SailorStar9: This is Chapter 17 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.
Hanatarō: (Wakes up to find everyone gone) Eh? Where's everyone? I'll sleep for a while longer. (Dozes off)
Unohana: (Appears beside him) You are really dumb.
Chapter 17: The Shinigami whom Ganju Met
As Zaraki stood over Ichigo's body, blood burst from his own shoulder. "This is your victory, stupid." he snorted, his Zanpakutō breaking in two, and Zaraki collapsed to the ground beside Ichigo.
Yachiru dropped down from the roof and stared at the bloodied bodies of her captain and his opponent. Finally, she bowed, thanking Ichigo for allowing Zaraki to have such great fun in battle and she prayed for Ichigo to stay alive so that the two can 'play with' each other again someday. With that, she picked up Zaraki's limp body and carried him away.
Underneath the White Tower...
Ganju and Hanatarō attempted to find ways to climb up it.
Ganju finally made his decision and pulled out a large metal hook attached to a rope, attempting to launch it in the direction of the Tower. However, the end of the rope snapped, the hook landing dangerously close to Hanatarō.
Later, instead of using the hook, Ganju tied Hanatarō's wrists to the end of his rope and smartly tossed a protesting Hanatarō towards the White Tower.
Back with Ichigo...
Ichigo was still unconscious in a small crater left over from his battle with Zaraki.
Yoruichi arrived, apologizing for not coming sooner to help him, but commended him on his strength against Zaraki. She then assured him that she would not let him die. In a burst of blue light, a cat-like form appeared, before fading from view.
Elsewhere...
Zaraki awoke, gaining consciousness.
Yachiru enjoyed a short celebration when Zaraki asked her what happened to Ichigo. Yachiru told him she did not know but she did not think that he would die.
Zaraki was relieved and declared he must settle the score, yet Yachiru protested, saying that Zaraki won and had no need to settle anything.
At the White Tower...
Ganju and Hanatarō managed to knock out the two guards at the bridge leading into Rukia's prison.
Once inside, Hanatarō greeted Rukia cheerfully but Ganju stood at the entrance in shock; the same memory of a Rukia covered in blood and carrying a bloody katana and body flashed before Ganju's eyes.
Rukia recognized the symbol on Ganju's clothes and asked him if he was of the Shiba clan.
A confused Hanatarō asked if they knew each other and Ganju answered that Rukia was the Shinigami who killed his brother.
Hanatarō looked in shock between Ganju and Rukia, and told Ganju it might simply be a misunderstanding.
Rukia, however, stopped him, acknowledging the fact that she herself had killed Kaien Shiba, Ganju and Kūkaku's brother.
Ganju suddenly rushed towards Rukia and grabbed her by the collar.
Rukia told him calmly that he might kill her if he wanted.
Hanatarō took hold of one of Ganju's arms and begged him to stop as they were trusted by Ichigo to rescue Rukia.
All of a sudden, their arguments stopped when they felt the presence of a person with an incredible force of Spirit Pressure.
Outside the White Tower...
Kuchiki Byakuya approached the entrance to Rukia's prison.
Ganju wondered if Byakuya would let him off if he begged hard enough, but Hanatarō argued that they had to escape with Rukia. Ganju argued back, pointing out that the only way out is the bridge on which Byakuya was standing, before pointing at Rukia and exclaiming, "I'm supposed to put my life on the line for her? She killed my brother!"
Rukia lowered her eyes to the floor in regret.
Hanatarō then spoke up in a calmer voice, yet his shaking, clenched hand betrayed his fear. He told Ganju that he really had no reason to rescue Rukia and that he would go face Byakuya himself. He also asked Ganju to at least take Rukia with him as a last favor.
As Hanatarō stepped out onto the bridge, Rukia attempted to stop him.
However, Ganju put out his hand to stop Rukia from moving any further, muttering, "Freaking idiot...What are you intending to do without a Zanpakutō? You're trembling. Don't try to act cool when you're weak. Bah...that guy!"
With a scream that shook the entire bridge, Ganju rushed forward, leaping over a stunned Hanatarō's head, and threw Hanatarō back towards Rukia's prison. He then turned to face Byakuya, preparing himself for a difficult battle.
SailorStar9: In the next chapter, as Ichigo awakens, Yoruichi reveals that she is actually a woman. Afterwards, Yoruichi shows Ichigo a device that allowed her to fly, and Ichigo uses it to go save Ganju and Hanatarō. Meanwhile, Byakuya easily defeats Ganju with his Shikai, but is then stopped by the 13th division captain, Ukitake Jūshirō. Ichigo arrives and fights Byakuya. Before Byakuya can activate his Shikai, Yoruichi stops him. Now that's done, read and review.
