As Ichigo made his way to the mountains, something out of corner of his eye grabbed his attention. He slowed down just enough for to focus on what it was that he saw. He looked in astonishment at what seemed to be faces carved into the face of the mountain overlooking the village.
Reminds me of Mt. Rushmore, thought Ichigo. This is exactly why rip-offs are frowned upon. Before he could further criticize the quality of the sculpture a loud scream pierced his thoughts.
"Dam! I almost forgot. Rukia, hold on I'm on my way!" said Ichigo and rushed to the top of the mountain where he could see smoke rising.
When he got there he saw the destruction that the hollow had caused. Most of the buildings were completely destroyed, the rest looked like they were about collapse. Ichigo made his way through the rumble, calling out Rukia's name. Eventually, he came across a crowd of people, standing in a circle. He pushed his way past them, making his way to the front. When he got there he saw her. He had expected to see her, most likely having already defeated the hollow or in combat with it, but what he did see was not what he had expected. Rukia was on her knees, bloodied, with no sword in her hand. In front of her was the hollow that he had fought earlier, but what was surprised him was what was on top of it. A man, wearing a dark gray tunic, and what appeared to be black tight and an elf hat stood on top of the hollow. His skin was also a dark gray, but eyes…his eyes were a bright red! Ichigo looked around and saw others wearing similar uniforms to what the guy who attacked him the forest wore, within the crowd.
Why are they just standing there, wondered Ichigo. If they care so much about their village, why aren't they doing anything? Ichigo soon found out the answer to his question when he tried make his way to Rukia. He was blocked by an invisible wall.
"Rukia!" he shouted to no avail. She didn't hear him, but the man on top of the hollow did. When he looked into Ichigo's eyes, a feeling of dread shot through his body. At this point it was completely silent as Ichigo and the man stared into each other's eyes.
"Who-who are you?" Ichigo manage to say, almost choking on his words. "Are you Death?" Ichigo didn't know why he said that, especially considering he was a soul reaper which would technically make him death, but the words were already spoken.
"No, I am not. But I could introduce you to him if you'd like," said the man, with a wide grin spreading across his face. As he said that he began to draw his sword that was strapped across his back. As he drew his sword…
"RASENGAN!" someone yelled and suddenly a ball of blue light hit the top of the invisible wall. Holding the ball was the blond hair kid Ichigo saw earlier. Starting from the point the attack made impact with the wall and spreading outward, cracks began to show in the air. In no time at all the whole wall shattered allowing Ichigo, the blond-haired kid and the other uniformed men to surrounded Rukia and the man.
"I'm Naruto-"
"Uzumaki," interrupted the man. "Yes, I know who you are, and you are Ichigo Kurosaki I presume?" said the man looking at Ichigo. Suddenly Rukia disappeared.
"What the-?" said Ichigo, alarmed.
"Hahaha, you see she was only an illusion to bring you both here so I could see what all the fuss was about," said Dark Link. "The real Rukia escaped through the portal long before you got here. She put up one hell of a fight too! I would've gone after her, but when I sensed you coming I just had too wait."
"How do you know who we are?" shouted Ichigo at the man. The man simply laughed and waved Ichigo off.
"I've been told about both of you. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Dark Link, as in the dark link to this war!" said Dark Link and he laughed.
"What war? What are you talking about?" said Naruto, who was confused by all of what was happening.
"All in due time little ninja," said Dark Link and suddenly the black hole that had brought Ichigo here opened up behind Dark Link, but instead of sucking them in, they simply walked into it and disappeared as it closed behind them...