Disclaimer: This man does not own Bleach
Trascender
Ichigo's blade clashed with the Old One's. However, it didn't last long, as the Old One followed up with an uppercut with a blade made of Reishi. Ichigo was slashed across the shoulder as he hopped back, floating in the air.
"...Was that a Quincy technique...?"
"..."
With no words, he pulled the Reishi back, turning it into a longer, spear-like object. He reared back, ready to throw the Soul Javelin with all of his might.
"...Shit!"
An explosion appeared in the air after the javelin was tossed. Ichigo flew out of the smoke, his left sleeve torn and destroyed. He crashed into the ground, rolling into a crouch as he panted. He pulled his hand up and ripped the left sleeve off as he stood to his feet.
"...This guy... operates on pure instinct... no emotions... no motives... just pure Hollow survival tactics..."
The wretched old man stumbled out of the darkness, sensing for Ichigo, who shook his head. When he saw the man pause and turn his head in his direction, he readied La Luna Negra as the lifeless shell came rushing at him.
"...Segunda...Etapa... Luna Matador!"
The Reishi melded together with his blade as his body faded to black. He held his hand out, allowing his Zanpakuto to appear with it.
"Alright, take this!"
He swung, leaving a trail of black Reiatsu as he finally landed a blow on the Old One.
"...Bet that hurt, didn't it?"
However, it didn't. The Old One reared back as his chest was slashed and kicked Ichigo to the ground. Before he could react, the old man reached down, pulling him up as he held him by the face.
"..."
"Gaggghhhh!"
Ichigo was blasted away, taking the light-blue Cero to the face. He rolled and flipped onto the ground, landing into a rock. Ichigo slowly gathered himself as the old wretch had paused.
"...What's... he doin'?"
The man stared at his Zanpakuto, as if it was a brand new object he discovered. He then pointed it forward, directly at Ichigo.
"..."
The area was soon filled with ocean-depth Reiatsu, nearly suffocating Ichigo. As he coughed and raised his hand to wave away it's remnants, he took a glance through the smoke clouding the figure of the Old One. As it cleared, it revealed the old man holding a giant, cleaver knife... which was more curved than anything. He slammed it onto the ground, creating an earthquake as he slid his hands down it, drenching it in Reishi.
"...That... looks like...!"
"That's because it is... Not many people know that Zangetsu was the original Zanpakuto of King Hogyoku... This gives you a slight advantage... as you know what techniques he'll be using... Sadly, he's mastered Zangetsu to the point that you wouldn't have been able to match his skill even in a million years."
Ichigo cursed as he listened to Kagura, the stress of the battle getting to him,"Goddamnit... this guy's... completely dominating me!"
"Even though he barely knows what he's doing, he holds only a remnant of King Hogyoku's power. He still uses what he's used to. He has mastered his Soul Reaper to insane proportions... His becoming of Hollow... and all of the victims you saw outside... are the what has brought those powers into fruition. You are great at combining those two... but as you see, he has other abilities..."
"...Quincy, right? He's pulling Reishi from all over the place."
"Not necessarily. That... is the precursor to the Quincy technique. I created the definitive form of the modern-day Quincy. He's just using pure Reishi to catch up to you."
"Catch... up to me?"
"Of course, I know you remember the Fullbringers. Did you know that Ginjo developed many of those techniques?"
"What the hell does that-!?"
"Kugo Ginjo... was once a Quincy... Juhabach kicked him out when he discovered his Fullbring. Hollow powers are not allowed in the Vandenreich."
"Wait, I thought you didn't know Juhabach!? And how do-"
"...I made the mistake of creating them... the 'Vandenreich'... But anyway, Ginjo's techniques, the essence of Fullbring, is drawning out the souls of objects and using it for combat. Reishi is used the same way. Hirenkyaku... is essentially the same as Bringer Light."
"Wait..."
"You just can't see the light coming from his foot. He's not that fast naturally. That's the reason he will always catch you, as he is using his Reishi to enhance his body and Zanpakuto."
"...Alright, I understand now!"
"Not really... Ichigo, I can help you control your Reishi for now, but you have to kill him soon. The only reason he released his Shikai was because he saw you do the same thing and just so happened to discover it. If he notices that you've powered up again, he could possibly use Bankai... or worse, the Final Getsuga Tensho. You let him do that, and you might as well call it quits for the both us. That's not counting what his Hollow is influencing, nor what he can add on to it with his basic Quincy abilities."
"...Mood killer."
"...I just don't wanna die yet, that's all."
Ichigo paused when the black and white robes of the Old Spirit King stood in front of him, gazing down on him.
"Shit, I was talking too much and I barely sensed him!"
"He's not attacking you now... He hears my voice, and he's trying to discern where it's coming from. There's a reason only my key is needed to open the door. However, you better move quick, because if he discovers it's coming from you, he'll probably kill you and rip you to bloody shreds to discover the source."
"...You have a disgusting imagination."
"Just saying..."
Ichigo hopped away, glancing as he noticed the confused look upon the haunted man's face. It slowly contorted into anger and he waved his blade, sending a wave of blue energy towards Ichigo.
"That's... bigger than my Bankai version!"
Ichigo foot touched a rock as he attempted to kick off of it to dodge. When he touched it, blue Reishi vibrated into the rock, sending him further than he planned.
"Damnit, I felt that! You almost knocked me off my balance!"
"Ichigo... that wasn't me. That was all you."
"What!?"
Ichigo glanced up as the being flew down from the sky attempting an overhead stab. Ichigo used his Reishi to dodge at the last second, leaving his foot reared back. He kicked off the Reishi in the air and kicked the Old One in his sides. Befoe he could get far, Ichigo powered up his Luna Camilla.
"Luna Camilla!"
The blast came out at full speed, blasting the Old One further.
"Hell yeah!"
Ichigo sat in the darkness and waited. Before long, he realized the Old One was attacking when he saw the blue Reiatsu rage into the sky.
"...Alright... here we go..."
However, his jaw dropped when he saw the Reiatsu turn black and red, and he felt the sudden release of a Bankai.
"...Fuck..."
"...Fuck..."
Within a hot springs, Tenjiro sat deep inside the burning water, a towel wrapped around his hair. He sighed as he leaned his head back.
"...Man, what a tiresome day... Maybe things can go back ta normal soon..."
However, just as he said that, he flashed away, chopping the squad of Jagdarmee behind him.
"...So Juhabach does have the Oken. Shit. Alright, Lightning God Tenjiro is about to kick some ass!"
And with that, he flashed off, leaving his towel behind.
Back in Soul Society, Kisuke and all of the other Captains stood in his main office.
"...The Soul Palace is under attack."
Everyone's eyes in the room widened as he made that statement.
"...Is it...?"
"Juhabach... is throwing everything into this last attack. The Royal Guard are locked into battle with Vater's Council... and the Stern Ritter are following up behind them. The Royal Guard are powerful... but the full force of the Vandenreich might be too much."
"..."
The entire hall said nothing as Kisuke walked in front of them, his lieutenant and closest friend, Tessai.
"Tessai, please go and retrieve Soryu and Uryu Ishida from Hueco Mundo... and inform them of the situation. Alert the Espada as well."
Tessai nodded and flashed away.
"...The rest of us... are heading to the Soul Palace immediately... the assault on the Soul Palace will halt here... We won't let Juhabach... destroy the last thing holding us Soul Reapers together."
"...and that is all."
Tessai turned away. As quickly as that was spoken, Uryu and Soryu followed him without question. The Espada held back, and without the presence of their leader, they had nothing to say.
"...This is not our war. This is the Soul Reaper's fight. We cannot get involved."
"...I understand."
Soryu turned around and glared over her shoulder at Halibel. Before Halibel could realize it, she was being held by the throat.
"Are you all serious!? I should-"
"Mother."
When Uryu's hand went to her shoulder and Tessai grabbed her hand, she tossed them off and stormed into the Garganta. Uryu and Tessai glanced at the Espada before leaving after Soryu. The hall was left to embrace the silence.
"..."
However, many were surprised to see Grimmjow, of all people, storm towards the Garganta.
"...Grimmjow, what are you doing? Get back in line!"
"Shut up, bitch! Just 'cause you're the Segunda don't mean I answer to you! I do what the fuck I want!"
Grimmjow continued his trek towards the Garganta. Gantenbainne narrowed his eyes as he called out to Grimmjow.
"You're going to help Soul Reapers now?"
"...Nope... but Juhabach's there! This might be our last chance get rid of that fucker once and for all! You punk-asses can stay here, for all I care, but I'm goin' to kill me some Quincy!"
Grimmjow stopped with one foot inside the Garganta. He sighed, shoulders slumped, with his hands in his pockets.
"...And who am I kidding? As soon as Kurosaki gets back, we're going there anyway, dumbasses..."
He finally walked in with that last statement. One by one, the Espada and the Fraccion filed inside, until only Nel and Halibel stood behind.
"...Nel?"
"...I was always gonna go in... I was just surprised to Grimmjow like this... But I never thought you would have been so hesitant..."
With those last words, Nel walked in behind the rest.
And again... my orders became questionable to everyone else... It only proves I'm not leader material.
She gazed into the blank tear of darkness, feeling it judge her.
But everyone did it.. because they knew Ichigo would... does he really hold that much influence on us?
The answer glared back at her clear as day as she finally stepped in behind them, and the black tear finally closed.
Juhabach and Vater stood overlooking the five discs being invaded.
"...You look bored, Juhabach... Maybe you should join in on the action."
"...Where are you... Ichigo Kurosaki...?"
"Sorry... he's not here now... so allow me to test my strength against you, Juhabach."
Juhabach and Vater both turned to discover Sosuke Aizen, alone and his blade drawn. Before Juhabach could call out his blade, Vater blocked him with his hands.
"...Allow me to take down this youngster. You go to the Soul Palace."
"...You sure, Vater?"
"...I'll hold him off for as long as possible."
Juhabach nodded as he flew away towards the palace. Aizen didn't bother going after him.
"...I know all about your impressive Shikai and Bankai, Sosuke Aizen... I know about your remarkable Kido... You think that will be enough?"
Beneath his Shihakusho, a blue light flashed, causing Vater's eyes to widened.
"...You're the reason Hoshiihime's body is nowhere to be found."
"...Hm... Now you know. Her body has been devoured by mine, as we have always planned."
Vater reached above his, a scythe appearing in hands. His right hand reached to his waist, pulling forth his key sword.
"...Alright, boy... It ends here."
A squad of Jagdarmee was surprised when a multitude of hands grabbed everyone of them, smashing the heads in and leaving the bloody remnants to fall to the floor. From behind a corner, Shutara peeked around, a smirk on her face.
"How dull..."
"Then allow me to brighten your day, sweetheart."
Shutara narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips when she saw the sweet talker behind her. A young man, dressed in robes of a bishop, held his hands out to her for a hug.
"Come here, babe... let's lighten this party up, huh?"
"...Men like you are so annoying. I'm going to have to shut you up, aren't I?"
As Nodt had murdered many different citizens before he felt the presence of a Soul Reaper behind him.
"...You look angry... Do I know you?"
"After what you've done to my brother... you're going to wish you did."
As Nodt turned around to face the Captain of the Sixth Division, Rukia Kuchiki. He easily dismissed her from his mind.
"...Hmm... You do not have the same strength he did... I will end your life here if you challenge me."
She narrowed her eyes and raised her blade to strike, however, she stopped upon seeing him get knocked away by an unseen enemy. As Nodt crashed against the wall, pain etched onto his face as he collapsed to the ground. Crawling on all fours, he stood up and rubbed at a scratch on his shoulder, attempting to discover what had hit him. He pulled out small blades glowing with pink energy.
"...This is...!?"
"My, oh my... I hate such loud-mouthed youngsters... Always causing such a commotion."
Rukia turned behind her to see an old man, dressed in a full Shihakusho with a white scarf. The man had a large silver-colored mustache and equally colored long hair. The man had his hands rolled into his sleeves, which billowed into the wind as he watched As Nodt stand up.
"...I moved here for retirement and to get away from all of this mess and you come here bringing it back? What are you doing here, dear boy?"
"...Grrrr... By my pride of the Quincy, I'll-!"
He was cut short when the man appeared behind him. As Nodt was quickly stabbed in the chest before he realized it and slowly fell to the ground.
'When... did he stab me...? Where...?'
Rukia's eyes widened as the Stern Ritter collapsed on the floor, clearly dead.
'That... was my brother's Senka...?'
"Pride of the Quincy? I ended that race a long time ago."
Rukia stared for only a moment, but stood shocked when she felt the man behind her.
"...You look like Sojun... are you another granddaughter...? Lord knows I have too many of them..."
"...I was... adopted... by Byakuya Kuchiki... I'm Rukia Kuchiki... Captain of the Sixth Division."
When the old man stared at her, she felt like she had said something wrong.
"...I'm old... not stupid and senile... I know what a Captain's Haori is. I also see that you are wearing a Ginpaku Kazahana scarf, along with the Kenseikan and gloves... Do not mistake Ginrei Kuchiki for a fool."
When she heard his name, she realized that this was the man her brother spoke so fondly of.
"...So... you're Byakuya's replacement... that means he..."
"...By that man you just killed."
"...Oh... I didn't know that."
But the darkened glint in Ginrei's eyes told her otherwise. She followed him as he walked off toward the battlefield.
"Urahara...!"
Kisuke turned at the sound of his name, seeing Osho behind him.
"I would ask why you are all here, but that would be pointless. Do you know where Juhabach is?"
"...I've been looking for him, but I can't seem to."
"Shit, we need to know where he is... Keep looking!"
"... I have no need... to ask why you have invaded my palace, Juhabach."
Juhabach watched as the Spirit King stood up from his throne, drawing a long nodachi from his staff. At the bottom of the hilt was his crowned jewel. Juhabach creeped out of the shadows slowly, a demented grin on his face.
"Is that so?"
"As my true mother's loyal confidant until her end, I will defeat you with honor..."
He pointed the blade at Juhabach, who stood there unperturbed.
"...but you will receive a fate worse than death... Judge and execute, Shoshin..."
Trivia
-Old One's attacks are a combination of Gwyn, Lord of Cinder's and Knight Artorias's fighting style.
-Zangetsu was the Zanpakuto of the Old One. This is the reason Zangetsu is an old man, and seemed to be Ichigo's teacher more so than his partner. This is also the explanation of why Ichigo thought he was hearing Zangetsu the entire story, and why all of the Old One's quotes to Ichigo(Some of the quotation-less italics to Ichigo) sound like Zangetsu's.
-Ichigo is learning the final step in his Quincy abilities, which is simply enhancing his body and Zanpakuto. I don't know about Ichigo learning the Spirit Javelin attack, since that does seem like Mr. "Overkill's" spirit weapon.
-I orginally wanted Ginrei as a Zero Division member, since I saved his appearance to the end, but at the fact that there are only 5 members at one time, I changed it to him simply retiring and moving there.
-Ginrei's Zanpakuto is basically an overpowered version of Senbonzakura. He hit As Nodt with his Shikai.
-There was a scene I had wanted to do, hence the out-of-place Kisuke and Osho scene, but I decided not to half-ass it and it do fully and correctly in the next chapter.
-'Shoshin' is basically Japanese for God/Kami. It's taken from the Tenzai Shoshin(Heavenly Kami)(Hint: Bankai name spoiler) the forces later became known as the Japanese Kami.