Bleach – A Different Journey! – Chapter 1

It was a bright and sunny day in Karakura Town but Ichigo and his gang all had solemn looks on their faces. Rukia had been taken prisoner in Soul Society, leaving Ichigo, Uryu, Chad and Orihime to hatch a plan to rescue her. In fact, they were just on their way to Kisuke Urahara's shop to make the perilous journey to Soul Society.

Walking on the street

Ichigo suddenly stops walking, feeling a pain in his head, He feels a heavy spiritual presence in the area but cannot locate it. "Uhh! Don't you guys feel that, I feel like my head's in a washing machine!" Ichigo exclaimed. The others simply stare at him in awe because they don't seem to be feeling anything. Uryu replies "maybe it's just you soul reapers that have this problem", laughing slyly. "Oh yeah, you want to go?!" says Ichigo angrily. Orihime immediately breaks up the fight and says "Come on guys, please get along, if we don't hurry, we won't be able to save Rukia". "Fine", they both reply reluctantly.

The gang arrive at Urahara's shop but to their surprise they see a man who they've never met before, he has short dark hair and he's not very tall, he's wearing what appears to be a black Gotei 13 uniform. But what's more surprising is that he's shaking hands with Kisuke.

Hastily Ichigo says "Urahara, who is this man? I thought we weren't going to trust other Shinigami?"

Urahara just laughs and says "Oh, he's something like an old friend, or should I say person I know? Hmmm… Anyway, he won't cause you any trouble. In fact, he may even help you—"

The man interrupts Kisuke "Yes, I may be of great assistance, Kisuke has already informed me of your predicament and I truly understand your desire to rescue the one you love from the hands of supposed evil"

Ichigo immediately blushes "W…Why…that's not it! She's just a good friend….that's all. Besides, who are you to talk about these things, you seem to look our age only so I'm assuming you're a new Shinigami who just graduated or something…Listen, just don't get in our way….alright?"

"Ah, I understand, never judge a book by its cover. Despite my appearances, I am as old as…..hmmm….you won't believe me even if I tell you" said the man

"Tell me dammit!" shouted Ichigo

"alright, alright, calm down, I am about as old as the head captain Yamamoto of the Gotei 13 but I assume you haven't met him yet so just to put things into perspective…let's just say that I'm older than the entire Gotei 13" replied the man

"Ha! You're lying! In fact, I don't even see your Zanpakuto, what a joke? Right Kisuke" said Ichigo as a scared look came upon Urahara's face.

"Very well then, boy, do you want proof?" said the man calmly

"Yeah let's fight!" said ichigo as he drew his sword and charged at the man full force. "You can't even react to my flash step, and you call yourself experienced?" said Ichigo as he saw the man not reacting to his attack resulting in Ichigo's weapon making direct contact with the man at full force. "Sººee, I told you that he was fake!"

However, the man didn't even flinch, in fact he just stood there as if nothing happened. The look on Ichigo's face slowly turned to that of horror.

"Is it my turn?" said the man nonchalantly as he kept his hands behind his back and simply let out spiritual energy until the pressure was so great that Ichigo was paralyzed on the ground. But not only did it bring Ichigo down, but even Kisuke was struggling to stand. Upon seeing this Ichigo was shocked because he though that Kisuke was extremely powerful with his strong spiritual pressure.

The man stopped letting out his energy and extended a hand out to Ichigo to pick him up. "Thanks, sorry for doubting you" said Ichigo to which the man replied "Think nothing of it, and by the way my name is Aveek Das but you can call me Aveek".

"And my name is Ichigo Kurosaki, call me Ichigo. Oh, what's that ring on your finger?"

Aveek replied "Oh this? Well it was given to me by someone special, someone I want to see again in Soul Society. Also it seals away all my spiritual energy"

Ichigo was shocked that this wasn't even Aveek's full power that they felt, and forget about the fact that he never even drew his Zanpakuto, wherever it was.

"Ichigo, remember, never abandon the one you love, I speak from experience" said Aveek

A black cat suddenly appeared and Aveek said "Ok, now that everyone's here, let's get a move on"

Ichigo was surprised that he also knew who Yoruichi was

Aveek turned to Kisuke "Can you open the Senkaimon now?"

"Yes right this way", they went to the basement and departed for soul society.

There were some humorous moments when Uryu lost his cape but all in all they reached soul society fine and found themselves in the outskirts of Seireitei where they came face to face with the giant Jidanbo.

Jidanbo looked surprised and said "Weird humans and soul reapers, you shall not pass! I am give strict orders to keep the gate closed at all costs"

Ichigo drew his sword and charged landing a mighty blow to the Gatekeeper's torso. "Damn he's tough" said Ichigo as he was catching his breath.

Aveek steps forward and says "let me handle this, I'll get this over in an instant" to which Ichigo says "No stay back, you don't even have a weapon!". Aveek, looking disappointed, replied "Don't underestimate me".

He casually stepped in front of the giant and as he got closer and closer, everyone noticed that the giant became slower and alower. Jidanbo, now at his knees remarked "Your spiritual pressure, it's stronger than multiple captains, who are you?". Aveek simply pulled his fist back and punched Jidanbo, knocking him unconscious.

"Show off", Ichigo remarked

Aveek hastily replied "now is not the time to argue, I sense strong Shinigami on the other side of that gate, you guys have to find an alternate route, try talking to the locals"

"and what about you?" enquired Uryu. Aveek replied "don't worry about me and just go, trust me for once".

"Fine! You better not die on us, after all, I still have so many things to ask you" said Ichigo as he motioned for everyone to follow him. "Don't worry, Ichigo, we'll talk soon" says Aveek, smiling for the first time.

The others are now gone, suddenly the gate starts to open and a captain walks out and says "What is all the commotion, I felt your energy and had to see for myself". Aveek stepped closer and said "I suggest you get out of my way unless you want things to get messy, Gin".

"Oh, so you know my name? Who are you? I can't possibly let you go now!" said Gin slyly

"None of your concern" Aveek said as he lifted his arm and started saying "Hado number 90-"

Gin raised his hands in surrender and replied "Ok, ok, I can see you're not bluffing, you're strong, I'll let you go, but just this once, and remember that I'll be watching you".

Aveek smirked and instantly flash stepped away which further shocked Gin as he had never seen such a quick flash step.