SailorStar9: This is Chapter 9 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, is it too hard for you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?
Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot bunny. Heck, even the pairings aren't mine.
Uryū: (In 'Standing on rooftop, looking over city' pose) Looks like I've found a tough one.
Ichigo: (Pops in and sighs, completely ruining Uryū's sexy atmosphere) So, it's finally time for you to show up?
Uryū: (Twitches) What was that?
Ichigo: (Blinks) Ah, nothing! (Sighs)
Uryū: (Twitches increase) Hey!
Chapter 9: Renji's Confrontation
"This sewer system runs underground throughout Seiretei, so we can go anywhere without running into obstacles." Hanatarō stated, leading Ichigo and Ganju through the sewage tunnel. "The only ones that fully comprehend this complex system are members of Squad 4, those of us who specialize in relief and aid."
Up top...
A floor tile was suddenly lifted in a foggy place and Hanatarō popped out. He then indicated to the others that the coast was clear and to come up. He climbed out, informing the other two that this was the exit nearest to the tower.
"I feel like it's been forever since I breathed fresh air." Ganju climbed out.
"Look, that's the Shrine of Penitence." Hanatarō pointed.
"We really have come pretty close, but," Ganju noted. "Man, that's amazing. It looks like from here on is gonna be the hard part."
"The fog is clearing." Ichigo remarked as the mist lifted. "Let's hurry."
"What's wro..." Ganju blinked when Ichigo stopped.
"There's someone on the stairs." Ichigo stated.
"Long time no see." Renji greeted as the mist shifted. "You remember my face?"
"I'd forget if I could, but," Ichigo replied. "There's a mountain of stuff I gotta return to you, Abarai Renji, even if Byakuya has pledged the 6th Division's fealty to Tula."
"Didn't expect that." Renji walked down the stairs. "You even remembered my name. Pretty damn good."
"Thanks so much." Ichigo retorted.
"I'm honestly surprised." Renji approached. "I thought you died from Captain Kuchiki's attack. I don't know how you survived,but I'm impressed. You've got my compliments. But this is the end." he drew his Zanpakutō. "I told you, I'm gonna kill the bastard who took Rukia's powers. As long as you're alive, Rukia's powers won't return."
"The hell're you talking about?" Ichigo snapped, both Shinigamis meeting face-to-face in the middle of the grounds. "You brought her back to kill her, and that's even after Tula pleaded for a time extension!" drawing out Zangetsu. "You're gonna let me pass!"
"Just try it!" Renji stood his ground. "If you can beat me first!"
The fight soon heated up, with Ichigo completely overwhelming Renji, to the point where Ichigo had pinned Renji to a wall.
"Hey, Kurosaki, Ichigo," Renji voiced. "How do you think you're gonna save Rukia? Even if you beat me now, there are still eleven more Lieutenants. On top of that, there's thirteen Captains above them. Other than beating all of them, there's no way to save Rukia. You saying you can do that?"
"Yeah, I can." Ichigo assured. "How many Captains? How many Lieutenants? It don't matter. I'll beat them! If they get in my way, I'll beat every last one!"
"What the hell?" Renji snorted. "Where's the basis for that confidence? How the hell can you be so full of yourself? Your Zanpakutō's changed, are you frigging telling me you're overconfident cuz you think crap like that made you stronger?" with that, his sword started to glow and Renji was able to push Ichigo away. "Howl, Zabimaru!" he released Zabimaru, sending it extending in Ichigo's direction and, although Ichigo used Zangetsu to block it, knocked him all the way back into a wall and right through it. "Apparently, you think cuz we fought once, you know my real power." he retracted Zabimaru. "Lemme tell you something. When Shinigamis of Lieutenant rank or higher go into the Living World, we get our power extremely limited in order not to cause unnecessary influence there. My power now is five times it was then. No matter how much stronger you've gotten, you don't even have a one in a million chance of beating me."
"Huh?" Ichigo echoed. "Which means that last one is your real power?" and emerged from the hole created when he had smashed through it. "That didn't hurt at all. Thanks. Cause if it's gonna be eleven guys like you, I think I can get through them now."
"Stupid bastard..." Renji scoffed.
SailorStar9: In the next chapter, Ichigo and Renji fight viciously, with Renji initially gaining the advantage. However, Ichigo reflects on his training with Urahara, and uses his 'resolve' to fire a blast of spiritual energy at Renji, defeating him. Now that's done, read and review.
