SailorStar9: This is Chapter 13 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.

Ichigo: (Adjusting re-taped signboard)

Uryū: Sorry, we're on break today!

Ichigo: (Signboard slants) What?

Chapter 13: Zaraki Kenpachi Approaches!


Ichigo, Ganju, and Hanatarō headed down the courtyard, but were stopped by Captain Zaraki's Spirit Pressure.


In the 5th Squad cell...

"You look awful." Matsumoto remarked, visiting Hinamori in her cell. "Have you calmed down a bit?"

"I'm sorry." Hinamori apologized. "I've caused you trouble as well."

"Never mind me." Matsumoto assured. "I wasn't able to do anything."

"How are things outside?" Hinamori asked.

"It's chaotic." Matsumoto sighed. "Something such as this occurring within the station... it's unheard of. There's still the situation with the Ryoka. Everyone's doing their own thing, completely losing focus."

"Then, what about arresting the perpetrator?" Hinamori pressed.

"They still haven't finished investigating the crime scene." Matsumoto replied. "We have no choice but to await the Captain-Commander's decision."

"But the one who killed the Captain..." Hinamori protested.

"Stop it!" Matsumoto snapped. "Don't say such a reckless thing! I know I just said that everything was chaotic. But Squad 5 is the one suffering the most right now. They've lost both their Captain and Lieutenant at the same time. You know what that means. It's not that I don't understand how you feel. However... at the time you found Captain Aizen, the actions you took... was there no other option was that truly what had to be done? Couldn't you at lease consider that? The title of Lieutenant shouldn't be taken so lightly. Here." she handed a folded parchment to Hinamori. "This was in Captain Aizen's room. It's addressed to you. You're lucky it was our Captain who found it. If it were anyone else, it probably would have been submitted as evidence. It may never have reached you. I don't know what's written inside, but... having your Captain leave his final words to you, that ought to be a happy thing for a Lieutenant. Appreciate it as you read it."


Meanwhile...

Ichigo's group was still stayed by the Spirit Pressure.

Ichigo announced that they had to escape, but Zaraki was already onto them and listening very carefully to their movements. Ichigo noticed that they did not seem to be getting away.

Hanatarō finally collapsed, so Ganju carried him off.

Zaraki evaluated all three before deciding that Ichigo was worth the fight.

Finally, Ichigo figured out where his foe was hiding; on a nearby roof.

Instantly, Kenpachi was behind him, and Ichigo was impaled, only to find that it was some kind of hallucination.

Ichigo realized it must be an 'air of bloodlust'.

Zaraki knew who Ichigo was, but Ichigo must reminisce back to fighting Ikkaku to remember Zaraki's name.

Ichigo turning to face his foe, remembering Yoruichi;s warning to 'run if you meet a captain'. His teammates have been floored from Zaraki's Spirit Pressure, and suddenly, Yachiru jumped from behind Zaraki to note Hanatarō's poor condition. Ichigo was amazed at her and asked who she was. She introduced herself as the Lieutenant of the 11th Squad, and Ichigo urged Ganju to take Hanatarō and run.

Ganju reluctantly complied, while Ichigo stood to face the Captain.

"You just don't get it, do you?" Zaraki sighed. "Don't make me repeat myself. I went out of my way to wait here just to fight you. I couldn't give a shit about whether your friends are if this Kuchiki-whoever dies."

"Is that so?" Ichigo revealed Zangetsu.

"Not bad." Zaraki remarked, seeing Ichigo flare up his Spirit Power. "Just as expected from someone protecting the Lady, but your stance is rigid and you're full of openings, however, your Spirit Power, at least, is damn good. Any ordinary Lieutenant probably wouldn't even be a distraction. It's no wonder Ikkaku lost. But still not quite enough to fight me. How about I give you an advantage? I'll let you cut me first. Cut me wherever you want."

"Wow," Yachiru beamed. "Ken, you're so giving."

"Ain't I?" Zaraki joked. "I'm literally hemorrhaging generosity."

"Don't screw with me!" Ichigo snapped. "What the hell're you saying? You think I could cut someone who hasn't even drawn? You making fun of me?"

"I ain't making fun of anyone." Zaraki corrected. "It's just a freebie. Not wanting to attack a man who hasn't drawn is admirable, but keep that neat-and-tidy crap for another day. Don't be so eager. Let's have fin. Whether you kill or get killed, it's just a way to kill time. Come on. My throat, my gut, my eye. If you want, you can even kill me with this one attack. Quit shaking! Bring it!"

With a roar, Ichigo struck.

There was some blood on the floor, but oddly, it was Ichigo's! His cut had not hurt Zaraki at all, but in fact wounded his hand.

Zaraki was disappointed and pushed Ichigo back by Tsunematsu's sharp edge with his bare hands.

"It's useless, Icchy." Yachiru remarked. "You can't cut Ken. After all, to Ken, that thing doesn't even have an edge."

"Want me to tell you," Zaraki added. "Why your sword won't cut me? It's nothing, really. When two Spirit Powers butt heads, the one that pushes less gets hurt. That's all. Basically, the Spirit Power I leak unconsciously is stronger than the sword you created by honing your Spirit Power to its peak in order to kill your enemy. It's as simple as that. Geez, I can't believe I spent all those days looking for such a pansy. If it was a joke, it wouldn't be funny. Now it's my turn." he drew his Zanpakutō. "At least, let me get the rust off this baby. I'm counting on you, Ryoka."

With a roar, Ichigo charged once again, both blades clashing.


SailorStar9: In the next chapter, as Sado continues through Soul Society, his group encounters members of the 8th division. He and Hasu manage to defeat them all until the 8th division captain, Kyōraku Shunsui, confronts them. Although Sado is determined to win to uphold his promise to Ichigo, Kyōraku easily, albeit regretfully, defeats him. Now that's done, read and review.