Chapter 8
In a rocky cavern
After getting the detailed explanation regarding the failed attempt to rescue Rukia. Ichigo knew there was no point in rushing to save her by himself even with help from Nightingale by his side. As much as he wanted to go there and take his chances with Byakuya there.
He knew it was stupid and Nightingale would hold him back if not Yoruichi who apparently had great speed. Yoruichi is apparently the master of a shinigami technique called shunpo which lets shinigami move at great speeds by moving from one place to another. Something that no other shinigami captain could match her in.
Just as Ichigo moved again with the group. They ran into Ana who arrived with a distressed Orihime. Who explained that Uryu was left behind and attempted to take on Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi while Ana escaped with Orihime. Leaving everyone to wonder if Uryu would make it out alive considering Chad barely survived and it was thanks to Asterios trapping Ise and Kyoraku in his maze.
"Damn it, how did we lose this much?" Ichigo asked before wincing.
"Breathe Kurosaki, don't stress yourself or else your body will be further harmed." Nightingale said.
Ichigo sighed as he couldn't help but stress out as he thought about how he lost Ganju and Uryu. There's also the fact that Hanataro is probably going to be tried for treachery or something so that's a bit more guilt on his conscience. Mordred and Asterios were also killed in an attempt to fight shinigami captains.
"Maybe after this, we need to restrategize." Ichigo said.
"Good, relax first and then think deeply." Nightingale said before placing Ichigo near some water. "Now strip, I will need to wash you down." She said.
"What!?" Ichigo asked.
"I will wash you and place you into the hot springs." Nightingale said.
"I don't need a bath!" Ichigo argued.
Nightingale leaned her face closer to his, "You need to bathe after so many days without cleaning your body. That's poor hygiene." She said.
"And the bath is nice. It helps reduce stress and helps reduce tension in your muscles." Yoruichi said. She smiled at the springs, "Maybe I should join you." She said.
"And that is why I must wash you down." Nightingale said. "Inoue, you are not injured. Do you mind helping Sado and Mash wash themselves before going into the springs as well?" She asked.
Chad immediately spoke up, "I can wash myself, thanks." He said.
Chad did not want to stare at the body of a naked woman or have a woman stare at his body. It didn't feel gentlemen like among other reasons as to why it would make him uncomfortable. Ichigo felt the same and it didn't help that Yoruichi had no problem with nudity.
"Can't we put up a divider or something?" Ichigo asked.
"These hot springs will be used for clinical reasons. Not for perverse actions." Nightingale said.
There was just no arguing with this woman. For a Berserker, she had a way with getting aggressive with ways of healing someone.
"Fine, let's just make it quick." Ichigo said.
Soon enough, the young man was butt naked and gently placed into the hot springs after a good wash. It didn't help that Nightingale also climbed into the hot spring to treat Ichigo and Mash who woke up during the trip to the cavern.
"Oh, this feels so much better." Mash said as she felt her muscles loosening.
"I still wish we had a divider like Kurosaki-kun suggested." Inoue said.
Ichigo closed his eyes the whole time and so did Chad despite having so much hair covering his eyes. Yoruichi snickered at the sight of Ichigo trying to avert his gaze at so many women.
"Kurosaki, don't be so nervous. We're all friends and adults. There's nothing wrong with sharing one big bath." Yoruichi said.
"Please limit your teasing while I work on my patients." Nightingale said.
"I'm just trying to help." Yoruichi said, defending her own actions.
Chad then turned around to avoid spotting any of his naked female companions. As for Ana, she just sunk her body to where only her eyes could be seen. Ana had no idea why she jumped in, but just felt compelled to do so. Perhaps it was the peer pressure of seeing everyone go inside.
But that's when Yoruichi noticed her.
"Don't worry little one, someday you will grow into a fine woman." Yoruichi said but Ana ignored her.
Ichigo groaned as his memories of the Gorgon appeared. A large bosom and a developed body was the least of his problems if Ana was in one of her adult forms. That and her Rider form had that personality that told Ichigo that he would die if he did the wrong thing.
"How long do I have to be here?" Ichigo asked as the baths now felt uncomfortable.
Later that day, with the captains
Once again, the captains had a meeting and despite his injuries, Zaraki made his way there. He wasn't the type to listen to protocol by the book, but he needed to say his piece. Especially as he was someone who fought the Ryoka and had information that Yamamoto and the others would actually want to hear.
However, it seemed that Kurotsuchi wasn't the only one that was absent.
"So that clown is the only one that lost?" Zaraki asked.
"I can't say I won either, mine got away." Kyoraku said as he sheepishly scratched his cheek. "Still, I see you took some hits. Was yours tough?" He asked.
Zaraki scoffed, "The kid was a novice, Ikkaku was being stupid and could have won. But now I wanna fight that kid again, he's definitely coming back stronger." He said with a grin.
Yamamoto slammed his cane down, "Enough Zaraki, you can save your bloodlust for another day." He said.
Zaraki frowned and grumbled about the elderly leader of the Gotei 13 ruining his fun. He would no doubt hear some lecture or something.
"For now, we captured one of the Ryoka after Kurotsuchi was defeated. Luckily Tosen was able to apprehend him quickly." Yamamoto said with Tosen nodding.
After going over some details including the reveal of Uryu's defeat and him being a Quincy to the surprise of many of the captains. Yamamoto also revealed Ganju's capture and Hanataro's apprehension as well. Something which Unohana personally apologized for as he was in her division.
"Now, as it has been made obvious already. What do the two of you have to say about the Ryoka that escaped you?" Yamamoto asked.
Kyoraku cleared his throat and looked serious.
"Well unlike Zaraki or most of you here, I tried being reasonable and wanted to give the Ryoka a chance to give up. Instead, we trade a few blows and I barely got nicked a few times." Kyoraku explained.
"Then how did you lose them if they were weaker than you?" Soi-Fun asked, sounding impatient.
"Hang on there little lady, just because these two didn't have the power or speed to match me, it didn't mean they were weak. I saw potential in one of them, but he had this partner with a mask that looked like a bull's head and even behaved like a wild animal." Kyoraku continued.
"Like a minotaur from Greek mythology?" Jushiro Ukitake asked.
"I guess, the strangest thing is that he followed that story. The Ryoka got away but the bull literally generated a whole pocket dimension. With him even making a massive labyrinth That took an hour to escape." Kyoraku said, finishing his explanation.
"Then did the minotaur escape as well?" Ukitake asked.
Kyoraku shook his head, "No, Nanao-chan found him first but took a few hits. I finished it off and it literally fell apart into fairy dust or something." He answered.
"Now that's just ridiculous." Soi-Fun said, not believing that.
Zaraki scoffed at her, "Calm down, the same happened to me. The Ryoka that stole Kuchiki's powers, Ichigo, had a partner that was dressed like a knight. She lasted a while, but she also turned into "fairy dust" when she died." He explained.
"And how do we know that it wasn't a method of escape?" Byakuya asked, feeling some doubt.
"That's because I felt some of Ichigo's Reiryoku in his partner. Like he was giving her power or something. She felt real, but it felt like I was fighting a walking Zanpakuto." Zaraki explained.
"I thought that bull headed guy felt a bit hollow in the end." Kyoraku said as he scratched his beard.
"I suppose it makes sense. One of the ryoka that almost freed the prisoner summoned a woman in a red jacket just as she escaped." Byakuya explained.
"Oh yeah, you and Ukitake stopped the rogue fourth division member. What happened there?" Kyoraku asked.
"I stopped the traitor and was stopped by Ukitake from killing him and the intruder from the Rukongai. The pink haired girl put up a fight, but it was pointless until she ran." Byakuya explained in the most simple way possible.
Yamamoto didn't like this, "So the ryoka are able to summon individuals with unique abilities. Like puppets or shikigami, this will be more troublesome." He said.
"Do you think one of them was sent to kill Aizen? Captain Kurotsuchi's lieutenant mentioned one individual being able to turn invisible." Unohana said.
Yamamoto narrowed his eyes, "It does not matter, we are already at war with the Ryoka. Regardless of which of them did it or how, does not matter. This meeting is adjourned." He said.
The captains then dispersed and went their separate ways. Where they had their own plans on how to combat the Ryoka. With Zaraki hoping to recover quickly enough to go after Ichigo and hoping the teen was also healthy enough to fight him again.
As for the others, they seemed to have their own thoughts with the new information on their mind.
Back in the cavern
Once Ichigo was relieved of his pain and seemingly able to move. Yoruichi announced that she would train Ichigo the next step of his shinigami training. As Ichigo looked up to see where Yoruichi stood, he saw her standing next to what looked like a mannequin.
"Please don't tell me that we're going clothes shopping." Ichigo said.
"Nope, but this thing is important. For now, I'm going to teach you about Bankai." Yoruichi answered.
"Teach me what?" Ichigo asked.
"There are two forms of a zanpakuto and each captain is required to learn them before being promoted. There is shikai and there is bankai, but it looks like your shikai is constantly active." Yoruichi began to explain.
That last part confused Ichigo, "Wait, how is that possible? I mean, I learned that my zanpakuto is called Zangetsu but it was able to change shape whenever I felt like it." he said.
That did confuse Yoruichi at first as she knows shikai allows for a zanpakuto to transform and develop a new ability. It was something basic that Ichigo had a good idea of but didn't want to go into a deep lecture on.
"Ichigo, I don't fully understand the magic stuff going on with you, but I think your zanpakuto is a constant release type. It's not going to shut off on its own. As for the change, that might be a side effect or something." Yoruichi explained.
Deep down, Yoruichi was just picking straws and guessing why the zanpakuto constantly changed forms. A shinigami needed to chant a kaigo to use the special abilities of their zanpakuto but Ichigo does it at will. She felt like Urahara would be better off trying to figure this out.
"Actually, there is another thing; each zanpakuto is different. As you already know, you need to learn their names and not make one up." Yoruichi said. "Because of that, zanpakuto are all different and you need to reach harmony with the spirit of your weapon. In this case, it's literally an extension of yourself." she added.
That's when Mash had an idea and spoke up.
"Senpai, haven't you noticed something else about your weapon? Have you counted how many forms you were able to take?" Mash asked.
Ichigo shrugged, "I don't know, maybe five or something."
"Think about it, you could use a sword, lance, bow, sickles, and a scythe but I feel there are at least a couple of more." Mash said.
"What are you trying to say Mash?" Ichigo asked.
"Senpai, I think your zanpakuto might be reacting the same way as with heroic spirits. Even some of your transformations give you different abilities based on each class." Mash explained.
Ichigo did think it was concidental but it started making sense. The sword, lance and bow were obviously Saber, Lancer and Archer. Whereas the sickles were flashy but quick, like an Assassin and the scythe only came out when Ichigo felt really angry and had a difficult time keeping composure, so that was a Berserker.
"I think I see it now." Ichigo said as he nodded.
Yoruichi started thinking, "Then we better get started on your training because if Mash is right. It might be more difficult to unlock your bankai." she said.
"Then what about Zaraki? He said he couldn't unlock his shikai and that it doesn't have a name or something like that." Ichigo said.
"Kenpachi Zaraki is the rare exception, he was made captain because of his fighting prowess but that's enough of him." Yoruichi said before gesturing to the mannequin. "Normally, it takes a whole decade to master bankai but you have to learn within three days." she said.
"And how am I going to do that?" Ichigo asked, already feeling stressed.
"This is the Tenshintai, this tool will help make your zanpakuto's spirit come to life." Yoruichi said.
At that moment, Ichigo had flashbacks to the ghostly figure that motivated Ichigo to keep fighting against Zaraki. He could barely remember it, but assumed that was his zanpakuto's spirit.
Yoruichi then continued with her lecture, "For shikai, it's about synchronizing with your zanpakuto and communicating with it. For bankai, it's about subjugating it by bringing it into reality." she explained.
"But didn't you say this would normally take a decade?" Mash asked.
"I did, but with what happened in the fight with Zaraki. I think Ichigo is more than ready to try." Yoruichi said as she gestured for him to come up. "Now then, I can only keep your zanpakuto's spirit present for three days. You have to defeat it within that time." she said.
Ichigo nodded before stabbing the Tenshintai and breaking it. The next thing Ichigo realized, he felt himself being stared down by a taller version of himself who looked like a dragon that came out of the sea.
"You are alive. That is good. Are you ready to fight again?" the spirit asked.
Ichigo stepped away from the spirit and watched as it placed its hand on the ground. Causing a variety of weapons to appear, which even shocked Yoruichi herself.
"Something is definitely different about your power." Yoruichi said as she can see more than just swords.
Ichigo quickly grabbed a nearby bow and fired multiple arrows at his zanpakuto spirit. The spirit didn't even grab a weapon as it flicked away Ichigo's arrows with its tail. The spirit then grabbed a nearby sword and nearly decapitated Ichigo before destroying his bow.
Ichigo gritted his teeth before retreating to find a new weapon. Leaving the other bystanders feeling worried for how their leader would turn out by the end.
"Kurosaki-kun." Orihime whispered.
"Don't worry, senpai is willing to work with anyone and he's not afraid to fight when it's his turn." Mash said.
"You have a lot of respect for Kurosaki." Chad said.
It was not that he had no faith in Ichigo, but he could practically feel Mash's confidence leaking from her. Something that not even an avid sports fan or a caring family member would feel when cheering someone on.
"That's because my senpai earned his titles after the year of hard work he put in. He won't let anything stop him from saving another person's life." Mash replied, making everyone else nod.
They then watched as Ichigo tried impaling his zanpakuto's spirit with a lance. Only for the spirit to parry it and shattered it from the middle. Causing Ichigo to stumble back again before looking at the many weapons.
"These are your weaknesses and the curses that surround you. But some are also your bonds that have weakened in the past months." The spirit said.
Ichigo then noticed something upon examining the weapons very closely, even if their presence was a metaphor. This wasn't some kind of hunting game. Not only were the weapons just an extension caused by his unique power with his zanpakuto, but this training on its own is incomplete.
"Whatever my problem is, I will achieve my bankai. I won't achieve it entirely, but I'll get a part of it and finish the rest after I save Rukia." Ichigo said.
Yoruichi was confused, "Ichigo, this training is the whole thing itself. There is no… wait."
The dark skinned beauty stared at the weapons and watched as Ichigo drew a sword and slashed at the air. Creating a large arc that made every weapon except for the swords disappear.
"Kurosaki-kun narrowed it down!" Orihime said cheerfully.
The group started to feel good but then Yoruichi spoke up again.
"He's nowhere near done yet." She said, looking wide eyed. "This spirit, it was supposed to be the whole thing. The final form of his zanpakuto." She said.
As she spoke, Ichigo clashed his new sword with the spirit before being sent crashing against the ground with the sword breaking apart. The spirit patiently waited for Ichigo to pick another sword and go after him again. All the while Yoruichi explained what Ichigo saw.
"This is only one piece of Ichigo's bankai." Yoruichi said before hearing another crash.
With another sword being shattered, the zanpakuto spirit kicked Ichigo in the chest. Ichigo stumbled backwards but stopped his fall as he grabbed another sword embedded into the ground. Despite the subsequent failures, he did not look discouraged one bit.
"That's right, I'm not just fighting Zangetsu. I'm fighting Zangetsu - Saber." Ichigo said, fully identifying the aspect of his zanpakuto spirit.
Zangetsu didn't reply but merely continued with the training. Leaving everyone else to either watch or continue with their own devices.
That night
Ichigo's stubbornness kept him fighting despite the repeated failure to find the right sword. After the latest attempt to fight Zangetsu, Ichigo watched in shock and confusion as the spirit reverted back into a Tenshintai and collapsed.
"What?" Ichigo asked.
"Time's up, better try again tomorrow." Yoruichi said.
"But I'm not done yet! I can keep going!" Ichigo said before wincing.
"Your mind maybe, but you're not fully healed yet. Come on before your nurse gets aggressive again." Yoruichi said as she pulled him away.
As Yoruichi said, Nightingale was waiting for Ichigo and preparing to wash him off and throw him into the baths again.
"Kurosaki, you did well but you overexerted yourself. Do this again and I will have to strap you down to your bed." Nightingale said.
Ichigo groaned in response just as everyone else finished their time in the baths. Meanwhile, Mash pulled out a pair of standard Chaldea uniforms. She then handed them to Chad and Orihime much to their confusion.
"I thought you two might want a change of clothes. Especially you, Sado-san, your clothes are pretty damaged and dirty." Mash said.
Chad looked at his own clothes but then back at the uniform.
"It looks a bit small." Chad commented.
"Oh don't worry, there's an added magic that lets the size adjust to the wearer. It helped when Senpai started to grow and develop during our journey together." Mash said.
Orihime blushed as she remembered that Ichigo looked quite muscular in the baths. At least in comparison to other boys like Keigo and Mizuiro. So she could imagine those details made it hard to put on smaller clothes.
"At least the outfits look nice, but I would prefer more color." Orihime said.
She felt like the black and white color scheme was a bit lacking. Some color and a bit of pattern would be more comforting for her.
At the same time, Mash imagined Uryu would likely be complaining about minor details or suggest how a few details like a small cape would benefit the uniforms. A literal chibi of Uryu smacking the uniform and then putting it on a sewing machine before adding a cape and Quincy emblem on it.
Mash sighed, "I apologize for the lack of color. This is what everyone including senpai was given. Although he did receive more diverse uniforms later on." She said.
Orihime just smiled, "At least it looks cute. Maybe I can dye it or add a few decorations later." She said.
Chad just decided to accept the uniform but probably leave the jacket when a fight came as it didn't look good for fighting with his style of combat.
The next day
Anna was eating from a plate of food provided by Orihime who decided to feed everyone. All the while Ichigo was fighting Zangetsu again with all his might.
"Do you like it Anna-chan?" Orihime asked, looking for approval.
"I think it's nice." Chad said.
Orhime nodded but didn't look at him and just watched Anna who ate. The young Lancer started to feel uncomfortable and swallowed her food and decided to give a simple review.
"Delicious." Anna said.
Most were not sure if it was a genuine review, but it was enough for Orihime who hugged her and patted her head. Anna groaned as she tried to pry Orihime off of her body.
"I think she can't breathe." Chad said.
Orihime went wide eyed as she saw Anna beginning to turn purple. Just as Orihime let go, Nightingale shoved Anna onto the ground and began to do chest compressions.
"Relax your body, I will dislodge all materials blocking your airway." Nightingale said.
Despite not looking so strong, Chad and Orihime looked shocked to see the amount of force Nightingale used on Anna. Despite how gentle she tried to make it look, Nightingale looked like she was trying to squeeze Anna's skeleton through her mouth.
"Please… stop…" Anna said as she tried to fight the medic.
Moments later, the Berserker stopped and looked towards a specific area of the study chamber. Anna also stood up as she sensed someone and saw a part of the cavern shatter. Everyone stood up and Ichigo paused his training and saw as Renji arrived.
"Renji." Ichigo said as he aimed his weapon at the shinigami.
Everyone else minus Yoruichi got into a defensive stance. They watched as Renji looked relaxed and looked around the entire cave.
"I thought I sensed your reiatsu." Renji said.
"Why are you here?" Anna asked dangerously.
Renji was silent for a moment before his own zanpakuto spirit manifested. Taking the shape of a monkey with a serpent for a tail. Like the Nue, a yokai of shinto folklore.
"I needed a place to train as well. There's only so much time before Rukia is set to be executed." Renji said.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Ichigo asked.
"It means Rukia's execution was changed to tomorrow at noon." Renji said, shocking most of the group. "I won't interfere with your training since I can already manifest my zanpakuto spirit. So I'll be working to unlock my bankai as well." Explained.
Now Yoruichi started to look nervous, 'Tomorrow? That soon? Ichigo can't complete the training at this rate.' She thought
Her mind also wandered back to Urahara as he was the one who invented the Tenshintai back when he was a shinigami captain. Back then, Urahara advised that the training should not be continued for more than three days. Technically speaking, even if Ichigo used the third day to the fullest and succeeded. Yoruichi was not sure if he could complete it before the execution could be attempted.
But that stubbornness in Ichigo was not discouraged at all. Instead, it just looked like Renji's words only further fueled him as he crushed the sword in his hand.
"That's not stopping me from finishing my training." Ichigo said with determination leaking from his words.
Yoruichi sighed, remembering there's nothing that's going to stop Ichigo. Even if it sounded naive and impossible, there was nothing to discourage and stop him. So all she could do was let the boy continue training with Renji doing the same. Seemingly gaining another ally to help save Rukia.
Elsewhere, in a prison
Despite being able to defeat Kurotsuchi and nearly dying in the process of it. Uryu was captured after running into another shinigami captain. A blind man named Tosen who defeated Uryu quite easily given how Kurotsuchi nearly killed him. With Tosen sparing Uryu and seemingly doing so to gain information about the rest of the Ryoka.
Now the Quincy was stuck in a prison cell with only Ganju.
"So Uryu, how do you think Ichigo and the others are doing?" Ganju asked.
Uryu's eyes twitched, "What did you just call me?" He asked.
"Uryu, that's your name right? Did I mix you up with someone else?" Ganju asked, looking confused.
"Do not call me by name like we are friends." Uryu said.
"Hey, I'm just trying to be friendly. It's the Shiba Clan's way after all." Ganju said, still not understanding why Uryu is mad.
Uryu sighed, "You have been anything but nice to anyone in my group." He said.
It was true, Ganju hasn't been very hospitable like Kukaku would have wanted. He already introduced himself as a troublemaker who doesn't think twice about being a brawler. However, he has done enough to prove that he's willing to help and is capable with the skills he has even if he can't fight that well.
Uryu decided to put that aside and try to think.
"What confuses me is why the shinigami decided to heal us. I would have assumed that they would want intruders to be executed on sight." Uryu said.
While he doubted the shinigami are entirely composed of idiots who don't think. Uryu thought that their system would not allow any room for asking questions first. Given how Kurotsuchi behaved and treated his subordinates as fodder.
"I think this just proves that everyone else is alive. They probably want to interrogate us and see if we have anything worth knowing." Ganju replied.
Uryu narrowed his eyes, "I suppose that's plausible." He said. "Anyways, what happened to the rest of your group? You weren't alone were you?" He asked.
"Well we found the giant guy, I think his name was Sado but Ichigo called him Chad." Ganju said.
"I see, what else?" Uryu asked.
"Well Sado/Chad went on his own when Ichigo gave him this guy with the head of a bull to follow him. Weird story, I'll explain later." Ganju said.
Uryu raised a brow, then just thought back to Ushiwakamaru being summoned to help fight the Menos Grande. He assumed that odd individual was someone Ichigo summoned.
"So then Ichigo went to fight another shinigami captain and I'm assuming he survived his fight too. We went our own way and then ran into another captain after we found… her." Ganju explained.
Uryu noticed how bitter Ganju sounded towards the end. It sounded like he was a bit angry or annoyed. He would worry about that later, but can only assume Rukia is still alive despite coming close to saving her.
"And then Mash barely got away while I tried to hold off that dark haired shinigami captain. Hopefully Ichigo and the others regrouped and they're planning on a rescue attempt on us." Ganju said.
Uryu sighed, "I wouldn't be sure given the circumstances, but I think Kurosaki would have to be able to summon someone quite competent to help him. The last thing we needed was a double rescue mission." He said.
As Ganju was about to reply, he heard a loud squawk. He turned his head to the bars on the window and saw a green ethereal falcon trying to peek inside.
"Hey, it's Ichigo's bird. He must have sent it." Ganju said.
"Then hopefully Kurosaki is planning something like you believe." Uryu said as he walked towards it.
"Come on little guy, can you talk? Maybe you have a message or a tool for us?" Ganju asked, sounding hopeful.
Ikaros just tilted his head and looked around the room. Leaving the pair unsure if the familiar could actually help them. Ikaros looked at them for a few more moments before jumping in and scratching his beak against the floor.
"What's it doing!?" Ganju asked.
"Be quiet!" Uryu said, hoping the guards don't overhear them.
After a few moments, Ikaros stopped and the pair saw a small but brief message from Ichigo. It went over a quick summary about who was with him and where they were. Leaving the pair somewhat relieved but not feeling any better about their current situation. Luckily, Ichigo added a small part about Ikaros being able to pass along any message they have.
"Well that's good, Ichigo now knows where we are. Maybe he can save us if we tell the bird what's going on." Ganju suggested.
Uryu sighed, "It sounds too far-fetched, but anything is possible by this point." he said.
Uryu didn't say a whole lot to the bird other than explaining what happened to him and Ganju. With Ikaros listening intently before flying up to the bars and squeezing out. The magical familiar gave another squawk before flying away.
"With any luck, Kurosaki does send someone to retrieve us." Uryu said.
"I hope so, I doubt another bird is enough." Ganju said.
Now the two men could only sit back and be patient. Not realizing how important tomorrow was going to be as Rukia's death was nearing much closer than ever.
A while later, at the study chamber
Ichigo eventually failed to obtain his Bankai again and felt frustrated. As Nightingale took him to calm down and wash up after another day of training. Renji also prepared to wash up when he saw Ikaros flying through the hole he left.
"Is that a green bird?" Renji asked.
"Kurosaki's birdie!" Orihime exclaimed.
Ikaros landed on a rock and stared at everyone before Ichigo rushed up to the familiar. He then focused his eyes into the eagle as it squawked loudly. Soon after, Ichigo's eyes were hit with a large blast of green magic that temporarily blinded him as he obtained Ikaros' information.
"Senpai?" Mash asked with concern.
"I'm fine, so is Ishida and Ganju. They were captured, but they are still alive." Ichigo said.
"That's great news!" Orihime said cheerfully.
"Not great." Renji interrupted.
"Not great!" Orihime repeated before looking confused. "Why?" she asked.
"There's no doubt my superiors are probably planning to torture them or something. They will no doubt try and see if they can get any information about all of you." Renji explained.
Ana narrowed her eyes, "They will be killed later, no doubt." she said.
"Exactly, so unless you got a backup plan for getting them out. There's little you can do." Renji said with a sigh. "Then again, the regular prisons aren't as heavily guarded as the Senzaikyu but given the status of the Seireitei, they won't be under light security." he explained.
"But we can't leave Ishida or Ganju!" Orihime argued.
"You do as you wish, but I already have my own mission like I said." Renji said.
Ichigo groaned, "Maybe I can summon another servant. Like a Rider to help get them out tomorrow." he said.
"I'm up for helping them." Chad said.
"Me too! Ishida sacrificed himself to help me and Ana-chan escape!" Orihime said.
"Are you two serious?" Ichigo asked.
The two nodded and Ichigo scratched his head.
"Fine, Ana if you're okay with it. You should follow them. Mash, you help me with summoning another servant." Ichigo said.
Then Nightingale spoke, "I heavily support saving everyone despite the risks, but I recommend you not to summon anyone now. You have already exhausted yourself with training." she said.
Ichigo groaned, "I'm not going to be able to argue with you." he said.
Nightingale did not look unfazed or in the mood for her patient to argue with her. Which Ichigo knew would be impossible so he decided to wash up and rest for the night. With plans to prepare and save Rukia as well as his two trapped comrades.
Not knowing what waits for them tomorrow.
The next day
Ichigo worked on the summoning ritual and brought forth a Rider as he planned. Summoning forth a green haired man in armor and an exotic chariot.
"Ichigo, it's good seeing you. You look a lot more tough compared to last time." he said.
"Who is this?" Orihime curiously asked.
"This is Achilles, he's the hero of the Trojan War and student of the centaur, Chiron." Ichigo answered.
"Wasn't he supposedly invincible?" Chad asked.
"That I am, except for a minor weakness which my master still berates me for." Achilles said.
It was obvious to everyone, even those ignorant of mythology, to know the weakness of Achilles
"Still, I'm pretty tough. So would someone mind telling me why I'm here when you already have an Argonaut and an overbearing nurse here?" Achilles asked.
"Achilles, I don't have a lot of time to explain. Right now, we're in some weird world called the Soul Society and I need everyone I know to help save some friends of mine." Ichigo explained.
Achilles nodded, "Sounds fair, just give me the details on what you need." he said.
Ichigo just gave Achilles the summary on what happened and what needed to be done. He also used another gemstone to generate another Ikaros who was fully aware of where Ganju and Uryu were being held. Ichigo also went through the quick process of having Achilles bound to Chad and Anna bound Orihime as their masters.
"And what about you?" Achilles asked.
"I still need to finish up training. If things change and you don't get those two out by noon. I'll try summoning another familiar to give you guys an update." Ichigo said.
"Then let's get ready! We're counting on you guys to save Rukia!" Orihime said with newfound determination.
Ichigo nodded, "Good luck, as for me." He said as he stopped to look at the Tenshintai.
Ichigo summoned his zanpakuto to stab it and continue with the third day of training and finally unlock the first portion of his bankai.
Later, in the Seireitei
Taking flight on his chariot, Achilles carried Chad, Orihime and Ana then proceeded to follow after Ikaros. Luckily the bird wasn't fast enough to outfly Achilles himself and the path the avian took was not too difficult to follow. Which was a good thing as Achilles and everyone else looked sick as they saw the labyrinth that was the Seireitei.
"Is there some coordinated strategy here or are they purposely trying to confuse everyone?" Achilles asked.
"Maybe poor architecture?" Ana asked.
"Probably." Achilles said, snickering at the idea.
As the group continued to fly and somehow avoided getting a lot of attention. They ran out of luck as a large rock almost hit them.
"What the?" Achilles asked.
"Duck!" Chad yelled.
More projectiles continued to be launched at them and Achilles managed to avoid getting hit with how he maneuvered his chariot. However, this caused Orihime to fall until Ana wrapped her chain around the girl's waist.
"Ana!" Orihime yelled.
Ana struggled to lift Orihime when she lost her balance. The two would have hit the ground had Zaraki not appeared and grabbed them.
"Got ya!" He said.
"AHHH!" Orihime yelled.
Ana slipped out and wrapped her chain around Zaraki's throat and began to try and suffocate him. Zaraki grunted as he felt some pain but wasn't in the mood to fight as he grabbed the chain.
"Calm down, I'm not picking a fight. Not yet at least, but if it were up to me. That Kurosaki kid would be my opponent again." Zaraki said.
"You were the one who hurt Kurosaki-kun!?" Orihime frantically asked.
Zaraki rolled his eyes, "Yeah, but I have no doubt he's fine and probably recovering." He said while fighting Ana's chain. "Anyways, like I said. I'm not here to fight." He said.
"The blood lust in you is very visible." Ana said, not believing him.
As she held the shinigami captain in place. Achilles landed nearby with Chad and both prepared to engage. When Ikkaku and Yumichika appeared as well, tried to stop them.
"Hang on, we're not here to fight." Yumichika said.
"That's right, the captain wants to make a temporary alliance." Ikkaku said. "Look, he's not getting sentimental or anything, but aside from fighting Ichigo again. He's got his own reasons and we're willing to help you get your friends out of jail." He said.
"And we should believe you two because?" Achilles asked.
Zaraki grinned, "Just follow us, we're not some soft pushovers that believe in code and all that crap, but we have some sense of honor. Besides, the prison is this way." He said.
Suddenly, Yachiru appeared and landed on Ikkaku's head.
"Actually, it's this way!" Yachiru said, pointing in the wrong way.
Then they heard Ikaros squawking while circling the sky.
"We'll take our chances with the ghost bird." Achilles said.
"Fine, but we're coming too. Only because Yachiru forgot how to read a map." Zaraki said with a frown.
"Ken-chan, I forgot to mention it but… I forgot the map again." Yachiru said.
Zaraki sighed, "That bird better be useful." He said.
A while later
The familiar did prove to be on the correct path despite Yachiru repeatedly suggesting to go in the wrong direction.
"Hm, maybe I was thinking about the donut shop." Yachiru said as she saw the prison.
Orihime smiled, "Zaraki-san, as a captain, can you use your rights as…"
"Sure, I got my rights right here." Zaraki interrupted as he pulled out his zanpakuto.
"Take cover!" Yumichika yelled.
Before anyone realized what happened. Zaraki destroyed a wall and found Uyru and Ganju sitting inside. Both looked very startled by the sight of Zaraki and their friends.
"What… how… what!?" Uryu tried to ask.
A moment later, Orihime came from the front and stumbled towards Ganju and Uryu.
"Don't worry, these kind men have decided to team up with us." Orihime said, leaving little room for context.
Especially as Ganju looked the most terrified, "This guy is the same one that was fighting Ichigo! We can't trust him!" he exclaimed.
"Wait, him? This one?" Uyru asked as he saw the grinning Zaraki.
"That's right, but now I wanna fight him again. But first, I'll help you out with all this." Zaraki said.
In truth, most of this "kindness" was really because Zaraki wanted to fight Ichigo. That and maybe some of the servants too as they proved to have great strength.
"So what? We just gotta trust him all of a sudden?" Ganju asked.
"You're free to go on your own." Zaraki said, not really caring about the fates of the prisoners.
Uryu sighed, "We don't have a choice then." he said before turning to Orihime. "Now, where is… wait, what are you wearing? What's with this bland colored outfit?" he asked.
As Mash accurately predicted, Uryu complained about the design of Chaldea's uniforms.
"Oh, Mash-chan gave it to me. We brought extras just in case." Orihime said as she pulled out a bag.
Uryu groaned, "First, I'm captured and nearly killed by a bunch of shinigami. Now I don't even have my sewing kit to fix this bland design." he said.
Ganju agreed on the latter, "Yeah, this outfit looks too stiff but it will do." he said.
"Hey, now that we got your friends. Are we heading back to Ichigo or are we meeting up with him somewhere?" Achilles asked.
Before Uryu or Ganju could ask about Achilles. Orihime looked around for the time.
"Maybe we can meet with him to save Rukia. They will try to kill her at noon." Orihime said.
"What time is it now?" Chad asked.
"Pretty close to noon, but don't worry. Yachiru knows all the shortcuts better than I do." Zaraki said.
As he said that, Yachiru stuck her head out and put on a safari hat. She also pulled out a piece of paper and a compass.
"Hm, that way!" Yachiru said as she pointed in a random direction.
"Shouldn't we be heading to the Senzaikyou?" Yumichika asked.
"Sokyoku Hill could also be a good place. If they have already started releasing Kuchiki, we can intercept them there." Ikkaku explained.
Yachiru then pointed in another direction, "That way then!" she said.
"Does she even know where she's going?" Uryu asked.
Back in the study chamber
As Rukia's execution was about to take place. Renji had finally finished his training and obtained his bankai. Now he sheathed his bankai and started walking towards the exit.
"I'm finished, will you be joining me?" Renji asked.
"Not yet, I still need to finish!" Ichigo said before another sword shattered.
"We're low on time as it is." Renji said.
"And I'll be there with my bankai unlocked." Ichigo said stubbornly as he picked up another sword.
Renji sighed, "Then I'll hold you to it. I'll be at Sokyoku Hill. That's where they will be taking Rukia, so I'll try to intercept them." he said.
Renji then left, leaving Yoruichi to continue watching as Ichigo came closer to obtaining his bankai.
'Even if Ichigo obtains his bankai, what will happen? Would it be weaker or would he just be bound to one form?' Yoruichi wondered.
By now, the tanned beauty wasn't too worried anymore. A bit anxious, but she was still feeling pretty curious and unsure of what the potential of Ichigo is. More specifically, what will come from unleashing his new power.
With the sound of another sword shattering followed by a loud crack, Yoruchi saw that Ichigo entered a sword lock with Zangetsu. One where the sword was cracking but holding still. When Ichigo used all his strength to push his zanpakuto's spirit back, resulting in the sword breaking before grabbing another sword and pushing it back again.
'I feel it. Here it comes.' Ichigo thought confidently.
With everyone else
While Renji made his way to Sokyoku Hill to intercept Rukia's execution party. Everyone else was having a hard time and Yachiru wasn't making it any more easy. Especially with the limited space of Achilles' chariot.
"Dead end again?" Yachiru asked.
"Were you looking at the road? We can fly, you should be pointing me towards the place we need to go and we can fly there." Achilles said with a tired sigh.
"Hey, go easy on her. You're earning your fare." Zaraki said.
"I'm not getting paid!" Achilles exclaimed.
"Oops, Green is right. I was so confused, I was only looking down at the ground. No wonder I got confused." Yachiru said as she slapped her forehead.
Ikkaku sighed, "I have no idea why Captain Zaraki continues to let her dictate directions. This always happens." He said.
Hearing this complaint, Yachiru proceeded to bite the top of Ikkaku's bald head. Ikkaku cried out in pain as he tried to pry the girl off of his head.
"You know, I thought Yachiru was just lost and used the road as reference. Then I remembered Achilles-san can just fly very quickly until we reach our destination." Orihime spoke up as she ignored the violence going on.
"That's right, why didn't you just fly us to Sokyoku Hill?" Zaraki asked.
Achilles groaned, "Because I wanted you to point me towards it!" He replied.
"It's his mistake for not knowing his own territory, but your own fault listening to him." Ana said.
Achilles groaned and began telling everyone off about making him fly all over the place. When Yumichika's eyes widened he began to look around.
"Guys, we have to keep moving. I sense a lot of Reiatsu nearby." Yumichika warned.
This news only made Zaraki grin as he sensed the Reiatsu as well. However, a part of him felt annoyed as to why he felt it.
"Take us down, I sense a few cowardly and pathetic people." Zaraki said.
"What? Why?" Achilles asked.
"You know what? Scratch that. Just hover over there. I sense a few colleagues of mine who are hiding their reiatsu like cowards." Zaraki said.
Achilles didn't like hearing this but decided to hover over the spot Zaraki pointed towards. When he grabbed Yachiru and placed her on his back. He then jumped down and landed on a roof, nearly destroying it as he looked ahead and saw four figures. One of which had some kind of helmet on his head.
"You are very arrogant, Zaraki. To call us cowards when you are aiding the Ryoka." Said Kaname Tosen as he appeared behind the masked man.
Zaraki looked unfazed while Yumichika and Ikkaku looked tense. Even Uryu looked a bit unsettled by the sight of Tosen.
"That's the man that almost finished me off. That must mean him and at least one of those others must be a captain.
Yumichika nodded, "That's right, with him is Captain Komamura and their lieutenants, Iba and Hisagi. These guys are no joke and the captain looks like he wants to fight them all." He said.
Ikkaku sighed, "Then let's go down there. There's no point in letting him fight alone, even if he wants to fight them solo." He said before jumping down.
"Hey wait, we have to save Rukia, remember?" Uryu asked.
Yumichika suddenly pulled out a paper and started to draw on it. Unlike Rukia, he didn't make a crappy drawing that took hours to make. Instead, it looked fairly detailed with a few landmarks that looked somewhat legible but noticeable.
"Here, just follow this path. For reference, we're right here on the map." Yumichika explained.
"Your drawing is so lovely." Orihime said.
Yumichika smirked as he raised his head, "Why of course, there is no aspect of me that isn't beautiful." he said proudly.
"Except your personality and it's giving me a rash." Ganju said.
Yumichika grew a tick mark on his forehead, "I'm going to ignore that because your ugly voice hurts my ears." he said.
Yumichika then jumped down along with Ikkaku to support their captain. Giving everyone else the signal to go and save Rukia before she reaches Sokyoku Hill.
"Point me towards the goal, Red." Achilles said.
Orihime studied the map for a moment to make sure she had a good idea where she was. Before being able to give directions to Achilles.
"Okay, the place should be in the outskirts over there." Orihime said as she pointed in one direction.
Achilles nodded and started moving the chariot again while Zaraki's group held off the two captains while Ikkaku and Yumichika held off the lieutenants. At the same time, Uryu adjusted his glasses to study the map.
"Are there any landmarks I should keep an eye out for?" Achilles asked.
With Renji
Filled with only determination, Renji rushed through a wave of shinigami in his way. Feeling no concern for anyone except Rukia as he slowly reaches the senzaikyu. After jumping over a wall, Renji continued down the road to the prison when he sensed a high amount of Reiatsu nearby.
'No, it can't be!' Renji thought as he felt fearful already.
"Abarai, where do you think you are going?" asked a familiar voice.
Renji looked around before noticing his own squad captain standing on top of a building. Renji felt tense and already knew that this was going to lead to a nearly impossible fight. Still, he steeled himself and refused to let so much as fear hold him back.
"Captain Byakuya, I may be going against orders but I'm going to the Senzaikyu to save Rukia!" Renji exclaimed, letting go of all fear within him.
Byakuya did not react to his statement, but Renji could tell he feels literally anything but supportive. Even if Byakuya did feel bad about his adoptive sister's situation and did disagree with the decision for her to die. He was not going to accept insubordination and treachery.
"You will not." is all Byakuya said.
Renji's hands curled into fists, "I will save Rukia, regardless of who is in my way!" he exclaimed.
"I will not repeat myself." Byakuya said before disappearing with a shunpo.
Renji's eyes widened as he realized the next few seconds would determine how long he would live. Renji kept his senses up and raised his guard before turning to a specific direction. He quickly blocked Byakuya's zanpakuto, resulting in a massive shockwave that surprised Byakuya.
Renji used all of his strength to keep the two swords locked in place. Keeping Byakuya still and trying to use the brief shock on the captain to his advantage.
"Captain Byakuya, don't take this as arrogance, in fact even knowing this I can't claim that I will beat you." Renji said as he stood his ground. "What you used is Senka. As an officer in your division, I've studied your movements enough to predict how it works. As good as it is, your favorite technique can't beat me." he explained.
Byakuya reeled back, "You speak too much." he said.
Byakuya then prepared to release his shikai when he felt Zabimaru wrapping around him. With this sudden feeling of restraint, Byakuya was unable to completely release his shikai as Renji tightened his hold.
"Even before I joined the Gotei 13, I dreamed of surpassing you. Maybe I'm not stronger than you today, but I'm now stronger than you realize." Renji said before releasing his hold on Byakuya.
Byakuya really was not prepared for today as he didn't expect to see Renji use his shikai without calling it's name. Then what came next forced Byakuya to take his subordinate more seriously and fight seriously.
"Bankai! Hihio Zabimaru!" Renji cried out.
In an instant, a heavy amount of Reiatsu was released and Renji's zanpakuto transformed into a giant serpent skeleton with red hair. Byakuya raised an arm as he withstood the heavy pressure he felt from Renji.
"Captain Byakuya, today is the first step of me surpassing you!" Renji said as the giant serpent hissed at Byakuya.
The battle was great and much destruction was left behind in its wake. Renji put up a good fight against Byakuya, but he was right to know this wasn't going to be a victory. Especially an easy one despite forcing Byakuya to try harder. Renji revealed that his knowledge of Byakuya is what helped him in this fight.
Byakuya had eventually used his shikai which broke down his sword into fragments. Allowing them to fly into the sky and the reflection of light gave them the appearance of cherry petals. Unfortunately for Byakuya, Renji was prepared for that and was able to counter it with his bankai as each portion of his serpent could break apart and reconnect like blocks of legos. Which also became tricky as Byakuya realized that he couldn't just destroy the serpent. Still, Byakuya wasn't a captain for no reason and had plenty of abilities to use.
"Abarai, the wisest thing you have done today is admit your inevitable defeat. However, you could have done that without talking so much." Byakuya said.
"It doesn't matter, I'm still far from done." Renji replied.
"Carriage of thunder, bridge of a spinning wheel. With light, divide into six. Bakudo #61: Rikujokoro." Byakuya chanted, hitting Renji with six rods of light.
Renji groaned as he was hit by each blade and suddenly became unable to move. He struggled to break free and it allowed Byakuya to finish him off.
"I did not expect you to attain your bankai. Even so, you were not ready to use it. As a decade of training is required to fully master and control its movement." Byakuya explained.
Renji was about to argue when Byakuya seemingly had enough of hearing him speak. The shinigami captain raised his sword once more and prepared to finish off the stubborn redhead.
"Senbonzakura Kageyoshi." Byakuya said.
Moments later, the two were in some dark space in a hall and surrounded by two rows of tall swords coming from the ground. At that moment, Renji's entire body and clothing was destroyed with a barrage of slashes. Renji felt like he was going through a rusty blender with every hit that pierced his skin. Before eventually collapsing and hitting the ground, but staying conscious.
"You remind me of the tale of the monkey and the moon." Byakuya said.
As he made some metaphor about being the moon and Renji being unable to bite him. Byakuya noticed Renji could still move his right hand and began to drag himself up.
"You're still alive." Byakuya commented.
"Yeah, I'm not done yet and in a way. I'm not alone either." Renji said.
Before Byakuya could inquire, he saw the chariot of Achilles flying over him. Byakuya's eyes widened as he realized that the ryoka were closer to reaching Rukia. Meanwhile he was here, distracted by Renji's determination and bravado.
With Ichigo
Ichigo sheathed his zanpakuto and began chugging down a lot of water. Yoruichi looked impressed while Mash looked proud as always.
"Yoruichi-san, do you know where this 'Sokyoku Hill' is at?" Mash asked her.
"Yeah, we can get there fast. Faster if you think you can summon someone who has a flying vehicle like that green haired man." Yoruichi said.
Mash nodded but looked at Ichigo who took another minute to cool off.
"What do you say, senpai? Are you still energized enough to make a contract with another Rider?" she asked.
"I'm not at 100%, but we need to get to Rukia fast." Ichigo said.
Mash nodded, but before she could give Ichigo the container to summon another servant. A portal opened up and out came Fou.
"Fou!" he cried out.
"Fou! Where have you been!?" Mash asked.
"Fou! Fou! Fou!" Fou kept saying.
"What? What do you mean?" Mash asked.
"Fou! Fou, Fou Fou! Fou!" Fou exclaimed.
"If it's related to Rukia, tell him we already know. We're getting ready to leave." Ichigo said.
Fou then turned to Ichigo and jumped onto his shoulder. He then said his name a few more times before opening another portal.
"You know where the hill is?" Ichigo asked.
Fou gave an unsure look before nodding. Signifying that he didn't know the specific point but could likely pinpoint the estimated location. It must have been a different case for finding Ichigo and Mash since he was their companion. Regardless of the reason, the trio wasn't going to stand around any longer.
"A convenient little guy, aren't you?" Yoruichi asked Fou.
Right before everyone crossed the portal, Ichigo grabbed the container and generated another command seal.
"We might as well use one last heroic spirit. There's no telling how many guards there are this time." Ichigo said before summoning another heroic spirit.
Sokyoku HIll, a few minutes later
The protective guard in charge of Rukia's arrival had arrived without incident. Albeit, Ichimaru proved to be a nuisance that screamed that he was a potential danger. Namely, he offered to help Rukia escape and did his best to sound sincere. But then revealed that he was kidding just so Rukia could feel despair.
Which worked because Rukia had already given into her fate shortly before Ichimaru's arrival. Luckily for the guards, Rukia went back to being a quiet and obedient prisoner for the remainder of the escort. Although her despair still looked somewhat present.
Once at Sokyoku Hill, Rukia saw a few captains along with their lieutenants had arrived to witness this. Most likely to demonstrate that the Gotei 13 will not take her crime lightly and spread a message. However, she couldn't help but feel curious as to why a few captains were missing. Even they looked confused as to why some were not here.
"I understand a few captains are missing for obvious reasons, but this is such a small turn out." Soi Fon noted.
She noticed that not even Byakuya was here. Even if the Kuchiki clan head felt shame towards Rukia, it wasn't like him to decide not to show up. She understood that Mayuri was injured from what she heard, Zaraki isn't always the most reliable person to follow orders and Aizen is dead. So three squad captains being missing was something she could ignore, but so many others were missing.
For now, Soi Fon could not question it and watched as Yamamoto spoke and began the execution.
"As per the prisoner's final request. The ryoka will not be harmed and will be escorted out of the Seireitei and back to the world of the living." Yamamoto said.
Once again, Yamamoto wasn't the one to support execution as the punishment but he had a job to do. It was much worse to fight it and let Rukia run free then give other shinigami the reason to ignore their rules and regulations. At least that last request gave Rukia some comfort, but not a lot as a massive ring of fire surrounded her where she stood.
Moments later, Rukia's restraints were broken and her arms were spread into a T-pose. She then watched as she was surrounded by cubes and held up in the air. Where the Sokyoku was raised and began to release an enormous amount of reiatsu. Rukia winced as she saw the tool that would kill her come to life as more fire spread out.
It was so powerful that she could feel her flesh being burned despite how far she was. Then it became more terrifying once the Sokyoku had transformed into a phoenix and shrieked at her. Just as Rukia was prepared to face an agonizing death, it looked like fate decided to change it's mind.
"Ichigo!?" Rukia asked.
Rukia looked in front of her and saw Ichigo appear in a portal. Where he raised his zanpakuto and stopped the sokyoku with moderate difficulty at most. It annoyed her but she didn't show it, but deep down… she was glad.
"I told you I don't need to be saved. This is my decision. Go home!" Rukia demanded.
All the while the shinigami captains were in amazement and shock by Ichigo's feat. The sokyoku halbard is described to have the explosive power of a million zanpakuto and yet Ichigo stopped it with a single one.
The phoenix avatar that the sokyoku had taken screeched at Ichigo. Making the boy wince as it flew back and prepared to kill Rukia again. Only to stop as a cylinder-like object fell from the sky and hit the ground between it and Ichigo.
Moments later, Ukitake and his subordinates arrived with Kyoraku arriving moments later with the Shihoin Shield.
"Am I late?" Kyoraku asked.
"You took your time, Shunsui." Ukitake said.
Kyoraku smiled before the pair of captains threw a rope that was attached to the pillar and wrapped it around the throat of Sokyoku's phoenix avatar. The fiery bird screeched as Ukitake pulled a switch or level that was on the shield. Causing the rope to light up and cause the sokyoku to explode.
As it was destroyed, Ichigo took this as a chance to save Rukia. He quickly swung his zanpakuto around before getting a good idea of where to strike.
"Ichigo, what are you doing?" Rukia asked.
"I'm going to destroy the execution ground." Ichigo said.
Rukia had no idea how to respond as Ichigo decided to further surprise her. By literally destroying the hill with a single powerful strike. Shocking every captain that was present, at least most of them looked shocked. It was hard to read Yamamoto's face as he only had one eye open to see the spectacle.
But Byakuya was definitely shocked when he had finally arrived to see the destruction.
'I'm too late!' he thought.
He then watched as Ichigo grabbed Rukia and landed on top of the pillar that was mostly destroyed. That's when the chariot of Achilles came and started ramming through multiple lower level shinigami.
"Hey Achilles! I see you finally showed up! I actually expected Renji to be here first!" Ichigo called out.
Achilles snickered, "I would have been here, but we relied on a little kid for directions." he said.
"Good, how's your catch?" Ichigo asked.
"My catch? What do you mean? Are you asking…"
"He's going to throw Rukia." Uryu said.
"What!?" everyone in the chariot asked.
As predicted, Ichigo lifted up Rukia and threw her like a football. Rukia screamed as everyone got off of the chariot to catch her. Resulting in Rukia crashing into Chad who caught her with his arms.
"Are you okay?" Chad asked.
"Sure… thanks, Sado." Rukia said as she looked dazed.
"RUN!" Ichigo yelled.
Chad looked up with confusion.
"RUN! Get out of here!" Ichigo yelled.
Chad and the others suddenly noticed the Shinigami captains and their lieutenants and realized they were surrounded. Chad nodded and proceeded to lift Rukia over his shoulder before running away with some of the others.
"Medusa, you protect them. I'll hold them off!" Achilles said as he drew his spear.
Ana nodded and ran behind Orihime and the others.
"All lieutenants go after Kuchiki!" Soi-Fon ordered.
Omaeda shivered at how angry his captain sounded and ran after the group. With Isane and Saskibe running after them, soon being joined by Byakuya who chased after his adopted sister.
Achilles prepared to stand his ground when raised his shield to block the incoming impact. Quetzalcoatl had appeared and made a crater as she landed.
"Step aside, Ichigo's big sister is here and I want to see the Luchadores of the Soul Society." the Aztec goddess said as she raised her club.
"They're not luchadores, they're shinigami." Achilles said.
Quetzalcoatl ignored him and watched as the three lieutenants ran towards them. All three released their shikai to engage them. Only for Quetzalcoatl to rush at them with great speed, where she used her great strength to destroy Omaeda's zanpakuto and lift him over her body. Where she quickly slammed him into the ground painfully.
Sasakibe quickly thrusted his sword towards her but Quetzalcoatl dodged it easily. She then used the momentum of Sasakibe's strike to grab him and hold him upside down. Where she performed a pile driver and slammed his head through the ground. Leaving only Isane who looked shocked to see someone beat two lieutenants so easily. And she herself was not going to be spared.
"Your turn, Luchadora!" Quetzalcoatl said excitedly.
Isane swiped at Quetzalcoatl but she ducked underneath the strike and grabbed Isane by the legs. Where she proceeded to spin her around rapidly.
"But I'm not a Luchadora!" Isane cried out before being thrown into Omaeda who barely recovered.
Quetzalcoatl laughed but felt dissatisfied with the result of the lieutenants. She then watched as Byakuya appeared and tried to strike her with Senka. Only for Achilles to get in the way and block the strike with his shield.
"That's not nice, hitting people from behind. Are you just scared or do you not know how to fight?" Achilles asked, trying to goad him.
"You two are two loud." Byakuya said before jumping back.
"Achilles, take the others! This one is mine!" Ichigo said as he landed nearby.
Byakuya gazed at Ichigo uncaringly while Achilles and Quetzalcoatl respected Ichigo's request. By the end of the day, everyone is going to have one or more opponents in order to fight to escape the Seireitei.
Not realizing what dark forces have manipulated these events.
TO BE CONTINUED…