SailorStar9: After getting Chapter 3 out, this is Chapter 4 of this fic. For everyone who put this fic on your favorited and followed lists and/or story alerts, thank you, but remember everyone, a lot of authors (myself included) sustain on readers' reviews.

Pairings: Ishida/Hasu, minor pairing Hitsugaya/Karin

Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot bunny. Heck, even the pairings aren't mine.

Chapter 4: The Clash Approaches

"What in the world is this?" Ukitake was shocked at the aftermath of the explosions. "Why would they sneak into the Senzaikyū and set up a bomb?"

"It's a declaration of war." Yamamoto declared, with Tula beside him. "Shishinro is made of Sekki Stone, which is invincible against spirit-based attacks. Even so, for them to have worked together to execute such a elaborate plan, I feel a dreadful resentment. Increase the number of search parties and discover their whereabouts as quickly as possible."

Outside Kūkaku's place...

"Those are..." Ichigo sweatdropped, seeing the boars lined up in front of him.

"Don't refer to them as 'those'!" Ganju roared. "All right, listen up. Their names are Bonny, Connie, Tony, Annie, Sunny, Honey, Manny, Nanny, and Kanbei."

"Hey, why does the last one have such a different name?" Ichigo snapped.

"Okay." Ganju ignored him. "Get on your boars! Same for you guys."

"Wait a second." Ichigo gawked. "There's no way I'm riding one of your boars." with Ririn on his shoulder, he took off. "We'll go different ways!"

"Hey, Ichigo." the bird plush riding Ichigo's shoulder voiced.

"Who knows when we'll get there if we ride that thing." Ichigo defended.

"That bastard." Ganju growled, when Ichigo vanished in a Shunpo.

"Kurosaki, you escaped." Ishida adjusted his glasses.

"Damn it!" Ganju cursed. "Don't look down on Bonny-chan's greatness! Let's go, Bonny-chan!" he gave the order and the group rode off.

Later that night, in the forest of Rukongai...

Byakuya was making his way deep into the forest when he was met by Kariya. "You are Kariya Jin?" the Kuchiki Clan Head questioned.

"Yeah." Kariya confirmed.

"It seems that you have been doing whatever you want." Byakuya stated.

"Kuchiki Rukia." Kariya noted. "I've heard that the Shinigami Yoshi slashed up is your little sister. Have you come for revenge?"

"It is unrelated." Byakuya responded. "Regardless of who they are, anyone who disturbs Soul Society will be cut down."

Reaching out a hand, Kariya summoned Messer, drawing strands of wind around his arm.

Omake: Kon-sama's Ultimate Shinigami Illustrated Guide

In the basement of Kūkaku's house...

Ichigo: Your sister sure is scary.

Ganju: Just once, I'll like to see her act all shy and girly.

Kurōdo: If that's the case... (Takes on Kūkaku's appearance) Ganju, today I'll do whatever you want me to." (Hugs Ganju) (Turns back) See? Now you can tell her anything you want. (Morphs back into Kūkaku)

Ganju: Really? Then... you're such a stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid big sister.

The real Kūkaku: (Appears behind them and glaring daggers) What did you say? (Sends Ganju and Ichigo flying via the cannon)

SailorStar9: In the next chapter, Byakuya and Kariya begin their battle, and Kariya reveals his doll Messer, which gives him the ability to control wind. Byakuya uses his Shikai, but Kariya uses a barrier of wind to deflect his attack. Ichigo arrives to assist Byakuya, and after using his Bankai, begins to fight Kariya. With Kariya focused on fighting Ichigo, Byakuya uses his Bankai, and manages to penetrate Kariya's wind barrier. However, Kariya heals himself, revealing that in the Soul Society, the Bounts can consume the Reishi in the air to restore their bodies.