As I said in the latest chapter of AHTNK, WHBTS is in fact also up and running. I am now also doing previous chapter recaps to help keep track of what happened previously. The next chapter of WHBTS and AHTNK are also done, so you can expect a small amount of bleach in the coming months.
If you aren't already playing it, check out bleach brave souls. The game isn't too pay-to-win and you need a fair bit of luck for good characters, but there is a lot of original content, as well as content from the novels beyond the manga, like CFYOW as well as event-based stuff. As you expect, there are also lots of different character skins/designs which you can acquire, from Frankenstein Ichigo to bikini Nemu with an inflatable shark, not to mention cool new what-if designs, like Ulquiorra fused with the Hougyoku.
That's all for now though, enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
Previously:
With the use of the Hougyoku, Masaki's soul was taken out of Ichigo and reformed into a flesh and blood creation. Masaki returned to the world of the living with Ichigo, much to her family's shock, before revealing the truth about their abilities to Karin and Yuzu. Meanwhile, in Soul Society, a man named Muramasa lured the Captains and Lieutenants out, bringing them together, before declaring an end to their tyranny over Zanpakutou. Ichigo meanwhile, arrived at a bus station, where an odd collection of white souls were ambling about, before dispatching some of them, only for what appeared to be another Shinigami, who introduced herself as Senna, to arrive and assist. Ichigo and Senna then rushed to where Rukia had emerged in the land of the living, being pursued by the spirit of her Zanpakutou, Sode no Shirayuki, who Ichigo forced to retreat, before the group made their way to Urahara's shop.
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 16 – Soul searching
Kisuke Urahara had heard many stories in his life. In addition, Kisuke had developed multiple theories based on all of these stories. Following on from this, Kisuke had developed management plans for all of these potential theories. Despite this, it was with mild surprise that he processed the news of Masaki Kurosaki being resurrected.
'That's quite a story, Isshin.' Commented Kisuke, after Isshin had explained the situation to him.
'So, can you help us out with this or what?' Asked Isshin.
'Of course, I am a shopkeeper after all. Providing goods and in some cases services, is exactly what the job description describes.' Said Urahara, pulling out his fan to hide his amused grin.
'So do you have any idea how this is possible?' Asked Isshin.
'Theories, yes. The Hougyoku is a true masterpiece if I say so myself. A terrifying object of science and desire, there really is no limit to what it can accomplish, so I can't say I never thought something like this was possible. After all, if it could turn a soul into a human being once again, why not do the same with the energy that was once a soul. It is all semantics really.' Explained Kisuke.
'Semantics?' Questioned Isshin.
'Well, this isn't the first time something like this has been thought possible. I'm sure you can discuss this with Masaki, as I know for a fact she would know.' Said Kisuke.
'Well, I'll drop by tonight for everything else, this will do for now I guess.' Said Isshin, patting his right leg pocket, before leaving the shop.
"Reconstructing matter into a soul and then a soul into flesh. I wonder, was this really all the Hougyoku's doing… or did something add to its abilities." Thought Kisuke, before a new figure entered the shop.
'Urahara, we've got a problem.' Said Ichigo, carrying Rukia around the waist with his right arm, her head drooping towards the ground in unconsciousness, with Senna hanging on to his left, wrapping her own arms around his to steady herself.
'That was so fast! What are you?' Exclaimed Senna in excitement, as Ichigo set her down.
'A problem? Looks like your hands are already quite full, Ichigo.' Joked Urahara.
'Have you heard anything from Soul Society?' Asked Ichigo.
'No.' Replied Kisuke.
'Well then, do you have any ideas about how it is possible for a Zanpakutou to materialise and attack their Shinigami, or is short stuff just unlucky as usual?' Asked Ichigo.
'Who are you calling short stuff?' Roared Rukia, as she regained consciousness, elbowing Ichigo in the side, only to wince in pain.
'What on earth! Since when did you become this strong?' Asked Rukia, rubbing her elbow.
'Not sure, I think about two hours ago.' Said Ichigo, as he set the Shinigami down.
'What is wrong with you!' Questioned Rukia rhetorically, to which Ichigo shrugged.
'Well then, now that our guest has woken from her nap, why don't we ask her?' Suggested Urahara.
'The Zanpakutou are rebelling.' Said Rukia, causing Kisuke to raise an eyebrow.
'I see. Now, is this all Zanpakutou?' Asked Kisuke.
'Yes.' Said Rukia.
'Nope.' Said Ichigo and Senna.
'Jinx.' Chirped Senna.
'Jinx?' Questioned Ichigo.
'Hey, you're not supposed to speak when you're jinxed!' Complained Senna.
'She's right Ichigo, that's quite rude of you.' Commented Urahara, raising his fan to hide his amusement from the trio.
'One moment, what do you mean nope?' Questioned Rukia.
'My Zanpakutou is fine.' Said Senna, with Ichigo nodding in agreement.
'I would say the same, but Benihime has been a bit moody lately… probably more due to being restless than wanting to cut me down though.' Said Kisuke thoughtfully.
'Restless?' Asked Ichigo.
'Yes, restless. I'm sure you must be experiencing something similar given all the recent comings and goings into your mind.' Said Kisuke.
'Can we please answer my question before changing topic?' Requested Rukia in irritation.
'Yes. Now what do you mean restless.' Said Ichigo quickly, causing Rukia to fume.
'Why not ask and find out?' Suggested Kisuke.
'Remember Ichigo, when you fought with those white creatures, I asked if you could hear it. I was talking about the call summoning us to rebel.' Said Y.
'Not like we would just because someone told us to. If we wanted to rebel, we'd just rebel.' Added Zangetsu.
'Answers to your questions, Ichigo?' Asked Kisuke jokingly.
'Yeah. Apparently, there was a call for the Zanpakutou to rebel. They just ignored it.' Said Ichigo.
'What do you mean they ignored it? What do you mean they?' Asked Rukia indignantly.
'They heard the call and didn't listen to it. I don't get what you mean by they… more the one?' Replied Ichigo.
'You mean you have more than one Zanpakutou spirit?' Questioned Rukia in disbelief.
'Yeah… is that so weird?' Asked Ichigo.
'Well it's not unheard of, but it is exceedingly rare…' Muttered Rukia thoughtfully, before shaking her head to refocus.
'But they ignored it? Right?' Asked Rukia.
'Yeah. They said if they wanted to rebel, they'd just rebel, they don't need to be told to do it.' Said Ichigo.
'B-but that's not how it's supposed to work. Zanpakutou aren't meant to rebel.' Protested Rukia.
'Well, looks like yours didn't get the message.' Said Ichigo, causing Rukia to look down.
'Oh she got the message… and she listened to it.' Said Rukia disdainfully.
'Did she tell you why?' Asked Ichigo.
'She said I was unworthy.' Said Rukia.
'Well, I mean she seemed upset that you let me borrow her powers… is that what she meant?' Asked Ichigo.
'She mentioned it, but that wasn't her main reason.' Said Rukia.
'Ok, this has been fun and all, but I'm going to leave, I still need to get my Gigai.' Said Senna.
'Oh, I forgot about that.' Said Ichigo, before Senna seemed to shimmer and change into a brown coloured skirt and shirt with a maroon tie.
'Wow! Did you really go all the way back there and return in the blink of an eye?' Questioned Senna in shock, now clad in human attire.
'That's preposterous!' Exclaimed Rukia.
'Yep, I'm think I'm getting a pretty good handle on it too.' Said Ichigo.
'Ichigo, is there something you wish to share with the group?' Asked Kisuke.
'Not really.' Replied Ichigo, staring Kisuke down.
'Well, on that note, what can you tell us about yourself.' Said Urahara, turning towards Senna.
'Oh that's right, I haven't introduced myself, I'm Senna, nice to meet you.' Greeted Senna.
'Kisuke Urahara, a simple shopkeeper.' Replied Urahara, returning the greeting.
'And a Shinigami. On that note, have you ever heard of white souls?' Added Ichigo.
'White souls?' Asked Kisuke.
'White souls with this little tuft of red on their heads. They were just walking around and then the next minute all rushed me, trying to smother me. That's when I fought back, and Senna showed up around then as well.' Explained Ichigo.
'I see… and were you there when these souls rushed Ichigo, Senna?' Asked Kisuke.
'Yep, I was just doing my job though.' Said Senna, causing Kisuke to hum to himself in thought.
'Well, I can look into these white souls for you, but perhaps you should look into the issue with the Zanpakutou. You can communicate with this.' Said Kisuke, providing a mobile to Ichigo.
'A direct line to my very own humble store, and it should work no matter where you are, in case you decide to go on a field trip again.' Said Urahara.
'Thanks. Guess we better get going then.' Said Ichigo.
'Mind if I tag along?' Asked Shinji, appearing in the doorway.
'Are you sure you want to?' Asked Ichigo, turning to face the Visored.
'I'm sure Soul Society has more than enough to worry about than little old me right now. Besides, I know how to be discreet.' Said Shinji.
'Ok, we could use your help.' Said Ichigo, before looking into the store.
'Follow me for a minute, we can get going after that.' Said Ichigo, walking towards the back of the store with all the shelves of candy.
'Ichigo, I know it looks like a candy shop, but I doubt they have anything to eat.' Said Shinji, following after Ichigo.
'I just wanted to ask you about Aizen.' Said Ichigo, lowering his voice.
'So you met my former lieutenant, aye? What did you think?' Asked Shinji, matching Ichigo's volume.
'I trust him as much as you or Urahara I suppose.' Said Ichigo, causing Shinji to grin.
'So he's playing nice with you, smart. Well, if there is one thing you should know about Aizen, it is that "A wolf in sheep's clothing" doesn't even begin to describe him. More like snake in a rabbit's fur, he'll look all cute and cuddly on the surface, but one bite and it will be deadly. I'd think twice before trying to pet that rabbit, might be the end of you.' Said Shinji, causing Ichigo to nod at this piece of information, before gesturing for them to return to the group with a tilt of his head.
'What do you mean you don't know what division you are a part of? You are obviously a Shinigami and already have Shikai.' Questioned Rukia.
'Hmm, I don't know, I don't keep track of stuff like that.' Said Senna, looking at her nails in boredom.
'What do you mean?' Asked Rukia.
'What's all the commotion over?' Asked Ichigo, as they returned to the group.
'Oh nothing. So, are we going now?' Asked Senna.
'Sure.' Said Ichigo.
'But I still want to know…' Protested Rukia, before seeing a Senkaimon appear.
'Huh, neat. I was going for a Garganta, but I guess if we are going to Soul Society, this makes more sense. Let's go.' Said Ichigo, before walking through the portal, with an excited Senna following, after bursting out of her Gigai.
'Close your mouth before you catch flies in it. Unless you're hungry of course. Otherwise, better follow after us.' Said Shinji, before following after the duo.
'I'm coming, but I better get some answers on the way.' Grumbled Rukia, before entering the tear in time and space, with the portal starting to close behind her.
'Now this is interesting.' Said Kisuke, as the portal shrunk down, but didn't disappear, leaving a small window not much bigger than a small picture frame behind, which was currently showing a small section of Soul Society.
'Indeed it is, but having the former captains willing to go back to Soul Society is also quite interesting.' Said a black cat, which walked over to Kisuke.
'Ah, Yoruichi, I would have suggested you go after them as well, but I think they should be okay.' Said Urahara.
'So, should we look into the reason for this? I doubt it will be an urgent issue, but there is not a great deal more to do. Unless you want to make contact with the Visored. Aizen doesn't seem to be making any moves either.' Said Yoruichi, gesturing to the tear in dimensions.
'It seems the Visored are quite amenable to at least working with Ichigo. I wouldn't want anything to jeopardise that, but perhaps you should look in on those other three. Orihime in particular. From what I've heard, her ability is quite interesting.' Suggested Kisuke.
'How interesting?' Asked Yoruichi.
'Aizen Interesting.' Said Kisuke, causing Yoruichi to widen her feline eyes slightly.
'I see. Perhaps I can get those two for a bit of training then. The Quincy may be less willing… but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to give it a try. After all, with Masaki back, I'm sure the two Quincy families will come to meet each other again soon.' Said Yoruichi, before walking out of the story.
"Of course they will, but will a third make an appearance… I may need to start working on a new plan, for an almost impossible theory, from a mythical story… how exciting." Thought Kisuke.
-line break-
'Going against your aspect of death. Such a preposterous notion. One could never hope to stop time from moving forward.' Mumbled Barragan, sitting atop his throne in thought.
Following the encounter with the human brat, Barragan had once again turned inwards, deciding to pursue this ability that the new top two Arrancar possessed.
'As for embracing it…' Continued Barragan, speaking so quietly that his Fracción, currently kneeling in front of him, could not hear a word.
Barragan was not the only one fixated upon this new ability however, as Ichigo's presence had led to many of the Espada deciding to appraise their own abilities. For some, it was born out of desperation. Wanting to attain more power to compete with a child who was rapidly ascending in strength. For others, it was a matter of curiosity. Barragan was curious. Since Aizen had come to Hueco Mundo, the former king had felt disrespected and it was only begrudgingly that he followed the Shinigami. Now though, their supposed leader had just bestowed more power on someone who showed no allegiance to them. Why should Barragan be loyal then? It was with that thought that Barragan had seriously decided to look into this new ability, one which proved to afford him with a wealth of power. Unfortunately, something like this, a concept so completely foreign to the great king. A being who believed himself immortal, but also boasted of the inevitability of time. Barragan was both accepting and rejecting his aspect of death at the same time, yet he felt no change in himself. Time just existed to Barragan. It would eventually run out for everything, but also could be both gained and lost at a greater rate.
'How pointless this situation is.' Spoke Barragan loudly, gathering the attention of his Fracción.
'This entire back and forth of Shinigami against Shinigami, no more than two ants fighting for supremacy over a hill. This entire situation is meaningless.' Continued Barragan.
The six male Fracción remained silent and listened on to their leader's words.
'This Hougyoku is capable of granting desire, yet here we all remain. It is a mockery.' Finished Barragan.
The six Fracción took this as a signal to leave, sensing the disdain radiating off Barragan.
-line break-
'Hmm, it seems Barragan is getting a bit touchy. I don't think he liked Ichigo's little power boost.' Commented Gin, sitting at the table usually reserved for meetings, with Aizen at the head and Tousen in front of him, to the left of Aizen.
'I daresay many would be surprised at a device which can create flesh and consciousness from matter.' Spoke Aizen in amusement, as he took a sip of his tea.
'If the Hougyoku is capable of such a feat, why do we not accomplish our goal right now? Nothing could stand up to such an ability.' Asked Tousen.
'He's not wrong. The way it sounds, if you wanted to be the strongest, you could just imagine it and just like that, you'd have it.' Said Gin.
'The strongest? Gin, you know me better than that I'm sure.' Said Aizen.
'It was just an example.' Said Gin.
'True. I'm sure some of our other friends would be interested in such a thing. I do wonder if anyone will attempt something foolish.' Said Aizen calmly.
-line break-
'What is going on?' Asked Ichigo, seeing the night-time Soul Society set ablaze with battle.
'A lot of Zanpakutou have revolted, even from unseated officers. The battle was only just starting when I escaped.' Said Rukia, observing the carnage in front of her.
'Well, I'm going to go do some recon. I suggest the three of you try and find someone who has more info about the situation.' Suggested Shinji, before taking off.
'Someone who has more info… guess that'd be one of the captains.' Said Ichigo.
'Let's go to the Sixth Division then, older brother would always know how to handle a situation like this.' Declared Rukia, before heading off, leading the way towards the Sixth Division.
'Guess we should follow.' Started Ichigo, before the sound of an explosion caught his attention.
Just below them was a collection of lieutenants fighting off their Zanpakutou. Ichigo quickly spotted a few lieutenants that he recognised, along with a few more. The first who stuck out due to his own hair colour was the redhaired Shinigami who had helped get Rukia away. After that Ichigo noticed Aizen's Lieutenant, the girl who he remember had been called Hinamori by the young captain during that one time at the bar and lastly, was another Lieutenant from that same bar, only this one was blond, with some of his hair covering his eye.
'Let's help them out first.' Decided Ichigo, figuring he could get more information from these three, who would probably be chattier than Byakuya, who Rukia had decided to go look for.
'You got it boss!' Cheered Senna, before making her way to a battle, Shikai materialising halfway down.
'Well, might as well get this over with quickly.' Muttered Ichigo, before following Senna's example and headed for Renji, who seemed more irritated than pressured with his current fight.
Renji was actually facing two opponents, although they seemed to be arguing with themselves while fighting.
'Hope I'm not interrupting.' Said Ichigo, touching down beside Renji.
'You? Why are you here?' Asked Renji, surprised at seeing Rukia's saviour return to the Seireitei.
'Apparently, saving Rukia again, but now the rest of you get the same treatment as well.' Said Ichigo.
'Saving? What happened to Rukia?' Asked Renji.
'Same thing as the rest of you, her Zanpakutou attacked her. Looks like you have two spirits too, I don't know why Rukia was so surprised at mine.' Said Ichigo, causing both Renji and the spirits to look at him strangely.
'Because its uncommon. Besides, they aren't really two spirits, more like one spirit with two heads, see the chain.' Said Renji, gesturing towards his opponent.
'Two spirits! Well then, where are they?' Asked the female portion of Renji's Zanpakutou.
'They didn't feel like rebelling.' Said Ichigo with a shrug of his shoulders.
'What do you mean didn't feel like rebelling? So, they'd prefer to be a slave to some fool?' Retorted the childlike portion of Renji's Zanpakutou.
'Why is your Zanpakutou a red headed kid and a green furred lady? Identity issues?' Asked Ichigo, completely ignoring the question.
'I do not have identity issues! Look, we're kind of in the middle of something here, do you mind?' Spluttered Renji in frustration.
'Oh yeah, that's right, let's deal with that now then.' Said Ichigo, before his Reiatsu started to pour out of him in waves, temporarily stopping all the fights in a kilometre radius.
'You have to be kidding me, don't tell me we've got a second one to deal with.' Groaned the child.
'I don't think so, you heard him, they didn't want to rebel. That doesn't mean they won't ever.' Said the woman.
'Stop talking there, I'm here for a fight, let's hope you do better than Rukia's Zanpakutou.' Said Ichigo, before launching a wave of Reiatsu at the pair down the middle, only for the chain holding them together to separate, with the two dodging off to either side.
'See the chain! Well that was some good advice wasn't it?' Huffed Ichigo.
'What? I didn't know they could do that; they didn't try it before!' Said Renji, before the woman attacked him, with the kid swinging the chain at Ichigo.
The two broke off from each other and pursued their respective combatants, who separated once again.
'Trying to use a chain isn't going to get you far against me. You're not the first to try it.' Said Ichigo, to the child balancing on their tail, watching him carefully.
'Please don't think I'm really interested in fighting you. I just wanted to get away from that loser, not deal with another one.' Said the boy.
'Big words from a little kid.' Retorted Ichigo.
'*yawn* The name is Hebi *yawn* not kid and if we are just here for trash-talk, I'd rather leave. I'm not interested in some small fry like you.' Said Hebi, punctuating his boredom by exaggerating his yawns.
Ichigo let his blade slide out of his hand and grabbed it by the chain, before pouring his Reiatsu into the blade while spinning it. The blade started to emit black flecks of Reiatsu, before solidifying into a Manji symbol.
'Take this!' Shouted Ichigo, repeatedly slashing his blade in front of him from side to side, sending out multiple Manji-shaped attacks at the snake.
Hebi grasped his chain with his right hand, before starting to swing the chain around him as well. As the attacks neared Hebi, the chain shot straight at the incoming attacks, sending them veering off course and into the surrounding area, destroying a few nearby buildings.
'Got you!' Said Ichigo, appearing above Hebi with his sword poised to slash him in two, only for the child to smirk, as red energy coalesced around his left hand.
*clang*
Ichigo's attack had been blocked, much to his confusion.
'What, you can use yourself?' Asked Ichigo in shock.
'Of course we can, that's like saying you can't walk for yourself unless someone tells you to.' Said Hebi, before pushing Ichigo away and leaping back to gain some distance.
'Well then, if you have all this freedom now, why bother attacking the Shinigami?' Asked Ichigo.
'Felt like it. I'm sick of that idiot.' Said Hebi flippantly.
'That's it?' Asked Ichigo, sounding slightly disappointed.
'Yeah, so what?' Retorted Hebi indignantly.
'Guess it makes sense why not everyone rebelled then. That's a pretty stupid reason to want to attack someone. You sound just like those punks at my school, but at least they had a reason, even if it was stupid.' Said Ichigo.
'You know what else is stupid? Your face!' Taunted Hebi, with a self-satisfied smirk.
'That's it, I'm giving you a time-out.' Said Ichigo, before blue Reiatsu started to appear around him, seemingly pouring out of his robes.
'Getsuga Tenshou!' Shouted Ichigo, sending a crescent shaped wave of energy at the spirit.
The deft spirit leapt over the attack and charged the human. Ichigo prepared for impact, only for the boy to smirk and swing his sword from a distance which was not going to reach Ichigo at all. That was Ichigo's belief at least, until the sword seemed to break apart into segments and was closing in on him quickly. Quickly switching to a parry, Ichigo knocked the blade off to the left, only for Hebi to smirk and spin with the parry, bringing the blade around once again, this time with momentum as well. Ichigo decided to stop messing around with the swordplay and disappeared in a burst of speed. In the blink of an eye Ichigo was behind Hebi and kicked him in the side of his head, sending him flying to the left, the Zanpakutou Zabimaru fading away.
'Now, let's go and deal with the rest of them.' Said Ichigo, before rushing off to Senna's fight.