Chapter 9
After doing research and rough drafts for the next series of this story, I decided to make the Execution Battle a single chapter with Issei clashing with Soifon and both Ichigo and Renji attempt to clash with Aizen. And so on.
Now let's get this party started!
At Sōkyoku Hill, stood the Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto and the First Division Captain. He watched several nameless prison guards lead Rukia the Execution's platform. And he was waiting to activate the Sōkyoku, a large halberd which was used to execute Shinigami who have broken severe laws. Few of the Captains where there watching the Execution, them being Soifon, Jushiro Ukitake, Shunsui Kyōraku, Byakuya Kuchiki, and Retsu Unohana all of them had their lieutenants with them.
Soifon watched the whole thing with an apathetic gaze. Ever since her encounter with Issei, her focus has been split between either her quest for bringing her old master to justice and having another fight with Issei. Her interest in the Fullbringer escalated after her fight with him before Tosen had intervened when she was getting excited about clashing with the Fullbringer. She heard that Issei had killed Mayuri Kurostichi shortly after their fight, but personally the Captain didn't care since she was disgusted by how the scientist didn't give a care about his subordinates or even his Lieutenant, which he abused nonstop for the most ridiculous things.
Soifon didn't believe that he had truly killed Aizen since Issei was nowhere near Aizen's level of power which meant that someone else had killed the former Captain of Squad 5 but pinned it on Issei so he could take the fall while the true killer hid among them. 'Not a bad strategy but still, I look forward to having another battle with him. If he's truly grown stronger from last time then I might have to go all out this time against him.' She pondered as she was excited and was waiting for the Ryoka to show up with Issei so she can get him to herself.
Her train of thoughts was interrupted as the ceremony began, as everyone watched Rukia being lifted up to the execution platform and the Sōkyoku engulf in flames, and began to take the shape of a phoenix.
"This is the true form of the Spearhead of Sōkyoku and the Executioner of the Grand Penalty. After it pierces through the criminal's body, the Grand Penalty ends." Yamamoto stated as the Fire Bird launched itself at Rukia's bound body.
There was a large flash, the flash died down to reveal that Ichigo was blocking the Sōkyoku with a large oversized Cleaver sword with one hand. Ichigo cast a sideways glance at a shocked Rukia. "Hey Rukia. Did you miss me?" Ichigo said before Rukia yelled at him.
"Ichigo? What the hell are you doing?! You're going to die! Leave before it's too late!?" Rukia demanded as she didn't want to see her friend die because of her
"Yeah, I'm just going to ignore you." Ichigo stated, but the flame bird charged again causing Ichigo to narrow his eyes at the Phoenix before he jumped on the large execution platform.
"What are you doing Ichigo?! It's coming around, leave!" Rukia demanded as Ichigo readied himself but the duo was shocked to see strings wrap themselves all around its beak and neck as Issei revealed himself to be on top of the Phoenix.
"Hey Rukia. It's been a while." Issei said as he was releasing more strings to wrap around the wings of the Phoenix until many cables began to wrap around the Phoenix's neck, narrowly missing the Fullbringer, as both Jushiro and Ukitake had some kind of shield with them before they stabbed their swords into the shield.
The Phoenix let out a loud screech as it was forcibly transformed back into its blade form which allows Issei to recall his strings before Ichigo used his Zanpakto and spiritual energy to shatter the shackles that held Rukia in place.
"It's not just me that came to save you Rukia. Issei, Orihime, Chad, and Tatsuki. They all came to help you so just shut up." Ichigo said as he held Rukia over his left shoulder as she cried at the comforting words of her friends until the former Lieutenant looked to see that Issei landed safely on the ground before he readied his strings while Renji appeared after dealing with the guards.
"Listen up Issei. I'll take Rukia and run. Can you and Ichigo hold off the Captains and the Lieutenants?" Renji asked as Issei chuckled in reply but nodded.
"Of course. Thanks to the training, I'm excited to test my new strength against a certain bee." Issei said as he narrowed his eyes at Soifon directly, who did the same in turn as she pulled out her blade and pointed at the Fullbringer.
"I want all Lieutenants to bring me that Fullbringer and the traitor!" Soifon commanded the fat man nodded in reply as the Lieutenant of Yamamoto nodded and charged as well while Isane looked back at Unohana, who nodded her head as she replied to her lieutenants question.
"Go." Unohana said as Isane nodded in reply before rushing towards Issei and Renji. Renji was about to grab his sword until Issei placed a hand in his shoulder.
"Renji. Grab Rukia and get out of here. Ichigo will deal with Byakuya and I have a score to settle with Soifon." Issei said as he clenched his fists as the strings were glowing purple until he sent them towards the three Lieutenants, holding them in place which shocked the Lieutenants until Ichigo passed Rukia over to Renji.
Ichigo clashed with Byakuya as he was trying to capture Rukia so she can face her 'punishment' but Renji got away with Rukia before he thanked them both and wished them luck.
Issei nodded Renji's way before releasing the three Lieutenants and stood at the ready. The Fullbringer was surprised by the three Lieutenants and pondered if they were actually worthy of their position.
The first one that stood beside Soifon wasn't impressive since Issei doubted that the fat pig was actually worthy of the title. He was the definition of a couch potato because of his massive gut. He had black hair, and wore the standard Shinigami shihakushō with a large purple collar. He also had some expensive, personalized jewelry on his fingers which made Issei roll his eyes at the pigs greed.
The second Lieutenant was the one that stood next to the healer and personally Issei thought the girl shouldn't be in battle since he could tell that the girl was a real antisocial girl and has severe confidence issues. She was a tall and well-endowed young, similar to Rangiku, with gray eyes and short messy silver hair with strands on the right side of her face that were shoulder-length and styled as two thin braids, with two more on the back of her head. She wore a thin dangling red earring on each ear and a standard Shinigami shihakushō with her lieutenant badge on her left arm.
And finally the last Lieutenant was actually the most interesting one of the trio since he actually looked like he knew what he was doing. He had pupil-less eyes, short silver-gray hair and a small black handlebar mustache with lightly tanned skin. He wore a white jinbaori over a standard Shinigami shihakushō with long white arm guards. He also wore a white turtle-neck under his uniform and has his lieutenant armband on his left arm.
[I must say that out of all three of them, only the one next to the Head Captain is actually the most interesting one. The fat one doesn't have any real skill or combat abilities while the silver haired girl might as well be a lamb sent to fight a lion. Take them out and ready yourself for the last one.] Muramasa said as Issei nodded in reply as he agreed with the plan before sheathing his sword and sealing his power. He got into his combat stance when he only uses his Fullbringer.
"Well what are you three waiting for? An invitation? Show me if your actually worthy of the title Lieutenant!" Issei shouted as he charged at the trio before Isane gasped at his speed as he delivered a right hook into her face before catching her in mid-flight. Issei then put her on the ground as he sighed in disappointment at the results. "Couldn't even take a single punch to the cranium? You should stick with being a healer instead of a fighter."
Issei then dodged the fat but slow punches from the pig but just as he was about to knock the fatty on his ass, Omeada was annoyed at the human for looking bored of the fight before he summoned his Shikai which mildly impressed Issei since he never saw a sword turn into a mace before.
Then again, his Shikai is strings connected to his gloves so he shouldn't really be so surprised.
[I must say that I pity the Zanpakto that works with that fatty. If only we could actually use the medallion that your god aunt gave us then we can easily free the Zanpakto from his prison within that fat pig who doesn't even give a shit about his partner!] Muramasa said in anger as he could see the emotions behind the Zanpakto which made Issei feel sorry for the spirit since he couldn't imagine what it was like working for a fatty like him who doesn't even take his job seriously.
'Sorry Muramasa but as much as I want to help out the spirit, you know it's a one time use only and I don't plan on wasting such a powerful tool like this.' Issei said as he patted his side pocket as he felt the medallion secured within his pocket before he got into a fighting stance as Issei caught the mace with little to no resistance but he was shocked to feel the sadness and the depression that the spirit suffers because of his partners negligence to his training and interest.
'I apologize spirit but I'll make it quick.' Issei said within his mind as he destroyed the head of the mace with little effort which shocked Omeada as he was knocked out after Issei used a Flash Step and kicked the pig into the ground. Issei let out a grunt of disgust as he saw the pig drool in the ground before he turned to face the last Lieutenant, who had his Zanpakto point up into the sky as a massive thundercloud formed above him.
"...Fullbringer. May I have your name before we begin? My name is Chōjirō Sasakibe, Lieutenant of Squad 1." Chōjirō said as Issei respected this guy before he unsheathed his Zanpakto. His strings appeared as he readied himself for Chōjirō.
"Issei Hyoudou and honestly out of the three of you, your the only one who posed any kind of challenge." Issei said as Chōjirō was amused by the man before he revealed the name of his technique.
"I thank you for taking me seriously. As thanks, I'll show you the power of my Bankai." Chōjirō said as Issei was surprised to see the lightning fall from the cloud above Chōjirō and enter his sword until multiple pillars of lightning surrounded the user.
"Kōkō Gonryō Rikyū. That is the name of my Bankai. Be honored since only my Captain has seen this and was scarred by it." Chojiro said as Issei smiled in reply.
"Alright then. Let's have some fun!" Issei said as Chojiro used his sword and cut the pillars before he was covered in a layer of bright light until he charged at Issei which amazed both him and Muramasa until they spun their strings together to form more weapon.
"I'm honored by that your using your Bankai against me. Unfortunately, I must apologize for not using my own Bankai so I do hope this makes up for it." Issei said as he revealed the weapon that he formed with his strings.
A massive sword similar to Hollow Zangetsu's Shikai form until Issei smirked and released his own version of the Getsuga Tensho.
"Getsuga Tensho!" Issei shouted as he sent multiple arcs of the purple blade from his sword and struck Chojiro with so much force that his blade shattered as his body was cut as well.
Issei and Chojiro's backs were facing each other but they knew who had won the battle.
"You win Fullbringer. Thank you for fighting me." Chojiro said as he felt his stomach bleed and stain his clothes before he collapsed into the ground. Issei nodded in reply as he undid his Zangetsu copied blade and used the strings from it to stitch Chojiro's injuries before turning towards Soifon and Unohana.
"I must admit. I wasn't expecting you to defeat Chojiro. I'm grateful you stitched his wounds. Now I don't have to worry about his blood loss. I'll be taking them with me so I thank you for not killing them." Unohana said as she thanked the Fullbringer before taking Chojiro's body and the other two Lieutenants.
Now it was just Soifon and Issei facing each other as the Captain smiled at Issei, excited about their battle.
"Let's move to a better location. We'll just be in Byakuya's and your friends way." Soifon said as Issei nodded in reply before the two headed to the nearby forest which excited the Fullbringer until they came to a clearing in the forest with enough room for them all to move around.
"Huh. A nice place for you and I. Enough room for both of us to go all out." Issei said as he readied himself but surprised when Soifon leaned against a tree and narrowed her eyes at him.
"Before we begin, I have to ask you something first. Lady Yoruichi trained you didn't she?" Soifon asked as Issei was surprised by her assumptions until he realized that due to the shield used to seal the Phoenix and how Yoruichi saved both him and Ichigo made sense for Soifon to connect the dots.
"Yes and she told me about her little bee. She says she's sorry she didn't say goodbye Soifon but I know you pretty well so I know that you want to hear it from her mouth instead of mine." Issei said as Soifon nodded in reply before she took out her blade, which alerted Issei as he sensed multiple enemies all around him. Soifon smirked at his shock and explained.
"As head of Squad Two, I'm also the Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō so now you only have two options Issei Hyoudou. Surrender or die by my hands." Soifon said before Issei merely activated his Shikai and readied himself for a fight which made the Captain smirk as her forces charged in to incapacitate the target but shocked to Issei fall apart and became multiple strings as they shot out and stabbed the enemies surrounding him until Soifon felt a hand on her left shoulder.
"Don't underestimate me or my partner." Issei said as he used his Fullbring and punched her face with a right hook that sent Soifon into the trees until she steadied herself on a branch before wiping the blood from her nose. Instead of being angry at him, she smiled as she looked at her defeated forces and activated her Shikai.
"Sting Suzumebachi." Soifon said as Issei looked at the stinger and was interested in what abilities it held until he felt the stinger touch his stomach before Issei backed away to see a butterfly tattoo form at the spot.
"W-What the?" Issei said aloud before he felt the stinger jab his back which made Issei feel fear as he then felt multiple stabs on both his arms and legs before Soifon appeared in front of him with the stinger pointed towards his forehead.
"This is my Shikai. Suzumebachi. It allows me to kill an enemy with two strikes in the same area that the tattoo is formed on. Since it's all over your body, I do wonder if you'll be able to stop me from stabbing those spots again." Soifon said as she walked towards Issei and smiled at his shocked face before cupping his left cheek and leaned into his personal space before whispering into his ear.
"Show me all you can do Issei. Do not hold back. I'm stronger than I look." Soifon said as Issei felt hot and bothered by her low voice speaking into his ear until the Captain leapt away from him and readied for any tricks Issei will pull.
"Well okay then. If you want to see what I can do then let's get this party started." Issei said as he used his strings to form a copy of Muramasa's blade before it began to glow with his spiritual energy until he shouted.
"Bankai!"
A massive amount of strings erupted all around Issei as they became a cocoon of sorts until they fell and covered his whole body. Soifon then saw the strings begin to break and form into armor of sorts but what surprised her most was the armor and sword that Issei now had on his body.
Issei was now wearing a form of regal white armor, giving him the impression of a warrior deity of the eastern world but his sword amazed him the most since the look of the weapon reminded him of a sword meant to slay the Gods. (For appearances sake, the Bankai sword is Kokushibo's sword when he's not holding back) The sword radiated power as Issei opened his eyes with seriousness before he pointed his sword at Soifon.
"Allow me to show you what I can do Soifon. This is my Bankai. Myoujingiri Muramasa." Issei stated as Soifon repeated the name to herself before smirking at the translation.
"The Cutting of Gods and Demons. Incredible. Let's see if it lives up to its name then. It's only fair that I reveal my own Bankai." Soifon said as she said the word as her arm became encased in a protective armor that covered her entire right arm and came all the way above her shoulder to form a face shield covering her face's right side. The casing comes off and reveals a weapon with the similar make of a missile attached to a base.
Issei whistled at the massive weapon before Muramasa stepped in and laughed heartily at the Captain.
[Does she actually think she can defeat us with an incomplete Banaki? Hah! It's an absolute joke that I find very amusing. Show her what a real Bankai is capable of partner! Crush her and don't hold back!] Muramasa shouted as Issei nodded in reply before he readied himself as his sword now glowed with a bright purple aura as the strings attached to the branches of his sword began to absorb more and more spiritual energy which increased Issei own power.
Soifon's eyes widened at this as she took aim with her massive bazooka like Bankai and fired the missile before Issei eyes looked at the incoming attack.
"Cut through." Issei said as he swung his sword and sliced through the missile before the attack was split into two as the parts fell to the ground, creating an explosion around him.
Soifon was shocked by this since she hadn't expected her Bankai to be defeated so easily before Issei walked over to her and pointed his sword at her face.
"Your Bankai can't match mine because it's incomplete. Muramasa can still connect to other Zanpakto and read their emotions which helped us in this battle. You can only use that attack once very three days and that's because this Bankai you have isn't your true self." Issei said as Soifon was shocked by his words before asking him.
"What do you mean my true self? I know myself better than anybody ever could!"
"That's no true. All you know is yourself for what you see but did you ever ask what others see? Your broken Soifon. You don't know who you are because you constantly have no connection with your Zanpakto." Issei said as he lowered his blade and spoke to her. "Your Bankai is supposed to be a reflection of your true self but since your partner Suzumebachi feels rejected and alone as well as betrayed, it's given you this false Bankai. The reason for that is because you haven't learned to forgive Yoruichi and I don't blame you. She abandoned and left you alone for so long but because of that you push everyone away. You don't listen to anyone who isn't you which is why you won't be able to use your full power."
Issei walked away from Soifon's body for a while until he stood a couple feet away from her.
"Now then. It's time we end this battle. As much as I want to stay and chat with you more, I have to get back to my friends." Issei said as he readied his sword before power began to flow through him.
Soifon still looked down at her left arm as she registered every word that Issei said to her and she truly believed every word that he had said to her. Ever since Yoruichi left her, she became cold, stoic, and never let anyone connect to her whether it was out of fear or because she denied them but deep down, her heart still felt lonely and empty within because she didn't have anyone to talk to. She never tried to chat or be interested in girls like Rangiku, who dragged her to every meeting they had, or Unohana, who tried to get her to open up more to others.
In a way, Soifon envied the other females of the club she was in due to the others being able to laugh and enjoy themselves in each others company. 'I guess what he said is true. I really am broken. I'm sorry Suzumebachi.' Soifon said as she looked at Issei's stance and for a moment, she saw the look in his eyes that reminded her of Yoruichi in battle. Her heart began to beat loudly within her chest as Soifon's eyes widened in realization of what she felt towards him.
"...Heh. Thank you Issei Hyoudou. I'll go all out and hold nothing back!" Soifon shouted as her arms became encased in powerful tornadoes of sorts which surprised Issei as he recognized the technique.
"This technique...!" Issei eyes widened but his smile grew as the two combatants looked at each other with a smile of satisfaction and understanding until Soifon spoke to him.
"Before we end this, let's keep things interesting. How about we make a deal to ensure we each put everything we have into these last attacks. Should I win-
Issei was fixing his stance and nodded. "I know. If you win, then I surrender and let you kill me but if I win?"
Soifon smirks before moving her arms out of her uniform revealing her chest bindings and getting ready to unleash her final attack. "You can have me do whatever you wish."
The two nodded as they accepted the terms until they fired their attacks.
"SHUNKO!"
"Shakkin Tatsu!" (Sever All Karma)
As Ichigo and Byakuya ended their battle, a massive explosion destroyed part of the forest. However, Ichigo could still sense Issei's spiritual power and sighed in relief that he was still alive from his battle. He then looked down at the defeated form of Byakuya Kuchki and nodded in respect to his enemy.
"Thank you Byakuya. I'll save Rukia. I promise." Ichigo said as he saw his friends appear but froze as he felt an ominous presence near him.
"Wh-What is this?" Ichigo said as he saw Renji with Rukia appear as Sosuke Aizen himself looked at the many souls at the Sōkyoku Hill, before narrowing his eyes as he sensed Issei's presence in the forest.
'Hm. It seems that Issei Hyoudou exceeded my expectations. I never would've thought that he would've been able to achieve Bankai but also defeat Soifon. I'm sure he'll continue to exceed my expectations when I meet him when he returns home.' Aizen pondered as he looked at Ichigo and Renji before unleashing his spiritual energy which leveled Orihime, Tatsuki, Rukia, Chad, and Ganju but both Renji and Ichigo were still standing as Aizen complimented their resolve.
"Right you, you two are barely withstanding my spiritual energy by sheer will and your own power. I'm impressed but it's still not enough to beat me." Aizen said as he readied himself to crush both Ichigo and Renji. "But it doesn't matter since either way, even if you two were at your best, I doubt that you two would even be able to make me take you serious."
Ichigo was still tired from using his Bankai against Byakuya while Renji was still worn down from running with Rukia, also they were outclassed since it was only Ichigo and Renji versus three captains who are highly skilled in swordsmanship, Kido, and intelligence.
Renji looked at Ichigo and spoke to him. "Hey Ichigo. I got an idea. It's risky but you'll get an opening. Unfortunately it'll only be for an instant so you got to rush towards him."
Ichigo nodded in reply as Renji pointed his broken sword at the ground. 'Sorry Zabimaru but this is an emergency.' Renji's spiritual energy rose as the broken pieces of Zabumaru's blade shot up and stood in the air before Renji shouted.
"Higa Zekkô!" Renji shouted as the pieces fired at Aizen with such speed as Ichigo rushed towards Aizen with his swords out, ready to cut Aizen but as he got closer to the former captain.
"Your attack was good but your aim was predictable."
Ichigo's eyes widened as he saw Aizen catch his blades with just one hand.
'H-He caught it? With his bare hand?!' Ichigo shouted in his mind before he felt his body being cut down as Aizen flash stepped over to Renji and cut him down before he looked down at Rukia and pulled her up by her collar.
"Now then Rukia Kuchki. It's time you fulfill your purpose." Aizen said as he coated his left hand in some kind of glove before reaching into her chest and pulling out a small purple sphere encased in a crystal prism. Aizen then let her go as the hole in her chest closed up.
"The Hogyoku. I'm surprised to see that both it and the Konpaku itself was undamaged. Urahara should be proud of creating such technology." Aizen commented on as he then held up Rukia by the throat before looking at Gin.
"Her purpose has been fulfilled. Kill her Gin." Aizen said as Gin nodded before he grabbed the hilt of his sword before strings came out of nowhere as Gin felt his arms tied behind his back before both Aizen and Ichigo were shocked to see Issei standing a few feet away from Aizen as he had his Shikai out and held the Captain's arms in place.
"Don't move, or you'll lose your arms." Issei threatened as he tightened his hold on Gin's arms before Rangiku and Soifon appeared as they held their swords at Tosen's neck and back while Yoruichi and Byakuya appeared and held their respective weapons at Aizen's body.
"If you so much as twitch a finger..." Yoruichi said before Byakuya finished it for her.
"Then you'll lose your head." Byakuya said as Aizen looked around to see the other captains and their respective lieutenants appear before Yamamoto walked towards Aizen and spoke.
"You are surrounded Aizen. Surrender or we'll kill you where you stand." The man bellowed as Aizen wasn't even surprised but began to laugh a bit which frightened Yoruichi as she asked.
"What's so funny?" Yoruichi asked as Aizen looked st her eyes and replied.
"You really think I'm surrounded? You should take a closer look." Aizen stated as Yoruichi looked to see six cloaked individuals pin down the other captains, except for Yamamoto, by a powerful force until the sky opened to reveal a massive black space as many Menos Grande appeared and roared in the sky until a massive eye of sorts appeared and sent out nine pillars of light as Aizen, Tosen, Gin, and the six cloaked individuals were cloaked by them before the ground beneath them was lifted up towards the hole in the sky.
"Don't try to stop them. They escaped us the moment the Negacion covered them. We can't touch them." Yamamoto said as he looked at the rogue captains in rage as Aizen looked down on them all while taking off his glasses.
"From now on. I will stand at the top. I shall rise even higher than even God himself. Goodbye Soul Reapers. Farewell, Ichigo Kurosaki. You were interesting, for a human that is." Aizen said before his eyes went towards Issei as he let a small smirk appear on his face.
'However my desire has changed. I no longer seek for an equal in power. I hope you continue to grow Issei Hyoudou.' Aizen said in his mind as the hole in the sky closed with the nine members in Hueco Mundo.
Issei deactivated his Shikai before looking at Rangiku as she walked towards him. The orange haired Soul Reaper smiled at Issei before she hugged him while letting some tears fall from her eyes.
"I'm happy to see your still alive." Rangiku said as she looked at Issei in the eyes before kissing him much to the shock of not just Issei but also Soifon and Orihime. Issei however reciprocated the kiss as Rangiku internally squealed in excitement as she was happy Issei reciprocated the kiss.
"I'm glad to see your safe as well Rangiku. I was worried that you would've been in big trouble because of me." Issei said as he looked apologetic until Rangiku hugged him and whined with comical tears.
"It was unbearable Issei! My Captain is so evil! He took away my sake! Made me do all of my paperwork and worst of all took away my cellphone!" Rangiku cried as Issei couldn't help but look at Toshiro Hitsugaya walk towards the two and grabbed Rangiku by the hair.
"Oh stop whining. This is your own fault for being a lazy Lieutenant and leaving me to do your work for you." Toshiro said as Issei could tell that the white haired kid may be small but he definitely is more mature than his Lieutenant. Toshiro then looked at Issei and held a hand out to him.
"My name is Toshiro Hitsugaya. I do thank you for taking care of Rangiku while she was in your world. I do hope she didn't cause you any trouble." Toshiro said as Rangiku looked at him in betrayal while Issei pretended to ponder until he replied.
"Well Rangiku is a bit of a spoiled person sometimes but she is serious in battle. Granted my god aunt does think of her as a cougar since she did try to sleep with me after the first week." Issei said as Toshiro nodded in reply.
"She's always been like that. Rangiku can be really troublesome at times and worse a handful as well." Toshiro said as Rangiku felt imaginary arrows pierce her heart as she was being insulted by her Captain and Issei until the two shared a laugh which shocked Rangiku since she had been trying to get Toshiro to laugh and yet all she got was a yell for her slacking off.
"Also I want to thank you for looking after Momo." Toshiro said as Issei smiled in reply.
"It's no trouble at all. I'm glad Momo trusted me and believed me when I said I didn't kill Aizen. How is she? I didn't see her show up here." Issei said as Toshiro sighed before explaining that Momo was at Squad Four and was undergoing medical treatment due to her being stabbed by Aizen when she learned the truth. This shocked Issei as he was worried about Momo until Toshiro stopped him.
"She's fine. She's just...mentally hurt. She's admired Aizen and worked at his side for so long that she doesn't know if he actually cared about her." Toshiro said with a sorrowful expression which reminded Issei of when he was worried about Irina as well before the Fullbringer nodded and said he would talk to her but before he could walk away, an arm wrapped around his waist.
"Oh Issei.~" Soifon said in his ear which made Issei stiffen as he felt the assassin's hands wrap around his waist and snuggle into his back more until Soifon smiled at his reaction before poking his left cheek. "Didn't you forget that since you won our fight you can do whatever you want to me." She said in a purring tone which shocked Rangiku as she yelled at Issei.
"Woah! Woah! Woah! Hold on a minute! Why is it that you rejected my offer to have a good time and yet you decided to sleep with Soifon of all people?!" Rangiku yelled out of jealousy while Issei tried to calm her down.
Orihime giggled as she watched this and for some reason felt a sense of jealousy enter her heart as she watched the two argue over Issei while Issei tried to calm them down. After speaking to Tatsuki about her being rejected by Ichigo, the Karate Queen tried to give her some advice and it did help in some way.
"Listen Orihime. I know you had a crush on Ichigo for a long time now but that doesn't mean you should give up. There are lots of other guys out there who'd love to date you. Why not go back to your apartment when this is all over? Think about some other guy who interests you and try asking him out. Heck I know Issei even had a massive crush on you but kept his feelings to himself because of your feelings for Ichigo. He's just that kind of guy." Tatsuki said as Orihime registered every word and thanked her for the advice.
"Maybe. Maybe I should give him a chance." Orihime pondered as Tatsuki was with Ichigo and making sure he was okay while the captains were telling Chad and Uryu, along with Ganju that they are no longer Ryoka and labeled as outlaws.
Now that the battle is over, it's time to heal and recover before the preparations for war begin.
"I would like to apologize for killing your comrade Yumichika. I know he was your fifth seat Kenpachi Zaraki but I'd still like to apologize for ending his life." Issei said as he was in Squad Four's healing room while Kenpachi was being patched up and looked at Issei with a normal face before he sighed in reply.
"Heh. I figured you weren't the killer type and yet you still killed Yumichika. He'd be honored to die by an enemy when going all out so thank you for giving him a fitting end. Ikkaku will recover from this but it'll take time. As Captain of Squad Eleven, I'm not particularly happy of you killing my Squad member but I can understand why you did what you did. So don't stress about it." Kenpachi said as he continued to get patched up before Issei got up and was walking over to Momo's room but stopped when he saw Captain Unohana.
"I am grateful for you going to see her. Lieutenant Hinamori needs someone to talk to and Captain Hitsugaya can only do so much for his friend." Unohana said as Issei nodded before he continued to head towards Momo's room until he knocked on the door.
"Hey Momo. It's Issei. Can I come in?" Issei asked as he only heard silence until a whisper stopped him.
"Please. Please stay." Momo whimpered as Issei entered the room to see Momo's broken eyes as she was still crying in pain from the betrayal of Aizen. Issei then sat across from her and tried to talk to her but didn't know how so he went with some advice from his aunt Griselda.
"Loos I don't know how Aizen treated you when he was still your captain and I can't imagine the pain your going through since I can't imagine what it's like being betrayed by someone you trust for so long. But you know what I do know Momo?" Issei asked as Momo looked at him and tilted her head as if she was asking 'what' until Issei replied.
"Aizen is a deceiver, a liar, a manipulator. He will use you against yourself. And I don't want that to happen to you. I know that it'll be hard for you and in some way, shape, or form, you'll always be yearning for the 'old' Aizen. If it helps you heal then you can do that. Think about the good memories that the 'mask' had made you feel, or recall the confidence he gave you. Think of the Mask and Aizen as two different entities. Separate them apart and remember only the Mask." Issei suggested as Momo replied.
"B-But how? Whenever I think of the Mask I keep seeing Aizen's face. He's been there to help me grow into the person I am today and when I saw him before he stabbed me, I felt such joy that I thought his fake death was a bad dream, only to regret thinking that since he still killed me. He didn't even show any sign of hesitance in his eyes." Momo muttered as she grabbed Issei's shirt and cried into it before asking him.
"Tell me! What was I to him? A tool to be thrown away when I was used up? A Pawn in some game? Did he actually care about me? Tell me Issei! What do I do now?!" Momo yelled into his shirt as Issei felt anger towards Aizen for putting Momo through such pain so he just patted her back gently as if it was his only way to comfort her.
"I don't know how Aizen saw you Momo, but you can't let him control your life like this. I know it's hard to move on from such pain like this but you have something that Aizen doesn't have. Friends. Real friends who are there for you be will help you but only if you let them Momo. Toshiro and Rangiku. Those two care about you do talk to them. It's always nice to seek help from friends who you know you can depend on." Issei said as he then saw Momo's eyes look at him in gratitude before speaking to him.
"T-Thank you. Sniff You really Sniff made me happy again. I thought that after Aizen left, I would never be the same but you helped me Issei so thank you. Your a great friend." Momo said as Issei smiled at her and patted her back more.
"No problem. What are friends for." Issei said as Momo let go of him but still smiled warmly as thanks.
"Thank you for coming, Issei, but I have some thinking I have to do." Momo stated getting a nod from Issei before he left her alone.
Issei stood in the hallway and sighed to himself as he tried to think of what he has to improve in order to get ready for Aizen but a small part of his mind told him that Aizen will come back for him. 'I know he wishes to speak to me again after we leave but I'm betting that the Soul Society will be focused more on Ichigo than me due to Aizen's last words before he left the Soul Society. He probably did that so the Soul Society can keep a close eye on him while leaving the rest of us alone.'
Issei continued to ponder until Muramasa stepped in. [Granted we will see Aizen again but there's toll a lot you must do in order to prepare yourself for our next meeting with him. If Aizen is a skilled as we believe him to be then we need to get stronger as well. You managed to use both the Flash Step and the Quincy's version very well but you could use some more training to make sure you master it. As for your swordsmanship, you need to learn how to fight better with a blade since you can only sometimes rely on your strings to ensnare the opponent before defeating them. You didn't really use your Quincy bow as much so it's important that you make sure your skills stay energized. Also I have an idea on how we can use your Hollow Power from your Fullbring and combine it with your bow but we need to get back home first.] Muramasa explained as Issei's brain felt like it might explode from all he has to work on including mastering his Bankai since he was only able to use it so well thanks to Muramasa.
"This is going to take a long time." Issei said as he walked back to his room but was stopped by Soifon as she stood in front of him.
"Soifon? What are you doing here? I thought you would've spoken to Yoruichi?" Issei asked before Soifon grabbed him by his shirt.
"I already checked you out. Lady Yoruichi instructed me to help you with Hakuda and learning how to use Shunko. Oh and your staying at my barracks until it's time for you to go." Soifon said with no hesitation as she was telling Issei that he will be staying with her for the time being.
"...Huh?"
Issei had no idea what he was going to go through as Soifon smiled and flash stepped away with Issei in her hands.
Scene!
Hope you all enjoy it since this'll be the second to last chapter of the Soul Society Arc. Next chapter is when they will return home and prepare for both school and the war with Aizen.
See you all next time, oh but before I forget, I wanted to say that after getting many reviews from the first Pokémon DXD story I did, I'm proud to say that it will be a rewritten version better than the first one. So hope you all enjoy it when I publish it.
Oh and this story was helped by my new beta reader, Old Man of the Mountain. Might of the Magus was helped by D'nomme, so don't forget to check out his stories.
Ta-Ta!~