Hollowed Space

by iNFAMOUS X

A dangerous Force is Rising, and the only hope of survival may lie in the masks of the past.. spoiler alert! Series Summary inside

4. Act I: Complete

Chapter 4: Act I: Complete

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach or any of the other anime, songs, games, or other forms of media I'm takin this shit from. Also There is a fanfic by Battlejoy W called Chocolate Pudding and the 4th Wall. There will be a section of this chapter that is nearly an exact copy of that oneshot. The reason for this is because I had something planned but no real connection between my ideas. When I read that fic I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do. I have already contacted Battlejoy W and requested permission to use their ideas. I give full credit to the interaction between Hiyori and Yuzu as well as Shinji's comments about Ichigo's female pursuers to this author.

Italics means thoughts

Bold means large/inner creatures speaking

No reviews for my last chapter; thus, no reason to answer any questions. As to why I'm updating this and not BP or the Love Hina crossover.. hmm well I felt like doin this one simple as that.

And now on with the story:

The cold air whistled through the barren canyons of Hueco Mundo. A small lizard like creature slithered its way around a long spike of quartz acting as a pseudo plant. Without warning a hollow bat blurred in and crunched down on the small lizard ending its small insignificant life in an instant. The bat was allowed a mere second to enjoy it's victory before it was reduced to dust by an immense spiritual pressure. Five forms slowly descended from a faint glowing light, before dropping gently to the ground. The figure in the middle stood to full height while the 4 around him moved out seemingly blossoming around him.

The shadows covering the top of his face were cast by the large hood of his cloak. The lower portion, illuminated by the dull environment of Hueco Mundo revealed an amused smirk.

"So, this is Hueco Mundo. What a truly dreadful place; it's no surprise a Shinigami would set up his base in such a lifeless bland world."

He turned to his left signaling his subordinate. The cloaked figure stepped forward and dropped to their knee before rising and pointing to the southeast. "Las Noches is in that direction."

The figure in the middle chuckled softly. "Then let us be off, and oh, now is a superb time to complete the separate assignment we discussed General."

The figure to the left nodded and a ring of sand exploded around the flickering afterimage before vanishing completely. The other 4 departed in similar fashion.

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Sosuke Aizen was pacing back and forth. This was very unusual for him. Normally he'd be found sitting calmly in his chair with his fist resting casually on his cheek in mild amusement. Normally everything was proceeding according to his plan. Normally he was in control.

Things had changed.

He wasn't sure when but at some point in the last few weeks something.. had awakened; something powerful enough to scare the council of Vasto Lorde out of seclusion. The council of Vasto Lorde were not normal Vasto Lorde. They were selected from the strongest of the ranks. Even Ulquiorra and Stark in their enhanced arrancar states with full release of their hollow powers, were not even in the same league as them.

Even he, the future ruler of the heavens, was not certain he could stand against two of them without being beaten. The Council was comprised of 6 Vasto Lorde. They were the unspoken rulers of the underground. If he could gather even 3 of them to his cause it would more than equal the military power of 12 normal ones. So under normal circumstances he would be elated that a group of them were traveling to Las Noches to meet with him.

The problem was the message.

Flashback:

'The advent of the shadow gods draws near. The prophesy of the book of shadows shall soon come to pass, 'Woe be unto every creature living and not, for the wrath of they who always were and always will be is coming..'

Though it is truly despicable, the only way to hope to face they who are soon to come is to join together, to this end, you will prepare your band of half-breeds and we will send a representation team with a portion of the council as overseers. Be warned Sosuke, the gods of shadow are not something you can comprehend; their power defies the boundaries of reality. Facing them in battle with nothing more than the pathetic impurities you have gathered as our allies is guaranteed suicide.

Because of this the representatives will discuss a plan of appeal with you. Prepare yourself for their arrival Shinigami.. you and your band will show the proper respect or you will meet your end."

End flashback.

Souke Aizen knitted his eyebrows. "What is the meaning of this.. shadow gods.." he muttered. Something that can strike fear into even the heartless Coucil.. a group even he wouldn't dare to challenge until after obtaining the power of the heavens.. What could it be..

Aizen closed his eyes and twisted at the waist to walk back the other direction feeling the reassuring weight of Kyoka Suigetsu lightly pressing into his ribs. He sighed, slowly opening his eyes. "Could this be related to the strange appearance in Rukongai?" he pondered aloud.

"Something wrong Aizen-sama?" a voice asked from the back. Aizen shook his head without turning around. "I do not believe it will be much of a problem Halibel-san. Merely some visitors coming to inspect Las Noches."

Stark slid out from the shadows. looking bored. "Oh, we got visitors coming.. che' sounds troublesome. Who the hell we playing host to anyways?"

Aizen swept a hand back through his slicked back hair. "The council of Vasto Lorde."

The reaction was instantaneous. Both Halibel and Stark, usually impassive and unemotional, exploded. "WHAT?" Stark's eyes went wide in disbelief. "W-what the hell are they coming here for?!"

Halibel was shaking her head and her own wide eyes quivered. "Aizen-sama.. please explain."

Aizen sighed. "Very well, call the others in We'll have an emergency Espada meeting before the representatives arrive."

The two, finally regaining their composure for the moment, left to do as requested. Aizen continued on to the meeting room himself randomly reaching out and gripping a fistful of something. He pulled in dragging a confused and stumbling Ichimaru Gin behind him. Aizen glanced back and with one word Gin was instantly compliant. "Come."

Kaname Tousen appeared to his right walking slowly down a long white hallway seemingly oblivious to the sneering Grimmjow Jeagerjaques flipping him the middle finger behind him. Aizen rolled his eyes in annoyance. Grimmjow could be so immature at times. Truly unbefitting of an Espada, perhaps that is why I did not admonish Tousen for removing his arm and subsequently, his Espada rank..

Aizen reached the meeting room and noted that already the majority of the Espada were taking their seats. He noted that Luppi was trailing his finger on the elaborate carved design of the marble table in boredom as he took his own seat.

"Good morning Espada. No doubt you are all wondering as to why I have called you here at such an hour. The fact is, The full scope of the situation we are about to face has not been revealed to me as of yet."

He nodded graciously to Lolly as she handed him a cup of tea before passing the tray around to the other Espada who each took their tea.

Aizen continued. "The most pressing matter, would be the visitors we are soon to receive." he paused. "They are from the council of Vasto Lorde."

The Espada gathered with the exception of Yammy and Luppi all exhaled sharply. Zomari Leroux turned to Aizen attmpting to regain his composure. "And why exactly would such a group be coming here Aizen-sama."

The brown haired Shinigami took a sip of tea before sweeping his gaze across the table. "Actually, I was hoping you all could enlighten me.. tell me, what do you know about 'the gods of shadow'"?

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Orihime Inoue slowly opened her eyes. "Ouchie... wow that hurt.. huh, I'm not so hot anymore.." she lifted her head off the ground and tried to stand to look around. As she stood up she noticed the heat returning but it was no longer her insides burning up but the outside of her skin. Also, it wasn't a terrible burn more like a warmth spreading across her. She twisted her head to the side and noted that she couldn't see anything. It was complete darkness. Suddenly a voice boomed from all around her.

"Woman! What are you doing!? Come to me at once!"

Orihime began to shake in terror. The feeling of intense desire to kill radiating off whatever had said that was unbelievable. She felt like she's die if she even took one more step toward that horrible voice.

"Fool! I commanded you to come before me, if you don't obey I really will kill you, now get over here I've no patience for your pitiful fear mortal!"

Orihime forced herself to move forward and instantly she fell to her knees driven to the ground from the intense heat and spiritual pressure. A gigantic sigh was heard and then the air suddenly became breathable again. Her lungs no longer felt as though they were melting. Orihime shakily rose to her legs and moved a bit forward. Before long the pressure became too much for her and she was found dropping to her knees as the heat became unbearable once again.

The voice roared so loud it made her eardrums hurt.

"Are you serious!? Have you any idea how much power I'm holding back.. over 98 and still you cannot approach any farther than 2 steps.. how weak are you!?"

Orihime felt the air lighten again and rose to her feet letting out a soft "sorry" before attempting to move forward again. She finally came in view of a glowing ball blazing red and orange. As she neared closer and closer the ball began to take a strange shape. It glowed brighter and brighter with each step before finally she saw the shape. A gigantic bird comprised of flame chained to the black floor.

Orihime's eyes widened. "You're.." The bird cocked it's head to the side. You have heard of me? Interesting.. who was it that told you of my presence? One of those fairies? "

Orihime nodded smiling. "Ah I know you yep.. and here I was so sacred heheh. Pretty silly huh." she giggled scratching the back of her head.

"Now which one were you again.. hmm I can never remember the names unless I do the song.. hmm oh well I guess I'll just have to do that hang on I'll get your name in a a second."

Orihime smiled before knitting her brows in concentration and exclaiming:

"I want to be the best there ever was. To beat all the rest, yeah that's my cause." The flaming bird tilted its head to the side in confusion as Orihime continued. "Electrode, Diglett, Nidoran, Mankey Venusaur, Rattata, Fearow, Pidgey Seaking, Jolteon, Dragonite, Gastly Ponyta, Vaporeon, Poliwrath, Butterfree Catch 'em, catch 'em, gotta catch 'em all Pokemon!" The flaming creature began to shake as it narrowed it's black fathomless eyes. Due to the fact that Orihime had her eyes closed and was bellowing out her song as loudly as she could, she didn't see the reaction and continued. "I'll search across the land, look far and wide, release from my hand the power that's inside. Venomoth, Poliwag, Nidorino, Golduck Ivysaur, Grimer, Victreebel, Moltres.." Her eyes shot open a triumphant grin plastered on her face. "Oh that's you, the fire birdy one I remember I used to have a card of you. "Ahh this must mean you're real! Sugoi!" The blazing flame comprising the bird exploded around it and the pressure forced Orihime to her knees yet again. What the hell was that! What in blazes are you talking about? That was the most absurdly pointless group of words I've ever heard!" Orihime shook her head. "Demo, Moltres-san.. what about your fellow Pokemon there's still Nidoking, Farfetch'd, Abra, Jigglypuff Kingler, Rhyhorn, Clefable, Wigglytuff Catch 'em, catch 'em, gotta- " ENOUGH! Say one more word of that incantation and I'll turn you into a funeral pyre!" Orihime blinked a few times. "Wow Moltres-san.. you seemed a lot nicer to Ash on the tv show.." The fire bird visibly took a deep breath before returning the pressure to where Orihime could fully stand erect again. "Listen carefully woman, I am the Phoenix. There are many birds of fire they are phoenix's but I am THE Phoenix." "I am the embodiment of the flame of spirit world, I have existed for millenniums and my power is inconceivable by your standards. I am not this Moltres you speak of!" Orihime cocked her head to the side. "Ah ok if you say so Moltres-san. so if you're super strong whada ya need me for.. as you noticed I'm kinda.. weak."

The Phoenix pointed its head to the many sealed chains binding it down.

Have you truly no idea? It figures I suppose.. and to think the one to awaken me would be a mere girl like this one... no matter, I was invincible in my own realm but when I was lured into the Sereitei of ages ago I was trapped by the full set of captains and forced into subversion by the Shinigami who attempted to seal me in the form of one of their Zanpakuto."

"Even weakened they barely managed to imprison my shadow in what they called the Sokyoku saying it held the power of one million Zanpakuto.. truly this displays their idiocy.. to think the fools were actually impressed with attaining my shadow, in any case I escaped and the weakened protection squads were too weak to pursue me.. I would have fully escaped, recuperated, and crushed them had the accursed royal family not stepped in.. They sealed me in a human soul and designed it so that when one died one of the next line of descendants would carry me."

Orihime held up her hands. "'Wait hold on, you're trying to say that you're inside of me.."

The Phoenix raised its head to the sky of endless black. "Finally the mortal gets it.. however, I have lain dormant inside the souls of each of my previous holders.. For whatever reason you are the first to actually awaken me.. I believe it is because of the coming danger. Also because of your Hibiscus shield powers conflicting with my own the seal is damaged and so when this vessel dies I will die as well."

Orhime put her hand to her lips. "Are you talking about Aizen.. Hitsugaya-kun said he wanted to get the Okan, some key and destroy the whole tow-"

the Phoenix laughed darkly interrupting Orihime's question.

"Sosuke Aizen?! Hahahahaha I know of that fool I've studied your memories well woman, Sosuke Aizen is nothing, I mean nothing compared to what is coming.. had you even the slightest clue of what is about to befall you I doubt you would even be conscious at the moment.. The entire town? A part of a prefecture of a small country like Japan.. try the entire human world, all of Hueco Mundo, Sereitei, Rukongai has already fallen.. and countless other worlds to come.. And the strength of the opponent is comparative to my own.."

The only reason you even have the slightest chance is you have the assistance of the Ancient ones. But even then, they will not fight your war for you, only assist you, this is the reason I have brought you here."

Orihime grinned. "Where's here? Johto or Kanto or maybe even the Orange Islands?"

The Phoenix growled. "I have transported you to an isolated area where the cocoon will not be disturbed during the merger. I will not be killed because of your incompetence. And after seeing firsthand how truly weak a vessel you are I have no doubt if I do not take this action now we will both perish."

"What action? Merger?" Orihime asked.

The Phoenix nodded spreading flames out around the circular seal binding it to the murky depths of the floor. "Yes, you recently lost one of your fairies, did you not? The one known as Tsubaki?"

"Have you never wondered why it is so difficult for you to hate, to loathe, anger is such a foreign emotion to you.. Truly you've wondered why the healing and shield powers you have were always so potent yet your attacks were unbelievably weaker.."

"The reason for this was a safety precaution on the seal, you have the fools in the royal family to thank for your disposition.. whenever you felt the emotions of anger or hate these feelings would be absorbed into the seal not allowing your emotions to trigger a reaction enough to awaken me.. However, they did not count on your acquired powers of event rejection."

Orihime nodded dumbly pretending she understood everything the big fire birdy was saying.

"Each time you were faced with a dangerous situation and used your powers a bit of me was awakened. When your avatar was lost you had a vacancy in your soul power and coupled with the impending doom of the events soon to come this caused me to awaken. As I am now.. I am powerless to do anything but watch as we are killed. However, I intend to change that."

Orihim scratched the side of her head. "Ano, with that merger thingy you were talkin about?"

"Yes, I will reform the one known as Tsubaki and feed a direct line into my own power, this will allow me to begin merging with your spirit personality. In a sense I will exists as a part of you. A split personality if you wish. And slowly as you increase your own capabilities I will gradually be able to feed you more of my power. This is not a negotiation I am not offering assistance nor am I asking permission you will accept this as a fact trying to resist me is futile, your spirit is far too weak to resist my will."

"But take heart mortal, with what is coming you will thank me for giving you at least a slight fighting chance to survive it and actually be of use to your precious Kurosaki-kun.. finally you can do more than just run and heal the injured once it's all over"

"NOW no more talk.. no more words no more questions all will be answered when I am one with you, we have wasted far too much time as it is the time before the need for my power arises is measured in days at the longest..

Oh and one more thing woman.."

The Phoenix glowed bright red as tendrils of fire shot out and up Orihime's nose as two more entered her ears. Flame began slowly forcing their way into her body from all directions as the glowing creature exploded in balls of blazing fire. One last statement was heard.

"This will hurt."

The dark cavern soon resounded with the screams of Inoue Orihime.

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Kiro yawned as he stretched back and sprawled out on Ichigo's floor. His orange haired friend was frantically mashing buttons on the x box 360 controller. Tatsumaki grinned. "Oiy, Icky what was that you were saying about the best systems only being Japanese. Microsoft aint exactly a slouch, huh..

Ichigo sighed and dropped the controller in his lap as he ignored the cutscenes giving his thumbs a rest. "Yeah but you can't compare a game like this to the lower ranked ones.. this 'Assassin's Creed' thing is unbelievable."

Rukia tilted her head to the side before exclaiming. "Unbeweavable, the talking box is gwowing."

Kiro leaned in close and whispered in Ichigo's ear. "Dude, seriously what the hell is wrong with that chick I mean I'm not tryin to be rude' er nothin but damn is she retarded or what.. it was funny with the red head but this one's just annoying."

Ichigo chuckled nervously. "Ano, eh hehe well that is.. uh she just need to um.. take her meds."

'Seriously, damn that Rukia showing up out of nowhere cramming that freaking Chappy pill in and saying Soul Society is recalling her for some mission from Ukitake.. it's probably just to get his ass some Tylenol or a blood transfusion.. I swear that guy gets sick more than a..'

Tatsumaki brought him out of his musings by knocking on his forehead. "Earth to Kurosaki Ichigo anybody home?"

Ichigo laughed nervously and put his hand behind his head.

Kiro raised an eyebrow. "Hmmm, y'know you're being kinda weird lately.. pretty suspicious if you ask me."

Tatsumaki tilted her head back and glared at the door. "What's really suspicious is your pops, dude.. He's been like humping your door with a glass to his ear since we first walked in."

Kiro laughed. "Yeah, I don't remember him bein quite that bad when we were kids, musta knocked a few screws loose dealing with all the ghosts you guys see.."

Ichigo shook his head. "Actually dad can't see anything.. and even though we do occasionally lose people here there's not as many leftovers as you might think." Kiro raised an eyebrow, "So if he can't see ghosts and he's still sane why, exactly, does he try to drop kick you every time you walk through a door?"

"I said he couldn't see ghosts I never said he was sane.." Ichigo muttered.

The door instantly burst open and Isshin pointed his finger accusingly at Ichigo. "Ichigo, how dare you besmirch my good name in front of this beautiful young lady, furthermore, the childhood friends from that wonderful summer camp have come to see us and you act in this manner!" "I won't forgive you!"

Isshin charged at Ichigo with his fingers poised like talons.

His intended target leaned to the side and kicked his side sending the man stumbling across the floor before crashing into the open window and tumbling out.

A loud groan was heard along with a mumbled threat. "Shut up you idiot!" Ichigo roared and grabbed the nearest thing he could which just so happened to be Kon and chucked it out the window.

Tatsumaki's eye were the size of dinner plates and Kiro's jaw was wide open.

Ichigo spun around in his chair. "What?"

Kiro shook his head. "Dude." "You just.." he turned to the open window. "You just kicked your dad out of a window.."

Ichigo shrugged. "So, it's not like he fell through the glass he's fine."

Tatsumaki pointed at the open sky. "Icky you live on the second floor!"

Ichigo sighed before getting up out of his chair and dropping the controller to the floor. He walked over to his window and looked down to see a imprint of his father in the ground but no sign of the body. "See, I told you, he take's a lot worse beatings than that.. and for the record so do I.. the guy's a freakin nutcase.."

Kiro burst out laughing while picking up Ichigo's I-pod. "Says the psycho who just kicked his pops out a window.. dude.. I wish I had my cellphone cam up I'd be slapping that shit on Youtube so fast.."

Ichigo smirked and kicked Tatsumaki off of his bed before falling face first onto it. The blonde girl balled up her fist and girl punched him in the leg as she rose from the floor. "Well, rude much, oh well ill just use the bean bag, Kiro move."

The white haired boy ignored her continuing to go through Ichigo's I-pod. He frowned. "Damn Icky with all those tight pants and shirts you like to wear I figured you'd have this thing full of My Chemical Romance."

A muffled shut up was the only reply he got as Ichigo dug his face deeper into the pillow.

Kiro hopped up still gripping the I- pod and struck a dramatic pose. He began singing in a dramatic whiny voice. "Because one day, I'll leave you, abandoned, to leave you in the summer, to join the Black Parade!"

Ichigo gripped Ririn and chucked her in the general direction of Kiro, who unnecessarily dodged around the fluffy projectile and continued. "Because I am, so emo, I shop for, my pants and all my jackets, at Belks and limited tooooo!"

Kiro broke of laughing as he leaned against a wall for support. Tatsumaki was rolling on the floor giggling. She finally regained enough composure to point out: "That's not even how the song goes."

Kiro waved his hand in a shooing motion. "Bah, like I listen to that crap.. this guy at work was spamming it for a week once he got the cd though"

Ichigo growled , " I'm not emo I just don't like to have my underwear showing when I walk"

Kiro nodded, "Oh yeah of course, coughemocoughdenialcough.."

Tatsumaki plopped herself down on the black bean back and held up a victory sign. "Hah I win, victory is mine!"

Kiro realized his seat had been stolen. "Tats, what the fu-" Suddenly he was face first on the ground in an arm bar from Rukia. "No bad words, you can say dem in yo black pawade but this is difwent."

Kiro tried to push her off and was surprised to find she didn't budge. "What the hell you psycho bitch get off m, oooowww"

"And yo alm goes bweak." The grinning Rukia exclaimed as she pulled up on the arm.

Tatsumaki started laughing again at the sight of that. "Aww come on Kiro, big bad street fighter cant even get out of a little hold.."

Kiro cursed. "Man shut up.. this chick aint even human.. she feels like a pitbull or something.."

Ichigo forced himself up and grabbed Rukia by her hair dragging her off Kiro. At that exact moment Isshin walked by the room and saw Ichigo manhandling his precious Rukia-chan."

"Nooo my son, your true nature has showed itself.. ohh Masaki give me strength to curb this behavior before it's too late!!"

Tatsumaki shook her head as Ichigo slammed his door in his fathers face and pointed at the closet. "Oiy, Rukia.. there's carrots in the closet.. Mmm carrots." The girls eye lit up and she dove into the closet and shut the door just as Isshin broke down Ichigo's door and jumped in the air delivering a hook kick to Ichigo as he was turning around from facing his closet.

Ichigo was flung to the other side of the room but he soon regained his footing and he picked his father up and piledrove him into the floor cracking the boards.

Kiro just looked on in awe. "Didn't he just get knocked out of a second story window?"

Tatsumaki nodded dumbly.

Ichigo finally got his dad on the ground and was about to explain that Rukia was no longer here when a scream rang out. Isshin jumped up. "Yuzu, don't worry daddy's coming!" He struck a super hero pose seemingly forgetting about his reasons for attacking Ichigo and dashed off to find his daughter.

The orange haired boy rose panting heavily. "That.. guy... ah well no use even trying to figure what it was this time.." Ichigo slumped down and looked at his ceiling.

Kiro broke the silence. "So you really spend all Saturday morning indoors usually?" Ichigo nodded. "Yeah pretty much but if you guys wanna look around the town I'm up for getting out a bit."

Tatsumaki grinned. "I was wondering when you were gonna offer.. I got a credit card and I need souvenirs."

"Che, Americans..." Ichigo mumbled.

He grabbed his jacket and headed out nearly bumping into Karin. "Oiy, Karin tell dumbass and Yuzu we're goin out."

The black haired girl never looked up from her game boy DS. "Yeah sure, whatever Ichi-nii.. I'm heading to soccer practice in a bit myself though." She trailed off as she went into the laundry room.

Ichigo and his friends exited his house and started off down the side walk as Tatsumaki started snapping pictures with her digital camera every 5 steps.

Ichigo groaned. "Ugh.. this is gonna be a long day."

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Ishida inhaled before pushing with all his remaining strength. Beads of sweat were piled around him. "Two hundred and fifty" he groaned out as he slowly completed his final pushup on trembling arms. Upon reaching the peak of his upward climb he relaxed and dropped unceremoniously into a heap on the floor. Nemu stood over him and held out a white towel almost uncertainly.

Ishida gave a small smile. He hadn't ever instructed her to bring him a towel or aid him in his work out. She had made that gesture on her own. He could tell it was a definite step forwards. He rolled over onto his shirtless back and attempted to reach up for it. He only succeeded in affirming that his arms were indeed made of jelly. He gazed up with an apologetic chuckle. "Gomen, Nemu-san thank you, If you could just drop it on my face I'll remove it when I can move again."

The Shinigami smiled and obeyed letting the soft material lightly cascade around his head. Nemu sat down with her knees under her gazing at the rise and fall of the young Quincy's chest as he attempted to replenish his lungs with fresh air. Finally slight feeling crept back into his limbs and he moved the towel off his face and slowly sat up and reached for his glasses on the inn table. He put them on and wrapping the towel around his neck he rose to his feet and turned to Nemu still following him with her silent gaze. "Ah Nemu-san would you like a glass of water?"

She shook her head. "Thank you Ishida-san. But I am fully hydrated." Ishida shrugged. "Suit yourself. I'll be right back." He slowly walked into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water from the large pitcher before placing it back in the refrigerator.

As he was returning to the living room Nemu suddenly shot up. "Oh, Ishida-san I want to show you something!" She jogged down the hall and Ishida set his glass down only to hear her returning. He spun around and was greeted with a piece of red fabric. Upon further inspection he noticed it was a dress. Simple in construction and a few extra stitches that were placed at the seams but overall a very decent piece of work. His eyes widened. "Nemu-san did you create this?" She nodded meekly. Ishida smiled. "It's amazing; I wish my skills had been so advanced after my first 4 days of sewing.

"I believe you have a natural talent for it." Nemu blushed slightly at the compliment. "Arigatou, Ishida-san."

The black haired boy nodded before gulping down the rest of his water. "Alright, time for energy training. I'll do it today Nemu you'll see.. Today you will witness the rebirth of a Quincy."

She nodded in agreement. "Hai, good luck Ishida-san." The boy turned to her. "Ah what makes you think you're getting of that easy.. no you're going to be helping me today."

Nemu's eyes widened. Ishida nodded. "We'll start with dodging I will attempt to dodge your attacks and form a spirit arrow using the adrenaline and danger of the situation as a catalyst."

The miniskirt wearing Shinigami nodded and followed Ishida outside headed in the direction of the junk yard where it all started.

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Ishida Ryuken sat in his chair gripping his pen lightly. He finished signing his name on a release form and placed the paper on the stack of completed ones. Reaching for a stapler to group the two set of records together he misjudged the distance and grabbed a bag of paperclips not bothering to look up from his medical status sheet. Rolling his eyes in annoyance he looked up and clipped the papers together before returning his attention to the status sheet.

A buzzer went off and pressed a button on his intercom. A voiced blared to life. "Dr. Ryuken, a Mr. Pakino calling to remind you of the presentation for the Hospital refurnishing project in an hour. Shall I confirm it's still on?"

Ryuken pressed another button and leaned in. "That will be fine, Inform Pakino-san I will have the northeast area of the my office clear, the boardroom is not suitable as it hasn't been completely cleaned out from the water exposure."

A tiny pause before "Understood" crackled form the box and Ryuken leaned back in his chair once again taking a look at his patient's status. Without looking up from his work he spoke calmly. "So, you went through the trouble of hiding your presence and sneaking past all of my security to get into my office. You obviously have something you'd like to say to me so please feel free to speak your mind. However, make it quick, I am expecting a guest in an hour."

3 figures emerged from the shadows of the western side of his office. Two of them wore white cloaks with a white strip of material covering their nose down to their chest. Ryuken still didn't look up from his review of the status check sheet. He took a pen out and began to jot down some notes he'd made about his patient's dietary problems.

The third figure, an old man in a business suit, slowly walked to the front of the group.. Ryuken looked up finally. His gaze traveled across the assembly in his office. He stopped at the old man for a moment and then turned back to the white cloaked man at the left.

Said man began. "Ishida Ryuken honored with the title of the last Qunicy, I come in the name of my master, heir to the title lord of the Quincy. We ask you to lend your strength in our cause."

Ryuken looked at the older man again. He stepped forward one more step. "I am Sawatari, it is a pleasure to meet you and I look forward to working with you."

Ryuken raised an eyebrow. "Bounto… I was under the impression that the Shinigami professor had killed you.. how predictable that the Shinigami would be unable to complete such a simple task."

Sawatari's eyes burned with rage. "No, I was beaten.. and for awhile I had to wander the lost worlds. However, all that has changed thanks to the master. Thanks to him I have been given new life to seek my revenge on that fool."

Ryuken raised an eyebrow. "So this Quincy lord has brought you back from the dead?"

Sawatari chuckled. "Oh not just me, the entirety of-"

He was quickly hushed by the second white cloaked man. "Sawatari, there is no need to reveal the plan to one so new to us.. the master shall decide when and if he is to be assigned to a position that requires such knowledge of the plan."

Ryuken kept his hands under his desk and tilted his head to the side. "You ask me to join a cause and yet you do not feel the need to inform me of its nature. If such is the case I'm afraid I must decline. I don't care for signing my name on a document I have not read myself."

The second cloaked man nodded. "I see, yes that's understandable, I will tell you what I can. You are aware of the war in which the Shinigami massacred our people. To this date there has been no reparation, no justice. However soon under the plan of our master he who alone bears the vengeance and the despair of our entire people...

Sereitei will be annihilated along with Hueco Mundo The Royal Palace, Rukongai, spirit World,.. even this world... All will be cleansed and made pure by the blood of those who accosted us."

"Our persecution has ended Ryuken-san, the Quincy will rise once more as all else falls around us and the pride of the Quincy will finally be restored."

Ryuken nodded. "I see, so that's why he's recruiting those who have already died for this cause.. they have no attachments to the worlds as they are.. It's an interesting goal, quite a grand scale one at that. I'm curious as to how your master attempts to see this through. Although, I suppose it's of little importance considering that I do not expect to see this prediction come to pass."

Ryuken tilted his wrist up under his desk as the older man took a step back finally lining up perfectly in front of the other two.

Ryuken continued. "And, on that particular matter, neither will you."

Instantly a single arrow of blue energy shout out of the desk and blasted through all 3 of the men hitting with lethal precision a one hit kill point.

Ryuken looked on as the men fell to the ground. "How, we are Quincy as well as the other who was a Bounto capable of facing against a Shinigami Captain, how then could we be killed with such ease with only one attack. That's written on each of your faces."

Ryuken brought his hands up and folded them in front of him. "Very well, you will be paralyzed for approximately 4 minutes and 32 seconds before you die. So I will answer that question so that you may die realizing the true level of your abilities."

"The instant I heard your intentions spanned beyond Seiritei I had already made my decision, however, it is quite obvious you would not simply take this as an answer and leave. To add another factor to the problem each of you were conceivably formidable and yes, you had the assistance of a Bounto as well as the advantage in numbers."

Ryuken gazed down at the immobile group with cold indifference.

"Had I immediately shown resistance you would have mobilized your own offensive and your companion summoned his doll. I used subconscious commands in the way I looked and the direction I faced in order to maneuver you all into a straight line allowing one shot to hit you all. Additionally, in waiting to set you up for this attack I also obtained the maximum amount of information about your cause, goals, and methods, and I still terminated you with no injury to myself and only one spirit arrow lost from my reservoir of reiatsu; furthermore, I still have 33 minutes remaining until my appointment and have suffered no negative consequences whatsoever."

Ryuken rose from his chair and went over to a corner on the north side of his office near a filing cabinet. "On the issue of the Bounto they are conceivably dangerous given the correct circumstances but generally only if underestimated. The issue with the Bounto is the simply fact that they are mere human beings whose powers come in the form of a doll.

Ryuken returned with a broom and dustpan.

"However, even if you had summoned your doll by focusing my attack on you and not your doll I would have easily beaten you. But by not giving you the time or opportunity to summon the doll I eliminated you even easier and with far less exertion."

Sawatari's only response was a groan before turning to dust. Ryuken calmly swept the remains of Sawatari off his carpet and dumped the pan into the trash.

"As for the issue of morality, I have no qualms about eliminating you. If you did not wish to die you should not have entered my office uninvited, and this 'Quincy Pride' you speak of is greatly twisted, had you targeted the Shinigami alone it's conceivable I may have joined you, but I have no intention of wiping out all of existence simply to exact revenge on the wrongs of the past"

Ryuken returned to his seat and reached into his desk taking out a silver tube. "But beyond even that, the final reason your ambition does not hold my interest.."

He preformed 5 hand seals then tossed the tube at the immobile Quincy lying on the floor.

"I see no profit in it."

In an instant the two were vaporized by the silver tube.

Ryuuken closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Hmph, those were not Quincy they were merely spoiled brats, this master of theirs though.. I wonder who it could be." he pondered aloud.

His intercom crackled to life. "Dr. Ryuken, Pakino-san has arrived early shall I send him in or tell him to wait?"

Ryuken opened his eyes. "Send him in Let's get this out of the way, oh by the way, inform my housekeeper I may not be coming home tonight, something has come up and I need to attend to some unexpected business."

Her compliance was not heard as Ryuken settled back into his thoughts. He didn't even hear it when the presenter Mr. Pakino entered, nor when he left.

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Sarugaki Hiyori shook her head in disbelief. The kid's dad had just walked out to his car and with him he'd brought a large picture of a woman she guessed was his wife. He carefully placed it in the front seat and buckled a seat belt over it before bowing and saying a little chant for a blessing going shopping.

Hiyori didn't even wanna know what kind of shopping a guy like that did. As she watched him depart she hopped down from the roof of a nearby house and landed inaudibly on the soft grass in front of the Kurosaki clinic.

She could easily jump up and creep into the orange haired Shinigami's room but the satisfaction of waltzing through the front door was too much of a temptation. She'd had enough of Shinji's let's get him to join us crap. From what she'd seen he was a weakling and nowhere near deserving to be counted amongst the Vizard. She snorted. "But if that hage Shinji wants him I'm tired of all this dancing around.. I'm just gonna grab his ass and drag him back."

It was simple. It was only 10 am. Saturday morning, like any other kid he'd still be sound asleep in bed she'd grab him and blast off before he knew what was happening and that would be the end of the stupid little game of tag her partner seemed to play.

She gripped the doorknob and prepared to send a burst of reiatsu through to unlock it when it turned all on her first twist. The idiots had left the door unlocked. 'What trusting fools.'

Hiyori chuckled and pushed the door open walking in not expecting to see what she saw. A desk with no one sitting there sat in plain view. It was just an empty desk with a computer sitting on it and a cup of coffee sitting on a coaster near the printer.

She sighed. "What the hell is this like a business/apartment or something?" She walked over to the desk and examined the front. It had pictures taped to the side. It ranged from pictures of Godzilla and Pikachu to a badly drawn Sasuke from Naruto and Unicorns running around a rainbow. Hiyori crinkled her nose in disgust. "I could draw way better than that." She absentmindedly grabbed a piece of paper from out of the printer and a pen from a cup on the right side of the monitor.

Her tongue slipped out to one side of her mouth and she started working on a curved line connecting it with a circular shape resembling an ear. She leaned against the desk propping herself on one arm as she continued doodling.

She was about to finish the drawing of Gaara when a voice suddenly made her freeze.

"Oh I didn't hear you come in, I'm sorry the clinic's closed right now.. my father is out at the moment, but if you're really sick I can call an ambulance?"

Hiyori dropped her pen and her jaw dropped down. 'What a moron, I cant believe I did that.. duh of course they left the door open cause there's someone home.. ugh and I actually got distracted and forgot my entire freakin mission.. if that Hage Shinji ever finds out about this I'll never live it down..'

She slowly closed her jaw and gave a weak smile, her left eye twitching. "Eh no I'm feeling ok.. I was just.. um looking for a guy named Kurosaki Ichigo, by any chance does he live here?" she said quickly turning the paper over and sliding it across the desk so her now turned back concealed it.

Yuzu smiled brightly. "Oh, Onii-chan, yep you got the right place."

Hiyori chuckled and scratched her head with her pointer finger. "Ah that's good hehe I was worried I might have misread the directions.." inside she laughed maniacally. 'Jackpot! Stupid Ningen hahaha this is too easy.. Shinji's little school act aint got shit on me!'

Yuzu's bright smile didn't falter. "But he's not home right now."

Hiyori stopped; her face froze in the middle of her fake happy expression. The hand behind her head reaching up to scratch it stopped and began to quiver. She managed to close her mouth and choke out. "Oh is that so…"

Inside her emotions were slightly more expressive.. ' fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck'

Yuzu tilted her head to the side. "What did you need with him, maybe I can help."

Hiyori began to slightly sweat. ' oh crap.. come on think of something quick..'

Suddenly a light bulb went off and she blurted the first thing that came to her mind. "Well he volunteered for a big brother program for troubled orphans, and Uh I was assigned to him as his buddy so uh We're gonna hang out like twice a month er somethin."

Yuzu squealed with delight. "Really! Sugoi! Onii-chan is so kind.. it must be part of that giving back to the community thing he does."

Hiyori turned her head to the side and scratched her nose. "Anyway, since he's not home I guess I'll just come ba-"

She was cut off as Yuzu grabbed her hand. "I'm Yuzu, his sister, oh what's that behind your back?"

She reached for it and Hiyori in her dazed state didn't react in time to stop her. Yuzu looked at the drawing and studied it with a serious expression before finally breaking out in a wide smile. "Wow this is amazing did you draw this?"

Hiyori blinked a few times "Uh yeah it's supposed to be Gaara but I didn't get to do his love tattoo on his forehead.."

Yuzu cocked her head to the side. "I tried to draw Gaara one time but it didn't come out too well you're really good.. Maybe you can give me some pointers. Ya know.. Onii-chan should be back in a little bit; Karin-chan said he just went out to get some fresh air with his friends.. if you'd like you can wait for him.. I know! I'll give you a tour around the house."

Hiyori's mind processed the information. She lowered her eyes in thought before smiling slightly. 'Ok, maybe I can still salvage this trip.. getting intel on his pad should make it easier to getem next time or even find some dirt so I can get some leverage..'

Hiyori looked up. "Sure, much obliged.. by the way I'm Sarutogi Hiyori."

Yuzu gave a cute little bow "Nice to meet you Hiyori-san, come on I was baking a cake in the kitchen do you know anything about cooking?"

Hiyori shook her head. "Nah never much cared for it, hage Shinji is always telling me to make'em lunch but I usually just ignore it."

Yuzu nodded understandingly. "Oh, I love cooking, one day I might even wanna be a chef, here this is a new kind of cake called fudge vanilla cream cake." As Hiyori walked into the kitchen her eyes widened. There on the wall was a gigantic picture of that woman that crazy man had gone shopping with. Aside from that the kitchen seemed fairly normal. Well it would have, but it looked like a hurricane had hit it, as prim as Yuzu may have been, it seemed she was a messy cook.

Hiyori walked over the refrigerator covered in magnets, pictures, report cards, and drawings while Yuzu fixed her plate with a slice of cake. She looked closer at a picture of a small orange haired boy laughing happily in the arms of the woman who seemed to appear all over the house.

Hiyori widened her eyes. Shinji had seen him a lot more than she had but the kid they were going for looked nothing like the boy in the picture. There was a spark of life in the boy's eyes that was nowhere to be found in the cold teen she had briefly seen. "Who's this?"

Yuzu placed the plate on the table before walking over and nodding. "That's Kaa-san. She died when we were really little, Onii-chan.. well it hit him really hard.. I guess it hit us all.."

Hiyori looked at Yuzu to see the usually bright girl seemed to have taken a somber expression. Hiyori frowned. 'Shit, now I made her all sad and moody..'

"Uh, sorry to hear that. She looks like she was nice." Yuzu nodded vigorously. "She was, I mean, Onii-chan and Karin and me were so happy.. she was so nice.. and beautiful..."

Hiyori looked back at the picture. "Oh, ya'know you kinda look like her." Yuzu widened her eyes. "r-really?"

Hiyori nodded. "Yeah , I think so anyway.." Yuzu broke the silence by wiping her eyes and smiling. "Come on, the cake's ready." Hiyori followed her and sat down taking her chop sticks and picking a piece of cake up. Yuzu pulled up a chair and sat in it backwards propping her chin on her hands watching the reaction.

Hiyori placed a piece of the flaky cake into her mouth and instantly her eyes widened. Yuzu bit her lip slightly in anticipation. Slowly the blonde haired girl lowered her gaze to the remaining cake sitting there on her plate.

Hiyori's hands seemed to blur out of existence as the cake was reduced to half its original size in less than a second. In one more second the plate was devoid of even a crumb and Hiyori's sweeping motion from the plate to her mouth slowed down enough that Yuzu could see what she was actually doing. Finally Hiyori stopped shoveling thin air and dropped the chop sticks, leaned back, and let out a loud burp.

Yuzu giggled. "So I take it you like it?" Hiyori raised a fist in the air and roared "Hell yeah! That has to be the best tasting thing I've ever eaten.. got any more?"

Yuzu chuckled assuming that her lack of manners could be attributed to the fact hat she was an orphan and had no one to instill proper etiquette. "Sure, wait here." Yuzu went off to fix her another plate. As she was cutting the piece she remarked. "I like your hair Hiyori-san I'm thinking about growing mine out too.. is it any trouble washing it? My friend told me that long hair sometimes gets tangled when it doesn't dry right and so you can't always let it air dry."

Hiyori shrugged, "Nah, I don't think it's a big deal.. it really depends on what works for ya. I'm more concerned with my lips."

Yuzu placed 2 plates down one for her and one for her new friend. "Really? How so?" Hiyori grabbed the chop sticks she's discarded earlier and shoveled in a mouthful of cake swallowing almost whole before answering. "Well, I been trying to getem to do that sparkly thing." Yuzu nodded. "Ah I know what you're talking about.. what glosses have you tried?"

Hiyori finished cleaning all the crumbs off the now pristine plate before tilting her head to the side. "Huh? What's that?"

Yuzu giggled and grabbed her by the arm dragging her away from the table before she could protest. They ran up the stairs and down the hall to the right 2 doors before entering a room. The room had pink walls and posters of Uchiha Sasuke and Toorama Hoga the martial arts action star all over. Hiyori snorted. "Damn, you sure like that Sasuke character huh.."

Yuzu got a starry look in her eyes. "Yeah, he's so amazing." She sighed and dropped onto her bed giggling. Then she sat up and hopped over to her dresser and pulled a small box out. "Here sit down and I'll show you how to get your lips to sparkle."

Hiyori smiled and dumped herself in the small pink and white chair slouching. "Really, cause I aint no girly girl.. I done tried everything to get it to work but nothing did it."

Yuzu smiled. "Don't worry I'm pretty good at this." She gingerly took Hiyori's chin and lifted it tilted her head so it went against the direction she was slowly trailing a small tube around her lips. Yuzu finished the process and grabbed some powder and blush and applied each only slightly. 10 minutes later she placed the hair curler down and beamed with pride at her first attempt using a curling iron, and slight guilt at the burn mark on Hiyori's neck. Of course the blonde haired girl told her it was no big deal as she healed fast, after the loud stream of curses and arm flailing.

Yuzu went to her closet and pulled out one of the overabundant dresses she had. She held it in front of Hiyori comparing it to the white t shirt and black jean Capri's the girl was wearing. She twisted her lips to one side before turning around and replacing the dress selecting another one.

Hiyori was silent through the entire process only wondering what was being done to her gigai. Her eyes drifted over to the game system set up in one corner of the room long with a different themed bed. It seemed as though the girly side was Yuzu's whereas her sister's who Yuzu had told her about, was on the opposite side.

' Guess that means Yuzu is the girly one and this Karin kid is the cool one.. well not that Yuzu aint cool just she's a different kind a cool.. but her dad is definitely not cool..

Yuzu came back with a black short dress and nodded in satisfaction before Hiyori changed into it. Yuzu then led her up and into the room on the other side of the hallway. "We have a full-length mirror in the bathroom. Hiyori looked at herself and nearly dropped her jaw through the floor. "Holy shit!" she spun around watching the small dress bell out from her waist stopping just above her knees. Her lips were sparkling and the freckles she usually hated were enhanced in a way that actually made them look good. In short she looked great.

Yuzu nodded in satisfaction. "It looks good on you." Hiyori clenched her fist and smile maniacally "Yer dam right it does, I look gorgeous!" Yuzu scratched her head. "Well if you want you can keep it.. Tou-san is always buying me way too many clothes.. every time he reads a new article in 'father's weekly' that tell him what is too short he'll go out and buy 5 new dresses that are a little longer."

Hiyori slightly recoiled distrustingly. "Wait for real I can keep it.. no take backs?"

Yuzu giggled. "Yep, no take backs she held up her pinky and closed her eyes smiling. Hiyori couldn't help but smile too as she reached up and locked their pinkys shaking on it.

Just then they heard a door slam. Yuzu spun around. "Oh that must be Karin-chan.. come on I'll introduce you!" Once again Hiyori was drug around by the arm but this time she was slightly less resistant.

Karin walked in and slipped off her shoes before dropping her soccer ball on her knee and dribbling it back and forth before letting it drop to her right foot and launching it at the empty stairway aiming for a square on the soft foam wall.

As she looked up she saw Yuzu run excitedly into her line of vision. Having less than a second to redirect her already intercepting foot she frantically tried to move it to the side and blasted the ball out narrowly missing her surprised sister's head.

She did connect with something though as she saw a blur flop over, bounce down the rest of the stairs, and a sandal went flying through the air. Yuzu blinked a few times before shaking her head. " Karin-chan you know what Tou-san said about kicking the ball in the house, Oh by the way this is my new friend Hiyori." She turned around only to see no trace of Hiyori. Hearing a groan at the bottom of the stairs she looked down to see the blonde haired girl sprawled out with a goofy look on her face twitching

"Ahh Hiyori-san!" Yuzu squealed. "Are you ok?"

Hiyori picked herself up with a slight scowl on her face and turned to look at Karin. The black haired girl looked Hiyori up and down before rolling her eyes. "Well, my bad.. sorry I wasn't expecting you guys to just pop up like that.. by the way Yuzu.."

She leaned her head around Hiyori to look at her sister. "Who is this?" Yuzu smiled. This is Hiyori-san.. She's Onii-chan's assigned buddy in the big brother program for troubled orphans, isn't that sad Karin-chan? All alone with neither parents to watch over you. And she's such a nice person too!"

Karin raised an eyebrow. "A big brother program huh.. hmm that sounds pretty fishy to me.. so how did your folks kick the bucket anyway?" Yuzu looked horrified. "Karin-chan how rude! don't say it like that it's probably a repressed memory.. though it may be helpful to get it out.. go ahead Hiyori-san let it come out there's no need to bottle it all up, just say it as you're ready."

Hiyori looked to the sides. "Er.. well.. my folks were uh.." Shit Shit Shit.. think.. come on come up with something believable..

Hiyori closed her eyes looked up and to the side and stuck her lips in a pout revealing one of her buckteeth fangs. "They were.. mauled to death.. by.. rabid.. beavers."

Karin sweat dropped. "Beavers?"

Yuzu cried out. "Oh how terrible I'm sorry to make you relive that horrible experience.. I never realized they were murdered.. I'm sorry."

Hiyori sweatdropped. "Er.. it's ok I'm moving on… Anyway, Ichigo helping me out is makin it easier.. so I was wondering.. what's his room like? I can't tell from the times he visits at the orphanage, he seems like a pretty secretive guy."

Karin laughed. "Ichi-nii's room.. that's easy, it looks like a warzone.. he's had 2 other people over since last night. I think they're friends from America or something." Hiyori processed this information before turning to Yuzu, oh well I was just wondering what he was in to.. Sometimes we.. uh, got nothing to talk about so it's kinda quiet."

Yuzu looked thoughtful. "Hmm, ya know I don't think I know myself about what he likes to do as hobbies and stuff.. let's go on a expedition where no girl has gone before!"

Karin slowly walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. "Tatsuki's been in his room lotsa times and that one chick from America was just in there last night." Yuzu pouted. "Meh, don't ruin my fun Karin-chan." The black haired girl shook her head plopping down on the couch with a can of orange soda. "If you two know what's good for ya you won't go snooping around in there.. I'm telling you it's a warzone.. you risk death by suffocation even opening the door."

Yuzu and Hiyori seemingly ignored her warning and bounded up the stairs again. Hiyori grinned roguishly at finally making some progress in her original mission. Yuzu slowly pushed open the door and Hiyori yanked her back before a stack of magazines crashed down where she would have been standing. As the two made their way in their eyes widened. Hiyori looked at the half eaten green and brown blob on a plastic plate sitting on the left side of his desk. "What the hell is that?" Yuzu inspected it before blinking a few times and muttering something about dinner from a few months ago.

They continued on noting a strange video game system plugged into his TV sitting next to a large gym bag and several green cases that seemed to hold games for the system. Strewn across the floor were action figures, pants, shirts, half folded swim trunks, and even a red pair of panties. Hiyori didn't see any posters on the wall to indicate any interests; no notebooks, journals, or personal items she could really use appeared in her line of vision. Suddenly both Yuzu and Hiyori jumped at a scratching sound.

Hiyori turned towards an ominously closed closet. "You guy's got a dog by any chance?" Yuzu shook her head and gripped Hiyori's shoulders hiding behind her as the blonde pigtailed girl inched closer. Hiyori rose up on her toes and slid her heels back while jumping slightly sending both sandals into her waiting palms. She narrowed her eyes as she inched closer to the closet. Raising her sandals as weapons she nodded to Yuzu to open the door. Yuzu gripped the brass handle and slid it to the side and jumped back as Hiyori prepared to defend her new friend from the..

That wasn't a monster.

Hiyori widened her eyes and blinked in disbelief before unceremoniously dropping her sandals. She slowly turned to Yuzu who was sighing in relief. Hiyori finally brought her hands back to her side making a detour with her left to point at the crouching teenage girl happily munching on a carrot. "Yuzu.. that's a girl.. in your brother's closet…" Yuzu nodded swiping invisible sweat from her forehead. "I know what a relief; I was scared there for a moment."

Hiyori shook her head looking back at the image of the girl who had noticed their presence now. "Um, Yuzu.. and why is there a girl in your brother's closet?" Yuzu looked thoughtful for a moment then shrugged. "Well that's Rukia-chan, she's got her own room but for some reason she likes the closet.. we haven't quite figured out why that is yet." The black haired girl crouching in the closet smiled at them. "Hewow, I'm a wabbit.. I got this music thingy so I'm getting all these weally nice songs from the bwack pawade."

Hiyrori shook her head in disbelief.

The black haired girl then reached into a bag of carrots and pulled a long one out biting it in half and chewing 5 times before swallowing the entire mouthful and tilting her head. "Well Ichigo's being a meanie and he says I can't wet other people see me.. I'm not supposed to come out of the closet in the daytime. So by bye!" with that Rukia gripped the inside handle and slammed the door closed again.

Hiyori just stood there blinking What the hell kinda psycho is this guy.. Shinji you hage, you're trying to recruit Jack the friggin ripper!!

Hiyori looked down and slipped her sandals back on as Yuzu giggled before a large boom startled them both. Yuzu rushed over to her brothers open window and leaned out to see the cause.

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His hand gripped the emergency break and he gingerly ran his thumb across the button on the tip. With a grin the man yanked upwards as he pushed the accelerator for everything it was worth and the speeding wheels violently slid across the pavement dragging the vehicle to the side in an arcing half circle before finally stopping mere centimeters away from the mailbox.

Unfortunately the side mirror on his car was more than a few centimeters long and it crashed through the opening of the mailbox and knocked it down breaking it in half, and as it fell a hand reached through the open window and into the falling top half. His hand clenched the stack of envelopes and pulled them out and into his car before the mailbox crashed to the ground.

The roof of the car suddenly slid back and the man jumped up and somersaulted through the air landing on the hood of his car. He let his head roll back and let out a large cry. "Kurosaki family!!! You've got mail!"

Just then 3 boys on bicycles with training wheels rolled up, slid to a stop, and launched a barrage of eggs. The man's razor sharp senses alerted him to the danger and he turned to face it. He was awarded a face full of overexpired eggs for his trouble.

The boys laughed and quickly resumed their pedaling so as to escape. The man furiously wiped off his face yelling about bad spirits taking human form before holding his right hand up in the air and summoning a crackling light around his palm. The man braced himself on the hood of his car and screamed out thrusting his palm forward. "You bad spirits will not escape divine justice, feel the power of my ultimate attack!! Golden Cannonball!" A small ball of light slowly emanated from his palm and went straight towards the pedaling boys. They simply laughed and continued pedaling quickly gaining more speed and all three of them outran the slow-moving attack

The man shook his head in disbelief clasping his hands over the sides of his face and screamed out. In a terrible accented English "Oh my gosh!!!"

Suddenly a speeding white blur shot towards him but the man simply bowed his head and caught it leaving it spinning in his left palm before losing it's force. He closed his eyes and with his right hand pushed up his dark shades before grinning and once again butchering the English language. "That won't work on me this time. Karakura Red."

Suddenly a cry blared out from above him and he dropped the ball and looked up to see the form of two girls leaning out of the upstairs window. The man raised his fist and chuckled. "Oiy Karakura Yellow, long time no see."

A voice from the doors cut him off. "You wacko what the hell did you do to our mailbox not only are you obstructing our business with that damn pink car again but you vandalized the property.. and.. is that our mail!?"

The man looked at the ground to see that when he'd fired his Golden Cannonball he'd dropped the mail he was holding. He straightened out and let out a hearty laugh. "Hah, perceptive as ever Karakura Red! Indeed that mailbox was no math for D.K."

Yuzu gasped. "Oh is that our new secret name for Don Kanonji!"

The man shook his head crossing his arms over themselves. "No, it stands for… Drift King! Bowahahahaha!!" Karin walked forwards as her left eye twitched dangerously. "Kanonji you baka! Stop watching Tokyo Drift so much before you actually kill someone!" With that she leaned down to pick up the scattered mail and turned to go back inside.

Don Kanonji jumped off his car and shot to the glass door before she could close it. "Wait Karakura Red, please! I need your help!"

Karin stopped and looked over her shoulder . "Oh, and I'm expecting you to pay for the damage to our mailbox too."

The mustached man jumped back. But Karakura Red for the sake of love and peace.. or Love P for short, is not one mailbox a small price to pay?"

The front doors slammed shut leaving the man crying. He slumped to the ground and began clawing at the doors with tears streaming down his face.

Yuzu called out from the window as Hiyori poked her head out beside her. "Don Kanonji-san, are we going to save the city again?"

Don Kanonji suddenly stood up and nodded while bringing his fists down to his waist. "Yes, today I've come to ask your assistance in undergoing some super special training!"

Yuzu widened her eyes. "Special training?"

Don Kanonji nodded before dropping to the ground and launching into a set of pushups. "Yes, In order to protect Happy Town from bad spirits hellish training is once again necessary.. last time you all showed great promise with your teamwork and summoning our hero mecha but today we must take it to the next level.. you must realize your true hidden talents." Suddenly his back snapped and he crumpled to the ground.

Yuzu nodded. "Yoshi! I'll be right down ok! Come on Hiyori-san!" Yuzu rushed back out of Ichigo's room dragging Hiyori by the hand. They bolted down the stairs and narrowly avoided colliding with Karin who widened her eyes and nearly dropped the envelope she was opening. Yuzu pushed the doors open and finally let go of Hiyori's hand leaving them standing there in front of a slowly recovering Don Kanonji. Yuzu had on house slippers, a yellow skirt, a set of ball hair pin sand a white sweatshirt with a black line near the zipper crease. Hiyori was wearing sandals, a black dress, green hairpins, pink hair band holding her two spiked pigtails in place and glossy pink lip gloss.

Don Kanonji turned to look at Hiyori. "Hmm, who are you?" Hiyori blinked in confusion. "Er.. I'm Sarutogi Hiyori.. Who the hell're you.." the man straightened up and held up his finger in the air. "I am the century's number one premier psychic spiritualist, the amazing Don Kanonji!!" Hiyori leaned in to whisper to Yuzu. "This guy's got a few screws loose huh." Yuzu just smiled.

Suddenly a call was heard coming from behind his car. They all turned to see the newcomer and from around the trunk stepped Hanakari Jinta holding onto Kon. The red haired boy stopped in his tracks when he saw Don Kanonji. "Ahh not you again.. I just came here to drop off this mangy cottonball to Orange head since it ran away again, so before you go getting any ideas Osaan, let me say right now hell no!"

Kanonji cried out. "Oh but Karakura Red, you and Karakura King have come to us in this hour of need.. surely you realize it was fate that brought us together, please return to the fight for love P and once again become a hero of justice."

Jinta shook his head. "Hell no, the last time Tessai ground my balls into peanuts because of you.. not this time.. no way not gonna happen."

Don Kanonji looks crestfallen. "No?" he asked hopefully.

Jinta shook his head defiantly. "Hell no!"

Yuzu looked at him questioningly. "No? it was such fun last time Jinta-kun."

The red haired boy began to sweat.. eh.. well.. um.. ok.. alright I'll do it.. Karakura Red shall rise again!" he said pulling a helmet out of nowhere and striking a pose straight out of sailor moon. Hiyori slowly started to back away. Suddenly she was caught under the penetrating gaze of Don Kanonji, "You! girl.. I sense power in you.. will you join us in our quest to defend love P, will you be a hero of justice?"

Hiyori looked at him with a disgusted scowl. "Hell no.. I don't care about love and peace.. and I aint no hero of justice neither. And I sure as hell aint doin no sailor moon dances in public." She closed her eyes and spoke defiantly before turning around and walking in the opposite direction.

Don Kanonji dropped his head in defeat. "Such a shame.. I sensed such great raw talent within you.. and truly you would have caught the hearts and minds of TV audiences everywhere.. you would have made a great star."

Hiyori stopped mid step.

"Hold on did you say… star? Like as in on TV?"

Don Kanonji lifted his head and gazed at her out of the corner of his eye. "Yes, a star. You see, this training is being televised to the masses.. and the characters created here today will forever carve themselves into the minds of viewers everywhere."

Hiyori closed her eyes and knit her eye brows in thought. Hmm, a star huh.. this is a perfect opportunity to get Mashiro back.. all she ever talks about is how when she was still alive she was a TV superstar and getting those ancient VHS copies of her show forcing everyone to watchem.. Mashiro Defender of the Galaxy.. blah blah Super heroine blah blah.. it's damn annoying.. but if I can get my own thing goin.. she'll have to shut up about it.. not to mention I might score some serious cash for this gig..

"All right, I'm in." Hiyori said with a shrug.

Don Kanonji broke out in laughter. "Wonderful!! And greeeat!! Welcome new member." He reached out to shake her hand.. Hiyori narrowed her eyes. "Touch me and die." She said simply.

The man wisely backed off as Jinta appraised the new girl. He made his fingers into a frame and held them up to view her through them. Then he moved to the side to test another angle. Finally he stopped and closed his eyes. "Mm not bad.. but yeah Yuzu's hotter." No sooner had the words left his mouth than Hiyori's sandal was crashing against the top of his head sending him face first into the concrete sidewalk. Don Kanonji shook his head, his dreadlocks floating in the wind. "All right, Karakura Red, Karakura Yellow, Karakura King and Karakura Blue onward for justice!"

Hiyori stopped and stared at him. "Blue.. why the hell do I gotta be Blue.. that aint got nothing to do with me you hage! I mean I aint even got any blue anywhere on me."

Don Kanonji chuckled. "Ah but you see the colors of the Karakura Super Heros wrere already chosen by destiny.. not to mention my crack team of marketing advisors.. In any case.. the position of Karakura Blue can only be played by you.. You were chosen by destiny!"

Hiyori felt like she was gonna puke. This was a bad idea.. even if I'm gonna be on TV It won't matter if the shit we do is too freakin embarrassing to rub in Mashiro's face..

The group dropped by the shop to pick up Ururu and their uniforms. Hiyori looked at the blue safety helmet with disdain. "I am not putting that on.. maybe a hat or a facemask so no one will know it's me hangin out with you weirdos.."

Jinta growled. "Just who the hell do you think you are!? We're the wierdos hah you're one to talk ya buckteethed redneck!"

Hiyori grabbed her sandal and was about to smack Jinta again when Yuzu stopped them. "Please Jinta-kun, Hiyori-san.. let's not fight.. if the good guy's fight each other then who's gonna be left to fight the bad guys right?"

Hiyori snarled putting her sandal back on, pulling the helmet over her head, and popping her pigtails out the holes on the sides. "Whatever, red head over here better lean to keep'is mouth shut.. and besides my buckteeth er one a my charmin points!"

Jinta muttered something inaudible then nodded and fastened his own helmet just as Don Kanonji showed up in his red coat and hat. "Ok, Super Hero's the first step of our training is located in Shibamata. Onward for justice!"

As it turned out Justice meant being garbage men. Hiyori threw a banana peel into the large black bag before pulling the drawstrings and tossing it into the pile near the trailer that had followed them. OIy, geezer, how come we gotta pick up garbage in ditches.. what kinda saving the city crap is this!? We aint saving anyone but the anti pollution nutjobs!"

Don Kanonji chuckled. "Ahh you have such great talent Karakura Blue, that I sometimes forget you are still but a novice.. in time you will come to see the true meaning of saving the city.. we must protect the balance of peace and love in the city sometimes even from itself.. To this end we clean the city making it safer and keeping it beautiful.. as an example for others.. and then they shall do the same until one day the entire city will join us in cleaning the ditches and that day we will sing in one voice!"

Hiyori had wandered off halfway during Don Kanonji's speech and the man sighed. though it was probably best that they didn't know the real reason or this particular training…

Flashback:

The judge flipped through the set of papers on his desk.. "Kanonji-san, at the time of the home invasion you were aware of the restraining order against you, were you not?" The man nodded removing his shades. "Your honor, I sensed bad spirits in the house. I feared for my loyal fan's life and so I rushed in without thinking to confront the bad spirits and catch them by surprise."

The woman's attorney simply chuckled. "Kanonji-san, if what you say was your true motivation then why didn't you enter through the front door?"

Don Kanonji shook his head. "There was no time, I had to act or the bad spirits would drain all of her life energy away.. and so I went through the wall."

The attorney raised an eyebrow. "Wait, not the window? You went through her wall? And how , exactly, did you manage a feat like that?"

Don Kanonji chuckled "With my powers, such a task is elementary Bowhahahaha!"

The judge smiled. "Ah sugoi Kanonji-san, I knew there was definite reason for you to be there.. by the way after the trial if it wouldn't terribly inconvenience you I'd like to get an autograph for my daughter."

Don Kanonji laughed. "Ok, no problem!"

The judge nodded and slammed his gavel down. "I find the defendant innocent of all charges but minor trespassing and sentence him to 2 hours of community service and the cleaning of the central line ditch system in the neighborhood of Shibamata.

The lawyers tried to protest but the judge had moved on to get the auto graph. As they were leaving both Don Kanonji and the judge had their arms crossed over each other and were laughing moronically. The prosecutor just sighed and turned to his client. "I'm sorry maam.. this is just another example of the corrupt system.. There's justice for us, and then there's justice for the celebrities."

End flashback:

After the group had finished cleaning the ditch system Don Kanonji led them to a park where he set up several sets of targets. "And now we will practice our combo techniques. Karakura King step forward please."

Kon backed away in fear before Ururu smiled and grabbed him tearing his head off. He screamed as she jumped up and said "Karakura Serve!" then volleyball spiked it to Jinta, who shouted "Jinta Homerun!" then pulled his enormous bat out and sent him blasting towards Hiyori. The stuffed head of Kon hit the confused Hiyori in the face and she fell over.

Don Kanonji nodded and clapped his hands. "Excellent teamwork, but not the right target.. she doesn't seem to have a special attack of her own yet.. Karakura Blue are you alright?"

Hiyori regained her composure and rose up quickly she glared at Jinta and fought the urge to erupt from her gigai with a cero charged. Instead, she gripped her sandal and twirled it on her pointer finger.. "Ya wanna special attack I'll give ya one!! Super Hiyori Boomerang Sandal Attack!!" She launched the sandal as if it were a ninja star and it went spinning at Jinta who blocked it with his bat, which, was sliced in two.

Jinta gawked at his half of a metal bat as the deadly shoe returned to Hiyori's waiting hand.

Don Kanonji widened his eyes. "Oh my, what a technique! The Karakura finisher combo is truly complete!"

Just then a cry was heard coming from the other end of the park Jinta turned around with his bat magically whole again, narrowed his eyes, and jumped onto a tree before hopping to the next. "That's definitely a Hollow cry." Ururu nodded and she and Hiyori took off towards the sound as well while Don Kanonji and Yuzu followed them.

The instant Jinta and Ururu bounced into the small playground they saw a small ghost of a little girl being dropped into a large wormlike hollow's waiting mouth. A spinning blur shot out ahead of them and sliced the tentacle holding the girl causing the hollow to lean back in pain and the girl dropped into Jinta's waiting arms. The blur returned to the hand of a smirking Hiyori, leaning against the trunk of a tree while standing on a branch.

Jinta set the girl down out of the way and jumped up and did a somersault. "A burning heart is the flame of justice! Burning fire, Karakura Red!" He struck a dramatic pose and the back ground exploded in flame. Ururu looked around and meekly bowed. "Um, I'm Pink and I'll stop you from eating people.. because it's not a nice thing to do." The back ground lit up behind her.

Hiyori frowned. Shit.. this is my time to shine.. I gotta say something cool now.. let's see Mashiro always had her little catchphrase I just gotta make one better.. come on think..

Hiyori grinned maniacally. "Oiy, hage! When ya git ta hell, tell'em Sarutogi Hiyori sent ya.. you'll get a group discount!! Karakura Blue!"

Hiyori then jumped out of the tree and landed gracefully in between Jinta and Ururu doing their respective action poses and she stood up straight lifted her chin and held her hand out with a raised middle finger. Yuzu ran up behind them and looked around confused.

The hollow suddenly screeched and the group broke formation and charged it. Ururu ran up and punched the Hollow right in the face sending it falling back and smashing a jungle gym. As it reared back up to counter attack Jinta delivered a sneak attack from behind causing it to fall forward and embed in the concrete walkway right in front of Yuzu. The brown haired girl, though confused, realized something was in front of her and she delivered a small kick to the defeated creature causing it to wail.

Hiyori turned her head to the left. "It's callin friends." Jinta chuckled. "Bring'em on!"

Hiyori rolled her eyes and jumped up delivering a spinning kick to a incoming hollow sending it flying across the park and into a flagpole. The pole snapped in two and fell to the ground where Ururu picked it up and bent it to use as a club. More hollows continued filling the area up as the 3 Karakura Superhero's capable of fighting stood their ground.

A huge hollow suddenly appeared and roared as holes began opening in the sky. A spike shot out of the large hollow's wrists and it tried to stab Ururu. The girl blocked the attack with the bent club but the impact crushed it sending her sliding backwards. Jinta batted a smaller hollow away from Yuzu and Hiyori jumped up and slammed her sandal into the large hollow's mask cracking it and sending it face first into the ground. Don Kanonji launched his Golden Cannonball at eh downed creature and it exploded on contact leaving not so much as a scratch on it.

The hollow rose to its feet and moved to the side to avoid a large hollow centipede falling from a hole in the sky to crash beside it. Jinta stared in confusion. "This.. is not good, there shouldn't be this many hollows around.. Where are they all coming from?" Hiyori growled. "It's like somebody opened the front door to Hueco Mundo and didn't bother to close it."

Yuzu suddenly dropped to the ground and slid backwards. Hiyori narrowed her eyes realizing the hollow could cloak his presence from sight. She was about to use Shunpo to get to Yuzu when a flaming blur erupted behind the invisible hollow. The creature was shredded as Yuzu's shaken form landed on the back of a lion compromised of fire.

Don Kanonji shook his head. "Oh my.. the Karakura Lion Jet.. Our hero mecha has appeared once again!"

Yuzu cracked her eyes open. 'Raku, what,, how is that possible, I thought you passed on?' the flaming lion slowly deposited Yuzu a safe distance before leaping back into the fight. Hiyori decided to join him. She charged in and smacked a particularly ugly hollow with her sandal when she felt something go loose. She somersaulted over another hollow using her left hand to push of the top of a hollows head and as she landed she grabbed the mask and slammed her knee into its back dissipating it.

She then looked down at her sandal and saw the strap has broken and the sole was bent. "Grr.. you damn hage's look what ya done made me do! Now what am I gonna hit Shinji with!"

Hiyori leaped onto a park bench and held her hands out to the sides. "Screw this shit, time to end it!

Way of destruction 1,000,000: Hiyori bitchslap Fiesta!"

Hiyori vanished in a blur of speed and suddenly the hollows began crashing to the ground as if knocked down by an unseen force. Jinta and Ururu widened their eyes. "What the hell is she.. she's stronger than us.." Jinta cried. Ururu was silent but she continued to try to sense where Hiyori was. She was unable to follow the girl's motion though.

In mere seconds thanks to Hiyori and the Karakura Lion Jet, the entire park full of hollows was cleared out. Suddenly a gigantic rip in the air tore and out stepped an enormous white foot. Jinta narrowed his eyes. "A Menos.. Oh shit Yuzu, jii-san get out of here now!" Don Kanoji narrowed his eyes and took out his cane. "So you finally show yourself bad spirit king!" Hiyori reappeared next to Yuzu and frowned. She knew it could get messy if she couldn't use her Vizard powers or her Zanpakuto. Then Kon came jumping back finally pieced back together. He was carrying the red dress from their first training. "Oiy, use this, hit him with the heavy firepower!" Don Kanonji nodded and grabbed the dress pointing it at the Menos Gilian. "Take this! Karakura missile volley!" the dress opened up revealing a launcher underneath and a barrage of fireworks shot out. The Menos was hit directly and they exploded around him kicking up a huge amount of dust and light.

Yuzu confused as usual merely smiled and shouted out "Tamaiya!"

Don Knaonji slowly turned his back to the enemy expecting to hear it fall to its knees and blow up in typical Power Ranger fashion. A humming and a red light suddenly lit up behind him. He smirked thinking this was the explosion but the looks of horror in Uuru and Jinta's faces suggested otherwise.

Hiyori tapped her chest and prepared to emerge from her gigai she'd need her Zanpakuto to deflect a Cero. Suddenly the lion shot to the front of the group and released a concentrated blast of flame. The fire was only eaten by the forming Cero making it slightly bigger however.

The red light began to cover the entire area casting a redish glow around all 6 members of the team.

The Cero blasted out before any of them could react. Exploding around them the red blast formed a large crater where they were standing but strangely none of them were injured. Hiyori noticed then that they were all encased in some sort of bubble like domes. She walked forward and tapped her knuckles against the dome feeling it's density.

As the blast faded so did the domes and a voice called out form the sides. "Heh, you call those fireworks.. cheap ass little dime store festival gimmicks aint shit.."

Don Kanonji turned to view the holder of the voice. He saw a woman. She had long black hair with two spiked bangs going down the right side of her face. The top was kept in place by a turban. She had on a red sleeveless top revealing her stomach, a tattoo on her left arm. and a baggy pair of khaki cargo pants with the legs rolled up her right being more so than the left. She also had red sneakers and sunglasses hanging precariously from the tip of her nose. "Shiba Kuukaku's the name.. number one fire works maker in Rukongai!" Don Kanonji tilted his head to the side. "Rukongai.. I've never heard of that place.."

Kuukaku ignored him and turned to face the Menos readying another Cero. She wagged her finger back and forth. "Uh uh, no so fast.. sorry you had to play with those cheap ass little sparklers, but don't worry.. I got something for ya."

Kuukaku reached into the bag hanging on her back and yanked out 3 balls and threw them at the Menos just as it completed it's Cero.

Kuukaku jumped back and chuckled pushing up her sunglasses with the tip of her finger. "Che, thanks for lighting it for me.. enjoy your trip to the next dimension!"

The Cero blasted out lighting the fireworks and causing them to explode in gigantic blast of blazing colors.

Kuukaku laughed. "Hah, now you can say Tamaiya!" The Menos was completely incinerated as the powerful blasts erupted all around it. Yuzu stared at the brilliantly colored sky. "Sugoi! So pretty."

Hiyori raised her eyebrow. 'Who the hell is this chick.. that wasn't made for no festival.. and what's this about Rukongai.. Shinji was muttering something about Rukongai the other day..'

Jinta and Ururu walked over to her. "Hey lady, what the hell was that? Who are you and what do you mean number one in Rukongai.. if that's the case what are you doing here?"

Kuukaku raised an eyebrow then chuckled. "You two must be Kisuke's little modsoul projects.. well aint that cute.. tell me gaki's where the hell is that damn tramp Yoruichi? I need to have a chat with her."

Jinta took a step back. "Wait, she knows the owners cat!?" a deep voice cut him off. "Oh yes we go quite a ways back, however, Kuukaku-san.. why don't we choose a better place to have our chat.. After all, they're still filming Kanonji-san's TV show."

Meanwhile said medium was shaking with excitement. "Such action, such power, such drama.. truly Shock and suspense! It's perfect! Undoubtedly this will affirm my status in the hearts and minds of all Japan as.. the bomb Bohwaahaha!"

Hiyori just stood there blinking. It had turned out to be a very interesting Saturday morning. She'd done several things she never would have pictured herself doing.. and on top of that these people.. a kid with a baseball bat, a passive aggressive killing machine.. Yuzu and her flaming lion, a pyromaniac chick with a obviously surgically enhanced chest, and now a talking cat.. They just kept getting weirder and weirder, and for an ex-Shinigami lieutenant with a hollow suppressed in the depths of her soul that was pretty weird.

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Tatsumaki placed the final item down on the check out counter as the clerk rung up her total. Ichigo was already loaded down with bags and when she piled another on top of his stack he had to use his head to balance it. "Damn, Tats hasn't your card expired yet?" the smiling brown and blonde haired girl merely shrugged. "I don't think it has a limit but I'm almost done, I need to learn a little self control so I don't get too far in debt." Kiro shook his head and craned his neck around his own stack of boxes and bags resting in his arms. "Well aren't you the definition of self control.. You only blew about 3 grand in 2 hours.."

Tatsumaki giggled and moved a strand of hair behind her hair before reaching out and taking back her card from the cashier. She stood up to her full height and tightened her new Naruto headband around her forehead. "I wanted an Itachi scratched leaf one but all they had was the normal Sand one." She frowned. "I guess they're pretty popular now that Shippuden has started up." Kiro rolled his eyes as they started walking out of the store. "I'm just glad they finally got done with all those fillers. A few of em were cool but most were just stupid, and didn't that mutant fish girl go back to the village with them?"

Kiro and Ichigo brought their knees up to push the door open and slide out on their side as Tatsumaki walked right through carrying her purse and a bag of Manga books. She tilted her head to the side. "Yeah I noticed that.. She never shows up again does she.. does Tsunade ever cure her condition?" Ichigo sighed. "You guys.. my sisters watch that crap.. it's made for 10 year olds.. When you get to be our age you're not supposed to be watching cartoons."

Kiro shrugged his shoulders while dumping his bags into an empty shopping cart as they exited the parking lot. Ichigo widened his eyes as he pulled it out of the lot and continued on. "What are you doing.. you can't just walk out with a shopping cart!"

As they walked along the sidewalk Tatsumaki laughed. "Sure we can they'll just think we're homeless." Kiro scratched his head using one hand to push the cart. "But what really irritates me even more than the filler is the damn comments on You Tube.. It's like everything has to be compared with Naruto.. I'll be watching Black Cat or DBZ and some idiot will say they copied the fast motion thing from Naruto.. I mean they finished freakin GT like in 1996 or something." Ichigo chuckled. "Now DBZ I can get into.. if they get around to actually fighting and stop grunting at each other it's got some nice fights in it."

Kiro jabbed Ichigo in the ribs. "Speaking of fights.. me an Ichigo got into a scrap yesterday and I gotta say Tats he's learned a few new tricks."

The dirty blonde haired girl snorted. "Che, I'll believe that when I see it.. Icky's a lover not a fighter, I remember one time we had to bail him out cause he pissed off a kindergartner hahah.." Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, that was a long time ago and I'm a lot stronger now..I could show you both a thing or two.." he muttered.

Tatsumaki raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, careful now Icky.. you don't wanna make claims you can't back up." Ichigo balled his fists. "Fine then, I usually don't beat down girls but Tats is more of a tomboy anyway." He smirked. "Just don't be a sore loser when I'm the one left standing."

Tatsumaki began to crack up before breaking into full out laughter. "Oh my gosh.. Icky thinks he can take me on.. hahaha.. now this I'm gonna enjoy.. I spanked you as a little boy I'll spank you now 'big guy'." She playfully poked her manicured pointed finger into his chest.

Ichigo turned red. "N-no way.. not this time I'll show you I'm not the same little crybaby I used to be!" he realized he'd spoken a little loudly so he calmed himself and closed his eyes bringing his smirk back. "Anyway, I gotta be home by seven or my dad will have an excuse to drop kick me."

"He's gonna drop kick you anyway you know." Kiro muttered. Ichigo sighed but didn't disagree.

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Shinji Hirako stood hunched over on the roof of a nearby parking garage. He held his binoculars with both hands as he shook his head dragging the optical enhancers along with it. He was once again thinking the same thing he'd been thinking the last few weeks. "How.. What is he.. How does he do it!?" he lightly exclaimed. "First Orihime-chan AND Rukia-chan.. but that wasn't enough oh nooo he had to go and somehow bag this golden haired goddess in less than a day since she'd even been in Japan.."

"How am I gonna get him to join the Vizards.. he's a babe magnet If I even introduce Lisa or Mashiro he'll probably have them eating out of his hands in 5 minutes.." Shinji sighed and continued his soft whining. "I can't get a guy like that to join me,, hmm, maybe.. Maybe I'm goin about this all wrong.. Maybe I should be the one trying to join his side. The benefits would certainly be worth it."

"Ahh! I'm not the best lip reader in the world but it sure looked like she just said the word spank when she poked him.. damn you Kurosaki.. I wonder what you have to do to join his team.. is there an application somewhere or do I need to try out for it, I do give a mean tap dance.."

He took a closer look at the blonde girl and her white haired friend. Suddenly he felt something that chilled him to the bone. Silence absolute silence and.. Trembling. His inner world was deathly silent with the exception of the darkest corners.. shaking.

Shinji's eyes widened. The more he looked at Tatsumaki and Kiro it felt like his ability to breathe was being cut off. The feeling of terror coming from his body was inhuman. Suddenly he realized what it was. It was coming from his inner hollow.

He tore his gaze from them and fell to the ground breathing hard. Inside his inner hollow was still mortified. Shinji had experienced a lot of things in his time he'd seen his hollow do a lot of things.. But never in all his years as a Vizard, had he ever felt such primal fear radiate from it. He had suppressed his hollow to the depths of his soul. He shouldn't be able to hear it at all. But if he listened carefully he could now hear it screaming out as loud as it could. It sounded distant but the primal emotion and message was in barely discernable pieces.

"Get away! Run! Run away.. leave.. flee… Please, death.. Ancient.. Danger.."

Since sitting back and taking his eyes away from the two his hollow slowly calmed down. He slowly rose to his feet breathing heavily and grabbed his binoculars. When he looked back they'd vanished.

He narrowed his eyes growing deathly serious. "Kurosaki, what are you getting into..."

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Tatsumaki brought her hand up to shield the sun and act as a visor above her eyes. She peered out before smirking and pointing to a large sign. "That's good.. right there." Ichigo looked to see where she was pointing. "That's an old nature conservatory. A month or so back it was bought by a large casino and they're planning on bulldozing it once the city gets off its ass and does it.. A shame too, I remember goin there when they still had the animals, it was pretty cool."

Tatsumaki shrugged kicking the weak chain link fence in. "Yeah well if it's abandoned it just means we won't get interrupted." They walked in and looked around finally finding a large recreation area with a few benches and picnic tables. She handed her camera to Kiro and pushed the button for video. "Here make sure to record this.. I want a video of him getting his ass kicked so I can show it to em every time he starts talking shit hehe."

Kiro rolled his eyes. "Alright, Tats.. this should be interesting." He pointed the camera at Ichigo and chuckled. "Smile you're on Kiro's camera!"

Ichigo growled and threw up his middle finger before walking up to meet Tatsumaki standing in the center of the grassy area. They lightly stretched and Ichigo dropped into a stiff stance with both his fists up parallel to his head.

Tatsumaki slid into a relaxed open palmed stance with her weight on her back foot with her front barely touching the ground. She curved her lightly glossed lips into a smirk, dropped the front hand down, and curled the fingers into an inviting motion.

The enraged Ichigo charged at her and yelled out lifting his right foot into a round house aimed straight for her head. Tatsumaki blocked it with one hand with no visible effort. Ichigo pulled his foot back in and braced while bringing his left foot in a side kick aimed at the crouched girls head. Tatsumaki pulled her front foot in and sprung off darting to the side to avoid the kick and grabbed the outstretched leg. Ichigo was helpless as she twisted him sending his body corkscrewing through the air.

Surprisingly, he was able to gain control of the twist and land on his crouched feet before jumping up and running at her. Tatsumaki raised an eyebrow. "Wow, Icky.. you managed to stay on your feet.. that's not too bad maybe you are a little better." She then dodged her head around a lighting quick jab as she remarked "Of course, you'll need a lot more than that to even come close to beating me."

Ichigo began flashing out punches at her head and forcing her backwards but she dodged every attack never losing her smirk. Just as Ichigo thought he had her cornered against a tree she vanished from view.

By the time his brain processed the fact that she'd disappeared, his instincts developed from his time fighting as a Shinigami had already had him preparing to jump. Unfortunately, Tatsumaki had dropped out of his view to the ground and sliced her right foot in a back sweep before even his instincts could discern. He was standing flashing out a jab one second, the next he was falling to the ground with his legs knocked out from under him. He managed to get his left hand on the ground to break his fall and shifted his weight while twisting his torso and turned his fall into a one hand stand kick. As soon as Tatsumaki landed her sweep she pivoted on the stretched out foot and shot to the side avoiding the kick.

Ichigo's right foot connected with the tree he'd attempted to back his opponent against. He then pushed up off the ground and brought his other foot to the trunk pushing off to chase after Tatsumaki.

The blonde haired girl giggled as she spun around and blasted out a side kick that Ichigo had to twist to his side to avoid. He landed on his shoulder and rolled to avoid a stomp before turning the roll into a spring with his hands. He got back to his feet just in time to get caught in the face with a palm strike. His head rocked back and he stumbled a few steps backwards before righting himself.

He turned to look at Tatsumki as she slowly brought her hand back in and bounced from foot to foot. "Hmmm, not bad.. you've learned a few new tricks alright.. but you're not showing me what you can really do are you?" she tsked while wagging her dinger back and forth. "Not a good idea Icky.. you better get serious or I'll be taking you back to your dad's pad in the basket of the shopping cart."

Kiro laughed. "Oooohhh Burrrrnn!"

Ichigo glanced out of the corner of his eye. "Shut up Kiro, no comments from the peanut gallery."

Ichigo shrugged. "Ok, you wanna see some new tricks huh? Fine then I'll show you some of the more advanced stuff I've learned." Hmm, this should end it quickly.. as much as I'd like to spar with her, she's gotten a lot better than I had expected.. I can't afford to slip up and show too much."

Ichigo dropped into a stance and lowered his head as Tatsumaki caught his gaze. The instant their eyes met he vanished in a swoosh of air. Tatsumaki blinked then looked to the sides before Ichigo reappeared behind her and tried to shove her forward. She sensed the attack and dropped down doing a split. Ichigo, not meeting the solid resistance of her back as he'd expected, overextended and was left trying to catch his balance.

He looked down and saw a direct view down the top of Tatsumaki's shirt. She lifted her head to look at him, raised her eyebrows, and smirked evilly. "Hey you." she cooed.

Ichigo pulled himself back and he stumbled before falling flat on his ass. Tatsumaki just dropped her head and leaned forward still in her split, stretching. "Wow, Icky, I didn't know you thought about me that way.. I thought we were just friends." she joked.

Ichigo blinked rapidly trying to force his blush to recede. "I-I-I didn't mean to look I swear.. it's just the position and it was an accident!"

Tatsumaki pulled her elbows up and pushed herself up into a handstand keeping her legs split. She looked at him upside down tilting her head to the right slightly as her spiked bangs fell around her shoulders. "Still that was pretty cool that super speed thing.. We'll have to call you Super Saiyan Icky now." She brought her legs back together and fell forward flipping her body around and landing in a slight crouch before standing up and turning around. "Hey, can you do a Kamehameha wave too?"

Ichigo slowly came back to his senses and rose to his feet. "Ano, well not really.. um just the speed thing." Damn, she can dodge shunpo!? But more importantly, she thinks I'm a freakin pervert now I know it.. oh my gosh that was something Kon woulda done.. stupid stupid.."

Tatsumaki placed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Well it's a nice trick but it won't work on me.. hehe got any more?" Ichigo ignored her and vanished in another swoosh of air. Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "I told you that won't work.." She stuck her foot behind her and Ichigo traveling at full speed tripped over it and went skidding along the ground tearing up his shirt.

Kiro nearly dropped the camera laughing. "Dude, you had it in the bag moving around like DBZ then you went and did something stupid like that.. If this continues too much longer we'll be able to put this on E baums world.." Ichigo slowly got to his feet. He looked at his shirt and sighed. "Ok so maybe super speed's not the best move.."

Tatsumaki rolled her eyes and lifted her head. "Like duh.. I already told you that." He took a deep breath and started running at her before jumping up. Tatsumaki yawned as she stepped around the axe kick and titled her head back as the successive wheel kick sliced the air ticking her nose. Ichigo righted himself and threw a wide arcing punch that Tatsumaki blocked with a slightly bent arm. She then brought the arm up to parry a straight punch. She repeated the motion for the next 8 punches sent at her. "So you're back to basic Karate huh.. man you sure are stubborn." Ichigo shook his head and jumped back panting slightly. Tatsumaki shook her head. "Geez, I haven't even gone on the offensive yet.. and you kick way too high.. You shouldn't do that so much."

Ichigo ran at her and jumped up twisting into a forward crescent kick Tatsumaki leaned back to avoid it. As he landed, he flashed out a back kick that she blocked sending it to the ground. He then twisted on the grounded foot and gave a weak round house that she slapped away with her left wrist. He brought the foot up again, this time aiming higher for her head. She brought her elbow forwards blocking with her bicep and wrist.

She saw him going for another one and she twisted her elbow at an angle facing the kick and stepped in.

Ichigo's foot was already well beyond stopping when he saw her position her elbow. His eyes widened and he prepared himself for immense pain. His foot never connected. His tiny unprotected balls however, had a very brief conversation with Tatsumaki's elbow before shriveling in and dropping along with the rest of his body to the ground squealing in silent pain.

She stepped over his writhing body and sighed. "Lesson number one: high kicks leave your balls open.. guys shouldn't spam them. I just let you hit my elbow imagine if I had actually hit you with some force, che you wouldn't be able to have kids."

Ichigo was rolling around trying not to cry. He closed his eyes together tightly hoping the pain would subside enough for him to stand but it still felt like every part of his body was tingling. Finally able to form a few words he said. "I'm fine gimme a sec." Through will he didn't know he possessed he rose to his feet. Tatsumaki raised an eyebrow. "Wow, you're still goin I thought that one would finish you.. it seems you can take a beating a lot better now.. but that will only prolong the fight.. are you sure that's all your new moves?"

Ichigo took a deep breath. "Sorry to disappoint but that's about all I got.."

Tatsumaki looked disappointed "Aww.. but I wanted to see that one move you did before." She kicked the ground softly in aggravation.

Ichigo blinked in confusion. "Huh, what move? You mean Shunpo?"

Tatsumaki spread her stance a bit and put a hand on her hip. "Hmm I was thinkin more along the lines of.." She motioned to Kiro and he immediately turned off the camera and put it in a bag. Ichigo tilted his head to the side in confusion. "Of what? I've shown you pretty much all the tricks I was taught in Karate and developed from that nutcase's surprise attacks."

Tatsumaki allowed a smirk to once again grace her glossed lips. "Well, ya'know I wanted to see that little trick you like to do so much ."

Ichigo sighed. "Tats, what the hell are you talking about? I don't have any more tricks.. It's not like I've had decades to train my martial arts.. It's been about 10 years since our last camp but that's not a lot of time to really perfect my skill."

Tatsumaki rolled her eyes and let out an exasperated sigh dropping her hands to her side. "Aww Icky, will you stop being such a stingy doofus and show us that Bankai thingy already?!"

Ichigo widened his eyes. He was speechless." Ban… kai.. my gosh.. what the hell.. how could she possibly know about that!? More importantly if she knows what it is why would she want to fight me in that form.. even as a basic Shinigami I could kill her accidentally..

Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "Listen I don't know where you two heard that term before but you don't have any idea what you're talking about.. that is not a move I use on friends.."

Tatsumaki looked surprised before breaking out in laughter. "Oh wow.. you mean you actually think... wow no way.. you're joking right?" She exploded in laughter again. It was a good 10 seconds before she could speak again. "You actually think your little Bankai could even put a scratch on us? Wow.. you are conceited hahaha!"

Ichigo couldn't believe his ears. How could she be that confident.. what did she hear my Bankai was?

He shook his head. "Listen, I'm not gonna use that move. I don't know what you heard but it's obvious it was incorrect.. the sheer power radiating off me in that form is enough to crush the two of you into dust."

Kiro chuckled. "Uh oh Ichigo's about to ascend to Ultra Super Saiyan 5 but that's insane then his power level.. it would mean.."

Tatsumaki finished it for him. "It's over 9,000!!!!!" she screamed before they burst out laughing."

Ichigo was starting to get annoyed. "Listen. You two don't understand, the kind of power my Bankai creates is unimaginable.. but besides that if you know about Bankai you must know about my basic form.. when did you learn about that!?"

Kiro rolled his eyes. "Um, the moment you did a superman on that Kuchki midget's pig sticker." He replied matter of factly. Ichigo's jaw hit the floor.

"Just like we knew you became a Vizard the instant you jumped out of that hole the Shinigami scientist had you in." Tatsumaki added. Ichigo's jaw dropped through the ground and popped out somewhere in China.

She closed her eyes and continued rolling her hand in a circle. "Tensa Zangetsu Heavely Chain Cutting Moon, compacts all of the reiatsu normally used to create a huge attack augmentation and allows the wielder to move at supersonic speeds exceeding that of average Shunpo and slightly boosts their attack power… makes it all small, black, and shiny.. blah blah we know all about it."

Tatsumaki opened her eyes and stared at Ichigo. "What we don't know.. Is how much power you are compacting.. We have an idea but just out of curiosity.. Bankai generally multiplies the user's power anywhere between 5 to 10 times right?"

Ichigo blinked a few times speechless but managed to nod. "Yeah..that's how it works.."

Tatsumaki nodded. "I see.. then our earlier request is incorrect.. I'll rephrase it.. stop being such a stingy doofus and show us what you think is your Bankai thingy."

Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"

Kiro shrugged. "It's simple. "You can't use Bankai. You just think you can." Ichigo growled and balled his fists up tightly. "What the hell is that supposed to mean! I've taken on-"

"A Menos Gillian, 3 Taicho level Shinigami, Kariya Jin, Baishin, Ganryu, and a Handfull of Arrancar." Kiro finished emotionlessly. "We know… I'll say it again. You can't use Bankai." Ichigo was about to snap. He was glad he'd left his badge at his room. He was worried he might actually use it as ignorant and cryptic as they were being.

Tatsumaki noticed his look and seemingly read his mind. "Oh you're finally ready huh.. good." She made a inviting gesture with her fingers and Ichigo immediately popped out of his body leaving it slumped lifeless in the grass. He widened his eyes as he felt the wrapped hilt of Zangetsu affirming he was indeed in his Shinigami form.

Tatsumaki tilted her head to the side. "Ohh look it's big.. he can be like Super Saiyan Cloud now.. but Sephiroth's sword was cooler." The orange haired boy began to tremble. "Ok bitch.. how the hell did you do that.. Who are you two really! You're not the real Tatsumaki and Kiro are you!?"

Tatsumaki raised an eyebrow. "Wow that was rude especially after we've come all the way here to see you again and even help you out so you don't die quite so quickly against the little Quincy when he throws his temper tantrum in a few days."

Ichigo took a step back. "What! Ishida! What about him.. why would I fight against him.. You're not making any sense!"

Tatsumaki opened her emerald green eyes and smirked. "Then why don't you try asking with your little black pocket knife."

Ichigo roared in fury. "Fine I don't know what you did with the real Tatsumaki and Kiro but I swear I'll make you tell me.. You wanted to see it so bad so here it is!"

Ichigo gripped the handle of his sword and as he pulled it off his back the wrapping fell away revealing the black and white cleaver. He held it in front of him and widened his stance as his blue reiatsu began swirling around him. Tatsumaki glanced at Kiro and he nodded in conformation. Ichigo ignored their silent conversation and he reached up with his left arm to let his hand rest on his right wrist.

A burst of wind shot back wards and blew his sleeves off as his eyes took on a blue glow.

"Ban.. Kai!"

Immediately an explosion of blue reiatsu erupted around him and a powerful wind blasted out from him blowing Tatsumaki's hair back and fluttering Kiro's shirt. As the huge cloud of dust that had formed began to settle it revealed Ichigo standing in a long black trench coat holding a midnight black Sword with a small chain at the end and the guard in the shape of Manji.

Ichigo's reiatsu thundered around him as he pulled back the sword and launched himself at Tatsumaki. The girl was simply standing there with her arms folded staring at him with a bored look. "Oh looky it got smaller now.. it must have gotten cold out."

Ichigo appeared in front of her in an instant and sliced down on the top of her shoulders. But when he looked up she was standing right in front of him unharmed. His sword had missed her by mere centimeters. Growling he twisted and slashed in a diagonal slice again seeming to miss her by a hairs width. What the hell is goin on.. I know I'm not missing her.. why isn't it connecting.. can she actually be dodging me.. at this speed?

Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "In that case." He blurred from view and suddenly images of his fading form began to swirl around Tatsumaki and Kiro.the brown haired girl sighed. "Kurosaki didn't you learn anything from our battle.. you can't beat me just by increasing your speed.. Especially not when you move in predictable patterns."

She sighed and walked forward and stuck her foot out. Ichigo tripped the instant she did so and he went tumbling along the grass before crashing into the nearby pond. He exploded out the water and landed soaking wet on the ground.

He looked down to his hand and noticed Zangetsu was missing. Tatsumaki held it up toward the fading sunlight examining it. Ichigo shot off towards her and tried to punch her but he found himself twisting to dodge his own blade thrust at him. He landed off balance and rolled onto his shoulder to regain his footing. Before he could get up Tatsumaki pinned him to the ground with her foot and held the black blade at his neck.

"Che, you're pathetic Ichigo.. every time I end up having to bail you out.. really it's sad.. getting beat up by a weak little girl like that and with your own sword.. Zangetsu's not happy with you ya'know."

"Shut up." Ichigo murmured even as his vision began to black out. As the inky black substance began to creep from the corners of his eyes he suddenly found the tip of his blade replaced by the hilt. Tatsumaki smirked. "Well, it's about time.. I was wondering when he was gonna come out and play."

After giving him back his sword she jumped back and landed several feet away to give him some room to attack. Ichigo gripped Zangetsu's hilt. "No.. I won't.. they tricked me into using Bankai.. I won't let you control me.. I won't let.. you.. take.. my…"

His head dropped and his eyes closed as the blank substance completely filled the white of his eyes. No more than 3 seconds later his eyes shot open and he let out in inhuman screech. "Hah, Ichigo you're so weak.. look at them.. these are the guys who beat you up and stole your own sword.. che, I'll show you how to use a Bankai hahaha!"

Ichigo's face was half covered in a hollow mask as he shot forward taking Tatsumaki's relaxed form in with his piercing yellow eyes. He shot at her with much greater speed than before. His sword began wildly slashing with Tatsumaki making only the slightest effort to dodge every now and then. Somehow, however, she was dodging all of the slashes and only a few of her movements could be registered by the hollow hybrid. He frowned. "Dodge this! Getsuga Tensho!" A swirling black stream of reiatsu came slamming at Tatsumaki hitting her directly and exploding on contact.

The hybrid smirked. "Hah, that's what you get for messing with me.. now snow top you wanna be next!"

Kiro shrugged. "I would but Tats wouldn't like me interrupting her fight." The Hybrid turned around and as the dust settled Tatsumaki stood unharmed without so much as a scratch on her. "That's the limits of your power huh.. kinda disappointing but oh well beggars can't be choosers."

The Hybrid pulled back for another slash when Tatsumaki appeared next to him instantly and gently reached up pulling off the partially formed mask. "Time for bed time now dear.. I need to speak with Ichigo."

Nooooooooooo." The voice turned back to Ichigo's as the hollow was suppressed back into his inner world. Ichigo sat up slowly. He turned to face Tatsumaki as his fingers curled around the hilt of his sword. The blonde haired girl closed her eyes. "That's enough Ichigo you've already shown us the extent of your abilities. There's no need to continue. Put your sword away, we need to talk." Ichigo jumped to his feet and flared his reiatsu. "You just barge in and impersonate my friends and then slap me around some and you expect me to just give up! Hell no, now die!!"

He charged at her and slashed with all of his power only to have it caught in between her thumb and two fingers.

Tatsumaki sighed. "Fine, if you won't drop your Bankai on your own I'll just have to help you along. Let's see how much of a Bankai you have when there's no Zangetsu to use."

She snapped the sword in half like a graham cracker. Ichigo's eyes widened in terror as he felt his connection with Zangetsu waver then vanish. He took a step back. Tatsumaki sighed and dropped her hands to her sides as the two halves of the sword crumbled into dust. Ichigo's form shrank back to his original Shinigami form and he collapsed completely spent.

Kiro walked over causing Ichigo to shrink back in fear. The white haired boy shook his head. "Calm down Ichigo if we wanted to kill you you'd be dead by now alright.." The orange haired Shinigami got to his feet and looked warily at Kiro and Tatsumaki. Kiro began again. "What Tats and I are is not important. I'll tell you this for the time and then we're moving on.. We are not human.. we are hollow's just as we were the day we first met you."

Ichigo reeled back. "Arrancar?!"

Tatsumaki rolled her eyes. "Please, don't compare us to those weak little half breeds.. Did we say Arrancar.. No we're not hybrids, we're hollows."

Kiro folded his arms as he stopped a foot away from Ichigo. "Look, I told you we're not gonna debate what we are it doesn't matter at this point. As for the next question what we're doing here. In a matter of hours to a few days the world as you know it will be threatened with extinction. This doesn't matter to Tatsumaki or I one bit. We couldn't care less."

Tatsumaki stepped forward and tilted her head. "We are here for only one reason." She held up one finger and then poked Ichigo in the chest. "You."

"To be honest we didn't even want to reveal our true nature to you.. But without our help we didn't think you'd be able to survive this battle. T o that end we came here to help you because you are our friend. It's as simple as that. The fact that you are a Shinigami is irrelevant. You could be a Qunicy, Bounto, Vizard, Shinigami, Vampire, Werewolf whatever.. it doesn't matter."

Kiro smirked. "When we met you at camp we didn't befriend you because you had a huge reiatsu, we knew you'd one day become a Shinigami, or because we thought we could use you. We did because you were a cool kid. Kurosaki Ichigo the kid with orange hair, the little crybaby that needed someone to watch his back. That's the kid we met, that's the kid we want to help."

Ichigo blinked a few times. "Uh, ok so aside from the fact that hollow's are supposed to eat souls and attack the living indiscriminately. I'm lost here, what exactly is coming that's so big? Is Aizen starting to move?"

Tatsumaki raised an eyebrow and snorted. "Sosuke Aizen? Che, little peon's probably dead by now along with his big bad Espado or whatever they are. Oh by the way; speaking of which we heard you got your ass kicked by one of them, some guy with blue hair.. Dude you don't lose to people with blue hair that's just.. sad."

"Shut up, he was strong" Ichigo muttered.

Kiro rolled his eyes. "Well moving on from your lack of fighting skill, the enemy you will soon face calls himself the 'lord of the Quincy's' and he is strong. Well by your standards anyway. His plan so far as we know is basically to deconstruct 2 worlds. Rukongai, and the Severed World. Once this is done the natural balance of spirit's will be totally unsettled. Since there isn't a place for them anymore all spirits of a certain spirit power or more will be brought back to life. All over the world you're gonna start seeing people that died centuries decades even millenniums ago suddenly popping back to life."

Tatsumaki adjusted her Naruto Headband. "As you might guess this will be a huge problem not only because it's unexplained phenomenon but also for the world's population. And there's no order. The people brought back will be at random and placed in one of the remaining dimension only a few will make it to this human world."

Ichigo could hardly believe what he was hearing but he turned to face him as Kiro began to speak again.

"We don't know why the Quincy is doing this, what he plans to do with the reconstructed worlds, or when he will make his move, but he's been a busy little bee. He's been in contact with everyone from the Bounto to the Vasto Lorde."

Ichigo clenched his fist. "That's not possible I already beat Kariya, the Bounto are gone!"

Tatsumaki scratched her neck and sighed. "Icky, the Bounto were humans when humans die they go to Rukongai. There is no more Rukongai, it's gone and the Shinigami in Seireitei are still clueless due to a Quincy illusion placed around the court. That means they are all back including their leader. Everyone you've ever beaten if they got sent to Rukongai is back assume that as a given."

Kiro nodded. "Now where we come in. you have 3 paths to choose. You need improvement big time. Your level is below any of the basic enforcers he has. We can take you down 3 paths. Hollow, Shinigami, and Vizard. You are a part of each. Before we go any further you must choose the path you wish to take.

Ichigo narrowed his yes and smirked. "As if that's some choice.. I've always been what I've been. I don't recall ever being a Vizard or a Hollow.. I'm a Shinigami."

Kiro chuckled. "Ok, Shinigami it is then. In that case let me give you a brief History lesson. Shinigami used to be a lot stronger. A long time ago there was no Soul Society and no Hueco Mundo. There was one world with Hollows and other spirits all coexisting. When the Shinigami came they mingled in for a time but soon they began to push outwards which eventually spawned the 'Great Division'.

In the days of the war and the times before the power a Shinigami was able to draw from their Zanpakuto was far greater than it is today. We'll come back to that. Now on to your Bankai. As I said before, you can't use Bankai. The reason is quite simple; you've only met part of the requirement. You must attain materialization then force or convince your Zanpakuto's spirit to give you the right to access their Bankai.

Ichigo nodded. "And I did. I beat old man Zangetsu in his own game using that doll Urahara-san made."

Tatsumaki chuckled. "Yeah you attained materialization for Zangetsu.. true.. but what about your inner hollow?"

Ichigo's jaw dropped. "B-but he's not.. I mean what does he have to do with Bankai?"

Kiro rolled his eyes. "Man you're dense. Bankai is the release of a Zanpakuto that signifies the wielder and his inner spirit have achieved balance. You don't even know the name of your hollow. And on that note he's not even a real hollow"

Ichigo looked at Kiro strangely. "And what do you mean he's not really a hollow? He's white has yellow eyes and insane.."

Kiro rolled his eyes. Ok Ichigo, you've fought hollows and Arrancar before. Have you ever once seen them use Bankai? And yet your inner hollow learned the false Bankai at the same time as you. Ya'see your hollow was formed at the exact time as you found your Shinigami powers mutating it in it's infancy. It's not a real hollow but it's not a Shinigami either.. but most of all it's you.

Never forget that he is you and you are him. As twisted as he, is both Zangetsu and your hollow are as part of you. Subsequently, if you manifest Zangetsu and beat him into submission without gaining balance with your hollow as well you'll only know half of your Bankai."

Ichigo looked down at his hand flexing it. "But, the Vizard.. Hirako told me that I'd have to train to get him to stop taking me over.. a way to ..suppress him."

Tatsumaki nodded. "Yeah that's the Vizard method. Force it into the depth of your soul. In other words cram it under a rock and pretend it's not there so it cant bug you and you can still access some of it's power. It's a cute little idea but it's inherently flawed."

She continued. "Zangetsu told you didn't he? When two people that don't trust each other work together it lowers the effectiveness of both. That's why only a few Vizard can even use the false Bankai. And the real Bankai doesn't even exist anymore."

Kiro clarified. "What Tats means is this. Even if you managed to achieve balance with your inner hollow and gained a full Bankai, it would still be the watered down version the Shinigami of today use.

Shihouin Yoruichi told you that a Bankai generally raised the average fighting power of a Shinigami by anywhere from 5 to 10 times right. But, in the days before the Great Division, Bankai meant something entirely different. "When a Shinigami attained Bankai it raised their power anywhere from 500 to 1,000 times. But after they kicked out the spirits they felt were unworthy Shinigami began to decline and they've been slowly getting weaker and weaker."

Ichigo stared in disbelief. "1,000 times.." he echoed.

Kiro held up two fingers. "But since you have not just you and Zangetsu but your inner hollow as well any level of power you reach he will be right there with you, so in effect you will always be two times as strong as you usually would.. this means your true Bankai would multiply your power by 2,000."

"We're gonna try to get you a real Bankai. But keep in mind everything we teach you about Shinigami comes from repeated use of techniques against us and studying their fighting styles. We're both hollow's not Shinigami so we only know what we've seen and studied, we won't have all the answers for you." Kiro said calmly before pausing taking a breath and continuing.

"However, Tats and me don't do anything half ass and if we're gonna pump you up we might as well take it to the next level. "In the last million years a few people have achieved true Bankai. They're few and far between, but a few people have done it. However, not one person has ascended since the last war generation died out."

Kiro smirked. "You were told Bankai meant final release huh.. well, actually it meant next release. Beyond Bankai there exists a plain of power so great the royal family outlawed the very mention of it. They are partly the reason why the Shinigami have gotten so weak. All mentions of it were taken out of the records and books and higher ups were forbidden to mention it to the next generation so that eventually Bankai became known as the final release."

Tatsumaki. "But we have fought Shinigami who possessed that power. I can assure you Bankai is not the limit of a Zanpakuto's power."

Ichigo shook his head. "Y-you can't be serious.. you mean it's possible to go beyond Bankai.. but.. no one even knows it?"

Kiro nodded. "Precisely. When we fought in the wars the stages of a Zanpakuto were. Shikai, Bankai, Renkai, Zankai, and Omegakai." The requirements for each get progressively larger and harder to meet. For your Bankai you achieve balance, it signifies you have learned all there is to know about your Zanpakuto spirit, or at least all that they know. But, there are some things they do not know about themselves. Did you know Zanpakuto don't last forever. When the shinigami dies and the blade is destroyed they must pass on as well."

Kiro looked up at the fading sun as it slowly sank into the horizon. "Like humans, Zanpakuto are part of a continuous circle, each Zanpakuto has had previous lives, titles and existences.. most of them have different names but a select few have the fortitude to keep the same name for more than one existence. These select few Zanpakuto's hold a miniscule possibility of remembering their existence. In that instant, the power of their previous lifetime will become accessible for brief periods of time to be multiplied by the power they wield in this one. That, Kurosaki.. is Renkai."

Tatsumkai put her hand in Ichigo's hair and ruffled it playfully. "Naturally, in order to even begin to think about Renkai the Shinigami must have a complete mastery of Bankai and only then can the Zanpakuto spirit and the wielder attempt to remember the things that the spirit has forgotten."

Kiro turned to gaze at Ichigo again. "And, in case you haven't caught on yet, your control over your half Bankai is abysmal. So here's the agenda for the next few days or so. Firstly you have to materialize your hollow into this world and achieve balance with him whether it be through battle or agreement."

"Next." Kiro continued. "We'll have you learn to actually control your Bankai; that's the secret to the added power of it. And finally, we will set you up to attain Renkai. However, as we said before, many have tried for it.. but none have succeeded in over a million years."

Ichigo took a deep breath. "Fine, let's do it. You destroyed Zangetsu though so how am I supposed to use my powers?"

Tatsumaki shook her head. "When you enter your inner world to confront your hollow you won't have your Zanpakuto. So I would highly recommend you convince him to come out and say hi without fighting. Unless of course, you'd like to be turned into sushi. But don't worry, if you'd fought him like the Vizard would have had you do he'd have broken your fake Bankai sword anyway and you'd be in the same situation."

Kiro smirked adjusting his backwards black bandanna. "Are you ready to begin Ichigo?"

Ichigo held a hand up. "Gimme a minute, Tats worked me over pretty good I need a little time to get my strength back."

Tatsumaki looked and Kiro and he nodded in conformation. "Too bad, we don't have time for that.. you're not gonna want to settle this with fighting Ichigo, if you wanna get any stronger you're going to have to rely on the one skill you lack almost any amount of… Social Skills."

No sooner did she finish the last syllable of her words than her face became blurry as her eyes changed to ethereal glowing yellow and blackness consumed him.

Ichigo slumped to the ground unconscious and Tatsumaki looked down at him with concern. "Your fists aren't the answer this time Ichigo.. I hope you realize that in time.."

She sighed looked up at the ominously darkening clouds.

"Don't die Icky.."

0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

Sado Yasutora slowly made his way down the sidewalk. As he walked his mind traveled to that night. The night he learned of his obsolescence. The night he learned that he was nothing more than a burden. He remembered it clearly. Running tears beginning to creep from his eyes. It was dark that night, and cold..

That night his words were...

"Ichigo.

You're not going to let me

watch your back for you any more?

I can't.

Fight beside you anymore, can I?

Ichigo"

Sado Yasutora could not accept that. There had to be a way to gain more strength. Ichigo would fight for him and he would fight for Ichigo. It wasn't right for Ichigo to fight fro both of them; and so he resolved himself to increase his power in order to continue fighting alongside Ichigo.

He had a plan. It wasn't much but..

He rounded a street corner and finally came in view of the sign.

It was all he had. He stepped into the yard and walked towards the front entrance when he saw his target walking in from a storage bin muttering about unreliable helpers running off again.

"Urahara-san." He said solemnly.

The said shopkeeper widend his eyes and waved his fan eccentrically. "My, if it isn't Sado-san!"

Sado fell to his knees.

"What can I do for y-"

"Please." Sado said brokenly.

"Please train me." Sado dropped his head and closed his eyes.

Placing his fan to his face Urahara tilted his head. "Excuse me? I'm not sure what you mean."

Sado clenched his eyes shut. "Please, I know that you trained Ichigo.. you taught him how to fight before we went into Soul Society.. please.. I beg you help me.. I don't know where else to go.. I can't fade into the back. I made a promise to Ichigo but I can't keep it as I am now."

He lifted his eyes revealing the tears now streaming down his face. Urahara was shocked at the emotion coming from the young fighter. His face lost its mask of false joy and turned serious. "Sado-san, you have already reached a power that many Shinigami seated officers couldn't hope to match.. I'm afraid that in order to improve any further you will need the strength of a Bankai.

Sado nodded. "Yes, but I heard that you were a former captain and you even made a machine to achieve Bankai in only 3 days. So you could definitely do it right? I'll do any task you ask of me anything.. but please you must help me!"

Urahara shook his head looking down. "I'm sorry Sado-san but my Bankai isn't suited for training people or giving them strength. The fact is.. Kurosaki-san is a Shinigami and you are a human. It's just a simple fact that you will have to accept. As a human you have limitations."

Sado shook hi head. "No, please, I beg of you.. You can't turn me away.. I'll do anything!"

Urahara nodded. "I know you would.. I can see that you're serious and I'm truly sorry.. Perhaps if one of the Shinigami were still here, but Hitsugaya-taicho's team was recalled to Soul Society yesterday."

Sado slowly rose to his feet. He gave one last look at Urahra and mouthed the word please.

The fan wielding man just turned around and walked into his shop gently closing the sliding door with a click of finality.

Outside the closed door Sado Yasutora fell to his knees and wept.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000

"Shatter Kyoka Suigetsu."

Aizen Sosuke once again released his Zanpakuto. All around him lay the bodies of countless Arrancar. In less than 30 minutes his entire Arrancar army had been reduced to less than half. The long silver haired man wearing a large white cloak and tradition Quincy battle armor laughed in amusement. "Sosuke Aizen, the feared traitor said to possess double the reiatsu of an average captain.. your reputation is certainly exaggerated."

Aizen frowned and vanished in a swoosh of air appearing mere seconds behind the man and prepared to slash. His trained eyed caught the barest glimmer of movement from his opponent's hand before he felt a paralyzing sensation shoot threw him as hundreds of blue spirit arrows shot through him like a pin cushion. Aizen shook his head in disbelief as he finally regained control of his body and stumbled back.

He tripped over the beaten body of Ulquiorra's released form and had to use his Zanpakuto to brace himself. "How are you doing this.. My absolute hypnotism is perfect.. How can you see through it?" The long haired man didn't respond at once. Suddenly a soft chuckle came from behind. A second later a single arrow pierced though his right shoulder and was caught by the Quincy now standing behind him. Some how he'd fired a spirit arrow and then moved faster than it took the arrow to hit him so he could catch it.

The Quincy still gripping the glowing blue spirit arrow slashed downward and Aizen reappeared skidding backwards as blood poured out from the fresh wounds in his chest. The Quincy didn't turn around as a voice called out.

"Shinso Shoot to Kill!" A long blade extended out at supersonic speed and slammed into his right cheek. The blade stopped its extension as it struggled against the solid resistance of his face before cracking under the pressure and eventually snapping off at the end. Ignoring this, his eyes focused on Aizen as the grinning Shinigami completed his set of incantations and called out. "Way of Destruction 98: Emerald Bolt!"

A green bolt of lightning shot down from the sky and struck the motionless Quincy. The green energy exploded around the him blasting pieces of debris back and sending a huge shockwave of power rippling across the floor tearing tiles out as it passed.

Aizen rose to his full height and smirked. This smirk was soon replaced when the dust settled to reveal the Quincy unharmed. Suddenly the entire area grew dark and an emotionless Kaname said "Bankai."

Only mere seconds later, however, a bright light illuminated the dark before blasting forward. Kaname's sword clattered to the floor as his limp form was pinned to the upper part of the crumbling wall by a spirit arrow.

Aizen narrowed his eyes when the Quincy seemed distracted. The long silver haired man smiled and turned to the closed doors of the throne room entrance.

Suddenly the door exploded inward and Aizen felt an immense reiatsu nearly force him to his knees.

A petite girl with raven black hair in a spiked bun tied with a yellow ribbon and golden red eyes walked slowly though the entrance. She wore the standard unseated shinigami uniform with a ripped left sleeve underneath a tattered white Captain's Haori. At her side she had a sheathed Zanpakuto and a large red sash in place of the standard white.

In her left hand she carried the limp unconscious form of Yammi gripping him by his collar bone. From the ceiling a small group of other cloaked Quincy dropped onto the battered battlefield and nodded to the Shinigami saying "Senna-taicho" in acknowledgement. The long silver haired leader chuckled softly. "Ah General, I see you have returned.. I take it you had little difficulty with the mission?"

Senna bowed her head. "I regret to inform that one of the representative's from the council sent to convene with Sosuke-san escaped with his life, though he was badly injured. I underestimated their strength assuming they were at the level as all other Vasto Lorde. Although the other four have been terminated there is no excuse for my failure and I humbly accept any punishment you may see fit master."

Aizen's eye's widened. His mind just beginning to wrap around the concept; it was still incomprehensible. A mere soldier of this new threat has wiped out nearly 5 Vasto Lorde, 3 of which were from the Council!?

The powerful Quincy sighed. "Mah it can't be helped, there's no need for punishment you've served me well General very soon Phase 1 will be completed. Soon my child, the stage is nearly set for the second act to begin, prepare your forces I will overlook such a minor triviality for the time being."

Senna bowed deeply. "Thank you master, I encountered this Arrancar during my trip here.. shall I dispose of it?"

The Quincy narrowed his eyes. "Such a detestable creature, remove it from my sight."

Aizen broke in. "what is the meaning of this! Girl who are you? You appear to be a Shinigami yet you serve a Quincy?"

Senna smirked. "A Shinigami? I'm afraid you're mistaken Aizen-san.. I am merely.. a memory."

She lifted her hand and flung Yammi into a wall. With the same hand she formed a bow of blue light and launched a barrage of spirit arrows as the large Arrancar fell. The barrage hit him piercing his enhanced skin and he convulsed before the arrows dissipated and he dropped to the ground with a loud crash. Blood pooled around him as he laid face first unmoving.

Aizen looked back and forth between the Quincy and his General. He felt for the presence of any other Espada but he found none. Gin was, mysteriously nowhere to be found since he'd lost Shinso. The brown haired man growled then took a stance. He straightened himself out and closed his eyes taking a deep breath. As he opened his eyes he allowed a smirk to creep onto his face.

"I see, truly you are a much more dangerous opponent than I had originally thought. When you had first barged in here unannounced I admit I did not take you seriously, I see now that was a mistake on my part."

"Please accept my sincere apology in the form of this action. I will now face you seriously. But first there is a tradition amongst Shinigami to introduce oneself to their opponent so that when the enemy dies they will have the final courtesy of knowing who it was that killed them. And so, allow me to properly introduce myself."

The Quincy raised an eye brow amused and Senna placed her hand on the hilt of her Zanpakuto.

"My name, is Aizen Sosuke, the future ruler of the heavens"

"And now, without futher ado.."

"Bankai."

Note: The next chapter is finally completed. Yay took long enough.. wow this chapter is big.. maybe the biggest I've ever written.. In any case, lemme go ahead and disclaim. The thing about Mashiro having a TV show is from the fic "Shunpo to the Future" as well as a lot of the things about Soken that will come into play.

Next chapter will have Ichigo attempting to gain balance with his inner hollow. And we'll learn about even more developments in the story that we still don't know yet. Also we see how the Quincy fairs when he takes on a serious Aizen. Lots of goodies so make sure to review and lemm know what you think or wanna see.

r/r

pace.