Disclaimer: Bleach's ownership isn't in my hands, just so you know.
"Yeah" is talking.
'Yeah' is thinking / mental talk.
Italic is flashback / past memory.
[Chapter XII - Showdown in Hueco Mundo]
Sosuke's eyes narrowed further at the familiar words, but he soon took a deep breath, regaining his composure.
"So, you've finally graced us with your presence, once again coming to Soul Society's aid," he remarked with a sly grin. "You do seem to have a strange loyalty to those who'd willingly cast you aside, don't you?"
"Aizen," Ichigo interjected.
Sosuke halted his monologue, eyeing Ichigo with growing irritation. He had forgotten how brash the boy could be, especially when others were speaking. Meanwhile, Ichigo glanced around at his surroundings.
"Let's find a different spot to settle this. I don't want to brawl here," Ichigo suggested.
'Recapping our last fight, are we?' Aizen thought to himself.
Sosuke stifled a chuckle. "So, what's your plan? Grab my face and toss me into the Rukongai? There's hardly a place desolate enough to host a battle of this magnitude."
Then, in an instant, Ichigo appeared right in front of Sosuke, moving at an astonishing speed that dwarfed their previous encounter. Sosuke's eyes widened as Ichigo's palm crashed into his face, repeating the process with his other bodies.
"You really should learn to keep that mouth of yours shut," Ichigo chided.
Suddenly, Sosuke felt himself and his other bodies being propelled with tremendous force into what seemed like an enormous Garganta, which he hadn't sensed, let alone seen, until they were already passing through it. Within seconds, Sosuke found himself landing on the familiar sandy dunes of Hueco Mundo. He knelt and held his face, awestruck by the power Ichigo had demonstrated with a single thrust. Gazing up at Ichigo, he saw that familiar expression on the boy's face.
"What's the point of bringing me here?" Sosuke questioned, regaining his composure for what felt like the umpteenth time. "Our battle will still be catastrophic."
Ichigo remained silent, and he, along with his multiple bodies, shifted into various stances.
"There's a very good reason we've brought you here, Sosuke Aizen," came a voice, not from Ichigo, but from his own duplicate. The duplicate mirrored Sosuke's clothing and demeanor from before his betrayal of Soul Society.
"At Soul Society, our power would be limited, hindered by its constraints," explained Sosuke-Ichigo. All of Ichigo's bodies began to emit an overwhelming amount of reiatsu.
"However, here in Hueco Mundo, we are free to unleash our full potential," Sosuke-Ichigo continued.
Sosuke's eyes widened as he grasped the implications of his duplicate's words. Quickly, he signaled his other selves to follow suit.
"Bankai!" they all roared simultaneously, unleashing a colossal surge of reiatsu that reverberated through the very foundations of Hueco Mundo.
Genryusai and Chojiro traversed the debris-strewn battlefield, their expressions reflecting the devastation Sosuke had wrought.
"To think that we were so easily tossed aside... again," Genryusai mused silently to himself.
He couldn't help but feel a deep sense of shame and humiliation for having to rely on the Ryoka boy once more. Despite Ichigo wielding the combined might of the Gotei 13's captains, lieutenants, and the Espada, it was a stark reminder that they had failed in fulfilling their duty as the original Gotei 13. Suddenly, Genryusai sensed a presence behind him and turned to find Retsu approaching, her lieutenant trailing behind.
"Unohana-taichou, do you have any estimates?" Genryusai inquired.
Retsu wore a somber expression as she shook her head in response.
"At this point, I can't provide a precise number," she replied. "The casualties include both civilians and soldiers, and the count continues to rise."
Genryusai bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment. Chojiro, seeking further information, stepped forward.
"Have any of the other captains or vice-captains managed to defeat their duplicates?" he questioned.
Retsu met Chojiro's gaze with sorrowful eyes.
"No, none of them, and the only ones not confined to hospital beds are standing before you," she explained.
"They may be alive, but their pride will bear deep wounds." muttered Genryusai, he clenched his fist at this revelation.
The trio stood in somber silence for a moment, the weight of their failures pressing down on them. Genryusai then lifted his gaze, fixing it on Retsu, his eyes now open.
"Thank you, Retsu. Carry on," Genryusai spoke, surprising all those present with his use of her first name. Retsu's eyes widened in astonishment, mirrored by Isane, while Chojiro, in particular, was taken aback.
"Sensei?" Chojiro questioned.
Without offering any further explanation, Genryusai turned and strode away, making his way toward the battered remains of the 1st Division Headquarters. His demeanor carried the weight of deep contemplation. Chojiro watched his old mentor, concern etched on his features.
"I will find out what's troubling you, Sensei. For now, Unohana-taichou, you should concentrate on your duties," Chojiro declared.
Retsu nodded, regaining her composure, and turned to walk in the opposite direction, headed towards the 4th Division Barracks. Isane, her lieutenant, hurried to keep up with her captain.
As Chojiro watched them depart, his gaze returned to Genryusai's retreating form, his worry palpable in the quiet air.
"What has burdened your spirit, Sensei?" Chojiro murmured to the wind, his concern echoing in the desolate aftermath of battle.
Rukia stirred from her slumber, the cacophony of commotion in the 4th Division barracks engulfing her senses. After the grueling battle with Sosuke's clones, the wounded flooded the division, and Rukia herself led a group of Shinigami against her brother's duplicate, only to be swiftly overpowered by the sheer might of a captain-class adversary.
Though Rukia wielded considerable power, she realized she wasn't prepared to face her brother's duplicate, whether it was a replica or not. Groaning, she attempted to sit up, but her face was met with an unexpected obstacle – a pair of generously endowed breasts.
"Rukia! Thank the heavens you're alright!" exclaimed the unmistakable voice of Rangiku.
Rukia, assessing the situation, deduced that Rangiku had indulged in quite a bit of sake, given the heavy aroma that clung to her.
"Matsumoto-fukutaichou!" protested Hanataro Yamada, the current seventh seat of the 4th Division. "Please release Kuchiki-fukutaichou and, for heaven's sake, stop drinking sake from... wherever you find it!"
Rukia, struggling weakly within Rangiku's surprisingly powerful embrace, couldn't help but feel her consciousness slipping away.
'Seriously? I just woke up!' Rukia thought to herself, irritation creeping in.
Yoruichi, in her feline form, chimed in with her usual nonchalance. "She's barely awake, and you're about to put her back to sleep."
A sudden thud echoed in the room, signaling a body hitting the floor.
"And there goes Renji," Yoruichi added.
"Abarai-kun!" Orihime's bubbly voice exclaimed.
Rukia's mind continued to cloud as her oxygen supply dwindled.
"I've waited so long for you to wake up! And now you're finally awake!" Rangiku rejoiced, her cried echoing in the room.
"You'll be waiting a bit longer if you don't let go right now," Uryu grunted with an annoyed tone.
The room responded with a collective grunt, an agreement that only Sado could convey. It was evident that the whole gang had gathered, awaiting Rukia's return, for better or worse.
"Matsumoto-fukutaichou, please release Kuchiki-san from your grasp; we need her awake for what we're about to discuss!" Kisuke Urahara's voice sounded with a hint of exasperation.
"Fiiiine," Rangiku pouted as she reluctantly released Rukia, allowing her to catch her breath.
Rukia shot a glare at Rangiku before surveying her surroundings. As she expected, the room was filled with familiar faces: the Ryoka, the inhabitants of Urahara Shoten, Rangiku, Momo, Hanataro, and Renji – who happened to be lying on the floor with a nosebleed that resembled a geyser.
"What's everyone doing here, and why is Renji on the floor?" Rukia inquired.
"For your first question, we're here to discuss Ichigo," Kisuke replied with a grave expression, instantly grabbing Rukia's attention. Anything concerning Ichigo was of utmost importance, particularly given recent events. Suddenly, Kisuke concealed his mischievous grin behind his fan.
"As for your second question, he's probably on the floor because Matsumoto-fukutaichou had you nearly smothered in her bosom, much like that blue-haired succubus from that vampire anime!" Kisuke quipped, sending the whole room into a fit of laughter.
Elsewhere, a girl with blue hair and purple eyes sneezed, clutching a boy's head to her chest.
Yoruichi swiftly leaped up, her claws extending as she swiped at Kisuke's face. He yelped and retreated to a corner, nursing his face.
"Focus on the matter at hand, Kisuke," Yoruichi hissed. "I told you this is urgent!"
"Why is Kurosaki-kun in trouble?" Orihime anxiously asked, her concern evident.
Kisuke stood there, fully healed, casually fanning himself once again as if he hadn't just been on the receiving end of Yoruichi's claws.
"No, no, not at all! Kurosaki is completely fine! Other than the fact that he's in another battle against Sosuke Aizen, but completely fine!" Kisuke reassured them, his tone shifting from the comical to the serious.
The room's atmosphere grew tense as everyone glared at Kisuke, except for Orihime, who pouted, upset by the confusion.
"By now, I'm sure you're all familiar with Kurosaki-kun's younger sisters, correct?" Kisuke inquired, looking around at the group.
Everyone nodded, except for Hanataro, who stood there feeling like an intruder in the conversation. Trying to sneak out the door, he mumbled, "Um… there are other patients I must attend to, so I'll just—"
However, before Hanataro could escape, he was swiftly caught by the collar and pulled back into the room.
"Now, now, I'm sure you'll want to hear this as well!" Kisuke said with a sly grin. "Plus, it gives you a longer opportunity to be with Rukia-chan!"
Hanataro blushed furiously and stammered incoherently while Rukia arched an eyebrow in confusion. Kisuke noticed her reaction and giggled into his fan.
"How alike you and Kurosaki-kun are!" Kisuke chuckled.
Rukia's brow twitched slightly at that comment, but she quickly refocused on the matter at hand.
"Whatever, you mentioned Yuzu?" Rukia asked, her concern evident. "Is she in danger?"
Kisuke's expression turned serious once more, and he shook his head.
"No, she is not in any danger," he reassured them. "Rather, she has found something that might very well explain what Kurosaki-kun is going through."
Intrigued, Rukia and everyone else leaned in, their curiosity piqued, except for Yoruichi, who simply held up a journal.
"This is apparently the journal that Ichigo bought from Kisuke during the first few weeks of the... incident," Yoruichi explained.
Rukia blinked, her eyes shifting between the journal and Kisuke, who had lowered the brim of his hat to shadow his eyes.
"How is this journal going to tell us about Ichigo?" she inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern.
Kisuke leaned forward slightly, his voice grave. "As I've said before, Kurosaki-kun is not in any immediate danger, but if the contents of that journal are accurate, I fear his existence may be in peril."
A heavy silence settled over the room as everyone absorbed the gravity of Kisuke's words.
"You mean… Kurosaki-kun… might…" Orihime began, her voice faltering.
Rukia felt Yoruichi, who had been quietly observing, clench the sheets of her bed in a death grip, but Rukia was too shocked to care about the normally composed woman's reaction. Kisuke lifted his gaze, and the room's occupants couldn't help but be drawn to his grim expression.
"His physical body will be alive and well... but mentally... he won't be so well off," Kisuke revealed, his words heavy with concern.
"Getsuga Tensho!" cried Fem-Ichigo, her voice resonating with power.
A familiar black arch of energy surged downward at Ichigo-Sosuke, who expertly shunpo'd out of the way. He swiftly donned his hollow mask, a menacing transformation.
"Getsuga Tensho!" he growled, unleashing an even more potent attack that rocketed back toward Fem-Ichigo.
With precision, Fem-Ichigo swung her zanpakuto, effortlessly slicing the incoming attack in half. She, too, embraced her hollow mask's power before launching herself at Ichigo-Sosuke. Their clash sent them hurtling toward the ground, narrowly avoiding a devastating Gran Rey Cero fired by Ulquiorra-Sosuke, who was now in his Resurreccion form.
Stark-Ichigo, also in Resurreccion form, confronted Ulquiorra-Sosuke. He taunted his opponent, "What's the matter? The real Ulquiorra wouldn't run away like this."
Ulquiorra-Sosuke's eyes narrowed in response. He thrust his palm forward, gathering a menacing black energy tinged with green.
"Cero Oscuras!"
The formidable Cero surged toward Stark-Ichigo, who remained unmoved. Unexpectedly, a row of large charms materialized behind him, absorbing the immense energy of the attack and leaving him unscathed. Ulquiorra-Sosuke couldn't believe his eyes.
Suddenly, Jushiro-Ichigo emerged, her zanpakuto drawn and aimed squarely at Ulquiorra-Sosuke. From the blades of her twin zanpakuto, a Cero Oscuras twice as potent as before erupted, hurtling mercilessly toward its target. The sheer power of the projectile threatened widespread destruction.
However, Orihime-Ichigo intervened, erecting a protective barrier that deflected the deadly blast skyward. Her unwavering focus remained fixed on her adversaries, who included Renji-Sosuke, Byakuya-Sosuke, and Soifon-Sosuke. At her side stood Momo-Ichigo and Gin-Ichigo, the latter positioning Kamishini no Yari at the center of his chest with the blade's edge facing away.
"Buto: Renjin," Gin-Ichigo declared with unwavering resolve.
In an instant, a barrage of lightning-fast jabs rained down upon the three adversaries. They were compelled to skillfully evade, their faces etched with tension. Orihime-Ichigo waved her hand, conjuring a protective dome-shaped shield that effectively cut off any potential escape routes for Sosuke's duplicates. Meanwhile, Gin-Ichigo's relentless assault forced them to cluster together, their options diminishing with each passing moment.
Renji-Sosuke, struggling to keep pace with the blistering speed, found himself pierced through the leg and then fatally through the heart. He crumpled to the ground, defeated. Byakuya-Sosuke clenched his teeth in determination, skillfully directing Senbonzakura Kageyoshi to assail Ichigo's duplicates. Yet, Orihime-Ichigo skillfully erected another formidable shield, effectively thwarting the attack.
Momo-Ichigo, focused and determined, chanted incantations as Zaiten no Kanbai held a tiny, compressed yellow energy ball. Gin-Ichigo halted his relentless onslaught, leaving Byakuya-Sosuke and Soifon-Sosuke with little time to react. Before they could make their move, Momo-Ichigo completed her incantation.
"Hado #63," she intoned, signaling Gin-Ichigo to cease his attacks, "Raikoho."
The tiny ball of energy erupted into a deceptively small lightning strike that raced toward its target at lightning speed. Orihime promptly enclosed the shield around it at the exact moment of impact, causing the shielded ball to blaze with intense, blinding light. As the radiance subsided and Orihime released the protective shield, nothing remained of their enemies.
Amidst this chaos, Ichigo and Sosuke faced each other, locked in a fierce confrontation, while their duplicates waged their battles all around them.
"With this, I will bury you for good so that you will no longer terrorize anybody," Ichigo declared, determination burning in his eyes.
Sosuke observed the one-sided battle unfolding around him, his eyes widening in astonishment. Meanwhile, Ichigo grunted in pain, clutching his head, which had gone unnoticed by Sosuke.
'Good thing he didn't put up much of a fight. I'm reaching my limit,' Ichigo thought, feeling the strain of maintaining multiple bodies.
A battered Rukia-Sosuke was flung between them, her existence briefly marked by a fleeting silhouette before being obliterated by Genryusai-Ichigo's blade. The duplicates of Ichigo slowly gathered behind him until they all stood, fatigued yet victorious. With a collective release of their bankai states, they fixed their gazes upon Sosuke.
"It's over, Aizen," Ichigo proclaimed.
Sosuke regarded the fallen bodies of his duplicates before lifting his head to meet Ichigo's gaze, his lips curling into a smirk.
"Over?" Sosuke scoffed, his reiatsu surging dramatically, nearly overwhelming the combined reiatsu of all of Ichigo's bodies.
Surprise etched across Ichigo's face as he listened to Sosuke's words.
"Surprised? Well, you see, I was planning for you to kill off all of my bodies anyway. For each one you kill adds to my pool of power," Sosuke explained, a twisted amusement in his tone. "You should have killed me first, for it would have eliminated all of my other duplicates. But instead, you played right into my hands."
Ichigo tightened his grip on his sealed zanpakuto, his eyes never leaving Sosuke's.
"You have to manage all those bodies, while I only have to manage one. That fact puts me at an advantage," Sosuke taunted. "And if I'm not mistaken, if I kill even one of your bodies, the rest die with it... yes?"
Ichigo surveyed his duplicates, realizing that they were already worn out from their fierce battles.
'Shit…' Ichigo cursed silently.
"Give in to despair, Ichigo Kurosaki," Sosuke declared, his voice oozing with confidence. "There is no way you can win."
Big thanks for checking out this fanfiction and leaving a review. I had a blast reimagining this fanfiction, and I hope you had a fantastic time diving into it!
