Well Happy Easter everyone! Will probably do 2 updates across my stories this month since we've got Easter and my Birthday in it (not to mention I have a backlog of 23 chapters, not including this one done, with most proofread on my pat reon already) so that gives me a reason to update twice.
I'm actually going through my big study period of 12 months where we study for our specialist exams, so I will be writing a little less this year, but given my backlog, I won't have any trouble updating as scheduled. My rostering is also a bit erratic between nights and days so I haven't managed any writing last month, but am moving to a more stable roster for the next 6 weeks, so I suspect I should get one or two updates this month, even with the extra studying.
Also, Bleach TYBW is finally here (and the rest of Bleach actually) on Disney+ and I've been waiting patiently for some episodes to build up and now there are 13 waiting for me. I suspect this means I will next write for AHTNK because of this +/- WHBTS as it will give me a good push.
I have also set up a discord, (discord. gg/ mgAZ9GGuFG) so join that if you want to discuss things with either myself, or some of the other people in the discord. I usually check in at least once a day and more often on days when I am off.
Enjoy.
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.
The Shinigami and Zanpakutou clashed once again, splitting up into two groups. The first team of Zanpakutou would retreat with the first true defeat of the rebellion, with Toshiro managing to reclaim Hyourinmaru. While the other Zanpakutou met with their Shinigami and vented, only Toshiro and Hyourinmaru would come to understand each other on this occasion. The second team dealt with the great might of Houzukimaru, before Renji would find himself facing the Bankai of Zabimaru. Both battles would come to an end with a swarm of cherry blossom petals, with the teams of Shinigami coming together to plan their next move.
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 21 – Dissatisfaction
'Given the timing of the two attacks, I guess the news from Ichigo through Zangetsu must be true.' Said Yoruichi plainly, standing in the corner of the room, where the captains and lieutenants, plus Rukia, had gathered, while Unohana healed Toshiro.
'Indeed, it seems like Captain Kuchiki is working with the Zanpakutou spirits. Quite an out of character decision considering it amounts to treason and is at the very least neglect of his duty as captain.' Commented Unohana.
'I suspect there is probably some reason behind it, no doubt a foolish one knowing how impetuous that boy is.' Said Yoruichi.
'Well, at least we do have a double agent of our own to keep us updated.' Said Juushirou.
'That is if he isn't being distracted by the other Zanpakutou.' Said Shunsui, causing Yoruichi to laugh.
'Well, I think Zangetsu can manage from the sound of things.' Said Yoruichi, sparing a glance to Soi Fon, who was resolutely avoiding any eye contact.
'I didn't expect us to have been infiltrated, but it would not surprise me. There is no direction among the gathered Zanpakutou. We are largely fulfilling our own interests.' Spoke up Hyourinmaru.
'So does that mean you might come back on your own in time?' Asked Momo hopefully.
'That I cannot say, but if the reason for the dissatisfaction is resolved, I imagine so.' Said Hyourinmaru, causing Rangiku to huff.
'Well, in that case, I better chase Haineko down and teach her a lesson.' Said Rangiku.
'Well, I doubt there is anything you can do if your Zanpakutou thinks you are old.' Said Toshiro, causing Rangiku to huff.
'She won't think I'm old when I beat her silly.' Said Rangiku.
'If we can move on from your petty vanity for a moment, there is a more pressing matter to discuss.' Interjected Captain Kurotsuchi, turning to face the newly reunited Shinigami-Zanpakutou pair.
'How did you manage to use your Zanpakutou before you had made up with your spirit?' Asked the researcher.
'I don't think they have really left us. If anything, it seems like our swords are their home and they've gone on vacation. We can still access everything, but there is a lack of guidance, like searching a home in the darkness.' Explained Toshiro.
'So they're not gone, they're just hiding from us? Doesn't that mean it is risky to talk about Ichigo's Zanpakutou being a spy?' Asked Momo in worry.
'No. To explain, we are consciously blocking our link, so information doesn't travel either way. Zangetsu should be safe with the others.' Said Hyourinmaru, causing Momo to give a sigh of relief.
'I'm glad. The two of them are both putting themselves in danger and it wouldn't be good for us to cause them any issues.' Said Momo.
'Wow, since when did you care for Zangetsu so much, or is it Ichigo?' Teased Rangiku.
'Why can't it be both, Zanpakutou and Shinigami work together?' Retorted Momo, getting Rangiku to raise her hands in a faux-placating manner.
'All right, all I know is I need to have a long chat with Ichigo at some point.' Said Rangiku.
'You and me both.' Said Yoruichi, once again glancing at Soi Fon.
'If that is enough mindless chattering, you, Zanpakutou, do you know of another way to end this rebellion other than a self-sacrificing attack?' Asked Mayuri.
'Forcing us to submit is also an option, but in some cases I doubt it will be possible.' Said Hyourinmaru, sparing a glance to Shuuhei.
'Otherwise, we can be damaged to the point that we revert to a sword form.' Said Hyourinmaru.
'Ho? So brute force will actually work, fascinating. Perhaps we should fetch that destructive boy back then, given what he did to Soukyoku Hill, I shall advise Nemu at once.' Said Mayuri before leaving.
'While I am not a fan of bringing Ichigo back in, do we have any other options to achieve our goals?' Asked Juushirou.
'Well, I'm sure Soi Fon and I could make use of our special talents to defeat most of the spirits, but I don't think we've seen those of you, Shunsui, or Unohana yet.' Commented Yoruichi.
'Indeed. In that case, I should accompany the two of you as well. I know most of the tricks of the three and am the least useful in the back lines. You don't mind coordinating things and keeping the Fourth Division active, do you?' Asked Shunsui, looking between Juushirou and Unohana.
'Oh no, it shouldn't be any trouble at all.' Said Juushirou, with Unohana merely nodding as she continued her healing, before completing her job.
'That is what this division is for after all.' Said Unohana, receiving a quick thank you from Toshiro as he relaxed on the bed.
'Well, if we can change gears for a moment, it seems like we have gotten to the bottom of what is happening in the living world.' Said Yoruichi, before explaining what Kisuke had pieced together.
'Hmm, that does seem quite serious. It seems like we might need to handle things on our own for now, Ichigo does seem to have a lot on his plate.' Commented Shunsui.
'Indeed, and we have discovered that the Zanpakutou can be retrieved through multiple means now, so bringing him back when it is not completely necessary is wrong.' Said Juushirou.
'We should not be disturbing him during school either, perhaps on the weekend we can trouble him.' Added Unohana.
'Such nonsense, what is Parent's Day? I can't think of a day when a parent would not be observing a child. Dedicating a whole day to a pointless activity, madness.' Ranted Mayuri, as he returned to the group.
'The substitute is too busy to attend to our issues, apparently.' Commented Mayuri.
'That's fine, we have a plan to manage without him.' Said Shunsui.
'I'll give Kisuke a ring and we can head out once we have everything sorted. It's been a while since I got to stretch my legs so much.' Said Yoruichi, before exiting the room.
-line break-
'I see, I will see to it that the Kurosakis are updated.' Said Kisuke, before hanging up his phone.
'Boss?' Said Tessai, as he looked at Kisuke questioningly.
'It seems like everything is going well. Maybe we will be able to sort everything out before Aizen even has a chance to take advantage of things.' Said Kisuke.
'Do you have a plan for the blanks?' Asked Tessai.
'I do. If Senna is able to return them to the cycle, then we just need to ensure we do that. That should lead to the Valley of Screams closing, no matter what these Dark Ones want to achieve.' Said Kisuke.
Tessai gave a small grunt of acknowledgment at this, as Kisuke stood up.
'Keep an eye on things for me, I think I need to go and have a chat with the Kurosaki family.' Said Kisuke, getting a small nod from Tessai.
-line break-
Kisuke arrived at the Kurosaki residence, only to find Isshin outside waiting for him.
'I suspect you have a plan.' Said Isshin, leaning against the brick wall beside their driveway.
'I do.' Said Kisuke, coming to a stop and tilting his hat up with a smile.
'What will happen to Senna?' Asked Isshin.
'With any luck, the slate will be wiped clean.' Said Kisuke.
'And without?' Asked Isshin, only for Kisuke to tilt his head down.
'Ichigo won't be happy with that.' Said Isshin.
'Well, if plan A doesn't come to fruition, I do have a heavy-handed plan B. It is actually inspired by Yamamoto and Tessai and if the Zanpakutou were not acting up right now, I suspect it is how things would have gone.' Said Kisuke.
'You better come in then.' Said Isshin, as he turned around and started to walk into the house.
'Kisuke, what a surprise.' Said Masaki, preparing dinner with Yuzu.
'You know mister Kisuke as well?' Asked Yuzu in surprise.
'Well, you can think of him as the one who helped match me up with your dad.' Said Masaki.
'Doesn't that mean we shouldn't trust him? Sounds like you got a raw deal.' Commented Karin from the living room.
Moments later, a pair of footsteps were heard and Ichigo arrived from upstairs with Senna.
'What happened in Soul Society, is everyone okay?' Asked Ichigo.
'Hello to you too, Ichigo. Yes, I have just heard back that no one was greatly harmed in the battles today, Captain Hitsugaya even managed to regain his Zanpakutou.' Said Kisuke.
'I guess if anyone would do it, it would be him.' Said Isshin.
'That's great, what happened?' Asked Ichigo.
'Oh, you don't know?' Asked Kisuke, raising his fan to his face.
'Well, I mean I've gotten bits and pieces of most of it from Zangetsu and Nemu, but not the full story.' Said Ichigo.
'Hmm, who is Nemu?' Asked Masaki.
'Oh I guess I didn't tell you about her, she is staying in my closet to pass messages on from Soul Society.' Said Ichigo.
'Hmm? So, someone is staying in your closet… and I am just hearing about this now?' Questioned Masaki.
'She just got Rukia's reports, so she thinks it is what she is supposed to do. I tried to persuade her out of there, but I'm not having much luck. Kon keeps her busy otherwise though, they are getting along… for the most part.' Said Ichigo.
'Ichigo, don't you think it is more interesting that our school nurse is staying in your closet, than her getting along with Kon?' Asked Senna.
'No, I'm more surprised at anyone getting along with Kon, especially a girl.' Said Ichigo, before a switch seemed to flip in his head.
'I'm not doing anything, I swear.' Said Ichigo.
'Is that so? Maybe I should chat with Nemu to check?' Suggested Masaki.
'I can confirm, I ensured Shinigami Substitute Ichigo Kurosaki was in bed by twenty-one hundred hours to ensure he received six cycles of REM sleep for optimal daytime functioning.' Said Nemu, as she appeared in the room slightly behind Ichigo, surprising him enough that he flinched.
'Is that so?' Asked Masaki.
'You don't need to worry about this one Masaki, Nemu is as dutiful as they come.' Said Kisuke, momentarily getting Masaki's attention.
'Okay, why don't you tell us what the situation is, and I think we can have a nice chat with Nemu over dinner.' Said Masaki.
'I do not require much sustenance.' Said Nemu.
'Oh don't worry, we'd be happy to.' Said Masaki, subconsciously softening her demeanour.
'I see. Then if it pleases you, I shall join you.' Said Nemu.
'Wonderful, in that case, why don't I bring you up to speed, once Ichigo tells me what Zangetsu has said from his perspective.' Said Kisuke, as the group moved to sit in the living room.
'Well, from the start, Muramasa actually didn't join the attack, he apparently went somewhere else while this was all going on. Zangetsu was pretty sure there was lingering Hollow Reiatsu on him when he came back. He thinks he went to Hueco Mundo, but he isn't really sure why. Otherwise, since it sounds like both you and the others already know about the fights, the only really exciting thing was the idea that the Zanpakutou can be taken back if they want to. I guess the question is if Muramasa can take them back now, but we both think he won't be able.' Said Ichigo.
'I see. Well, in any case, there was some talk about recruiting you back to help beat the other Zanpakutou into submission, but Yoruichi and Soi Fon have decided to use their own heavy hitting abilities to do the heavy lifting. In terms of what actually happened, most of the Zanpakutou aired grievances with their wielders, but only Hyourinmaru was successfully retrieved. Hyourinmaru has also revealed that Muramasa is not actually leading the others, but simply guiding them to do what they want. Given his absence in both battles today and supposed excursion, it is likely he is working on another gambit of some sort. I suspect this entire incident may also help in the upcoming battle, with some of the Lieutenants possibly being one step closer to their Bankai by the end of this.' Explained Kisuke.
'Yeah, that was the whole reason Zangetsu got out, so I could get some practice on the outside.' Said Ichigo.
'Well, that won't happen with Zangetsu in Soul Society while you are here, but who is to say if Muramasa doesn't show up at some point here as well.' Said Kisuke.
'So if we think Muramasa is going to Hueco Mundo, can we do anything to check?' Asked Ichigo.
'Hmm, well, I don't think there is much we can do on this end. If I was able to get something deployed it would need to be in Soul Society since he is not travelling to Karakura Town to cause any measurable disturbance.' Said Kisuke, a small gleam in his eye.
'Would you be able to go back to Soul Society right now?' Asked Isshin.
'I suspect I would meet little resistance, but they may be another option.' Said Kisuke.
'I could go and ask Nel.' Said Ichigo, sparing a glance to his mother.
'Perhaps, but it is a school night. Why don't we make the trip tomorrow instead, the two of us?' Said Masaki.
'Aw man, I want to go to.' Said Senna.
'I believe I should also attend to transmit communications between all parties.' Said Nemu.
'Well, Senna, I was actually hoping you would be able to help me out with a little project, if you wouldn't mind.' Said Kisuke.
'Hmm, that sounds interesting I guess.' Said Senna.
'Splendid, I'll see to it that our mutual friends also keep a vigil around this area, what with so many of our hard hitters being otherwise occupied.' Said Kisuke.
'Somehow I don't think Kenpachi is up for babysitting duty.' Commented Ichigo.
'Oh no, babysitting isn't what I had in mind.' Said Urahara.
-line break-
The next morning, the Kurosaki residence was home to the remainder of the team from Soul Society. Yachiru and Nanao were inside, speaking with Masaki and Nemu, while Kenpachi loitered around the door.
'You don't need to worry. I am sure we will be adequate protection against any possible threat.' Said Nanao.
'Yep, you don't have to worry about any baddies with Kenny around.' Said Yachiru.
'That reminds me, I got you a present.' Said Senna, before heading upstairs.
By the time Senna had made it back, Yachiru was bouncing from foot to foot in anticipation.
'Yay! Candy!' Exclaimed an excited Yachiru, as Senna handed over the bag of hard candy, which she had won at the amusement park.
'Just a second, I almost forgot something as well.' Said Ichigo to Masaki, as he headed upstairs as well.
A few moments later Ichigo returned, but didn't seem to have anything with him.
'We should probably get going soon.' Said Masaki, getting a nod from Ichigo and Nemu.
Ichigo, Masaki and Nemu stepped outside, before a Garganta opened in front of them.
Ichigo then followed Masaki in, with Nemu bringing up the rear as the tear closed.
'So, I guess it is our turn then.' Said Isshin to Senna, who gave a salute.
'Take care and remember if anything happens, raise your spiritual pressure and we will come back in force.' Said Isshin, getting a nod from Nanao.
The two then made their way to Kisuke's house, leaving behind a bored Kenpachi, an excited candy munching Yachiru and serious looking Nanao, with Karin and Yuzu.
'Something better happen. I'm bored already.' Said Kenpachi.
-line break-
'So Senna, I wanted to check a few things if that's okay with you.' Said Kisuke.
'Sure, what do you want to check?' Asked Senna.
'Well, I was just hoping to understand how you have been dealing with the Blanks, those white souls you saw, when Ichigo met you for the first time.' Said Kisuke.
'Hmm, what do you mean, I'm just doing what a Shinigami does?' Asked Senna.
'True, but aside from Ichigo, you are the only one on our side that can effectively deal with them it seems. Ichigo is special in his own way, but it seems you have a special skill as well.' Said Kisuke.
'Hmm, I don't feel anything special, they just kind of feel confused, so I send them away.' Said Senna, causing Kisuke's eye to gleam.
'I see. Where are you sending them?' Asked Kisuke.
'To Soul Society, where else would I be sending them?' Asked Senna.
'Do they feel like Hollows to you, given you are sending them without a Konsou?' Asked Kisuke.
'Not really, I just kind of help push them through. It feels like they want to go there, but don't know how anymore.' Explained Senna.
'Have you tried using any Kidou on them?' Asked Kisuke.
'Nah, Mirokumaru does the job just fine. I'm not good at that Kidou stuff.' Admitted Senna.
'I see. Can I have a look at Mirokumaru if you don't mind?' Requested Kisuke, outstretching his hand.
Senna nodded and passed the blade over.
'And does Mirokumaru have any idea about how you are passing the Blanks on?' Asked Kisuke.
'Don't think so, Mirokumaru knows as much as I do.' Said Senna.
'In that case, why don't we try and teach you a few Kidou and see if they work on the blanks as well, how does that sound?' Asked Kisuke.
'You're going to teach me some new moves? Sounds awesome.' Said Senna, before Kisuke started his course in Kidou.
-line break-
'So Nemu, tell me a bit about yourself.' Said Masaki, as she walked through the void between worlds with Ichigo and Nemu.
'My name is Nemu Kurotsuchi, Lieutenant of the Twelfth Division and Shinigami Assistant of Mayuri Kurotsuchi, Captain of the Twelfth Division and President of the Shinigami Research and Development Institute.' Said Nemu flatly.
'I meant more like hobbies, interests, that kind of thing.' Said Masaki, not missing a beat.
'Research and assisting with matters of the Shinigami Women's Association.' Replied Nemu curtly.
'What is the Shinigami Women's Association? Didn't Yachiru say she was going to set up a base or something in Karakura Town?' Asked Ichigo.
'We advocate for improvement of various aspects for all Shinigami and take part in fundraising activities to help support the association.' Said Nemu.
'What kind of things do you do?' Asked Ichigo.
'Well, as per President Kusajishi, we have implemented a design for cell phones to be modelled after a certain cute bunny style.' Said Nemu.
'Cute bunny style? Rukia must have loved that… wait, Yachiru is the president, how have you not spent all your budget on candy and toys?' Questioned Ichigo.
'We have, as President Kusajishi is in charge of discretionary spending, hence the need for our focus. Vice-President Ise is working hard to maintain our budget, which is aided by her role as the head of the Budget Distribution Committee.' Said Nemu.
'Can't you just set aside a set amount for Yachiru and use the rest?' Asked Ichigo.
'President Kusajishi prefers unilateral financial control.' Said Nemu, causing Ichigo to sigh.
'Of course she does.' Said Ichigo, before focusing his gaze.
'I think we are here now.' Said Ichigo, before the three exited the Garganta.
'What is this?' Asked Nemu.
'This is where I entered Hueco Mundo when I first came here. I chased a Menos into here when it attacked Karakura Town.' Said Ichigo.
'This must be the Forest of Menos.' Said Nemu.
'It is a lot quieter than I remember it being last time, but then again, Zangetsu did take over and go wild in here.' Said Ichigo.
'Hmm, it seems as though we aren't alone down here, but also that someone else has been here recently.' Said Masaki.
'Maybe this is where Muramasa was then. It would explain why he would be covered in Hollow Reiatsu, as I don't think Nel and the others would have just let him walk around.' Said Ichigo.
'Well, we might as well head up then, I don't think we are going to find anything here.' Said Masaki, with Ichigo nodding in agreement.
It was as they had been walking for a while that the three exchanged looks for a moment.
'All right, you might as well come out already, we all know you are there.' Said Ichigo loudly, as the three stopped walking.
Eventually, a strange looking creature emerged. It was garbed in the uniform of a Shinigami but had a complete hollow mask and a large amount of fur covering their upper body.
'Are you a Hollow, Arrancar or one of those Shinigami with masks like Shinji?' Asked Ichigo.
'Neither.' Said the man, as he approached the group.
'Distinctly Shinigami Reiatsu. You must be a Shinigami.' Commented Nemu.
'Who are all of you?' Asked the man.
'I am Masaki Kurosaki, this is my son Ichigo, and this is Nemu, who might you be?' Answered Masaki.
'My name is Ashido.' Said the masked man.
'Last know record of a Shinigami named Ashido would be Ashido Kanou, Lieutenant of the Eleventh Division who vanished hundreds of years ago during an assault by Hollows on the Rukongai.' Said Nemu almost robotically.
'That's correct.' Said the man, taking of his mask, revealing pale peach skin and red-brown hair.
'Wait, have you been here all this time?' Asked Ichigo.
'Yes. I have been trying to reduce the numbers of Hollows as much as possible, to prevent them causing any damage to the Human World.' Said Ashido.
'That sounds very noble, but I was wondering if you remember anyone else coming here in the past.' Said Ichigo.
'If I answer your question, will you answer one of my own?' Asked Ashido.
'Sure.' Said Ichigo.
'Then yes, there have been two beings who have come here in the past, both quite recently within the past few months I believe.' Said Ashido.
'Was one of them a Zanpakutou Spirit?' Asked Ichigo.
'I believe it is my turn to ask a question. Have the number of Hollows coming to the Human world decreased?' Asked Ashido.
'I'm not sure.' Answered Ichigo.
'If I may, Hollow density has steadily increased by half a percent every ten years, there has been a recent two percent reduction in the past five years however.' Said Nemu.
'I see, so my efforts have been for naught.' Said Ashido.
'Just because numbers are increasing, doesn't mean you haven't helped, maybe they would have been going up by double that without you.' Interjected Ichigo.
'That's kind of you to say… and yes, I do believe the one who devoured the Guardian of the Forest of Menos was a Zanpakutou Spirit as you say, however the Shinigami to which it belongs was nowhere to be seen.' Said Ashido, answering Ichigo's previous question.
'Anything else before that?' Asked Ichigo.
'No, just a particularly vicious Hollow which devoured half the forest in a matter of hours.' Said Ashido.
'Half the forest… wow, I didn't think Zangetsu did that much damage to stabilise me.' Commented Ichigo offhandedly.
'You know this Hollow?' Asked Ashido.
'Well of course I know him, he's me. Well, my Zanpakutou at least, one of them I mean.' Said Ichigo.
'That was you that decimated the Menos Forest?' Asked Ashido in shock.
'Yeah… but if that's the case, why are you still hanging around here? Why don't you go back?' Asked Ichigo.
'All my unit perished in this forest. I am all that remains. We were pursuing Hollows as they retreated, but once we got here, Menos Grande started to come by and wiped us out.' Said Ashido.
'Really? I mean you seem pretty strong to me, staying here for hundreds of years… a Menos shouldn't be a problem for you now.' Said Ichigo.
'I can't leave. My unit is here so I remain here.' Said Ashido.
'That's a stupid reason! Do you think your friends want you to waste the rest of your life down here? If you really want to help, you'd go back to help the Shinigami. With your power and experience, you could be a high ranked officer easily.' Said Ichigo.
'For what purpose? Shinigami are supposed to protect the humans, that is what I am doing here.' Countered Ashido.
'Then why don't you go back and teach others to not make the same mistakes, to pass on your experience? If you die now, all of that is wasted.' Said Ichigo.
'I… don't want to leave them.' Said Ashido.
'As long as you carry their memories with you, you aren't leaving anyone behind.' Said Ichigo.
Ashido absorbed Ichigo's words, before seeing the truth in them.
'I have no way to get back.' Said Ashido after a while, only for a Garganta to open behind him.
'Make sure to form a Reishi platform under your feet when you enter. It'll take you to Karakura Town. You said you were from the Eleventh Division, so go find the Captain and Lieutenant, they are staying at my house, just ask for Kenpachi Zaraki.' Said Ichigo.
'Kenpachi Zaraki? What happened to Kenpachi Kuruyashiki?' Asked Ashido.
'Seventh Kenpachi, Kenpachi Kuruyashiki was slain by Eighth Kenpachi, Kenpachi Azashiro. Kenpachi Zaraki is the Eleventh and also current Kenpachi.' Said Nemu.
'So I really am all alone now then… so much has come and gone.' Said Ashido flatly.
'You're never alone as long as you keep trying to form new bonds. Trust me, Kenpachi is a decent guy once you get to know him… just really rough around the edges.' Said Ichigo.
'Guess there isn't much of a point in staying if you can take out half the forest in a few hours… I will accept your offer and speak with Kenpachi Zaraki.' Said Ashido, before entering the Garganta, which closed behind him.
'So, guess we know where Muramasa was now. He must have come here and done something to this guardian.' Said Ichigo.
'Well, if all of that is sorted, why did we not return with Ashido then?' Asked Masaki.
'I just wanted to drop something off first.' Said Ichigo.
'I see. It wouldn't happen to be for Nel, is it?' Asked Masaki.
'Well I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to see how Nel is doing, but it is actually for Ulquiorra, I think it will help him.' Said Ichigo.
'That is quite interesting, what did you want to give them?' Asked Masaki, before a low howl was heard.
'We should probably get out of the forest first, especially if Muramasa might come back.' Said Ichigo.
'All right, let's get out of here first then go from there.' Said Masaki, before the trio headed off.