A/N: Sorry for the later update, this one part really got me stuck so it took me ages to keep coming back to redo it several times... its so annoying :..(
Also, since I keep forgetting to say it, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to review my story, especially you Vedazhii! It means a lot to me when you guys review so thank you~~~~~~
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 29: Muramasa and the Zanpakuto Rebellion - Alliance ARC
''Ichigo''.
Hearing my name being called, I stopped walking back from the store and looked over my shoulder to see Rukia standing there, fidgeting slightly.
''Hm? What is it Rukia?'' I asked innocently.
''Captain Amagai had been forgiven and is now reinstated as captain of the tenth division, and has been sent out on a mission to Tokyo for a weeks time'' She said nervously.
I blinked ''Not that I mind, why did you come to tell me that?''.
''Well, I thought you'd like to know since you and Asami-san left without killing him'' Rukia said.
I chuckled lightly ''I already knew he was''.
''Asami told you?'' Rukia said flatly and I nod, making Rukia hang her head in shame ''Something wrong?''.
She opened her mouth, then shut it, then opened it, then shut it, then opened it for good ''Its just... you never hang with me and Renji anymore, ever since you got back from soul society we only see you at school and there's a Kido barrier around your house''.
I smiled softly ''Yeah sorry about that, just wanting to keep my sisters safe so I had Asami put up a barrier''.
Apparently accepting that, I continued ''I'm busy training Rukia, I know its a pain in the ass, but its important for the oncoming war''.
''You mean against Aizen?'' Rukia asked softly.
''No, something much worse'' I say and disappear in a burst of Hirenkyaku, the only high speed movement available to my human body, to get away.
My face darkened 'I'm sorry Rukia, but in time you'll understand...'.
I blinked ''Muramasa?''.
Asami nodded ''He's originally a Zanpakuto of one Koga Kuchiki, who was imprisoned for reasons known only to the captain commander and Ginrei Kuchiki. Skipping unnecessary details, he'll forcibly manifest the Gotei 13's Zanpakuto and brainwash them to rebel against them, so we'll step in''.
''The plan?'' I asked idly as we walked to school.
''We wait until he's revealed himself, then we intervene before fighting can start. You'll hold off the Zanpakuto, releasing your limiters if necessary while I convince him to join us'' She explained smoothly.
''Limiters, plural?'' I question slyly.
She blinked, apparently caught off guard I noticed her slip up ''I changed our limiters to two of them, the first releasing fifty percent of our power while the second releases our full power''.
I nodded ''Is anyone else coming with us?''.
''I don't see a reason to, since you're capable of handling the whole of the Gotei 13's Zanpakuto while I persuade Muramasa'' She shrugged.
''Why are you the one who always does the talking and not me?'' I complained lightly.
She chuckled ''Because I inherited my fathers skill at wordplay''.
I sighed and smiled ''Yeah whatever, when do we leave?''.
''Around seven at night'' She informed with a sigh ''School is so boring''.
''Ain't that the truth'' I chuckled.
''We could skip school'' She smirked devilishly.
''And do what?'' I raise an eyebrow.
''Spar'' She said, her smirk morphing into a challenging grin ''We've been quite lax recently''.
''I could agree to that'' I smirked as I took out Kon and popped him into my mouth, ejecting me from my body. Asami also ejected from her body using a mod soul, though judging from how her face went blank it was a default one.
''Lets go'' She said and took off in a blur of combined movement towards the Shoten, her Gigai walking in that direction as well.
''Go back to the house and tell my sisters you're in my body'' I order Kon ''Do not leave the house, though you may use my computer as long as you erase your history''.
Kon grinned and nodded, taking off back to my house.
'Why do I have a sense of unease from allowing him to do that?' I sighed and took off in a blur of combined movement.
Neither of us noticed how Tatsuki watched from around the corner, wide-eyed and shocked.
''So he's freeing the Zanpakuto?'' I said flatly as we stood on the air above the Sokyoku hill, hidden behind a Bakudo #26: Kyakko ''That is honestly the stupidest thing I've ever heard''.
''Yep'' Asami chuckled quietly ''We're safe though, since we've merged with ours and its impossible to manifest them anymore''.
''Renji's going to attack'' I note as I watch the redhead tense dangerously.
''Then we move'' Asami said and with a wave of her hand, shatters the Bakudo with an audible shattering sound. Before anyone spotted us we appear between the two sides, hands at our sides and completely relaxed.
''Yo'' I greet, directing it at everyone.
Muramasa was the first to recover, his... unique appearance making him a bit of an fashion disaster ''Ah, Ichigo Kurosaki, Asami Urahara... welcome''.
''Ichigo, handle it from here'' Asami said and I nod, Asami appeared before Muramasa and grabbed the front of his shirt before disappearing in a blur off the Sokyoku hill, sparing a smug smirk at me before doing so.
''Alright, lets get this show on the road'' I grunt and draw Zangetsu in his sealed form, since most of my power was limited any Shikai-level attacks will probably cut me, which I didn't want. I heard a scuffling of feet and a grunt, without turning around I already knew they found the cubic Danku that Asami put up.
''Ichigo!'' I heard Rukia cry in worry, to which I smiled at.
''I'll be fine'' I informed them, pointing my blade at the manifested spirits ''I just need to kick their asses, then my job is done... so who's first? I don't want to waste time''.
A whoosh of Shunpo echoed behind me, without even looking I raised the blade over my shoulder and nimbly blocked the Senbonzakura's blade. I spun and lashed out with a backhand, hitting the side of his masked face and sending him tumbling away like a ragdoll. Sensing another Reiatsu signature incoming I take a simple step back, avoiding a sneak attack from a spirit with long brown hair and bells, wielding a sword I didn't recognise. She appeared shocked I dodged, to which I respond by using a wordless Sho to send her sprawling back.
I point a hand at the girl ''Horin''.
The red and yellow rope reached the girl and ensnared her, to which I use her as a flail to crash into a cat-woman, sending both tumbling away innocently. I jump back just in time to avoid a massive blade crashing down, courtesy of a demonic fire-breathing guy who also wielded an unfamiliar Zanpakuto. I held an open hand out to the spirit, the other hanging by my side casually.
''Hado #33: Sokatsui'' I intone, sending the explosive blast of fire at the demon, exploding on contact and burning him. I sidestep a strange chain weapon, immediately followed by a strike from a weird shaped sword held by an emo.
''You guys are pretty slow'' I taunt casually, my face stoic.
''Snap!'' A shrill voice cries and I saw a fireball screeching towards me.
'I wonder how strong my Hierro/Blut Vene is with these limiters?' I thought with a shrug, surrounding myself in both defensive measures and awaiting the blast. It struck true and I was pleased when not only did it not harm me, but it didn't even harm my clothes due to my Reiatsu being so dense. With a smirk I swing my blade, dispelling the smoke and making several eyes widened, though most just scowl.
''I think its time for me to attack'' I smirk and stab my blade into the ground, shedding my trench coat swiftly and letting the wind carry it a little distance away ''Gentei Kaijo''.
My Reiatsu exploded around me in a spire of purple and blue, making the clouds split above me and rocks begin levitating slightly, the Zanpakuto all widened their eyes as they buckled under the pressure before I reigned it in. I need to draw this out after all.
I grabbed my sword and sheathed it swiftly, cracking my knuckles as I casually walked towards Senbonzakura, to which he replied with ''Scatter''.
His blade dissolved within seconds and swarmed me, though I continue my warpath. My Hierro and Blut Vene were strengthened to the point where they were only able to be damaged by either a Bankai or a powerful Shikai, so it'd be fun - I swear my hollow was rubbing off on me.
I pulsed my Reiatsu out to dispel the petals, allowing me to continue walking unharmed by the attack. Abruptly I take off in a blur and reappear behind the man, delivering a roundhouse kick to his side and sending him crashing into the ground a few feet away. I spun around and grabbed the blade of a pale skinned woman holding what I think was Sode no Shirayuki.
''Is this all you can offer?'' I say, directing it at all of the Zanpakuto. Sode no Shirayuki breaks out of my grip and holds her sword in front of her before taking off in a burst of Shunpo. She drew a circle on the ground as I watched with a look of smug amusement on my face, clearly making her uneasy and confused.
''Growl!'' Someone cried and I found myself surrounded in ash, attempting to cut my skin.
''Snap!'' The same shrill cry from before came as the fireball shot at the ash.
I smirked ''Kaboom''.
And that is exactly what happened, I was engulfed in an explosion of fire but I still sensed Sode no Shirayuki's Reiryoku on the ground. I waited patiently as the smoke disappeared and let them see my smirk, irritating and scaring them.
'Now I understand what Aizen felt like, this is kinda fun'.
''Bad thoughts king, bad thoughts'' Zangetsu warned.
'Yeah, Yeah'.
''Some no mai, Tsukishiro!'' Sode no Shirayuki cried and the ground at my feet glowed before I found myself encased in ice, I grunted at the uncomfortable temperature and flared a tiny bit of my Reiatsu, shattering the pillar with ease.
''You'll need more firepower than that'' I say but grunt when I felt a blade penetrate my chest, I look over my shoulder to see a buxom purple haired woman. I grunted again when I felt the same blade strike through my abdomen, returning my gaze to my front I saw a smaller version of the woman holding the same blade.
''We're Katen Kyokotsu'' The buxom woman said, as if noticing my lack of knowledge on them.
''Nice to meet you'' I say, reaching behind me and grabbing her wrist while grabbing the midgets one ''Hado #96: Itto Kaso''.
We were engulfed in a searing red spearhead of flames, the two woman I held onto burning under its might but not dying. I dismiss the Kido with a mental command and release their wrists, making them stumble and gasp as the cold air stung their wounds.
''Who's next?'' I ask to the large crowd, who were clearly wary of me now.
''Bankai'' I heard, making me turn my head and see Senbonzakura drop his blade, making two rows of blades summon behind him ''Senbonzakura Kageyoshi''.
''Bankai!'' I heard another man say, making my raise an eyebrow at the man wielding the blade of the 1st divisions lieutenant, I didn't know he had a Bankai ''Koko Gonryo Rikyu!''.
''Well this will be interesting'' I say in a musing tone, which accidently taunts them.
''Growl!''.
''Snap!''.
''Tsugi no mai, Hakuren!''.
''Smash!''.
''Well shit'' I murmured as the attacks flew at me, which would almost certainly do a bit more than scratch me.
''THAT is what you get for being cocky, dipshit''.
'Fuck you too'.
I flared my Reiatsu as I pushed it into my Blut Vene, forcing it to expand and grow like Asami taught me. With a loud grunt it followed my will, creating a semi-translucent vein-patterned dome around me, just in time too. Petals, fireballs, ash, snow, lightning and a damn flail struck my Blut Vene shield, barely cracking it. I flared my Reiatsu and it cleared away the dust and other shit, allowing them to see that they did nothing. I dismissed the shield and grasped my sword, slowing drawing it out for effect.
''It seems... like you've forced my blade'' I intoned and disappeared into a blur, appearing in front of Senbonzakura and swung down ''Getsuga Tenshou''.
The spirit, and everything within close proximity, was completely engulfed in an explosion of blue and purple Reiryoku. Without missing a beat I burst out of the energy and bring a heavy axe kick down on the other guy wielding Bankai, sending him crashing to the ground loudly. I blur behind the women of the group and strike them on the back of their necks, knocking them out with ease and also sending them to the ground.
''Bakudo #63: Rikujokoro'' I call and bind the remaining Zanpakuto, repeating it several times to bind all of them ''There, that's that then''.
''Oi! Lemme out!'' A nearly pitch black figure barked as I landed on the ground.
''Nah'' I shrugged, planting my blade into the ground and leaning on it casually ''I'm just playing my part''.
Everyone gave me an odd look, though Rukia was the one to speak ''What do you mean, Ichigo?''.
I look over my shoulder at the group of Shinigami, surrounded in a cubic Danku, and give a shrug ''Like I said, just playing my part''.
Before their questioning could continue Asami appeared with Muramasa, both no worse for wear. With a nod to Muramasa she walked over to me as Muramasa turned to his subordinates.
''Dismiss the Kido'' Asami asked and I nodded, mentally cutting the connecting to the Bakudo and freeing the Zanpakuto, much to the verbal outrage of the Shinigami present.
''What are you doing?!'' Was the general cry, but was ignored.
''We are leaving, bring our wounded with us'' Muramasa said to his allies, who begrudgingly got up and carried their female companions who I knocked unconscious ''I will hold up my end of the deal if you do yours, Urahara''.
''We will, Muramasa'' She nodded, watching as the Zanpakuto disappeared before turning to me ''Lets go''.
Sighing I give a nod as Asami opened a Senkaimon, undoubtedly leading to the human world. I turn back to the still-trapped Shinigami and nod my goodbye before disappearing into the light of the Senkaimon with Asami.
''You think they'll be okay?'' I ask with a frown, the sun of HQ shining above me as we lay under a tree.
''If they aren't, then I'm seriously concerned for the future of soul society'' Asami chuckled as she was laying on my chest, watching as Chiro and Toshiro sparred not too far away with their sealed swords.
''What did you persuade him with?'' I ask.
''I subtly threatened him with bringing all of Purple Tear down on him, then I proposed an offer; if his master doesn't accept him back as part of his soul, then I'll give him a place in Purple Tear'' She explained with a sigh ''He agreed, our part of the deal is we don't interfere unless his master rejects him, so I'm having someone from the second division who owes me a favour spy on them''.
''Hm'' I grunt, watching as the clouds passed by ''I wonder what the others will think?''.
She shifted so that she was sitting more upright, resting her head just below mine ''You need to be more specific''.
''The Shinigami and my human friends; Chad, Inoue, Ishida'' I listed off.
''Ishida, Inoue and Sado will follow you to hell and back'' She commented as her eyes were drawn back to the Chibi fight, where winds sickles and ice dragons where flying ''The Shinigami will take it harder, possibly label this as treason since the Head Captain is unavailable and they don't have enough brain cells to understand black operations''.
I nodded lightly, not bothering to ask whatever black operations meant ''I've been thinking... you said you wanted to become strong enough to fight against this Perdida god, so you'll 'stand upon the heavens'... we've never really broached the subject''.
''Yeah, its just difficult to explain at times'' She sighed ''The goal is was for me to become the Soul King, ensuring that with our combined power we could fight and destroy the invading army and protect the dimensions. Then however it became apparent he was rallying an army far beyond most peoples comprehension, so I built an army myself. Then... we became closer''.
Obviously referring to us beginning a relationship, I strung an arm around her in a comforting gesture, silently asking her to continue, which she did.
''I... saw you more than a comrade or a friend... and after some time passed we started dating'' She said, as she looked up at me ''I don't want to sit upon heavens throne alone, Ichigo... I want you to stand beside me, upon the heavens''.
I smiled and kissed her softly ''Of course, my Queen''.
''Yo Chad'' I greeted as the gentle giant walked down the street towards the school, with us coming from a separate street.
''Ichigo, Asami'' The giant greeted us both ''You're quite late today''.
I chuckle sheepishly ''Yeah... we woke up late today''.
'Note to self; save 'that' for night times'.
Chad stared at us for a moment before saying ''So the rumours are true''.
I shrug and Asami chuckled, giving the teen a very clear yes. We carried onto school in silence, occasionally making idle conversation but mostly enjoying the comfortable silence. We must've been an odd trio when we walked into the school grounds, judging from the occasional whisper and all. When we got to the door we calmly made our ways to our seats, giving a passing greeting to Ishida, Tatsuki and Inoue.
I didn't miss the sharp glance Tatsuki gave me and Asami.
As myself and Asami got around a block away from the school grounds, Tatsuki called out to us, forcing us to stop and turn to her.
''Tatsuki?'' I say, feigning confusion.
''I want answers'' She demanded as she stormed up to us, glaring at us.
''For...?'' I draw out, ending in a verbal question mark.
''I saw the two of him... split into two versions of yourself, one in your body called Kon and the other wearing black robes'' She said, looking between us ''What the hell are you keeping from me?''.
''Things you have no right to know'' Asami replied smoothly, wearing a stoic mask of indifference even as she received a withering glare.
''Oh yeah?'' Tatsuki growled ''And how do I get the right?''.
''You don't'' Was the curt reply ''It would be in your best interest to stay out of such affairs, otherwise you'll find that being the second strongest girl in japan doesn't equate to very much''.
Without further debate Asami places a hand on my shoulder and moves us with Hirenkyaku, landing us around the corner of the street and out of sight. She sighed and pinched her nose irritably, muttering something about annoying humans.
''That was... unexpected'' I murmur, referencing to Tatsuki.
''Yeah, she's more nosy than she lets on'' Asami muttered irritably ''Last thing we need is humans getting involved in the spirit world, that'll be a nightmare''.
''Yeah'' I sighed as we then continued on, walking along the street back to the house. After we near the house Asami abruptly smiled, making me raise an eyebrow at her.
''Wanna go hang with the Vizard again?'' She asked with a tinge of excitement ''You still owe Hiyori a spar anyway''.
I chuckled ''Sure, think Bambietta's gang will come along?''.
I wasn't particularly close to Bambietta and the four other female Quincy, but it was a friendship none the less.
Asami barked out a laugh ''Yeah, they probably will''.
''The human world is always so relaxing'' Bambietta sighed as she lay against a tree.
''Probably because its night'' Liltotto commented, taking a sip of some juice - since she refused Sake.
Turns out more people than expected turned up, those who turned up being; Starrk, Lilynette, Grimmjow, Nel, Shinji, Kensei, Love, Rose, Lisa, Mashiro, Hiyori, Bambietta, Liltotto, Candice, Giselle, Meninas, Toshiro, Chiro and Senna. All of us were strewn about on a hill about a mile from Karakura town, Sake spread around us or in some cases juice, all of us present were in Gigai for convenience.
In one such case, Senna gagged ''How the hell can you guys drink this? Its bitter as hell!''.
I chuckled ''Yeah, it takes some getting used to''.
''It does taste like shit'' Lilynette fumed at her inability to drink the amber liquid ''Right Starrk?''.
''Zzzzzz'' Starrk snored, making a tick mark appear on the girls head before she kicked him, in the balls.
All men winced as Starrk jumped with an unmanly squeak, before curling into the fetal position and clutching his crotch. Lilynette snickered evilly and went over to Liltotto, idly starting a conversation with the young Quincy.
''Are you alright, Starrk-san?'' Nel asked as she and Senna stood over the pained man.
''I never will be...'' He groaned and every man winced again.
''Tch, men'' Hiyori scoffed, getting several pointed looks (read; glares).
''You do not know the pain of getting kicked in the balls, so Shuddup midget'' Grimmjow growled.
''Make me, Kitty cat!'' Hiyori barked.
''I will!'' Was the last shout before the two charged each other, due to their Gigai preventing their use of spiritual powers, the duo went rolling down the hill. Everyone broke out in either chuckles or full out laughter, partly drunken. Even Starrk managed a weak chuckle from his position on the ground.
''Oi Ichigo'' Shinji said as I look at the man ''You wanna spar?''.
I grinned ''Sure''.
''I... regret... asking you'' Shinji groaned from the ground, making me chuckle and I sheathed my sword again.
''Ten points me, Zero points you'' I grinned and Shinji moaned with fake anime tears running down his face ''Anyone else?''.
My response came in the form of Grimmjow jumping out of nowhere and firing a Bala, which I batted away with my hand with a grin. I leaned back to avoid a punch and my knee shot out, slamming into his gut and making him grunt. He grew his sword and lashed out viciously and I met it with my own blade, both of us having grins on our faces.
I sighed with an amused smile on my face as I watched Ichigo and Grimmjow clash, cracking the ground slightly and sending enough shockwaves to make me put up a barrier to protect the spectators. I noticed out of the corner of my eye how Bambietta and her gang shuffled up next to me, the black haired woman grinning mischievously.
''So, you and Kurosaki?'' Bambietta grinned and I chuckled, nodding ''Damn, who thought a human would be the one to get your heart?''.
I rolled my eyes ''Human-Shinigami-Quincy-Hollow Hybrid''.
''The point still stands'' Candice snickered.
''Don't you forget you have Shinji after you'' I grin and Candice scowled, which darkened when Shinji appeared before her on one knee with his signature grin.
''Ah my love-'' Before he could even start his long-winded sentence a bolt of lightning appeared out of nowhere and struck him, electrifying him and making him fall on his face, twitching with sparks coming out of him.
''Shuddup!'' Candice growled.
''Ah the pain~'' He whined, resulting in another bolt striking him, despite the Gigai limiting her power to a mere 10%, it won't kill him - or rather his Gigai.
''Masochistic Pervert'' Liltotto commented bluntly.
''Yep'' I chuckled, taking another sip of Sake.
''Will they be alright?'' Senna asked, pointing at the fetal-positioned Starrk and the twitching Shinji.
''Maybe'' Love shrugged ''Shinji's been electrified at least twenty times already by her, without the Gigai''.
Senna winced in sympathy ''Damn''.
''I'm starting to think he's a masochist'' Lisa muttered, her face buried in a porn mag ''Next he'll be into bond-''.
''DON'T continue that sentence'' Love shivered ''Don't you dare put that image in my head''.
Lisa just smirked deviously ''I wonder if he's more into ropes or chains?''.
''WHY?!''.
''Fuck...'' Grimmjow rumbled with a wide grin, stumbling and collapsing back on the grass ''You pack a fucking punch, Kurosaki''.
I chuckle, my remaining wounds healing with either Instant Regeneration or Heilige Heilung ''I should be saying that to you, I didn't expect you to have Hierro that strong''.
He grinned from his place on the ground just as a burnt but very alive Shinji tumbled past them, making both of us blink. He cried out something along with the name 'Candice' before a bolt of lightning struck him from seemingly nowhere, followed by the busty blonde storming past us and stomping on him several times barking obscenities.
''Think he'll be okay?'' I question with an amused smirk.
''Eh, probably'' Grimmjow shrugged with a smirk of his own ''He does that often, everyone's starting to think he's a masochist''.
''Then he'll be into bondage!'' Lisa called down to us, and I felt the need to gag immediately as the image came into my head.
''Ew fucking gross!'' Grimmjow spat, shivering at the mental image ''Fuck you!''.
Lisa just smirked at us and I noticed Love was similar, gagging and twitching uncomfortably at the thought ''Do you two think he's more into ropes or chains?''.
''FUCKING GROSS, OH HELL NO FUCKING STOP KINGY DON'T YOU DARE PICTURE THAT- OH FUCK ME!''.
I gagged ''I hate you''.
Lisa just smirked victoriously before turning to the others, god have mercy on our brains.
A/N: Well that's a wrap. How'd you guys like the fight scene against the Zanpakuto? I intended for Ichigo to be a badass since he now had half of his power active. The second half of the chapter was mainly just for shits and giggles, can you imagine Shinji in ropes and chains? I feel the need to gag right now seriously.
Tatsuki now knows about Ichigo and Asami are involved in something not normal, so she's pester around them more often. Sorry if I make out that Tatsuki is bitchy but I personally don't like her character, so some bashing may be involved in later chapters.
Sorry for the long update, but as with all my recent chapters my muse is slow and with school and my other stories going on, it becomes hard to find time to write. Also as a self-promotion, check out my other story 'War of the Worlds' were a bunch of shit happens, and its chapters are almost double what these ones are, if you do decide to go read it note that it is Arrancar-centric.