Well, like I said last chapter, this one will be very short, but the next chapter will follow it in a day or two. It just deals with everything in between the chapter before this and the next one and it would leave a lot of questions if I left it out.
Also, to follow up on what I said last chapter. I have set up a and the link to my page is now on my profile. I'm not forcing anyone to do anything, but any support will be much appreciated. The only incentive I have to offer, is seeing chapters earlier, for instance, next chapter is up there already, but I'm not going to restrain chapters. This just helps serve as another backup for me and a possible motivation kicker.
Also, something to keep you all interested, I have another 20K words written and have finished chapter 11 which brings me to the end of the execution fiasco, but not Soul Society arc. I haven't started writing it yet, but I've got about two or three chapters planned out, which will deal with Ichigo doing certain stuff, before returning to the human world.
One thing I do want to ask though… I have written in everything that has changed in regards to canon, but for things that haven't changed, do you want me to write that stuff out? For instance, right now, I've left out the part where Toshiro confronts Aizen in Central Forty-Six, but I can easily add it in.
There isn't any real change between canon and what happens, so do you want that part added in? If I go through and add in things that aren't any different to canon, it'll probably be an extra chapter of material, filling in some of the canon fights and conversations.
Please let me know, so I can move forward with this knowledge. It won't slow down the updates for the next two chapters, as they will be unchanged, but for the two after that, it would make a difference.
Enjoy.
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 7 – Duty
Rukia didn't like the way things were looking right now. It had been two weeks. Two weeks! Two weeks since Ichigo had entered Hueco Mundo and there had been no indication that he was going to return any time soon. The crooked shop keeper who had stopped her from helping Ichigo fight the Menos, was number two on her list of people she was not talking to. Number one was that stupid Quincy and his damnable pride that had landed them in this mess. If he hadn't been so arrogant, Ichigo would be safe right now and she wouldn't be a fugitive, as of a few days ago. She was scheduled to return to Soul Society four days ago and she knew, it was only a matter of time before someone came for her. With this in mind, Rukia had made herself as discreet as possible.
Surprisingly, not a single hollow had appeared since Ichigo had disappeared, which made her wonder if the boy himself was attracting them to this town. Or, it could be due to the recent mass culling of hollows and the rest were either fearful of attacking the town, or, their simply weren't enough hollows anymore. Rukia scoffed aloud at her second thought. Hollows were everywhere.
'You know, if you had been any other Shinigami, you'd be dead right now.' Said Shinji Hirako, as he exited a large warehouse, that Rukia had tracked him down to.
'You know something, don't you? I don't care about the specifics of how, but you know what happened to Ichigo and what he is going through right now.' Stated Rukia accusingly, narrowing her eyes at the former captain.
'I might.' Said Shinji, absentmindedly cleaning his ear with his pinkie.
Rukia stared the Visored down, mulling over her thoughts.
'If you have hollow powers, can you get Ichigo back somehow?' Asked Rukia hesitantly.
'Nope. Our powers are purely offensive… well, at least my hollow powers are. What Ichigo used before disappearing… his high-speed movement technique… that wasn't a Shinigami based power.' Said Shinji carelessly at the start, before sobering slightly towards the end.
Rukia cursed softly, unhappy that her long task in tracking down the former captain had yielded nothing for her.
'You know, if you really want help, you should go see Urahara.' Said Shinji, causing Rukia to glare at him.
'That crooked shop keeper… I would never reduce myself to the level of asking him for help.' Growled Rukia.
'To be fair, you already did ask for his help in the past. How is this any different?' Pointed out Shinji calmly.
'It just is.' Insisted Rukia.
An awkward silence passed between the two for a moment, before Rukia turned to leave.
'Thank you for your time.' Said Rukia, before walking off.
Shinji watched her leave and remained outside for a minute, before a new person approached him, having come from the warehouse behind him.
'What are you talking with Shinigami scum for anyway, huh?' Questioned a very short, brown eyed, blonde-haired girl, who wore her short hair in spiky pigtails.
'That one is different. Not like Urahara… but she at least has some sense of comradery, despite being a Kuchiki.' Commented Shinji.
'Yeah, well if she comes back again, I'm taking her out.' Scoffed the girl, before heading back into the warehouse.
'Sheesh, you better get back here soon Kurosaki… if not, things are going to get messy.' Muttered Shinji, before retreating into the warehouse as well.
-line break-
'Well, Orihime, Yasutora, the two of you are making remarkable progress, even more than I had initially anticipated.' Stated Kisuke, in his underground basement, which doubled as a rocky training ground.
The dark skinned teen currently had his right arm, all the way up to his shoulder, covered in a form of armour. He possessed a shoulder extension that was pointed as well, signifying his increase in power.
The busty girl was currently panting softly, a glowing shield in front of her, which had successfully weathered the storm of Chad's vicious punches and energy blasts.
'When can we *pant* go get Ichigo?' Asked Orihime tiredly.
'Well, if you are too tired to ask, the answer is not going to be right now.' Joked Urahara.
'In all seriousness though, I need at least another week to have everything ready.' Said Kisuke grimly, causing both teens to frown.
'I don't like this.' Stated Sado simply.
'Sorry, but I can't really do anything else right now.' Said Kisuke tiredly.
The two didn't press any further, as in their time with the eccentric man, they had realised he felt deeply responsible for what had happened to Ichigo and was trying his best, to enable his retrieval soon.
Kisuke turned his head up slightly, having sensed an influx of Reiatsu.
"That isn't Kurosaki." Thought Kisuke grimly.
-line break-
"This is bad, at this rate, I'm going to be in serious trouble. Ichigo isn't back yet… what is that fool doing there anyway?" Thought Rukia in frustration, as she walked down a dimly lit street.
Rukia clenched her left fist over her chest.
"Just please don't die Ichigo… not because of me… there is already too much blood on my hands." Thought Rukia forlornly.
'Well, Rukia, looks like you've been enjoying your time in the living world a little too much.' Commented a voice from above, causing Rukia to quickly look up.
'Renji! Is that you… Renji Abarai?' Questioned Rukia.
The red-haired male dropped down from a lamppost, standing only a step away from Rukia.
'You've slacked off too much. Lost in your thoughts so much, that you don't even notice a Shinigami is coming for you. Well, in any case, call him Rukia. The human who stole your powers.' Ordered the tattooed Shinigami.
'I didn't have my powers stolen Renji! What kind of fool do you take me for?' Retorted Rukia.
'Don't give me that human expression. You're a Kuchiki, a noble, carry yourself with some dignity. You agree, don't you, Captain Kuchiki?' Spoke Renji, looking behind Rukia towards the end.
'Older brother Byakuya.' Said Rukia quietly, as she turned to face the man behind her.
In an instant, Rukia had leapt away from the duo, before the well-dressed noble could speak, narrowly avoiding a sword slash from Renji.
'Hmm, I'm actually surprised you managed to dodge that. I was holding back, but I had been intending to cut you at least a little. I see your skills haven't dulled completely.' Commented Renji approvingly.
'In any case, call him now. We were appointed to bring you back and kill the human who took your powers. If you don't, my next attack will be serious.' Warned Renji, lowering himself into a stance, only to quickly retract his head, narrowly avoiding an arrow of Reishi.
'A man, attacking an unarmed woman, that isn't a good scene to walk in on.' Commented a figure, as he approached the trio.
'Oh, who are you?' Asked Renji uncaringly, before turning in surprise, to see a rather irate Rukia, who was practically snarling at the new arrival.
'What are you doing here? Haven't you done enough?' Growled Rukia.
'My apologies, Kuchiki, but your feelings on the matter do not concern me. I am the reason Kurosaki isn't here right now, so I must do what he would have.' Replied Uryuu nonchalantly.
'So… are you the lowly human turned Shinigami that…' Started Renji, only for another arrow to fly at him, causing him to quickly lean to the left.
'Don't ever call me a Shinigami. I hate Shinigami. I am Uryuu Ishida, a Quincy.' Said Uryuu coldly.
There was a strange sound, which drew the attention of the trio to Rukia. Rukia now stood clad in her Shinigami robes, holding her Zanpakutou at the ready.
'I don't need your help, Ishida.' Said Rukia coldly, taking a few steps away from her Gigai.
'Well, well, so you do still have your powers. Although, I wonder how much you lost to that human, probably a miniscule amount, since he was no doubt a weak coward.' Mocked Renji, before quickly raising his sword to block Rukia's downward swing, as she had leapt into the air and slashed down at him.
'Don't you dare mock Ichigo!' Shouted Rukia, before taking her left hand off her sword and launching a small red ball of fire at Renji, who was blasted back by it.
'Heh, to think you'd go so far as to attack me. You're only making it worse on yourself Rukia.' Said Renji bitterly.
'I don't care!' Declared Rukia fiercely, surprising Renji and eliciting a raised eyebrow, from the other Kuchiki present.
'That's some nerve you've got there, Rukia.' Growled Renji.
'I will fix my own mistakes and restore things to the way they should be. I don't need you acting all haughty to me.' Said Rukia calmly, getting an inquisitive gaze from the older Shinigami noble.
'Is that so Rukia? Just what exactly are you doing here then? Knowing full well you have overstayed your designated time in the living world.' Asked the captain.
'I can't leave here until someone returns, that is a promise I made to myself and I will uphold it.' Said Rukia strongly.
'I see.' Said Byakuya simply.
'You can't win here Rukia. You still have your powers, so if you come and clear your name, you might only be down for insubordination, but, if you keep this up, attacking a Lieutenant and a Captain… your punishment may be more severe.' Stated Renji.
'So, you became a Lieutenant. I'm happy for you, but I'm not going to lose here today.' Declared Rukia, as she gripped her sword with two hands.
'Kuchiki, without my help, you cannot defeat these two, you do realise that?' Stated Uryuu simply.
'I do, but I could never look at Ichigo again, if I leave here without a fight. Loathe as I may be… I leave the job of bringing him back to you.' Said Rukia sternly, before charging at Renji.
Renji gave a scowl, as he blocked Rukia's blade, before jumping to the side, to avoid another ball of red energy, which exploded not too far behind him.
'You've lost your mind Rukia! All this for a lousy human! Don't you have any sense of pride?' Roared Renji, before he lunged at Rukia and started to press her back.
'If I don't do at least this much, I won't have any pride!' Retorted Rukia, before swinging her blade upwards and opening up Renji's guard, causing him to leap back, before another attack could be launched at him.
'How far are you willing to stoop for this Rukia? Remember your place and the responsibilities that come with it! At this rate, there is a good chance you will be executed.' Shouted Renji.
'I have responsibilities to myself and I refuse to let another die by my actions!' Shouted Rukia, before she did something that shocked Renji.
'Dance, Sode no Shirayuki.' Said Rukia, as she held her Zanpakutou out in front of her, while turning it in a circle, in a counter-clockwise direction. While the weapon was turning, the blade, hilt, and tsuba turned completely white. The tsuba became a hollow, snowflake-like circle, and a long white ribbon formed from the pommel.
A rush of cold air spread across the area, causing Renji to widen his eyes, before narrowing them.
'So, you're willing to go this far.' Snarled Renji angrily, as his face morphed into an expression of distaste.
'This is necessary for my honour. I won't let things end this way.' Said Rukia.
'In that case, Howl, Zabimaru!' Roared Renji, as his blade morphed, transforming into an even longer, six-part segmented blade. Each segment was wider than the one preceding it from the hilt, with two pick-like protrusions on the front and back of each segment, with the ones on the front, being much longer than the ones on the back. This was coupled with a rectangular bronze tsuba, with a jagged design, and a red handle.
Rukia and Renji both glared at each other, before charging each other. Moments before they clashed, two words stopped them both cold.
'Scatter, Senbonzakura.' Intoned Byakuya calmly.
A wave of pink petals surrounded the two and stopped their imminent clash.
'You have made your intentions clear, Rukia, however, I was tasked to retrieve you and the rules will be followed.' Declared Byakuya, as his petals left Renji and surrounded Rukia.
'Renji, open the gate.' Ordered Byakuya, to which Renji obliged, using his sword as a key, as he jabbed it into the air and twisted.
After doing so, Renji looked to Rukia's artificial body and prepared to destroy it.
'Don't Renji, the instructions were clear that the Gigai, be brought with Rukia.' Said Byakuya, before motioning for Renji to grab it.
Rukia's expression had become one of defeat, as her sword regained its former appearance.
'Ishida… you better bring him back.' Said Rukia, before she was led towards the gate, in a ring of deadly flower petals, with the two other Shinigami following after her.
After the three Shinigami left, Ishida gave a small scowl.
'How annoying…' Muttered Uryuu, before walking off.
-line break-
'I see, so that is the situation.' Hummed Kisuke thoughtfully, after Uryuu had filled him in, on what had just occurred.
'Indeed… as I am at fault for a portion of this at least, I have decided that I will join whatever plan I'm sure you have just decided on.' Said Uryuu, having no illusions about the shrewd intellect of the shopkeeper.
'Well, this is troubling. I'm just a simple shopkeeper and here you are sensing ulterior motives from me.' Joked Urahara, before becoming serious.
'Although, if you wish to join the two on the mission, you had better be prepared for some training.' Said Kisuke calmly.
'The two?' Questioned a perplexed Uryuu.
'Go down and see for yourself.' Said Kisuke, motioning to the ladder, to his underground training ground.
The Quincy obliged and was shocked. Not at the hidden training ground, but at the rather sizeable Reiatsu, coming from the two, previously normal, humans.
'They've been training quite hard to be able to retrieve Ichigo, so much so, that they may leave you behind if you don't keep up.' Declared Kisuke, as he dropped down behind Uryuu.
The two stopped fighting after a moment and noticed Uryuu. Orihime and Yasutora both walked up to him and Kisuke.
'I understand that you two may not hold me in the highest of regards, but I promised to help retrieve Ichigo and in his absence, I believe it is only right I do what he would do.' Said Uryuu quickly.
'Do what he would do?' Asked Orihime in confusion.
'Well, it seems young Kuchiki has been taken back to Soul Society and her outlook is rather bleak at best, especially considering she apparently fought against two higher ranked officers.' Said Kisuke seriously.
'I see… so you will help us retrieve her, then Ichigo, is that right?' Questioned Sado.
Uryuu nodded firmly.
'Okay.' Said Yasutora calmly.
'Well, in that case, let me introduce you to your new instructor.' Said Urahara jovially, before stepping to the side.
The trio looked in confusion, before hearing a small grunt. Looking down, they saw a black cat.
'This is Yoruichi, your new instructor for the next few days while I work on building a gate to Soul Society, enjoy.' Declared Urahara, before walking off.
'A cat?' Questioned Orihime.
'Not just a cat.' Spoke the black feline.
'A talking cat…' Said Yasutora curiously.
'Indeed, now prepare yourselves for seven days of hell.' Declared Yoruichi.