Disclaimer: Bleach's ownership isn't in my hands, just so you know.
"Yeah" is talking.
'Yeah' is thinking / mental talk.
[Chapter 5 - Unveiling the Truth]
Orihime walked thoughtfully towards her destination, her mind consumed by thoughts. It had been approximately two weeks since Ichigo had supposedly gone to a sleepover at a friend's house. However, after reaching out to Sado, Uryu, Tatsuki, Keigo, and Mizuiro, she found that none of them had any knowledge of his whereabouts. This left her with only one logical conclusion: Ichigo must be at Urahara Shoten. Both Sado and Uryu had offered to accompany her there, while Tatsuki had karate practice, and Keigo and Mizuiro were enjoying themselves at the park. Orihime was abruptly pulled from her thoughts by a familiar voice.
"Inoue-san!" called Uryu, waving his hand alongside Sado in front of Urahara Shoten.
Orihime's face brightened instantly, not wanting to show any concern to her friends. She waved back energetically.
"Ishida-kun! Sado-kun!" Orihime chimed.
Quickly, she hurried over to them. As she approached, Sado turned and calmly entered the store. The three of them stepped inside, finding Urahara seated at the counter, deep in contemplation. Clearing her throat, Orihime caught his attention, causing him to look up at her in surprise—a rare occurrence that caught all three ryoka off guard.
"A-Ah, Inoue-chan! Yasutora-kun! Ishida-kun!" Urahara exclaimed, his hat fidgeting in his hands, "What brings you to my humble establishment?"
Orihime couldn't help but wonder why Urahara hadn't sensed their arrival. His typically cheerful demeanor seemed replaced by something more somber upon their entrance.
'Could it be that something has happened to Kurosaki-kun?' Orihime pondered silently.
She fervently hoped that her suspicions were unfounded, but without asking, she would remain in the dark. However, before she could voice her concern, Sado preempted her.
"Do you happen to know where Ichigo is?" Sado inquired directly.
Kisuke leisurely opened his fan, using it to fan himself as if to dismiss any tension.
"Oh, Ichigo? You just missed him! He left the shop not too long ago," he replied casually.
"Did he mention his destination?" Orihime asked, her curiosity piqued.
Kisuke shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Unfortunately not. He simply mentioned that he 'needed air'," he shared with a nonchalant shrug.
Orihime's shoulders sagged a little at the response, but Sado's reassuring touch on her shoulder brought a slight comfort.
"Don't worry, Orihime. We'll just wait here until Ichigo comes back," Sado assured her.
Orihime managed a nod, then turned her attention to Uryu, who appeared to be fixated on something near the training room.
"Ishida-kun, is something the matter?" she inquired with genuine concern.
Instead of answering, Uryu walked over to the trap door leading to the training room. However, his path was abruptly blocked by a sleek black cat, gracefully positioned atop the door, licking her paws.
"Well, well, who do we have here?" Yoruichi's voice chimed, her feline form holding them at bay.
Uryu's arms crossed in a display of suspicion as he regarded both Yoruichi and Kisuke.
"What are the two of you concealing?" he questioned, his tone indicating he wasn't about to be easily brushed off.
Yoruichi exchanged a glance with Kisuke, the two seemingly sharing an unspoken understanding before addressing Uryu's inquiry.
"Ah, Ishida-kun, you always seem to be on high alert, don't you?" Kisuke chimed, a playful lilt in his voice.
Uryu's eyes narrowed in response.
"Why am I being prevented from entering the basement?" Uryu's voice held an unwavering determination.
A simple yet direct response came from Yoruichi, her words leaving no room for argument.
"Because I have no desire for you to go down there," she stated firmly.
Uryu's resolve remained unshaken, and now Orihime's curiosity had been fully piqued.
"But why?" Orihime interjected, her inquiry carrying genuine concern, "Is it related to Kurosaki-kun?"
Yoruichi appeared poised to provide an answer when the door suddenly swung open, catching her off guard and prompting her to nimbly leap off the trap door. Stepping through was Renji, a mix of annoyance and exasperation etched across his features.
"You've got to be kidding me. You seriously couldn't be any more unhelpful," he grumbled, his frustration evident.
Kisuke momentarily froze, his expression shifting before he casually adjusted his hat.
Kisuke raised an eyebrow, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes as he played innocent.
"Abarai-kun, whatever could you be referring to?" Kisuke's tone was laced with feigned innocence, further agitating Renji's exasperation.
Renji's irritation was palpable as he let out a growl of frustration before his attention shifted to the unexpected visitors before him.
"Wait a second, what're you guys doing here?" Renji questioned, his curiosity piqued.
Uryu's expression remained stern as he responded in kind.
"The same could be asked of you, Abarai," Uryu retorted, his suspicion evident.
Renji blinked in confusion before his gaze traveled down his own attire. The realization washed over him, causing his demeanor to turn somber.
"Oh, hell…" Renji muttered under his breath.
"What's wrong, Abarai-kun?" Orihime inquired with genuine concern.
Renji began scratching the back of his head in a way that strikingly resembled a certain carrot-topped friend of theirs.
"I'm not Renji," he admitted, his voice tinged with a note of seriousness.
The group exchanged puzzled glances among themselves, their confusion mirroring their collective curiosity.
"I'm sorry, what do you mean?" Uryu prodded, seeking clarity.
Renji pivoted and headed toward one of the aisles stocked with merchandise, leaving his companions bewildered.
"Your turn, Hat-n'-Clogs," Renji quipped, a cryptic reference that triggered puzzled stares from the group, their eyes then shifting to Kisuke, demanding an explanation.
Kisuke's discomfort became palpable as he fidgeted with his hat, his gaze averted.
"Well, you see... it's a bit complicated..." Kisuke began, struggling to find the right words.
The anticipation in the air was tangible, and before Kisuke could elaborate further, a familiar voice chimed in, interrupting the suspense.
"Delaying the inevitable won't save you now, Hat-n'-Clogs~!"
The group whirled around to see another version of Kisuke Urahara, fanning himself with an impish grin. Orihime's eyes widened as the situation became even more perplexing.
"Two... Urahara-sans..." she murmured, a mixture of shock and disbelief coloring her words.
Uryu's gaze shifted back to Kisuke, his expression demanding an explanation.
"You created duplicates of yourself and even Renji?" Uryu's voice held a mix of incredulity and curiosity.
The other Kisuke responded with a mischievous gleam in his eyes, his tone playfully teasing. "Oh, that's just the beginning~."
The trap door swung open once more, revealing another figure—this time, a duplicate of Yoruichi.
"Why not come down and witness it firsthand?" suggested the Yoruichi doppelganger before disappearing back below.
Curiosity piqued, Orihime, Uryu, and Sado exchanged glances before descending the ladder into the training area. The original Kisuke, along with Yoruichi and their duplicates, followed suit. Upon reaching the bottom, the trio was met with a sight that left them utterly stunned—a gathering of familiar faces, both allies and adversaries, congregated before them.
"What in the world…?" Uryu's voice wavered with bewilderment.
"Have you not figured it out yet, Ishida-kun?" The response came from a familiar voice, turning their attention to the source.
Amid the surreal scene, a realization dawned on them, and Orihime's eyes widened as she gazed upon her own duplicate—a mirrored version of herself, standing with a serene smile and hands clasped.
"It's… it's me," Orihime's voice held a mix of astonishment and realization.
Uryu shifted his gaze slowly to Kisuke, his tone laced with a mixture of skepticism and accusation. "Is this what you were trying to hide from us?"
Kisuke let out a sheepish giggle, his demeanor betraying a hint of embarrassment. "Well, you see… um…"
"There's no need for explanations, Hat-n'-Clogs!" A familiar voice called out, cutting through the air.
All eyes turned, including those of the duplicates, to a figure perched on a nearby rock. It was Ichigo, looking rather nonchalant while Kisuke muttered softly about people needing to make up their minds about things.
"Kurosaki-kun!" Orihime's voice was a mixture of surprise and relief, and she couldn't help but rush over to him.
"Hey there, Inoue."
The sudden voice made everyone jump, their attention directed towards Ulquiorra who stood with his customary impassive expression. Orihime's face briefly drained of color, but then his words registered.
"W-What did you just call me?" she stammered.
"I addressed you as Inoue, as I have always done," Captain Hitsugaya's voice followed.
Gradually, Orihime's complexion shifted from pale to incredulous realization. She turned to Ichigo with wide eyes, seeking an explanation.
Ichigo stepped forward, his demeanor calm and composed as he addressed the gathering. " Alright, let me break it down for you. Every single person you're seeing right now, each and every copy, is me."
Brows furrowed in confusion, Orihime, Uryu, and Sado exchanged puzzled glances. Seeing their confusion, Ichigo tried to simplify the matter.
"In essence, we're all Ichigo," he stated, his multiple voices conveying the same message in unison.
Ichigo gently closed the eyes of his original body, allowing his Retsu-duplicated self to listen intently and field any questions his friends might throw his way. He contemplated how they'd react once he revealed the truth – that he was, in essence, all of them combined. He had considered going along with Urahara's idea to keep things hushed up, but he remembered the mess he got into when he tried to fib before. So, he figured he'd spice things up a bit. He let out a sigh of mixed emotions.
'Why does life always throw these curveballs at me?' Ichigo mused inwardly.
'Well, you've never been one to shy away from the unusual, Ichigo,' Zangetsu chimed in mentally.
Ichigo couldn't help but smirk at the truth in Zangetsu's words.
'Yeah, I suppose I'm a magnet for trouble,' Ichigo responded mentally, his tone tinged with wry amusement.
'Fear not, Ichigo. We've navigated tricky waters before, and we'll find a way through this as well,' Zangetsu reassured him.
'You're right, Zangetsu. Thanks,' Ichigo acknowledged gratefully.
With renewed determination, Ichigo rose to his feet and noticed Yoruichi-Ichigo seated beside him. Offering a shrug, he hopped down from where he had been sitting, Yoruichi-Ichigo following his lead. As Ichigo approached his friends, they had already been apprised of the entire situation, with Uryu in the midst of giving Kisuke a piece of his mind.
"Now, now, that's enough. He's well aware of his mistake," Retsu-Ichigo interjected, her voice a soothing balm to the situation.
Ichigo couldn't help but chuckle as he observed Uryu visibly cringe beneath the gentle smile of his Retsu-copy.
'I seem to be getting the hang of this… although it's a bit unsettling how well I can mimic them,' Ichigo mused inwardly.
A mischievous glint danced in Ichigo's eyes as he reached out and playfully clapped Uryu on the shoulder, causing the Quincy to startle.
"Sorry, couldn't resist," Ichigo admitted, a chuckle escaping his lips. Uryu responded with a glare, his glasses slightly askew.
"Anyway, it surprises me that you haven't given Urahara-san a sound thrashing by now," Uryu remarked.
Ichigo blinked, a realization dawning upon him.
"You're right… I haven't," he acknowledged.
Suddenly, all of Ichigo's gazes converged on Urahara, who appeared to shrink under the weight of their collective scrutiny.
"Please, spare me," Kisuke whimpered, his voice a mixture of apprehension and guilt.
In response, Ichigo let out a hearty laugh – a chorus of laughter from his various incarnations joining in, with the exception of Toshiro, Byakuya, Soifon, Ulquiorra, and Genryusai, who simply graced the scene with knowing smiles.
"Kisuke, you really can't take a jest, can you?" Gin-Ichigo quipped, a playful smirk on his face.
Kisuke's head drooped, a sheepish expression replacing his earlier fear. The laughter gradually subsided, replaced by a more serious tone.
"But on a serious note, it seems like this effect might be permanent. Until we find a solution, I'm stuck in this state," Yoruichi-Ichigo admitted, her demeanor reflecting the gravity of the situation.
The concern in Orihime's eyes was evident as she voiced a question shared by all.
"But what about school? Your family? How will you manage?"
A determined glint sparkled in Ichigo's gaze as he responded, projecting a sense of confidence that reassured his friends.
"I'll send this body to school and carry on as if things were normal. I've practiced enough to blend in and keep the rest of you hidden," Ichigo explained, his resolve unwavering.
"But you can't keep that up indefinitely; the Soul Society will likely attempt to investigate the unusually high spiritual pressure here," Uryu pointed out.
Kisuke scratched his chin, his regret becoming apparent as he muttered, "Well… I suppose I could start crafting reiatsu-blocking gigai for each and every one of you here…"
Kisuke-Ichigo nodded in agreement, a determined expression etched onto his face. "I was actually considering the same solution. I'll lend a hand in that process," he offered.
Orihime's curiosity got the better of her as she looked at Ichigo's body, her brow furrowed in confusion. "But how can you help, Kurosaki-kun?"
Just then, Mayuri-Ichigo appeared from behind, his presence eerie yet intriguing. "I possess not only their physical forms but also their memories and experiences," he disclosed.
Standing beside him, Szayel-Ichigo chimed in, his voice dripping with an unsettling charm. "Indeed, every last detail," he emphasized.
Orihime couldn't help but gulp, her apprehension growing with each passing moment. However, she quickly regained her composure and nodded, accepting the situation. Kisuke-Ichigo wasted no time and briskly made his way toward the ladder.
"Let's not waste any time, Hat-n'-Clogs," he urged, Mayuri-Ichigo and Szayel-Ichigo trailing behind him.
Sosuke-Ichigo joined the group, his presence quiet yet enigmatic. "It appears that Aizen had some knowledge of scientific matters as well," he murmured thoughtfully as he walked alongside.
Kisuke found himself hurrying after the four, feeling a mixture of fascination and urgency.
Meanwhile, Orihime-Ichigo observed Orihime's discomfort and sighed with understanding. She spoke up, offering a considerate solution.
"Inoue, if you're uneasy with this body's presence, I can remove it."
Startled, Orihime's eyes widened, and she waved her hands dismissively, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Oh, no! There's absolutely no need for that. I'm not uncomfortable at all!" she exclaimed, her gestures slightly exaggerated.
Orihime-Ichigo graced Orihime with a reassuring smile, her genuine kindness having a soothing effect on the tense atmosphere.
"It's completely okay to feel uncomfortable; I would feel the same way if I were in your situation," Orihime-Ichigo gently reassured.
With that, the girl turned gracefully and took a few steps away before coming to a halt.
"Goodbye for now," she bid, her figure dissolving into a brief, radiant flash of light.
All eyes remained fixed on the spot where she had vanished, the group's attention pivoting to Ichigo in search of an explanation.
"How on earth did she manage that?" Uryu queried, his skepticism evident.
Ichigo scratched his head, grappling for an adequate response.
"I never realized she could do that. Frankly, I'm surprised," Soifon-Ichigo added, her tone tinged with bewilderment.
Uryu's patience waned, his frustration evident in his tone as he snapped, "This isn't the time for levity, Ichigo!"
Ichigo hastened to clarify, his words tinged with earnestness, "I'm not joking. It's just something that happens instinctively. And honestly, I wasn't aware that Orihime—I mean Inoue—could do it either. I assumed she had already learned it, given that I was capable of it."
Uryu's brow furrowed, and he propped a hand against his chin in contemplation.
"So, in addition to adopting their personalities and experiences, you've also inherited their abilities?" Uryu mused.
Ichigo nodded in affirmation. Uryu's musings evolved into an intriguing proposal, and he turned his gaze back to Ichigo.
"Ichigo, could you perhaps arrange a sparring session between two of your bodies?" Uryu queried, his interest piqued.
Ichigo blinked in mild surprise at the suggestion, but he complied readily. Without hesitation, he positioned Rukia-Ichigo and Toshiro-Ichigo across from each other, both of them brandishing their Zanpakuto. As anticipation built in the air, they lunged forward simultaneously, their blades clashing and sparking as they maneuvered around each other, seeking out openings in the other's defense.
"Reign over the frozen heavens, Hyorinmaru!" Toshiro-Ichigo's commanding call resonated through the air, giving life to an imposing ice dragon that surged forth from his blade, hurtling toward Rukia-Ichigo.
"Dance, Sode no Shirayuki," Rukia-Ichigo whispered with a determined hush. Swiftly, she executed four precise stabs into the floor, and then smoothly transitioned into a battle stance.
Despite the imminent threat of the approaching dragon, a composed expression graced Rukia-Ichigo's features. As the icy beast drew nearer, she remained unflinching.
"Tsugi no mai, Hakuren," she intoned calmly.
In an instant, an avalanche of frost erupted from the tip of Sode no Shirayuki, hurtling forcefully toward the encroaching ice dragon. The two formidable elemental attacks converged, their collision resulting in a spectacular explosion of ice and snow. The room became a shimmering spectacle of frozen power, snowflakes cascading in a mesmerizing display. The plummeting temperature made most of the onlookers shiver involuntarily.
"Wh-Why did he choose those particular abilities?" Uryu wondered aloud, his voice laced with a mixture of intrigue and puzzlement.
Amidst the chilled atmosphere, Ichigo and his various incarnations seemed impervious to the cold, their gazes locked onto the unfolding duel. Rukia-Ichigo and Toshiro-Ichigo, both attuned to the rhythm of battle, engaged in a relentless exchange of Shikai strikes, each clash giving rise to a brilliant burst of icy brilliance.
With a sudden leap backward, Toshiro-Ichigo poised his sword at his side, his eyes narrowing in determination.
"Time to raise the stakes," he declared, his tone brimming with intensity. "Bankai!"
The young prodigy became enveloped in a luminous mist that cloaked his form, an ethereal veil of power. As the mist dissipated, it unveiled Toshiro-Ichigo in his awe-inspiring Bankai state, embodying the essence of a majestic icy dragon.
"Daiguren Hyorinmaru!"
Uryu's contemplative gesture underscored the unfolding events.
"So, Kurosaki is tapping into the full might of a Soul Reaper Captain," he mused softly, his voice tinged with intrigue.
An unexpected turn of events unfolded as Rukia-Ichigo gracefully pivoted on one foot, her Zanpakuto's arc tracing a fluid path through the air. The blade's passage left behind a shimmering line of radiant white, akin to the delicate ripples on the surface of water.
"Bankai," she whispered, her words resonating with an air of mystique that captured the attention of everyone present.
Once again, an explosive surge of spiritual energy engulfed the area, pulsating with unrestrained power. Gradually, the tempest of energy found its equilibrium, and as the swirling mist dissipated, it unveiled a transformed Rukia-Ichigo. Standing before them was a vision of ethereal elegance, adorned in a resplendent white kimono accentuated by a vibrant cobalt obi. Her raven tresses cascaded gracefully down her back, their length augmented, and her stature imbued with an aura of heightened dignity.
"Ashitaba no Odorite," she articulated in a hushed tone, a declaration that carried the weight of untold potential.
Every gaze remained riveted on Rukia-Ichigo, captivated by the revelation of her remarkable bankai.
"So, this is Rukia-chan's bankai," Orihime mused, her words echoing the collective sentiment that coursed through the observers.
Without missing a beat, Rukia-Ichigo executed a breathtaking spin, her lithe form moving in a harmonious dance that culminated in a poised, elegant stance.
"Daishi no mai, Tsurarada," she breathed, her utterance invoking a profound transformation.
In response to her command, eight colossal ice spikes materialized, encircling Toshiro-Ichigo with a striking convergence. Each spike was pointed menacingly toward him, their imminent advance heralding an impending clash. The atmosphere grew charged with tension as the icy spears surged forth, hurtling toward Toshiro-Ichigo at a staggering velocity. In a moment of alarming intensity, the ice spikes pierced through his form, engendering a shocking spectacle of blood and frigid power.
A collective gasp echoed through the chamber as the scene unfolded, uncertainty shrouding the fate of Ichigo's embodiment. Yoruichi's gaze darted toward Ichigo, seeking answers in his stoic countenance that remained transfixed upon the frozen tableau. With the release of her bankai form and the resheathing of her Zanpakuto, Rukia-Ichigo signaled the conclusion of her extraordinary display. And then, as if by an otherworldly force, the myriad ice fragments that had enveloped Toshiro-Ichigo dispersed into the void, unveiling his unscathed figure. In a synchronized motion, he too relinquished his bankai state and restored his Zanpakuto to its sheath.
"Unharmed? But how?" Uryu's inquiry hung in the air, a reflection of the perplexity that coursed through the minds of the onlookers.
"Zanhyo Ningyo," Ichigo's voice broke the silence, drawing the attention of all present.
In response to his unexpected revelation, a collective murmur of intrigue and curiosity rippled through the gathering. Orihime, embodying the sentiments of the group, ventured to seek further clarification.
"Eh?" she uttered, her curiosity piqued.
Ichigo maintained his enigmatic demeanor, his countenance a testament to the depths of his knowledge. Stepping forward, Toshiro-Ichigo assumed the role of the elucidator, offering insights into the mysterious ability.
"Zanhyo Ningyo is Hitsugaya-taichou's unique capacity to conjure a lifelike ice clone," Toshiro-Ichigo explained, the words dripping with a tone of authority.
A spark of realization illuminated Yoruichi's eyes as comprehension dawned upon her.
"I see… that would account for the sudden surge in his spiritual pressure," she exclaimed, her revelation a pivotal piece of the puzzle that had eluded them.
Toshiro-Ichigo offered a nod in acknowledgment before he and Rukia-Ichigo set off, their steps carrying them away from the group. In the aftermath of the impressive display, Ichigo turned his attention to Uryu, a questioning look etched on his features.
"Are you satisfied now?" Ichigo inquired, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.
Uryu roused from his contemplations, meeting Ichigo's gaze with a composed expression.
"Not entirely," he replied, his tone carrying a note of pragmatism, "However, given the circumstances, it's wise to curtail our reiatsu expenditures. We should wrap it up for today."
Ichigo nodded, his gaze drifting toward the trap door above. His companions followed his line of sight, their eyes settling on Mayuri-Ichigo, who had inserted his head into the chamber. Unlike the usual maniacal demeanor that was synonymous with the original Mayuri, the duplicate's visage bore a gravitas that commanded attention.
"We're done," he declared, his words cutting through the air with a sense of finality.
"Already?" Yoruichi's amazement was palpable.
"With all of them?" Orihime's eyes scanned the vicinity, her confusion evident, "But where are all your bodies, Kurosaki-kun?"
"They're right up here," Mayuri-Ichigo's voice emanated from above.
"How?" Uryu's surprise was mirrored by his question, "I didn't sense any movement."
Kenpachi-Ichigo chimed in from the background with his signature gruffness, his biker attire and eye-patch adding to his intimidating aura, "It's called 'shunpo,' dumbass."
The other bodies followed suit, filing into the space wearing modern casual attire that contrasted with their unique personalities.
"Kurosaki-kun sure made quick work of it," Kisuke remarked with a tinge of jealousy.
"I wish I could employ this intellect to undo the potion's effects," Sosuke-Ichigo added softly, the weight of his words carrying an undercurrent of regret.
An awkward silence enveloped the room until Uryu cleared his throat, capturing the attention of everyone present.
"By the way, what's your plan for managing all these bodies? You can't just keep them cooped up in here all day; they need exposure to daylight just like everyone else," Uryu voiced his concern.
Ichigo responded with a determined nod, fully aware of the need to address this issue. "You're right. That's why I've come up with a plan. Each of these bodies will assume different disguises and blend into the crowds in Karakura Town."
Curiosity flickered in Orihime's eyes as she posed her question, "But how will you keep track of all those roles and identities?"
Szayel-Ichigo chimed in, his tone bordering on haughty, "Bear in mind, human, that while my consciousness is shared among all these forms, their individual brains remain intact."
Uryu-Ichigo followed up with a succinct explanation, pushing his glasses back up his nose, "So, memorizing distinct roles won't pose a challenge."
Uryu observed with a mix of fascination and exasperation as Uryu-Ichigo mimicked his usual mannerisms to perfection. He shook his head in disbelief. "This is going to take some serious getting used to."
A determined glint danced in Ichigo's eyes as he faced the reality of his situation. "Well, whether it's easy or not, get used to it. I'm about to be in many places at once, very soon."
I had a blast giving this fanfiction a fresh coat of paint, and I hope you had as much fun reading it!