The Plan
Ichigo smirked as he saw the movement. A swish in the sand not far from him. One of them was here. Ichigo's eyes widened however as he saw a swarm of hollows charge the area. The teen raised a hand, irritation on his face. "Is this his attempt at tiring me out? Cero!"
The red beam carved through the swaths of mindless Hollows, the creatures crying out as they were vaporized by the attack. Ichigo blinked, glancing at destruction he left in his wake. The entire horde had been destroyed. The teen glanced at his hands. Had his Hollow powers gotten even stronger? He hadn't even been training them.
"You got stronger during our training," Letzt commented, drawing Ichigo's attention. "That naturally would improve your Hollow abilities, even if only due to your increased abilities. Don't worry, you're far more stable than you were when you first came to Hueco Mundo."
Ichigo nodded, his gaze being drawn back upwards once more when he saw the tail that was blitzing towards him. The teen grunted, raising a blade to deflect the attack, only for his eyes to widen as it swung around him, moving to bind him. Just as it was about to snap taut he activated his Jikantai allowing him time to leap out of the trap. The tail moved just as quickly however, chasing after him without pause.
Ichigo grunted, raising his larger blade and smashing it into the tail, the force sending both objects backwards. Ichigo just barely managed to keep hold of his sword, flipping in the air to push off of a spire behind him. The teen flew towards the Guardian, only for his slash to be deflected by some form of appendage originating from the Guardian's back.
"You thought I used all my bag of tricks in that fight against you?"
Ichigo grunted, kicking off the appendage before the Guardian's tail speared through his previous location. The teen glared, charging a Bala in his hands before letting it fly, watching in annoyance as the Guardian raised his appendage to block the blow. However, a grunt from the Hollow told him everything he wanted to know. His attacks still hurt it. If he could strike it solidly with a Bala or a Cero he could end the fight. His Quincy abilities simply didn't pact the sheer destructive force required to defeat a creature like this quickly.
"That doesn't mean I shouldn't use them though," Ichigo muttered, clanging his swords together, blue energy flowing over them before he let an arrow fly. The Guardian's eyes widened as the arrow cleaved through its appendage, causing it to screech in pain, more appendages appearing from behind it and battering Ichigo sending him flying. Ichigo grunted as he smashed through a spire, a trench forming in the ground as he collided with it. The teen slowly stood, a glare on his face.
"Seems like the Guardian is kicking your ass. Sucks for you, but at least he hasn't eaten you yet," came a call. Ichigo suddenly spun, deflecting a strike from Ashido who came from behind. Ichigo grunted.
"Why can't you just fuck off!"
Ichigo roared as he sent Ashido flying with brute force, quickly forming his bow before firing off a serious of arrows at him. Ashido's eyes widened as he saw the technique, deflecting the energy blasts although his eyes widened as he saw them cleave through rock spires. "That type of energy...to destroy Hollows and Hollow-energy with such piercing power? And to harm the spires so easily? How? A Hollow cannot use Quincy abilities."
"I already told you," Ichigo roared, charging a Cero. "I'm not a goddamn Hollow! Cero!"
Ashido's eyes widened, leaping away from the attack, watching in horror as it scorched the ground that it touched. The man frowned. "He's gained even more brute strength. At this rate my Shikai is my only option to fight him."
Ashido grunted, preparing to unleash his abilities only for him to be forced to dodge as both a giant fist and Ichigo's blade descended on the area.
"I'm not stupid enough to let you activate your Shikai," Ichigo grunted.
"Agreed," the Guardian state, glancing down at Ichigo. "You on the other hand..."
The appendages whipped towards Ichigo, only for him to dodge out of the way with a quick use of his Jikantai. Ichigo grunted, glaring at the Guardian. The creature was strong, and clearly a capable fighter. If he...ate...him he'd definitely be strong enough to face the Shinigami that tried to kill him. Strong enough to go back to his family. Ichigo shook away the horror of eating another creature, even if it was a Hollow. This wasn't the same as eating meat, this was...different. Hollows were once human. They were just corrupt souls. But he had already done it once, and if he could do it once he could do it again.
Ichigo grunted, forming his bow before forging an arrow. "Sorry about this," he muttered, before he fired the massive arrow at the Guardian. The Guardian screeched, leaping out of the way with urgency, causing Ichigo to frown. The Quincy abilities scared it, possibly being strong enough to erase it's existence with just one blow. If that was the case he wouldn't be able to use his Quincy abilities on it, at least not when he powered them up fully. Hollow techniques would have to work on the Hollow.
That was fine with him.
Activating his Jikantai once more, Ichigo appeared behind the Guardian, it's eyes widening as he suddenly saw Ichigo behind him. Ichigo smirked, raising his smaller blade before bringing it down, cutting into some of the Guardian's many appendages, causing it to screech before a quick swipe from its tail sent Ichigo flying. However, just as the Guardian rid himself of one enemy he had to contend with another, Ashido appearing before him, forcing the Hollow to dodge.
"Gang up on me will you," The Guardian screeched, the sound causing growls to erupt throughout the forest. Ashido's eyes widened as he saw the horde. Another swarm of Hollows, this one larger than the last. Ashido grunted, swinging his blade round before placing it gently on his elbow, swinging his arm round to form a right angle hand rested against the flat of the blade.
"Well if you're going to come at me with this much force," he muttered. "I suppose it's only polite that I respond in kind. Pierce, Yari!"
The Guardian's eyes widened as the blade in Ashido's hands changed drastically. The blade lengthened as it glowed, changing shape into a jousting lance that was white as snow. The tip of the lance swirled a blood red, glowing with energy. Two rings of five red crystals formed on the lance. Ashido smirked.
"Now let's get rid of all of you shall we?"
The red tip of the lance then shot forwards at blistering speeds, piercing through the first Hollow. The Guardian frowned. Piercing power. That was annoying, but not-BOOM!
Ichigo grunted as he saw the explosion. So that little red tip could fire at high speeds and pierce practically anything before exploding? He grunted. That was mildly overpowered. At least the tip had already been fired, so it was practically a staff, or at least that's what the teen would have thought if one of the crystals on the lance's body dimmed and another red tip formed on the end of the lance.
"Oh fuck me," Ichigo muttered, immediately activating his Jikantai. He doubted that Ashido was in range, but he didn't even want to take the risk of that thing catching him by surprise. It was far to dangerous. The Guardian of the Forest of Menos clearly agreed because he too immediately sent his appendages towards Ashido, only for the man to bat them all away, lesser explosions rippling every time the appendages and the tip of the lance met.
Ichigo grunted, raising a hand. If contact wouldn't work against an opponent like that then maybe energy would. The teen began to charge, his black reiatsu rippling forth as the red orb surrounded his hand. "Enough," Ichigo muttered. "Cero!"
The teens roar echoed throughout the forest as the beam of energy torched everything that got in its way on its way towards the duo engaging. The Guardian immediately leapt away, not bothering to even engage with the attack, but Ashido merely turned towards it, pointing his lance.
"Nice try Hollow, but I'm afraid that's not enough power to stop this piercing power of mine."
The red tip drilled forth, colliding with the Cero in an explosion of force and energy, a shockwave rippling forth. Ichigo grunted, before he saw the smoke burst open. It was only thanks to his Jikantai that he was able to react to the Shunpo used by Ashido, raising a blade to deflect the strike. Ashido's eyes widened, only to see Ichigo appear behind him, black energy swirling around his fist.
"Bala!"
The energy slammed into the Shinigami's back, causing him to holler in pain as he was sent stumbling forwards. Ichigo nodded, swinging his blades preparing to cut the Shinigami down only for him to be sent flying from a Cero of the Guardian's origin, the red energy sending him careening into one of the pillars.
"Finally got him," The Guardian said, glee in its voice as it leaped over to Ichigo, only to be intercepted by Ashido.
"I already told you," Ashido stated, "I can't allow you to eat that Hollow."
The Guardian roared its challenge, it's tail whipping forwards just as the tip of Ashido's lance reappeared. Ashido raised his lance in preparation for the killing blow, only for his eyes to widen as he was sent flying in the air by an appendage that emerged from the sand. The man grunted as three more battered into his body, sending him flying towards the ground.
"And I told you that I'm eating him!"
"Correct."
The Guardian's eyes widened as it saw Ichigo appear in front of him, the top half of his clothing completely gone with burn marks covering his chest and harms. The boy seemed to only be operating based off sheer willpower alone. The Cero had clearly done damage if the blackened parts of its body meant anything. He was not strong enough to fight any longer. His high-speed regeneration wouldn't be able to heal the wounds fast enough for him to be a viable threat. But fighting was not Ichigo's goal.
The teen had dropped his Zanpakuto, reaching out towards the Guardian. Due to being caught by surprise by Ichigo's sudden appearance, and the activation of Ichigo's Jikantai the Guardian had no time to react. Ichigo grabbed a hold of him, leaning in and...he took a bite.
The Guardian screeched as its mask was shredded with ease by Ichigo's teeth, blood leaking from its mouth. The creature seemed to withered, shrinking in size as its reiatsu dimmed a bit. Ichigo grunted as he swallowed, his reiatsu spiking briefly, the burns on his body quickly beginning to heal due to his regeneration. Ichigo capitalized quickly on the opening, taking another bite out of the Guardian before the beast finally reacted, trying to bat Ichigo away, only for its blow to barely phase him.
"No," the creature squealed, causing Ichigo to wince. He felt it. This was different than the Hollows he had devoured before. They weren't strong enough to truly have a dominant personality, but this one? He could see it, feel it when he ate it. Part of that creatures essence now resided in him, and due to that it was far too weak to truly harm him.
It was...wrong. He couldn't do that, not even to a Hollow. But then the image of Renji and Omaeda easily cutting through his Cero appeared in his brain. The image of Ashido effortlessly destroying the horde of Hollows. The four Shinigami that came to kill him. His family.
Steadying himself Ichigo reached forwards, taking another bite out of the the Hollow. He had to stay strong. He had to remember why he did this. For his family. To protect his family.
If it was for them he could do anything. He had to be able to do anything. So he took a bite. And another. And another.
And he kept biting, biting until the Hollow before him was smaller than an insect. Ichigo had no doubt that more of the Hollows essence resided in him than in the actual creature.
"And you claimed you weren't a Hollow."
Ichigo turned before he took the final bite, glancing at Ashido who stood there, lance in hand as red energy began to leak from the mans form. Ichigo growled, responding in kind with his black reiatsu, the energy dwarfing Ashido's own. The man seemed to even struggle to stand. Ichgio grinned, stepping forwards, causing Ashido to wince.
"Only a Hollow would cannibalize something like that," Ashido muttered, before he disappeared in a burst of Shunpo. Ichigo waited for an attack, only to realize that it would never come. The man had fled. Probably in his best interest. Ichigo could feel the newfound power flowing through his veins. He was stronger than ever before. More dangerous. The Guardian had magnified his powers by amazing levels.
"Yes but it also means that you're vastly more unstable. For now we can hold off the encroaching Hollow powers, but you need to return to the Human World. Get training from the Quincy's there. That should make you more stable. As you are now you're just as likely to go berserk as you did when you arrived in Hueco Mundo," Letzt stated.
Ichigo frowned at the voice inside of his head. "Doesn't that mean I should stay here until I can control myself? I'd be putting my family and friends in danger if I went back now."
"You'd also possibly go insane if you stayed here because it would take you far too long to comprehend any of the other abilities on your own, even with my guidance," Letzt stated. "Besides, Kisuke Urahara is a powerful Shinigami, I'm sure he can force you to calm down if it came to it. He'll be able to restrain you while you train with the Quincy's to keep your balance in check. Besides, currently you should be strong enough to fight against those Shinigami that attempted to kill you. You're safe."
Ichigo grunted, relenting as he opened a Garganta. "But my family isn't as long as I'm unstable," he muttered, leaping into the rip and closing it behind him. Far from where he was, Ashido watched, his Zanpakuto sealed once more.
"The Soul Society needs to know about this," he muttered. "A Hollow with that level of power, and capacity for feasting. It's not good. The more a Hollow eats the stronger its desire to feast becomes. I can't fight it, but surely the Lieutenants or Captains can. They can put a stop to this."
With that he gestured his Zanpakuto forwards, and in a flash of dazzling light doors appeared before him. "Forgive me my friends," Ashido stated, glancing back to the Menos Forest. "I fought many years to kill as many Hollows as I could. I will not disappoint you. I will continue this battle, but I can't allow this Hollow to roam free. I will be back as soon as he is dead. You can count on that."
The doors snapped shut.
Blood coated the walls. The scene was grotesque. Body parts and blood covered the walls, the normally drab colors dark with the bodily ink. Two men stood in the center of the room, not a drop of blood on them despite the carnage.
"Well this definitely wasn't in your calculations was it?"
"No," the man with glasses said. "The Captain-Commander was supposed to order an execution. Him leaving the decision up to his bumbling student has made my job more difficult. But it's easy to rectify. He isn't the supreme law of the land, Central 46 was. And with them all kindly giving their positions up to me, well, I am now."
"I wouldn't say this was giving up their positions to you."
The man glanced at his companion, an annoyed look on his face. The other man raised his hands peacefully, a sarcastic smile coming over his face. The man with glasses turned away, sighing. "Let us give the order. I'd rather not have to deal with fighting the entire Soul Society right now. There's no distractions other than the Adjuchas-class Hollow on the loose. I'll have them defeat themselves."
"Understood."
Ashido landed in the middle of the gateway, frowning as he saw Shinigami around him raise their blades. They were likely expecting a Hollow considering where the location of the Senkaimon was coming from, but instead a Shinigami had appeared.
"Please take me to Capitan-Commander!" Ashido called. "I have important news!"
"As do I," Byakuya stated as he stepped out of the gate, frowning as he saw the Shinigami next to him. He glanced at Toshiro who merely shrugged. Byakuya shook his head before looking at the Shinigami in charge of watching over the gateway. "It is a matter of critical importance."
Giovanni frowned as Kisuke and Isshin finished telling their story, the trio sitting inside the Church that Giovanni and Uryuu resided in before the Shinigami appeared to attack him.
"So you're saying that a man by the name of Aizen Sosuke is attempting to essentially take over the world."
"Yes," Isshin stated. "It's a difficult thing to understand I know. Very few have the capacity to take over the world, much less attack the Soul King, but Aizen is probably one of the few people on that list other than the Captain-Commander."
"And all because of this illusion-based Shikai of his correct," Giovanni questioned.
Kisuke nodded. "It's ridiculously powerful. The only known way to counter it is to not see it, that's why there are so few people who can defeat him. When you become a Captain you have to show the other Captains and Lieutenants your Shikai and Bankai. Aizen easily trapped the Captains in this illusion during this trial. That's why so few people can stop him. The only people who haven't seen it who are noteworthy are Ichigo Kurosaki and yourself."
"The kid with the mask," Giovanni asked, frowning. The man glanced at Isshin, noticing the tense posture the man held. "I'll handle this Aizen Sosuke. I can't let a kid fight this battle. If this man truly is concerned with becoming the most powerful creature in existence he's a threat to everyone. But perhaps more importantly I cannot allow a mere child to fight against such a threat. It would be wrong of me."
"I told you," Isshin stated, glaring at Kisuke. The man with the hat merely frowned nodding.
"Yes, well I can allow that. Of course, due to the gravity of the current situation I may have to ask a tall order of you."
"Which would be," Giovanni stated.
"The Hogyoku currently is in the Soul Society," Kisuke stated. "It resided in the Shinigami who was initially with Ichigo, Rukia Kuchiki. Initially I had planned to turn her into a regular human with her gigai but she and Ichigo attracted far too much attention before it could really begin to take effect. The reiatsu can still be detected, which means Aizen likely knows of it. He will no doubt be on the hunt for it immediately. I doubt Rukia will last long against him, even with the whole of Soul Society on her side. She needs to be brought here so I can extract the Hogyoku or force her back into her gigai."
"You're going to strip the poor girl of her own choice on how to live her life? Why would you do such a thing?"
"That's not my preferred choice," Kisuke stated, annoyance creeping into his voice. "I would prefer to defeat Aizen and let Rukia live out the rest of her life being a loyal Shinigami, but I'm afraid that as long as Aizen is around that's not possible. He'll try and obtain the Hogyoku for as long as he is alive. The best way to protect her is to hide her signature or remove the Hogyoku from her and kill Aizen. Either way, she's better protected with me. The Soul Society won't believe Byakuya's story, because it came from me. And it will tip Aizen off."
"Then why tell them?"
"Because I had to pressure him to act. He's going to be acting anyway and hopefully this way he makes a mistake. Besides, an informed Soul Society will be better prepared to attack when he finally reveals his true colors. But that's not what I need you to do."
"Then what is it," Giovanni stated.
"I need a strike force," Kisuke stated. "I told you we needed Rukia back didn't I? Well she's in Soul Society and undoubtedly won't be allowed back to Karakura Town anytime soon. So we need to break her out, whether or not she wants to be broken out."
"So you need me to kidnap her," Giovanni stated.
"Not just you," Kisuke stated. "I have two other people who should be strong enough to go back with you. Isshin here and another friend of mine that's currently out. As long as you all get into as little battles as possible you should be fine. You're all strong enough to fight Captains, so you can easily overwhelm Rukia. Just, whatever you do, do not fight the Captain-Commander or his disciples."
Giovanni sighed. "I do not know Rukia well, but if it will stop a madman and protect a young boy from having to engage in a battle he cannot win, then I will go."
"Thank you," Kisuke stated.
"I want in," Uryuu stated, gaining the attention of the trio. They had only let him here the conversation because there was no place for him to go, but this was definitely a shock. They had not expected him to want to get involved.
"If this man is really as dangerous as you say it only makes sense for at least some form of backup to go."
"Yes, that would be so," Giovanni stated. "However, I'm afraid you're not really at the level required to be of much help."
Uryuu winced, before he glared at Giovanni. "You told me you would train me. I'm sure you can train me up to be of at least an acceptable level by the time this battle occurs."
Giovanni frowned. "This will likely be beginning fairly quickly."
"It will," Kisuke stated. "You'd only have a week and a half until my friend gets back and the mission can begin. Can you really make that type of progress in just a week and a half to at least be Lieutenant level?"
Uryuu glared forwards, his eyes locking with Giovanni. The man frowned. "You will be put through hell."
"That's fine with me."
Giovanni sighed, nodding. "Fine. Meet me tomorrow at the mans underground training arena. I shall start training you then."
Uryuu nodded only for his eyes to widen as he felt the reiatsu creep over Karakura. This power was hollow-like, but there were traces of something else in them. Something Quincy-like.
The group immediately glanced to the window, Kisuke, Isshin, and Giovanni all nodding before they disappeared in a burst of speed, appearing in the air above Karakura Town. There they saw it, the rip in the air, revealing a worn Ichigo Kurosaki, green blood dribbling down his mouth from when he ate the Guardian of the Forest of Menos.
"Ichigo," Isshin cried out, racing over to hug his son. Ichigo blanched, confused.
"Dad? You can see me?"
"Of course I can you idiot!" Isshin stated, smacking Ichigo on the head.
"That can be explained later," Kisuke stated, drawing the attention of the duo. The look on his face was not missed by anyone. They could sense his power. He was stronger than he was before he left. Much stronger. "You're stronger and that's what matters right now. I'm not going to question how you got so powerful in such a short period of time, because I have a bigger question," Kisuke stated.
Ichigo frowned.
"Do you want to save Rukia Kuchiki?"
"Rukia," Ichigo stated before he frowned. "She tried to kill me," he voiced. "When the Shinigami attacked she tried to impale me."
"I doubt that," Kisuke stated. "If Rukia wanted to kill you she could have done it numerous different ways before she had the backup she didn't even realize was coming until far later. She was likely trying to force you to flee by drawing on a Hollows instinctive capability to go to Hueco Mundo."
"I'm not a Hollow!" Ichigo stated. "I do not know how many times I've had to say that over the past like few days."
"Yes, you're right my apologies," Kisuke said. "Technically you're the only one of your kind, so you can make up a name for yourself, it doesn't really matter to me. You're the closest thing to an Arrancar though. But the fact is irrelevant. Do you want to save Rukia Kuchiki?"
"He can't come with us Kisuke," Isshin stated, a growl in his voice. Kisuke narrowed his eyes.
"Feel his power Isshin. He's definitely Lieutenant level! Could he fight a Captain? No, but he would definitely be useful. Besides, Rukia knows him so she's more likely to listen to him than any of you."
Isshin growled, preparing to argue only for Ichigo to raise his hand, drawing their attention. "Yeah I'll do it," Ichigo stated. "I have something I need to ask her. But either way, she did save my family, and taught me how to save them. I can pay her back this time, even if I'm not sure if I can trust her."
Kisuke nodded. "Good. Although the mission starts in a week and a half. In the meantime," Kisuke stated, frowning as he sensed Ichigo's reiatsu. "You need to train on your Quincy abilities. You're just as unstable as when you left."
Ichigo nodded, glancing at Giovanni. The man shrugged. "That won't be a problem. I'm already training Uryuu, you joining along will likely push him to try harder."
Ichigo nodded, getting a nod from Kisuke. "Alright. Everyone go home for the night. We all need some rest."
Byakuya stood in front of the assembled Captains of the Soul Society. Toshiro glanced at the man, curious as to what he was going to say. He hadn't told him anything about what Kisuke Urahara had said, but if it was so important as to demand a Captain's meeting it was undoubtedly important. The only question was could Kisuke Urahara's information be trusted. Sure, the man was brilliant, but he also was a traitor, an exile. There wasn't much reason to trust anything someone like him had to say.
"You called this meeting," Yamamoto stated. "What did you have to tell us?"
Byakuya frowned, noticing the man in questions absence. Aizen not being here was interesting, perhaps a bit of validity given to Kisuke's statement. However, it wasn't definitive proof. Kenpachi was not always at Captain meetings, and while Aizen and Kenpachi were nothing alike it was not hard to believe something came up that he deemed more important.
"We found the Quincy in question when we ventured to the Human World. However, we were quickly pushed back by a combined force of said Quincy, Kisuke Urahara, and a foreign Shinigami who we could not identify."
Yamamoto frowned, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Byakuya. The man's face showed no weakness, but internally he was straining from the pressure. Yamamoto was releasing part of his spiritual pressure, and the effect was visible. The Lieutenants were all on their knees, and even some Captains could not put on a strong facade in the face of such overwhelming power. Byakuya had no doubt that this was not even close to the mans full strength either. The only people that looked unaffected were Shunsui, Unohana, and Jushiro. Unsurprising, considering that bar Yamamoto himself those three were the eldest captains. Their strength was likely unparalleled.
"We were pushed back not due to strength. I could not tell you how strong the Quincy was, I did not engage him, as Kisuke Urahara is a threat that cannot be underestimated. However, he told me information that was of critical importance."
"Well out with it already," Kenpachi called, yawning. "I ain't got all day and if you're gonna bore me any longer I'm gonna have to make you pay in blood."
Byakuya sent a sharp look at the man but did not respond. The brute was tiresome.
"Kisuke Urahara told me that Aizen Sosuke is threatening a coup d'etat on not only the Soul Society, but the Soul King himself."
Uproar.
Two Days Later
The term was over, school was out. Ichigo couldn't believe it. It was great. He was finally free to train all day with Giovanni, Uryuu, and his father. The boy frowned, shaking his head at that. His own father, a former Shinigami who worked for the Soul Society. He may not have been blood-related to the man, but there was no doubt in his mind that Isshin was part of the reason why he could see spirits. At least part of it. Undoubtedly the majority of the reason had to do with his Quincy mother and whatever Hollow had...
Ichigo shook his head. He didn't have to think about that. He didn't want to. The teen frowned as the thoughts overwhelmed him before he accidentally bumped into someone.
"Sorry...Orihime, Tatsuki?"
The busty girl smiled gently, rubbing her shoulder. "Sorry about that Kurosaki-kun, I just had a question for you."
Tatsuki merely glared at Ichigo. She was clearly irritated that Ichigo had bumped into Orihime but did not say anything.
"A question," Ichigo stated frowning. What could she want to know? Orihime was a bit of an airhead, so for her to want something was unusual, unless, no there was no way. Orihime would not have been the only person to notice Rukia's disappearance in the class. Tatsuki maybe, but she would have said something to him directly, in front of everyone. So either Tatsuki didn't know or it was Orihime's idea.
"Where is Rukia? Why has everyone forgotten about her? Like she never even existed? I need you to explain what's happening around here."
Ichigo sighed, shaking his head. Tatsuki narrowed her eyes.
"What the heck are you doing Ichigo, Orihime asked you a question why can't you just answer it instead of acting like a prick!"
"I want to answer it but," Ichigo sighed. "It's complicated. You guys might not believe me."
"Just go ahead and answer it already," Tatsuki stated. "We'll be the judge of whether or not we believe you."
Ichigo growled but nodded, explaining the situation. The duo stared at him awkwardly, clearly not really believing him. The teen sighed. He thought the partial mask on his face would be enough proof but clearly he was wrong. Then again they had grown up seeing him with the mask for as long as they'd known him so perhaps it didn't count for as much proof as he thought it would.
"So you're saying Rukia went back to this other world she came from? Called the Soul Society?"
"Yeah," Ichigo stated. "I gotta admit I'm kinda surprised. I had no idea you guys would take this so well."
"Well," Orihime said, scratching the back of her head. "Tatsuki and I have seen you and Rukia fight whatever those things were. Uryuu-san too. We thought you might know a bit more about what was going on, and we planned on asking you. But you disappeared and well..."
"Well," Ichigo questioned.
"It's nothing," Tatsuki stated, grabbing a hold of Orihime's hand and squeezing it. The girl smiled.
"I see," Ichigo said. "I didn't know you guys could see us either. For how long?"
Orihime frowned, glancing at the ground. "Ever since the incident with my brother for me."
Tatsuki walked over, placing a hand on the young girls back. "Yeah, she's been really torn up over that. But it's ok Orihime, he's in a better place now."
"That's true," Ichigo said. "He's probably in the Soul Society right now actually."
"That's good," Orihime said, although the duo could see she was not quite relieved. There was still no way for her to get any closure over her Hollowfied brother. "I don't think I've ever properly thanked you for everything you did for him anyway," Orihime stated.
"Don't worry about it, it isn't a big deal."
"Of course it is you jackass!" Tatsuki stated, smacking Ichigo. "Jeez, ever since that thing with Chad you've just been blowing off everyone and not accepting the fact that they want to thank you you dick!"
"The thing with Chad," Ichigo muttered, before his eyes widened. "Wait you saw that!"
Tatsuki nodded. "Yeah. It was the first time I realized that I could see spirits. At first I thought I was crazy, but then I saw you and Rukia fighting that monster and well, everything started to make me feel like I was a little less crazy."
"Yeah I guess that would happen."
"Either way," Orihime interrupted. "I'm glad Rukia's back home. She's probably happy there, like I'm sure my brother is. She probably has friends and family there who care about her a lot."
Ichigo frowned, looking at the ground. "About that," he muttered. "I'm actually going to bring her back."
"But why? If she's happy there shouldn't she stay?"
"Look I'm not really sure why I'm doing it myself," Ichigo stated. "All I know is that she might be in danger, and she helped me become strong enough to protect people. The least I could do is protect her right now."
"I see," Orihime stated, looking at the ground. Tatsuki herself glanced at the ground, before she looked up at Ichigo.
"Get her back Ichigo," Orihime said. "If Rukia's in danger then I know you'll do it."
Ichigo smirked, nodding. "Of course Orihime. I'll get her back no problem."
Ichigo nodded to the two girls before rushing off, determination on his face. The two girls had only added fuel to the fire. He needed to get Rukia back. The two girls watched him, only to gasp in shock as they felt a presence behind them. They turned.
"Chad? Don't sneak up on us like that!" Tatsuki yelled.
Chad nodded, looking at his hands and remembering the incident with Ichigo's sister just a few moments ago. The teen flexed, before he glanced at his arms and hands. Far away from the trio, outside of their sight, a black cat watched them curiously.
Yuzu and Karin frowned as they waited at their home for the two males in their life to come back home. They had been waiting for an hour since their father left, but neither him nor their brother had returned.
"Where the heck are they," Karin said frowning.
"I'm sure they're busy and can't come home," Yuzu said, noticing Karin's growing irritation. "They'll be back soon."
"Maybe, but I don't feel like waiting," Karin stated. "I'm gonna go find them. You gonna come with Yuzu?"
"Karin I don't think that's a good idea."
"I'm gonna do it Yuzu, you can come with me or not, but those two are hiding something. They've been more serious over these past few days. That's out of character, especially for dad. I wanna know what they're up too."
Karin nodded, walking towards the door. She glanced back at her sister. "You coming?"
Yuzu sighed. She didn't think they should be doing this, if her brother and father were hiding something they would tell them when they were ready, but if Karin was going to do it she needed back up. The girl ran towards the door.
Ichigo grunted as he formed a bow, using his blades as the base to channel his energy through. Giovanni blinked slightly confused. "I mean...I suppose that is a way to do it," he muttered.
Ichigo blinked. "Wait, are you saying I didn't make a bow?"
"No you did," Giovanni stated. "It's just...unorthodox. While I don't disagree with you finding ways to overcome your weaknesses, if we're going to make you get any closer to balancing yourself out at your current level of strength you'll need to be able to make one of pure energy. You don't have to use it, just be capable of it. Besides, I don't think Zanpakuto are capable of holding the energy required to use techniques like Licht Regen."
"So what are you saying?"
"I'm saying the first step for you is to create the bow and then try and pull your Zanpakuto out of it while maintaining the structure of the bow. Get to it," Giovanni stated. Ichigo grunted, clearly annoyed that his way of forming a bow was not going to be useful, but quickly got to work.
The older Quincy then turned to Uryuu, a frown on his face.
"What's the problem," Uryuu stated.
"Well, it's really quite simple. I don't want to give you the Sanrei Glove."
Uryuu's reaction was quick and fierce, immediately stomping over to Giovanni's face. "Why not? You told me that you would let me train with it?"
"And I might have," Giovanni stated. "But the fact is the Sanrei Glove doesn't quite give you the power boost for its consequence. The average Quincy with it still isn't on the level of a Lieutenant. It takes more training to reach that level, training time that you don't have with how the Sanrei Glove training works. Only with its removal will you truly be able to defeat a Lieutenant, and I refuse to let you remove it."
"Because of the cost..." Uryuu stated, his voice trailing. Giovanni nodded.
"Good so you know. Now that doesn't mean that you can't get stronger. But the leap is well...not nearly as large in such a short amount of time."
"So you're saying that I can't come with you?"
"Not exactly," Giovanni said, sighing. "There is a way for you to use the Sanrei Glove without the drawback that occurs if you remove it, but I'd rather it not have to come to that. It is not a technique that should be admired."
"So what are you saying?"
Giovanni sighed, glancing at the Sanrei Glove in Uryuu's hands. It was not his, likely Uryuu's grandfathers from the stories he knew about the Ishida family. Giovanni glanced at Uryuu. "I refuse to allow you to use either the Letzt or the other technique. After you finish the training with the Sanrei Glove I will put you through absolute hell," Giovanni stated. "You'd be lucky if you're Lieutenant level by the end of your training."
"Wait, then how are you Captain level," Uryuu stated. "Captain-level requires a lot of training to reach, and clearly you must have used the Sanrei Glove to reach that level. You removed it and still have your abilities."
"I have something that still allows me to use my abilities," Giovanni stated cryptically. "Besides, the method I used to reach my level of power is not recommended. You can reach this level without it, but it will require much more diligence and hard work. The benefit however is that while being slower it is much safer."
Uryuu frowned. Safer. He didn't need safer, he needed speed if he was to be a part of this strike force. Being below the level of a Lieutenant would not be useful. Nonetheless the teen placed on the Sanrei glove and got to work.
Giovanni watched over both potential Quincy with a sharp eye. Their futures depended on the training he could give them right now.
"Lessons," Tatsuki questioned, confused.
"You'll need them if you want to learn more," the cat stated. Tatsuki shook her head. She still found it hard to believe she was talking to a cat.
"I suppose I do, but this all seems so sudden," Orihime stated, confusion on her face. The cat nodded, glancing at the trio of humans.
"Yeah it's a little weird listening to a well...talking cat," Chad stated.
"You're not that only one who thinks that buddy," Tatsuki muttered.
The cat tilted its head. "Your friend Ichigo is preparing to go to the Soul Society, along with your friend Uryuu Ishida. If you all want to learn how to use the powers awakening inside you, you'll have to take my lessons. After that you all can choose whether or not you want to go with them or not."
Chad nodded. "Well, I'm going then."
"Really," Orihime stated. "Aren't you scared? I am."
"Of course he's scared Orihime," Tatsuki stated, grabbing the girls hand. "Chad isn't used to this supernatural stuff either, but he's going to go back Ichigo up. You care about Ichigo don't you?"
Orihime nodded.
"Then what choice is there? We go to back Ichigo up. Even if we don't know Rukia all that well she deserves some help don't you think?"
"I won't force you," the cat claimed, glancing at the unsure girl. Orihime smiled back before she nodded, albeit gently.
"I want to help Ichigo too."
"Good," the cat said. "Then follow me."
The trio followed the cat from the side of the road they were on, the question of how people around them likely reacted to seeing them all talking to a cat as though it could understand them entering their minds. The trio all shook their heads simultaneously. They were not crazy. There was just a talking cat in front of them that wanted to train them to use their supernatural abilities to help protect people.
All completely normal.
Totally.
The trio stopped when the cat did, the group standing in front of an abandoned building.
"This is where you will all train," the cat said. "My name is Yoruichi Shihoin, and I will be your teacher."
The trio of teenagers blinked, before they nodded walking into the building. Yoruichi followed behind them, leaping onto a broken slab of stone as the two teens looked at the cat.
"Now summon up your powers."
The series of sputtering noises and squeals did not make Yoruichi more confident in her selections. If these were to be the people to help them rescue Rukia Kuchiki, then Rukia might as well be dead. "You're all completely hopeless," the cat muttered, dropping its head. "At this rate, I'll never be able to let you into the Soul Society."
"Hey that's not fair," Orihime stated, pouting. "We're trying."
"Stop whining," Yoruichi retorted. "Unless you're able to activate your powers at will you will die, like a dog, in the Soul Society. Do you understand me? It's not that hard, just remember the first time you activated your powers, and retrace those steps."
"That's easier said then done ya know," Tatsuki snorted.
"Yeah, I was so desperate that first time," Orihime stated.
"What were you so desperate about," Yoruichi responded, causing the two girls to think. Yoruichi sighed as they seemed to still be mulling over the thought instead of just doing it. "Think of it this way. A person picks up a sword because they want to protect something, perhaps it's your life, social status, reputation, maybe a loved one, or your beliefs. The motive may differ, but in the end it's the same desire to protect something. Think back. What were you trying to protect when you first called upon your powers?"
The trio paused, troubled expressions filling their faces. Chad's suddenly paled and the burly man turned to throw up, causing Yoruichi to sweat drop. 'What is he thinking of?'
Yoruichi turned to the duo of females in the group the two looking at each other with intensity.
(-Flashback-)
Needles shot through the glass, shredding into the students. Tatsuki was sent flying. Everyone marching towards her. Tears. The glow, the darkness that accompanied it from Tatsuki.
(-Flashback-)
Golden light shone from the decorations in Orihime's hair, before they broke apart, spirits flying forwards. Orihime's eyes widened before she smiled, glad to see the spirits that saved her life back once more.
"Hey guys!"
"We were summoned. If you ever need us, don't hesitate. Just call on us for help."
However, one spirit dressed like a ninja suddenly shot forwards, grabbing Orihime's hair and yanking it. "But considering the situation, for what possible reason would you need our help?"
"Cause that's our job," the female spirit reminded.
The ninja-like spirit clearly did not care however, rushing forwards and smacking Orihime on the head with his own. "You weren't even in danger at yet you called for us! You terrible little hussy!"
Orihime screamed as the spirit yanked at her hair, apologizing as the other spirits tried to get the ninja to stop. Yoruichi sweat dropped again.
"Well at least she can summon her powers."
Tatsuki smirked, a smile on her face. Unlike Orihime she was having a bit more trouble unlocking her powers. And from the looks of Chad, so was he.
"What about you two," Yoruichi questioned. "Any luck yet? Why are you going to the Soul Society?
Far away from the trio of Giovanni, Ishida, and Ichigo, Isshin and Kisuke stood apart from each other, both wielding their blades.
"Before we begin are you sure you wanna do this Isshin," Kisuke stated. "You should know better than most that my Zanpakuto doesn't really play around. It's not a good idea to get back into shape by fighting me."
"I have to get stronger," Isshin stated. "No tricks that you like to use in your fights. Just your blade against mine. The faster I get into shape to use my Bankai the faster I can be of help in this battle. So, fight me."
Kisuke sighed before he nodded. "Alright then. I assume we'll be skipping the pleasantries then."
Isshin nodded. Kisuke's eyes narrowed as he raised his blade.
"Awaken, Benihime."
"Burn, Engetsu."
Kisuke frowned as he saw flames surround Isshin once more. The concentrated flames only formed a circle around the mans feet, the flames licking Engetsu much closer than they had when Isshin had gained his powers once more. Kisuke frowned. Isshin had already gained far better control of the weapon in just a few days.
It was best not to get close to Isshin when he had this much control. The man was no Yamamoto, but his flames were not to be toyed with.
"Nake, Benihime!"
The swing sent a blast of crimson energy directly towards Isshin who smirked, flames rotating before they roared to life, forming a pillar as he brought his blade down with a roar, a wave of fire crashing against the crimson energy, the duo cancelling each other out. Kisuke smirked.
"You know, for a poor man's Ryujin Jakka it's pretty strong."
The flames whipped forwards as Kisuke comment hit open air. Isshin growled, the flames spiking into the air.
"Oh you should not have said that."
Isshin shot forwards, his blade wreathed in fire as he appeared above Kisuke in a Shunpo. Isshin swung the blade downwards, only for Kisuke's eyes to widen as the man hastily threw up a defense.
"Nake, Chikasumi no Tate!"
The flames surged against the crimson shield, however they were unable to overcome it, causing Isshin to frown. With a roar the flames expanded even more, surging down in all directions, surrounding Kisuke in flame, only protected by the shield he held in front of him. There was no escape.
"You know Isshin," Kisuke called from within the firestorm. "I see why people hate fighting your Shikai alone. It's offensive firepower is nothing to scoff at."
"Almost like it's not a poor man's Ryujin Jakka."
"Forgive a man for his poor choice in words?"
Isshin smirked, raising his blade as it glowed with energy.
"No. Getsuga Tensho!"
The flash of blue energy and flame sent Kisuke flying to the ground, his shield destroyed as the blow made contact with his body. As the smoke from the blast cleared it revealed Kisuke looking down at a charred form of something that looked vaguely human.
"You dodged?" Isshin asked.
"Well of course," Kisuke stated. "I used the portable Gigai I had as a shield. I wouldn't dare be touched by that hellfire you produce so much of."
Isshin snorted. "Oh yeah," he muttered, flames swirling around his body. "Let's see if you'll be so lucky next time."
Yuzu and Karin frowned as they walked around the city. The duo had been looking for hours and they had yet to find any trace of their family. Their father and brother had seemingly disappeared off the face of the earth. They had no idea where they were. The two girls frowned, looking up at the darkening sky.
"Where could they have gone," Yuzu questioned. "They're gone for way longer than I thought they would be."
"I told you Yuzu," Karin said. "Those two are up to something! They're hiding something from us, especially if they're out this late!"
"Maybe whatever their hiding is a surprise for us? Like a birthday gift?"
"Our birthday isn't even close right now Yuzu," Karin corrected.
"Yeah but, maybe it's a really big project."
Karin sighed, shaking her head. Her sister was such an optimist. At times it could be confused with naivete. The more aggressive of the sisters glanced up at the sky, frowning as she saw cracks in it. "What the," she muttered. "The sky doesn't have cracks..."
That was when she heard it. That chilling scream she had heard when she was with Ichigo's friend Chad. The deathly one. And then the crack ripped open, a white mask appearing. Karin immediately knew what had to be done, grabbing Yuzu and taking off, Yuzu's panic being the only thing that allowed her to keep up with her sister.
"Karin-nee...what is that?"
"I don't know but it's dangerous!"
"It's following us!"
Karin glanced backwards in her sprint, her eyes widening with horror as the Hollow screeched after them, a massive grin on its face. Karin shook, trying to run even faster, Yuzu keeping up with her on her own enough to not have to drag her sister along with her. The duo weren't fast enough however, as once they reached an open field the Hollow caught up, smashing a hand down in front of them.
Water filled Karin's eyes, fear paralyzing her. It was only due to Yuzu's quick thinking that she wasn't grabbed by the massive hand of the Hollow. Glancing upwards Karin grimaced. That creature was the same size as the one from before. Were they related? A screech quickly put those thoughts to rest. She didn't have the luxury of questioning the whereabouts of the creature, only focusing on how to get away from it.
All of a sudden she wished Ichigo's friend was here so she could direct him into killing it.
That was when she heard it. So focused on her own inner thoughts she hadn't even realized Yuzu get caught up by the monster, her wails unable to break her trance. It was only now, with Yuzu about to be swallowed whole did she hear her.
What type of sister was she! To not be able to protect her sister! She was terrible. All of these years of trying her best to make her family depend on her, enough so that they didn't need to worry if she was injured that she wasn't even paying attention to her own sister. Ichigo would never have done that.
And Ichigo would never sulk while his family was in danger.
With a roar Karin charged, leaping towards the monster, her eyes widening as she leapt high enough to reach the monstrosities face. However, without thinking she spun, her leg lashing out to smash into the creature's face, shattering it's mask and turning it into dust. Karin's eyes widened, however quickly noticed Yuzu's falling form. Without a second thought she launched herself at Yuzu, catching her mid-fall and landing in a skid.
"Karin-nee," Yuzu stated as Karin stood, before checking over her sister. Karin ignored her calls until Yuzu's voice grew loud enough to get into a shout. Yuzu almost never shouted.
"What is it Yuzu?"
"Your legs."
Karin glanced down, her eyes widening as she saw beautiful midnight black boots streamlined to her legs, angel wings at the base of them. "What the heck," Karin whispered.