A/N: This chapter is just an in-between one, showing a bit of character development and interaction. This is the last chapter of the Invasion ARC. Next ARC will be about the fillers or at least the beginning of it.

Also read the previous chapter, I posted both that one and this one on the same day. The previous chapter has the battle against Aizen in it and reveals some shit and its all goodd.

Italics + ' = Thoughts (Etc. = 'What is that?')

Bold + '' = Inner Hollow/Secondary Spirit (Etc. = ''Fucking Quotation marks!'' He roared) (Or Zangetsu in Ichigo's case).

Italics + '' = Zanpakuto Spirit (Etc. = ''Do not hesitate, Ichigo'' Zangetsu said) (Quincy part of Zangetsu for Ichigo's case).

I DONT OWN BLEACH!

Chapter 18: A Temporary Respite - Invasion ARC

''Soul society is so big~'' Inoue chirped as myself, Sado and Yoruichi trail around the Seireitei. Its the third day here and while I wanted to go back to the living world as soon as possible, Asami has taken up the mantle of captain commander until the old dragon recovered. As such we also decided to remain here, since we wouldn't be alive if not for her. She also got us pardoned, allowing us to travel soul society as we wished until the end of our stay.

Ichigo spent a bit of time with us yesterday but excused himself on that he was needing to train with his Zanpakuto, who at the moment was being very impatient. It was a shame and you could tell by how Inoue deflated slightly, though he was oblivious to it. We visited Rukia together, to which she was both thankful and completely awed by our power growth.

She was also in awed confusion from her Zanpakuto spirit, to how she had manifested, was powerful enough to take on several lieutenants and a million other questions. They were answered quite clearly, though some answers surprised us as well. Apparently when Ichigo began his training Asami forced Rukia's Reiryoku out of Ichigo, taking upon the manifested form of Shirayuki. Asami absorbed Shirayuki to prevent her from dying off and delaying the recovery of Rukia's powers, then when she had arrived in her inner world (Apparently a very beautiful night-time beach with a forest area behind it) her Zanpakuto spirits trained her.

It was a surprise when she pointed out that Asami had five spirits, six if you counted the Sokyoku. Two of them were her Zanpakuto's that she kept at her hips, one was an inverted copy of her - which was her hollow powers, and a very strict cloaked spirit as the manifested form of her Quincy powers. The last spirit was similar to her hollow powers in attitude, though held no manifested form.

The reason for this, again according to Shirayuki's conversations with the spirits, is because her hell-bound manifestations are a part of the Sokyoku in a sense. Since she didn't have access to the Sokyoku the spirit held no manifested form, though had a disembodied voice that was infinitely creepy. Asami herself had been too busy with the workload at the first division so she spent her time there, occasionally sending us messages via hell butterfly (which required an explanation from Rukia on how to use).

I sigh, letting Inoue drag me away to another dozen stores possessing various foods that she'll make a nightmare from.

''Dismissed'' I tell the second division informant, he nodded respectfully and blurred away. The second I was alone I pinch the bridge of my nose and sigh, the Gotei 13 was beyond a mess at the moment; 5th division's lieutenant is unresponsive and keeps claiming whatever Aizen was doing was the right thing. I had to refrain from storming down there and informing her of all the evil he has committed, very vocally and vulgarly might I add.

I sent Toshiro and Chiro down, which seemed like a good idea. While Toshiro could only help to a degree, Chiro helped massively. She told her that the real Aizen was murdered by this evil-Aizen and had an illusion Zanpakuto, making him look like the real Sosuke Aizen. Surprisingly it worked, Hinamori got back to her duties and we avoided having a major issue with that certain lieutenant. I also sent a hell butterfly around to all high ranking members of the Gotei 13 informing them of this matter, as to keep the fifth division in order and so they wouldn't need a replacement.

All of them agreed, some because of personal ties and others because they knew of the importance of it. A sudden increase in Reiatsu on the room, however mild, alerted me to another familiar presence.

''You still lack the skills to sneak up on me, Ichigo'' I say and look over my shoulder, Ichigo trying to hide in a shadowy corner. He puffed out air in irritation and stepped out of the darkness, leaning against the wall and looking out the window as I return to my writing.

''What happens next?'' He asked after a few minutes silence, I stay silent and finish the report before standing up and joining him and the window. He stood at around 5'10, with me at 5'8.

''What do you mean?''.

''We rescued Rukia and revealed a traitor, yet despite that I could barely touch him with my Shikai'' He grunted ''I doubt he took that Hog-thing and went to a beachside hotel to relax''.

I snort in amusement ''You want more training''.

''Yeah'' He said and leaned on the railing ''But that's not all, how are we supposed to counter that Bakudo?''.

''You mean Bakkoto'' I correct with a sigh ''I'm working on it, honestly it isn't easy to counter. It has a few weakness; removing that persons arm from their body, not coming in contact with the blade and separating the Bakkoto from his Zanpakuto''.

''Are any of them viable?'' He asked, looking at me out of the corner of his eye.

''Not really'' I sigh ''Removing his arm is possible, but difficult. Not coming in contact with his blade is nearly impossible, since you excel in Zanjutsu and I prefer it as well. Separating his Zanpakuto and Bakkoto? Unless we can get him on an operating table and give me ten to fifteen minutes I doubt it''.

He scowled ''So what can we do?''.

'Good question' I ponder ''Hm... I have a few ideas''.

He didn't say anything verbally, though I could tell he was listening intently.

''The first is by utilizing a high-powered transcendental technique that holds the capability to one-shot him'' I stop and allow him to process that before continuing ''The second is Reiryoku manipulation transfusion and the third is developing a complex Kido spell to counter it, though it could take some time to do that''.

''Can you repeat the first two in... simple terms?'' He asked flatly and I smirk lightly.

''The first involves attaining what is essentially the ultimate form of a persons power, it allows the user to use a devastating attack that has the potential to damage even the gods. The drawback to it is after a very short time limit the person will lose their powers completely, it is possible to recover them however but it could take years at best''.

''The second, Reiryoku manipulation transfusion, involves two powerful entities essentially sharing power with one another. They swap their Reiryoku and each gain the abilities to use the other persons abilities and even Zanpakuto's'' I state, carefully observing him from the corner of my eye for a reaction.

He hummed in thought ''You're a scientist, right?''.

I blink in surprise at the random question ''Technically, yes''.

''Would it not be possible to find a way so that a Shinigami would not lose their powers from using the super-powerful technique?'' He asked, genuine interest marred on his face.

I bring a hand to rest on my chin, rubbing it in thought ''...possibly''.

''How?'' He said without missing beat.

''Somebody's eager'' I taunt and he scoffed ''By combining the first and second options it should be possible, two powerful beings with similar Reiatsu outputting at a level of power far beyond the normally detection of those on a lower plane''.

He gave me a flat look, so I repeated ''Two people share their Reiryoku, activate the ultimate technique, nobody senses them because their Reiatsu is so strong it cant be sensed''.

He blinked, understanding on his face ''That's... scary''.

I nod ''Aizen took the Hogyoku so he could force himself to become transcendental without the use of the ultimate technique, making him immortal at the same time''.

''That's... even scarier'' He muttered with a frown, showing his worry.

''Don't get all scared on me'' I taunt and he elbowed my side jokingly, which I retorted with one of my own - if a bit harder.

''Damn you hit hard'' He muttered.

''I'll take that as a compliment'' I smirk.

''Take it either way'' He smirked in turn, which got him another jab in the side making him curse. We lap into a comfortable silence, the paperwork forgotten as we watch over the Seireitei like kings and queens on their thrones.

''I was wondering'' He started, breaking the silence that lasted easily ten minutes ''What was that Quincy stuff when Zangetsu took over?''.

''Quincy: Vollstandig'' I explain ''It is classified as the Bankai equivalent for the Quincy, it offers increased Reishi absorption, higher arrow quality, greater mobility and a unique skillset depending on each person. To achieve it you must use a Sanrei glove and train with it, I myself have created modified versions of the Sanrei glove that are more powerful than the standard version, one of which is in the possession of Ishida. I'm working on one for you as well, since I knew you'd want to learn''.

''Do you always know everything?'' He joked.

''I plan ahead'' I say ''If there is anything you should learn from me, it is to plan not one, not two, but at least five steps ahead of your opposition. For example, before I even came into contact with you I already had a plan up until our fight with Aizen. Admittedly things went awry from there but up until that point everything went according to plan''.

''I see'' He said after a pause ''With that knowledge, I'm willing to bet you've planned up to our fight with Aizen''.

''I'm working on it'' I reply ''If we begin having troubles I'll call in my allies who could help''.

He nodded ''So back on the topic those option things, how do we do that?''.

A grim smile crosses my face ''The method is simple, but due to the fact you are forcing your Reiryoku into someone else's body...''.

''It hurts like hell'' He finished.

''Heh, hell can't even compare to the pain'' I chuckle bitterly ''It can be so intense you could go insane or go in a coma, not to mention the possibility of dying from conflicting Reiryoku''.

''I'm still willing to try if it means protecting my friends'' He stated without hesitation.

I chuckle softly ''Your not the only one''.

He blinked as confusion marred his expression ''Huh?''.

''I also wish to protect my family, and by Masaki's request, protect you'' He blinked, obviously taken aback by my statement ''You wish to protect your friends and family, yet you show little to no worry for your own well being, as such Masaki asked that I make sure you don't get yourself killed with your recklessness''.

''I am not that reckless'' He scoffed indignantly, though had a small smile on his face from my short story.

''You charged into a different dimension containing people who can cover miles of ground in minutes and can flatten cities'' I say dryly ''If that isn't recklessness, then I don't know what is''.

He rolled his eyes ''I better get going, Zangetsu is bitching again''.

I raise an eyebrow ''What for?''.

He merely grinned ''Oh you'll see during training''.

''I look forward to it'' I smirk challengingly ''Enjoy your time in soul society while it lasts, the next time we'll be here we'll be saving there asses''.

He nodded with a smirk in place, jumping up onto the railing as he prepared to leave. I return to my desk and pick up the quill when I notice Ichigo still present, I turn my head slightly to him to see him struggling with something. I waited patiently for a few moments before he spoke.

''Thanks... for everything'' He smiled softly, making me blink in surprise - a thank you was the last thing I had expected.

Despite my better judgement, a soft smile creeps up onto my face ''No problem''.

He nodded and disappeared like dust in the wind, going to wherever in soul society he desired. To my internal confusion, I found myself smiling for a few minutes even after he left.

Strange.

I landed in what I felt was a secluded spot in the forest, under Sokyoku hill. Birds chirped and a cool wind blew by, my small smile still stuck on my face. I sat down in a clearing next to a small waterfall and place my large Zanpakuto on my lap, closing my eyes as I let the quiet lull flow through me.

''This place looks nice'' His hollowfied Zanpakuto commented, I snap my eyes open to reveal my inner world. It had changed, had done ever since I mastered my Bankai. It was almost funny too, given the metaphorical way to look at it.

My world was now upright and no longer sideways, which still took some getting used to. The ground was now roads and massive fifty story plus skyscrapers, trees and other foliage here and there. It signified my understanding, my ambitions and my self control and peace.

Oh, it became night too, a large full moon hung in the sky with thousands of stars littering the black blanket of night.

''It does'' I nod, Quincy Zangetsu was silent but radiated silent approval at the surroundings. It was hard to tell but it seemed like the buildings were taller and a few more shrubs. His hollow was sitting on a tree branch and his Quincy was sitting on top of a lamppost, a replacement for his pole I guess.

''So you ready to get started?'' He grinned manically.

I smirk ''Oh I'm more than ready to kick your ass''.

Old man Zangetsu sighed and blurred away to watch from a distance as our blades clashed together, cracking the ground at our feet through sheer pressure. I blurred behind my counterpart and swung, only for my attack to be parried and receive a mild gash in turn.

This was going to be a long fight.

''Did you bring them?'' Chiro whispered as she appeared in front of the 2nd division with me in tow, a bag in hand. Both were in their usual Shinigami get-up but at Asami's request, used a illusion Kido to hide their appearances and height. The moon shone overhead, the captain of the second asleep and the members on guard duty too low ranking to even notice their movements.

''Yeah'' I reply quietly as I hand the bag over to her, she nods before blurring away. I stood patiently for a few minutes before she returned, the bag smaller than before.

''Let's go'' She whispered as we moved to the first, third, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, twelfth and thirteenth.

I sighed peacefully as a cool wind blew by me, the night air a bit bitter but sweetly chilling. My oversized Zanpakuto lay on my lap as I had exited Jinzen. I take the large blade and sheathe it over my back, my senses barely picking up another Reiatsu at the edge of the clearing. I pretend not to notice it and stare at the waterfall, even with all the shit going on and what will come, the moment alone was peaceful. A single pair of feet softly trudge through the grass and stop a few feet behind me, without turning I speak.

''You should be asleep''

''I should say the same to you'' Asami stated ''I have no need for sleep, training for a hundred and fifty years straight makes sleep an inconvenient waste of time''.

''So you don't sleep?'' I question with a frown, that certainly couldn't be good for anyone, powerhouse or not.

''I do, maybe once or twice a week'' She said calmly ''It allows me to train for longer and do my duties as a protector better''.

''You fought on par with the captain commander, who is apparently the strongest in the Gotei 13'' I said flatly ''I doubt you need more training''.

She shook her head sadly ''The power I wield is powerful, yes. If I went all-out I could level an area of Karakura town with the swing of my sword, yet it is not enough... people weigh their power up to others and once they are confident in their strength, they stop trying. So when a force with more power than anything they have seen before comes along, they are like an ant to an elephant''.

I listened intently and pat the area by my side, silently asking her to sit. She didn't move for a moment before a few soft footfalls were heard before she plopped down beside me on the grass, staring into the calm water with the moon reflecting off it.

''I will take you to see my old sensei, Akuma'' She broke the silence ''He is the creator of the hell dimension, a god. I will show you the difference between my power and his, how much I must train to reach his level''.

I was slightly surprised to say the least, mainly because; she knew a god, the god of hell no less, and the fact she unspoken said I was to have a spar with him. However a questioned surfaced through my confusion.

''Why would you need to attain the power that was on par with a god?'' I question and I felt her stiffen slightly, turning my head to the side to look at her she met my gaze with those honey brown eyes. There were conflicting emotions in them; anguish, fear, worry, indecision, frustration and sadness.

I turn my head back to the water, breaking the gaze ''If you don't want to tell me, then don't. Its not right for me to force information out of a friend simply because of curiosity''.

I sensed her loosen up, out of the corner my eye I saw a small smile cross her face before she hastily hid it behind her usual mask of indifference. We lap into a comfortable silence, simply watching the moon slowly float over the water. Ten minutes pass before she suddenly held a small round cup filled with a cloudy liquid, I turn a curious gaze on her when I detect the smell of alcohol.

''Minors can't drink'' I point out.

''Firstly, there is no law in soul society about drinking age since our spirit bodies can withstand more punishment'' She stated evenly and I frown slightly ''Secondly if you have no intention of sleeping anytime soon you may as well drink away the night, thirdly your Reiatsu is so potent it would be a miracle if you got intoxicated''.

She lightly nudged the cup towards me again, with an irritated scowl I cave in and take the cup from her. It wasn't right, yet he had a feeling if she refused she'd persist until the apocalypse came. With only a moment of hesitation he took a sip and had to hold himself back from coughing up the bitter liquid like it was salt water, it tasted vile to say the least.

After he was confident the liquid was swallowed and his coughing stopped he turned to his female comrade ''How the hell can you stand that? It tastes vile''.

She chuckled ''It is, but that is why people drink it. I don't drink it too often, though the burning helps make you ignore your problems''.

I silently agree, if I took a shot of this when doing my homework I'd forget about it in favour of dealing with the burning pain. We lap into another comfortable silence, occasionally taking a sip from the poison in our cups. The silence was once again broken by her, this time in the form of a philosophical statement.

''Life is a game, Ichigo. If you make the wrong move, all you have worked for will be for nought. One person is all it takes to bring down an army, if they play their cards right'' She said quietly ''We are all players, though I wish to rise past that title to what lies above''.

I frown, silently trying to decipher what she meant. As if the universe sensed my confusion, a clap of thunder suddenly jolted in the sky and connected the dots in my mind.

'To go above being a player... is to be the game-master, what lies above... is the heavens'.

''You are correct'' She sighed, I scowl slightly realising I said it aloud ''I cant tell you the reasons yet, Ichigo, and for that I am sorry. I only hope in time... you'll understand why''.

And just like that she was gone, like dust in the wind.

I walk through the busy halls of the fourth division as I head to one specific room, the sunlight pouring through the windows greedily as members of the after mentioned division bowed at my presence. I mostly ignored them or gave a curt nod to them, my conversation with Ichigo still ringing in my mind.

Perhaps I should not have left so abruptly, though it felt wiser to drop the conversation before it could escalate.

I pull open the door leading to Genryusai's room, like the other rooms it was plain white with a bed in the middle for the aged dragon. I enter the room and close i behind me, silently putting up a sound barrier around the room.

''What is it?'' The aged dragon grumbled from his bed, his injuries almost healed to the point where he can take charge again.

''Myself and my comrades will be leaving tomorrow afternoon, the paperwork has been completed and anything long-term has been handled by your lieutenant'' I inform ''Also you really need to step-up the training in the academy, I mean I saw some students being taught the other day and they were taught nothing more than grunt work, no variation or uniqueness to their movements except pure routine-based swings''.

He scoffed ''I am aware that the academy's standards have fallen, though there is not much we can do other than hope''.

''Try getting instructors who can explain things better'' I scold ''For example; 'To use Reiryoku, simply gather your energy and push it into your fingers and say Hado #4: Byakurai!', I mean that explained nothing! Ichigo learned to use several Hado spells and all he did was copy me after failing a few dozen times''.

''If he was in the academy he would be deemed a prodigy'' Genryusai frowned ''Not everyone can be''.

I snort ''Well get somebody who can explain things properly at least, If it were up to me I'd go and kick the instructors asses and tell them to teach properly but I doubt you'd approve''.

He grunted in confirmation ''What do we do about Gin?''.

''Gin is to retake his position as a captain'' I say in a tone that left no room for argument ''His original intention, one he has had since a child, was to kill Aizen. He hasn't broken many severe laws besides endangerment of officers and indirect harm to a lieutenant-class officer. His punishment is a simple reduced pay for a year, since again he broke no major laws and if anything helped soul society by acting as an assassin so covert nobody knew about it''.

''Apart from your group'' He pointed out and I nod.

''He is a close friend of Chiro, almost like a brother'' I say with a slightly wistful tone ''We'd know instantly if he was hiding something, all it took for him to break was a trip to the eleventh divisions lieutenant for a few hours''.

Genryusai shivered, solid proof that Soi Fon had nothing on Yachiru's 'techniques'.

''Ah Kurosaki-san!'' Ukitake called as said man approached the Senkaimon, breaking off from a conversation with Rukia.

''Ukitake-san?'' Ichigo pondered in confusion as the man approached them.

''I almost forgot to give you this'' He said and held out a small wooden pentagon with a skull on it ''Its a substitute Shinigami badge, I uh... assume Asami told you about it?''.

They turn their heads at me and I confirm it with a simple nod. Ichigo thanks Ukitake and takes the badge, I told him the truth behind the badge and Ukitake is likely aware he knows this. In the information I told Ishida to give the sickly man it instructed on giving him a modified one which cannot restrict his powers or keep tabs on him, of course Ukitake was hesitant at first but after he realised if he didn't do it then I would and the whole reason of asking him was simply for convenience sake he relented.

It simply allowed him to exit his body when the mod soul was not available and alerted him when a hollow appeared, though I intend to train his sensing abilities until he can sense them before soul society alerts him. Both he and soul society can detect them at the same time but the duration it takes for somebody to send him an alert is around ten to twenty seconds.

I wait patiently as he and Rukia spoke, Ukitake also standing off to the side as he waited for his still unseated officer to finish. After an eternity Inoue, Ishida, Sado and Yoruichi approach us and the pairs conversation is broken apart. I watched the transaction with only a slight amount of attention, most of it focusing on mulling over my plans for the Bounts that will undoubtedly arrive shortly after we return.

I was broken out of my thoughts as Sado approached me, Ishida not far behind. I spotted Chiro and Toshiro also conversing with Ukitake in the background.

''We need more training'' Ishida said as he adjusted his glasses ''While I will not deny that we managed to take down two captains each with little injuries, you also hinted at another release during our respective training''.

''I can train you, however with Aizen's defection a whole hornets nest of enemies have been awoken and as such your training will be delayed until a later date since my hands are currently tied'' I say with a hint of apology in my tone, both of them nod respectfully just as the Senkaimon flared to life. We give our goodbyes to those present before running into the wall of light.

It was a quiet-ish journey, save for the cleaner chasing us and Ichigo muttering curses. The exit was perfectly timed and we jump out, falling for only a few moments before landing on a carpet - a flying one at that.

''Hello~'' My father sang happily.

He immediately got a punch in the jaw from Ichigo and a whack over the head from me.

''What was that for?'' He whined childishly.

''I don't know'' Ichigo shrugged.

''Felt like it'' I agree.

''So mean~''.

That got him another round of injures, plus an attack from Yoruichi on his face.