire." Issei said as he showed a violet string between Yumichika and his partner as he stated.
"See how this string is big and hard? It's because it's the trust you share between the each other. Had it been fragile and weak, I could've easily used Muramasa and severed the link between you both but it's hard to with a string like this." Issei said as Yumichika's eyes widened at it before he chuckled to himself as he began to lose more blood.
"Heh. You know. Maybe your not so bad after all. You really are different from the other Fullbringer's I've had to kill. Your not power hungry or try to take revenge on us. You merely use your power to protect the lives you cherish. Heh. You win, Issei Hyoudou. But be warned since there are others more powerful than I am."
"Then we'll gladly take them down." Issei said as he stood up and tested his left arm a bit before walking away from Yumichika.
"Farewell Yumichika. And thank you Muramasa. For teaching me that in order to achieve my goal, I have to stain my hands in blood." Issei said as he felt Yumichika's life fade away as he turned to see the Zanpakto fade away as well into dust before Issei let out a deep sigh.
"Damn. And I was really starting to like that guy." Issei said before he punched the wall next to him, leaving a massive hole in the wall which was when Momo left the hiding place before she came to his side and held his left hand.
"It's your first time taking a life isn't it?" She asked as Issei nodded before Momo sighed and took his hand forward as she led him in the direction of Rukia's cell much to his surprise.
"Your still going to help me? Even after I literally killed your own comrade?"
"Your not the only one who's taken a living persons life. Believe me, being a Lieutenant is not easy especially when you have to make the tough choices." Momo said as she looked at her sword before smiling at him. "If you do feel like you need a shoulder to cry on then I'm here to help when you need it but for now it's time to help Rukia right?" She asked as Issei wiped his tears before nodding.
"Yeah. Let's go. Lead the way Momo." Issei said as he followed Momo unknown to Gin appearing at the battle scene before looking at the bodies.
"Hm. Defeated Lieutenant Iba and killed Yumichika of Squad 11? Interesting. I suppose I'll take the Lieutenant to Squad Four then." Gin said as he picked up the fallen Lieutenant and carried him away.
Tatsuki sighed in relief as the pair of ridiculous-looking shinigami headed away. That had been close. The reiatsu coming off the spiky-haired man was enormous. Tatsuki had no doubts that should they fight, she would have been defeated swiftly. But fortunately his little pink-haired passenger sent him in a different direction. If she wasn't the enemy here, Tatsuki would send her a bag of candy.
"They're gone." Orihime said as she looked from their hiding spot. "So where are we going to go now? I can see a tower from here." Tatsuki looked where the other girl was pointing. And nearly froze with shock. There was a shinigami standing behind the oblivious redhead. He was a giant of a man and his katana was raised high, ready to strike.
Tatsuki reacted in a split-second. She raced towards her friend, using her enhanced speed to the max. She almost didn't make it. She crashed into Orihime when the man's zanpakutou was halfway down. Both girls tumbled onto the roof, the sword cutting a hole into it barely centimeters from Tatsuki's feet.
"So you dodged this, you're good." The Shinigami spoke. "But you aren't going to dodge this!" His katana descended on them. Lying on the ground, limbs entangled together, there was no way for the girls to dodge. Tatsuki lifted her armored arm in an attempt to block to the attack until...
"Santen Kesshun!" The three fairies flew from Orihime's hairpins, forming a triangular shield above them. The approaching blade was stopped. The man frowned and struck again. The shield held firm. The two girls used the reprieve to disentangle themselves and climb to their feet.
"That's an interesting technique you have there." The giant Shinigami said. "I've never seen anything like it before but that isn't going to save you. You were unlucky, because you ran into me, Ikkanzaka Jiroubou, also known as Kamaitachi Jiroubou, the best user of airborne weapons." Tatsuki couldn't see any airborne weapons anywhere, so she wondered what did it mean. The man proceeded boasting. "If you haven't run into me, you could have lived longer. But you did, so you are going to die here today. I'll give you ten seconds to contemplate your regret."
Tatsuki took it as ten seconds to contemplate their strategy. 'This guy is big, strong and fast. He got the jump on us without us even sensing his presence. Also he claimed to use airborne weapons, but so far he hasn't shown any of them. A sneak attack might be the best way to knock him out since he's still counting.' Tatsuki pondered as she rushed towards Jiroubou. He noticed the attack and swung his zanpakutou at her. She barely dodged the attack as she used a Boost to get her away from the strike before the giant shouted in rage.
"What is this? Attacking when I'm was still counting? You are going to regret that!" He shouted as he slashed at her again. Tatsuki used her training and evaded the attacks nimbly and tried to get closer to him, but she was met with his left fist. She punched at it, using her armored hand which was boosted a couple of times instinctively. Jiroubou roared as the bones in his fingers broke but before Tatsuki could follow up her attack, he kicked her which sent her flying across the roof.
As she slid on the rooftop, the Karate Master grabbed a piece of the roof and flipped herself back on her feet. She noticed that Jiroubou now concentrated on Orihime and wasn't paying her much attention.
'This is my chance.' With a dash, she appeared at his side but as she punched her armored glove his direction Jiroubou noticed her in the last moment and dodged which made Tatsuki's fist strike only air.
"How the hell did that big oaf move so fast? All I saw was a blur and then suddenly he was standing on the other end of the roof. Is that a Shunpo like Issei said?"
"You tried another cowardly attack on me?" Jiroubou asked in outrage. Tatsuki tried to remind him that he had attempted the same on Orihime, but Jiroubou continued speaking which continued to piss off the Karate Master as her gauntlet began to shine brightly. "You're going to really regret this. Habatakinasai, Tsunzakigarasu!" Having never seen a zanpakutou released before, Tatsuki had no idea what to expect. Therefore she was surprised when the blade split into many smaller blades, all of them floating in the air.
"This is the true form of my Zanpakto," Jiroubou explained proudly. "Nobody ever saw it and lived. You are going to die here." Then the blades were speeding towards them. Tatsuki was about to grab Orihime and dodge, when the redhead reacted.
"Santen Kesshun!" The blades bounced off the glowing shield.
"What?" Jiroubou exclaimed in surprise. Then he commanded the blades to divide in two groups, circle the shield and attack the girls from both sides. It was a dangerous attack, but it had a fatal flaw: Jiroubou left his center open.
As Orihime repositioned her shield to protect herself, Tatsuki rushed forward.
'Okay. This is it! I have to end this here and now!' Tatsuki shouted as she felt a voice in her head shout that name of a technique she's never heard before until she looked at her left arm and saw the Boosted Gear shine bright red as the jewel glowed brightly temporarily blinding Jiroubou.
Tatsuki then poured every ounce of her remaining strength into her speed until Jiroubou blinked to see the Ryoka in front of him, before she delivering a powerful punch to his face with a crimson sphere.
The giant man stumbled, abandoning his attack on Orihime in his shock. Tatsuki then punched his face, again, and again, in the same spot. Blood surged from his nose as Jiroubou shouted. The blades almost reached Tatsuki until a golden shield appeared between them, stopping them in their tracks. Orihime didn't even call the name of her technique, she just wished to protect her friend and the Shun Shun Rikka reacted upon her will.
Tatsuki's next punch drove the shinigami to collapse on his back. She capitalized on it as she drove two consecutive punches to his solar plexus knocked the wind out of him and knocked him down. Tatsuki didn't let up in her assault. She punched him until she unleashed the crimson sphere.
"Dragon Shot!!!" Tatsuki yelled as the giant was sent flying into the streets which caused a massive dust cloud to emerge until the two girls looked to see that he was not moving anymore. Tatsuki could tell he wasn't dead, but he won't be getting up anytime soon.
[Reset.] The Boosted Gear said as she collapsed on her knees before hearing Orihime rush towards her.
"Tatsuki-chan," Orihime whispered.
"Are you alright?" Tatsuki asked.
"Yes." Orihime nodded before helping Tatsuki up to her feet draping her over her shoulder. "But Tsubaki-kun is wounded. Let's get out of here. I'll heal you once we find a safe place to rest but..." Orihime stopped mid sentence as she looked at the fallen Soul Reaper until Tatsuki reminded her.
"He's our enemy. And besides, he isn't going to die. Somebody will find him and get him to a hospital." Tatsuki had no idea whether they had hospitals in Seireitei, but she decided to believe that they did. Otherwise she might not convince her friend to leave.
Orihime nodded reluctantly. "Let's go." The two girls ran away, trying to put as much distance as they could between themselves and whoever will come to investigate the site of the battle.
"All clear," Hanatarou announced as he peeked from the manhole. They had spent a day walking through the sewers, Hanatarou navigating confidently. He also healed Chad's wounds, something Ichigo was grateful for. His friend tended to brush off whatever damage he took. Now they finally reached their destination.
"Good," Ichigo smiled. He disliked being cooped up in the dark, dank tunnels. He was all too glad to be finally able to climb back into the sun. Soon the trio stood on a small, deserted plaza, looking up at a white tower shining against the clear sky.
"So this is it?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes, and this is as far as you go," a new voice sounded. It was accompanied by a sense of heavy reiatsu. The trio looked towards its source. It was coming from the direction of the staircase leading towards the Senzaikyuu.
"You aren't going to stop me, Abarai," Ichigo growled.
"You remember my name? Good memory," Renji complimented him.
"Thanks for the compliment. And now step aside, because I'm coming for Rukia."
"As I said before, I'm going to kill the one who stole Rukia's powers. As long as you're alive, her power cannot be restored. I don't know how you survived Kuchiki-taichou's attack, but you aren't going to survive mine." He drew Zabimaru and sprang forward in one fluid motion. Ichigo swiftly blocked his attack with Zangetsu.
"Didn't you drag her here because you wanted to kill her?" He spat. "What's the point of saying that now?"
"Enough speaking," Renji snapped, making Ichigo suspect that he didn't have a good answer to his question. "I'm going to kill you now."
Chad activated his Brazo Derecha de Gigante ready to fight until Ichigo stopped him.
"No, Chad," Ichigo shook his head. "I'm going to defeat him alone. Please, don't interfere." Chad didn't like it, but grunted in agreement. If Ichigo felt that this was personal, he wasn't going to get in his way. He'd just wait and act if it looked like Ichigo was about to lose.
The battle began. At first, Ichigo was doing well, but then he began noticing something: Abarai was fighting much better than he did when they first clashed. And though Ichigo still had the upper hand, he wasn't winning as easily as he should have. He wondered what did it mean. He decided that it didn't matter, as long as he was winning. And then finally he pushed Renji to the wall. But the lieutenant didn't look disturbed. It nagged Ichigo.
"Let me ask you something," Abarai said. "How do you plan on saving Rukia? Even if you defeat me, there are eleven more lieutenants and thirteen captains. You can't beat them all."
"You bet I can," Ichigo snapped back. "It doesn't matter how many enemies are there, I'm just going to beat everybody who stands in my way!"
Renji snorted. "Where does your confidence come from? You got a bit stronger since I last fought you, but it isn't going to be enough!" In that moment, Abarai's spiritual power exploded outwards. He pushed at his sword so hard he sent Ichigo flying.
'Oh shit.' The boy thought.
"Howl! Zabimaru!"
'Double shit!' Ichigo was still midair and therefore unable to dodge. He watched as Renji's sword changed shape and extended towards him. He lifted Zangetsu to block, but Zabimaru changed directions unexpectedly, flying around Ichigo and than hitting him from the back just as he landed. Kurosaki screamed. It felt like he was being sawed in half. On second thought, he really was being sawed in half. He collapsed to the ground.
"Seems like you thought you understood my abilities after just one fight with me," Renji sneered. "Let me tell you something: When captains and vice-captains go to the Living World, they're equipped with a power limiter, so they wouldn't cause accidental damages to the mortal souls. I'm now five times stronger than I was back then. You stood no chance fighting against me on my home turf."
"So this is your real strength?" Ichigo asked picking himself from the ground. "Then you aren't going to get any stronger, are you?" He plastered a smirk on his face, trying to conceal how bad he was really feeling. Though the wound caused by Renji's attack wasn't as serious as he had initially thought, it still hurt like hell and hampered his movements severely. "If there are eleven more guys like you, I should have no problem."
"You can still stand?" Renji asked. "Well, then I guess that I just have to do something about it." And he attacked. This time Ichigo managed to block Zabimaru's extending blade, but just barely. The wound on his back was really a bother. But he refused to show it and attacked valiantly.
They traded blows for a while longer. Ichigo felt himself weakening from the blood loss, but he also found a pattern in Renji's attacks.
'Three times. That's how many times he can use his Shikai's ability before his sword retracts to its original state. If I can wait for a couple more seconds before he attacks me again. I'll have an opening.' Ichigo calculated as he watched as Abarai attacked again as Zabimaru surged forward, intent on smashing into him.
One.
Ichigo dodged sideways. Zabimaru's blade changed directions and tried to saw him in half. Ichigo blocked.
Two.
Zabimaru changed directions again, trying to wrap around Ichigo. The boy jumped high, evading the blade.
'Three!'
Zabimaru began retracting just as Ichigo landed. Kurosaki waited for nothing and started after Renji. He saw the lieutenant's eyes widen for a moment but then Renji began moving too. Ichigo tried to go faster, but realized that he couldn't.
'Dammit.' He thought. 'My wound from the last attack. I'm not going to make it in time!' Renji dodged his blow and prepared a counterattack. Ichigo attempted to block it, but he was wildly off-balance and the hit forced him to the ground until the spikes of Zabimaru cut into his body again. He screamed in pain as Renji spoke to him.
"Attacking when my blade contracted was a good idea," Renji praised him which surprised Ichigo until Renji continued. "But it wasn't enough. Do you know why? Because you are slow. That's the difference between the two of us, which means there is no way you can defeat me."
Ichigo cursed as he tired to get back up. 'Dammit. This wound is making it even harder for me to move. But I can't accept defeat here. Not now!'
Ichigo gathered whatever power he still had left and rose to his feet surprising the Lieutenant as Renji looked at him in shock. 'This isnt the wreck of a man using his last strength to make some pointless statement. No, he's radiating so much power now, even as his blood pooled under him. To be able to continue to fight despite his bodily injuries. Incredible.' Renji pondered as he readied for this final clash.
"Sorry, Renji, I just cannot afford to lose here." Ichigo said mostly to himself. He had to reassure himself that he was doing only what he had to because even as he pumped more reiatsu into his zanpakutou, he couldn't help but feel doubt. Because if he unleashed his full power at Renji, there was a good chance that it would kill him. And Ichigo was reluctant to kill.
That was one thing Urahara hadn't taught him: to kill. He had never slain anything that wasn't a Hollow and even then he wasn't really killing, just purifying them. The idea of killing a human or a shinigami scared him. That was why he held back during his fights, despite knowing that it would cost him. But now he couldn't afford to hesitate anymore. Rukia was waiting. He had to give his all to get to her and that meant getting through Renji. He just had to hope the tattooed lieutenant would survive.
Zangetsu's blade was now glowing with bright white light. Renji watched it in surprise. Just what was that? He didn't know, but his decades of experience told him that it was dangerous. He held Zabimaru tighter, preparing to block or dodge.
"Getsuga Tenshou!" Ichigo swung his sword down, releasing the blast. It was too fast for Renji to dodge. He gave his all into blocking, but it just wasn't enough. He could hear Zabimaru's tortured howl in his mind as the blade broke. The white light slammed into him, cutting and burning. He thought he might have screamed, but the pain overwhelmed him completely.
Then it was suddenly over. He was kneeling on the ground, the hilt of his broken zanpakutou in his hands. "I lost?"
Even with the hard, solid evidence presented in front of him, it was a bit hard to believe. It had happened so suddenly. He had been winning and then the ryoka pulled out some super-strong ability and completely wiped him. There was no chance he could kill him now to restore Rukia's powers. His sword was shattered and his body barely holding together. The goal of saving Rukia was suddenly unreachable, just like his dream of surpassing Captain Kuchiki or like the girl herself. He remembered how he had met her and then lost her. No, he hadn't lost her. He had let her go, something he had regretted ever since, no matter how hard he tried to convince himself that it was for Rukia's benefit. He had lost her and now it looked like he was going to lose her once again. But he couldn't just accept it calmly. He had to do something.
Ichigo watched as Renji made a shaking step towards him. 'He's not dead? Thank goodness I didn't kill him.' Despite the other redhead being an enemy, Ichigo wasn't sure he could live with the knowledge that he had killed him. Then Renji grasped the front of his shirt. "Please, you have to save Rukia," he gasped. Then he collapsed. Ichigo blinked in surprise. He sure hadn't expected that. Then he collapsed too, his battered body no longer able to take the damage.
"Ichigo!" Chad called racing to him. The boy just lay on the ground unresponsive.
"Somebody is coming," Hanatarou announced. "Four or five people. And some of them powerful. We have to get out of here." Chad looked indecisive for a moment. He wagered that he could defeat whoever was coming, but that would endanger the unconscious Ichigo. He decided to go along with Hanatarou's plan and retreat into the sewers. And see how good a healer the small Fourth Division member was.
Uryu and Ganju were able to Ganju were lucky to survive against Mayuri Kurostichi and his Lieutenant Nemu but they were almost killed by the poison from the deceased Captain's Bankai until Nemu gave them both the antidote which helped the two heal and recover quickly from their wounds until Nemu knocked the two of them out.
"Apologies but I'll ensure that you both are not harmed while imprisoned. Forgive my rudeness." Nemu said as she looked at the liquid before seeing her father seep into his laboratory so that he may heal and recover from his brutal battle against the two Ryoka's.
"So two of the seven Ryoka were captured. Is that correct Kurumi?" Aizen asked as Kurumi nodded while reading a paper before her.
"That's correct. Uryu Ishida and Ganju Shiba killer Mayuri Kurotsuchi but Nemu believes her 'father' will pull through. Ichigo Kurosaki managed to defeat both Ikkaku Madarame, Third Seat of Squad 11, and Renji Abrai, Lieutenant of Squad 6, in single combat. The one known as Chad managed to defeat many lower class Soul Reapers with physical strength alone. Tatsuki Arisawa and Orihime Inoue managed to defeat Ikkanzaka Jiroubou. Issei Hyoudou managed to defeat both Iba, Lieutenant of Squad 7, and killed Yumichika Ayasegawa, Fifth Seat of Squad 11. Reports show that he also has Momo Hinamori as a hostage."
"Such a shame. I guess I'll have to make sure that the others see me when I die." Aizen said as he pulled out his Zanpakto before looking at Tosen.
"Tosen. I want you to intercept the two of them and clash with Issei Hyoudou. Make sure you learn all that the Fullbring is capable of because I believe that this boy will be a very wonderful asset for my army in Hueco Mundo." Aizen said as Tosen bowed to his master before leaving him alone while Kurumi was stuck in between a rock and a hard place. On one hand she wanted to have Issei at her side so that they can fight together but on the other hand she didn't want to make Issei hate her even more after all that she's done to them in the Hollow War.
"Dammit. If only I was a human again. Maybe then it would've been easier to speak to Issei." Kurumi said as she slithered away to Hueco Mundo to await her masters orders as the Ryoka headed to Rukia's location while Uryu and Ganju rest in the jail cell.
Scene!
This concludes the first part of the Ryoka Invasion. Now I decided to split them all up in different pairs for more interesting interactions. Ichigo will kill his first person eventually but it won't be Kenpachi or Byakuya. Their important in the future arcs. Issei will face Tosen but the Captain will be holding back his true strength since he's only gauging Issei's powers, not actually fighting him.
As for Orihime and Kurumi, the two will have a friend/enemies relationship. Kurumi will help Orihime from time to time but she won't kill Orihime until she's ordered to. Orihime will be wanting to get stronger like Kurumi since she knows that she'll only be good for defense and support so she'll want to try and increase her abilities like Chad when he joined Xcution and trained at Urahara Shoten.
The Devils and Fallen Angels will appear after the Ryoka Invasion arc since I want Issei and Tatsuki to meet both my personal favorite scientist Azazel and Tatsuki meets Vali since I believe that the two can form an interesting rivalry while Issei works with Azazel to get better in using his Shikai and Bankai.
Oh and here's a little sneak peek I've been working on for the Arrancar Arc.
Issei was rushing towards the World of the Living where he was told that Grimmjow and others were attacking the team of Soul Reapers that came to Karakura Town to protect it in case Aizen attacked them at their home. But just as Issei was reaching the light a rift in the space stopped him as he saw the pink hair of the Arrancar that he had the 'pleasure' of meeting earlier.
"Aizen's resident mad scientist Szayel Aporro Granz. Also the one who took Mayuri Kurotsuchi's personal inventions and research notes." Issei said as the mad scientist laughed at Issei's introduction of the Arrancar before he smiled at him.
"Ah yes. I've come to make an offer I'm sure you won't refuse."
"And why the Hell would I even listen to anything you have to say?" Issei asked before Szayel snapped his fingers as multiple screens popped up to show his teammates struggle against the Arracnars power until Szayel displaced another screen that showed Soifon struggling to breathe with a vacuum surrounding her head.
"My offer is a simple one. Come join Aizen's army and become my personal assistant and I can help you unlock even greater power or...I'll give the command to kill your little girlfriend Soifon." Szayel smiled as Issei had Ascalon next to his neck unafraid of the Holy Power burning him.
"You know you can't refuse this otherwise the ones you care for will die. So what'll it be Issei Hyoudou?"
Karin's eyes widened as Issei kissed her forehead before rubbing her head fondly. "Heh. I don't want to leave Karakura Town but I got no choice. I need to fulfill my end of the deal so if you do want to become a Soul Reaper then do it. I'll support you but tell Ichigo I'm sorry but I had to make a tough decision."
Karin wiped her eyes as she nodded. "Okay. I will. And when I kick your ass and drag you back home, you'll take me on a date." Karin said much to Issei's surprise before chuckling at the stubborn girl.
"Okay. It's a deal." Issei said as he vanished into thin air.
Issei was trying on his new attire before he stood before Aizen. "So. You have me. Now what do you want from me?" Issei asked as Aizen smiled at Issei before responding to him.
"Simple. I want you to become my Cero Espada. My second in command, so to speak, of leading Hueco Mundo and the Espada's."
"Wait, what!?"
Next Update: Dragons Will and The Wilting Cherry Blossom
