Disclaimer: Bleach's ownership isn't in my hands, just so you know.
"Yeah" is talking.
'Yeah' is thinking / mental talk.
[Chapter 6 - The Weight of My Burdens]
Five months had passed since that eventful day, and Ichigo found himself standing beneath the gradually brightening sky, welcoming the sun as it began its ascent over the horizon. Surprisingly, there had been no word from Soul Society, no indication that they had caught wind of the secret he and his various selves were keeping. It was a testament to the success of the reiatsu-blocking gigai he and Kisuke had tirelessly worked on. Ichigo let out a sigh, realizing that this routine had become a part of his daily life, a necessary cycle to maintain their intricate charade.
With a practiced efficiency, he roused his other bodies from their slumber, each one following the same routine they had grown accustomed to. One of his alternate selves, the female version of Ichigo, had her own residence not too far from the clinic. It was quite a surprise for Yuzu and Karin when they first met Fem-Ichigo, and they eagerly extended an invitation for her to join them for dinner. How could she refuse such a warm gesture? Thus, Ichigo found himself engaged in conversations with himself, answering countless questions, especially from his father, which felt rather surreal.
A soft voice pulled Ichigo from his thoughts, and he turned to see Yuzu, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, standing behind him.
"Up already, Onii-san?" Yuzu's voice held a mixture of surprise and curiosity.
Ichigo offered her a soft smile, his expression warm and gentle. "Just enjoying the fresh air, taking in the start of a new day, stuff like that" he explained.
Yuzu playfully crossed her arms, a cute pout forming on her lips. "You should have woken me up, so we could enjoy it together!" she protested, her tone infused with a touch of playful reproach.
Ichigo chuckled at her enthusiasm. "I didn't want to disturb your sleep" he replied, his tone affectionate.
With a resigned sigh, Yuzu's pout transformed into a kind smile. "Alright, then. I'll get started on breakfast" she announced before turning and making her way back into the house.
Ichigo's gaze lingered on her retreating figure for a moment, his heart warmed by the familiarity of these interactions. Despite the complexities of their situation, these simple moments with his family brought a sense of normalcy and comfort that he cherished. With a final glance at the rising sun, he turned to join Fem-Ichigo and the rest of his counterparts, ready to face the day's challenges together
With a smirk tugging at his lips, Ichigo's gaze lingered on the sky for a brief moment longer. The last five months had brought both challenges and changes, yet they had also unveiled moments of unity and family bonds that he hadn't fully appreciated before. As he turned from the horizon, his thoughts travelled back to the day when he had returned his original body home.
Upon his return, Karin had wasted no time in unleashing her reproach. While Yuzu fussed over him with a mix of relief and concern, her twin had unleashed a verbal barrage that Ichigo had taken with a sense of solemn acceptance. He knew, deep down, that he deserved every ounce of admonishment for causing such needless worry to his family, especially his sisters.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath, his gaze firm as he shook his head. "I can't keep dwelling on a past I can't change. It's time to move forward."
Drawing strength from his resolve, Ichigo clenched his fists and drew in a steadying breath. The weight of his responsibilities, his new reality, and the challenges that lay ahead were undeniable. But he refused to let himself be shackled by regret or what-ifs. Instead, he chose to embrace the present and the future, channelling his determination into every step he took.
With a resolute expression, he turned away from the outdoors and made his way back into the house. Each new day brought its own set of trials and triumphs, and Ichigo was ready to face them head-on, armed with the support of his other selves and the unwavering love of his family.
Rukia grunted, her feet hitting the ground as she emerged from the Senkaimon, landing gracefully on one of Karakura's towering skyscrapers. It had been a five-month stretch since her last visit to Ichigo's world, a hiatus necessary to fulfill her duties as a lieutenant. Now, though, she found herself with an opportunity as she was dispatched on a mission to Karakura. Reports of unusual hollow activity—high-intensity invasions followed by abrupt vanishing—had spurred concern. A month ago, the situation had appeared under control, leading Soul Society to credit a certain Shinigami Daiko for their effective intervention. But as time passed, the hollow incidents escalated, leaving Central 46 baffled. In response, Head Captain Yamamoto had assigned Rukia, Renji, Rangiku, and Momo to investigate the matter, whether to identify potential threats or to reassure the apprehensive nobles.
"Central 46's full of windbags who just love to bitch. They're all talk and no action," griped Renji beside Rukia, his irritation evident.
Rukia allowed a small smirk to play on her lips. "Renji, you shouldn't speak so disparagingly about Soul Society's governing body."
"Ah, what do they know? All they do is whine and boss us around. Let 'em complain all they want, I couldn't care less," Renji retorted with a dismissive wave of his hand.
Momo, following suit, landed beside Renji and offered a gentle smile. "Renji-kun, you've always been spirited."
"Come on, cut the guy some slack. A little defiance is good for the soul," chimed in Rangiku, landing next to Renji.
Renji huffed in annoyance, crossing his arms.
"I don't understand why I have to be the only man among all of you!" he growled.
Rukia raised an eyebrow at his remark.
"What? Do you have an issue with being in a group that's mostly composed of girls?" she asked.
"Yes! I mean, come on! You're all going to team up on me and blame me for everything that goes wrong!" Renji exclaimed, throwing his arms up dramatically.
"Are you saying you'll take the blame for us?" Rangiku inquired.
"What?! That's exactly what I DON'T want to do!" Renji protested.
Suddenly, Rangiku pressed her chest against his and looked up at him with large, pleading eyes.
"Could you, pretty please?" Rangiku asked with a puppy dog expression.
By this point, Renji's face matched the color of his hair.
"H-h-hey! That's not fair!" he stammered.
Rukia rolled her eyes and pulled Rangiku away from him, allowing him to let out a relieved sigh, muttering about a 'crazy, big-breasted woman'. Rukia gazed out at Karakura and couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia washing over her.
"Alright, before we begin our mission, we should pay Urahara Shoten a visit," Rukia suggested.
The others nodded in agreement, with the exception of Renji who let out a groan. Rukia shunpo'd down to street level, followed closely by the others. As they approached their destination, Rukia began to wonder about the lives of her companions.
How have they been over the past few months?
Rukia's mind wandered back to the reports.
They must have been incredibly busy dealing with all those hollows.
Before she realized it, Rukia found herself standing in front of Urahara Shoten.
"Do we really have to come here?" Renji complained.
"Renji, please stop acting like a child," Rukia scolded.
"Have you seen the way they treat me? Why the hell wouldn't I complain?" Renji retorted angrily.
"Because it's amusing," Rukia replied with a mischievous grin.
Before Renji could offer a comeback, the merry sound of laughter captured the attention of the group of Shinigami. Emerging from the Shoten was a tall girl with short hair, her orange locks strikingly familiar. She was dressed in jeans and a shirt that barely reached her belly button. Walking beside her was a raven-haired girl donning a white one-piece dress, her face concealed by the hat she wore.
"So, where should we head next?" the orange-haired girl inquired.
"Well, it's actually getting quite dark. Perhaps we should head back home," the raven-haired girl responded in a voice that made Rukia blink in surprise.
"True, you're right," agreed the orange-haired girl.
With giggles and chatter, the girls strolled away, leaving the group of Shinigami perplexed by what they had just witnessed.
"What on earth was that?" Renji asked, scratching his head.
Rukia didn't reply, she simply continued to gaze after the two girls as they departed.
"Um... Rukia? Are you alright?" Renji inquired.
Rukia remained silent, then suddenly shunpo'd, prompting alarmed cries from the others. Rukia reappeared in front of the unsuspecting girls and deftly swiped her hand upwards, snatching the raven-haired girl's hat as if it were carried away by the wind. Standing there, hatless and bewildered, was an exact clone of Rukia herself. Rukia stared at her own doppelgänger as she picked up the hat and brushed off the dust.
"Are you alright, Rukia?" the girl with orange hair inquired.
Startled, Rukia turned towards the other girl, her eyes widening. Rukia's clone placed the hat back on her head and returned the smile.
"I'm okay, Katsumi-chan. My hat just got blown off by the wind," she explained.
"Wind? I didn't feel any breeze," Katsumi, the orange-haired girl, responded.
"Huh? Then what caused my hat to fly off?" Rukia's clone questioned.
Katsumi shrugged it off.
"I don't know, but let's not worry about it. We should head home!" Katsumi suggested.
Rukia's clone nodded in agreement, and the two girls resumed walking, leaving Rukia standing there, her face still displaying a look of shock. The rest of the group gradually gathered around Rukia, their gazes fixed on the departing pair.
"Was that... another Rukia-chan?" Momo asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
Renji blinked a few times before clearing his throat.
"I'm not sure what's happening, but I have a feeling that our favorite shopkeeper might have some answers," he commented.
The group reached a consensus and entered Urahara Shoten. Inside, they found Kisuke seated behind the counter, cheerfully humming as he jotted down notes on a notepad. He seemed oblivious to their presence. After a brief wait, Rukia's patience wore thin, and she slammed her hands onto the table. Kisuke, startled, looked up and around, his gaze finally settling on the group. Rukia couldn't help but notice Kisuke's unusual attire. Instead of his usual inside-out captain's haori and signature hat, he was clad in a white button-up shirt paired with black jeans. A black fedora rested just within arm's reach, and even his blond hair appeared neatly combed instead of its usual disarray. This version of Kisuke seemed to pay no mind to the four Shinigami as he simply shrugged and resumed his task.
"What on earth is happening here?" Rangiku wondered aloud.
Suddenly, Kisuke's attention was drawn to a silver watch on his wrist, prompting him to break into a bright smile.
"Ah! It's time~!" he sang cheerfully, hopping up and grabbing his fedora.
With his merry tune still flowing from his lips, he strolled over to the exit, breezing past the perplexed group of Shinigami. He snagged a black jacket and slipped it on, then retrieved a black cane before placing his fedora atop his head. With a casual air, he shut down the shop, locked the door, and began walking away, all the while humming his melodious tune. The Shinigami stared in disbelief.
"Did that idiot just completely ignore us?" Renji exclaimed.
Rukia's eyebrows twitched a couple of times before she stormed toward the door, flinging it open with the intention of giving the man a piece of her mind. However, she halted abruptly, her jaw dropping as she bore witness to a surprising sight. Kisuke was engaged in conversation with an elegantly dressed woman, her navy blue dress exuding a sense of refinement. What truly captured Rukia's attention, though, was the uncanny familiarity of the woman before her. The blush on her face was an anomaly, and her hair cascaded down straight, unbound from the typical twin braids she sported. It was none other than Captain Soifon of the 2nd Division.
Rukia cautiously advanced a few steps, straining to catch snippets of their conversation.
"… and I didn't quite feel like I had done enough. So, how do I look?" Soifon's usually composed demeanor was replaced with an uncharacteristic nervousness, as she hid her face in her bangs.
Rukia observed as Kisuke tenderly lifted his hand, brushing his fingers against Soifon's cheek. The gentle touch compelled Soifon to meet his gaze, and he offered her a soft smile rather than his usual mischievous grin.
"Shaolin, you should know that I'll always consider you beautiful, no matter what you wear," Kisuke assured her, planting a gentle kiss on her lips before extending his arm.
"Shall we?" he asked, his voice laced with warmth.
Soifon, or Shaolin as Kisuke addressed her, gingerly accepted his arm and bestowed a sweet smile before nodding. Together, they ambled away, disappearing down the street, only to have a sleek black limousine glide to a halt in front of them. Rukia's eyes widened as she noticed an uncanny likeness to Tessai in the driver's seat.
"You couldn't be serious," Shaolin remarked.
Kisuke let out a hearty chuckle.
"I'd go to great lengths for my beloved," he quipped.
Shaolin's laughter chimed in harmony, and the couple gracefully settled into the luxurious interior of the waiting limousine. Tessai confidently assumed the driver's seat, his experienced hands guiding the vehicle as it glided away from the scene. Rukia stood frozen, her eyes wide as saucers, taking in the surreal tableau before her.
"Hmph! Why is it that I never have a camera when I truly need one?" Rangiku lamented, her frustration evident.
Rukia turned her gaze towards Rangiku, her brow furrowed with concern.
"How can you act like everything is normal?" Rukia queried.
"What do you mean? What could be so awry with a little romance?" Rangiku responded with a wistful sigh.
Rukia suppressed her irritation, pinching the bridge of her nose in an attempt to regain her composure.
"Rangiku… do you genuinely believe that was truly Captain Soifon, Kisuke Urahara, and Tessai Tsukabishi? They didn't even acknowledge our presence, let alone sense us!" Rukia pointed out.
Momo, deep in thought, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, those three are at the captain level, so they should have easily detected us from a considerable distance."
Rangiku mulled it over for a moment before offering a somewhat nervous giggle.
"We'd better locate the real Kisuke before—," Renji began.
Suddenly, a cacophony of alerts from their hollow sensors disrupted the conversation. Swiftly, Rukia withdrew her cellphone, her fingers dancing over the buttons to reveal a radar display adorned with an unsettling constellation of red dots. Her eyes widened in astonishment.
"So many?!" she exclaimed in disbelief.
Rukia raised her gaze and observed a colossal Garganta materializing before them, spewing forth an onslaught of hollows.
"Damn it! We must contact Soul Society for reinforcements!" Renji declared urgently.
Suddenly, a crimson beam erupted from the heart of the city, disintegrating ten of the menacing hollows into motes of spiritual energy. A collective gasp escaped the group as they exchanged alarmed glances.
"That was a Cero," Momo identified, her voice tinged with trepidation.
The hollows immediately redirected their attention toward the source of the powerful attack, only to be met with a brilliant azure beam that surged from another location within the city.
"A Hado #88 spell!" Rangiku exclaimed, recognition flickering across her features.
Caught in a state of confusion, the bewildered hollows congregated near the very Garganta from which they had emerged. It was a critical error. Seizing the opportunity, a familiar black arc soared through the air from the city's depths, expertly slicing down the remaining hollows and compelling them back into the Garganta's gaping maw. Before anyone could react, the opening was forcefully sealed, effectively cutting off their retreat. Rukia's gaze lingered on the vanishing Garganta before shifting her attention toward the city's skyline.
'Has Ichigo encountered new allies? Or has he managed this on his own?' Rukia pondered introspectively.
Although Rukia unmistakably detected Ichigo's reiatsu resonating from the unmistakable signature of his Getsuga Tensho, the Cero's and the Hado spell's energies seemed almost foreign. Her contemplations were interrupted as a familiar orange-haired figure materialized before the group.
"Hey there, Rukia," Ichigo greeted casually, Zangetsu resting on his shoulder.
"Ichigo!" Rukia exclaimed, her surprise evident.
"Damn, Ichigo, looks like you've been doing some serious housecleaning," Renji remarked, his tone filled with admiration.
Ichigo simply shrugged, his expression nonchalant.
"Well, taking care of a handful of hollows isn't exactly a daunting task for me," he stated.
Rukia fought the urge to deliver a swift smack to his head.
"A handful? There were well over a hundred hollows! And I'm not buying that you managed this on your own. Who was responsible for firing the Cero and the Hado spell?" Rukia interrogated.
Ichigo blinked, seemingly unperturbed by her questioning.
"Me," he responded matter-of-factly.
A collective silence enveloped the group as they processed his statement.
"You... what? You... Ichigo... who is absolute shit when it comes to anything Kido," Renji blurted out incredulously.
Ichigo let out an exasperated sigh and extended his hand toward the sky.
"Hado #88. Hiryu Gekizoku Shinten Raiho," Ichigo incanted.
As if summoned by his words, an imposing blue beam of energy surged upwards, accompanied by resonating pulses of formidable reiatsu. Rukia's eyes widened in awe as she bore witness to this incredible spectacle.
'Such immense power!' Rukia marveled in her thoughts.
Strikingly, Ichigo displayed no signs of strain, not even a bead of sweat, which would typically be expected even from accomplished kido masters. With a deliberate motion, Ichigo released the spell and then lifted his other hand.
"Cero," he declared.
A crimson beam erupted from his outstretched hand, soaring into the heavens. The four Shinigami present could unmistakably perceive the hollow reiatsu emanating from him. As Ichigo lowered his arm, a profound sense of awe settled over the group.
"I guess we can safely conclude who was responsible for that intense reiatsu surge," Momo mumbled, her voice filled with a mixture of amazement.
Ichigo arched an eyebrow inquisitively.
"So, you guys were dispatched due to a potent reiatsu surge?" he inquired.
Rukia affirmed with a nod.
"Indeed. We detected a sudden surge in hollow activity, which was swiftly quelled by an overwhelmingly strong reiatsu. Frankly, we didn't anticipate it would be you," she explained, her voice tinged with a mix of astonishment and bemusement.
Ichigo acknowledged her words with a thoughtful nod. His gaze shifted toward the cityscape, his expression a canvas of contemplation. Returning his attention to his unexpected visitors, he focused particularly on Momo and Rangiku.
"I'm fairly certain you can't just vanish without filing a proper report, am I right?" he mused.
The quartet of Shinigami exchanged knowing glances before turning their attention back to Ichigo, their collective agreement evident. A sigh escaped Ichigo's lips.
"I understand, and I'm willing to assist. I can demonstrate what occurred," he offered.
As the group nodded in agreement, Ichigo's demeanor shifted, a sense of purpose emanating from him.
Rukia's eyes widened in confusion.
"What exactly do you mean?" she inquired.
Ichigo remained silent, his movements swift and fluid as he shunpo'd onto a nearby building, signaling for the others to follow suit. After a brief pause filled with uncertainty, the contingent of lieutenants trailed behind Ichigo, their steps leading them out of the city. At the edge of a precipice, Ichigo came to a halt, his form suspended in the air. The remaining Shinigami positioned themselves behind him.
"Ichigo, why have you brought us here? What's the purpose of this location?" Rukia pressed for answers.
"You're curious about the source of the powerful reiatsu, correct?" Ichigo inquired, his gaze still forward.
"Yes, but didn't you just—" Rangiku began.
"In that case, here's your answer!"
In an instant, the surroundings were teeming with a multitude of familiar faces, a massive assembly of individuals encircling the four lieutenants. Rukia and her team stood transfixed, mouths agape at the sight that met their eyes.
Rukia's voice quivered with disbelief.
"H-How is this even possible?" she questioned.
A familiar voice resonated through the air, offering an explanation.
"It's quite a straightforward concept," the voice remarked.
As Rukia turned, her eyes met a surreal sight – her own form, clad in the Shinigami uniform she knew so well, though conspicuously devoid of the division badge.
"We are clones, directed by a single dominant consciousness," Rukia's clone elucidated.
"Clones?" Renji uttered, his tone laced with a mix of astonishment and admiration.
Rukia's clone nodded, her appearance mirroring Rukia's own. However, Rukia's brows furrowed in perplexity.
"But I saw you! You were right in front of me, and you completely ignored my presence!" Rukia exclaimed, a hint of frustration coloring her words.
Her clone offered an apologetic smile.
"Our primary directive was to remain concealed for a time, as determined by our central consciousness. But it seems a change of course is now warranted," Rukia's clone explained.
Momo's curiosity got the better of her, and she inquired, "Who is this central consciousness?"
A collective gaze converged on a single figure – Ichigo Kurosaki. He met their stares with a resolute expression, his identity as the orchestrator of these clones revealed.
"Yes, you're correct. I am Ichigo Kurosaki, Shinigami Daiko, and the predominant consciousness that guides all of your clones," Ichigo declared, his voice tinged with a hint of formality and a touch of intrigue.
After his extensive explanation, Ichigo sealed his lips, awaiting the response from the assembled Shinigami. Throughout his discourse, the group had squirmed uncomfortably, feeling the weight of the unyielding gazes cast upon them by the multitude of his duplicate selves.
Rukia, in an attempt to grasp the scenario, began to piece together the information.
"So, if I'm understanding correctly…" Rukia started, her tone cautious, "You visited Urahara Shoten out of sheer boredom..."
A collective nod rippled through the congregation of Ichigo clones.
"Urahara accidentally subjected you to an experiment, without having a clue about its effects..."
Another set of affirming nods.
"Subsequently, whenever you recalled an individual with substantial reiatsu, a clone under your control manifested..."
More nods followed.
"And now you've transferred each of them into gigai, scripting intricate lives for them..." Rukia concluded.
Yet again, a synchronized series of nods confirmed her understanding.
A surge of frustration overcame Renji, and he couldn't contain his exasperation any longer.
"WHAT THE HELL? How am I supposed to buy into this insanity?" Renji burst out, his words tinged with incredulity.
Ichigo and his array of duplicates collectively rolled their eyes, their patience dwindling.
"Fine then, you piss-for-brain. If you're too dense to grasp the explanation verbally, shall we resort to visual aids?" Ichigo retorted, his tone laced with annoyance.
In a sudden and surprising move, Rukia-Ichigo materialized next to Ichigo, clutching a drawing board, while Renji-Ichigo followed closely. With an air of anticipation, Rukia-Ichigo handed the board over to Renji-Ichigo and swiftly retrieved a handful of markers, positioning herself with an air of readiness.
"Okay, as I was explaining," Ichigo resumed.
Rukia-Ichigo's hand moved with impressive speed, etching out details on the drawing board. Stepping back, she revealed the collective outcome to the original four, who stood there, taken aback and utterly astonished. Instead of the customary whimsical Chappy sketches Rukia was known for, the board now bore an artistic masterpiece. The image depicted Ichigo, his expression perpetually etched with boredom, gazing out of his room's window in intricate detail. Rukia's eye twitched at this transformation.
"I was incredibly bored, so I made an impromptu visit to Urahara Shoten," Ichigo narrated.
Flipping the page with practiced finesse, Rukia-Ichigo continued her visual narrative. Her markers conjured an embellished portrayal of the unassuming candy shop, transforming it into an elaborate and majestic establishment far removed from its humble reality.
"During my time there, Hat-and-Clogs subjected me to one of his infamous experiments," Ichigo's explanation flowed seamlessly.
Rukia-Ichigo meticulously crafted an illustration that portrayed Kisuke donning a sinister and maniacal countenance. In the visual narrative, he hurled a vial at Ichigo, who appeared caught off guard, his surprise evident.
"Subsequently, every time I thought of, envisioned, or recalled someone with potent reiatsu, a corresponding clone emerged under my control," Ichigo concluded.
Rukia-Ichigo's hand moved swiftly, sketching an image depicting Ichigo amidst a sea of dormant clone bodies, his expression marked by frustration.
Renji's curiosity couldn't be contained, and he voiced his query, "What's the deal with this ' central consciousness ' concept, then?"
Ichigo scratched his head in a casual gesture.
"It's like a mental trick to help me manage it all better," he explained nonchalantly.
Rukia-Ichigo, about to continue illustrating, was interrupted by Ichigo's gestured denial. She pivoted swiftly, offering a respectful bow to the four original Shinigami. With the drawing board in her possession and Renji-Ichigo in tow, she retraced her steps within the crowd. Rukia and Renji's gazes instinctively followed the movements of their respective clones. These duplicates were a peculiar blend of similarity and divergence, a living reflection of themselves, yet distinct in their own right.
"So... is it challenging? Managing all these bodies, I mean," Momo inquired.
Ichigo leaned back slightly, considering her question.
"It's not exactly difficult, but I do need to be cautious. Losing sight of my true self is a concern, which is why I focus most of my consciousness in my original body and distribute less among the others," he explained.
Momo-Ichigo chimed in with a cheerful grin, adding, "It's almost like we're each our own individual, guided by Ichigo-san's directions!"
Renji's eyes widened as realization dawned on him.
"Wait... so, the whole thing with Kisuke and Soifon... you were... you were hitting on yourself?!" Renji's eyebrows twitched repeatedly in disbelief before his tone escalated to an incredulous volume.
Ichigo's collective forms wobbled in response, thrown off balance by Renji's revelation.
"Out of everything we've said, that's what you latch onto, you moron?" Shinji-Ichigo retorted with an exasperated sigh.
"You blew yourself up on your first day of Kido class, didn't you?" Byakuya-Ichigo quipped, prompting a flustered "Taichou!" from Renji.
Ichigo muttered under his breath, "And you claim I'm terrible at Kido."
Momo tilted her head, her curiosity piqued.
"How did you know about Renji-kun's... um, explosive Kido training mishap?" Momo-Ichigo inquired.
A nervous chuckle escaped Momo-Ichigo's lips.
"Oh, I almost forgot to mention, Ichigo-san gained access to your memories and past experiences as well," she admitted.
Renji turned his gaze sharply toward Ichigo, his frustration evident.
"That seems like a pretty crucial piece of information!" he snapped.
Ichigo offered Renji a weary smile.
"Yeah, my bad. It's... not exactly a topic I'm eager to discuss," he replied, his tone tinged with reluctance.
A sudden shift in demeanor cast a pall over all of Ichigo's bodies, their collective expressions turning somber. Renji found himself utterly baffled by the abrupt change in atmosphere.
"H-Hey, what's with the gloomy... faces?" Renji questioned, thrown off by the sudden shift.
Momo observed the change with a mix of sadness and realization.
"Wait... if you've created copies of everyone with significant spiritual pressure whom you've encountered... then does that mean you have..." Momo began, her words trailing off as she drew her own conclusion.
Ichigo caught the drift of her inquiry and met her gaze with a pointed look.
"Yeah, I do. But I deliberately left that body behind. I hope you understand why," he responded with a touch of regret.
Momo shook her head, attempting to mask her turmoil beneath a veneer of acceptance.
"No, it's okay," she replied, her clasped hands betraying her unease through their white-knuckled grip.
Ichigo's expression grew contemplative, and he let out a sigh.
"There's one more crucial piece of information you need to know," Ichigo divulged, shifting the conversation toward a topic that seemed to demand immediate attention. "This is likely what your captains are most concerned about."
Unexpectedly, Renji-Ichigo took a decisive step forward, accompanied by Grimmjow-Ichigo. Their actions drew the attention of both the original Shinigami and the other Ichigo bodies, the latter of whom cautiously moved aside to allow the confrontation to unfold. The collective gaze of the originals turned toward Ichigo, awaiting an explanation that could shed light on the unfolding scenario. It was then that Renji-Ichigo uttered words that reverberated through the air.
"Bankai," Renji-Ichigo declared.
Renji's eyes widened as he sensed an overwhelming surge of spiritual energy emanating from the clone.
"Howl... Hihio Zabimaru!" Renji-Ichigo's voice rang out, as he summoned forth the unmistakable bone snake that was an embodiment of Renji's bankai.
The shock was palpable, and Renji struggled to comprehend what he was witnessing.
"H-How is this even possible?" Renji managed to stammer out.
"Grind... Pantera," Grimmjow-Ichigo's words resonated through the air.
Once again, an eruption of spiritual energy surged forth, revealing Grimmjow-Ichigo in his Resurrección form. Rukia could only gape at the astounding display, the effort to remain airborne becoming a challenge.
'To think that Ichigo has such an immense level of power under his control...' Rukia marveled inwardly.
"Garra de la Pantera!" Grimmjow-Ichigo's roar punctuated his thrusting elbow, launching five vivid green projectiles from his arm, hurtling towards Renji-Ichigo. The latter adeptly wielded Hihio Zabimaru to create a protective shield, resulting in an explosion upon impact that pushed Renji-Ichigo back several feet but spared him from grave harm.
"Hikotsu Taiho," Renji-Ichigo retaliated in response.
Hihio Zabimaru's gaping maw unleashed a crimson orb of energy, hurtling towards Grimmjow-Ichigo. Calmly, the latter raised his hand, directly facing the incoming projectile. The collision between the energy ball and his hand birthed a colossal explosion, the intensity of which almost knocked the observing Shinigami off their balance due to its sheer force. Emerging from the billowing smoke, Grimmjow-Ichigo remained unscathed, his form defiant against the chaos.
"As you can see," Ichigo explained, his tone carrying a sense of gravity, "I can harness the complete strength of each and every one of my clones... which means, the collective power of everyone I've ever encountered."
Rukia's eyes widened, the shockwave of realization radiating from her. A sense of incredulity rippled through the others.
"You're saying you can even tap into the power of..." Rukia began, her gaze fixed on Genryusai-Ichigo.
"That's right, Kuchiki-fukutaichou," Genryusai-Ichigo responded, his voice resonating with the commanding tone characteristic of Genryusai Yamamoto.
A slight, involuntary straightening of Rukia's posture accompanied the familiar authority in that voice. Abruptly, Grimmjow-Ichigo and Renji-Ichigo relinquished their enhanced forms, the clones making a swift retreat with a series of shunpo and sonido, leaving Ichigo alone in the company of the Shinigami group.
"So... are you content with the information you've gathered?" Ichigo questioned without shifting his gaze towards them.
Rukia studied Ichigo intently for a prolonged moment before exhaling audibly.
"Yes... but you're well aware that the Central 46 won't take kindly to this revelation, right?" Rukia inquired with a mixture of concern and frustration.
Ichigo paused, his back still turned to her, before pivoting fully and commencing his departure.
"Ichigo!" Rukia's exclamation conveyed her growing frustration and urgency.
"Rukia, you and I both know I don't give a damn about the Central 46. This is the reality we're dealing with, and if they have an issue with it, well, they can go to hell," Ichigo retorted, his tone brimming with defiance, before employing shunpo to vanish from sight.
As Ichigo's form disappeared, Rukia remained rooted to her spot, her gaze fixed upon the empty space he had occupied. Renji, clearing his throat in the awkward silence, attempted to steer the conversation forward.
"So... what's our next move?" Renji inquired, seeking direction.
Rukia stood silently for an extended moment, grappling with her emotions, before finally sighing and drawing her zanpakuto.
"We must submit our report," she uttered, her voice appearing even but revealing a hint of the turmoil beneath the surface. The exchange did not escape Renji's perception.
"Rukia..." Renji's voice was laden with empathy and concern, his attempt at consolation unmistakable.
"Renji," Rukia began, her gaze steadying upon her zanpakuto, "Let's focus on our duties for now."
Despite her words, Renji recognized the undercurrent of her emotions, which remained palpable. As the weight of the situation bore down, Rukia initiated the process to open a Senkaimon, a task that would carry them to their next course of action.
I had a blast giving this fanfiction a fresh coat of paint, and I hope you had as much fun reading it!
