Ultrabross's Vision
CHP58: Information Scour
The group returned to Kisuke's shop, each following the Shinigami into the main room. Upon entering were greeted by three individuals, the first a tall, muscular tan-skinned man. His hair was cornrowed and he had a large mustache which connected to his long sideburns. He wore a pair of rectangular-shaped glasses. His attire consisted of a white muscle shirt with regular pants and a blue apron. The next was a boy with red hair slicked back and wore a sleeveless purple shirt, edged with white and grey pants. The last was a girl with short strands of hair between her eyes. She wore a school uniform with round purple eyes and long black hair with a purple tint.
"Oh yeah," Kisuke tilted his hat looking to Haiji and Batman, "Before we get started should introduce you to my employees. This here is Tessai, Jinta and Ururu."
Kisuke pointed each of them out and Haiji took the initiative shaking hands with and introducing himself with the three individually. Batman however hung off to the side and was Ichi/Kon who ultimately introduced him to the group.
"He isn't much for talking, but was helpful towards Ichigo and me during our jump from the first location." Ichi/Kon implied.
Orihime immediately stepped forward.
"About that...please tell us where you and Ichigo have been for the past several weeks?!" Orihime pleaded with her hands out in front of her.
Ichi/Kon took a step back clearing his throat.
"Where to begin..." Ichi/Kon ran a hand under his chin.
It would also be Haiji's first getting a back scoop on Ichigo. As the other students and staff at the academy believed Ichigo was just another ordinary student. He never imagined Kurosaki had a hidden mission and his attendance nothing more than a cover up. The karate club member took a seat over a nearby chair, Chad and Orihime doing the same over a sofa just across the way. Everyone else however remained standing as Ichi/Kon went on.
"It was no different than any other typical night. Ichigo had just slayin a hollow and sent a lost soul back to soul society. Ichigo returned home for the night and that's when they showed...Rangiku and Toshiro."
"Excuse my lack of knowledge, but who the hell are they?" Haiji questioned.
"One a captain to the Gotei Thirteen and the other his vice-captain. Please do continue Kon." Kisuke spoke.
"Ichigo was informed of his enrollment into Yokai academy and we headed out the very next morning," Ichi/Kon rubbed his hands together, "And all I could remember that first day was the beautiful sight of so much fluffiness, perfectly rounded and just wanted to burry myself in them! It was heaven in my book, and their little skirts waving around was just irresistible."
Ichi/Kon looked directly at Orihime but at the area of her chest.
"Fear not my Orihime," Ichi/Kon drooled somewhat seemingly dazed, "None possessed the goddess like hypnotizing features like yourself but some came very dar..."
"The hell does this have to do with anything?!" Haiji leaned forward.
Orihime chuckled nervously fully aware of Kon's pervy nature and his attraction towards her. Ichi/Kon shrugged looking the whole group over.
"Truth is don't remember much of anything. But we were sent to the academy to eliminate the hollows dispersed in the realm and at the conclusion of that were to leave right away and head for the second location."
"Yeah I remember that bit," Haiji spoke, "That Morrigan succubus tricked us into believing Ichigo slayed Tsukune in an attempt to turn us against him. Unfortunately it worked, for a little while anyway. By the time Tsukune resurfaced Ichigo had begun his departure with both Moka and Tsukune following after him. It wasn't until later the rest of us trailed them, thanks to the headmaster."
Everyone listened in as Haiji told his side of things. When he finished Chad and Orihime had a better understanding of Ichigo's mission and why he'd been missing for long as he did. Batman stepped forward handing a small device to Kisuke.
"If you have a computer or anything of that nature now would be the time to look this over. The more we can learn about the enemy the better."
"Oh yeah," Kisuke took the device from him, "I almost forgot about this."
Kisuke turned and walked down a hall with everyone following. He rubbed his hands together positioning in front of his main computer system, everyone taking a seat except Tessai and Batman. The two stood on either side of Kisuke gazing up at the screen as the system started up. The firewalls and security passcodes had already been decrypted when Batman uploaded the information so was one less thing to worry about. In under a minute Kisuke opened the first of the files going right to work.
The more he looked through the information on screen, the more intense he became. It was just a matter of minutes before grasping a lot of what he looked at. In all his years and even his own personal experiences Kisuke hadn't seen anything quite like it. Batman understood bits and pieces of what they looked over but oblivious to a large portion of it due to his lack of understanding in the area of souls, Reiatsu and Reiryoku.
"This...this is extraordinary, I've never seen anything quite like it!" Kisuke's eyes wondered gazing over the specs in depth.
"Quite like what sir?!" Tessai took a look for himself.
Kisuke sat back in his chair running two fingers over his chin.
"No, no it can't be. If what I'm looking at is true than Ichigo's mission was doomed from the start and played perfectly into the hands of this new enemy." Kisuke grimaced.
"What do you mean," Orihime shot up from her seat, "What has happened to Kurosaki-kun!"
Kisuke's head lowered as his fists clutched. He didn't want to believe the worst but was a huge possibility Ichigo had already succumb to the effects of Ultrabross's subjects.
"I'm not going to sit up here and pretend I know the outcome of anything but will say there's a chance we've already lost him."
"Do you mean Ichigo, and if so how so?!" Chad inquired.
Kisuke leaned forward and was clearly in deep train of thought. The room was quiet for several moments, not a single of them speaking a word. Kisuke coughed before repositioning and gazing up at the specs once more.
"Well according to this would say this new enemy has the means of modifying hollows. But has been done in such a way I ah...let me see how I can put this in terms you can all understand," Kisuke situated his hands over the countertop. Like before went silent for a little while, "The hollows in question were altered in such a way would combine to some degree with Ichigo."
"What?! Then can we assume that would hold true for any Shinigami and or Quincy that cut one of those things down?" Tessai asked.
Kisuke shook his head.
"Not according to this. The formulas and spiritual levels here confirm my hypothesis and is one thing typical death god's and quincy lack that Ichigo has, and that is the hidden nature of a hollow. In other words hollification and also a shinigami. It takes the combination for this method of Ultrabross's newly metamorphoses to undergo. And judging by these readings the more hollows slain, the more the connected spirit energy devours his conscious. One or two hollows isn't so bad, but the more cut down by his blade...the further his mind lost." Kisuke informed.
"You can't be serious!" Chad stood from his seat.
"Unfortunately that is the case and only wished this was a story. If Ichigo disposed of even seventy to eighty percent of the dispersed amount, would likely be enough. But something is missing," Kisuke ran two fingers over his chin, "According to the data Ichigo would be nothing more than a brainless beast. His inner hollow would take over and would be no turning back from there. But I don't see how that would benefit the enemy."
"If their objective was to simply remove Ichigo from the equation, is certainly fathomable." Tessai added.
Another long period of silence followed.
"Perhaps, but I have to believe there is more to this. They couldn't possibly view Ichigo as the only threat to their plans and have a hard time believing they'd render him brainless. Not when they could use him..." Kisuke again ran two fingers over his chin.
"Mind manipulation?" Batman emphasized.
Kisuke simply nodded.
"It's an idea, but perhaps they don't have the means for mind control. Ichigo's inner hollow surfacing and taking over I have to believe controlling its mind and actions would be darn near impossible." Tessai added.
"You might be right but whatever the case this information must be forwarded to the Gotei Thirteen immediately. Captain Kurotsuchi of the twelfth division must especially look this info over. This new enemy is not to be taken lightly, but I can't help but get one thing off my mind." Kisuke voiced.
"Which is?" Tessai said.
"How things have so conveniently fallen into place perfectly for this new enemy. The creation of these hollows were constructed in such a way were meant for Ichigo. Or should I say were created to suck away his senses and give his inner hollow control, but what bothers me with this all is that our enemy foresaw he'd be the one to take on the mission. King Ultrabross rings no bells but should keep our guard up at all times moving forward."
Kisuke typed away and forwarded all files to the Gotei thirteen. He had yet to look through all of it himself and would take some time. Luckily they had two days under their belt before the Gotei Thirteen would be forced to make a decision.
"What about us," Chad spoke up, "What should we do?"
"For now nothing. This Ultrabross character seems fixated on the Gotei Thirteen, and should wait and see what they decide. Even so I will continue my inspection of all this information." Kisuke said.
"And what about Ishida-kun, shouldn't he know about all this?" Orihime voiced.
Kisuke gazed in her direction.
"Yes, that would be ideal. We really haven't any idea what might happen in the near future. The more individuals we have at our disposal knowledgeable of the situation the better. Go and find him and bring him back here, I'd like to explain the situation to him myself." Kisuke tipped his hat.
"Of course." Orihime nodded.
"I'll go with her." Chad added.
"Good, then it's settled. Go and find him and get back here soon as you can. This might be the Gotei Thirteen's battle but doesn't mean we can't prepare a counterattack. As I said before there's no telling how these upcoming days will shape out."
"Guess all we can do is hope and pray luck is on our side." Haiji added.
"Sure thing, but I'd rather put my faith in preparation than waiting around and hope for the best. Nothing gets done by just sitting around and doing nothing, we must prepare ourselves for battle if that's what it comes down to."
There wasn't a single individual within the room that didn't feel the same. Kisuke continued his examination of the files as Batman and Tessai watched on either side of him. Outside of the shop and down the block Chad and Orihime walked side by side. Neither was certain of Uryu's exact location but had ideas.
XXX
Tetsuzaemon arrived in the quarters of Sajin Komamura the captain of the seventh division. The captain's back was to him but coughed clearing his throat as he bowed. Sajin slightly gazed over his shoulder taking notice of the lieutenant before revolving around and facing him.
"Have you already finished your duties in the world of the living? I'd expected you'd be subbing in for another day or two." Sajin inquired.
"Yes, but something came up, something very important." Tetsuzaemon replied.
"Ok, I'm listening." Sajin crossed his arms.
"It's regarding Ichigo and his mission. I didn't get the names of a single of them but a handful of his underlings appeared in Karakura town. That being the mystery figure surrounding those mystery hollows. And according to them they have Ichigo."
"What?!"
"Yes it is exactly as I say, and am assuming they have imprisoned him. The one that was apparently in charge of the group carried this," Tetsuzaemon uncovered a sphere shaped object, "They are giving us exactly forty eight hours, and when that time is up must travel to their fortress. Supposedly this item will give us direct access to their kingdom or whatever you want to call it."
Sajin took the item into his hands and was shocked by the latest development. Not only did this unknown enemy have Ichigo but were daring the Gotei Thirteen to challenge them on what was essentially their playground.
"Who else knows about this?" Sajin tightened his grip over the solid object.
"Urahara and a couple of Kurosaki's living world allies. I only observed the encounter from afar, but picked up on all the small details following the battle."
The wolf like captain paced back and forth scratching at the area under his chin. Before long headed toward the exit gazing back at his lieutenant.
"Follow me, this must be brought to the head captain's attention along with the remaining divisions."
Tetsuzaemon nodded and followed his captain out the door.
Elsewhere within the fortress of Ultrabross a lone individual lurked around and stuck to the shadows as she did so. She'd grown accustomed to the security people's routes and caught on to most the security systems locations. So far had gotten around without being spotted or having to put her physical abilities to the test. She watched from afar as one guard stepped in front of a room carrying a tray of food. The armored individual swiped a keycard gaining entry.
She was more than certain the room in particular was holding the one she was in search for. It was also far away from the main cell blocks. She waited another couple minutes as the guard exited the room as the steel door closed shut behind him. She eyed him carefully and sized him up readying herself to attack. Just as he turned the corner she made her move lashing out at and choking him unconscious.
Looking around found a dark corner and dragged his body in that direction. She knew she needed to act fast and wouldn't have a whole lot of time. She felt around the guard's body and exhaled as she recovered the keycard. She stepped across the carpet entering the room with a swipe of the card. She smirked in relief, the one she was in search for standing a couple feet from her position and back to her.
"Moka..." She whispered.
The silver haired vampire revolved around and immediately situated her hands together and took off toward the individual.
"Akua!"
Moka threw her arms around who she saw as an older sister.
"It's good to see you," Moka pulled back looking her in the face, "But where are all the others?"
"Don't know and don't care," Akua took hold of Moka's hand into her own, "I'm getting you out of here and we need to move fast."
Akua pulled Moka toward the exit but Moka pulled forced her arm the opposite way out of Akua's grasp.
"I...I cannot." Moka said sadly.
"What do you mean?!"
The silver haired vampire was silent for various moments as her eyes dropped down over the carpet. She fiddled with her fingers and thought long and hard how she'd explain things in a way that would make sense and acceptable.
"I appreciate your efforts and whatever you went through to get to this point but," Moka's eyes rose from the ground looking Akua in the face, "If I were to leave, the others safety would be in question. Believe me when I tell you I'm in no danger, the ruler of this kingdom needs me..."
"Needs you for what?!"
Moka lowered her head.
"I'd rather not say actually."
"Forget about the others! We must go before another guard does a sweep of this area. This might be your only chance to escape!"
Moka shook her head.
"Please forgive me Akua but as I've said I cannot and will not leave Tsukune and the others behind. We'll find a way out of this somehow but for now am going with what my gut tells me. I'd never be able to forgive myself if I took off and something happened to the others. Please Akua...you must understand."
Akua was in complete disbelief and at lost for words and even clinched her fists. It didn't seem anything she could possibly do or say would change Moka's mind. The thought of forcefully pulling her along came to mind, but if she was defiant would be a whole lot more trouble than it'd be worth.
"Go now Akua...before they discover you here." Moka murmured.
The older vampire looked away from Moka and to the exit biting at her tongue. There was absolutely nothing else to say.
"I hope you're right, and hard as it is for me to do this," Akua paused taking a deep breath, "I'll do as you've suggested. I'll keep a close eye from a distance, and if the circumstance changes I'll be back for you. You're the only reason I'm here."
Just as Akau made her way for the exit the door shot open with a 6'1 individual, short spiky dark green hair, and silver colored eyes entering.
"Ultrabross!" Moka shouted.
Akua jumped into a fighting stance preparing for battle. The king chuckled as he stepped through and Akua moving back the opposite way. He wasn't alone however and a bleach colored slender being that was fairly muscular of average height with a melancholic appearance entered. He had fairly short, black hair, a black upper lip, and green eyes with small slit-shaped pupils. Part of his bangs fell between his eyes, and he had thick eyebrows. He had teal lines falling from the lower part of his eyes.
"Shall I take care of this one, Ultrabross-sama?"
"Yes, go right ahead Ulquiorra. I'd rather not get my hands dirty as of the moment." The king chuckled.
To Be Continue