I've changed to using Zanpakutou instead of Zanpakuto, I must have missed the line over the o, which means ou, but I've changed that now for all previous chapters and will be using that for all chapters henceforth.
Also, over the past three weeks or so, I've been on a major Bleach kick and churned out a lot. In addition to this chapter, I've got another 20K+ (22K at the time of writing this) written, as well as another Bleach story, which focuses on Ichigo being more involved with the Quincy and Wandenreich, rather than the Shinigami, which picks up just after Aizen's war. I'll put that up with my next chapter for this story, as I've only got 8K words for it so far.
Although, 30K words of Bleach in total, was only because I was reading so much Bleach fanfiction and looping all of the bleach opening and endings songs I've got/liked. I absolutely ravaged the Bleach archives, even looking through the complete section.
At this point, I would just like to recommend all of you check out the stories: White and A Protector's Pride (if you haven't already) and also recommend reading Quincy Craft (even if it is complete). All three are excellent reads and have an appreciable length to them.
Additionally, since I am currently up to chapter 9, (that's right, I've got another five chapters written) I can update this story monthly, if not fortnightly, from this point on. I do hope some new (or old and recently updated) Bleach fics come to light soon though, because as things stand, my motivation is starting to drop a little… I really hope the anime comes back soon… but in any case, if you know of any good Bleach fics, feel free to recommend some, as they will help me stay motivated and write more, which is a win for everyone.
Now, onto this chapter specifically. I did mention this in a review long ago, can't remember which Bleach fic it was… but I find it odd that Spirit Ribbons were never expanded on at all. I believe that what happened, was that they were being used implicitly, when people sense others, and we were just supposed to make the association. For the purposes of this story, I'm taking some creative liberties with the idea, adding other colours and meanings to the ribbons, other than just red is for Shinigami and white is for everyone else. Eventually, I will start to taper off into instantaneous sensing with them and leave their usage implicit as well, but it will be a slow noticeable change, that everyone realises is happening.
I'm also taking some liberties with the whole Soul Chain, Soul Sleep stuff, which is only ever used by Byakuya once, as well as Uryuu a few times to destroy people's powers.
Lastly, I skimmed the Don Kanonji part, mostly since he is just a less annoying Hercule/Mr. Satan, and thanks to that, I finally reached the point of divergence I've been waiting to get up to for ages now. It is another reason why I wrote 20K+ words, because I was really excited about writing the next mini arc, before heading over to Soul Society.
With all that out of the way, enjoy the chapter!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Bleach anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou talking'
"Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou thinking"
*expression*
Flashback
Chapter 3 – A Twist
Ichigo trudged to his mother grave, after his battle with Grand Fisher, with mixed feelings. He had severely hurt the creature that had killed his mother, but it had escaped. He got to see his mother again… but it was a lie. He knew that it wasn't really his mother, but attacking… her… was emotionally draining. If it wasn't for Zangetsu, he wouldn't have been able to go through with it.
'You did what you had to. Don't forget, your mother's soul is still trapped in that thing.' Said Zangetsu sternly.
"I know… but it doesn't make things any easier." Thought Ichigo sadly.
Rukia meanwhile, was merely walking a bit behind Ichigo, giving him space after the tumultuous events of the past hour or so. Rukia couldn't claim to understand how Ichigo was feeling and part of her was a little jealous, even if she knew it was wrong of her to be feeling that way right now. While she did care for, and was thankful to her brother, she still felt at times like she didn't really have a family. All she really had, were a few friends, just over a dozen that she could call good friends, and only a few who weren't her direct superiors.
As the duo trudged through the cemetery, Rukia, without knowing why, glanced to the side, feeling as though someone was watching them, before ignoring it. Noticing where Ichigo was heading, Rukia decided to give him some space and keep an eye out for anyone.
Ichigo stopped once he arrived at a certain grave. The male Kurosaki stared down at the grave of his mother, Masaki Kurosaki.
'I'm sorry mom. I couldn't do it this time… but next time, I promise I'll free you.' Muttered Ichigo.
'Oh, there you are, Ichigo.' Said Isshin, as he appeared behind his son, an umbrella in hand and another held overhead.
'Here's an umbrella!' Said Isshin cheerfully, as he held the umbrella in his hand out to Ichigo.
Ichigo only now noticed that it was raining. While fighting Grand Fisher, his mind had blocked everything out, all that remained was Grand Fisher and Zangetsu, everything else was irrelevant. Not feeling like arguing with his petulant father at a time like this, Ichigo grabbed the umbrella, but made no move to open it.
'What's the matter Ichigo, do you need me to open it for you?' Asked Isshin cheerfully.
'Why… why don't any of you blame me?' Asked Ichigo quietly.
'Blame you? For what?' Asked Isshin in confusion.
'…I'm the reason she isn't here right now.' Said Ichigo lowly, before hearing a click from beside him.
'You know Ichigo, Masaki was an amazing woman.' Said Isshin.
Ichigo didn't know where Isshin was going with this and merely listened on.
'She was so beautiful and funny and kind… but, the only time she ever complimented me on my looks, was when I was smoking.' Said Isshin, a cigarette held between his index and middle finger.
'What's your point?' Asked Ichigo in annoyance.
'Well, Masaki was an amazing woman. She was the woman I feel in love with… and I know that she was a woman who could die happily protecting her son. Don't forget, the woman I love, gave her life to protect you.' Said Isshin, with a soft smile.
'But what if that wasn't where the story ended, what if something happened to her?' Asked Ichigo quietly.
'Masaki wouldn't care, she was smart too you know. I still remember when she was still in high school… even then, she was too smart for her own good, too kind for her own good.' Answered Isshin fondly.
'What do you mean?' Asked Ichigo in confusion.
'Did I ever tell you how I met your mother?' Asked Isshin curiously.
Ichigo merely shook his head in response.
'Ah, that is quite a story… one day, I was in Karakura town and ran into some trouble and Masaki saved me. Then, after that, I saved Masaki in return and we were together forever after that.' Said Isshin happily.
'What kind of vague story is that?' Shouted Ichigo in annoyance.
'What do you mean, do you want to know the details of what I had for breakfast that day?' Questioned Isshin in surprise.
Ichigo growled and thwacked his father on the back, with the unopened umbrella in his hand.
'Don't be stupid, what kind of a story was that?' Ranted Ichigo.
'Well, if you let her see you so lively like that, I'm sure she will rest easy on the other side.' Said Isshin calmly.
Ichigo looked down at this.
'Hey, didn't I just tell you to cheer up?' Exclaimed Isshin.
'… I will, but only once I can do what I need to do.' Mumbled Ichigo.
If Isshin heard Ichigo, he didn't say anything, and the two stood there in silence, united in their love for an amazing woman.
-line break-
'Bohahaha.' Said Orihime, arms crossed across her body, in a weird gesture.
Ichigo face-palmed, as he entered the classroom, the day after he ran into Grand Fisher.
"Aw come on." Moaned Ichigo in annoyance, as the rest of his classmates mimicked the pose and phrase.
-line break-
Ichigo sighed in annoyance, as he now stood outside a condemned hospital, due to the fact that Yuzu and Isshin loved the ridiculous show: Ghost Bust.
Ichigo groaned, before hearing a quiet wail.
'Rukia, was that a Hollow?' Asked Ichigo cautiously, as he subtly looked around.
'No, it sounded similar to one though. It is most likely a soul that hasn't crossed over.' Said Rukia.
'Wouldn't you guys take care of that?' Asked Ichigo, as he turned to face Rukia.
'Not necessarily, a soul bound to a place, takes the same signature as the location and won't show up on our radar.' Explained Rukia.
Ichigo and Rukia finally located the spirit, which belonged to a rather selfish person, holding a grudge against their little brother, for inheriting the hospital.
'He's holding quite a grudge, isn't he?' Questioned Ichigo unamused.
'What a sorry excuse for a future Hollow. Money, pathetic!' Ranted Zangetsu.
"Well, you're not wrong…" Thought Ichigo, before trailing off, as a flamboyant looking man dropped down from the sky.
Don Kanonji, the star of the show. The man, who apparently, could send spirits to heaven.
'He looks like an idiot.' Said Zangetsu flatly, with Ichigo nodding in agreement.
Ichigo watched the older man apathetically, before he jammed his stick, in the spirits half-open Hollow hole.
'Rukia, that's not a good thing, right?' Asked Ichigo tentatively, as the spirit started wailing louder.
'No! That fool will just make him turn into a hollow at this rate.' Said Rukia in alarm.
'Rukia do something!' Shouted Ichigo.
Rukia quickly put on the same odd glove from before and smacked Ichigo's soul out of his body.
Ichigo quickly charged at the spirit and Don Kanonji.
'Stop you idiot, you're going to turn him into a Hollow!' Shouted Ichigo, as he tackled Kanonji, however, it was too late.
The soul exploded.
As the events unfolded, two blond haired men were watching the scene in interest.
'Seriously Kisuke, how did that kid get a Shikai?' Questioned one of the blond men, in a bored drawl, as he noticed the blade Ichigo was using.
'Well, it seems he had a run in with Grand Fisher, nearly destroyed him too.' Said Kisuke, as the two watched Ichigo enter the hospital with Kanonji, chasing after the Hollow.
'Is he aware of it?' Asked the other man.
'I haven't seen him materialise his mask again, if that is what you are asking… however, to attain Shikai, means he must have some awareness.' Answered Kisuke.
"Not to mention, if his Hollow has done what I think it has, he is definitely aware of it… even if he doesn't realise the truth just yet." Thought Kisuke.
The duo continued to watch the ordeal, until the Hollow was purified.
'So, are you going to approach him now?' Questioned Kisuke.
'Maybe not immediately, but I will begin to get close at least… I'll see.' Said the man, before walking off.
-line break-
'Class, we have a new student joining us today.' Said Ichigo's teacher.
Ichigo raised his head at this new piece of information.
The new student wrote a name on the board, before introducing himself as Shinji Hirako.
'Shinji, that isn't the name you wrote on the board.' Pointed out the teacher.
'Ah, I'm very good at doing things backwards.' Said Shinji.
'This guy feels interesting.' Said Zangetsu.
"What do you mean? He looks normal." Said Ichigo.
'Ok this is just pathetic, I'm going to teach you how to sense spiritual pressure here and now. First thing you need to know, is that everything emits spiritual pressure, even humans. It comes from their souls and is passively released in very low levels. You on the other hand, release a lot more than the average soul, as would a Hollow or a Shinigami. To locate this pressure, you compress and visualise the spiritual auras in the atmosphere.' Explained Zangetsu.
Ichigo closed his eyes and started to focus.
'Remember when you formed those Spirit Ribbons to find that parakeet? This is more or less the same, however, this time, stronger souls will stick out. In time, you'll be able to do this is an instant.' Continued Zangetsu.
Ichigo continued focusing and unbeknownst to him, three sets of eyes gazed at him curiously.
'You're just lucky there is so much variety in this class. Open your eyes and look at the ribbons.' Finished Zangetsu.
Ichigo opened his eyes and looked at the ribbons floating around him. Most of them were white, as he had expected, but he blinked in surprise at a range of unique ribbons.
'As you can see from Rukia, a Shinigami, has a red ribbon, her ribbon is only half red though because of the power she gave to you.' Explained Zangetsu.
Ichigo mentally nodded, gazing at the half red, half white ribbon, before shifting his attention to another ribbon.
"Red and blue?" Thought Ichigo in confusion.
'Now you see why I said he was interesting. Blue, is the colour of a Hollow.' Said Zangetsu, getting Ichigo's eyes to widen, as he looked at Shinji.
Shinji had given an introduction to the class, before being told to sit behind Ichigo by the teacher. However, he certainly didn't expect Ichigo to materialise Spirit Ribbons to sense him out. Whether he was able to figure out if he had Hollow powers or not, Shinji was unsure. As Shinji made his way towards the seat he had been assigned, he noticed Ichigo was staring at a student wearing glasses, who was also staring at Ichigo.
"Yellow?" Questioned Ichigo, as he observed the ribbon, showing the power of the spectacled boy.
'Interesting isn't it? I'll let you figure out that one on your own though.' Said Zangetsu, before going silent.
Ichigo went through the rest of the school day without trouble, however, he did notice something odd, when he had been looking at the rest of his class. Two other ribbons stuck out amongst the sea of white. They were primarily white, but one had faint orange stripes and the other had black… and these ribbons belonged to his friends Orihime and Chad.
-line break-
'Ichigo, just what were you doing in class today?' Asked Rukia heatedly, as she followed Ichigo home.
'The new kid isn't normal, he has Shinigami powers too.' Said Ichigo, getting Rukia to look at him in shock.
"Among other things." Thought Ichigo, remembering the dual tone to his ribbon.
'So you know then.' Said a voice, from above Ichigo and Rukia.
Ichigo and Rukia both looked up and saw Shinji, standing in the air, upside-down.
'Yeah, you have the spiritual pressure of a Shinigami, among other things.' Said Ichigo, narrowing his eyes as he did so.
'Ho? That's quite a bit more than I expected from you, I didn't think you were that perceptive, having gained your powers only recently.' Commented Shinji.
'What do you mean, among other things, Ichigo?' Asked Rukia.
'Ah, I suppose you wouldn't know, being a new Shinigami and all. I imagine Soul Society would have buried anything to do with our existence.' Said Shinji, looking at Rukia with a bemused smile.
'What do you know of Soul Society and how do you have Shinigami powers?' Demanded Rukia.
'Hmm, well I can answer both questions with my introduction.' Said Shinji, before materialising a mask in his hand, which caused Rukia to gasp.
'Shinji Hirako, former Captain of the Fifth Division, at your service.' Said Shinji, with a grin.
'That mask…' Said Rukia, trailing off.
'A Hollow mask. I possess the powers of a Shinigami and a Hollow, just like Kurosaki here.' Said Shinji, shocking both Ichigo and Rukia.
"Oi Zangetsu, what is he saying?" Demanded Ichigo.
'The truth. I may have said that I am your true Shinigami power, which isn't wrong. That being said though, I am also your Hollow powers as well. The two are part of the same coin… although, that being said, there are more to you than just two sides.' Said Zangetsu.
'What do you mean; Ichigo doesn't have any Hollow powers?' Questioned Rukia suspiciously.
'Really? You still have Shinigami powers of your own, don't you? Why don't you sense Ichigo yourself?' Suggested Shinji.
'That might not be a good idea.' Said Zangetsu thoughtfully.
'What is this?' Questioned Rukia in shock.
'What I said, Ichigo's powers.' Said Shinji, before both he and Rukia, noticed Ichigo had ribbons burst around him again, and grasped a yellow one.
'You, hiding over there? What are you?' Asked Ichigo, narrowing his eyes in suspicion, as he looked at a corner.
Shinji and Rukia both gazed in the same direction as Ichigo, as a spectacled student emerged from around the corner.
'My name, is Uryuu Ishida, a Quincy.' Said Uryuu.
'Well that's a surprise, I thought you had all been wiped out. I guess some of you escaped just like we did.' Said Shinji conversationally.
'I have no idea who you are, but I know you Ichigo Kurosaki. I felt it, the day you gained Shinigami powers from Rukia Kuchiki. I also knew that Rukia Kuchiki was a Shinigami. Now there is another Shinigami here, one who also feels like a Hollow. However, now, I can sense you have changed, Ichigo Kurosaki. Your Shinigami powers have grown and you now possess the powers of a Hollow as well.' Said Uryuu, pushing his glasses up as he did so.
'What's your point?' Asked Ichigo curiously.
'Quincy are superior to the Shinigami and I want to prove it. There are three of you and only one of me. To prove that Quincy are superior, I want to have a little test if you will.' Said Uryuu, before pulling out a small coin-shaped disk, which he crushed.
'That, was Hollow bait. With that, let the test begin, I will destroy more Hollows than the three of you put together.' Said Uryuu, before creating a blue bow out of nowhere and launching an arrow, right into the mask of a newly appearing Hollow.
'That's one to me.' Said Uryuu.
'You idiot! Do you know what you've just done?' Shouted Rukia.
'Clearly.' Commented Shinji dryly.
'Relax, for all his boasts, this will be a breeze for someone like me.' Said Shinji, as he slashed the air to his side, destroying a Hollow that had just appeared near him.
'Although, they will also seek out others with high spiritual pressure.' Added Shinji.
'Chad and Orihime… and my sisters, you bastard!' Shouted Ichigo, before running off.
'Ichigo wait!' Shouted Rukia, before scowling.
'You know, he has a point, maybe you should go and check up on any other possible victims. I'll handle things here.' Said Shinji causally.
Rukia glared at the hybrid, before giving a stiff nod and running off after Ichigo.
-line break-
Ichigo ran to where he felt Karin's presence.
"Damn it, I feel a Hollow near her!" Cursed Ichigo mentally.
'Oi focus, someone else is there too!' Shouted Zangetsu.
Ichigo slowed in his jog, closing his eyes momentarily.
"Chad." Thought Ichigo, feeling the presence of Yasutora Sado.
'Exactly, but focus more carefully.' Said Zangetsu, causing Ichigo to stop.
Ichigo closed his eyes for a moment, before feeling a burst of energy respond to him. To confirm his suspicions, he quickly materialised his Spirit Ribbons.
'It turned black.' Muttered Ichigo, noticing his friends Spirit Ribbon was no longer merely striped, but now, was fully coloured in.
'That's not all.' Commented Zangetsu.
"What the hell?" Questioned Ichigo in confusion, seeing Orihime's Spirit Ribbon turn orange.
'To be honest, that surprises me just as much as it does you.' Commented Zangetsu.
-line break-
Kisuke and Tessai had arrived just in time to see Orihime's powers manifest themselves.
'Hmm, interesting, don't you think so, Tessai?' Asked Kisuke.
Tessai, a tall, muscular, man with lightly tan skin and a large handlebar moustache, nodded in agreement. Chad, who was currently unconscious, was slumped over Tessai's shoulder.
Kisuke watched in interest as young Orihime, healed her friend with her powers. Noticing the damage reverse itself, rather than heal Tatsuki, Kisuke narrowed his eyes.
"That could be dangerous in the wrong hands." Thought Kisuke severely, before hearing the Hollow taunt Orihime.
'So what, you healed your little friend over there? Well, too bad, I'll do worse next time after I deal with you.' Taunted the jellyfish like Hollow.
'I remember everything now.' Muttered Orihime, getting the six spirits floating around her head, to look at her in interest.
'I remember Sora… I remember Ichigo… I remember everything from that night.' Continued Orihime, staring at the ground.
'What's wrong girlie? Quaking in fear are you?' Continued the Hollow, known as Numb Chandelier.
'My brother, even when he became the same thing as you… he still kept his love for me. He felt lonely and didn't want to hurt me, but he was in pain and acted because of that.' Said Orihime, loud enough for Numb Chandelier to hear.
'Hmm, your brother became a Hollow, how sweet, how about I make you one as well?' Screeched the Hollow, before launching a pod at Orihime.
'Santen Kesshun, I reject.' Said Orihime, surprising her new spirits, at her being able to use her powers, without calling out their names.
'You are despicable. Hurting Tatsuki, tainting my brother's memory. You have no compassion or remorse at all.' Said Orihime, with steel in her voice.
'And what are you going to do about it?' Teased Numb Chandelier.
'Tsubaki! Koten Zanshun, I reject!' Shouted Orihime fiercely, as the ninja-like spirit, was engulfed in a humongous wave of orange energy, which dwarfed Numb Chandelier and rocketed at the Hollow.
The Hollow didn't even have a moment to move, as the massive orange blast utterly annihilated it with a single hit.
'Whoa, now that was some serious anger there, I'm impressed.' Praised Tsubaki, before Orihime slumped to the ground, unconscious.
'I have to say, I didn't expect that from Orihime, that was quite uncharacteristic of her.' Commented Shun'ou, a blond haired spirit with a top knot.
The spirits then turned back into Orihime's hairpins and rested just beside her.
Kisuke and Tessai walked over to Orihime.
'Very interesting.' Muttered Kisuke approvingly.
-line break-
'Hmm, this is strangely boring.' Muttered Shinji, as he dispatched another Hollow easily.
Suddenly, Shinji's cell phone started to ring.
'Hello.' Said Shinji cheerfully, as he cut down another Hollow.
'Of course I noticed, I'm fighting a bunch of them right now.' Drawled Shinji into the cell phone.
Shinji briefly pulled the phone away from his ear, as the person on the other end started ranting at him.
'Relax, I'm not even in Shikai.' Said Shinji in boredom, as he cut down another Hollow behind him, without even turning around.
Shinji twitched when he noticed all the Hollows in the immediate area, had started to fly up to a tear in the sky.
'Hiyori… I'll call you back.' Said Shinji, as he hung up the cell phone, before heading off to Kisuke's shop.
-line break-
Ichigo had cut through all the Hollows between where he felt Karin and his house, before doubling back to Uryuu and tearing into him. After telling each other of their motivations, the duo agreed to temporarily work together, before a tear in the sky started to open.
'What the hell is that?' Asked Ichigo, noticing an extremely tall, white masked Hollow, with an elongated nose.
Suddenly, as the Hollows were closing in on Ichigo and Uryuu, a massive explosion wiped a bunch of them out.
'Well, I'd say you're good to go now, Ichigo.' Said Shinji, as he arrived with Kisuke, Tessai and two children wielding weapons, currently destroying the Hollows.
'Good to go for what?' Asked Ichigo in confusion.
'To deal with the Menos Grande of course.' Said Shinji, pointing at the huge Hollow.
Rukia had recently arrived on the scene and gaped at the Menos in shock.
'Ichigo, I'll help you!' Declared Rukia, as she popped a Soul Candy and exited her Gigai, which caused Ichigo to unknowingly tremble slightly.
'Uh-uh, Rukia. This battle is very important for Ichigo, I can't have you interfering.' Said Kisuke, as he used a moderate level Bakudou to restrain Rukia.
'What are you doing? He can't fight a Menos!' Shouted Rukia fearfully.
'Just like he couldn't beat Grand Fisher?' Questioned Kisuke.
Rukia recoiled slightly.
'I was there and saw him beat it. This might test him a little, but he can handle it, just watch.' Said Kisuke sternly, as he removed the Bakudou.
'Ichigo, we need to make a plan to beat that thing.' Started Uryuu as he turned to Ichigo, only to see him run off.
'I'll take care of it.' Said Ichigo with a wave, as he charged the Menos.
'Idiot!' Shouted Uryuu.
Ichigo raised his blade and swung it at the pointy shoe of the Hollow and cut it off, causing the Hollow to stumble.
'No way! He cut through it so easily.' Commented Rukia in awe.
'Like I said, he can handle it.' Said Kisuke.
'Still, a Gillian is no joke, even for Shikai.' Added Shinji.
'True, but that's not all.' Said Kisuke.
The Hollow roared in anger as its foot slowly regenerated. A Cero, a ball of crimson energy, formed in front of the Hollow's mouth, before it opened its maw and launched a concentrated blast of spiritual energy at Ichigo. Ichigo gripped his sword tightly and swung his blade, releasing a wave of dark energy at the attack, just as he had against Grand Fisher.
The two attacks clashed, before Ichigo's ripped through the Hollow's, while also cutting it severely.
"That should be the end of that." Thought Kisuke calmly, tilting his hat down, and thus, was surprised when the Hollow roared in defiance.
Kisuke looked up quickly and noticed the Hollow charge up another Cero, but this time, aimed away from them all.
'Oi Kisuke, this is bad! That will hit a lot of people.' Said Shinji in surprise.
'Impossible, a normal Menos should have retreated after an attack like that, they only work on instinct.' Said Kisuke in shock.
'Ichigo!' Shouted Rukia, as she shot past Urahara and tried to assist Ichigo.
Ichigo noticed the Hollow aim its attack away from him, quickly identifying it would hit the town instead.
'Oi, don't be a sore loser!' Shouted Ichigo.
Without knowing what came over him, Ichigo suddenly flared his Reiatsu, directing it to his feet, before disappearing with a static boom, standing face-to-mask with the Hollow.
'Kisuke… that wasn't Shunpo.' Said Shinji, with a raised eyebrow.
Kisuke merely watched on, in shock, at the recent turn of events.
'You're going down this time!' Shouted Ichigo, as he charged the Hollow.
The Hollow roared in defiance, at which point, Kisuke finally noticed something.
'That mask is different, to a normal Gillian's mask.' Said Kisuke quietly.
While the Hollow possessed the normal long nose and white mask of a Gillian, it also had two deep grooves under its eyes and on its forehead.
Ichigo charged at the Hollow in mid-air, doing so instinctually, while the Hollow prepared to launch its attack. Ichigo struck first and thrust his sword into the mask of the Hollow, which roared in anger, before releasing a much smaller, compressed Cero, which was losing energy fast. The weakened Cero pierced through Ichigo's body, near a very precise point, causing him to cough up blood and Rukia to drop to her knees momentarily.
Ichigo's attack however, pushed the Hollow back through the hole it had come from, with Ichigo along with it, before closing up.
There was muted silence among those gathered at this new twist.
Rukia trembled, feeling her powers return to her in a rush had caused her to drop to her knees… but now, the implications hit her.
'ICHIGO!' Shouted Rukia in anguish.