Chapter 55: The Rain

2 Years Ago, Karakura Town

The sun hangs high in the sky above Karakura Town as all is relatively tranquil. Birds chirp as they fly through the air, while cicadas buzz loudly, well hidden from the sight of humans. A girl with short, dirty blonde hair wearing a strawberry hairpin leads a group of three other individuals; a middle-aged man with a stubble beard and spiked-up black hair, an equally young girl with short black hair, and a teenage boy with spiky orange hair. The girl leading wears a smile as radiant as the sun as she looks back upon the others, her family, leading them into the middle of a grassy field with a basket in her hands.

The girl suddenly stops as she notices the others are further behind than she would like, causing her to frown slightly, calling to them, "Hurry up you three! We don't have all day! It's supposed to rain later!"

The black-haired girl scoffs as she holds a large blanket in her hands, "Yeah right, Yuzu. There's not a cloud in sight…"

Yuzu nods, "Exactly! The weatherman said it would rain later, so it's better to come out here now when there's not a cloud in sight."

The blonde girl shifts her gaze to the older man, "Can you help Karin set up the blanket, Dad?"

The man perks up and gives a salute, a dumb and comical smile on his face, "Yes ma'am!"

The orange-haired teen, Ichigo, rolls his eyes while Yuzu giggles in response to her father's antics, finding them endearing.

Meanwhile, her father, Isshin, cries comically as he helps Karin, "I can't believe my little Yuzu is all grown up! She must be ready to join the harem now!"

Karin hisses as she kicks Isshin hard in the shin, causing him to grunt in pain, "Don't get any sick ideas, pervy old man!"

Ichigo and Yuzu ignore their sister and father bantering, the former beginning to stare off distantly, lost in thought, "Dad's got a point though… Yuzu's growing up too fast…"

His eyes narrow sorrowfully, "It's because mom's not around… because of me—"

"Are you feeling alright, Ichigo?", a voice asks to the boy's side.

The teen turns and looks down slightly to match the worried look of his younger sister, automatically answering, "Y-yeah, I'm fine…"

Yuzu's brows scrunch slightly as she frowns, clearly detecting that he is not being upfront with her, "Are you sure? You're not lying to me again, are you…?"

Something about the way Yuzu is acting seems to trigger something in the boy, making him wear a deep scowl, "Stop worrying about me! I'm your older brother—I'm supposed to worry about and take care of you, not the other way around!"

An angered tick mark forms on the girl's head as she retorts, "If I left everything to you, nothing would get done around the house! We'd also end up spending too much money eating out because none of you can cook! Not to mention—"

"ALRIGHT! I get it! Can we just sit down and eat now?", Ichigo interrupts, not in the mood to hear the girl's nagging.

Yuzu softens her gaze at this, noting that Isshin and Karin have finished setting up, before sitting down on the blanket covering the ground. The rest of the family joins her as she places the basket in the middle of the blanket before opening it up and passing out the rice balls and sandwiches inside.

After everyone has time to consume the food, Yuzu shifts slightly and nervously asks, "S-so… how are they?"

Isshin smiles dumbly, tears in his eyes as he gives a wink and dramatic thumbs up, "PERFECT! Just like Mother used to make!"

Yuzu's eyes light up as Karin and Ichigo nod slightly, the former widening her eyes and commenting, "Yeah…! These are just about as good as Mom's were. You're a natural in the kitchen, sis…"

The blonde girl smiles and blushes lightly, sheepishly rubbing the back of her head as she states in modesty, "They're only rice balls and sandwiches… if I got them wrong, I don't think I could say I belong in any kitchen…"

Ichigo softens his gaze as he eyes the girl's innocent, honest smile, "Every day that passes, I see more of Mom in her… I just don't get it, though. How can she be so strong despite it all…? She goes to school, takes care of all of us, and has to deal with living without Mom, all while wearing that same, joyful smile…"

The teen looks down slightly, somewhat dejectedly as his family continues to mingle, "I shouldn't be surprised, though. Doing something like that is…"

He narrows his eyes as he looks upon Yuzu's wide, joyful smile, "…just like Mom…"

Present, Seireitei

The rain falls quietly unto the Seireitei, the sizzling and sounds of droplets hitting the ground the only thing to be heard. A multitude of people stand around with a mixture of negative expressions. Ukitake and Kyoraku look away in guilt and dejection, while Chad, Tsukishima, and Ginjo stand wide-eyed, too shocked to speak. On the other side of the battlefield, Sora, Nelliel, and Tatsuki retain shocked and heavily angered expressions, while Orihime and Riruka cry sorrowful tears, looking away as they cannot bear the sight. Kon, Yukio, and Uryu wear expressions of anguish, all frustrated at their current powerlessness. Nozomi and Hanataro look down in similar dejection to Ukitake and Kyroraku while Komamura and Yumichika close their eyes, a show of slight respect despite not caring about Yuzu on a personal level.

The rain continues to come down quietly, no one talking as Ichigo's widened, despairing eyes regard the ashes in the air before him, which, as far as he is concerned, are the only things left of his sister. The boy had failed once again—an instinctual realization that starts to set in on his despairing soul, breaking his will and causing his mind to go blank.

His mind begins to crack like glass, "…just like Mom…"

Lightning suddenly crackles onto the battlefield, illuminating the battered form of Yamamoto standing in the mud to the Hollow King's left. The Head Captain briefly wears a somewhat solemn look, suggesting for the first time since the battle began that he perhaps finds fault in his actions, at least a little bit. Yet, as the Head Captain, he never lets his personal feelings get in the way of his duty.

As such, Yamamoto hardens his expression before starting to look at Ichigo, the flames of his blade intensifying somewhat, "Now, you die—!"

Before the ancient Shinigami can fully get out his sentence, he is blasted by a crackling and unstable-looking blackened purple bolt—a Cero. Yamamoto stumbles, his body smoking somewhat before widening his eyes as White closes the distance between them and begins to savagely beat the Shinigami down with his bare fists. The Head Captain struggles to maintain his bearings under the Hollow's wrathful onslaught.

As White reels his fist back, he lets out a low growl and hand shifts it into a black blade, which ignites in blackened red flames. Yamamoto plants his feet on the ground, regaining his bearings before bringing his blade back up to meet the Hollow's, parrying it successfully. White growls as he suddenly grabs the captain by his beard, making him widen his eyes. In the next moment, the Hollow flips the legend through the air above his head and slams him head-first into the ground. Before Yamamoto can do anything to recover, White releases an eldritch-sounding primordial roar as he slams his still flaming, bladed right arm down at the captain, sending him crashing across the Seireitei along with the blackened Getsuga Tenshou. The attack crashes into a building, causing it to crumple and collapse on the captain as White tilts his head up, letting out an even more fierce, eldritch roar, which seems to echo with the thousands of souls comprising his being, howling in rage-filled sorrow.

Orihime places her hands over her ears as she continues to weep, unable to bear the sound. Many of the humans and Shinigami present likewise cover their ears while Sora and Nelliel stare at the scene with widened, shocked eyes. The howling pauses as White's body swells with power, causing the air around him to become extremely turbulent as he violently cocks his head toward where Yamamoto was sent, charging another crackling, blackened purple Cero between his horns—combining two different types of Ceros.

The Cero is released at insane speeds, colliding with the rubble in the distance before erupting in a massive explosion that releases a shockwave so intense that it alone knocks over previously untouched buildings and forces the Ryoka and Shinigami around him to brace themselves, so they don't get sent flying. As the blast dissipates, a pillar of flames erupts in the distance, burning the rubble to ashes as Yamamoto pants, narrowing his eyes as he matches his angry gaze with the Hollow. Both the Shinigami and the Hollow release battle cries as they re-engage, leaving all who spectate struggling to follow their movements.

Outside Central 46 Chambers

Aizen smirks evilly as the rain falls and he looks off in the distance from behind his glasses, eyeing the massive explosion caused by Ichigo's Cero, "Even now, he is progressing…"

The captain shifts a cold gaze down on the bloodied, limp, and unconscious form of Yoruichi on the ground before him, evidently having been struck down by his currently blood-stained blade.

His smirk widens as he then eyes an orb-like object held up to his face by his left hand, which seems to swirl with Reishi, "Finally… the Hogyoku is complete…"

Aizen then regards a pair of Shinigami approaching him—Isane and a heavily bruised and bandaged Unohana, "Captain Unohana, you don't look so good. Don't tell me you tried to fight that Hollow?"

Unohana narrows her eyes, not needing to ask who he is referring to as Isane yells in disbelief, "CAPTAIN AIZEN?! HOW CAN THIS BE?! YOU WERE KILLED BY THE HOLLOWS!"

The brown-haired Shinigami raises a brow as he wears a playful smirk, "Killed? Whatever could have given you that idea...?"

Unohana frowns, explaining, "Your vice-captain as well as well as two other vice-captains and their captains reported having seen your dead body before it was destroyed by the Hollow White…"

Aizen continues to wear his smirk as he reveals, "Oh, that? That wasn't my body."

Unohana and Isane widen their eyes slightly in confusion, the captain looking further shocked as she eyes the orb in Aizen's left palm, "Is that…?"

Aizen smirks knowingly as Unohana's pupils contract, a violent, angry expression now on her face, "How did you get that?"

The bi-speckled captain chuckles, stating darkly, "You might be surprised how quickly the councilmen of the Central 46 die… they are among the most influential people in the Soul Society, so quick to put a young girl to death just because the nobility said so. Yet when the blade came for their necks, they were completely and utterly helpless…"

Unohana snarls at the man, however, doesn't have the chance to do anything further as Aizen sighs, "While I would love to stick around and chat further, I'm afraid that time is of the essence."

True to his word, Aizen wastes no time in throwing up his right arm, sending a white, bandage-like cloth above his head, which then spirals around his body, wrapping him in it as he utters, "I highly doubt I'll see either of you again…"

The women both frown as the captain suddenly disappears, leaving no trace of him behind.

Unohana sighs, closing her eyes as she begins to approach the downed form of Yoruichi, "Isane…"

The taller woman flinches before nodding and bending down, using her Kido to start drawing a circle in preparation to deliver a message to the entire Soul Society.

White vs Yamamoto, Seireitei

Yamamoto staggers, struggling to properly parry the dual Getsugas that White just sent at him.

The Head Captain growls, narrowing his eyes as he regards the incoming Hollow, "I don't know how he's gotten so strong, but I can no longer afford to hold back…"

Yamamoto plants one of his feet into the mud, managing to find a semblance of better footing as his Reiatsu begins to rain down intensely, beginning to utter, "Bankai—"

At this exact moment, White instinctually knows he can't let the Head Captain activate his power, so faster than Yamamoto can even so much as get out another word, the Hollow distorts through the air, his Sonido so fast that it is barely detectable. A white, clawed hand then viciously chokes the captain around his throat, cutting him off, before a black blade is rammed through the legend's stomach, making his body spasm somewhat.

White's eyes narrow sadistically as he peers down at the Head Captain, who widens his eyes, knowing that what comes next cannot be good. The black blade begins to ignite with blackened flames as the Hollow prepares to end the living legend before him. Before he can release his Getsuga, however, two sets of dual blades suddenly appear to his left and right, their owners bringing them to slash vertically, chopping off both of White's arms. The Hollow immediately backpedals, retreating with Sonido, before hissing at the forms of Ukitake and Kyoraku, standing defensively in front of the Head Captain.

Yamamoto buckles before supporting himself with his blade and letting out a grunt as he chokes on blood, "What are you two doing…?"

Ukitake does not answer, continuing to have his back turned on the living legend, as Kyoraku tilts his hat, "Saving your life, that's what."

Yamamoto narrows his eyes at the duo before setting his gaze back on White, who quickly grows back both of his arms, bones and all. The Head Captain and his two students then suddenly widen their eyes, regarding something behind the Hollow. White notices this, his blades igniting with furious, blackened flames as he roars and turns around to attack the new arrival. What he finds, however, causes him to gasp and stop in his tracks.

Before him is the form of Isshin wearing a furious expression and with his Zanpakuto raised above his head. Still hesitating, White has no way to block the Zanpakuto, which is brought down vertically at him, slicing his mask.

The Hollow staggers backward as the mask explodes, leaving the usual horn and fragment of the right side of his face. Isshin slowly shifts his angered, blood-lusted gaze into one of despair as his eyes widen and mouth hangs open, realizing the Hollow's true identity. Ichigo continues to stagger backward, blinking and rubbing his head as his armor and other traces of his Resurreccion are absorbed into a black blade, held in his right hand.

Ichigo is still disoriented as he looks upon the Shinigami before him, absentmindedly asking, "D-Dad…?"

Isshin's body tenses, his face filled with dread as any flickering doubt of the Hollow's identity is promptly stomped out, "N-No…! I was… right…"

The black-haired Shinigami frowns, his expression becoming strained as his resolve wavers.

Yamamoto spits up more blood before calling out to the other Shinigami, urging, "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! KILL HIM!"

Isshin still wavers despite this, his momentary shock too great, leaving Yamamoto to follow up with a reminder, "That thing is no longer your son! If we do not kill him, countless more will die—"

"SHUT THE FUCK UP!", Ichigo snaps, with venom in his voice.

Both Isshin and Yamamoto flinch at this, not expecting the sudden outburst from the barely-standing Hollow.

Ichigo continues to rant with great anger, thinking about all that he has experienced thus far, "I'm no saint, but YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK ABOUT RIGHT AND WRONG! YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ME OR MY FAMILY, AND YET YOU KILLED MY LITTLE SISTER LIKE SHE WAS NOTHING!"

Isshin gasps as further despair sets in on his face. Ichigo finally falls to his knees, unable to support himself any longer in light of his exhaustion.

Despite this, the Hollow finds the energy to continue yelling, hot tears of despair streaming down his face as he punches the ground, "DAMNIT! If only I were stronger, I could've killed him long before he got to her!"

Yamamoto remains silent as Ichigo's yelling dies down, leaving only his frustrated, weeping form. Isshin looks around to find all of the Ryoka and Arrancars wearing solemn and dejected expressions, recognizing many of them as Ichigo's friends. His gaze shifts, finally resting on the downed form of Karin, buried under a pile of rubble, causing his eyes to widen.

Isshin then turns to Ichigo again, finding the teen clawing at the mud, continuing to cry as the rain falls on his back, "WHY?! Why couldn't it have been me instead…?! Yuzu didn't deserve this…!"

The former captain forces himself to remain steadfast at the moment, his lips pursing as he decides resolutely, "At least I can finally put Ichigo's soul to rest…"

Isshin begins to raise his blade again, alarming all of Ichigo's allies present as he appears ready to strike the Hollow down and thereby purify him. However, there is a sudden buzz in front of the Shinigami, making him widen his eyes as a blade is suddenly swung at his face, forcing him to backpedal and disappear with a flash before reappearing a short distance away, standing protectively in front of his remaining daughter.

This leaves everyone to stare in shock at the sudden appearance of Ulquiorra, whose robes look a bit cut up but otherwise appears more than ready to fight anyone who makes a move toward Ichigo's life. Sora and Nelliel suddenly appear with a buzz behind Ichigo with their blades drawn, staring down Ukitake, Kyoraku, and Yamamoto while leaving Tatsuki and Orihime, still a distance away, to flinch at their sudden movement.

The tension is intense, yet is suddenly cut off as the Shinigami present all hear a message from Isane through their minds, "Shinigami of the Gotei 13: Sosuke Aizen is alive and has admitted to slaughtering the entirety of the Central 46. Captain Unohana believes that he is also the one who let the Hollows into the Seireitei, now that the depths of his deception are plain to see. If any of you see him, treat him with great hostility and caution."

Yamamoto blinks before eyeing forms of Aizen, Gin, and Tosen, all of whom seemingly appeared out of thin air and stand confidently with the Hollows, "Treasonous brats…"

Komamura widens his eyes as he finds Tosen with Aizen, demanding, "What are you doing Kaname?! Aizen is a traitor!"

Tosen narrows his eyes, calmly confirming to his friend, "Then that makes me a traitor as well…"

The wolfman, now no longer giving the Ryoka any of his attention, growls at the man, "WHY DO THIS TOSEN?! WHAT OF YOUR FRIEND?! I THOUGHT YOU FOUGHT FOR JUSTICE!"

The blind man almost scoffs, the wolfman's words given the current situation being immensely ironic, "I am fighting for justice, Sajin! The Soul Society has become too deeply poisoned to save from the inside—it is only possible to make the world my friend dreamed of creating by tearing it out by the roots and planting new seeds, from which a new Soul Society free of prejudice will arise."

Komamura grits his teeth, unable to offer a proper response, "Kaname…"

Aizen smirks as he looks skyward, golden energy beginning to crackle within the clouds.

Above the Seireitei, Kukaku, standing on the back of the massive, falling form of Jidonbo, chants, "Sprinkled on the bones of the beast! Sharp tower, red crystal, steel ring. Move and become the wind, stop and become the calm. The sound of warring spears fills the empty castle! Hado Number 63, Raikoho!"

A massive bolt of golden energy strikes down at Aizen; however, the Shinigami easily blocks it with a hastily made Kido barrier.

Jidonbo lands on the ground next to Isshin, who looks up at the woman on his shoulder with a surprised expression, "Kukaku?!"

The woman gives a toothy smirk, "Didn't just think we'd sit back and not help out, did you?"

Isshin frowns, his eyes narrowing somewhat cartoonishly, "You know what? No, no I didn't. And you said we…?"

Before the woman can respond, a white-haired man in white armor appears to the Shinigami's right, adjusting his glasses, "I might have had to reschedule a few surgeries, but the situation certainly called for time off…"

Isshin blinks, thrown off, "Ryuken? You too…?"

The Quincy doctor sighs dejectedly, his expression strained and laced with guilt and frustration, "But it seems we're too late… aren't we…?"

The Shinigami looks down, an involuntary tear streaming down his face as he remains quiet, confirming the other man's suspicions.

Uryu, meanwhile, looks at his father in utter disbelief, never thinking he'd see him take to the battlefield, "R-RYUKEN?!"

Isshin then decides to add in a solemn tone, "It's bad, Ryuken. Not only is Yuzu… gone… but White is… he's… Ichigo…"

Ryuken narrows his eyes but says nothing as Isshin struggles to keep himself together, expecting that to be the case upon noticing that Yuzu is absent and looking upon the Hollow.

Kukaku, however, widens her eyes before setting her gaze upon the weeping Hollow in shock, "That's Ichigo?!"

Meanwhile, Aizen directs his gaze on the group of Visored Shinigami standing a distance to his side along with Chad and Ginjo.

Shinji smirks as he steps forward in front of the others, "So, finally showing your true colors, Sosuke?"

Yamamoto widens his eyes slightly in recognition of the Shinigami, "Shinji Hirako…?!"

Aizen returns the smirk, amused, "You didn't think I planned to bide my time forever, did you? I am more than ready to depart the Soul Society now that I have this."

The brown-haired Shinigami raises his left hand, allowing all present to see it.

Shinji and the other Visored all widen their eyes, knowing full well what the object is, "The Hogyoku!"

Aizen nods, a confident smirk on his face, "It took me longer than I would have liked, but it is completed…"

The visored now all wear dread-filled expressions as they know the implications of this are grim at best. At that moment, various other Shinigami suddenly arrive on the battlefield, including the confused forms of Shuhei and Izuru, along with Iba, Nanao, Soi Fon, Toshiro, and Rangiku.

The blonde woman looks at the smirking form of Gin with a strained expression, hurt by his evident betrayal, "Why help us only to do this…? You don't make sense…"

Gin notes Rangiku's sudden appearance, yet refuses to voice his thoughts, as if able to read her mind, "You don't have to understand me… so long as you are safe here and that I can…"

The silver-haired Shinigami sends a subtle death glare at Aizen, which the other Shinigami either completely misses or ignores.

Ukitake frowns angrily at Aizen, "You align yourself with the Menos… Why?"

Aizen stares blankly at the captain, answering, "To seek greater heights…"

The white-haired man grits his teeth, "Have you fallen, Aizen?"

The bi-speckled Shinigami scoffs as he then removes and discards his glasses and slicks back his hair, stating confidently, "Don't kid yourself, Ukitake. No one ever has stood atop the heavens before. Not you, I, or even the gods. But that vacancy ends now, for either I or someone more qualified will sit on that throne."

Aizen briefly eyes Ichigo as he says that last part, suggesting the young Hollow is heavily involved in his plans. Ukitake's frown only deepens at the other Shinigami's words, finding them as an ill omen.

Aizen directs his smirking face toward Yamamoto, proceeding to bash the living legend, "In any case, you are a fool, Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto. Had you utilized the full power of your Bankai right away, you would have been successful in slaying Ichigo Kurosaki. Yet, you not only foolishly underestimated his power despite knowing of his great potential but also fought him long enough that his power was able to grow and adapt to you. Quite the costly oversight if you ask me…"

Yamamoto snarls, gritting his teeth as he barks, "Do you think I am done, boy…?"

Aizen widens his eyes as Yamamoto gathers his hellfire around his body briefly, prompting Ukitake and Kyoraku to step back urgently.

Yamamoto then sends quick orange embers flying at the group of Hollows, which all strike Ichigo on his back, "Hinshi no Nokoribi (Dying Embers)!"

The brown-haired Shinigami calms slightly, seeing that the attack has not inflicted any damage, "Was that a joke—"

Aizen suddenly widens his eyes, an urgent expression on his face as Ichigo's body spasms without warning, and hellfire spews from his eyes, mouth, and ears. Nelliel, Ulquiorra, and Sora look in horror as they watch Ichigo's body begin to burn from the inside out.

Yamamoto pukes up blood before uttering with a slight chuckle as his Zanpakuto is forced back into its unsealed state, "That attack was the remainder of my power… it is my last resort—a curse inflicted onto my enemy that is guaranteed to kill at the expense of binding my Zanpakuto for a week…"

The Head Captain coldly regards the burning form of Ichigo, "The pup will die within the hour…"

The flames briefly subside, leaving Ichigo's body to fall forward slightly, being by Sora, who holds the younger Hollow's form in his arms.

The serpent Arrancar mournfully looks upon the currently unmoving form of Ichigo, which seemingly doesn't attempt to resist the hellfire given the blank look of acceptance upon his face, "Brother…? BROTHER!"

Sora's face becomes urgent, tears forming on the edges of his eyes, "YOU CAN'T DIE HERE! You were the first person to believe in us—that we Hollows can be more than just savage animals! We can't do that without your light to guide us! So please…"

The Arrancar shouts to the sky, "…FIGHT THIS, I KNOW YOU CAN!"

Nelliel and Ulquiorra wear similar urgent expressions, although the woman is far more emotional given her tears. Ichigo's friends on the sidelines all wear similar mournful expressions, most of all Orihime who still has tears running down her face, taking everything Sora had said to heart.

As if in an act of instinct, the auburn-haired girl bolts forward despite the potential of being attacked, causing Tatsuki to snap with a scowl and chase after, "Damn it, Orihime!"

No one attacks, however, as they are frozen in shock as a loud, distorted noise echoes through the Seireitei. Sora's tears pause as a Garganta tears open the space in the sky above as Orihime and Tatsuki close in, now up close to the Arrancars.

Iba and a group of other Shinigami look ready to pursue before Ukitake yells, "STOP!"

The Shinigami turn back in momentary confusion as a giant eye peers out from within the Garganta. A golden light suddenly rains down on the Arrancars and treasonous captains, accidentally capturing a now-stunned Orihime and Tatsuki within its shielding light.

Isshin clicks his tongue as he watches this, "Negaccion, huh…?"

As the group is lifted into the Garganta, Aizen narrows his eyes at the Shinigami below, muttering to himself, "This isn't over, Soul Society… we'll be back…"

The Garganta closes as the Shinigami finishes stating his promise, leaving those remaining to look up at the gray, cloudy sky, which continues to send droplets of water down on them.

Not missing a beat, Isshin, the Visored, remaining Ryoka, Toshiro, and Rangiku now turn their gazes on Yamamoto, out for blood. A begrudging Kyoraku and Ukitake stand with their mentor and Head Captain, along with Komamura and many of the newly arrived Shinigami. Clear lines have been drawn as the tension is immeasurable—a civil war threatening to break out at any moment.

Isshin, still standing defensively in front of his unconscious daughter, directs his blade at Yamamoto, "Your life is forfeit, old man!"

Yamamoto struggles to remain standing, robbed of his Shikai and the wound in his chest not getting any better, causing him to frown deeply, knowing he will lose. Before a fight can break out, however, heavy intense Reiatsu rains down on the battlefield, causing those present to either buckle or fall to the ground completely, leaving some to even lose consciousness.

Isshin and many others still standing look skyward with widened eyes, regarding a pillar that pierces the clouds. The pillar slams into the ground between the opposing factions, cutting them off from fighting each other.

Isshin blinks, eyeing the pillar with confusion as Yamamoto scowls, "Squad Zero…"

The man's words make essentially every Shinigami present freeze, knowing how serious the implications are. Isshin scowls as his expression plummets into one of nervousness, his previous bravado vanishing.

Kyoraku hums as his eyes narrow, "The Zero Squad, huh? There are only five of them, but each of them alone proves a match for even old man Yama… What could they possibly be doing here?"

Doors suddenly slide open at the bottom of the pillar as smoke is released from within, briefly clouding two forms that step out from behind the doors.

Shinji and Hiyori widen their eyes as they feel the Reiatsu of one of the individuals, the former muttering, "You've gotta be kidding…"

As the rain continues to fall, the smoke clears as well, revealing two Shinigami, each wearing a white Haori. The first is a rather plump woman with purple hair worn in a large, fluffy-looking bun and a giant spoon attached to a strap on her back. She wears a kind-looking smile, which is somewhat off-putting given the circumstances. The second individual is a black-haired man with quite the unique protruding hairstyle known as the pompadour, which is extreme in this man's case as his hair appears gelled up and sticking out far from his head. A small stick is held between his teeth, and he casually holds a large wooden stick that looks somewhat like a signpost over his back.

The man suddenly declares, "Alright, break it up, everyone! Anyone else who wants to fight will have to do so with the Zero Squad! Are there any takers?!"

Naturally, nobody is quick to take the man up on his offer, feeling the intense Reiatsu from the duo. The purple-haired Shinigami looks over the various individuals on the battlefield, letting her gaze rest intently on Nozomi and Kon.

She hums, her thoughts considering the pair, "I'd recognize Nozomi anywhere, but… who's that one…?"

Shinji and Hiyori, meanwhile, furrow their brows, the former regarding the plump woman, "You've gotta be kidding me… is that really you, Kirio?"

The plump woman chuckles heartily as turns and points at herself, "What are you talking about, Shinji? Of course, it's me!"

The Visored sweat drops, "Well, I mean… you… look different…"

Kensei grunts from behind the blonde man, „That's putting it mildly…"

The woman continues chuckling, waving her hand, "Oh Shinji! I've hardly changed at all! In any case, it's about time for dinner, isn't it?"

Hiyori has a shining look in her eyes, asking, "Wait… are you really gonna cook dinner for us, Captain Hikifune?"

The woman smiles at the young girl, answering, "Well, I'm not a captain anymore, but maybe I will cook if there is time left…"

The blonde girl scrunches her brows, "What do you mean…?"

Hikifune looks at her companion, "Tenjiro?"

The man, Tenjiro Kirinji, lets out a deep sigh before looking upon Yamamoto in disappointment, "So, Head Captain, why is it that you've once again let some upstart Hollow wreak such death and destruction upon the Seireitei? It's starting to become a trend…"

The Head Captain scowls at the man but doesn't defend himself.

Nanao, however, adjusts her glasses, muttering, "Easy for you to say… you arrived right after the fighting ended…"

Kirinji then decides to get to the point, regarding the group as a whole as he asserts, "Listen everyone! We're not here to help you with this Hollow problem, nor to aid in rebuilding! Protecting the Seireitei isn't the duty of Squad Zero, anyway—it belongs to the Gotei 13!"

He then suddenly points at the unconscious form of Karin, still behind Isshin, "We are only here because the Soul King is interested in Karin Shiba! She'll be coming with us to the Soul Palace!"

Isshin and a multitude of captains present widen their eyes urgently, completely thrown off guard.

The Shiba man gasps, his dread immeasurable, "T-The Soul King…?!"

In the next moment, Isshin's lips scrunch into a frown as he looks ready to protest.

Yet, he is not given the chance as a young voice calls from the side, "When you say that you really mean that the Monk is interested in her, don't you?"

Kirinji widens his eyes slightly before looking to his side to find the form of Katsumi, now garbed in a tan, traditional Gi and wearing a golden hairpiece. She also wears her signature purple scarf and floral hanafuda earring. Flanking the girl are Tokinada and Seinosuke.

Hanataro eyes the other healer nervously, "B-Brother…?"

Seinosuke seems to ignore him as Isshin sends a death glare at Tokinada, muttering coldly, "Tsunayashiro..."

Kirinji narrows his eyes as he looks upon the noble girl, grunting upon recognizing the style of her clothing and crest on her hairpiece, "Your tongue seems to flap quite freely, little Tsunayashiro... you ought to be careful or it'll be cut from your head..."

Katsumi doesn't waver, her gaze resolute, "You will not lay a finger on anyone from the Shiba Clan. They are under my protection now. Do so at your own peril, Shinigami."

Isshin and practically everyone else present widen their eyes, not expecting such a declaration from a Tsunayashiro of all people.

Kirinji growls lowly, "You think you're a big shot now just because the rest of your clan died, leaving you to inherit the position of Clan Head? Please, you're just a little girl unfit for such a role..."

Kastumi frowns deeply, looking somewhat shaken by this as she balls her hand into a fist but otherwise remains stoic.

Yamamoto does not, shouting in shock, "…WHAT?!"

His shock is spread across the forms of many other Shinigami, including Isshin, Toshiro, and Rangiku, as they were just now made aware of that information in light of the other chaos. Tokinada smirks viciously as he then steps up, causing Kyoraku and Ukitake to narrow their eyes at him, already having come to their own conclusions about how the clan members were killed off.

Kirinji frowns, eying Tokinada place his hand on the hilt of his blade, recognizing the blade as the nobleman continues to smirk, "Are you sure you want to waste your energy fighting the nobility? Do not forget that every moment you spend down here is one more that the Soul King is that much more vulnerable…"

Kirinji continues to frown, looking ready to retort again but stops himself as Hikifune taps him on the shoulder. He then leans over as the woman whispers something into his ear before he nods and regards the group once more, submitting, "We will back down under two conditions—the first being that you can ensure without a doubt that Karin Shiba will not act against the interests of the Soul King—that she will remain aligned with the Shinigami."

Isshin snaps, "I will not allow you to bargain over my daughter!"

Kirinji shrugs as he looks at the Shiba man, "Too bad… you don't have the privilege to say anything about this..."

Isshin fumes, looking rightly pissed and ready to leap at the Squad Zero member despite knowing he'd likely lose in a fight.

Katsumi then nods, accepting that term as she continues with a question, "And what is the second term?"

Kirinji answers, his eyes narrowing, "That we will remain down here in the Seireitei until it is clear that the first condition has been met."

Arena Above Canopy, Las Noches, Hueco Mundo

As the moon of Hueco Mundo shines down on Las Noches, a Garganta violently tears open the space above the canopy, allowing the group of Arrancars, along with the humans and Shinigami, to return to Las Noches once more. Wonderweiss and Hooler have urgent looks in their eyes as they see the despair and shock on Sora's face, along with the charred, screaming, and dying form of Ichigo who he carries in his arms. From a hallway leading to the arena, the form of a girl with short black hair and half a skull mask on the left side of her face rushes out. She is quickly followed by a large tiger Adjucha and two feminine, bug-like Adjuchas, who all gasp in shock at the sight of their leader's state. Flames suddenly spew from Ichigo's mouth and eyes as his body lurches in pain, Yamamoto's hellfire continuing to work to kill him, causing everyone's expressions to become much more urgent.

Before Roka can get out a word, Ggio hisses at Aizen, "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO LORD WHITE, SHINIGAMI?!"

Aizen narrows his eyes at the tiger slightly, calmly explaining, albeit with a sliver of urgency, "I am about to help save his life."

Ggio flinches under the ex-captain's gaze as the man turns to Roka now, "I assume Szayelaporro has already prepared his lab for surgery?"

The spider girl nods as she turns, beckoning the group to follow, "Everyone else will meet us there. Now, we must hurry if we have a chance of saving him!"

The group does as requested, leaving the still dumbfounded forms of Hooler and Wonderweiss behind with Tosen, who seemingly chooses to remain with the pair.

Roka's eyes narrow as her expression becomes strained, "The thread connecting us was suddenly burnt to nothing!"

She closes her eyes, a sorrowful frown gracing her features, "I could feel the anguish Lord Ichigo felt as his sister…"

The artificial Arrancar purses her lips, continuing to lead the group towards Szayel's lab. Orihime and Tatsuki remain between Sora and Nelliel as the group makes haste, shielding them from the curious and perhaps accusing glares of the twin, bug-like Adjuchas behind them.

As the group approaches Szayel's lab, they can see the hallway outside crowded with various familiar faces. Stark, Lilynette, Ashido, Halibel, Sung-Sun, Mila Rose, and Apacci look upon the group with widened, shocked eyes, unable to properly comment due to not expecting to ever see Ichigo in such a state. Nnoitora, Zommari, Dordoni, Cirucci, and Gantenbainne all wear similar looks of bafflement, albeit with a curious glimmer in their eyes as they note the Shinigami and humans behind Sora.

Barragan, meanwhile, stands in silence as Szayel approaches the group with a slight smile, "I couldn't believe it when I heard that Lord White had been reduced to such a state, yet here he is. I do say I'm thrilled to have the chance to operate on him…"

Nelliel, as well as many others present, send the scientist death glares as the woman hisses, "You will do no such thing! Roka will heal him! You're just here in case we need you to help us use something in the lab."

Szayelaporro smirks as he opens the doors to his lab, "Even so…"

Sora is about to enter but pauses as Roka shifts uncomfortably, starting, "Well, actually…"

Everyone turns to face the Arrancar, curious as to what she has to say, "…I already tried that. My threads… they don't work."

Nearly all present widen their eyes in shock and dread, except Szayel, who narrows his and scowls, "What do you mean?! You are supposed to be able to heal any wound! Are you telling me you are no longer capable of healing others?!"

Roka frowns and shakes her head, clarifying, "It's not that, it's the flames. The Head Captain's Reiatsu has completely poisoned Lord Ichigo's body, so whenever I try to reattach my threads, they are burnt away… Yamamoto's presence is simply too powerful for me…"

The girl looks down slightly in dejection, causing many of the others to do likewise. The hallway is silent as nearly everyone present is beginning to mourn Ichigo, as his current situation seems unfixable.

All maintain these mournful looks, except a girl with auburn hair, whose eyes harden with resolve, "I'll do it."

Roka widens her eyes as she looks upon Orihime, many others acting likewise as she restates, placing a hand earnestly on her chest, "I will heal Ichigo's wounds."

Sora looks upon his sister with distant, widened eyes, "Orihime…"

Both Aizen and Halibel narrow their eyes slightly at this, eyeing the auburn-haired girl curiously, albeit for different reasons.

Suddenly, Nnoitora growls, "IS THIS A JOKE?! You're to lead me to believe that we're depending on the good graces of humans to help us?!"

Nelliel snarls, sending the other Espada a scornful look, "Hold your tongue, Nnoitora! They are no ordinary humans—they are Ichigo's friends!"

The much taller Arrancar snorts before looking away as Zommari follows up, "Even so, humans don't belong in Hueco Mundo, and quite honestly, I don't like the idea of them freely laying their hands on our King…"

Dordoni nods in agreement, sending Nelliel a slight look of apology, "Ci! A Hollow has their pride as a warrior to think about. How is Lord White supposed to feel when he learns that this weak little Niña we've never met before with the life of our King?"

Some of the other Arrancars agree with Dordoni's words, not wanting Ichigo's pride to potentially be sullied. Stark sighs deeply as he takes in Orihime's features, feeling out her power.

His eyes widen as he feels Orihime's Reiatsu while his counterpart, Lilynette, snaps, "WHO CARES ABOUT STUDID PRIDE?! ICHIGO IS DYING!"

As if prompted, Ichigo's body buckles again as fire spews from his mouth and eyes, causing Sora to stumble in shock at the sudden onslaught. The Hollow King's skin is charred dark red and black in places, clear signs that his body is burning from the inside out.

All of the Hollows stare at the scene in muted horror as Ashido wears a scowl, sickened by the carnal, blood-lusted remnants of Yamamoto's Reiatsu. The Shinigami truly begins to realize just how twisted the people who once served are.

Barragan suddenly barks as his Reiatsu leaks out, forcing any of the objecting Hollows to stand down, "ENOUGH OF THIS FARCE! NO MATTER WHAT WE MUST DO, LAS NOCHES WILL NOT LOSE ITS NEW KING!"

Sora sends the skeletal Vasto Lorde a look of slight appreciation before entering the lab alongside Roka, Szayel, and Orihime. The serpent Arrancar finally lays his friend's still-spasming body onto an operation table in the middle of the room.

Ichigo suddenly lurches his hand upwards, clawing at something desperately despite the pain, screaming, "Y-YUZU!"

Everyone eyes the boy in interest, sorrow, or shock upon hearing his now seemingly coherent screams, which continue to cry for his sister.

Tears stream down Orihime's face uncontrollably as she chokes up, somewhat hesitant before she clutches onto the teen's hand, not caring that it crushes her own hand as he calms slightly.

The auburn-haired girl weeps, "I'm so sorry Ichigo… all I can do is make sure you don't die too…!"

Roka, Sora, Nelliel, and Tatsuki all look down dejectedly, knowing full well whose name Ichigo was crying and why as everyone else either doesn't react or is confused about it.

Orihime then closes her eyes and focuses, chanting, "Soten Kishun, I reject!"

The girl's shield of light forms above Ichigo, beginning to undo some of his surface wounds. Szayel widens his eyes in interest as he watches this, utterly fascinated by the girl's power.

Aizen stares at this in similar interest before he begins to enter the room as well. However, he pauses as a giant, black axe is held in front of him, barring his path.

The Shinigami looks upon the former Hollow King questioningly, "What do you think you're doing, Barragan?"

Despite the sense of warning in the man's tone, the ancient Hollow does not waver as he retorts, "I could ask you the same thing, Aizen… what are you planning to do with the King?"

Aizen almost snorts, finding humor in the Vasto Lorde's words, "How quick you are to accept the boy as your leader while all I received were your scornful death glares…"

Barragan growls in agitation, "A Shinigami has no business being the ruler of Hueco Mundo! In any case, that is exactly why I question you! Why save the young King if you want to rule Hueco Mundo?"

Aizen smirks widely, confusing the old Hollow slightly as he listens, "I never wanted to be merely the King of Hueco Mundo. I have my sights set elsewhere… as for the boy…"

The captain's smirk falls as his eyes soften, his expression containing a hint of genuine care, which further throws Barragan off, "I have watched him grow from the day he was born into what he has become now. I must say, he has thus far exceeded all of my expectations, even if he lost to Yamamoto… as it stands, he is still far from reaching his full potential. To see his life end now would be nothing short of a tragedy of the highest degree. I'm sure you all can agree with that."

No one speaks against Aizen's words, although Gin widens his eyes slightly as he looks upon the other Shinigami's face, "That expression… I've never seen him wear one like that before. Don't tell me he actually cares about the kid?"

Barragan continues to hold his axe before Aizen, not budging as he concludes, "You want to use him for something, then…"

Aizen's softened gaze leaves, his expression shifting to his usual, confident smirk, "You know me too well."

The former Hollow King grunts as he retracts his axe and backs off, "Fine, then. Feel free to aide them."

The ex-captain raises a brow, "You don't even want to know what my plans are?"

Barragan carelessly waves his hand, "It doesn't matter. Once White has been healed, he'll kill you if you try bending him to your will. It's as simple as that."

Aizen turns and walks into the lab, muttering as he does, "Duly noted."

The Shinigami pauses suddenly as he turns and begins to close the doors, regarding the group in the hallway, "It will be better if he is not swarmed when he wakes up. The next time these doors open, you all will have your King back."

Aizen shuts the doors before anyone can object, permitting no argument. Tatsuki's gaze is then full of concern as she regards the doors before suddenly shifting to a somewhat nervous and uncomfortable one as she notices all of the Hollows around her seemingly peering into her soul.

Nelliel seems to notice this so, despite her current feelings of lamentation, smiles energetically as she suddenly wraps an arm around the karate girl's shoulder, attempting to lighten the mood, "So this here is Tatsuki! She's one of Ichigo's best friends from when he was alive! And to clear up any confusion, she is not weak! In fact, I'd say she's about as strong as an Espada!"

Everyone widens their eyes at this, Nnoitora being the first to snap, "WHAT?! You can't be serious! She's just a little girl, she can't be strong!"

An angry tick mark forms on Tatsuki's head as she raises a fist at the Arrancar, "OH YEAH?! WELL, WE CAN TAKE THIS OUT BACK, BUDDY!"

Nnoitora smirks viciously, grabbing the large blade on his back, "Is that right? Well, don't blame me if I accidentally tear you apart!"

Barragan roars, prompting Tatsuki and Nnoitora to back off, "THERE WILL BE NO FIGHTING WITHIN THE PALACE!"

The former King then sighs as he places a skeletal hand on his skull, shaking his head, "We've hardly even started rebuilding from the last battles…"

Dordoni laughs heartily, "I like this Niña! She shows strength!"

Cirucci smirks, agreeing with the man, "Anyone who refuses to put up with Nnoitora's shit is ok in my book."

Gantenbainne merely nods in agreement, alongside many others.

Ggio suddenly bows politely before the karate girl, causing her eyes to widen in confusion as he declares, "It is an honor to meet such a close friend to My Lord! If ever you need anything, tell me and I will lay down my very life if necessary!"

The tiger sends Loly and Menoly a death glare of warning, prompting Menoly to chime in first, "S-same here! A friend of Master Ichigo is a friend of mine!"

Loly meanwhile huffs, looking away slightly, "Yeah, whatever. Just don't expect me to kiss your ass like these chumps!"

Ggio looks ready to pounce on the centipede Adjucha but stops as Tatsuki waves her hands, baffled, "N-NO! I can't ask you to lay down your lives for me! We just met!"

The tiger's eyes widen as a figurative lightbulb goes off, "That's right! Where are my manners?! I am Ggio Vega, honored retainer of His Majesty, White!"

Ggio pauses before adding with vigor, "Now, I shall swear to lay down my life—"

"NO!", Tatsuki hisses again, beginning to get annoyed by the tiger's behavior.

As the banter continues and the Hollows become acquainted with the karate girl, Stark suddenly drops to the ground, closing his eyes as he begins to doze off.

Lilynette hisses at him, "STARK, BE SOCIAL!"

The man waves his hand carelessly, "Not really my thing… I'd rather just nap in good company…"

The girl huffs, stomping off, "Fine, suit yourself! But I'm going to go talk with her!"

Stark opens one of his eyes, noting Ashido begin to approach Gin to his side, remaining attentive as ever despite his lazy façade.

Gin raises his brows, maintaining his usual smile as he regards the other Shinigami, "Now this is a surprise! I didn't know there were other Shinigami in Hueco Mundo!"

Ashido scowls deeply, regarding the former captain with disdain, "Neither did I… Zommari filled me in on what you and your Lord Aizen have been up to. What drove you to betray the Soul Society like this?"

Gin raises an amused brow, countering, "You surround yourself with Hollows, not as subordinates, but as friends and you ask me about my betrayal?"

The former vice-captain scoffs, "I know that I am on the correct path for me. I have been gone for too long and in light of what has happened, I highly doubt there would be a place for me to do any good in the Soul Society anymore. You and that Aizen are different though, both being captains. Did you not think of possibly making a difference from within?"

Gin stares blankly at the older, more passionate Shinigami for a moment, allowing himself time to formulate an answer.

After another moment, Gin shrugs coldly, "I don't really care about any of that. I simply betrayed the Soul Society because I thought it'd be fun!"

Ashido narrows his eyes in disgust, "You make me sick…"

Gin watches Ashido turn and walk back over toward the sleeping form of Stark. The former captain opens his eyes slightly, a far more serious and distant look on his face as he considers his true motives. Given the volume of the banter, the entire exchange between the Shinigami was either missed or ignored by all but Stark, who sighs slowly, knowing things will get much more interesting around here.

The group's banter begins to die down, leaving the group in the hallway to once more look worried, particularly Ggio, Lilynette, Tatsuki, Loly, and Menoly.

Halibel and her group maintain a bit of a distance as the shark Vasto Lorde eyes the karate girl intently, "So she is one of the King's friends…? She was with Sora's sister too… Speaking of which…"

The female Hollow narrows her green eyes as she looks at the door to the lab, "…I wonder if she can truly heal those wounds… not even Barragan's Respira had such an effect on him."

Ulquiorra also eyes the door quietly, his eyes quite distant, "Ichigo…"

Within Szayel's Lab

Szayel and Roka observe Aizen and Orihime healing Ichigo with their respective Kaido and Fullbring. Aizen looks to his left at Orihime's healing shield with great interest, intrigued by the girl's power. Meanwhile, the female Arrancar has noticeable worry in her eyes, wearing a strained expression as her golden threads travel through the air toward the auburn-haired girl, evidently in an effort to help heal her.

Indeed, Orihime breathes heavy, haggard breaths as she maintains her shield and blood begins to seep from her eyes, a clear sign of over-exertion. She is barely managing to keep up with the rate at which Yamamoto's flames seem to eat away at Ichigo's insides at this point, her body well and truly reaching its limits.

This causes Sora, standing at the table across from her, to soften his eyes in worry, continuously opening his mouth to say something before pursing his lips, conflicted as he looks between Ichigo, who he considers as a brother in his afterlife, and Orihime, his sister who he raised by himself in his previous life in the living world. The flames underneath the shield spurt forth, crashing against the shield with great intensity as Yamamoto's curse seems to adapt to Orihime's power, beginning to engage it in a clash of Reiatsu.

The girl spasms slightly as blood begins to seep from her mouth and ears too, yet resolutely attempts to stand her ground, her eyes narrowing, "N-no! I won't let him die! NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES!"

Aizen widens his eyes as he opens his left hand, finding the Hogyoku in his palm light up for the first time since being completed, and begin to crawl across his hand toward Orihime.

He looks upon the girl with a shocked and puzzled look, "Could it be… is the Hogyoku reacting to this girl's sheer force of will to save her friend?! I wasn't expecting it to awaken properly for at least another few months!"

In the next moment, the flames spike in intensity, shattering Orihime's shield and sending both her and Sora crashing to opposite sides of the room as Aizen raises his left arm to shield himself from the flames. Ichigo's screams intensify at this as his body spasms uncontrollably, beginning to become disfigured again due to the hellfire. It's at this point that Roka, too, falls to her knees in exhaustion, showing just how much the human girl was pushing herself.

Szayel's expression is urgent as the Reiatsu from the flames continues to rain down, "L-LORD AIZEN, WE NEED TO CONTAIN HIM BEFORE HE EXPLODES AND TAKES US ALL WITH HIM!"

Aizen shifts to a slight smirk as he eyes the hunched-over form of Orihime on the floor, bleeding from multiple locations, "Calm yourself, Szayelaporro. We have nothing to worry about."

The pink-haired Arrancar's mouth hangs open as he looks at Aizen like he is an idiot, too baffled to form a coherent response. Aizen maintains his smirk as he stops in front of Orihime, the flaming Reiatsu behind him continuing to eat away at Ichigo.

Sora gets up from across the room, spotting Aizen, blinking as his vision is fuzzy, "W-What's he doing…?"

Orihime, quickly starting to lose consciousness, tilts her head upward, the pupils leaving her brown eyes as Aizen speaks to her, holding the Hogyoku in front of her, "I suggest you try using this to save your friend, girl. If you don't, all of us will die."

The girl cannot hear the captain; however, she looks upon the Hogyoku with instinctual interest, beginning to lift her hand toward it. Her hazy thoughts come in blurbs, knowing instinctually there is no coming back from this.

"…that thing… from earlier… it will change me…"

Aizen gives a rather cruel word of warning, knowing full well the girl is not in her right mind to make sound decisions, "If you use the Hogyoku, you will not be a normal human girl anymore. I'm not sure exactly what will happen, but I can assure you that your chances of living a normal life will plummet to near zero. The Soul Society would hunt you down and kill you without mercy."

Orihime is able to catch bits and pieces of this, able to get the Shinigami's general meaning. All the same, she recalls the form of Yuzu from earlier and how the girl vanished into the flames, presumably turning into nothing but ashes. She also considers the words of her brother Sora in the same moment, and Ichigo who stood by him.

"He saved my brother, while I failed to save his sister…"

The girl's hand inches closer to the Hogyoku, all hesitation, if there were any, leaving her as she further considers Karin and Isshin.

"He has to live… to at least see them again…! No matter what it takes! I WON'T LET HIM DIE!"

As the girl clutches the Hogyoku, time itself seems to stop, and everything around her stands still. Her body momentarily splits into two bodies, connected by a chain on their chests, representing her physical and spiritual bodies. The Hogyoku sparks brightly, illuminating the air as it floats in the middle of the chain, beginning to pull the chains and bodies toward it. The chain glows as Orihime's two bodies rotate in a vortex around the Hogyoku before they are reduced to Reishi along with the chain. The Reishi condenses and reforms at the center of the Hogyoku, as Orihime's form reappears with her eyes closed, holding the eldritch item in her right hand.

The girl opens her eyes, which lack pupils and shine gold, the Hogyoku and her hairpins acting likewise as they resonate with each other. Time returns to normal at that moment, leaving Aizen to suddenly widen his eyes at the girl's new appearance, backing away and stepping to the side. Sora, Szayel, and Roka all stare in wide-eyed, muted silence at the girl as well, watching her raise her hands before her to form a triangle with the Hogyoku in the dead center.

She regards the flames before her before uttering, "I reject… your right to exist!"

The entire room shines gold as Orihime's new, transcendent shield smothers the flames, not so much putting them out, but causing them to disappear on the spot. Following this, the scorch marks that litter Ichigo's body disappear as he calms somewhat, the screaming stopping. Orihime slowly walks over to the table where Ichigo lays, finding him clawing at the air once more despite having lost consciousness, his instincts still screaming at him to continue fighting in Yuzu's name.

Orihime grabs Ichigo's hand gently as she places her other hand on his forehead, working to calm him with her soothing words as well, "The battle is over… you can rest now Ichigo…"

Ichigo slowly falls limp on the table, letting his exhaustion set in and his body heal as Orihime closes her golden eyes, her hairpins returning to her head. A moment later, the glowing disappears entirely as she too falls limp, leaving her lying on the Hollow's chest, losing consciousness. Soon after, as the Hogyoku falls to the floor, Barragan, Tatsuki, and everyone else storms through the doors.

The former Hollow King barks demandingly, "WHAT WAS THAT REIATSU JUST NOW?!"

Aizen retrieves the Hogyoku from the floor before sending the former King and the rest a satisfied look, watching them all look at Ichigo in relief. Sora, Roka, and Szayel, meanwhile, still stare upon Orihime in complete and utter bafflement, believing that they had just seen a Goddess of some sort before them.

Aizen's smirk widens, deciding to ignore Barragan's question after sending a brief look at Orihime, "As you can see, King White has been healed."

Many of those present begin to celebrate, leaving Aizen, still with a satisfied face, to begin walking out of the room, holding tightly on the now powered-down Hogyoku, "So you don't just work on Hollows and Shinigami… The power of a human fully fused with her Soul—perhaps a possible answer to the problem of unlocking immortality...? How fascinating… still… rather picky, aren't you, my Hogyoku…? No matter, I'm sure you'll react to me as well in time…"

Barragan, quick to shrug off Aizen ignoring his question, barks at everyone, "King White has been healed! But he needs his rest. Everyone, vacate the room or you will have to answer to me!"

The Hollows all sigh in disappointment, wanting to converse with Ichigo as soon as he gets better, yet not wanting to face Barragan's wrath as they leave the room one by one. Tatsuki and Nelliel approach Sora, cocking their heads as they regard him, still staring distantly with widened eyes at Orihime.

The karate girl is the first to speak, urging the man, "You heard him… we ought to let them both get some rest."

Sora snaps out of his trance before shaking his head, "No… I think I'd better stay in case something happens…"

Tatsuki blinks, thinking about this for a moment before responding, "Fair enough. Nel and I are going to find Orihime and I some new clothes…"

Sora nods as he watches the girl leave the room with the Espada before setting a worried look on Ichigo and Orihime again.

As Aizen continues down the hallway, Gin joins his side, remarking as he looks upon the man, "You're looking happier than I've ever seen you, Captain Aizen!"

The Shinigami in question perks up slightly before regarding his silver-haired companion with a wide smile, "Well, that's because I just made what you could call a breakthrough…"

Gin cocks his head in mild confusion, having no idea that Reiatsu was brought forth due to the Hogyoku.

Aizen's smirk widens even further as his eyes narrow, "That power of yours was interesting to begin with… with this, however, I now wish to see your full potential as well, Orihime Inoue…"

Author's Note:

Just one more chapter left before this arc is officially at a close! Anyway, onto the chapter notes:

Chapter Notes:

Ichigo, in his rage, had handed things over to White subconsciously, allowing his raw, latent potential to pour out uncontrollably and completely overwhelm Yamamoto. I will note and stress that Ichigo CAN NOT use this level of power normally, it required the exact setup and situation he was in to trigger him into being able to tap into it. What I mean is, that he only got this due to an overwhelmingly strong emotional rage boost as he believed that Yuzu just died. Again, everyone thinks Yuzu is actually dead.

Two out of five of Squad Zero have arrived! The situation in the Soul Society has seemingly de-escalated (for now, anyway). To clarify, their interest in Karin is two-fold. First, there's the fact that she awakened her true Shikai this early in the story, making her potential and power evident to them. Anyway, that leads me to the next reason Squad Zero is interested in her: her allegiance. Think about it, seeing someone with such potential who knows a great deal about the Soul Society already questioning her loyalties is something that would undoubtedly warrant Ichibei's attention. Ichigo was never a problem in this sense as he saw the Soul Society as his allies, but in this story, it is completely different with Karin. Squad Zero, in my mind, would absolutely act to ensure Karin is with them or get rid of her before she grows too strong for them to deal with easily. Besides which, they'll want someone to counter Ichigo and/or Aizen when they return, presumably stronger than Yamamoto this time.

Side note: Karin was able to unlock true Shikai because Isshin already told her everything, so she has a complete understanding of what her powers are. Further, her relationship with her Zanpakutos, while not being ideal, is WAY better than Ichigo's was for the majority of Bleach.

Orihime is a well of untapped potential that is normally restricted by her being a normal human… but with the Hogyoku, that changes things. With that, I'm picking up an altered version of the Orihime and Hogyoku plot point that Kubo dropped for some reason. Seriously, Orihime made a point of wanting to destroy the Hogyoku in canon, yet nothing of the sort happened nor was attempted (unless she kills Aizen in future Bleach chapters, that would be wild). In any case, she got her powers because of the Hogyoku, so having it be naturally more responsive to her makes sense, I think. Also, Orihime's strength of will and resilience is quite high, especially when it comes to taking care of the people she cares about, so having a trained version of her in the situation in this chapter should be enough to warrant a response from the Hogyoku. Lastly, as I said before, I want to do Ichigo x Orihime in this story and I think that the end of this chapter will work to make it make sense in the long run.

The next chapter will definitely be out within the month. It would be earlier, but I'd like to make some additions and revisions to earlier chapters that I think will help out the story in the long run before I do. The next chapter will reveal what's going on with Yuzu…