Moon Princess

by romeoraiden

Ichigo Kurosaki was born destined for greatness but has had to suffer as he grows to embrace his destiny. Naturally, he will not endure this burden alone as he will have many allies to help him along the way. But only one of them can help him go beyond as his ever-faithful sword of the moon. (M for Violence and bad language)

9. Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Revelations and Chaos

"Yoruichi is coming," Isshin announced to the others still waiting for said cat, Orihime, and Uryū to arrive.

"He is? Orihime and Uryū too?!" Ichigo asked with haste and desperation.

"Definitely, or can't you sense them?" Isshin said.

"I'm surprised that I'm not the only one you can all sense right now because of how aggravated I am getting by just waiting here," Ichigo retorted.

"You would be correct in assuming that, and your presence all over me is exhausting. Like being forced to hold on to a bolder while being chased by a lion," Rukia mocked him.

"Hey! Screw you," Ichigo hissed as he uses Shunpo to be the first to greet them, however, he ends up crashing into a rocky wall, resulting in making a human-shaped hole. Rukia, Chad, and Isshin drop a sweat at the display.

"Not very good with Shunpo, are you son?" Isshin muttered while Ichigo leaves the hole.

"I just learned it today and I was blindsided, leave me alone!" He whined embarrassed before trying Shunpo again.

"He's a quick learner, I'll give him that but the least he can do is admit his folly with some dignity," Rukia bemused.

"Dignity is like a plague to him, so no," Chad replied.

Ichigo gets it right this time and makes it to the entrance and exit of this Study Chamber to see Uryū and Orihime return but who he sees with them is what really catches his attention.

Uryū looks like he can barely move a muscle on his own and is being supported by Hanatarō, the Quincy's left arm on the tiny Shinigami's shoulders.

Uryū isn't really that heavy but it is a little curious to see the little man be able to carry someone taller than him without much difficulty but then again he must've helped injured men twice his size before so there has to be some muscle hidden within that skinny body.

It's who's carrying Orihime in her arms that has him both curious and confuse as to who she is.

A slender and well-endowed adult woman of average height with dark skin, golden irises, and dark purple waist-length hair kept in a ponytail with chin-length bangs framing the sides of her face, and she wears an orange over-shirt with two white straps on each shoulder, a large beige sash around her waist, and black stretch pants with a pair of lightweight brown shoes.

Her presence seems to have triggered something in Getsuhime because as soon as Ichigo saw her, his trusty blade started to tremble by itself. Out of all the things she's done as of late this is the least odd one but still worth his attention because he swears he feels anger in her.

"Getsuhime?" He wondered, refocusing his sights on her instead.

"Good to see you alive and well, Ichigo. After all the chaos you started fighting three Captains, I'm honestly surprised to see you in one peace. I anticipated that you were packed with some serious power but this goes beyond my expectations," Yoruichi smirked at him but even though Ichigo could hear him clearly, he could not see the black cat and it sounded like he was beside the two women but Ichigo can't see him.

"Appreciate the praise but… where are you? Behind the newcomer?" Ichigo asked returning to Orihime's direction.

"You're in for a real shock that even you can't brush off," Uryū said a bit smugly while struggling to hide a blush caused by a previous shock he is very embarrassed about.

"And I'm here too, in case you didn't notice me because of Ms. Shihōin's Presence," Hanatarō said innocently.

"Ms. Shihōin…?" Ichigo uttered as he looks at the woman again now feeling a new kind of dread.

"Hi," The woman grinned at him with the cat's manly voice coming from her mouth.

"YORUICHI!" Ichigo cried in shock, losing his balance while taking a step back and falls to the floor. "You're… you're… what happened to you?! You're human looking now!"

"What you see is what I really look like. Come now, my boy, you didn't really think your dad and Kisuke would allow any simple cat to be your guide on such a dangerous mission, did you?" Her smug only grew wider.

It's always such a pleasure to see people's reaction after showing them her true appearance.

"And I must say, I'm glad to see that my charm works on you as well. A much better reaction than the one from before, I was beginning to worry that you truly were just a boring man, makes me wonder even more why you haven't made a move on this darling princess I'm carrying in your place,"

"YOU STOP SOUNDING LIKE A MAN THIS INSTANT!" Ichigo demanded furiously.

"Party pooper," Yoruichi whined, her male voice gone and replaced with her true womanly tone that's very mature yet playful and mischievous.

The pout she has right now is as cute as she is sexy and has an effect on Ichigo's suppressed manhood.

"I wish I'd waited until now to put on my attire to see your reaction to a real woman. Right boys," She asked Uryū and Hanatarō who stay silent.

"That's enough out of you!" Ichigo growled as he takes Orihime from her arms. "Whatever you're really like I ain't taking any chances with you near her."

"Aww, so you're the defensive lover, it's been a while since I've conquered one of you," She teased.

"STOP THAT!" Ichigo screamed before focusing all his attention at Hanatarō. "Hanatarō, looks like you came through after all."

"Yeah, I was able to snatch Ms. Inoue from the 12th Division Lieutenant Kurotsuchi while Ishida fought the Captain and now I have to treat him quickly before the poison inside him begins to spread," Hanatarō smiled happy to have been able to help.

"Thank you. Your help is a godsend," Ichigo said with immense gratitude.

"This poison is more of a nuisance than a real threat since my powers are still in peak condition," Uryū muttered, still trying to act tough. "Although I won't say no to a proper rest after so much sneaking."

"Quit acting all high and mighty already, Ishida. You fought only one Captain, you're not special," Ichigo scoffed.

"Excuse me!" Uryū snorted, forcing himself back on his feet but soon collapses again due to the poison with Hanatarō keeping his grip on him.

"Not good! Ashisogi Jizō's poison is spreading again. We better lie you down quick," Hanatarō said with haste.

"Let's take this somewhere more comfortable first," Yoruichi said as he takes the two with Shunpo somewhere in the Study Chamber for Hanatarō to finish treating Uryū.

"What was with all that screaming?" Rukia asked as she, Chad and Isshin only now arrive.

"Is Orihime alright?" Chad asked next, noticing her in Ichigo's arms.

"Yeah, the only one to be concerned about is Uryū who is being treated of a poison," Ichigo explained.

Just as he said so, Orihime started to move a tiny bit and groan, signaling that she will wake up.

"Good, I would've gotten worried if she hadn't woken up sooner,"

"Ichi… Ichigo…" She whispered, looking him in the eye.

"Yo," Ichigo smiled warmly at her, the same smile he showed her when she encouraged him to go train for invading Soul Society.

"You're alright. I thought you were hurt so badly," Orihime smiled back. "Did you rescue me again?"

"No. That pleasure belongs to our new comrade," Ichigo replied looking bitter for a brief moment that she would interpret as him being upset over being separated and not together to help each other out.

"New comrade? You met someone who went along with this mission against the Gotei?" Isshin asked intrigued as well as Rukia as to who else would want to go to such lengths for her.

"Yeah, you dickhead, and it just so happens to be one of my uncles you forgot to mention was still in the 4th Division," Ichigo hissed at his father, finally riled up about the fact that that pipsqueak Hanatarō is a relative of his.

"Hanatarō is here! Right now?!" Isshin gasped in shock.

"Hanatarō is in on this too?! Why? Does he know about Isshin?" Rukia is equally shocked, remembering the sweet and timid looking boy that acted as a janitor in her previous cell in the 6th Division.

He was good company, it was difficult to believe that even seated officers of his Division were assigned petty duties like cleaning but at least she had someone besides Renji to talk to.

It was painful talking to the redhead after so long apart and his guilt in his involvement of her situation made it all the harder for him to look her in the eye, then again she spent most of her time there staring at a wall, so he wasn't the only one avoiding eye contact.

"No, he's doing this just for you. Apparently you left a huge impression on him like the rest of us, and still believes you're dead like the rest of them," Ichigo said to her and turning back to his dad at the last part.

"Uncles?" Orihime and Chad repeated dumbfounded.

"Oh yeah… wow, I can't believe I forgot whom I was really chatting with all that time," Rukia mused only now remembering that Hanatarō is Isshin Shiba's half-brother.

"Yeah… about Hanatarō. Something that even your mother doesn't know about is that… he and Seinosuke know that I'm alive," Isshin confessed nervously.

This caused something in his son to snap.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Ichigo yelled and without thinking threw Orihime airborne, so hard that she was inches away from hitting the ceiling of this chamber but thankfully she wasn't harmed and falls back down.

Ichigo realizes his mistake and leaps after her to safely place her back into his arms.

"I am so sorry! My dad is just the worse person ever,"

Orihime just laughs off the whole experience, actually finding pleasure in falling so high only to be caught in Ichigo's arms, and on impulse, she cuddles closer to his embrace.

"Hey! Be an asshole to me all you like but do not take it out on my future daughter-in-law! She's delicate," Isshin scolded.

"I don't want to hear another word out of you that isn't the TRUTH! You fucking dipshit!" Ichigo hissed.

"Fair enough," Isshin sighed in defeat.

Just then, Orihime gasped in shock, remembering something. "Oh no, Uryū! Where is he? We were attacked by a Captain! Is he all right?!"

"Uryū is fine. He's received some kind of poison but is being mended as we speak," Ichigo was quick to answer her and gentler than even he is comfortable speaking with but for Orihime he must do so to ease her mind.

"I can help heal him too," She insisted.

"What you need is to rest, like me and everyone else. We're finally somewhere we can relax without being hunted," Ichigo countered, his glance telling her that whoever is helping Uryū right now has more experience than her, causing her to relent and show a sadder expression that makes Ichigo feel terrible about denying her this.

He knows she wants so badly to help and he should let her have a shot but based on his cousin's condition, he'd rather he be treated by someone of a Shinigami officer's caliber of medic.

Soon enough, Hanatarō finishes treating Uryū of the poison, making him feel better and though the little man recommends he doesn't move for a while, the stubborn Quincy ignores him and gets back on his feet.

"Much better," Uryū sighed in relief and because the concern of losing his power is still on his mind he calls forth his Kojaku from his hand, though the original version made of reishi than a solid one since he no longer has the glove, giving himself a sigh of relief to know that his strength remains with him somehow.

"Wow, I've never seen a Quincy before," Hanatarō said in awe.

"I'll bet," Uryū said dismissively, still enraged by the horrific revelation of Mayuri's atrocities against his people and family but is wise enough not to take it out on someone who's saved his life.

"That's your way of saying thank you to someone who healed you?" Ichigo's eyes narrow in disgust. "He should've left you to be poisoned by this Mayuri freak."

"Of course not! I'd never be that ungrateful. I'm just still caught off by all that's happened is all," Uryū snarled at the offense thrown at him.

"It's fine. No thanks are necessary, I'm just doing what I love to do, is all," Hanatarō said nervously.

"Well, it's great to know that there are some people in this forsaken place with some manners and compassion," Uryū replied and honestly that's as good as any compliment he can give to any Shinigami but he is truly thankful to Hanatarō and Matsuri for their aid.

"Now, now, children, the time for playing around is over. Bickering will get us nowhere," Isshin said as he walks in on them, he meant to show his face sooner but the brotherly reunion would've interrupted Uryū's treatment and he knew that Hanatarō would've been able to treat the young Ishida by himself.

"Huh… ISSHIN!" Hanatarō cried in shock, recognizing his oldest brother instantly.

"Hey there, little brother," Isshin smiled warmly at the little man, who is quick to shed tears and just as quickly give each other a big hug.

"I can't believe you're back. I thought your powers were gone forever," He sobbed.

"I didn't think I'd be back in the game so long as I remained in the Human World either but circumstances have changed," Isshin said softly. "What about you. What are you doing, sticking your neck out like this and standing against the Gotei?"

"Taking care of my friends. You know, like we used to do back when it was the three Yamada Brothers against the world," Hanatarō smiled sheepishly, and this earned him getting hit in both temples by Isshin with his hands tightened into fists and start rubbing harshly on him with the little Shinigami crying in pain.

"Ow-ow-ow-ow-ow-ow-ow-ow! That hurts, Isshin! Stop it!"

"You idiot. Taking a high risk like that when you're still such a wimp," Isshin scolded him. "When have you ever done something in over your head before?"

"Apparently it runs in the family, you old bastard," Ichigo hissed.

"Don't butt in when I'm talking with your uncle, Ichigo," Isshin argued.

"W-wait… uncle?" Hanatarō managed to mutter once Isshin stopped rubbing his temples and turns back to see Ichigo.

"Yeah, I didn't know this myself until you told me that story about the war and the names of your brothers but as it turns out this worthless excuse for a man is my dad," Ichigo explained as he steps forward to the two. Hanatarō's jaw practically fell to the floor as he lies there in complete shock.

"B-B-But… that means…" He uttered.

"You're this pipsqueak's nephew," Uryū finished just as surprised. "I knew that the aging process of Spirits varies extraordinarily, them being able to live for thousands of years unless killed prematurely but this is ridiculous."

"You think this is odd. Rukia is a one hundred and fifty-year-old granny who posed as a high school girl," Ichigo joked.

"YOU DISRESPECTFUL MOTHERFUCKER!" Rukia cried indignantly at the rude comment and quickly picks up a rock beside her and throws it at the back of Ichigo's head, said rock shatters on impact but the Shinigami Agent barely reacts to it, and he knew she would react violently.

Hanatarō begins to shed tears of joy again and faster than you could blink he wraps Ichigo in a tight hug too tight for his size that Ichigo cringes in discomfort.

"WAAAAAH! I'm an uncle!" He sobbed uncontrollably. "Even Seinosuke will be happy to learn this."

"Get off me!" Ichigo demanded but to his shock, he couldn't break free of his grip. "Who has this kind of grip with arms so skinny?!"

"Your grandmother possessed abnormal strength and supposedly the three of us inherited her might," Isshin explained.

"That makes way too much sense," Orihime smiled nervously.

"Alright, alright. Now that the lovely moments have come and gone, I say it's time to discuss our next course of action," Yoruichi said as she steps forward into the lovely scene.

"Good idea," Isshin sighed.

Now comes the real challenge.

"Before I forget, you should all know there will be a tenth person beside us," Yoruichi said, vanishing with Shunpo for a few seconds before returning with someone on her knees.

"And she is?" Ichigo asked, staring at Nemu Kurotsuchi, her arms tight behind her back with a gray kind of sash wrapped around most of her upper torso, and her legs all the way to her knees are also wrapped by it.

"Lieutenant Kurotsuchi! Why did you bring her here?" Hanatarō mumbled in fright, while said Lieutenant stares at him but she doesn't so much as give him a glare.

Uryū certainly does upon seeing her, while Orihime becomes nervous at the sight of the woman who incapacitated her so easily and leave Uryū to fight that literal heartless Captain alone.

"After you knocked her unconscious to rescue Orihime from her, I decided that it be safer to drag her here as well since she knows you're a turncoat and for the most part the Gotei 13 think you're our captive and it is best to keep it that way for now, especially since things have gone beyond their control," Yoruichi explained.

"Okay but why bring her here in case she poses a threat?" Ichigo questioned.

"Call it a whim on my part," Yoruichi shrugged. "Besides, she's wrapped around Ginjōtan (Stripe of Inverted Silver), a steel sash worn under armor. Its contributing weight makes it hard for the wearer to move fast and renders Shunpo obsolete, even for me, she's not going anywhere. And as long as she behaves, there's no need for things to get ugly."

"Do whatever you wish to me. I no longer have a purpose now that I have failed Master Mayuri," Nemu said apathetically towards her own life, which disturbed most of them.

"Eh. I was told that you were an oddity," Yoruichi sighed.

"Um…" Orihime wanted to say something but was nervous to do so and Uryū can only guess that perhaps she may want to voice her objections to having the Lieutenant close after what they survived but was too nice to say it.

"Feeding her is simple enough but… what if… she needs to use the lady's restroom or wants to take a shower?" Orihime finally voiced her concerns.

'What…?' Uryū uttered in his head, flabbergasted by what she just said. Ichigo notices his reaction and goes to whisper in his ear.

"Orihime is not the kind of girl to hold grudges over any harm directed at her. It's the indirect ones that earn whatever ire she has bottled up inside," He explained as he too has a dislike of Nemu after learning that she attacked Orihime but chose to let it slide because for one, he's not some lowlife that would harm a defeated enemy, let alone one who is unable to fight back, and Orihime wouldn't want to take drastic measures when she is fine.

'In truth, I serve a purpose yet, though I am a prisoner, I will be their downfall,' Nemu thought. 'Within my body is a special bacteria that allows Master Mayuri to use my eyes and ears as surveillance. He should be back in the S.R.D.I. and accessing my memories on where I am and how to get here.'

"We'll figure something out among us girls, don't worry about it," Yoruichi shrugged.

"I guess. Still though…" Orihime began as she stares at Yoruichi. "Who are you exactly?" She and Chad have yet to know of the black cat's true nature.

Yoruichi just smirks at her.

"Okay! Enough bullshit of our brand-new inner circle for now! How about we get down to business on what the fuck do we do next now that our grand prize is right here with us," Ichigo insisted as the group lies down to discuss their next step.

Orihime had squealed with delight over the fact that Yoruichi is actually a woman, which she finds exciting, and truthfully so does Ichigo but he is more of a dog person. Chad took it pretty well when compared to everything else he has experienced so enough about that.

"What about Ganju? I haven't seen him since we got here," Orihime asked, standing beside Ichigo.

"He's closed by but doesn't want to see us right now," Ichigo shrugged.

"For starters, escaping Soul Society isn't really an option. The true Senkaimon is beyond our reach, so to speak with the Kidō Corps in control of it, and facing them is not worth the effort," Yoruichi said. "The Shiba Clan do have their own Senkaimon that's independent of the Seireitei's control but leaving will only bring the danger we're in back home. Therefore we have to keep the fight in the Seireitei and end it here."

"The Gotei 13 surely realized that it was Kūkaku that helped us by now. Won't they come after her?" Uryū questioned.

"That's right. The Captain Ganju and I fought recognized him by name, his sister might be in danger," Chad added.

"Believe me, worrying about my niece is the last thing we should be focusing on. Kūkaku is strong in her own right so the Shinigami must think more than twice before approaching her offensively but even then, she should know that avoiding direct fights is in her best interest so she'll take steps to avoid them until the time is right," Isshin explained.

"That's right, as such in order to win this war we started we have to go straight to the heart of this corruption," Yoruichi said. "Which is right within the Central 46 Compound."

"Central 46? What is that?" Ichigo asked. Rukia was the one to respond.

"The Central 46 is an organization that serves as the judiciary authority of the Soul Society and also those of legislative and operative authorities. Comprised of forty wise men and women, gathered from all over the Soul Society, and six judges. They are in charge of trying all spiritual-related crimes, whether they were committed in Soul Society or the Human World. It is also within their jurisdiction to order the use of deadly force by the Gotei 13, the Onmitsukidō or the Kidō Corps. Once a decision has been made, it is rarely overturned," She explained.

"While Soul Society has its own King, he resides within a distinct dimension outside of Soul Society and his rule is not felt by the residents. They receive a mandate from Reiō to act in his place."

"That sounds sketchier than literally any other crap I've heard you tell me about this place," Ichigo hissed.

"You wouldn't be the first to think that," Isshin sighed.

"I don't understand. How is waltzing into Central 46 going to help any of us survive? We can't just attack the ruling power of Soul Society, it'll only make your fates worse than mine," Rukia argued.

"That's the thing that will help us. Central 46 is dead," Yoruichi explained more seriously and somberly, earning gasps from everyone except Isshin who already knows this.

Even Nemu who was allowed to overhear despite the risk of her possibly escaping and ratting them out is also shocked to hear this and is the most skeptical. Then again, why would they bother lying to each other when discussing plans to escape the wrath of the Soul Society?

"Dead? What?!" Rukia cried.

"What do you mean, Lady Yoruichi?" Hanatarō questioned.

"As soon as we crashed landed, Isshin and I decided to take a detour before finding you all and headed for the compound where the Central 46 reside in. Kisuke had far too many misgivings about Rukia's sentencing. As you already know, the existence of a Shinigami Agent is tabooed in Soul Society because the one that came before Ichigo, while initially a devoted ally to the Gotei 13, went mad and committed a great crime that made the Soul Society paranoid of their being another one that could potentially betray them as well, and Ichigo's predecessor was also as strong as a Captain with five years of experience to boot before his defection, therefore it's understandable why Ichigo would be treated so harshly, especially Rukia who gave him her powers. But because this man was so selfless and his descent brought more confusion than outrage, it was agreed upon by the Central 46 and Head Captain Yamamoto that the punishment for making an Agent wouldn't be execution, instead, Rukia was supposed to be permanently stripped of her powers and sentenced to prison for twenty years and later vanished into Rukongai upon release and said Agent would be spared and also stripped of his power and all memory of the spiritual would be erased."

"Almost nothing of what you just said happened," Ichigo pointed out irritably at the explanation that while enlightening since more light has been shed about his occupation, still aggravates him.

"Right, which is why we snuck into the Central 46 Compound to see if there were any sort of crap going on that would make them so bold and stupid as to defy a law they made. Even though the Captains are also subjected to their will, it is within their rights to defy the council if they are guilty of bending the rules but the Head Captain is doing nothing, and what we found was disturbing, to say the least," Yoruichi muttered.

"Dead bodies everywhere. All 46 of them butchered in their own seats in the Central Underground Assembly Hall and left there to rot. Their blood had already dried up," Isshin said somberly.

The description made Orihime and Hanatarō gulp. Ichigo and Uryū narrowed their eyes with suspicion.

"By our estimate, we determined that their time of death happened roughly the same time that Byakuya and Renji arrested Rukia,"

"And the Gotei 13 don't normally approach their ruling council directly when receiving orders?" Uryū asked.

"Under normal circumstances, they request for the Head Captain to enter the Assembly Hall to give him the orders they wish the Gotei to undertake but right before Rukia even returned, the Compound went into a lockdown. Central 46 claimed that they had other potential crises to discuss and settle besides Rukia's sentence and until further notice all were forbidden to enter the Compound," Hanatarō explained. "It isn't the first time that's occurred so nobody raised a fuss about it and the Compound also serves as the councilmen's home. That place is humongous as it is unsettling, the kind of place you make to hide out during Doomsday, not for performing council duties."

"So what you're saying is that someone else is giving the orders while safely hiding in this Compound and the Shinigami are none the wiser that they're being played like puppets even though the signs are right at their faces?" Ichigo doesn't know if he wants to yell or laugh at this point.

"Afraid so," Yoruichi sighed.

"Great, so it's official. Soul Society truly is a different Hell. Angels are a myth. God is dead as far as I'm concerned, and all I want to do right now is burn the world until not even ashes remain,"

"Well, at least you have that side of your maternal heritage checked out," Uryū bemused.

"I don't understand…" Rukia uttered, all shreds of strength she had left completely washed away while covering her face with her hands.

The blood of more friends on her hands, the disownment of her brother, the isolation of that cold and callous tower, all this destruction. It's all too much.

"None of this makes any sense… why is this happening to me…? Why…"

Her despair practically echoes through the study chamber, everything going on is beyond madness and she's right at the center of all this injustice.

Unable to bear it anymore, Orihime goes to Rukia and wraps her in a deep hug as a way to comfort her as the usually strong young woman has been reduced to a shadow of her former self, and everyone else remains left momentarily silent while mixed with both sadness and anger, the latter is more apparent with the young Kurosaki, his hold on his Zanpakutō who's been silent this whole time reaching its peak.

"And who is this piece of shit who I'm gonna have to thrust Getsuhime into his or her throat exactly?" Ichigo asked as gently as he possibly can.

He already feels enough animosity for Byakuya, who is still Rukia's brother, and would rather keep himself restrain when near her to avoid further discomfort but it's getting difficult to do so.

"More on that later, right now you all need to relax while we're in this safe zone," Yoruichi insisted.

No one but Ichigo wants to reject that idea but it doesn't take him long to decide to relent. Using the rest of the day to relax is for the best. But tomorrow he will definitely throw a fit or two.

---

The Shinigami Research and Development Institute is an organization within Soul Society with two very important functions, one is to research and develop new technology and spiritual tools and have invented countless items. The department brings together the Soul Society's top technicians, who were recruited by Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the President of the Organization, as such it is tied together with the 12th Division.

The second function is to measure spiritual waves and oversee communications and oversee transmissions between the Human World and Soul Society, carrying out the other important function of the institute. If an incident occurs, things become pretty hectic, but otherwise, it is usually slow.

It is a place that only accepts the most brilliant minds and no short of competence is accepted here and though the Gotei 13 has done more than enough to defend and provide the World long before this Institute's inception and is willing to do so without it, there can be no denying the benefits and even good that came from its existence, despite being controlled by such an apathetic man.

Therefore it should come as a surprise to all when the shocked screams of the President are heard all over the facility as Mayuri returns to the S.R.D.I. to begin hunting the Ryoka again, yearning for revenge and is certain that they've captured Nemu, which is a golden opportunity for him to locate their hideout.

Instead, however, what he finds within his laboratory is a virus that's infested the S.R.D.I. System that has gone haywire with so much of the data he has worked on since he became the President is being erased.

"This… This… THIS CANNOT BE?! AKON! AKOOOON!" Mayuri screamed even louder, making his way to one of his subordinates desperately trying to at least slow down the virus from further damaging the system, a tall man with short, spiky black hair and three small horns protruding from his forehead, and lack of eyebrows. He wears a laboratory coat over the standard Shinigami shihakushō.

"Captain! Your timing is impeccable!" Akon said with evident alarm and distress.

"How could this have happened?! What bumbling idiot dares to disrupt the Firewalls I've installed to protect the system from this exact kind of madness!" Mayuri demanded, seething with immeasurable rage.

"We don't know, as far as we can tell the Firewalls were doing alright as usual up until four hours, thirty-seven minutes, and fifty-eight seconds ago, and then they were discreetly deactivated one after the other before anyone had the chance to intercept them and for some reason, the Antivirus you created to prevent this sort of crisis never responded to the danger even though it's still installed," Akon explained.

"Why was I not informed of this sooner?!" Mayuri yelled. "And don't you dare say it's because I went hunting those filthy Ryoka! As far as I'm concerned preventing the downfall of this department is more important than the security of the entire Seireitei!"

"No one could've noticed the danger on time, it was only recently that we were able to detect it spread too-" Akon was caught off when he was bumped in the back by another scientist running frantically to do his part to stop the unknown virus and barely spared a glance at who he hit.

"USELESS! ALL OF YOU! USELESS!" Mayuri howled as he rushes to his Supercomputer in an attempt to stop this menace before the whole Department falls apart. "Whoever is responsible for this, wherever you are. I will find you and I will tear you apart to your last atom! DO YOU HEAR ME, YOU ATROCIOUS BASTARD!"

---

"The S.R.D.I. has been hacked?" Izuru asked in shock as he in the other Lieutenants in their own assembly hall had just been informed of what Mayuri and fellow scientists are going through.

"Yes. Approximately four hours, forty-one minutes, and twenty-nine seconds ago an unknown virus breached their system and has taken over, wiping out all known data, classified or otherwise, and as of this moment we're unable to use most of our technology that's also been hacked," Nanao informed as the one to give the dire news as she takes a seat at the rectangular table.

Of the 13 Divisions, only seven of the Lieutenants are currently present.

"I hate to admit it but at this rate, we're at more of a disadvantage than I ever thought possible,"

"Those damn Ryoka!" Shūhei cursed while hitting the table with his fist. "This can't go on."

"We all know that already but finding them is as hard as fighting against them," Fujimaru muttered.

"What will become of us if even the Head Captain is unable to stop them?" Isane asked nervously to even think of such a possibility.

"If that were to occur then I'm afraid all our hope lies with the Royal Guard to restore order to the Seireitei," Nanao said grimly.

"Royal what now?" Yachiru asked who was eating some candy since the meeting started.

"You never heard of them? THE Royal Guard, A.K.A. the Zero Division. The Divine Generals who are charged with protecting Reiō himself?" Fujimaru questioned the little girl.

"I don't pay attention to politics. Super boring," Yachiru shrugged.

"They're like the strongest warriors in Soul Society,"

"Who are never around if I've never heard of them so Kenny wouldn't be interested enough to learn about them either,"

"Forget which Division you're the Lieutenant of sometimes," Fujimaru sighed.

"And all this time I thought you were the smart twin," The little girl teased.

"Speaking of twins, how are things on your end, Matsuri?" Nanao asked the twin sister.

"How do you think? Mayuri won't relent with his accusations about me," She groaned, having a headache. "I'm actually grateful to know what's become of the S.R.D.I. just to have a moment's rest."

"Even still, though you're in the clear about his defeat, the loss of Captain Aizen's murder will be tougher to evade. Everyone is guilty until proven innocent, as they say," Izuru said.

"It's supposed to be the other way around. Innocent until proven guilty but I can only blame myself for underestimating everyone's desperation to make sense of all this commotion," Matsuri groaned.

"Don't lose heart, Matsuri. You've never been one to walk astray, something as simple as poor timing to contact a relative won't pair you up with the Ryoka," Shūhei assured her.

"Why bother with the accusations? How exactly could Matsy beat Glasses when he was strong enough to force Kenny to take off his eye patch?" Yachiru asked. "If she really was involved, I mean."

"Difficult to answer. Our twins here are one of the top-tier Lieutenants alongside Chōjirō and Renji but unlike our de facto leader, I don't see us really holding a candle to the Captains," Izuru said. "Captain Unohana is almost certain that the murder weapon had to at least been a Zanpakutō, and Matsuri's Kotōmaru is a jack of all trades, which regrettably makes a somewhat fair case against her."

"By that simple logic, Momo could've done it, dismissing her mental breakdown that any fool who can never think straight could shrug it off as guilt after the deed was done," Fujimaru pointed out.

"Any fire-based Kidō can be compared to the flames of a Zanpakutō with the right amount of Reiryoku poured into it. All of us Lieutenants once mimicked the intense heat of Ryūjin Jakka to a lesser degree by combining our powers to exterminate that army of Gillians after that rookie scientist from the S.R.D.I. summoned them here by mistake last year," Nanao reminded.

"My Captain's making a more thorough examination into the body as we speak so for all we know she'll find new answers that can make sense of this murder at least," Isane explained.

"Okay, then what should we do then? Waiting for new orders is no fun at all and just because Gramps is taking the front line doesn't mean we should do nothing," Yachiru whined, wishing to be a part of the action for a change instead of letting Kenpachi take all the fun again now that he's been hospitalized.

His injuries were far more serious than everyone else so he should be in bed a lot longer, but she knows better. His defeat still made it clear how much of a threat the Ryoka actually represent.

"One way or another, we will take to the battlefield regardless if the Head Captain fights. There's more than one elusive enemy so therefore we must all do our part. My only hope is that by then we'll be able to live through this," Fujimaru said with so much worry in him.

---

Momo finds herself running around with supplies of medical equipment to the various rooms that need them.

Ever since Aizen's death, her life became absolutely chaotic.

Tōshirō and the other Captains are still hunting for the Ryoka while she along with the rest of the 5th Division had been assigned to help the 4th Division with the massive amount of defeated Shinigami that still flood the barracks even though all the fights have been halted ever since the Ryoka vanished.

"Thank you, Lieutenant Hinamori," A Nurse said as Momo hands her some gauze for a patient, before growing concerned about her. "Are you alright?"

"Yes," She said simply, although her appearance said otherwise. Her hair was disheveled, her eyes were still swollen from crying, and she merely looked miserable and beat down.

She didn't seem to notice how horrible she looked considering her hard work, but the nurse felt she needed to do something.

"I think you could use a rest," The Nurse pressed. "You look terrible."

"Th-Thank you, but I'm fine," Momo objected and before the nurse could say anything else, she walks out.

It wasn't very long before tears came streaming back down Hinamori's eyes as she slumped against the wall of one of the few empty hallways.

The visage of her Captain's incinerated body danced across her vision even now as she sobs in her arms.

"Hinamori?" The Lieutenant stilled as a voice called out to her. Rubbing her eyes she saw Gin looking at her with an uncharacteristically grim look.

"Captain Ichimaru?" Hinamori asked, before trying to apologize. "I'm sorry for looking like this, Captain. I just-"

"It's about Aizen, isn't it?" Gin stated. A choked sob came out of Momo as she nodded.

"It's okay," Gin said solemnly. "I was his Lieutenant before you, so I know what the Soul Society lost when the man died just as much as you do."

Touched by the usually unsettling Captain's attempt to give her comfort, Momo gives him a smile that is genuine and delicate despite her tragic state.

"Thank you… I know I'm a mess right now. Everyone in my Division is in mourning and instead of being their Lieutenant and staying strong for them, all I'm accomplishing is feeling sorry for myself and trying to escape from reality. It's pathetic,"

"It's understandable is what it is. And quite frankly it's unfair to you and anyone in this position to carry this kind of weight," Gin argued and this again makes Momo smile. "You know, Little Shiro was not happy to find you here working when you should be resting."

"And how is Little Shiro? I can't imagine this being easy on him with…" She hesitates to continue and Gin already has her figured out.

Instead of crying in anguish, she wants to scream with fury, fitting since she wields a blade of fire but having a short time to mourn and reconsider her options, she has chosen to stay true to her subordinates and focus on her duty and possibly avoid any notion of vengeance that she would easily become tempted by.

'What a strong girl. I can see why Izuru thinks about her when he's not working or hanging out with his buddies,' He thought. 'I actually don't want to do this, at least for his sake but honestly, I think she'll come out of this stronger in the long run if I let this play out. And frankly, someone should punish that white midget and this is too good to pass out.'

"Very stubborn about everything and trying to keep a cool head and staying shill after the embarrassment that was the recent Captain's Meeting, that we should really stop inviting you Lieutenants if things are going to continue to be so hectic," Gin whined, still sore about the attacks he went through, while Momo fails to notice the ice puns.

"Did you and Shiro get into a scuffle?" She asked concerned.

"The usual, everyone yelling and criticizing each other for whatever shortcoming and so on," Gin shrugged, sparing her the discomfort of knowing of her childhood friend's brashness in attacking a fellow captain in the 1st Division Barracks and in front of the rest of the Captains.

"Things are still pretty bad but you and everyone else should know that the Head Captain has taken it upon himself to hunt the Ryoka down, therefore all this grief and heartache will finally end and you and the 5th Division will be able to mourn in peace soon enough,"

That puts a real smile on her face. Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto is legendary across Soul Society as not only the most powerful Shinigami to ever live but also the founder and only supreme commander of the Gotei 13. No one can beat him. The only reason he rarely takes to the stance is that he has a lot of faith in the other Captains to do their part as he has for a thousand years.

They are called the Gotei 13 after all. Wouldn't be good for a general if he didn't have lesser officers to share the burden of leading such an army as one made of Shinigami. Though in hindsight, it really says a lot about how low the Shinigami have fallen to be forced to use their trump card to snuff out a handful of intruders that originated from the Human World.

This generation is such a mess, Momo doesn't even want her Division to be in the Seireitei when the Head Captain starts his manhunt.

Seeing that his news has made her enthusiastic to continue working, Gin proceeds.

"By the way, I feel it's only fair to say that it's okay to direct your anger at me. After all, I'm the one who didn't go after the Ryoka when they first showed up," Gin shrugged while rubbing the back of his head and looking nervous about the outburst he was expecting.

"N… no. It wouldn't be right of me, Captain," Momo said dismissively. "Regardless of your irresponsibility on that event, the fact remains that no one did anything to go after them during the whole time they've been here, so in truth, we're all to blame for Captain Aizen's loss."

That gave Gin pause who frowns at her.

"Besides, with how strong they are, it might've been you we'd be mourning for instead if you had gone after them alone, and I would never want Izuru to feel what I am right now," She smiled innocently, really glad to have this talk.

'You're not making this easy, kid,' Gin thought while putting a wrapped letter that he pulled from his right sleeve back inside. 'You owe me for this, Izuru. And you just lucked out, Tōshirō.'

---

Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya returns to his barracks with the hopes of having a moment of rest. The night is pretty quiet and he is sure that the Ryoka won't do something as foolish as escape Soul Society and bring the fight to the Human World.

Whatever their end goal truly is, the Captains all agree that it'll be settled in the Seireitei.

Tōshirō reaches for his office but hesitates to open the door the moment he's at arm's reach, instantly thinking back to his former Captain. Trying to brush it off, he opens the door and instead of the empty room, he receives a flash from the past.

(Flashback)

"This can't go on, Captain!" Rangiku cried out while slamming her fists on the table.

Her appearance is different and far better as some would point out to her years later, her hair was shoulder length, and she wore a scarf tied into a knot around her neck.

"You keep disappearing and making me do all the work. Making a woman do all the heavy lifting is unforgivable!"

"So you keep telling me but last time I checked, you're the Division's drunk so as you're Captain, I take pride in making you drink less and have more paperwork," Mocked her Captain, reading a magazine he acquired from the Human World while having a finger on his nose.

Said man is Isshin Shiba, back when he went by that surname, looking much younger and wearing the typical Shinigami uniform, with a sleeveless captain's haori. He has noticeable sideburns, no facial hair, and slightly shorter hair.

"What kind of excuse is that!" Rangiku screamed louder.

She quickly regains her composure, begins to breathe in and breathe out a few times, and looks away from him.

"You know what? I'm better than this. I'm better than you. I got nothing holding me back, unlike you. Despite being from a branch, for a Head of the Shiba Clan to behave like a spoiled child will affect the honor of the main household, you know. All of you falling on hard times only adds salt to the wound,"

"Here we go again," Isshin sighed before getting off his chair and gaining a teasing grin. "You always use my paternal family as an excuse to make me go to work to decrease your workload so that you can be the sloth instead. Thinking you of all people could ever fool me."

His words of accusation make Rangiku drop a few sweats since he's not lying, not that she would give him the satisfaction but before she can retort, Isshin gets closer and barely whispers behind her back.

"I'm well awaaare that you've been increasing my workload day by day. You were so discreet at first that I thought it might've possibly been Soifon or Byakuya who were doing this as a way to get back at me for their recent misfortunes that I allegedly caused but it was you all along," He stated, now bearing a creepy-as-hell face at her. "So scary! Devil! Evil Tactician! Witch!"

"Shut up, you degenerate!" Rangiku had enough and tried to punch him with her left hand but Isshin easily caught it with his right hand.

"Rangiku!" Isshin raised his voice.

"Y-Yes!" She uttered, now a little flustered. Whenever her captain raises his tone, he really catches the attention of everyone, and all thoughts of his goofy side are immediately forgotten.

"Today, because you spent so much of the day chasing me around… your boobs are all shiny. Nice!" He said, and he was not wrong, she is looking sparkly today.

Not that she appreciates being told that. All the veins in her forehead pop up with rage and she sucker punches her Captain to the ground.

"Worth it," He muttered without remorse.

"If you two are finished with your will you, won't you for the day, perhaps you can act like adults for at least half an hour," Tōshirō sighed, getting between the usual banter with his superior officers.

He is a bit shorter, and his hair is not as spiky, with only a few spikes here and there. His standard Shinigami outfit comes with the addition of the 10th Division's insignia on the left breast of his outfit.

"Little Shiro, my boy! Always arriving to brighten the mood when this killjoy comes to bring me woe," Isshin cheered with excitement to see his 3rd Seat, back on his feet as if he was never knocked down at all.

"Whatever. I've finished the report," Tōshirō said, showing the two loads of paper in his hands.

"WOOOAAAHH!" Isshin suddenly cried, rushing to the little man and raising him up with both hands. "You're amazing little Shiro! Worthy of being my successor! I can see it now, Captain Shiro! Soon to be the next Head Captain as well. The girls are never going to leave you alone. I'm so proud!"

"WAIT!" Rangiku cried in shock. "Why does he get to be captain before me? I'm the Lieutenant!"

"Yeah, because I wanted a beautiful woman as my Lieutenant, so you outrank him by a really thin landslide. Toshi can kick half our Division by himself whiles you'd surrender fighting ten of them," Isshin mocked while looking at her with a frown. "If you become Captain, the 10th Division will become the laughingstock of the Gotei."

"So not true! Give me just a minute and a half and I can kick ten different kinds of assets," Rangiku challenged.

"Only ten?" Isshin questioned.

"Why stop at nine?" Rangiku smirked with a victorious grin.

"OH! That's a good one! I am so writing it down!" Isshin said amazed whiles dropping Tōshirō who couldn't care less, landing safely.

"If we can get down to business for the day, I have something you'd want to see," Tōshirō said as he places the papers on Isshin's desk. "I bring reports of bizarre activities occurring in Rukongai."

"I'm sure that's all fascinating, Toshi. Tell me more as I have some Manju," Isshin shrugged as he goes for one of his hidden snacks.

"An unusual Hollow has appeared in South Rukongai and causing all sorts of commotions. First appearing in District #82. Fugai (Outside the Earthwork), then District #78. Inuzuri (Hanging Dog) and seems to be heading East and it is estimated that it'll head for District #76. Sakahone (Reverse Bone)," Tōshirō reported.

"Fugai? Isn't that the district where the alleged Hollowfication Experiments happened?" Rangiku asked.

"Coincidence until proven otherwise," Tōshirō replied.

"Those districts are pretty far away from each other. This Hollow must be pretty fast," Isshin said with disinterest while enjoying his Manju.

"Yeah, what makes this more concerning is the fact that every Shinigami sent to stop it has all failed. More than 45% of the 11th Division has been dispatched already but thus far there seem to be no results," The young boy said now more grimly that the ''adults'' become more invested.

"Okay… do we at least know what this Hollow looks like?" Isshin asked.

"The majority who fought against it have all been knocked down and those that are still conscious barely caught a glimpse and as far as they could tell it looks humanoid in both shape and size," Tōshirō said curiously, having never heard of a human-shaped Hollow.

Isshin and Rangiku certainly have as they give each other grim expressions.

"You don't think…" She began nervously.

"No way, nothing but a lousy fairytale," Isshin shrugged in denial.

"What? Know something I don't for a change," Tōshirō asked.

"Don't get smart with us, you little brat," Rangiku warned.

"I'm surprised you never heard about it. Did they stop telling scary stories in the academy?" Isshin asked.

"I've only been in the Shinōreijutsuin (Spiritual Arts Academy) for a year and a half and never bothered to socialize so I kept rumors at arm's length," Tōshirō said.

"So you don't know about a Vasto Lorde?" Isshin asked, and his 3rd Seat shook his head in confirmation but his expression shows that he is intrigued by the name alone. "Think of them as Demigods among Hollows, the final evolution of their race said to be the most powerful among Hueco Mundo's residents who should be stronger than even the Gotei Captains. But they and the second class, the Adjuchas are so rare that the Gillians are the only Menos to be considered the peak of Hollow Evolution."

"But wasn't it said that the 7th Captain of the 11th Division, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki defeated a humanoid Hollow that invaded the Soul Society almost three centuries back?" Rangiku wondered.

"Well, considering how Kuruyashiki was killed off a year later after said triumph by his successor like a pincushion, many are convinced it was not a Vasto Lorde. Not that I will ever dispute it in front of Kyōraku," Isshin said while wincing a little at the mention of Shunsui.

"Whatever the case, there should be a Captain's meeting about this soon enough if the Hollow is still at large," Tōshirō said. "And considering how lazy and unreliable Kenpachi Kiganjō can be, I doubt the Head Captain would want him to handle the Hollow."

"That figures," Isshin sighed before getting a light smirk. "Hope I'm chosen. Could use a good workout."

Just then, a Jigokuchō comes in through the window and towards Isshin.

"Speak of the devil. I have a call from the Head Captain about the recent Hollow," Isshin smirked at the good fortune.

"So this thing has caught the attention of all the Captains?" Rangiku asked.

"No, it's just me the old man is calling and straight to his office," Isshin said curiously. "Did any of the other Divisions receive this same report as you, Tōshirō?"

"Not as far as I know, though I did have a brief chat with Lieutenant Ise and she seemed curious about the recent Hollow attack and it is unusual for me or anyone to know about any big events happening before her," Tōshirō replied, caught almost off guard when his Captain called him by his first name.

Him never addressing him with his rank and last name properly is insulting enough as is but for Isshin to never call him by Momo's nickname is unheard of. The only time he recalls him calling him by his name is when they first met.

"Huh. I guess I've already been chosen. Kick ass!" Isshin smirked again. "Wish me luck!" He said before vanishing from the sight of his subordinates.

"Hey, wait a minute! At least give us the proper instructions to mobilize the troops!" Rangiku whined but Isshin was already long gone. "For Reiō's sake, who does Captain Shiba think he is? He's not as wise, inventive, flamboyant, vigor, or experienced as the other Captains. Hell, his status is less than Kuchiki."

"But for all his flaws he is more fearless and stronger than the lot of them," Tōshirō said dismissively, his gaze glued to the paper he brought without really looking at them. "He acted like he didn't care but he took the report seriously from the start and knew right ahead that those below a Captain can't handle this Hollow."

"So what, he intends to go at it alone?" Rangiku questioned almost in disbelief. "But if this is really a Vasto Lorde-"

"All the more reason why he wouldn't want anyone from his Division to fight," Tōshirō said somberly. "Whenever he takes to the battlefield, the only thing the rest of us will accomplish is getting in his way. He only ever fights comfortably when he's alone."

To that Rangiku stays quiet as he knows he's telling the truth. Isshin Shiba is a complicated man to stomach but when it comes down to it and things get real, the best outcome is usually his way so all they can do is wait and have faith.

"Captain…"

(End of Flashback)

Too caught up in his thoughts that Tōshirō never realized that his Lieutenant was behind him.

"I said, are you alright, Captain?" She asked him while placing her hands on his shoulders.

"Not really something anyone can answer with a yes, is it?" He asked rhetorically as he walks forward and sits on his chair.

"Well… I'm sure you heard that the 3rd and 5th Divisions have been stationed to remain with the 4th and Captain Ichimaru will likely command the 5th until a successor for Sōsuke Aizen can be found," Rangiku said, trying to have a conversation with Hitsugaya.

"I've heard. Considering the tragedy, I'm not surprised that the 7th and 9th Divisions have been deemed unsuitable for guard duty," Tōshirō said coldly.

"Yeah… and, about Lieutenant Hinamori. Do you know how she's doing?" She asked.

"I haven't had the chance to see her and certainly won't until tomorrow. Right now we have to give the official orders to our Divisions to remain on standby and avoid the Ryoka at all costs now that we know just how powerful they truly are," He said dismissively.

"That's probably for the best," Rangiku said softly. An awkward silence filled the room with the two reluctant to say anything else but neither of them ever liked to leave the elephant in the room ignored, so mustering up whatever courage that isn't suppressed, Rangiku tries to speak again. "Captain-"

"Matsumoto!" Tōshirō raised his voice. "I know what you want to say, and no. I don't want to deal with this right now."

"This isn't something we can ignore. Surely the other veteran members of our Division have also felt his presence even if they couldn't be precise about it," Rangiku insisted.

"This is the Head Captain's problem now. If the situation calls for it, I'll take to the battlefield again," Tōshirō said dismissively.

"But-"

"Lieutenant!" He raised his voice again. "Drop the subject."

"Y… yes sir…"

---

"Good morning, my fellow renegades," Ichigo sighed heavily, having just woken up from his sleep and meets up with almost everyone having breakfast though Uryū and Ganju are absent.

"Morning Ichigo," Orihime greeted brightly while sitting beside Rukia.

"You'd wanna get ready fast if you're insistent on doing anything today," Isshin suggested.

"Yeah, yeah. Nobody talk to me until I feel like talking," Ichigo groaned.

"Wow, he is the grumpy sort when he wakes up peacefully," Yoruichi mused. "I like him better when he's screaming and punching."

"Yeah, that's why I take it upon myself to wake him up as loudly and violently as possible," Isshin smirked.

"I thought you did that to make sure he's always in good shape," Rukia questioned.

"That's just a bonus. It really is just for fun," His smirk grew even wider, making everyone drop a sweat.

"It's like how you were with me and Seinosuke," Hanatarō sighed in anguish.

'So it's some sort of sick family tradition?' Rukia, Orihime, and Chad thought at once.

"At least some things that never change are the good ones," Yoruichi chuckled.

After breakfast, the group returns to the study chamber and the first thing they see is Uryū training by firing more arrows than they've ever seen him fire at once, demolishing seven large boulders into pieces. The Quincy sighs after this, obtaining a full confirmation of something that still has him baffled.

'I can't deny it anymore. My powers haven't left me at all. Somehow I was able to avoid the side effect of the Letzt Stil. Furthermore, although the glove is gone and Kojaku has lost its solid form, the power boost it granted me also remains with me,' He thought with suppressed joy. 'I can't let this get to me. This could be a temporary miracle, though I hope I'm wrong. I must investigate this phenomenon properly when I return.'

"You're oddly enthusiastic for a change," Ichigo said, walking to his cousin.

"Not that it's any of your concern but I am merely readjusting myself to using my bow without my glove. That was a special Quincy tool that amplified my abilities and its destruction made me reevaluate my current capacity," Uryū bemused.

"It looked to me that you are as tough as when we battled Jidanbō's brother," Orihime noted.

"Seems that way to me as well," Uryū shrugged.

"So then, none of us are suffering any strain from our many fights?" Chad asked.

"Looks that way, yeah. Speaking of power, what about you Rukia, now that you're miles away from the Sekkiseki crap, how are your powers?" Ichigo asked.

"Not good. I still can't feel Sode no Shirayuki's presence within me," Rukia shook her head but she expected this.

"It shouldn't be too bad, now that you're free, you need only time, the limitless Reishi of Soul Society will restore your powers eventually," Hanatarō assured her. "It's a slow process but it's better than nothing."

"I know but that doesn't make it any less frustrating," She gave him a confident smile that hides the stress of yesterday's revelations.

"No point in whining about it. The question is what to do while we're waiting for this ''golden'' opportunity," Ichigo sighed. "I got to hit something hard to quell all my remaining pent-up aggression otherwise I will go ballistic."

"Then would hitting your own sword satisfy you?" Yoruichi asked.

"Excuse me?" Ichigo muttered in confusion.

"Yoruichi, I said no!" Isshin protested.

"It should be his choice," She defended.

"He just acquired Shikai, I don't want him getting more full of himself than he already is," Isshin continued to argue.

"We're already in over our heads more than even Kisuke is willing to admit and to survive we need more power, especially since Yamamoto is no doubt livid about Rukia escaping and finding that you're with us. We're just lucky that they still don't know about me, otherwise, Soifon would become more unhinged than she normally is," Yoruichi kept insisting.

"Hey! A little context would be appreciated when anyone here begins a debate of any kind," Ichigo gets in on the argument. Isshin and Yoruichi give each other one last quick glance with the latter outwardly winning with Isshin sighing in defeat.

"Fine! Not like he'll pull it off in just three days," He relented.

"Good. And again, it's just optional, if he doesn't want to then that's fine with me," Yoruichi smirked before turning to Ichigo. "Tell me, Ichigo. Did Kisuke or your dad ever tell you about Bankai?"

"WHAT?!" Rukia and Hanatarō cried at once over the mere implication of what she is implying, all the while Ichigo looks at her dumbfounded.

"Ban-Kai?"

'Great, like I needed Kurosaki to walk around with a monstrosity of his own,' Uryū thought, less than fondly recalling the horrid thing Mayuri's Zanpakutō turned into while Orihime and Chad are left riddled.

"You cannot be serious! He hasn't even been a Shinigami long enough to have a Shikai. Bankai is just too much!" Rukia argued, sharing Isshin's objection. "He's more likely to be killed by his own power."

"I'm aware but until the chance arrives where we can lure the Captains to head to the Compound, we best take the chance to be ready for anything, and I mean ANYTHING!" Yoruichi said. "And besides, Ichigo's already able to commune with his Zanpakutō frequently, evidenced by how he can talk with even the Zanpakutō of other Shinigami."

"He can?" Rukia said incredulously.

"Yeah, I've been meaning to ask about that, is it really a big deal?" Ichigo asked. "Because I've been hearing the voices of a lot of the swords ever since coming here and it feels like second nature to me."

"It's a really big deal. Shinigami can only commune with their own respective Zanpakutō, unlike the swords themselves who can talk to each other when in close proximity and even visit the Inner World of others," Rukia explained. "Someone possessing a heart that's ''open'' to the hearts and thoughts of others should just be a fairytale."

"No, it's not, his heart is completely exposed!" Hisagomaru argued.

"Really? You can hear my Zanpakutō's voice, Ichigo?" Hanatarō asked.

"Yeah, and he is very loud," Ichigo said while rubbing his finger on his right ear.

"Getsuhime sure is pretty," Hisagomaru complimented with a blush only Hanatarō can see.

"You don't have to tell me," Ichigo smiled while he looks at his sword. "This is the part where you say thank you."

"Yeah… thanks," Getsuhime replied weakly.

"Jeez, a little more heartfelt next time," Ichigo lectured.

"Aww, you're so sweet," Hisagomaru cheered.

"Your sword is more oblivious than you are," Ichigo deadpanned.

"It's okay, even if she isn't being nice it's enough that she responded to him," Hanatarō smiled.

"You do realize that to us it's still weird that you're actually talking to your swords, right?" Uryū said.

"It just takes some getting used to, don't worry about it," Rukia shrugged.

"Right, so about this Bankai thing," Ichigo brought up.

"No Bankai!" Rukia argued against it.

"I would at least like to know what that is," Ichigo pressed.

"Sure. All Zanpakutō are capable of two transformations, well, not all of them really transform but rather they have two stages that release their powers. The first is called Shikai (Initial Release) that you can already use every time you shout the release command that turns your sword silver. Then there's the second form called Bankai (Final Release)," Yoruichi explained.

"I feel like we're going to be hearing Ichigo say that a lot," Uryū noted.

"Why are you guys always expecting me of downplaying every cool thing I get my hands on?" Ichigo whined close to screaming.

"It's you," Everyone, even Orihime and Chad pointed out, putting Ichigo into a huge depression by falling on his knees, his head facing the ground with shadows covering his body.

"As I was saying, Bankai is the ultimate trump card for any Shinigami, so powerful and so rare it is for anyone in the Gotei 13 to be capable of achieving it that it is one of the criteria one must have before they are accepted into becoming a Captain," Yoruichi continued.

"That is until they made an exception with Kenpachi Zaraki. So strong with immense raw power that in the long history of Soul Society is the only one to ever become a Gotei Captain without even knowing the name of his Zanpakutō, let alone hearing its voice, as you should know, having fought and defeated that brute before taking on Byakuya Kuchiki and Tōshirō Hitsugaya."

That fact is still hard for most of them to process, especially Rukia and Hanatarō who still view the Gotei Captains as powerful in ways that defy description. Chad and Uryū's run-in with just one each still has them shaken by how dangerous they are and yet Ichigo did so much better than any of them.

"Well, I heard her voice. Kenpachi's Zanpakutō, I mean," Ichigo hissed, still infuriated by the anguish cries of the 11th Captain's sword.

The memory forced him back on his feet and out of his depression.

"The power and appearance of both Shikai and Bankai are dependent on the Zanpakutō who are a reflection of their wielder. Your Getsuhime enables you the ability to command the Power of Light that is rarely seen in Soul Society, so it was obvious that your strength as a Shinigami was going to be superb when next to your friends but you have yet to reach your full potential," Yoruichi said.

"So great and dangerous is the Bankai that it naturally takes one 10 years to properly harness the true power of their Zanpakutō,"

"Wait, does a Shinigami have to train for 10 years to achieve Bankai or 10 years to master it? Because if it's the former then shouldn't there be more people who can learn Bankai to the point that it is no longer accepted as a Captain criteria?" Ichigo asked.

"The latter, even though they are prep for battle from the beginning, a Bankai is practically a newborn at first and it takes a full decade to reach maturity," Isshin explained.

"Kickass, so how can I use it in the short time we have?" Ichigo said.

"Do you… have a Hyperbolic Time Chamber!" Orihime gasped with sparks in her eyes.

"Hime, we're not in Dragon Ball Z," Ichigo whined.

"You wish we were," Uryū replied.

"No, but the Dangai has an even bigger time distortion that if we're ever lucky we can use for our own needs," Isshin remarked.

"That is one pet project of Kisuke we're never going to attempt," Yoruichi rolled her eyes. "Anyway, we won't have to wait that long because Kisuke has a method that will make it possible to achieve Bankai in just three days."

"Three days! C'mon, I know that Urahara is a mad genius, he is the founder of the S.R.D.I. but to make something that can pull off the ultimate power in just three days?" Rukia questioned.

"It's true, heck Isshin here gained his Bankai using this method," Yoruichi said.

"And I've regretted using that doll ever since," Isshin whined. "I never even wanted to become a Captain, I just went along with being Kisuke's test dummy because I was bored."

"Being a Captain was great and you know it, especially after Kisuke embarrassed the both of you in the ceremony," Yoruichi laughed, reminiscing on better times.

"I hate the both of you sometimes," Isshin hissed.

"Well, if it worked for dad, then I can certainly do it," Ichigo smirked, eager to try out this Bankai.

"You are not using anything made by that Wretch on me," At that moment, Getsuhime appears right behind Ichigo, barely whispering in his ear with intense malice in her voice that's also visible in her eyes, startling him who is caught off for the first time by her spontaneous arrival.

"Getsuhime! What's with the sudden killing intent? I know you're a sword and all but damn! Warn a guy next… time…" Ichigo protested but his tone died down once he realized that those beside him are staring in the same direction Getsuhime is standing.

"That's what Getsuhime really looks like?!" Orihime uttered in shock to see the true visage of one of these Zanpakutō.

"Wow, never mind the Tenshintai (Change God Body), Ichigo is already on the brink of achieving Bankai alone," Yoruichi said surprised but more shocked than she lets on.

"It's so much more than that. She manifested herself without Ichigo doing anything," Isshin said in disbelief.

From the moment he laid eyes on his son's Zanpakutō, he and Kisuke knew there was something off about her but he shrugged it off to the fact that Ichigo's entire existence contradicts everything about Shinigami, especially if he manages to unlock his dormant Quincy powers but now that he sees Getsuhime again, he knows that there is more to it than just his nature as a hybrid.

"You can all see her?" Ichigo asked confused.

"I have reached my limit with you tearing apart everything I've come to know," Rukia muttered.

"Join the club, I've already planned the design for t-shirts," Uryū said while unable to look away from Getsuhime. He really can't deny the beauty of this woman who looks like a princess of western culture, and her albino skin, matching silver hair, and eyes go well with the theme of her name.

At the same time, however, there is something about her he considers familiar. Not her appearance because this is the first time he's seen her but rather her voice rings a bell.

"What's going on, Getsuhime? I thought Materialization was a one-time thing. Other than that, what happened to you, you've been unresponsive since yesterday?" Ichigo asked as she has been very silent after everyone reunited, he hasn't been able to enter his Inner World either.

"You're not learning Bankai," Getsuhime went straight to the point of her sudden introduction.

"Straight forward as usual," Ichigo sighed. "Why though?"

"We've already amassed more power than your body should reasonably be able to handle at your current state. Your Growth Rate may be our greatest advantage but your impatience will be our downfall," Getsuhime scolded him. "Besides, you have yet to master the Shikai state, that you know is enough to overpower the Captains with barely half the strength you can use."

'Barely half their strength?' The rest of them thought in further disbelief.

The power of Ichigo's Shikai is still incomplete despite all he's accomplished thus far. Just how strong will he be if he does acquire Bankai?

"Ever heard the phrase better safe than sorry?" Ichigo argued, not wanting to give up on Yoruichi's offer.

"The last thing on my mind is to watch you commit suicide, Ichigo, and that's exactly what that form will do to you if you fully release me as you are now. Still more human than Shinigami," Getsuhime would not relent.

"Oh? So we're talking about a Compression-Type Bankai, which focuses all its power into the sword form rather than an expansion like the majority of Zanpakutō?" Isshin asked. "Yeah, Ichigo definitely can't learn Bankai now. Take it from someone who has a similar Bankai, that shit is painful and practically suicidal. Last resort only."

"How do you even know how your Bankai form works already? If you haven't unlocked it yet, then you should be as oblivious of it as he is, with the exception of your true name," Yoruichi said.

"If Ichigo isn't a normal Shinigami, why should I be a normal Zanpakutō?" Getsuhime replied.

"Point taken, but that doesn't answer my question,"

"I don't have to explain anything to anyone," The Silver Maiden replied coldly, never removing her gaze from her master and the cold glare speaks volumes of her ire.

'Someone's salty. Kisuke must've left a bad impression on her, given what she said when she manifested,' Yoruichi noted concern.

"I'm not jumpy about dying again either but what if we run into this Head Captain of theirs, he has to be the strongest if he can command the likes of Kenpachi and Byakuya, and anyone that can keep those degenerates in line must be the real deal," Ichigo insisted.

"Let your father and the cat deal with the true threats. No one ever said you have to do everything alone," Getsuhime said.

"I don't want to fight all those assholes alone, I just want to be ready for anything," Ichigo is now whining at this point.

"If I were a pathetic Melee Zanpakutō, I wouldn't have a problem with this asinine plan. But I'm not. I'm the real deal so you can't go pushing us like this," Getsuhime continued.

"I'm sorry but where did that come from?" Ichigo questioned.

"Don't change the subject!" She warned. "Final warning, no Bankai until you actually learn how to subjugate me."

"C'mon, Hime-" Ichigo is silenced when Getsuhime harshly grabs him by the face, her right hand squishing his cheeks, not too tightly to hurt him but they can all tell at a mere glance that if provoked further, she'd squish him so hard that Ichigo's lower jaw will be savagely ripped from his face.

She even lifts him off his feet to further emphasize her grip on him. This is not up for discussion.

'Well… if these Zanpakutō are really a part of their Shinigami master then it makes sense that she's just as aggressive as Ichigo,' Uryū thought surprised.

"Right, right. Zanpakutō don't like to be given nicknames," He managed to say straight despite his predicament.

"No, they don't," Rukia and Hanatarō said at once.

"No, we don't," Hisagomaru said next.

"Ichigo, think of your mother when you find yourself in an argument with a woman. Don't even try unless you have a damn good reason to, and right now you're just being a whiny baby," Isshin advised his son.

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry," Ichigo gives up, and Getsuhime frees him from her grip.

"If you want more of my power then harness what's already accessible to you," She continued to scold.

"Fine… no need to be a bitch," Ichigo groaned while rubbing his cheeks that are in pain.

"Was it necessary to be so harsh?" Orihime whispered.

"She's just concerned for him, and you know that with Ichigo it has to be the hard way," Chad stated.

"Truer words," Rukia said.

"Well, we had to at least mention it," Yoruichi sighed disappointed but truthfully she has her own misgivings about teaching Ichigo Bankai, not because she believed he couldn't handle it, but rather because his Zanpakutō is concerning and Getsuhime just exposed herself as a bigger anomaly.

"By the way, we have a friendly hostile incoming," Getsuhime warned them.

"Friendly hostile? What the heck does that mean?" Ichigo questioned.

"Someone who won't be hostile to us. The name is self-explanatory," Uryū explained condescendingly.

"I wasn't talking to you, four-eyes!" Ichigo hissed.

"You're all a lively bunch," Matsuri said appearing next to them, catching them off guard except for Getsuhime, Isshin, and Yoruichi.

"Matsuri, you came back here quick," Hanatarō uttered.

"And you are?" Ichigo asked.

"7th Division Lieutenant, Matsuri Kudō," She introduced herself. "And like you lots, I know of Central 46's fate and I'm sure you all know that the best way for all of you to make it out of this alive is to expose the true perpetrator of this chaos."

"Is that right?" Yoruichi smiled while lacking her usual bluntness and tease.

"Yes but there's no way we can convince all of the Captains to investigate the Compound as things stand so I have no choice but to go rogue on this," Matsuri added.

"And how exactly do we go through with seeking out our true enemy when he least expects it," Uryū spoke up next.

"It's not that simple, our true enemy is cunning in ways that defy description. Everything he's done, from killing the council to impersonate them without even the Head Captain doing anything to restore true order for Soul Society, and now the death of one of the Captains that is pinned on you lots. You have to play it safe and sneaking isn't the problem, but catching that man is," Matsuri explained.

"And what do you suggest we do?" Ichigo questioned.

"Find the Captains most reluctant to fight us and lure them to the Compound to see for themselves what's happened," Matsuri suggested.

"Captain Ukitake," Rukia surmised.

"And Captain Kyōraku. Not that either will be easy," Matsuri added before walking to Rukia. "How are you doing, Rukia?"

"Honestly, better than I have since coming back here. I never thought I'd ever feel relief about anything again," Rukia smiled, happy to see one of her old friends again as the two girls embrace in a warm hug. "I'd never dared hope to see or embrace you again, Matsuri."

"You and me both," She smiled back. She then turns to see Isshin smiling back at her. "Hello, uncle."

"Good to see you again, Matsuri. You've grown into a finer young lady, I see," Isshin smirked.

"Uncle…?" Ichigo repeated irritably.

"It's not what you think, Ichigo. Matsuri and her twin brother Fujimaru are just two lovely kids whom Isshin looked after in the place of their parents when they couldn't be there for them," Hanatarō quickly explained before his nephew got mad at his father again.

"Foster siblings then?" Ichigo surmised with a low growl, which quickly settled down once he noticed a subtle glint in Yoruichi's eyes as she stares intently at Matsuri when she was not looking at her.

Giving Matsuri another look, there is a familiarity with her that he can't help but feel he's seen before but can't solve the puzzle just yet.

Getsuhime on the other hand already has, catching on to the same thing as him.

"Well, what do you know," She whispered whiles her eyes show the same malice as before.

"So… how do we go about doing this?" Orihime asked.

"What's more, what if our numbers aren't quite enough? I'm not doubting our combined efforts, we've proven quite formidable thus far separately but we can't deny that we all have our own uncertainties about winning," Uryū pointed out.

"True, we are one rebel short but don't worry, he'll be here," Matsuri smirked.

A large explosion rang out from the entrance of the grounds of the Study Chamber, causing them to whip around to see it.

"KNOCK-KNOCK, KNUCKLEHEADS!" Shouted a familiar voice that only five of them really know.

"Renji!" Rukia uttered.

"Great! Looks like you missed one," Ichigo said to Getsuhime.

"I said ''we have a friendly hostile incoming'', meaning one, I never said it was her," She replied, sparing a quick glance at Matsuri. "Besides, she clearly knew he was coming."

Smoke from the fallen debris starts to clear, revealing the redhead Lieutenant with his Shikai active and placed on his right shoulder.

"Hiding right below the hill where criminals of your caliber are sent to be executed? The irony is so ludicrous, I love it," Renji smirked.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Uryū demanded, bow already in hand to fire.

"More importantly, how did you of all people find us?" Ichigo added.

"I may not look like it but I've been on plenty of black ops missions with the Onmitsukidō, picked up a few tricks along the way that's allowed me to track people down myself, not that my Captain or the other Lieutenants ever noticed," Renji explained with barely noticeable bitterness when mentioning his Captain.

"And because of your chaos and infighting amongst the other Captains, no one but me thought to check the ruins of the Senzaikyū for any remains of Reiatsu from the fight, and who in the Gotei 13 knows your smelly spirit energy than yours truly,"

"Bite me, Abarai," Ichigo hissed.

"You're still not as subtle as a ninja if you risk coming here by yourself," Isshin noted, his left hand on Engetsu but giving no sign that he will unsheathe it.

"Would you prefer it if I had come with my Captain, or anyone else? Consider yourselves lucky that it's just me," Renji said smugly before he gets a good look at Isshin. "Wait, don't I know you from somewhere?"

His thoughts on Isshin are caught off when he finally takes notice of Matsuri and Hanatarō.

"You two! What are you doing here?" He asked bewildered.

"Same reason as you. I just wish it didn't take you getting beaten down by Ichigo like that to come to your senses," Matsuri replied gently, just then, Renji and Rukia lay eyes on each other again, locked in a very brief but overwhelming silence.

"Rukia…" He said weakly.

"Renji…" She said next with a bit more energy but there is no hostility like some of them were expecting, only sadness.

"Are we seriously indulging the mere idea of this?" Uryū questioned, reluctant to let Renji stay with them.

"Matsuri wouldn't have let him tag along if she thought him a threat and she's in no position to take any more risks after saving you from Mayuri," Yoruichi pointed out.

"True but last time I checked he and Byakuya Kuchiki are the ones who actually started this crusade of ours in the first place, not to mention he left Ichigo and me to bleed out in the street," Uryū reminded.

"I'm not his biggest fan either but as far as I'm concerned, my conflict with him is over. I humiliated him in combat twice and almost killed two of his friends, not intentionally mind you, for being in the way and trying to help his sorry ass. I can't think of a more fitting vengeance than that. Can you?" Ichigo questioned seriously, and to this, his cousin stays silent.

He has a few ideas to better punish Renji without killing him but he'll settle for what Ichigo has done, and frankly, there is only one Shinigami he is interested in fighting from here on out and Renji is not worth it.

"You do whatever you decide on kiddo. And in the worst-case scenario, he might make for a good meat shield," Isshin said casually, making Renji chuckle a little.

"Fair enough," He replied, accepting that he is on thin ice with these people, not that it matters to him so long as Rukia is safe at last, and it was enough that he and Ichigo understand each other now.

"Earlier, you said that there was infighting among the Captains. What's been going on since Rukia was rescued?" Isshin asked.

"Despite the Ōin War still fresh in our minds enough to remain on high alert, none of us were really prepared for you Ryoka, our hubris became your trump card, as you've seen for yourselves, even the higher-ups are in disarray and Central 46 not giving us so much as a scolding for failures hasn't made the situation any better. Captain Aizen has been murdered, right now I don't care who did it because that's one opponent besides the Head Captain you wouldn't want to mess with, and apparently, Captain Ichimaru is being accused of withholding information that could've been crucial to fight you lots," Renji explained.

"That closed eyes freak?" Ichigo said, remembering Gin. "Like what?"

"Don't know, I never asked anyone since I was in a rush to get here," Renji shrugged as he walks away from everyone and to a wider area in the chamber.

"Rukia is safe now but you know that there's no guarantee that her life is spared until this damn battle to decide her fate has been truly settled and rather we win or not won't matter if I can't hold my own against the Captain, which is the other reason why I'm here,"

As he said so, his whip blade starts glowing red with power and the true form of Zabimaru manifests beside his master.

"A huge baboon!" Orihime gasped in both shock and amazement.

"What's it to ya, bitch!" The snake head of Zabimaru replied sharply, making her gulp with fright.

"A snake for a tail that can talk," Chad muttered.

"These Zanpakutō are as bizarre as they are accurate," Uryū mumbled.

"Manifestation. Does that mean you're about to achieve Bankai?" Rukia asked.

"That's right. In a few moments, I'll be the second among the current Lieutenants to achieve it. If that's not a huge boost to our chances of winning I don't know what is," He smirked.

"Don't get in our way, else you'll find yourselves swallowed up by my wrath," Zabimaru's main body warned.

"At least someone will achieve it today," Ichigo whined and even almost pouted.

"Whiners aren't winners, Master," Getsuhime retorted far too casually but clearly insulting him, enough that most of them, even Chad chuckle, to her master's irritation.

"Master?" Renji said, getting a better look at Getsuhime. "Wait, is that…"

"HEY! You albino bitch!" The Snake part of Zabimaru snapped at the sight of Getsuhime. "I'm talking to you, bitch! Look at me when I howl or else I'll spew venom into your pretty little eyes!"

"If you could generate venom, you would've done so on our first fight but all you can do is extend like a whip. Which isn't in any way intimidating," Getsuhime responded without even looking at Zabimaru, preferring to instead stare at a small rock between her feet.

"OH! You think I'm not worth even your gaze, eh! We'll see how long you can talk big when you gaze upon my true power, then I will crush you, you freak!" Zabimaru challenged.

"Perhaps if your Bankai packs a real power and it isn't an overgrown size version of your already petty Shikai, I might consider sparing a glance," She continues to taunt.

"I worry for you," Ichigo muttered, noticing for a while that she has a hostile reaction to certain Zanpakutō.

"OH, NOW SHE'S DONE IT!" The Snake howled (pun intended), wanting to rush over to attack her but the main body restrains him.

"Knock it off, you idiot, and let's go," He lectured. "The chance to kill her will come another time."

"Good luck with that," Getsuhime mused. "I suggest we move out, Ichigo."

"Excuse me?" Yoruichi questioned by the out-of-the-blue response.

"If that thing's master can find us, anyone can," She reasoned.

"She's got a point," Uryū agreed.

"Screw you, woman!" Renji cried indignantly as he and Zabimaru take their leave.

"This is going to be a long day and a half," Matsuri muttered.

"For all of you, perhaps," Getsuhime said before vanishing back into Ichigo's Inner World.

"I feel depressed," Ichigo sighed, taking off in a different direction. "I'm going to go blow some steam by making a few light shows far enough from all of you. Get too close and you'll go blind."

"Cheer up, son, if you feel down every time you lose an argument, you'll never go far in life. Disappointment is one of our greatest teachers," Isshin advised his son.

"That's deep," Orihime praised.

"Thank you," He smiled.

"Hey, Matsuri, do you have any idea what is it that has the Captains all worked up besides recent failures?" Rukia asked.

"Ichimaru neglected to tell anyone that Uncle was among your friends when they tried to enter the Seireitei through Hakutōmon," Matsuri explained.

"He did?" Yoruichi asked suspiciously. "It did bother me how undisturbed we were while preparing our invasion with Kūkaku's aid that I felt that something was off about everything but this is not what I was expecting."

With the younger ones left confused by the implications, the two veteran Shinigami are the only ones to realize the real issue.

'If Gin said nothing then that can only mean…' Isshin began.

'We've really walked right into Aizen's clutches,' Yoruichi hissed. 'Not that it matters anyway. We've come too far to fail.'

"You kids feel free to train or relax some more, the two of us will discuss our next proper course," Isshin suggested. "Matsuri, you're insight has been invaluable before, and we'll need you more than ever."

"Of course," She nodded in agreement, leaving the three humans with the other rogue Shinigami and depowered one.

"I'm going to go and train with Ichigo," Chad said next.

"Didn't he warn us ahead of time that he may end up blinding us with his light shows?" Uryū warned.

"I'll take my chances. When I fought against a Captain I stood no chance, I was no more than an ant in comparison while Ichigo is already at their level. I have to get stronger if I'm to be any real help for him in the battles to come," Chad said crestfallen.

While happy that Ichigo can take care of himself against such powerful foes, the fact is he can't keep up and will only get in his way. Orihime and Uryū feel the same way, the former for being completely unhelpful since this invasion began and the Quincy for recklessly using a technique that would've cost him his powers only for it to amount to nothing before said Captain's insanity.

"Don't beat yourselves over this. The difference in power is quite obvious," Rukia said, giving her human friends her sympathy.

"Try to remember that the Shinigami have been tasked with preserving the Balance of the World since practically the dawn of time, we hold so much power and dominance that it's only natural that no human could ever stand against us. You should feel proud of yourselves instead for making it this far and achieving more than what I'd ever dared believe was possible. And Ichigo? He's human in flesh and blood only. I hate to admit it but being born a Shinigami gives him a universal advantage, and that says nothing about the fact that he is also of Soul Society noble blood. Those born into Nobility naturally have the potential to wield incredible Reiryoku so his already massive strength was inevitable."

'Which makes me wonder how strong he will really become if he embraces his Quincy heritage,' Uryū bemused.

"Whatever the case we can't let this be our limit, we have to go deeper, even if it means becoming beyond human," The Quincy said while resummoning his spirit bow to train some more, with Chad nodding and heading out.

"Wow, those two sure are determined. I'm really jealous," Hanatarō smiled, more glad to see them so high-spirited.

"Chad's always wanted to have Ichigo's back when in a really big fight he can't handle alone as he did for him once before," Orihime said sadly. "Uryū, I'm not so sure but I know he cares for his cousin in his own way. I never realized it before but Ichigo has a really big family."

"Yeah, I can still remember Isshin's reaction when he learned about his biological father, the mixed emotions of excitement and dread over our mother keeping such a big secret from him, me, and Seinosuke all our lives. It's a lot to take in," Hanatarō said getting a clear picture of what his nephew must be feeling.

Nephew? That's a word he never thought he'd used for himself. So exciting.

"That just means that he has more people to stand beside him," Orihime smiled.

"Right, and it's nice to see him use his powers more productively. Wish I could say the same for myself," Rukia said returning to a somber state due to her lack of powers.

"Rukia…" Orihime whispered sadly.

She intended to try and say something that would cheer her up but did not know how to say the right words. They're both feeling the frustration of not being strong enough to help their friends so it should be simple to confide in one another and yet she feels hesitant for some reason.

"You truly are hopeless," Just then, she heard Getsuhime's voice despite her vanishing earlier and Ichigo no longer beside her. And she also started feeling his or rather her Reiatsu surge through her and for a brief moment her eyes became silver, a sign that something has happened but this goes unnoticed by Rukia and Hanatarō

"Cheer up, Rukia! Maybe I can help you out of this funk," She said with her typical enthusiasm.

"Help how?" Rukia asked confused. "I don't have any injuries."

"Your Reishi body is all good but your soul most certainly isn't. Ms. Shihōin told me before how Sekkiseki is pretty harmful and normally, a Shinigami's Kaidō can't do anything but luckily I don't have this limitation," Orihime said.

"You don't?" Rukia asked in disbelief.

"Yeah, so let's do it!" Orihime beamed. "What'd say Rukia! You'd want your powers back, right?"

"Yeah but… I don't really believe this'll work. Sekkiseki is pretty toxic," Rukia said doubtfully.

"What'd you got left to lose?" Hanatarō pointed out.

"Fair point," Rukia quickly relented, deciding to at least humor Orihime.

"Alright. Sōten Kisshun, I Reject!" Orihime chanted, forming the bright orange barrier around Rukia to begin healing her soul.

For three minutes nothing happens but before long, a sudden rise in Reiatsu comes out from Rukia for them to feel.

"It's working," Hanatarō said, watching as traces of a Shihakushō begin forming from Rukia's legs, reverting her back to the appearance before she gave Ichigo her powers.

Her Zanpakutō also returns to her waist.

"Is this real?" Rukia mumbled, almost not believing what she is seeing, just as Orihime finished and takes the barrier down.

"There, you're all better now," Orihime declared in triumph and absorbs her barrier into her hairpins.

Hesitantly, Rukia unsheathes her Zanpakutō and stares intently at it. "Sode no Shirayuki?" She was met with silence at first before a faint whisper came from her sword with a voice she is so deeply familiar with.

"Mistress Rukia…"

"Sode no Shirayuki!" Rukia cried with the first ounce of joy she has felt in probably so long.

"Wow, that was amazing. You're really awesome, Orihime" Hanatarō praised the healer whose smile only grows wider to see Rukia smile.

The restored Shinigami turns back to her.

"Orihime… and everyone else working hard, I don't know what to say. Deep down, I still don't think we can pull this off but… if there really is a chance, even if it's only a little, I won't ever be able to thank you enough for everything you've done."

"Don't mention it. That's what friends are for at the end of the day," Orihime cheered.

---

"No sign of him, then?" Byakuya asked one of his subordinates as he is walking in a hall in the Kuchiki Manor, having returned home after the disastrous previous meeting.

"No sir, I looked all over, the places where he usually hangs out, even the areas that he doesn't want to be around, and asked anyone he generally dislikes but I can't seem to find any trace of Lieutenant Abarai," Explained the 20th Seat of the 6th Division, Rikichi Yuki, a young male of average height with black hair and grey eyes.

"I see," The Captain replied nonchalantly, pretty much unconcern for Renji and merely wanting to know why his Lieutenant isn't back to fulfill his duties.

He knows his wounds have been patched up enough to get back on his feet but wasn't even present for the meeting with the other Lieutenants.

"Is Lieutenant Abarai all right? I and the rest of the Division didn't know if he's even recovered enough to leave the 4th Division like Lieutenants Kira and Hinamori," Rikichi asked.

"That does not concern you. Return to your post and await further orders. It won't be long before the Ryoka makes their next move and we have to be ready to capture them this time and ensure the prisoner meets her fate," Byakuya said coldly.

It took all of Rikichi's willpower to restrain himself from saying any more, having been a part of the 6th Division long enough to know that he shouldn't raise his tone, let alone have an opinion plural when his Noble Captain gives an order.

While he is worried for Renji he knows that he has to try and find the answers himself and just bows to him before taking his leave.

"Yes, Captain. As you wish,"

Byakuya returns to his room after giving instructions to his subordinates to not disturb him unless they have any big news about the Ryoka or new orders from the Head Captain.

He makes his way to a small shrine he keeps there and as he opens it, he looks at several pictures placed there in memorial of everyone precious in his life he's lost, his parents being the main example but the one that holds the most significance is the one at the center.

A woman who bears a very strong resemblance to Rukia but one could tell by this picture that she not only looks more mature but taller, sure she's petite but not a hobbit as Ichigo would frequently call her, with similar pale skin and short black hair, though hers has a strand of hair across her face that's slightly longer and more frayed at the end. Her eyes are colored purple with a hint of blue within them. Her smile is very gentle and fitting to her delicate appearance.

"Rukia is free for the moment, Hisana," Byakuya said softly but also quietly, though not so much as a whisper. "But it is futile. It is only a matter of time before she is captured again and taken to the Sōkyoku for execution. It is inevitable."

As he said so, his body began to tense a bit, though even now when he knows he's alone, he does not show any ounce of weakness or frustration over his failure to prevent Rukia's escape.

"I am sorry. I cannot keep my vow to you, after all, I should have never made it to begin with. If necessary, I will have to punish her myself with my own blade," He said next with his voice having more strength but it does not reflect on his eyes.

'The Head Captain has ordered to fortify the defenses on all four Seireimon. I doubt they would bother with escaping through the Hakutōmon since they have tried that already and using the others will be just as risky. The Sekkiseki is worthless now so they can escape from the sky just like they came in but more subtly and unnoticeable. It is also possible that they at least know one of the 22 secret passageways that link the Seireitei to Rukongai without the Seireiheki being a hindrance. We've only ever relied on the Onmitsukidō's 4th Unit to guard them but there's no way they'd be of any use now, that's why extra measures were placed there as well.'

So far, everything has been covered but the fact that no more word has been heard about the Ryoka yet must mean that they surely know how to tighten the Seireitei now more than ever, yet with someone as brash as Ichigo Kurosaki in their midst, Byakuya doubts that they'll stay subtle for long, even with Rukia in their hands.

Do they perhaps think that the only way to escape is to eliminate all the Captains? Plausible. They seem to have the manpower to at least pull off a few kills, yet it seems the most unlikely outcome.

'Isshin Shiba. Whatever the reason for his survival and defection, having him as an enemy is most unfortunate, though it doesn't seem like he's as powerful as before, all the same, it be safer to use that barbarian Zaraki as a meat shield against his flames. His niece and nephew are also a part of this skirmish so we have the entire disowned noble clan to fight against. Ichigo Kurosaki. I thought Rukia's attachment to him was solely because of his image that is striking to the late Lieutenant Shiba but it seems that the identical faces are not a coincidence if his power is anything to go by. What else have you desecrated and made a mockery of, Isshin? There's also the not-so-extinct Quincy who managed to injure Kurotsuchi and the other human with a strange transforming arm that crushed many members of the 8th and 9th Divisions before being nearly subdued by Captain Kyōraku. Mighty foes indeed, the talking cat that humiliated the Executive Militia notwithstanding.'

Byakuya pondered the situation more thoroughly.

'If anyone knows where Shiba might be hiding in the Seireitei are the Kudō Twins but they seem genuine about not knowing anything. Mayuri's accusation about one of them being his assailant shouldn't be ignored either. I pity Matsuri for being in this predicament, especially since the Head Captain is moments away from going mad unless something is done.'

A talking cat?

It suddenly hit him, a blast from the past came back to Byakuya. He cannot explain why the thought didn't come to him sooner but it all becomes clear as the image of a dark-skinned woman with purple hair and golden eyes flashes before his eyes and his anger became more visible.

"Yoruichi Shihōin," He muttered. "So that's where they are."

He proceeded to leave and inform the others of his revelation but just as quickly halted, sparing another glance at Hisana. What comes next may decide his ultimate fate.

---

"Still no word from Ichigo?" Ikkaku asked as he and Yumichika are still in the 4th Division despite being completely healed though it is because they are going to visit someone.

"Seems that way, after Kurotsuchi and Ōmaeda's embarrassing defeats, Ichigo's group went under our radar but as far as we can tell, they haven't even fled to the Rukongai yet," Yumichika explained what he learned.

"Nice, you think this means they plan to give one final showdown before bailing this dump of an afterlife," Ikkaku wondered.

"We can only hope, and we both know who would be the most hopeful," Yumichika smirked as the two enter one of the occupied rooms and gaze upon Kenpachi Zaraki.

All patched up and very much all right and sitting on his bed, his Zanpakutō beside him that is also fixed and a grin on his face, more tamed than the one they're used to seeing but they can tell that their Captain is still popped with adrenaline after Ichigo defeated him.

"How are you doing, Captain?" Ikkaku asked smugly but it is easy to tell that his words lack disrespect.

"How do you think? I'm all fired up and ready for another round," Kenpachi smirked.

"Really? Cause the way we heard it, there are still at least twenty bones in your body that remain shattered by that insufferable orange boy, among them are all but four of your ribs," Yumichika said.

"And does it look like it bothers me in the slightest?!" Kenpachi said, raising his head for them to see his grin that has become more intense.

"What ridiculous questions you two have just spewed. Why would something as petty as a few broken bones hinder me from having a good fight. All we need is a fighting spirit that can go far beyond our previous limits and never stop seeking to go higher and higher, and after all these years I have found someone who can keep up with my fury and never stay down,"

"Damn right!" Ikkaku laughed, thrilled by his Captain's way of thinking. "Still, fighting Ichigo again will be tough with the Head Captain taking to the battlefield when next they show."

"I've heard, but I might be lucky since Ichigo came with others and it's likely that he'll go for them, and if not then surely his friends are just as strong to also make it this far," Kenpachi reasoned.

"No doubt, we hear that one of the Ryoka is the former 10th Division Captain, Isshin Shiba, the same man who slew Arturo Plateado," Yumichika informed, making Kenpachi lick his lip in excitement.

"No time to lose then!" He declared, getting back on his feet, his body looking ready for more combat. "Where is Yachiru, though?"

"With the other Lieutenants, those that are available at the moment, and now Renji has also been missing. Strange times indeed," Yumichika mused.

"No need to worry about that asshole. He is still 11th Division at heart, so whatever he's doing it has to do with one hell of a battle," Ikkaku smirked.

---

Ichigo makes a weak groan, waking up from the slumber he had when the sun descended, making way for the moon, though he is quick to realize that the sun has not risen yet.

"Had enough sleep?" Getsuhime asked.

"Guess so, what time is it?" Ichigo asked lowly so as to not wake up Chad and Uryū who are beside him, even now these two looked as worn out as when they collapsed from overexerting themselves and he had to carry them both to their beds.

"There's still five hours left before dawn. Absorbing the UV that gives light to the Study Chamber is slowly lessoning the need for sleep," Getsuhime explained.

"And the need for breakfast. Who would've thought sunlight would be so tasty," Ichigo said still feeling a soothing taste in his mouth. "Wish this worked with actual sunlight, then I'd truly feel like Superman."

"We can only absorb nearby sources of light and the sun is approximately 148.07 million km away from the Earth," Getsuhime calculated.

"But we're in Soul Society right now,"

"Which exists very close to the human realm but can only be accessed through spiritual means like the Senkaimon, and the Dangai keeps the two apart but close enough to never lose Balance. Humans can't see this dimension in its outer entirety but it's right beside Earth, therefore the sun and moon we've been seeing since coming here are the same ones back home, the main difference being that you won't reach outer space by going higher and higher up, but an entirely separate plain of existence that is beyond even the Universe,"

"Great, I feel enlightened," Ichigo shrugged, getting back up.

"I fail to see how this knowledge wouldn't be worth your time," She said, noticing the sarcasm.

"It certainly caught my attention but if I learned anything about too much knowledge is that it's likely to be nothing but a pain in the ass more than anything else, and I'd rather remain on my island of ignorance," He said while heading for the bathroom. "Ignorance is bliss, after all,"

"Is that a reference to that creepy octopus monster you're so taken with?" Getsuhime wondered.

"Don't mock Cthulhu, you got to respect the classics. Besides, just because I look damn good in black doesn't mean I'm eager to jump into the Black Sea of Infinity that is Soul Society than I already have. I'm just glad I can sleep at all as things stand," Ichigo sighed while now heading for the chamber again.

"Yeah… about that. I was actually about to wake you up because there is another hostile incoming and it isn't friendly," Getsuhime informed.

'What?!' Ichigo did his best to avoid screaming and keep his panic in his mind. 'Who else found us?'

"Feel him for yourself," Getsuhime said as she lends him her power to amplify his senses.

"It's him," He growled with anticipation.

"How do you want to proceed?" Getsuhime asked.

"I thought you said we were one and the same," He snorted sarcastically. "You know damn well how I want this to go down."