Well, it was actually pretty tough splitting the chapter and I was tempted to just upload the full 9K+ words, but I found a reasonable splitting point, that would allow me to expand the story a bit more and end on two good notes. An update for The Beginning of the E.N.D. will be coming next, as I just finished it at the time of uploading this, minus proofreading. I'm also making some progress on a chapter for All Hail The New King and Heart of a Dragon, but both are only at about the 1-2K mark right now.
Once again, please support me on if you can, but I think I've gotten the point across for this story, so this will be the last time I mention it on this one.
Next chapter will probably come after The Beginning of the E.N.D., so in about 4-6 days… I might make it my first update of December though, because it will be the end of the arc.
In any case, 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 10 – Growth
"Damn, she wasn't messing around. Even holding back, that girl was scary." Thought Ichigo tiredly, as he hid in a small cave.
'Still, that was a good fight. Using my move, heh, I'm a little touched.' Commented Zangetsu.
'Yep, you did really good out there.' Added Masaki happily.
'Indeed, for a Getsuga Tenshou of the same magnitude, you only used three quarters of the energy you used previously. Well done.' Added Y.
"Thanks guys, but I don't think I can fight another captain anytime soon… and I'm probably going to need to." Thought Ichigo, with a grimace.
'If you're in a real pinch, I'll give you a hand, but only if you are really, really in trouble. You won't get stronger with us holding your hand all the time, but we aren't going to let you die either.' Said Zangetsu.
'In the meantime though, with what little time we have before tomorrow, we will now train you again.' Said Y.
'Except this time, only I will train you. If you do need to face captains, my power will be the most beneficial, since it is designed to help normal humans beat captains. With Zangetsu and… Y, it will give you a major advantage. With that said, come inside.' Said Masaki.
'Ok, so what are we going to do this time?' Asked Ichigo, once he appeared in his mind.
'Considering last time we helped you learn to stop your blood flow, in order to prevent you from bleeding out, this time, I'll teach you how to use your blood to actually stop wounds being inflicted. After all, I don't want my little baby boy getting hurt.' Said Masaki happily.
Ichigo looked away, abashed. It was a little hard adjusting to having his mum back in his world, even more, with her new childish attitude. It honestly made him think that she and Isshin were more similar than he had first thought.
'Woman stop coddling him.' Grunted Zangetsu.
'Are you just jealous? I mean, if you're a part of my Ichigo, then when I coddle him, I'm coddling you too.' Said Masaki, with a grin.
Zangetsu growled, before huffing and walking away. Y merely stood there, watching the two Kurosakis.
'Ok, to begin with, first, you must close your eyes and feel your blood. It will be difficult, but you need to gain an awareness over it.' Instructed Masaki.
Ichigo closed his eyes, for what felt like ages to him. He couldn't feel a thing, not with everything else distracting him.
'You need to focus Ichigo. In a fight, you won't be able to stand there for an hour and try to feel it.' Said Masaki.
'It's been an hour already?' Asked Ichigo in surprise, opening his eyes in shock.
'Perhaps I may be of some assistance.' Offered Y, causing Masaki to glare at him sharply.
The two spirits stared off, before Masaki gave a small sigh.
'Fine, but I'm watching you.' Warned Masaki.
Masaki stepped back, as Y walked over.
'Ichigo, you have already felt this before. When you fought against Kenpachi, your mother and I both helped you channel your power and accomplish something which would normally be impossible.' Started Y, with Ichigo listening on intently.
'What you need to do, in addition to feeling your blood, is to provide it with intent. When you used my blade, you felt your blood, but there was no intent. Your mother provided you with defense and I provided you with offense. Do you remember the sensation you felt, just before the final clash?' Questioned Y.
'I felt amazing. I could feel all the energy in the air around me. I could feel my heart beat and my blood flowing through my body.' Recalled Ichigo.
'That is the sensation you must replicate.' Confirmed Y.
Ichigo nodded, before closing his eyes again. It took a while, but Ichigo started to feel his pulse. His heart beat every second and with each pulse, he felt the gripping sensation temporarily morph into a relaxing one, before repeating. His fingers twitched, he felt a tingling at the tips, his awareness of the blood pooling in his feet momentarily, was then changed, as he felt it quickly shoot back up to his heart.
'Now Ichigo, focus that feeling to your left hand and raise it. Provide it with the intent to protect you.' Instructed Y.
Ichigo did as told, allowing the sensation to pool in his left palm and fingertips. Then, he felt an odd push on his hand.
'Open your eyes.' Said Y.
Ichigo did so and noticed the blade he had used to beat Kenpachi, was being pressed against his hand, only there was no wound. No break in the skin and no blood on the blade. In a moment though, Ichigo suddenly felt a sharp pain and pulled his hand away, noticing a small pinprick on his hand.
'That is what you are capable of, but you need to be able to maintain your focus on this technique, to use it to its full potential. If you lose focus, it will at least prevent you being fatally wounded, but to truly be invulnerable, you must maintain the highest awareness over your blood as possible, even under attack.' Explained Y.
Ichigo nodded, before feeling a strange sensation.
'Oi, someone's near you out there.' Warned Zangetsu, as he arrived on the scene.
'Be careful Ichigo.' Cautioned Masaki.
Ichigo nodded, before leaving his mind.
'You know, he isn't going to be ready by tomorrow… are you sure it was a good idea to let him stand on his own, now of all times?' Asked Zangetsu.
'We must. Though you may disagree with my methods, if Ichigo doesn't grow stronger and gain control… due to all of his conflicting powers, his soul may commit suicide, even with the two of us trying to hold it together. He is not ready to handle it all at once.' Said Y sternly.
'Well, that may be the case, but I'm not letting him get killed out there.' Stated Zangetsu, with steel in his voice.
'As I would have expected of his Zanpakutou.' Agreed Y, with a nod.
-line break-
Ichigo awoke, only to find a bespectacled brown haired man standing across from him. One who was also wearing a Captain's haori.
'Damn it, not another Captain.' Grumbled Ichigo, getting to his feet, as he reached for his weapon, only to find it missing.
'Looking for something?' Asked the man knowingly, as he held Ichigo's sword in front of him.
Ichigo tensed, before looking on in confusion, as the man brought his sword to him.
'I only want to talk, nothing more.' Said the man, offering the weapon to Ichigo.
Hesitantly, Ichigo took it, before backing up a step. Staring down the man in front of him, Ichigo reluctantly placed his sword on his back.
'Okay, let's talk.' Acquiesced Ichigo.
'Splendid. First, allow me to introduce myself.' Said the man, as he sat down across from Ichigo, while motioning for him to do the same, which he did so begrudgingly.
'I am Sosuke Aizen, Captain of the Fifth Division.' Said Aizen.
'Fifth Division… isn't that the one Shinji was a Captain of?' Mumbled Ichigo thoughtfully.
'Ah, I see you have met with Captain Hirako. Yes, I was his Lieutenant when he was a Captain.' Said Sosuke, internally filing away the fact that the Visored, had approached Ichigo already.
'Wait! Didn't that girl who attacked the little Captain say someone named Aizen was dead?' Asked Ichigo suspiciously.
'Ah yes, little Hinamori, she is my Lieutenant.' Added Sosuke.
'You look pretty alive to me.' Said Ichigo, with a suspicious gaze.
'How astute of you.' Said Aizen, hints of mirth in his tone.
'So, what are you doing here, talking to me, if you are supposed to be dead?' Questioned Ichigo.
'I want to help you of course.' Answered Aizen.
'Why?' Asked Ichigo doubtfully.
'Don't you think it is unfair? Rukia Kuchiki helped you save your family, yet she is being punished for it, by execution no less. I'm sure she no doubt would have told you, a Shinigami's job is to help souls.' Started Sosuke.
'She did.' Confirmed Ichigo, with a nod.
'Which she did, yet she is being slated for execution for it. Tell me, does that sound fair to you?' Asked Aizen.
'Of course not! That's why I'm here to save her!' Said Ichigo angrily.
'But will that be enough? Surely, saving her now will preserve her life, but for how long? It is Soul Society itself, which has decreed she should die. If you save her tomorrow, who is to say that she won't be executed at a later date?' Questioned Aizen.
'So, what are you saying, I'm meant to destroy this place so Rukia can live?' Questioned Ichigo in disbelief.
'Oh no, there is an easier way to do so, which won't involve mindless killing.' Said Aizen, with an amicable smile.
'How then? What do I need to do?' Asked Ichigo curiously.
'You must become stronger, strong enough, that no one will risk gaining your ire. Strong enough, that everyone will think twice, before trying to hurt your friends. Strong enough, that no matter who goes against you, you will be able to emerge victorious.' Explained Aizen.
'I'm already trying to do that.' Grumbled Ichigo.
'While that may be the case, you need to grow faster and I just so happen to be able to help you, if you allow me to.' Offered Aizen.
'How?' Questioned Ichigo suspiciously.
'I presume you've met Kisuke Urahara.' Said Aizen, getting a nod from Ichigo.
'Well, he and I both developed a… enhancer of sorts.' Continued Aizen.
'Okay, what's your point?' Questioned Ichigo in confusion.
'Well, Urahara just so happened to place his version of the enhancer, inside dear Rukia Kuchiki, truly a deplorable thing to do.' Commented Aizen in sadness.
'Why are you telling me this?' Growled Ichigo, mentally promising to punch the shopkeeper in the face when he got home.
'Well, if you interfere with the execution tomorrow and allow me to do so, I can remove the enhancer from Rukia Kuchiki and save her life.' Said Aizen.
'How do I know I can trust you?' Asked Ichigo suspiciously.
'I have not lied to you once and only told you the truth, for what reason should you doubt me? However, if it should help, a certain green haired Arrancar trusts me implicitly and would no doubt tell you to trust me as well.' Said Sosuke, with a smile.
Ichigo's mind raced for a moment, before he growled.
'You're the one who sent those Espada after me in Hueco Mundo!' Accused Ichigo.
'Indeed I did. I needed to make sure you would be able to rescue Rukia Kuchiki.' Confessed Aizen.
'So you sent your minions to attack me. Why, to kill me?' Accused Ichigo.
'Really, as I recall, Zommari merely tested you and Ulquiorra was only there to allow you to return to Karakura town. At what point did they attempt to take your life?' Retorted Aizen.
'What about Grand Fisher?' Growled Ichigo.
'That was a gift to you on my part. I felt that you could use the closure.' Remarked Aizen.
Ichigo was silent for a minute and merely studied Aizen, with Aizen studying the Kurosaki.
'Ok, let's say I trust you, what do you want from me?' Asked Ichigo.
'Want? I don't want anything in particular from you. I merely need you to help me save Rukia Kuchiki's life. You don't need to do anything for me, but only need to do what you were always going to do. In return though, once this whole issue is dealt with, I will use the combined enhancer of both Kisuke Urahara and myself, to make you strong enough to protect your friends and family. Is that not enough?' Replied Aizen.
'Ok then, I'll do it.' Declared Ichigo.
'Splendid, in that case, I will leave now and allow you to prepare for tomorrow. However, let me give you one last piece of advice: ask Kisuke to help you achieve your Bankai, it will help you immensely.' Said Sosuke, before leaving Ichigo alone with the voices in his head.
"So… that was something, huh guys?" Thought Ichigo.
'I don't trust that guy, he seems… off somehow.' Commented Zangetsu.
"So what was that thing he mentioned: Bankai?" Asked Ichigo.
'You are so not ready for that yet, for one thing, you haven't even come close to beating me yet, plus, you'll have to do it outside, not in your mind.' Said Zangetsu.
"How am I supposed to do that?" Questioned Ichigo.
'You need to be able to materialise us on the outside… actually, considering how free we are in your mind, you might be able to do it already… but let's not test it now, there are other issues as well and you need some rest for tomorrow.' Said Zangetsu thoughtfully.
Ichigo mentally nodded in agreement, before heading deeper into the cave, trying to find somewhere to rest, out of immediate view of anyone who passed by the cave. He found a small, somewhat comfortable rock formation and sat down, resting his back against it, before passing out in exhaustion a few minutes later. Ichigo never noticed the black cat that approached him in his sleep, nor did he notice it transform into a woman, who then carried him deeper into the cave, until she reached a small pool and bathed his wounds.
"I hope you can do it tomorrow, Ichigo, otherwise, things might get ugly." Thought the dark skinned woman, before carrying Ichigo back to where he had previously been resting, transformed into a cat once more, and left the cave, to carry out her last minute preparations for tomorrow.
-line break-
Ichigo blearily opened his eyes, before blinking them rapidly. Ichigo looked at his hands in interest, clenching his fists.
"Wow, I feel great now. Guess a bit of rest was all I needed. Now though, time to save Rukia." Thought Ichigo, before gripping his blade and standing up.
-line break-
Rukia was currently being marched to Soukyoku Hill. Strange red binding ropes were coming off a similarly red coloured collar around her neck. She was wearing a simple white robe and a defeated expression on her face. She had resolved for this to be her end. Her only regret, was not being able to save Ichigo in the end. She had heard from Renji previously, that Ryoka had invaded the Seireitei. Just recalling the moment pained her.
-line break-
Flashback
-line break-
'Well Rukia, turns out someone did try and come after you.' Said Renji, as he walked up to the bars Rukia was currently sitting behind.
Rukia's head perked up slightly at this.
'Impossible, who?' Questioned Rukia in surprise.
'Just some ragtag group. They put up quite a fight too, if what I've heard is to be believed. The managed to injure Captain Kurotsuchi and even gave Captain Kyouraku some trouble, before he took them down. He even resorted to Shikai.' Reported Renji in surprise.
'What did they look like?' Asked Rukia, with a hint of urgency in her tone, which confused Renji.
'That Quincy guy from the living world, an orange haired girl and some massive dark skinned guy, along with a cat.' Reported Renji.
'Is that all?' Asked Rukia in disappointment.
'Oh yeah, there was a fourth person, some guy who claimed to be the number one hater of Shinigami or something.' Said Renji, scratching his chin thoughtfully, as he looked up and thus, missed Rukia's expression deflating.
'Oh, I see.' Said Rukia quietly, before going quiet.
-line break-
End Flashback
-line break-
Rukia clenched her jaw at the memory. Ichigo's friends were supposed to save Ichigo. Why would they come save her? They barely knew her. It frustrated Rukia because with this knowledge, she knew that Ichigo still hadn't returned, as she knew that idiot would have definitely come with them if he was back.
'Ah, why the glum face Kuchiki? Oops, I suppose an impending execution must be rather gloomy, especially for the one being executed.' Spoke a smooth voice, which sent a tingle down Rukia's spine.
'Captain Ichimaru.' Said Rukia flatly.
'Aw, what's with that reaction? Hey, Rukia, what do you say, want me to free you?' Offered Gin, with a smile.
'Captain Ichimaru, what are you saying?' Spluttered one of the four guards marching Rukia.
'I could do it easily, no one would know? What do you say Rukia?' Said Gin teasingly.
'No. I deserve this.' Muttered Rukia, causing Gin to quirk an eyebrow and slightly open his left eye, before narrowing it again.
'Ah, I was just joking anyway.' Said Gin, as he turned his back on Rukia.
'Although, I suppose the orange strawberry farmer will be disappointed, that his fifteen year journey here, was for nothing.' Said Gin, before leaving.
Rukia's body from that point on was on autopilot. She didn't speak or even move, aside from her rhythmic walking, as she absorbed Gin's words. Even when Captain Commander Yamamoto asked her if she had any last requests, she didn't respond. She didn't even gaze in the direction of her brother when he arrived at the execution site, nor did she even flinch when she was raised into the air. Her mind was rampaging at what Captain Ichimaru had said. Was it true? Or was the strange Captain merely taunting her. It wasn't until the Soukyoku had taken its true form, that of a phoenix and started to charge her, did she snap out of her thoughts, only to have them be thrown in turmoil once again, when the fiery apparition was stopped by a man with orange hair.
-line break-
'Tch, so that kid showed up.' Scoffed Soi Fon.
'Oh, is he the newest Ryoka? The one who sent Kenpachi to the Fourth Division.' Queried Shunsui Kyouraku, a captain wearing a flowery kimono, coupled with a straw hat.
'The very same.' Confirmed Soi Fon.
'How interesting, to be able to hold back the Soukyoku, that is one strong Ryoka.' Commented Shunsui appraisingly.
-line break-
'Ichigo.' Uttered Rukia in shock.
'Sup midget.' Said Ichigo nonchalantly, even as he held a being of immense power back, with his sword, which was gripped tightly in his right hand.
'What the hell are you doing here? Why? Why'd you come here you fool?' Shouted Rukia.
'I'm not going to let you die here today Rukia. Especially not because of me. You saved me and my family, so I'm saving you now. I told you, I never leave my debts unpaid, but I'll also never abandon my friends.' Said Ichigo sternly, as he turned to face Rukia.
Rukia stared at Ichigo, rendered speechless by his words.
Suddenly, the flaming bird screeched as it reared back, causing Ichigo to turn and face it again, preparing for another attack, only for it to be bound up in rope and shattered to pieces.
'Well that was unexpected.' Commented Ichigo, before turning to face Rukia.
'Now just give me a second and I'll get you free.' Said Ichigo.
Rukia made to protest, only for Ichigo to coat his sword in an absurd amount of Reiryoku, before jabbing it into the squares holding Rukia in place and destroying them, before deftly catching Rukia under his left arm.
'There, now we just need to wait.' Muttered Ichigo.
'Wait, for what?' Asked Rukia in confusion.
Ichigo felt a flare of power and was then able to sense the energy of his friends from the living world.
'Good, Kenpachi came through.' Nodded Ichigo, confusing Rukia.
'Ichigo, what the hell is going on?' Shouted Rukia, from Ichigo's side.
'You'll see soon. All you need to know for now, is that I won't let you die here today.' Said Ichigo firmly.
'What are you going to do now?' Asked Rukia.
Before Ichigo could respond, a scuffle was heard on the ground and a red haired Shinigami had downed the executioners.
'Renji! What are you doing?' Shouted Rukia.
'Doing what I should have done from the beginning, saving my friend!' Shouted Renji.
'In that case.' Said Ichigo, before appearing next to Renji suddenly.
'Look after short stuff here.' Said Ichigo, before shoving Rukia into Renji's arms.
'What the hell Ichigo? I'm not some package!' Shouted Rukia indignantly.
'If you're her friend, then protect her.' Said Ichigo, as he glanced at Renji out of the corner of his eye.
'What the hell are you going to do?' Asked Renji.
'What else? Make sure no one gets to you or Rukia.' Said Ichigo, before hardening his expression and turning to face the Shinigami, as Renji took off.
'Well don't just stand there you fools!' Shouted Soi Fon, prompting a large heavy set man to charge, before being quickly followed by two more Shinigami, after they had received confirmation from their respective Captains.
Ichigo planted his sword in the ground and cracked his neck to the left, before disappearing in a buzz and appeared right in front of the three Shinigami. Ichigo sunk his fist into the gut of the heavy set man, blowing him away, before quickly disappearing again and slamming a roundhouse into the neck of the older looking Shinigami, before appearing in front of the female Shinigami and launching a palm thrust into her chest, sending her flying.
As Ichigo then reappeared next to his blade, the gathered Captains looked on in shock.
Yamamoto had cracked open an eye to stare at the teen.
'Such speed.' Muttered a white haired captain in surprise, before examining his face closer and looking as though he had seen a ghost.
'Oi, Juushirou, we need to move!' Said Shunsui, before the Captain Commander appeared in front of them.
'Don't move. The prisoner will be captured and the Lieutenant who took her will be executed. However, I cannot forgive you two.' Said Yamamoto.
'Damn it. Let's go Juushirou!' Shouted Shunsui, dragging his friend with him, with the aged leader of the thirteen squads giving chase. Shortly after, three other non-Captain Shinigami followed, leaving Ichigo alone with three Captains and three downed Lieutenants
One of the three remaining Captains gathered all the downed Shinigami, placing them into her Zanpakutou, which took the form of a giant, green, one eyed manta ray-like creature, before leaving. Now, only two Captains remained, staring down Ichigo. One, was Soi Fon, the other, was a man who carried himself with an air of importance.
He possessed slate grey eyes and long black hair, which was kept in intricate white headpieces, wearing one on top of his head and another two on the right side. In addition to the standard Captain uniform, he also wore a white scarf.
'So, I know one of you already, but who are you?' Asked Ichigo, directing his question towards the male Captain.
'Byakuya Kuchiki, Captain of the Sixth Division.' Replied Byakuya, causing Ichigo to narrow his eyes.
'Kuchiki, like Rukia… what are you, her brother or something?' Questioned Ichigo.
'Exactly.' Said Byakuya.
'Then why the hell did you just stand by as she was almost executed?' Growled Ichigo.
'The law dictated so and the law must be upheld.' Replied Byakuya coolly.
Ichigo stood there for a moment, before appearing in front of Byakuya in an instant, slashing down at him. Byakuya raised his sword to block with one hand, before quickly reinforcing it with his other, when he noticed the strength behind the attack.
Ichigo quickly jumped away, when he felt the petite Captain attempt to skewer him from the side.
'I don't like being ignored.' Said Soi Fon coldly.
'Then maybe we can make this an even two-on-two match.' Said a voice, before a dark skinned, purple haired woman, dropped down a metre away from Ichigo.
'Who are you?' Asked Ichigo cautiously.
'Yoruichi.' Said Soi Fon.
'Shihouin.' Finished Byakuya.
'Yep, that's me Yoruichi Shihouin.' Replied the grinning, golden eyed woman, clad in a black, backless and sleeveless undershirt, coupled with an orange over-shirt, with two white straps on each shoulder, a large beige sash around her waist, and black stretch pants, with a pair of lightweight brown shoes.
'So are you the one Urahara sent with the others?' Questioned Ichigo cautiously.
'Yep, that's right. Look at this though, I never thought I see Little Byakuya and my Little Bee working together. Ha, it is so nice seeing little kids grow up.' Said Yoruichi cheerfully.
'Whatever, can I trust you to handle one of them?' Asked Ichigo calmly.
'I can handle both if you want.' Proposed Yoruichi teasingly, getting both Captains to narrow their eyes at her.
'So can I if I need to… but I'd rather not go that far… it wouldn't end well for anyone.' Said Ichigo, getting a scoff from the two Captains and a raised eyebrow from Yoruichi.
'You bark too much. You barely escaped me before, you couldn't hope to beat two Captains.' Commented Soi Fon disbelievingly.
'You'd be right, if that was me using everything at my disposal.' Said Ichigo, with a nod.
'So… you held back against me?' Questioned Soi Fon, with a raised eyebrow.
Ichigo nodded, before raising his sword horizontally, blocking Soi Fon's angered slash.
'Unacceptable.' Said Soi Fon, before twisting and launching a kick into Ichigo's chest and sending him back.
Yoruichi made to intervene, only for Byakuya to send a wave of pink petals at her, causing her to leap away.
'You will regret coming back here Shihouin.' Stated Byakuya coldly.
'Aw, did you miss me that much?' Teased Yoruichi, before disappearing in a flash and appearing behind Byakuya.
Byakuya growled when he felt his hair fall over his forehead.
'You're still too slow.' Sang Yoruichi, before disappearing again in a burst of high-speed movement.
Byakuya raised his hand and sent a wave of petals at Yoruichi, which she deftly dodged, but she quickly realised she wasn't the true target of the attack.
-line break-
Ichigo quickly backpedalled as the small Captain frequently struck out at him with her sword. Ichigo could comfortably keep up with the Captain in terms of speed, but her small frame and agile body allowed her to land a few slashes to Ichigo's torso and arms.
'Getsuga Tenshou!' Shouted Ichigo, as he released a wave of blue energy at the quick Captain, which she promptly leapt away from.
When the dust cleared, her sword had become a stinger once again, causing Ichigo to frown.
'Why are you being so aggressive? Just because I didn't go all out in our fight is no reason to get this angry.' Questioned Ichigo.
'You… you're with her. That makes you my enemy.' Declared Soi Fon harshly.
'I didn't even know Yoruichi until five minutes ago!' Shouted Ichigo, before ducking under a jab from Soi Fon and retaliating with a slash, which barely missed Soi Fon, as she tilted backwards ever so slightly.
Soi Fon twisted her body, appearing at Ichigo's left side and launched a kick into his ribs, propelling him away. Ichigo flew through the air for a minute, before flashing away and reappearing in front of Soi Fon and kicking out at her. Soi Fon blocked the kick and prepared to stab Ichigo, only for him to be blasted away by a swarm of pink petals.
Ichigo roared in annoyance, before unleashing another wave of crescent energy, blowing away the tiny blades, revealing his clothes cut up in places, but strangely, unharmed otherwise.
'Impossible, not a scratch.' Muttered Yoruichi in shock, with both Byakuya and Soi Fon mirroring her thoughts.
'Fine. If that's the way you want to play, I'll get a little more serious here.' Growled Ichigo, before raising his Reiatsu output tremendously.