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 XIV - The Conclusive Blow]
Yoruichi found herself seated in her customary spot, nestled beside the tranquil hot spring, lost in contemplation. The tumultuous events of late had proven to be far more emotionally taxing than she had initially anticipated. With a wry, self-deprecating smile, Yoruichi couldn't help but question her own feelings.
"Am I truly this deeply affected by him?" she wondered silently.
Her gaze drifted upwards to the ceiling, her mind retracing the recent private discussion she'd shared with Kisuke before they had summoned the others.
Yoruichi couldn't help but feel a surge of annoyance as Kisuke summoned her back to their meeting place.
"Why did you call me back here, Kisuke?" she asked with a hint of irritation in her voice.
To her surprise, Kisuke didn't respond with his usual nonchalant demeanor. Instead, he looked at Yoruichi with a grave expression and pushed a small journal across the table towards her. Yoruichi eyed the journal with suspicion before turning her gaze back to Kisuke.
"What's this?" she inquired.
Kisuke shook his head somberly.
"Read it, Yoruichi. It will provide the answers better than I ever could," he urged.
Yoruichi glanced down at the journal once more, a sense of foreboding gnawing at her. She swallowed hard, sensing that the contents of those pages would bring unpleasant revelations. With a deep breath, she took a seat, picked up the journal, and hesitantly began to flip through its pages. The simple black leather cover, fastened with an elastic band, held an undeniable weight. Yoruichi could feel a growing sense of dread as she read Ichigo's handwriting, detailing the struggles he faced while trying to master control over all his bodies.
As she neared the final section, her grip on the journal tightened, knuckles turning white.
"This..." Yoruichi whispered, her voice barely above a choked murmur.
Kisuke sighed from his seat, acknowledging the weight of the revelation. He then leaned forward, explaining the gravity of the situation to Yoruichi in a hushed tone.
"His final ability, something he calls 'Final Exodus,'" he began, "It grants him and all his bodies an unprecedented surge of power by amalgamating the collective knowledge and memories of each individual body."
With a slight twitch of his fan, he continued, "While this extraordinary power enhances their resilience, reiatsu, speed, strength, and coordination, it comes at a cost. They temporarily lose the ability to access their zanpakuto abilities. To make it even more formidable, their zanpakuto's powers merge into a singular, overwhelming force."
Yoruichi gazed at the journal in her hand, absorbing the unsettling information. She then snapped it shut with a dismissive huff.
"Come on, Kisuke. You don't really believe Ichigo will have to resort to this... this thing against Aizen, do you?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.
Kisuke, however, wore a heavy expression. He shook his head slowly.
"I fear history might repeat itself," he said, his voice laced with concern. "Remember what happened when he used Mugetsu?"
Yoruichi's eyes widened in sudden realization, but she quickly shook her head.
"No, Kisuke. Ichigo has grown immensely stronger. He won't need to rely on this... this risky ability," she asserted.
Kisuke maintained his silence, studying his old friend for a moment. With a resigned sigh, he motioned toward the journal once more.
"You should finish reading it," he urged, a hint of earnestness in his tone.
Yoruichi's glare returned.
"Why should I? I already know what I need to—"
Kisuke cut her off with a stern look that silenced her protests.
"Yoruichi," he said softly, his eyes locked with hers, "I think you should read it."
Kisuke's departure left Yoruichi alone in the room, her thoughts swirling in a tempest. She gazed at the spot where he had stood, then, with a sigh, picked up the journal once more. She flipped it open to the page where she had stopped reading earlier, her curiosity piqued about what had compelled Kisuke to bring this journal to her attention.
As she turned the page, her eyes widened. What lay before her was not a passage of text but rather a letter, and it was addressed to her. Without a second thought, Yoruichi carefully ripped the page from the journal, cradling it close to her chest. She had no time to ponder its contents now; her instincts told her that its message was of the utmost importance.
With the precious letter safely secured, Yoruichi strode purposefully to find Kisuke. There was no doubt about it; they needed to make their way to Soul Society.
Yoruichi sat in the tranquil atmosphere of her sanctuary within Soul Society, re-reading the note she held in her hands. The words, penned in Ichigo's unmistakable handwriting, struck a chord within her heart.
For what seemed like the hundredth time, she read Ichigo's candid confession:
'Yoruichi,
I have no idea why the hell I'm writing this, but I think it has to be said. First off, let me be frank that I still think you are a crazy neko out to get me with your evil pranks and horrifying plots. But you also have that wild, no bullshit type of attitude that I've really come to respect… maybe even adore. To add to that you have those gorgeous golden eyes that I have a hard time turning away from, and I'll admit begrudgingly that you have a pretty nice body as well (Damn hormones). But even with all that and the reassurance from your memories that the feelings I have are mutual with yours… I just can't face you. That's right. Ichigo Kurosaki, Shinigami Daiko that took on the entire Gotei 13, raided Hueco Mundo, defeated Aizen, and took on the Xcution, can't even confess his feelings for a woman that he has feelings for. Maybe I'll grow some balls one day. Hopefully when I do I won't be too late.
Ichigo'
The words resonated deeply within her. Yoruichi, a woman of confidence and strength, found herself moved by Ichigo's vulnerability and self-doubt. Her golden eyes flickered with a mix of emotions as she pondered his confession.
"Ichigo…" she whispered.
Ichigo materialized right behind Sosuke before the latter could even react, executing a swift kick that sent Sosuke soaring high into the air. Desperation coursed through Sosuke's veins as he attempted to summon one of his zanpakuto abilities, only to receive another punishing blow, this time from Soifon-Ichigo. The force of the kick propelled Sosuke at breakneck speed toward the unforgiving ground.
Just as it seemed Sosuke's plummet couldn't get any worse, a mighty punch from Sado-Ichigo intercepted him, sending him skipping across the undulating dunes. The sheer power of these combined attacks left Sosuke gasping for air, struggling to regain his composure.
Once again, Sosuke attempted to summon a counterattack, but before he could voice his incantation, Kenpachi-Ichigo materialized right in front of him, arm outstretched. Without a word, Kenpachi-Ichigo unleashed a devastating Shakkaho spell that hammered into Sosuke, launching him into the air once more. His flight, however, was abruptly halted by a kido-infused punch from Yoruichi-Ichigo, driving him deep into the ground, creating a sizeable crater.
Sosuke, battered and gasping, glared defiantly at Ichigo, the burning question in his eyes reflecting the astonishment and frustration at the young Shinigami's ever-increasing power.
"How… have you come across so much power, Ichigo Kurosaki?" Sosuke growled, his voice laden with exasperation.
In response, Ichigo remained silent, letting the ominous atmosphere speak for him. Ulquiorra-Ichigo materialized behind Sosuke, his fist poised to deliver a devastating punch.
"Do I scare you, woman?" Ulquiorra's voice cut through the tension as his hand reached out for Orihime.
Orihime's unwavering gaze met his, and those sad, gray eyes locked onto him.
"I am not afraid," she replied with a calm determination that sent a strange shiver through Ulquiorra's being.
In that moment, something foreign stirred deep within him, a sensation he couldn't quite comprehend. It grew more pronounced as Orihime repeated her statement. Ulquiorra found himself looking at this woman in a different light, a realization that struck him like a lightning bolt, though it was a realization he might never get to fully embrace, given his current state.
"I see…" Ulquiorra murmured, his once-stoic expression now tinged with something akin to understanding.
Suddenly, an unusual lightness enveloped Ulquiorra, a sensation he had never experienced before. It intensified when Orihime extended her hand towards him, as if beckoning him toward an uncharted path.
'Now I see...' Ulquiorra contemplated in those final moments.
Orihime's eyes widened as it seemed her actions only accelerated a process she couldn't fully comprehend, and she stood there, arm outstretched, locked in a moment of profound uncertainty.
'Her heart was right...' Ulquiorra's final thoughts echoed within his fading consciousness.
As everything around him faded into an engulfing whiteness, there was one last, fleeting notion that crossed Ulquiorra's fading mind.
'In my hands.'
Ulquiorra-Ichigo pressed on with his punch, the sheer force behind it threatening to annihilate everything in its path. But in the final moments, Ichigo's consciousness surged, halting the destructive blow.
At that critical instant, Rukia-Ichigo emerged directly in Sosuke's impending trajectory. With precision and resolve, she unleashed a brilliantly charged Sokatsui spell. The spell erupted upon impact, generating a cataclysmic explosion that sent shockwaves rippling through the battlefield.
Rukia gazed upon the earth beneath her feet, her heart heavy with unspoken emotions. She struggled to find the right words to convey her feelings to Ichigo. As they stood there, an impending sense of separation weighed down on her.
In that poignant moment, she sensed Ichigo's body tense, signaling that her presence was beginning to wane in his perception. Rukia fought back the tears and the urge to look away. She felt the intensity of Ichigo's gaze upon her, silently pleading for one last glance. Unable to resist, she met his eyes, and within them, she saw the anguish he felt.
Then, in a heartbeat, it was as though she had turned transparent in his eyes, fading from his view. To others, she remained visible, but she cared little for that now. Her attention was solely on Ichigo, her friend, who she often deemed an idiot but cherished deeply. She watched him as he turned his gaze skyward and whispered those final parting words.
"Farewell, Rukia..."
Ichigo's strength began to wane, exhaustion creeping over him. He realized that it was time to bring this battle to its conclusion. Gathering all of his bodies, they united in a single location, their arms entwined, channeling their collective energy into Ichigo himself.
Sosuke, battered and enraged, fought to rise to his feet. His gaze remained fixed on Ichigo, filled with contempt.
"Damn you, Ichigo Kurosaki," he seethed, his voice dripping with bitterness. "You always stand in my way!"
Ichigo met Sosuke's glare with unwavering determination, drawing in the tremendous surge of power coursing through him.
"Why are you relinquishing your title, Unohana-taichou?" questioned one of her subordinates, curiosity lacing his tone.
Retsu's eyes fell upon him, a gaze that seemed to pierce right through his soul, making him instantly regret asking the question. However, she eventually sighed, a mixture of emotions in her expression.
"I no longer deserve the title of Kenpachi. There's someone stronger than me now," she responded, her words carrying a weight that resonated with undeniable truth.
"But, Taichou, isn't the title of Kenpachi something you have to fight for?" inquired the man, seeking clarification.
Retsu couldn't help but let out a wry smirk, a touch of irony in her eyes. "Let him have the title. I care little about it," she declared casually as she began to adjust her hair.
"But where will you go?" her subordinate persisted, concern etching his features.
Completing the arrangement of her hair, neatly concealing the scar that marred her chest, Retsu turned to face him. She wore a smile, sweet yet unsettling, sending a shiver down the man's spine.
"I'm going to learn how to heal others," she revealed, her words carrying a sense of profound purpose that left her former subordinate speechless.
The bodies began to lose consciousness as their reserves of power were completely drained.
"You'll really like it at the academy, Shiro-chan," gushed Momo, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I've already made lots of friends there!"
Toshiro took another bite of his watermelon slice and spat out the seeds before replying, "Good for you, better-wetter."
"Mou! Stop calling me that!" huffed Momo, her cheeks pouting in annoyance.
"I will when you stop calling me 'Shiro-chan'," replied Toshiro, his tone nonchalant.
"But it's so cute and it suits you!" whined Momo, her expression pleading.
"Then better-wetter it shall remain," Toshiro declared with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Shiro-chan!" Momo whined once again, determined to win this playful argument.
Sosuke's eyes widened as he sensed Ichigo's power vanishing from his range of perception. He choked on disbelief.
"It can't be," he muttered.
"I promise, Ran-chan," Gin whispered, gazing at Rangiku's unconscious form, "I'm gonna make 'em pay for what they did to you."
Ichigo was nearly at full power, with only a couple of duplicates remaining on either shoulder.
"Your power is impressive, boy. You managed to scar me," said Genryusai, looking upon his disciple proudly.
Young Chojiro looked up, a bright smile on his face.
"Thank you, sensei. I promise I will master my Bankai and then join your side as your subordinate!" he said.
Genryusai lifted a brow.
"Don't you wish to become a captain yourself?" he asked.
Chojiro shook his head.
"I feel that my place is by your side," he said. "I don't see myself anywhere else."
Genryusai stared at the boy for a long while before he closed his eyes in contemplation.
"I see."
The final duplicates fell, and Ichigo took a determined fighting stance.
"This ends right here and now, Aizen," declared Ichigo as he lunged at Sosuke with unparalleled speed.
"Do you realize this thing can cut you, right?" Kenpachi asked as he peered down at the small, pink-haired child.
The little one appeared unfazed by Kenpachi's warning and giggled while reaching for the sword once more.
"Hey, do you have a name?" Kenpachi inquired.
The girl looked up at him with a mix of curiosity and confusion. Kenpachi locked eyes with her for a moment, recalling a particularly enjoyable fight - one that had brought his smile back.
"I think I'll call you Yachiru."
The girl burst into even more fits of giggles at that.
"Oh, shut up, you little brat," Kenpachi grumbled, though a hint of amusement danced in his eyes.
Ichigo's perception of the world shifted as everything around him seemed to slow down. He focused intently on his target, his fist drawn back for a decisive strike.
Sosuke gazed upon the small grave he had fashioned, though there wasn't much left to bury after the destructive force of the Sokyoku. Tears were no longer shed, for his grief had transformed into a seething brew of bitterness and rage. He cast his eyes upon a trinket, a memento from his father, shattered and in need of repair.
"They're gone," he murmured, his voice barely audible amidst the desolation. He advanced towards the broken keepsake, his words heavy with malice. "They've all met their end."
Clutching the fragmented remnants, Sosuke's grip tightened, his anguish festering into unbridled anger. He thought of all they had taken from him, snatching his joy and happiness away.
"They've stolen my very happiness," he hissed through gritted teeth.
With newfound strength coursing through him, Sosuke crushed the toy, shattering it further with an unfathomable surge of reiatsu. His eyes, now filled with a burning resolve, rose to the heavens, toward the distant realm of the Spirit King.
"I will claim their heads," he declared with chilling determination.
As Ichigo's fist hurtled through the air, an unexpected change washed over his face. His piercing glare began to waver, replaced by a flicker of something more complex. In that fleeting moment, he glimpsed a reflection of hopelessness deep within Sosuke's eyes.
"A… a… a… woman?!" Ichigo spluttered, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Yoruichi couldn't help but smirk at the boy's bewildered reaction.
'How adorable,' she thought to herself.
"I see you're completely shocked," Yoruichi remarked casually, not particularly concerned about her current lack of clothing. "Can't be helped, I suppose. You most likely convinced yourself that I was a man based on the way I spoke."
Ichigo continued to point at her, his mouth agape, as Yoruichi continued to speak.
"No matter how many times I reveal my true form like this, it's always an amusing experience," she said with a mischievous grin. "Everyone just shows a stupefied expression of shock."
"B-b-but… you weren't… a cat?!" Ichigo stammered, still clearly taken aback.
"Cats can't talk," Yoruichi replied with a playful smirk. "It's common sense."
Ichigo let his head drop, thoroughly embarrassed by his own assumptions. Yoruichi couldn't help but smile even wider at his reaction.
'Oh, I can tell that this boy is going to be interesting,' she thought to herself with a hint of intrigue.
The punch landed with a deafening impact, and all the pent-up power within Ichigo surged forth in a torrent of energy, obliterating Sosuke's body into a swirling cloud of dust. As the overwhelming might coursed through him, Ichigo's own strength waned, and he plummeted to the ground with a resounding thud. Slowly, his consciousness began to slip away.
'I've done it…' Ichigo's thoughts echoed in his fading mind. 'Aizen can't harm anyone anymore...'
As the darkness crept in, threatening to claim him entirely, Ichigo summoned his last ounce of strength to utter a single word, a name that held deep significance to him.
"Yoruichi…"
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!