Disclaimer: This man does not own Bleach.

Trascender

Juhabach smiled his fearsome grim smile.

"Bankai... Zanka no Tachi."

Every member in the group flashed away before Juhabach exploded in the sun's flames. Landing far away on the rooftops of a few standing buildings, Unohana spoke up to address the group, "There is no possible way to defeat Zanka no Tachi... Its capabilities of destruction are endless... One touch by that blade and your existence will become void. Let him touch you... and you will receive the same ending. "

Ichigo deadpanned and face-palmed himself, "Why... the hell would you tell us that!? Couldn't you have said something more useful!?"

Unohana continued as if he didn't speak, "... However, it does have one weakness."

Aizen turned to face Unohana, an uncharacteristically serious expression on his face, "...And what is that supposed to be?"

"...As Zanka no Tachi is the strongest Bankai of the strongest Soul Reaper in history... It also has the biggest downfall... Prolonged use of Zanka no Tachi, maybe an hour or so... will render Soul Society into ashes, including Juhabach. He doesn't seem like the suicidal-type, so he would definitely seal it back before it implodes on him."

Kisuke grimaced at this information, "So basically, we have to hold out for an hour... without getting hit."

Shinji and Ichigo's jaws dropped.

"Shit..."

"We are so fucked..."

"How the hell...?"

"...in the ass..."

"What are we gonna do...!?"

"...without lube..."

"I guess I'll be the one to make the first move. Zanka no Tachi: North... Ignite the Heavens..."

Where the group formerly stood before disappearing, a mile of buildings were rendered to ashes. Juhabach used Zanka no Tachi in conjunction with his Reishi broadsword, "...Where are you all hiding...?"

Suddenly Ichigo flashed in front of him, sword charged up, "Cero!"

The slash continued its trail towards Juhabach... but disintegrated before it could reach him.

"...You gotta be fuckin' kiddin' me!"

Juhabach smirked and reached out to him. As the flames began sweltering around Ichigo, he used Sonido and backed away.

"Now!"

"Serenade, Benihime!"

Juhabach hopped into the air before slashing towards Yoruichi who appeared behind him. Barely leaning back to dodge, Yoruichi's forehead glowed with sweat before she backed away. Pulling her leg back, she swung her leg in an arc.

"Shunko Raigeki!"

Juhabach watched as the lighting struck his body and felt the pain. However, he knew it was an illusion of pain, and wave the flames toward the sky above him. Aizen's barrier melted before his eyes as he used them to get away.

"Your illusions are completely useless against me, Aizen."

Aizen smirked and landed next to Ichigo, "Use your Resurreccion, Ryoka boy."

Ichigo, in response, angrily waved his fists at Aizen, "Don't tell me what to do!"

"Stop screaming at me. Just use it before we die. Their medallions can't steal Resurreccions. The Quincy on the side is waiting for one of us to release our Bankai."

"Wha... How do you...?"

Aizen's blank face scared him even more than usual, "I know this because I invented them."

Ichigo's face was overflowed with shock, "You...!?"

"I told Szayel Aporro to halt the project long ago. I intend to find out who gave away my designs, though I have an idea."

Ichigo was preparing to punch Aizen, "You son of a-!"

Crash! A tower of flames separated the two apart. Juhabach stood in the area, searching for the closest Reiatsu before being engulfed in a giant mouth. Minazuki gobbled him up and flew into the sky before exploding in nothing. He crashed against the ground, ducking as he dodged a Cero and Byakurai from both Shinji and Tessai. He turned and slashed an explosive wave at Urahara, who stood and took it head on. Bursting into another bubble, Juhabach's annoyance began to rise as everyone went into hiding again. He leaned on his broadsword and waited. He was then mildly shocked at the appearance of the person in front of him.

"Guys... we need to go to plan B." Kisuke whispered.

"...What was plan A?" Shinji replied.

"Whatever the hell we just did." Ichigo retorted, leaning against the wall. "The Espada thought I could stop this guy? Tch... I'm not cut out for this 'save the one, save the all' thing."

"What we need... is someone who is willing to sacrifice their Bankai..." Unohana interrupted, walking into the scene. "We would stand a better chance with them, but with that Haschwald fellow threatening our Zanpakuto, no one is willing to use it."

Yoruichi and Tessai appeared after her, "Should we kill him, then?"

Kisuke was the one who answered, "No... That's the reason Juhabach has him sitting on the sidelines instead sending him back. If we go after him, we'll be too unfocused to dodge Zanka no Tachi."

"So... we need someone to sacrifice their Bankai to draw him into the battlefield?"

"Yeah... so who's up to the task?" No one answered. Shinji then noticed someone was missing.

"Where's Aizen?"

"You're not very good at Hide-and-Seek, are you?"

"I prefer tag, quite personally... Would you like to be 'it'?"

Juhabach, clad in Yamamoto's flames, stared down Aizen. Aizen then smirked and held his blade up for everyone to see.

"...Bankai..."

"What the hell is that idiot doing!?"

Ichigo fist pumped the air, "What are you getting angry for, Urahara!? Look who's out there! Glad he stepped up to the plate and took one for the team!"

"Fade away...Kyoka Suigetsu... Harukamuso..."

Juhabach smirked as he watched Aizen's blade disappear. Viewing over the wall, group closed their eyes (just in case...). Anticlimactically, nothing else happened. Amused, Juhabach let his confusion show, "Where is your Bankai? Nothing happened, Aizen."

Behind Aizen, Haschwald's medallion was held up to his back. Aizen looked over his shoulder and smirked at Haschwald, "...Did you think... I would design an instrument to work against me? How ignorant..."

Haschwald's face turned pale as Aizen turned to look at him. Frowning, Juhabach dash forward to Aizen, blade held high. He ran his blade through Aizen... where the blade itself faded completely through Aizen, leaving only a scorch mark behind Aizen.

"Many would say you missed... but considering you killed your subordinate..."

"What... What is this...!?" Juhabach gasped.

"Holy shit..." Shinji's jaw dropped.

Kisuke's eyes narrowed, before he jumped on the building, blade pointed forwards, "Glare... Benihime!" A loud-sounded beam charged at the tip of his blade. Releasing, it passed through Aizen and hit the ground beneath him and Juhabach. He fell... but Aizen still stood as if he wasn't...

"So his Bankai affects himself."

Aizen smirked into the crater that Juhabach fell into, "My Bankai is unlike any other. It's name refers to her property... of the ultimate illusion."

Juhabach climbed out of his hole and and glared at Aizen, "What... ultimate illusion?"

"The illusion... that is reality. Telling the difference between what's real... and what's not. It completely eliminates... my existence."

"Your... existence?"

"I become the mirror flower in the water's reflection of the moon. I become... nonexistent. You can't phase me. Unlucky for me, as long as I prevent myself from attempting an attack, I can't touch you neither... But..."

Aizen's blade reappeared, same as his Shikai.

"Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu Harukamuso."

Aizen swung at Juhabach, who raised his sword in order to block and melt the blade. Shocked, Juhabach's eye twitched when he saw the blade phase through his own, as if it were a ghost. Aizen's visage darkened as his blade faded through the flames and slashed over Juhabach's chest. Dashing back, Aizen right arm had melted off attempting to get in his last hit. Ripping off the hand that caught on fire, Aizen smirked at Juhabach, who fell to his knees, gripping at his wounded chest.

"The sun's flames may destroy reality... but you can't burn... what does not exist..." Were Aizen's last words before he passed out from the intense heat. Juhabach angrily stood up, blade held as his crutch.

"Damn you... Aizen! I'll finish you now! Zanka no Tachi: North! Ignite the Heavens!"

"Fade to Black! La Luna Negra! Luna Infinita!"

The black, flame-like Reiatsu clashed with the heavenly fire. Juhabach was about to over power the flames until skin began to bubble and peel.

"GGGGGGAAAAAGGGHHHH!" Being forced to reseal Zanka no Tachi, Juhabach took the blast head on. Flying backwards, he was forcibly slammed into the Sokyoku Hill.

Ichigo crouched over, panting heavily from having to do that again in the span of a few hours. Turning back, he looked at the collapse body of Aizen.

"You're lucky this time... I will never do that for you again."

"IIIIICHHHHIIIIIIGGGOOOOO KKKKUUUURRRROOOSSSAKKKKIIIII I!"

Hearing the maddened yell, Ichigo looked above to see the torn form of Juhabach coming down at him with his broadsword. To tired to move, he held his sword his sword to block what he could.

"Hirviendo..."

Turning his head over his shoulder, Juhabach panicked when he saw the yellow beam of heated light slash at him. However...

"Ha...Haschwald?"

Haschwald stood, dressed in his military uniform that he wore under his coat. He used his sword and shield combination in order to block the attack, "Lucky for me, you are not as powerful as Yamamoto. Your flames only ignited my coat instead of incinerating me completely. I've already announced to the other Stern Ritter that we are leaving."

Juhabach didn't argue as he allowed Haschwald to carry him away. He glared into Ichigo's narrowed eyes, telling him that this battle was not over. As they turned into shadows and left, Ichigo passed out next to Aizen, and everything faded to black.

"...go...chigo..."

Bright lights flashed around his eyes as he blinked his eyes. He saw a flash of green.

"...ry...in...your...heal...it...el.."

Feeling wetness over his face, Ichigo awoke to see Nel slobbering on his face. Pushing her off the bed, Ichigo frantically rubbed his face. Grimmjow sat in the corner, laughing his ass off.

"What the hell!?" Grimmjow continued to laugh. Ichigo picked up one of his gifts next to his bed and tossed them at Grimmjow, who was knocked over the couch. Nel jumped up and stared into Ichigo's eyes. Ichigo blinked back before rubbing his nose after she punched him in the face.

"Ow..."

"I told you not to leave! You idiot!"

"If I didn't come, everyone would have died!"

Suddenly, Nel began smiling before she hugged Ichigo, who began stuttering at her close contact, "Wha-What the hell?"

"At least I know... you'll never change... Ichigo..." Ichigo blushed as he attempted to push her off.

"Dont... Don't say such weird things, Nel!"

"You look like you're doing well, Ryoka."

Turning to the door, he saw the slick-haired Aizen leaning against the doorway. What shocked him was that he was dressed in a sleeveless Captain's haori, with the symbol for the Seventh Division on his back. Grimmjow and Nel both hopped to their feet, hands drawn to their sword. Aizen stared between the two of them, his ever classic smirk etched on his face. Ichigo stuttered and pointed.

"You... You're the...!? Why are you back!?"

"The former Captain Komamura fell to the Stern Ritter due to an opening after he sensed Yamamoto's death. Central Forty-Six made me his replacement... in order to keep an eye on me, of course."

"...You didn't answer my question! Why are you still here!?"

"I could care less what happens to the Spirit King... I just want to see your powers grow... exactly as I planned."

"Gaaaaagggghhh! You're so fucking creepy!"

"I thank you for allowing the Thirteen Squads to use this village as a headquarters, ma'am."

"It's no problem. We're happy to help!" The villager exclaimed with false cheeriness.

Kisuke watched the woman leave out of the room in a hurry. He sighed, 'It's to be expected... they're still frightened of Soul Reapers...'

Turning towards Tessai, he addressed him, "Tell the Captains to meet at the village hall for a meeting. And tell one of them to bring Ichigo."

After watching Tessai flash step away, Kisuke put on his Captain's haori, emblazoned with the symbol for the First Division.

Ichigo finally got of his bed and walked outside the Health Ward, followed by Grimmjow, Nel, and Unohana, who gave him the message.

"Urahara? Why did you select Urahara of all people.?"

"Jushiro is too sick to lead and Shunsui has been feeling down... since... you know... and Aizen is untrustworthy, so I selected Urahara. However, he has to confirm all decisions with me. So in a sense, I'm the replacement until I allow Urahara to take over."

Traveling through the village, Ichigo watched as villagers tried to stay away from them. They hid inside wells, watched them from buildings, and generally avoided their path. After finally arriving at the hall, Unohana walked over to her spot in line, between Sui Feng and...

"Yoruichi?"

Wearing a sleeveless haori with the symbol for the Sixth Division, Yoruichi stood with her hands on her hip before gazing up and waving at Ichigo. Behind her stood Renji, whose somber mood lifted upon seeing Ichigo at the entrance. Looking around, he saw certain people where either missing or in different positions, such as the mafia-looking guy with the shades standing behind Rose, Rukia, and Kenpachi, but he did hear about the fake Juhabach rattling him up. Shunsui stood in line as well, but his trademarked flowery-patterned cloth and hat were missing.

"You dare enter and ignore me, Ryoka boy? I should slay you where you stand."

Ichigo turned to view Aizen, who stood with a blonde-haired Lieutenant... who actually kinda looked like Aizen when he had his glasses. He also noticed that Rose, Shinji, and Kensei were all glaring daggers at Aizen, who stood in between them. Momo herself looked pretty unsure at her former captain. Aizen's Lieutenant introduced himself, "Hidetomo Kajomaru, former Sixth Seat of the Thirteenth Division. Pleasure to meet you..."

"Same here... I guess."

"You still say nothing to me? After you dare wear my clothes, Ryoka? Did you go through my closet to dress like me?"

Ichigo pointed at Aizen as he glared at him, "Goddamnit, someone get that creeper away from me!"

"Aizen... down..."

Turning behind him, Ichigo noticed Ura- (Cough) Head Captain Urahara walking into the hall, with Tessai, who had on a high-collared blue haori and the badge for the First Division Lieutenant, and Halibel behind him. Making her hatred of Aizen known, she walked past him and stood next to Ichigo, staring heavily at Toshiro, who returned the favor. Urahara walked to the desk in the front of the room and sat in it's chair, fighting the urge to roll his eyes at Sui Feng's expression.

"I'm sure the explanation for the Arrancar's appearance here has already been given, so please stop with the sexual tension in the room. Lookin' at you, Sui Feng." She was getting ready to rage on Kisuke until Yoruichi grabbed her.

"My tension is not sexual, Urahara. It's friendly."

"Aizen, shut the hell up!"

"Make me, Hitsugaya... or do you wish to admire and understand me further?"

"Even when you're insulting people, you still sound creepy!"

"I'm not creepy... I just have a different viewpoint than the rest of you. There's a difference."

Urahara slammed his head into the desk as the hall erupted into an argument... which was pretty much everyone versus Aizen. Unohana released her spiritual pressure among the entire room, which shut everyone up, "Please... continue Urahara."

"Uhhh... yeah... anyways... Miss Halibel here has informed me of the situation in Hueco Mundo, where the Vandenreich has made their base. Using Las Noches as a checkpoint, we're going to ally ourselves with the Arrancars."

"I used to live at Las Noches..."

"Yes, we know already, Aizen..."

"...I am not allying myself with Hollows."

Urahara turned as he looked Toshiro directly in the eye. Halibel herself did the same.

"However... I am an ally to Ichigo Kurosaki only." After he made his point, he closed his eyes and drowned out the sound of the meeting.

"...Then why did you make that statement? You only made a redundant remark by stating you support the Arrancars because you support Ryoka boy. "

"Shut up and stop talking to me, Aizen!"

"Both of you, shut up!" Urahara slammed his fist into the table. He looked at Aizen. "Is your only reason for being here is to piss everyone off?"

Aizen smirked, "...Yes..."

"Then you are dismissed."

"I'd rather not."

"I order you to leave. Your Lieutenant will repeat this meeting back at your barracks."

"...Fine..." He walked out of the meeting, punching Ichigo in the stomach on his way. "Later, Ryoka."

Ichigo rubbed his stomach as he glared at Aizen.

"... I can sense you outside the window, Aizen."

A brushing sound in the outside bushes lasted only a second before it disappeared.

"As I was saying, we will ally with Ichigo Kurosaki's group. Once we rebuild our forces, we will send a unit to aid the Arrancars. Is that okay, Ichigo?"

Ichigo, who leaned against the wall, was shaken awake by Halibel, "Wha-What? Why are you asking me? I don't care."

The entire hall went silent after Ichigo's declaration. A voice was heard from the ceiling above the meeting, "Because you are the Primera Espada and thus the leader, stupid Ryoka boy."

"Damnit, Aizen, go away!"

"You were supposed to be keeping an eye on me, Urahara. How would you know about the terrible things I might do while you're not watching me?"

"...Fine...you may stay..."

With a certain bounce to his step, Aizen walked in, smacking Ichigo on the back of his neck before standing back in line, smirking at all of the glares. Rubbing his head, Ichigo answered back.

"Well... Okay, then."

"Finally! Now that's settled, everyone may be dismissed! See ya!"

Urahara threw his hands up and cheered before he left. After a few seconds, everyone in the hall left, except for Aizen and the Arrancars. Seeing Aizen's smirk, Ichigo prayed.

'Please don't do anything stupid... Please don't do anything stupid.'

"I'm not going to do anything stupid, Kurosaki..."

Shocked at hearing something other than Ryoka boy, he was frightened at the uncharacteristic seriousness on his face. Suddenly, it changed back to a smirk.

"Because everything I do has meaning. Shatter, Kyoka Suigetsu."

Ichigo almost saw his Zanpakuto's release... but Halibel saved him by covering his eyes.

"Damn... almost had you, Ryoka. You better stay on your toes if you want to be my equal." Kicking Ichigo in the face, he disappeared in shattering glass.

Grimmjow stared into space for a moment before speaking. "I guess he was right. Admiration is the furthest thing from understanding, 'cause I don't understand what the fuck happened to that guy."

"Rukia..."

Rukia looked into the eyes of her brother, who sat in his desk. Rolling up his letter, he opened on of his drawers before he tossed it in. Byakuya turned back to address his sister.

"How have you been since your promotion? I rarely see you anymore."

"My apologies, brother. I've been busy lately. The division has me working constantly."

Byakuya nodded before closing his. Reopening them, he stared at a picture to his. Following his gaze, she stared into a near reflection of herself, before noting this was her sister. Byakuya stood and walked over to the picture. He picked it up and stared into it.

"I have a gift for you... lying on the desk. It's for your promotion."

Rukia turned and noticed a a box lying on the table. Picking it up, she thought to shake it, but did not want to attempt such an act in front of her brother. She opened the box, shocked when she discovered its contents.

"This... This is...!?"

There were some hair pieces, a pure white scarf, and white, fingerless gloves.

"Big brother..."

"If I leave one day... and never come back... I want you to become the head of the Kuchiki family, Rukia."

Shocked, Rukia looked over to her brother, who was still gazing at the picture.

"My mother... she... was the former Captain of the Sixth prior to my Grandfather's retirement break. He was the Fifth Kuchiki head over a thousand years ago, but came out of retirement after his sons and daughters died. My mother... she retired one hundred and twelve years ago after my father died. And was with me when I courted Hisana fifty years later..."

Rukia listened intently to Byakuya.

"When Hisana died... My mother told me to search for you. She said I didn't need to bring her grandchildren in this world... as Hisana was her beloved daughter..."

Byakuya turned back to Rukia.

"I know you're my sister-in-law... But... I've always thought of you... as the daughter I wished to have with Hisana."

The door to Byakuya's office was opened. As expected, Rukia was inside, staring the picture of Byakuya placed next to Hisana.

"Rukia..."

Ichigo stood at the entrance and stared at her from across the entrance. Rukia turned and saw Ichigo. She stood and completely faced Ichigo, who noticed her different attire, wearing Byakuya's scarf, hair piece, and his haori of the clan head.

"You look like Bya... a princess, midget."

"You can say the name, Ichigo... I've already done enough crying... So how have you been?"

"Since I became a Hollow? I ate a giant Espada, kick two Quincy's asses, been attacked by my former (well... that's an argumentative statement) enemy who spends his time stalking me, and became the leader of a group of Arrancars. My life has been great."

Rukia giggled into her hands and Ichigo pretended to give her a thumbs up. Ichigo's expression then turned serious.

"I came here to see how you were doing... and tell you that I'm heading back to Hueco Mundo.

"I'm fine, Strawberry. You can stop worrying about me."

"Well if you're sure... I'll leave you in peace then, midget."

Rukia watched as Ichigo walked out. She ran to the door and caught her last glimpse at Ichigo before he jumped over the roof. She smiled and closed her brother's door before walking away.

"Alright, Ichigo, we'll be contacting you and the rest of the Espada later on, after we both have regrouped our forces."

"I guess... I'll catch you guys later."

Following behind the other Espada, Ichigo walked towards the Garganta, turning back for a final glance at the Captains. Before Ichigo walked in, he turned, staring at Aizen, who glared back at him.

"...If you need me... the 'Trascender' will be waiting... And don't do anything stupid while I'm gone... Aizen..."

Laughing, Ichigo ran into the Garganta before Aizen could cut him.

Arriving back at Las Noches, Grimmjow yawned and announced that he was going to bed. As Nel and Halibel stood behind, Nel gave an eyebrow to Ichigo.

"So...the Trascender?" Ichigo nervously scratched his cheek.

"I think... we should began forming our own military. After we gather the Espada again, we can began forming..."

Ichigo trailed off as he saw a shadow underneath him. Turning around, he saw a large ass bird flying straight at him.

"What the hell!?"

"Lady Halibel!"