A More Relevant Threat

Hitsugaya sighed as the Senkaimon closed behind him, the young Shinigami glancing at his fellow captain. "Where do you think a Quincy would hide out?"

Bykakuya glanced at the young Shinigami before he looked at Shuhei and Rangiku, clearly asking the two of them. The two Lieutenants frowned, thinking it over. "He was dressed strangely. Almost like he was a priest. He might be hiding out at a church," Rangiku eventually stated. Byakuya nodded, and the group of Shinigami disappeared, moving towards the only church in Karakura Town.

The chase was on.

Ichigo grunted as he fired off another arrow, Zangetsu deflecting the arrow with a grunt before he rushed forwards. Ichigo grunted as he rushed to meet the Zanpakuto Spirit, their blades clashing. Zangetsu grunted, his eyes locking with Ichigo's before a sphere of red energy swirled in front of his open mouth. Ichigo's eyes widened before he quickly shot away, able to avoid Zangetsu's Cero due to a quick use of his Jikantai. However, the teen was not out of the water yet as blue arrows shot towards him like lightning, Letzt standing atop his tower with bow in hand.

Ichigo grunted, quickly forming his bow before struggling to form an arrow. Upon its creation he fired it off, the arrow able to take out one of Letzt's. However that wouldn't be enough, forcing Ichigo to use his blades to parry the rest of the arrows. However, he wasn't allowed a reprieve, Zangetsu appearing before him in a flash, his large blade already howling for blood.

The hybrid grunted, deflecting the blade strike, grunting against Zangetsu's strength. "This won't defeat me," Ichigo stated, grunting. Zangetsu raised his eyebrow, a grin forming on his face.

"Oh?" The materialization of his Arrancar abilities disappeared in a flash of speed, causing Ichigo's eyes to widen. He turned, surprised to see Zangetsu standing behind him, his blade already moving. "You still can't handle Sonido." Ichigo grunted, raising his smaller blade to stop the cut that would have bisected him, his eyes wide as he saw the victory in Zangetsu eyes. Zangetsu however wasn't his only opponent, Letzt appearing behind him, an arrow already knocked.

"You've got to pay attention to both opponents at the same time," Letzt stated, lowering the bow. Ichigo grunted, his arms falling as he realized that he was beaten. He still couldn't handle two opponents at the same time. Not for long periods of time at least.

"Still, that's improvement," Zangetsu muttered. "You extended your time by five minutes. I think that should be enough to tackle the two fools who run the forest. After all, they'll be attacking each other as well. We just focused on Ichigo."

Letzt grunted. "It's possible that he can win," the Quincy-half of Ichigo stated. "But it definitely won't be an easy thing to do. Remember to keep your eyes on both opponents."

Ichigo nodded at the advice before he opened his eyes, revealing the sandy world of Hueco Mundo once more. He walked out of the cave, eyeing the large rock spires that extended high into the air, so high that they likely touched the roof of the Menos Forest. The teen grunted, his swords on his back as he eyed the area. He had to find the two for him to fight them.

He sighed. He didn't feel substantially more powerful than when he first arrived in Hueco Mundo, but he did feel more balanced. He likely couldn't use Resurreccion, no he didn't feel like his Quincy powers were strong enough for that quite yet, but he had the ability to use varying techniques. That by itself made him a more dangerous opponent.

Hopefully he could defeat his two opponents with that alone.

Isshin grunted as he paused, Kisuke stopping his assault the second the man raised his hand. "You sense that?"

Kisuke nodded. "Yes. Shinigami just arrived. They're strong too. With the level of power they're displaying they're probably Captain-level when they release their limiters. We should go check this out."

Isshin grit his teeth, nodding. "Do you think they could be here about Ichigo?"

Kisuke shook his head. "Unlikely. Ichigo hasn't come back to Karakura since he fled from the Shinigami who attacked him. The Shinigami brought Rukia with them back to Soul Society, there would be no reason for them to come here for Ichigo. They'd just stay in Soul Society until they sensed his reiatsu again. They likely already have a file on him."

Isshin nodded. The duo quickly left Kisuke's shop, speeding through the air as they searched for the presence of the Shinigami. They stopped high above the quartet, their suspicions confirmed. "That's two Captains and two Lieutenants," Isshin hissed, worry written all over his face. "Why would Soul Society send people that powerful to Karakura Town?"

Kisuke frowned, rubbing the back of his head. "I don't know...unless..." Kisuke's eyes widened. "They're here for the Quincy!"

Isshin's eyes widened. "You mean Ryuken? But they've never bothered him, and he hasn't engaged in anything supernatural for a long while now."

Kisuke shook his head. "There's another Quincy here, probably as powerful as Ryuken if I had to guess. He fought with Ichigo against the Shinigami. I didn't introduce you to him yet because you wanted to test out your returned powers, but now I think you'll be meeting much faster than initially intended. They're likely here to kill him."

Isshin sighed. "They can't just let the Quincy live can they?"

"To be fair from what we can tell they do pose a threat to the balance."

"Yes, but there was already a genocide of them. Such a small number left in the world isn't significant enough for there to be cause in killing your odd powerful Quincy."

"You're not thinking like the Shinigami Isshin," Kisuke criticized. "Think about it. A Quincy of Ryuken's level, one that isn't afraid to have conflict with the Shinigami. Where did he gain such a level of strength to be that confident? Will he train other Quincy? I'm not saying I agree with what Soul Society is doing, but I understand it."

Isshin grit his teeth, his personal emotions clearly impairing his judgement. Then again, being married to a Quincy and then having her die due to lack of Shinigami assistance was likely to do that to a person. "Either way I can't let him die. He defended Ichigo. That's worth some form of repayment."

"I thought you might say that," Kisuke muttered, shaking his head. "You do realize that will happen if you do that right? You will be branded as a traitor to the Soul Society, not just M.I.A. You, and your family will be targets. Do you really think you can handle that pressure? Especially if you come back after years of absence to defend a Quincy? Ichgio already has made himself a target, do you really think Yuzu and Karin will be safe in this situation?"

Isshin grit his teeth, clenching his blade tightly. The thought had crossed his mind, but he couldn't very well allow the Quincy to be killed by a group of Shinigami. He had defended Ichigo and that did require some form of repayment. He couldn't stand by and just watch him die. But to endanger the lives of his children who were not ready, not was he willing to let them, fight against the Soul Society...could he really do that to them? His children? Masaki's children?

"Don't worry," Kisuke said, interrupting his thoughts, tossing Isshin a mask. "This should disguise your reiatsu and your face. As long as you don't release your Shikai you should be fine. Obviously that also means no Bankai either."

Isshin frowned. "You expect me to fight against Captains without even my Shikai, especially when I haven't trained in so long? It seems like you're sending me to my death rather than helping me."

"Take it or leave it, this is your only option," Kisuke stated plainly. "Besides, I'm sure the Quincy and I can handle the Captains. You just deal with the Lieutenants. Take them down before they can release their limiter and you should be fine. Easy right?"

Isshin sighed, shaking his head before putting the mask over his head, his eyes hardening.

"Let's save some Quincy."

Giovanni frowned as Uryuu groaned, rubbing his wounds. "When will they be healed," Uryuu questioned only for his eyes to widen as Giovanni raised his hand, his eyes narrowed. "What is it," Uryuu questioned.

"Reach out with your senses," Giovanni muttered.

Uryuu blinked, before he did as commanded, his eyes widening as he felt the energy signatures around the church. "Shinigami!" he hissed, getting a nod from Giovanni. The man quickly stood, walking towards the door.

"Wait here. And whatever you do, do not come outside. They are likely here for me. Hopefully we won't have to come to blows."

Uryuu nodded, watching as Giovanni walked outside. The man appeared in front of the church, staring up at the Shinigami that stood on platforms made of reishi. "Can I help you?"

The tallest Shinigami among them took a step forwards. "Are you the Shinigami that attacked our Shinigami as they tried to apprehend a Hollow?"

Giovanni didn't have time to answer before two of the Shinigami he had seen before confirmed the tall man's orders. He frowned, waiting for the tall man's next question. He didn't have to wait long. "Why would you aid a Hollow? You are a Quincy, you stand nothing to gain from assisting a Hollow."

Giovanni shrugged. "Call it a spur of the moment decision. I'm not exactly a fan of senseless slaughter as the humans say. Make no mistake, I have no ill will against Shinigami."

The shortest one, also wearing a white cloak, snorted. "I find that hard to believe. You're a Quincy. It's hard to believe you don't hold any sort of ill will against us after the slaughter of your people."

"That is true," Giovanni stated, causing the Shinigami to tense. "You slaughtered many, innocents, women, children, even newborns. Make no mistake that I do believe that the Shinigami are good. I do not believe you are. However, you have never harmed me. I cannot change the events of the past. I cannot change what Quincy powers do to the order of world. Therefore I harbor no ill will towards Shinigami."

"Even still," the tallest one stated. "You are powerful, clearly a Captain-level threat. How did a Quincy become so strong? With the majority of you dead it does beg the question, who taught you to become so powerful? Surely you did not discover this level of strength by yourself."

'So they don't know of the Vatican's attempts at creating Holy Warriors,' Giovanni thought. 'Interesting. I wonder how they would react if they knew of the Catholic Church creating a virtual army of powerful Quincy.'

"Your lack of response is quite telling."

Giovanni sighed. "I'm afraid my powers are none of your business. Make no mistake though, that is not a threat. I have no desire to harm you, or the Soul Society. I merely want to live out my days as a humble priest."

'And kill the greatest threat to the world as I know it,' Giovanni thought, but he didn't mention that last part. He doubted the Shinigami would react well to knowing that the proverbial god of the Quincy was currently gathering his strength. And he was not nearly as forgiving as Giovanni was when it came to the massacre that happened centuries ago.

"I am doubtful." The tall captain said. "You attacked Lieutenants in the aid of a Hollow. That is something that cannot just be ignored. No, quite the contrary. I think you must be brought to Soul Society, for more efficient questioning."

Giovanni's eyes narrowed, although a smile formed on his face. "No. I don't think that will do at all. How about we just forgo all of that and we all go on living out peaceful lives?"

The blitz of movement by the Shinigami was his response. Giovanni grunted, raising a rapier to deflect the blade strike of the smaller Shinigami. "I never got your name," Giovanni grunted.

"Toshiro Hitsugaya," the smallest Shinigami stated, before he grunted as he tried to overpower Giovanni. Giovanni grinned.

"Not quite," he muttered, before he disappeared in a burst of speed, barely avoiding the slash from the tallest Shinigami that would have bisected him where he stood. He turned as he stopped moving, his rapier already moving to deflect the sword strikes from the Lieutenants. "I remember you two. Rangiku and Shuhei correct," he asked before he sent the two flying from the superior force of his strength. The two grunted, skidding away as they used reishi to create platforms they could stand on. Giovanni had no time to watch them as the tallest one appeared before him, his sword raised. Giovanni raised his rapier, deflecting the blade with a grunt.

"And you would be?"

The tall Shinigami gave no response, merely forcing Giovanni away. Giovanni sighed, glancing at the man. "I suppose you don't want to talk."

"You'll get nothing from Byakuya. He's all business and no fun."

The group of combatants looked upwards, surprise on their face as they saw Kisuke Urahara and a concealed Shinigami standing next to each other, grins on Kisuke's face. "Kisuke," Giovanni stated, getting a nod from the man.

"Indeed it is. It looks like you're in dire need of some help."

Giovanni shrugged. "I wouldn't be against the idea. Although I really have no idea why the Soul Society would be attacking me with such aggressiveness."

"Do you really need to ask? It's the Shinigami, they hate any and all Quincy, regardless of their reason," the masked Shinigami stated. Giovanni raised an eyebrow at the claim.

"Oh? And aren't you a Shinigami? As well as Kisuke? Why don't you two hate me?"

"We are not regular Shinigami."

Giovanni shrugged. "Regardless, the Shinigami have their reasons. Disrupting the balance is a valid reason to hate us I suppose. We do pose a threat to the world with our existence if we kill Hollows."

"That's not a reason to murder you!"

Giovanni nodded. "I know that."

"Kisuke Urahara," Byakuya called. "Why are you here? You were exiled quite a long time ago. Surely you're not breaking the ceasefire the Soul Society has with you for a Quincy?"

Kisuke shrugged. "What can I say? I've been known to do ridiculous things from time to time."

Hitsugaya grunted. "Enough talking. Rangiku, Shuhei, take care of the foreign Shinigami. Byakuya and I will handle Kisuke and the Quincy. Whatever you do, don't get defeated this time."

The two Lieutenants nodded, launching themselves towards the masked Shinigami would deflected their sword strikes, although it looked like he was struggling. Hitsugaya didn't keep his attention on them, merely looking at Kisuke and Giovanni. "I don't think we can handle them with our limiters on Byakuya."

Byakuya nodded. "Indeed. I am unwilling to fight Kisuke Urahara without my full power accessible to me." The man then raised his hand to his ear, likely contacting someone back in Soul Society. "Requesting limiter release on Byakuya Kuchiki and Toshiro Hitsugaya."

The limiter was instantly released, the two immediately relishing in their power being fully accessible to them. Kisuke glanced at Giovanni who sighed. "I presume this means that I should fight as though I am going to be killed?"

"You will not be killed," Byakuya stated. "Merely captured."

"May as well be the same thing for me," Giovanni muttered.

Byakuya grunted, leaping forwards with his blade only for Kisuke to stop the Captain with his blade, grinning. "Sorry Giovanni, but I think I should take him on. Byakuya and I need to have a little chat."

Before Giovanni could response Kisuke reached out, grasping Byakuya's jacket and disappearing in a burst of speed. Giovanni merely grunted, turning towards Toshiro who sighed. Giovanni grunted, flourishing his arms, ten blades forming behind him before they shot towards Toshiro. The white haired Captain grunted, raising his blade to deflect the storm of weaponry. However the second all of the blades passed by him his eyes widened as he saw an even bigger storm of arrows directed towards him. In a burst of Shunpo the Captain disappeared, appearing above Giovanni before he raised his hand.

"Bakudo #9: Horin!"

A blinding flash of light appeared before a cord of light shot from Toshiro's fingers, wrapping around Giovanni tightly. The white haired Captain nodded, only for his eyes to widen as swords appeared in a storm around Giovanni before they shot forwards, slashing into the cord of light, damaging it. Toshiro grunted, letting the trail of reiatsu end. It wasn't worth continuing to channel, not with Giovanni's abilities. Giovanni grunted, a blue bow appearing in his hands before he pointed it at Toshiro.

"Licht Regen!"

A storm of arrows speared towards Toshiro, causing his eyes to widen as he dashed out of the way, desperate to avoid the arrows of energy. The young Shinigami cursed , barely avoiding another arrow amidst the storm before he saw a flash of hair. Giovanni brought his rapier downwards, Toshiro barely deflecting the blow in time. Giovanni grunted, before he raised one hand, blue energy swirling around it, causing Toshiro's eyes to widen.

"Klavier."

Toshiro moved in time to not have his head destroyed by the storm of one-handed arrows. The captain grunted, the cut on his cheek stinging before he leapt away, watching Giovanni with wary eyes. He was by far the most powerful Quincy he had ever met. The techniques he used were ones that the young Captain had never seen before. He was on the back foot. But he could fix that.

Dark clouds covered the sky, the moonlight gone due to their presence as Toshiro was covered in an icy-white glow, his eyes reveling in his reiatsu. "It seems your strong enough to force me into my Shikai. Good for you. But this is as far as you go Quincy. I'll be capturing you now. Prepare yourself for the storm. Reign over the Frosted Heavens, Hyorinmaru!"

Giovanni had no time to react before he was under assault, this time defending against the barrage of incoming attacks.

Kisuke grunted as he threw Byakuya, the Captain staring at Kisuke with annoyance in his eyes. "What are you doing Urahara?"

"Stopping you obviously," Kisuke stated playfully before his eyes shifted to a much more serious expression. "I have a question for you Byakuya."

"I have no time for your games Urahara," Byakuya stated, frowning. "I do not care for your questions. I will get that Quincy."

Kisuke sighed. "You see that just won't do. He's pretty important to me you see. He could also be important to you too, if you let him be. You just have to trust me."

"I don't trust you."

"Not a bad decision I'll admit," Kisuke stated, shrugging. "But still, I don't think you have much of a choice in the matter. Soul Society is in danger, and I'm the only one who can stop it."

Byakuya raised an eyebrow. Kisuke grinned. He had him now. Still, maybe Byakuya would be able to stop the action before it took place. It wouldn't be easy, but it was possible. She was out of reach now, but there was definitely some possibility in being able to protect her even from a distance. Byakuya wouldn't have been his first choice, but he was the only option within reach at the moment.

And despite his lack of trust in the formal Kuchiki, he explained the situation.

Isshin grunted, deflecting the blades of Rangiku and Shuhei, a frown on his face. "You two are strong," Isshin muttered before he launched a punch, grunting as it missed its target as both Lieutenant's dashed away from his attack. Shuhei grunted, watching the hidden Shinigami with interest.

"Who are you," Shuhei questioned. "I don't believe there were any other Shinigami that were exiled with Kisuke Urahara other than Yoruichi Shihoin and Tessai Tsukabishi."

"That's really none of your business is it," Isshin muttered. 'Kisuke said to take them out before they released their limiters. That's a good idea. As rusty as I am I probably can't fight two Lieutenants without my Shikai.'

"Why would you defend a Quincy," Rangiku questioned, a frown on her face. "What reasoning would you have? The Quincy haven't exactly been allies of the Shinigami?"

"I wonder whose fault that is," Isshin stated, a frown on his face before he shot forwards, appearing in front of Rangiku in a burst of Shunpo. His sword was already flying forwards, causing him to grunt as Shuhei's blade deflected the strike before Rangiku used her own Shunpo to get behind the former captain. With a slash she cut at Isshin, only for him to dodge the strike, glaring at the two Lieutenants. This would not be as easy as he thought it would be.

The former Captain shot forwards, moving even faster than he had before, lashing out with a downwards swing that Shuhei blocked. The Lieutenant then reached out, clearly trying to use a Bakudo to restrain Isshin, only for the Captain to reach out in return, grasping Shuhei's hand. With a twist Shuhei flipped, his eyes wide at the sheer strength of the Shinigami.

"What the," Shuhei whispered before Isshin lashed out with his blade, the sword stabbing straight through Shuhei's stomach. Isshin grunted, yanking the blade back before he shoved his foot into Shuhei's chest, sending the Lieutenant crashing into the ground. Isshin grunted.

The Lieutenant wouldn't die, but he'd be in severe pain for a few days. Kyoraku had taught him that particular trick. Isshin then turned to Rangiku who leapt forwards, her blade howling as she smashed it into Isshin's own Zanpakuto. Rage grew in her eyes as she saw Shuhei's unconscious form.

"We failed our mission once," Rangiku hissed. "It won't happen again! Requesting limiter release!"

Isshin barely had time to cry out in panic before Rangiku's reiatsu surged forth and she cried her might into the world. "Growl, Haineko!"

Ichigo grunted as he marched across the ground of the Forest of Menos, looking for Ashido Kano and the Guardian of the Forest of Menos. For two powerful people they were incredibly hard to find. He had been looking for what felt like hours and he still hadn't been able to find them. The two were enigma's, beings that only showed up when they felt like showing up.

If Ichigo had to guess they only showed up when it was necessary to fight.

Ichigo grinned. Then maybe a challenge would do? With that the teen let his reiatsu cry out into the air, a grin on his face. A battle was coming. And he would be the victor. Ichigo clenched his hands, his grip on his blades tightening. The battle was coming and he would be ready.

Giovanni grunted as he managed to dodge a charge from another one of Toshiro's massive ice dragons. Ever since the young Shinigami had released his Zanpakuto he was on the backfoot, constantly retreating against the never-ending onslaught of ice. He had only managed to not be hit yet due to a clever use of his Quincy bow to spray a large amount of Licht Regen attacks all over the area, weakening the structural integrity of the ice dragons.

He had not once been able to hit Toshiro. The young Shinigami grunted as he saw Giovanni dodge away once more, raising his blade. "You're stronger than I thought Quincy, but you're still no match for a Captain in his Shikai. Give up."

"Sorry, but I can't do that," Giovannni muttered.

Toshiro grunted, releasing another ice dragon, only for Giovanni to shatter it once more with a fast Licht Regen. Toshiro didn't hesitate to follow up though, appearing in front of Giovanni with his blade already mid-swing. Giovanni's eyes widened, the man quickly blocking with his bow only for it to shatter from the force of Toshiro's blow. Giovanni's eyes widened, disappearing in a burst of Hirenkyaku to dodge the deadly sword strike.

"Fast," Toshiro muttered before he disappeared in a burst of Shunpo once more. Giovanni grunted, forming a rapier in his hand before he launched himself forwards, his blade locking with Toshiro's. The two grunted in a battle for dominance before Toshiro pushed off, swinging his blade in a wide arc, forcing Giovanni to block. The man turned as their blades connected, launching a kick that Toshiro slid underneath, raising a hand. However, before he could fire off his Hado Giovanni reached downwards, his hand already glowing with blue energy.

"Klavier!"

"Hado #33: Sokatsui!"

A massive explosion ripped forwards, forcing the two combatants away from one another. As the smoke from the explosion cleared the two combatants glared at one another, burn markings covering both of their arms. The two locked eyes, frowns on both of their faces before they launched themselves forwards, only to stop when Kisuke and Byakuya appeared in front of both of them.

"Byakuya what are you doing here?"

Byakuya sighed. "Enough Toshiro. We are leaving. We have more pressing matters to deal with than even a Captain-level Quincy. Soul Society has a massive threat heading its way."

"Massive enough to disregard orders," Toshiro questioned, getting a nod from Byakuya. The white-haired Captain sighed, sheathing his blade as his Shikai deactivated, the dark clouds in the sky parting. "If you say so. But I want an explanation."

"Understood," Byakuya stated.

Giovanni glanced at Kisuke who smiled, nodding. Giovanni sighed, but nodded nonetheless, his rapier disappearing in a flourish of energy. Kisuke then glanced towards where the last of the groups were fighting, namely Isshin fighting against Rangiku, as Shuhei was currently lying unconscious on the ground.

"Someone better go stop them," Kisuke muttered, causing a sigh from Byakuya.

"Come on Toshiro, we have a lot of work to do."

Toshiro frowned but nodded nonetheless, disappearing with Aizen in a burst of Shunpo, Byakuya retrieving Shuhei while Hitsugaya stopped Rangiku. The group of Shinigami left, causing Isshin to appear next to Kisuke.

"What did you tell them? They wouldn't have left so easily otherwise."

Kisuke sighed, a frown appearing on his face. "I told them about the threat that they'll be facing soon. He probably knows where it is by now because she isn't weakened. They'll need to protect her. And they'll need to be ready. We're not nearly strong enough to fight him now. And Ichigo-"

"My son is not your ace in this war Kisuke!"

Kisuke sighed. "We've talked about this before Isshin," Kisuke muttered. "He's the only one who hasn't seen his Shikai. He's the best bet we have against him in this war. If he hadn't gotten involved I wouldn't have talked about it, but he did. He has potential, and he's lucky enough to have avoided his Shikai."

"Why not him," Isshin stated, pointing at Giovanni. "Why can't he do it?"

"You really want to thrust this situation onto a stranger who knows nothing of what's going on?"

Isshin growled, irritated. Kisuke merely sighed at the emotional fathers frustration. "I understand that your family has already been through a lot, but you'll have to trust me on this. Don't worry, when Ichigo comes back, and he will come back, I'll personally train him so that he is strong enough to stand up to him."

"Who is this him you both are talking about," Giovanni questioned, a frown on his face. Kisuke and Isshin both glanced at the Quincy before they sighed. Any ally would be welcome. Ryuken didn't care, and having another Quincy on their side wouldn't be hurtful. Thus the two began to explain.