Chapter 33 - Price of Innocence
Elemental Nations - Shinobi Alliance
"Mito." Hashirama said, slowly cracking his neck as he lifted his head out of his palms. He was seated in the command tent, leaning over his desk. His wife and brother stood stoically by his side.
"Hmm?" She sidled up beside him, gently massaging the tension from his neck. Hashirama sighed in relief, leaning back into her warm hands.
Laid neatly before him was his battle armor. The newly polished, red plates glimmered in the wan light of dusk. He locked eyes with that of his reflection; warped as it was by the curvature of the metal. Normally it was Hiruzen who prepared his armor, but Mito insisted, this time. She had taken twice as long to do barely as good of a job as his young student, but it was the intent that mattered. She had put her heart into making his armor as shiny and eye-catching as it could possibly be.
He did not bother to mention that standing out in the battlefield would just make him a more obvious target. He was sure the Shinigami knew enough about him, anyway.
A comically large sealing scroll - the same one he had used in his battle against Madara at the Valley of the End - rested beside his armor. He had compiled all the paraphernalia he could possibly require within it.
He wouldn't be using it until tomorrow, but he could already feel its weight on his back; this could well be the most important battle of his life, and he honestly did not know which side was stronger.
"If we can get through these next few days, then everything we could have ever dreamed for is ours." Hashirama sighed as he rolled his shoulders, leaning back to stretch his torso out. He coughed lightly - there was too much dust in the little command tent. He couldn't recall if Mito or his students had ever cleaned it. He certainly hadn't.
"More tea, dear?" Mito replied, moving toward her kettle before Hashirama could even respond.
Hashirama cast her a sideways glance, grunting in affirmation. He didn't want more tea, but he was grateful for anything to distract her from what he had told her. Mere hours ago, he had staked not just her life, but also the life of their unborn child on the success of his Shinobi Alliance. It was the only way to secure Madara's cooperation.
Mito was fine with it; outwardly, at least. She trusted Hashirama, as she knew his strength and believed in it wholeheartedly.
Tobirama had been furious.
Hashirama knew that he was reneging on his word to withhold the tailed beasts from Madara. The original plan had been to establish a foothold for the alliance; a nexus of neutrality to which Shinobi from any clan could congregate without fear of persecution. The moment it was set up, he had planned on capturing the tailed beasts himself, to protect them from the Gedo Mazo.
With how fast the Shinobi Alliance was expanding, and the constant demand for his mediation and presence, that plan had been forced onto permanent hiatus. It was why Madara's hunt was able to continue, unimpeded. Taking into account recent events, he would rather take his chances with Madara, anyway, than against this shinigami 'Royal Guard'.
Better the devil you know… Hashirama thought as he graciously accepted the teacup from his wife. He downed its contents in a single breath, barely tasting anything at all. The hot liquid burned on its way down his throat. His innate healing factor kicked in immediately, though, and he sighed, flashing a tired smile at Mito as his throat soothed itself. It wasn't how it was intended, but the tea certainly burned away his afternoon grog.
Tobirama's eyebrows furrowed, and he pursed his lips, though Mito just rolled her eyes. It wasn't uncommon for Hashirama to be like this, especially when he was stressed.
"Hashirama-" She began.
"I'm going to make my rounds before sunset, Mito." He interrupted, pulling Mito into a light hug. He put his hand on her growing belly. It was gentle, but firm enough to dissuade any protest as he turned to leave. "I have to make sure everything is in decent order and the clan heads know what to expect before Madara decides to show up. Aizen will be coming to install the communications network tomorrow, too."
As he stepped outside, he heard the tent flaps behind him opening again. "I would offer to do the inspections for you, elder brother, but most of the Alliance cannot see me."
Hashirama smiled appreciatively; "You should work on a jutsu that can bring souls back into visible bodies, Tobirama."
The younger Senju looked taken aback, before his brows furrowed in thought. "The thought has certainly alright crossed my mind. Perhaps when we have some peace and quiet, I'll look into it."
Hashirama shook his head with a bemused chuckle, slowing his pace until Tobirama fell into step beside him. "Let's head to the Hozuki clan, first. We can see if they've settled their dispute with the Hoshigaki."
"Yes," Tobirama agreed, "And you might want to organize a firm meeting time between the Aburame and the Inazuka, too, lest their clan practices clash any further."
Hashirama grimaced, but nodded.
He could hardly imagine how convenient communication would become with Aizen's instantaneous, long ranged transmission devices. Tobirama had suggested he use wood clones, but he had dismissed the idea as a blatant sign of disrespect. None of the clan heads would appreciate dealing with a clone of Hashirama instead of the man himself. Plus, he didn't have the wits to juggle the simultaneous onslaught of information the clones would be bringing him. Tobirama, maybe, but he himself had always been more of the blunt, knuckle-headed warrior type.
Once the transmitters were set up, Tobirama and Mito could take over most of the management. He just had to make sure that his side won the battles to come. He didn't particularly fancy bringing the fight to the Shinigami, but he certainly had enough reason to fight against them.
It was an added benefit that the site of the battle was far removed from the Elemental Nations. He could fight at full strength, if required, without concerning himself over any potential collateral damage.
The brothers made an unplanned stop at the hospital. Hashirama had created a large, three-story building with his wood-release, and though there was still room, it was quickly filling with both patients and staff. Someone had even taken the time and effort to paint it white and red since the last time they came to visit.
Among the hidden villages, it had become very apparent that the Senju's medical ninjutsu was the gold standard for medical care. As a result, the Senju shinobi naturally fulfilled the role of senior doctors, as well as mentors to other medical shinobi.
As they neared the makeshift hospital, its doors swung open as a runner - a genin no older than 8 or 9 - dashed out. She froze in her tracks as she saw him, almost dropping her scroll. "Lord Hashirama!" The girl cried, skipping toward him.
She held out the parchment. "For you."
Hashirama thanked her with a warm smile and a quick tussle of her hair, before opening the parchment.
"The miracle painkiller you obtained from your associate is a huge success. Its effect is near instantaneous, and it is much stronger than any of our herbal painkillers. We would like to put in a request to purchase more."
"Aizen's painkiller." Tobirama muttered, having also read the parchment. "I believe he called it 'morphine'."
Hashirama nodded. "It must be potent indeed, to have my doctors so excited." He smiled, putting his hands on his hips, while looking off to the distance. "Very well, then. I shall raise it with Aizen tomorrow."
"Yes, let us not delay our visit to the Hozuki's any further. We still have the Aburame to deal with, and I want to check in on how the Uchiha are doing in their first week as the alliance police force, too." Tobirama said.
Land of Earth
"Harribel, Nel." Madara landed stiffly, with a deliberate thud. The girls were both awake from their afternoon nap; Harribel was meditating while Nel was swinging Gamuza at some invisible foe. "The four tails has been secured. It's time to go."
"I felt your reiatsu," Nel bit out, tone rife with accusation as she brusquely sheathed Gamuza. "Did you and Hashirama have another one of your lovers' quarrels?"
Madara raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk on his face. "You will be pleased to learn, Nel, that we will be working together with Hashirama-"
Nel's eyes lit up.
"-as well as Sosuke Aizen, against the Gotei 13. The decisive battle will be Karakura town."
Harribel stirred, opening her eyes, and Nel's expression mellowed, growing serious. "Lord Aizen…" she breathed, suddenly apprehensive.
Harribel walked up next to her. "Don't be so glum, Nel, this might be our best case scenario. If Madara, Hashirama and Aizen are all together, then there is no need for us to pick a side. The Gotei 13 is our common enemy."
Madara nodded. "I have sent clones out with fragments of Zetsu to scout for the remaining tailed beasts. With the speed of our sonido, they will be captured by nightfall."
Harribel nodded, but Nel suddenly looked more apprehensive. She fidgeted, pursing her lips before she spoke; "Can you explain a bit more in detail, Madara? I have not seen Lord Aizen in a very long time…" She paused, before fixing her eyes on Madara. "And forgive my doubt, but I thought your plan was irreconcilable with Hashirama's? What changed?"
Madara stared back at her. "He is willing to give up Mito." He was not disappointed in Nel's reaction as her face went through a series of contortions before settling on anger. From the corner of his eye, he saw Harribel stop whatever she was doing to turn her head toward him, too.
Nel drew a deep breath; "If you're going to lie to me, at leas-"
"I'm not." Madara interjected. He fought to keep his annoyance at Nel's accusation hidden, "and neither is Hashirama. That man is a fool, but an honest fool." He crossed his arms, then, looking toward the horizon in the direction of the alliance. "He asked me to have a look at this alliance first. I told him the same thing I've been telling him this whole time - I believe it will fail. Then he said if his Shinobi Alliance fails, then he will give me Mito."
Nel and Harribel took in his words.
"If you don't believe me, you can ask him yourselves when we see him. He's becoming desperate. He knows he can't defend the Elemental Nations alone from Aizen, the Shinigami, and myself, so we are joining forces against our common enemy first. After the Shinigami are dealt with…I guess we'll play it by ear." Madara finished with a shrug.
"Where does Aizen factor into this?" Nel asked again, "Last I spoke with Hashirama, he was considering Aizen as a likely enemy."
Madara growled under his breath. "Why don't you just ask him yourself, then? Do I look like Hashirama to you? Aizen has technology that Hashirama wants. Hashirama will fight for him to obtain access to that technology."
Before any more words could be said, a beacon of Zetsu's chakra flared out far in the distance. Madara inwardly smirked, his annoyance instantly washed away. The limbo clones worked fast - but it was to be expected. They had all of his abilities, including sonido.
"There," Madara pointed toward Zetsu's signature. "Our first stop."
Nel groaned, and Harribel scoffed as they got ready to leave.
Madara merely shook his head with a chuckle. "One last push, you two. We'll have warm beds to sleep in tonight, in the Shinobi Alliance." He cast a sideways glance toward Nel. "And save whatever questions you have until then, please."
She rolled her eyes, but from the bounce in her step, was obviously in a better mood with their journey's end in sight.
Shinobi Alliance
Tobirama forced himself to ignore the flare of Madara's chakra as yet another tailed beast fell to his Gedo Mazo. It was the second-last. With its capture, only the One and the Nine-Tails would remain. Hashirama, as well as his late siblings had always maintained that he was the pessimist of the family. Though Hashirama had their father's face, it was he who had inherited their father's spirit. Butsuma Senju, one of the most ruthless warriors of their time, in both body and mind.
Hashirama and Hiruzen always complained about his pessimism, but Tobirama wanted to plan for everything. He wanted to have contingencies for contingencies, and right now, there was none. As far as he knew, there wasn't even a plan for fighting the shinigami yet, aside from simply showing up and hoping that their side emerged victorious.
Which was why, when he focused his attention back to the duo before him, it was with a stern scowl. He watched wordlessly as Aizen and his pink-haired minion fiddled with their devices. They had apparently needed a 'network' of towers to ensure smooth transmission of radio signals. The appearance of each individual beacon was that of a tall, cylindrical stone-like structure, not unlike the buildings in the Seireitei.
As if Aizen had eyes on the back of his head, he turned toward Tobirama, waving his hands placatingly. "Don't be so glum. We are almost done."
"In fact…" The pink haired arrancar said, sticking his tongue out as a few more clinks sounded out. "It should be functional already."
"Thank you, Szayal." Hashirama said, his hands on his hips as he craned his head to observe the obelisk as it was being assembled. "You don't suppose it's possible to learn how to sense radio waves, is it?"
Both Aizen and Szayalapporo chuckled at that, the latter pausing in his work to give Hashirama an inquisitive look. "I have never considered the merit of such a thing." The Septa Espada mused. "Radio waves can't harm anything, and there are electronic devices that can detect them easily enough."
Hashirama shrugged. "I suppose."
Tobirama tapped the obelisk experimentally, before crossing his arms with a stern expression. "You work fast, Aizen."
"I aim to please."
Tobirama narrowed his eyes, pausing until Aizen deigned to meet his gaze again. "Too fast...One might be inclined to believe that you already had these 'radio towers' prepared beforehand."
Aizen raised an eyebrow, before laughing softly. "I'll freely admit it; I did." He shrugged. "But what of it? I wanted to negotiate for your alliance. I have prepared for failure, yes. I had other plans in place in case Hashirama turned me down, but is it wrong for me to also be prepared for success?"
Tobirama smirked at that. "I suppose not. You are remarkably thorough; I'll give you that. How should we prepare for the Shinigami, then? I'm sure you've taken our abilities into account and have some ideas in mind?"
"I do." Aizen replied without missing a beat. "But I hate repeating myself - why don't we wait until Madara joins us?"
"Tell me what you intend to do about Yamamoto, at least." Tobirama pressed. "I've seen that man's Bankai first-hand twice, and I have no shame in saying that it is a level of power far beyond what I am comfortable facing."
"Yes…" Hashirama added, recalling his Thousand Armed Kan'on being sliced in half through Madara's perfect Susanoo. He had no intention of using the 8th Gate either, unless it was to defend his home. He certainly did not want to die fighting for Aizen's sake. "There does come a point when raw power becomes so overwhelming that it renders tactics meaningless, Yamamoto's power seems terrifyingly close to that point."
Aizen nodded in agreement. "I hear you, and I share your concerns. That is why I have prepared an Arrancar whose Resurreccion has been designed specifically to neutralize Yamamoto's zanpakuto abilities. Without Ryujin Jakka, he will not be nearly as much of a threat."
They all turned toward the east as Madara's energy signature flared again. "How is he suddenly finding them so much more quickly than before?" Hashirama muttered.
"Maybe he isn't worried about us interfering anymore, and is pursuing them with no regard for stealth." Tobirama suggested.
"No." Hashirama replied firmly. "He wasn't exactly being stealthy before, either. He must have developed some new tracking method or something."
"Be sure to ask him when you see him, then, Elder brother," Tobirama said, a hint of worry evident in his voice. "If it's a new technique, we want to be able to see in action against the shinigami before we need to deal with it ourselves."
"Tobirama." Hashirama sighed. "Please."
The younger senju only narrowed his eyes, concentrating on sensing Madara's chakra instead. "I'm only being prudent. That man has been demonstrably fickle. I am grateful for when his whims align with us, yes, but you cannot fault me for being cautious."
Hashirama scoffed lightly. "You worry too much. Aizen, when will these radios be ready to distribute to the clan heads?"
"We can get going immediately. I can give them a quick rundown of how to use the radios, and when the towers are activated, it will just work in the exact same way."
"Alright; follow me, then." Hashirama said as he pointed in the direction of the Shimura clan disctrict. "There's a bit of an unspoken rule not to use any fast travel methods here in the streets unless there is an emergency, so it's a bit of a walk."
"Fine by me." Aizen said, before turning toward Szayelaporro. "I'll leave the rest in your hands. Return to Hueco Mundo to inform Barragan and the others of their imminent departure once you are done. I do not anticipate it will be long before we are ready to confront the Shinigami."
"Yes, Lord Aizen."
"Would it be okay for them to gather here, Hashirama?"
"Best not. Can you have them wait inside the Garganta?"
Aizen shook his head. "No; there is a creature in the Garganta called the kotetsu. It was placed there specifically to prevent people from lingering inside the precipice world."
Hashirama frowned, but nodded. "Very well, then. See that mountain to the south? Have your allies meet us at the base of that mountain."
Aizen glanced toward the Septa Espada, who nodded. "I will relay those instructions."
"Before I forget," Tobirama said suddenly, drawing the former captain's attention. "Our hospital staff was wondering if we could purchase any more of the 'morphine' you provided."
Aizen smiled. "Of course. I can even give you a manual on how to synthesize the painkiller yourself. It comes from a seed pod that could easily be grown here in the Elemental Nations."
Tobirama nodded. "Thank you. Perhaps my suspicions concerning you are unwarranted, after all."
Aizen's smile widened as Hashirama elbowed his younger brother in the ribs in playful exasperation.
Soul Society - Muken
Clanging metal and grunts were all Isshin heard for what felt like hours, until Ichigo was suddenly sent barreling into the floor beside him. The boy had eaten a spinning kick to the face.
"What the hell!?" Ichigo growled, nursing his jaw and fighting for breath as he picked himself up, "What was that for?"
Coyote Starrk had a thin film of sweat on his forehead, but was otherwise in much better physical condition as he dissipated his Resurreccion and sheathed his Zanpakuto. "It's time for a break!" Lilynette chirped as she materialized beside him.
"Yes," Starrk agreed as he touched down before Ichigo and Isshin. "Your blows are getting weaker and your form is becoming sloppy."
Ichigo spat out a globule of blood from his mouth as he readied Zangetsu again. "What are you talking about? Got a single cheap shot in an-" His words died in his mouth as Starrk's face was suddenly mere inches from his own.
Somehow, the perpetually bored expression Starrk wore juxtaposed with his incredible speed and combat prowess unsettled Ichigo much more than a much more consistently vicious opponent like Grimmjow.
Starrk's eyes widened, then, as another his vision was suddenly obscured by Engetsu's gleaming silver blade. He retreated back a few steps.
"Hey, no need to get antsy, Isshin. I'm just proving to Ichigo that he really does need a break." Starrk grumbled as Isshin sheathed Engetsu.
"I know." The elder Kurosaki said, "And I agree with you, but that was a cero you were charging from your chest, wasn't it?" Isshin's eyes narrowed. "Or am I mistaken?"
Ichigo started. "He was charging a cero just then?" He turned toward Starrk, jabbing an accusatory finger toward the Primera Espada. "That's a pretty underhanded move for someone who doesn't like fighting."
Starrk squeezed his eyes shut, tussling his own hair. "Yeah, I was charging a cero. I was never going to fire it, though. I might not like fighting, but if it's all I'm good for, I might as well apply myself to it, you know. I didn't agree to train solely for your sake, Ichigo." Despite his outward attitude, he was internally trying to analyze how Isshin got the jump on him. Just going off of the elder Kurosaki's speed alone, he would not be surprised if Isshin was decisively stronger than himself even in resurreccion.
He sighed. Of course they wouldn't send Ichigo here alone without someone who could guarantee the boy's safety.
"All you're good for…?" Ichigo began, before shaking his head with a chuckle. "I want to know something, Starrk…if you and Lilynette are as purposeless as you seem to suggest, why do you follow Aizen so loyally?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Lilynette answered for Starrk. "Aizen gave us comrades. He gave us a purpose in liberating Hueco Mundo from Shinigami oppression-"
"That's proving my point, Lilynette." Ichigo interrupted gently. "You say that, but is it what you truly believe? When Starrk strikes, I don't feel the weight of that purpose behind his blade. I just feel emptiness."
"Lilynette is not wrong, Ichigo." The Primera Espada said, "but neither are you. It is just that I have lived for so long, and the world around me has stayed constant for enough time that nothing really matters to us anymore - apart from each other."
Ichigo nodded, he was only a teenager, but he understood conceptually.
"What do you fight for, Ichigo?" Lilynette asked.
My friends. It would normally have been his instant, instinctive answer. It was on the tip of Ichigo's tongue, but the weight of Orihime's death kept his mouth shut. His inner hollow had also almost killed Nel, too.
My family? But no, in his grief, his hollowfied form had stabbed his own father with Tensa Zangetsu. He was ashamed that even Yuzu and Karin have taken a back seat in his mind for some time now. He couldn't rightly claim he fought for his family.
He paused a moment longer to think, until Lilynette cocked her head and raised her eyebrows in prompt. "I…don't know." He eventually said, almost in a gasp. "I hadn't thought about it that much."
"You said you are part hollow, right, Ichigo?" Starrk mused.
"There's a hollow living inside here," Ichigo tapped the side of his head, "for whatever it's worth."
"Does that hollow have a purpose?"
"No." I want to protect. Ichigo shook his head, avoiding Starrk's gaze by keeping his eyes downcast. "It does not." To protect you.
Starrk raised an eyebrow "Have you asked?"
"..."
"Are you…afraid of the hollow?" Lilynette asked tentatively, sidling next to Ichigo and looking up at him.
When Ichigo did not immediately answer, Isshin spoke. "Ichigo. I think now is as good a time as any to address this inner hollow-"
"I don't need anything to be addressed." Ichigo barked, causing Lilynette to jump back in surprise.
"Hey, hey." Starrk said, placing his hands on his hips. "You were quite alright with prying deep and personal to us about our purpose. Don't get all defensive when we ask the same."
Ichigo frowned, placing his head in his hands. "Look, I didn't mean to. I just…, my best friend just got killed by Gin, and my inner hollow went on a rampage and almost killed more of my friends." Starrk sobered instantly.
"I'm sorry."
"I don't want to deal with him, if all he is is an outlet for destruction, I don't want him to have any part of anything I do."
The Primera Espada nodded slowly. "Hollows…are creatures of instinct," he eventually said. "First and foremost you must understand that whatever the Hollow is doing, it's likely doing because of a primal compulsion, not malicious intent."
Ichigo's eyes widened. I am your instinct. White had told him that before.
Isshin scratched his stubble, leaning in as Starrk spoke. He had studied hollows, yes, but never had the chance at a civil conversation with one as old and experienced as Starrk.
"When threatened, they lash out. When in times of grief, they will vent their frustration with destruction. You are young, Ichigo. A baby by our standards. So your hollow is young, too." Starrk paused, giving Ichigo time to absorb his words. "A baby with power that potent cannot be abandoned and shut off. It must be nurtured, heard and understood. Wouldn't you agree?"
Ichigo pursed his lips. "I'm afraid…he will harm my friends and family. I'm afraid that I will harm my friends and family if I draw on his power."
"Ah, so you are afraid for your friends and family?" A contemplative look crossed his face. "Can you show me the hollow, Ichigo?"
Ichigo blanched. "What? No! Are you crazy?"
Starrk sighed. This was going in circles. "Do you fight for the Shinigami, Ichigo, to kill hollows?"
Surprised by the sudden change in topic, Ichigo wrestled with his thoughts for a second before answering. "No…I did in the very beginning, but no, not anymore. I'll kill hollows to protect people, but I won't fight just to kill them."
"Then you are in quite the dilemma, then." Stark chuckled. "As I just mentioned, even the most evil hollows - from your perspective - that do nothing but devour humans, are still only driven by their instinctual hunger to feed and survive. If your hollows want to devour your friends and famil-"
"No." Isshin interrupted abruptly.
The Primera Espada raised his eyebrows. "...No?"
"No. As in. You are wrong." Isshin's tone was firm. "Masaki - my wife and Ichigo's mom - was killed by a hollow known as Grand Fisher. He was a prolific killer. He enjoyed killing the Shinigami that were sent after him. He even came back to taunt me after evolving into an Arrancar. That is not instinct-"
"Isn't it?" It was Starrk who did the interrupting, this time. "If Hollows were sent to hunt you, with the sole purpose of ending your existence as you know it, would you not relish in their deaths? Would you not taunt new hollows who sought to kill you where others had failed?"
Isshin shook his head. "I see your point, but you must see mine, as well. Hollows can be vindictive, hateful, and evil beyond mere instinct."
Starrk stared at Isshin blankly. It was Lilynette who scoffed. "So you're saying that hollows are just like any intelligent living creature…with a memory and can hold a grudge." It was not a question.
Isshin blinked. He narrowed his eyes, before looking down. "I suppose you can see it that way."
Ichigo sighed. His dad was still a shinigami at heart, after all. "Look, guys. We're getting a bit sidetracked. My inner hollow is not trying to eat anybody. It hasn't eaten anybody, and it doesn't want revenge on anybody, either. I'm just afraid it can take over my body and physically hurt the people I care about."
Starrk nodded slowly, before frowning, as he looked away from Isshin to Ichigo. "...Are you sure this 'White' is a hollow, and not an Arrancar or something else?" The Primera Espada eventually settled on saying.
It was Isshin who answered with a nod. "It's definitely a hollow, but not a regular hollow. I fought against it twenty years ago. It infected my Masaki, and must have spread to Ichigo somehow when she was pregnant with him."
Ichigo didn't react at the revelation. He had expected something like that, what with his father being terrible at concealing his emotions and reaction upon seeing White.
"My wife…she was a quincy, by the way." Isshin added.
Starrk frowned deeply, then. "Can you feel it's reiatsu? Ichigo? Is your father right? Is it definitely a hollow?"
Ichigo suddenly looked bashful, and Isshin sighed. "I uh…can't sense reiatsu very well. As far as I'm concerned, it just feels like…me."
The Primera Espada buried his head in his hands again. "Look. You want to become more powerful, and I'm not getting any meaningful training fighting against you as you are now. Let the hollow out and draw on its power. I'm sure that between Isshin and I, we will be able to contain it."
Ichigo wiped some sweat off his brow, looking toward his father for some further input. Isshin gave a curt nod. "Do it, son. The training I had in mind would require you to enter your inner world to talk to Zangetsu, anyway. You can't avoid it forever. Plus, even if worse comes to worst, this 'White' will still be stuck here in the Muken."
"Let us see your hollow." Starrk pressed again, gently. "Perhaps it doesn't need to eat humans, but hollows are still creatures of instinct. If you can find out what that instinct is, then you can begin to understand it."
Ichigo drew a deep breath. "Alright." He nodded "I'll pop in and have a look, but no promises..."
Ichigo's Subconcious
The last time he was here, his subconscious was flooded; urban debris floated suspended in the shallows, with thin rays of sunlight still reflecting off shards of broken glass.
This time, his inner world was pitch black. He could tell that he was in water. He felt its crushing weight pressing on his entire being.
Ichigo looked down - he could not see the bottom. He craned his head up, looking for some dull orb of light far in the distance. There was none. He was much deeper in the water this time. Where is up? He breathed experimentally, sputtering as his lungs suddenly protested the water. What!? I swear I could breathe here last time!"
Panic rose in Ichigo's chest, and with the panic, the waters around him grew turbulent. He felt like he was caught in a swirling maelstrom, being sucked further and further into the maw of his drowned world.
Panic quickly gave way to fear as Ichigo's lungs burned. Thinking fast, he gathered his spiritual pressure around him and propelled himself the opposite direction to the current.
The pressure around him only increased.
What is going on!? Ichigo's mind raced. I can't possibly drown in my own head, can I? This is my inner world!
Zangetsu was heavy in his hand, but he did not want to let go. The more he struggled, the harder the currents pulled at him. And then he could not hold his breath any more. His body gave out as his lungs filled with water, and his strength began to fade.
Ichigo wanted to scream, but there was no air left to use. His mind became clouded and sluggish - what was he doing here again…? All he wanted to do was breathe - just one, sweet breath of air.
But the black void was a stern jailer. It held him captive, siphoning away his life force second by second. In one last bid of defiance, he loosed a getsuga, and thought he could see the barest glow of the sun in the distance. He reached toward it - kicking desperately as he sank further. Ichigo's struggles grew weak as the darkness consumed him.
Something clasped around the wrist of his free hand.
Ichigo groaned, cursing. It was muffled by the water, and he could not see what had grabbed him. Instinctively, he slashed Zangetsu toward it, the speed of the strike was sluggish. He was fading away, becoming too weak to even try to fight off his assailant. The last thing he felt was a hard yank from whatever had grabbed him.
Until suddenly he felt a tremendous force pressing down on his chest, and water exploded from his mouth and nostrils. He was breathing again. He gasped for air between violent fits of coughing, groaning as his eyes adjusted to the blazing sun reflected against the water's surface.
"Damn it, Ichigo. Pull yourself together…for all of our sakes."
Ichigo knew that voice. He scowled, though he supposed he must not have looked very intimidating while sputtering for air. "...You again. What the hell is going on here? Where is Zangetsu?"
"I am Zangetsu." White said. "I've told you before…you could not hear it, then." The hollow looked genuinely sad. "As for what's going on…you're falling apart, Ichigo. Your psyche is in ruins…you could not breathe underwater because you don't believe in your own spirit and strength anymore."
Ichigo narrowed his eyes. He was still treading water, while the hollow was floating just above the water's surface, looking down at him. There was no lie in his eyes; no disdain. Just pity and sadness.
Ichigo decided to humor him this time. "Okay then, Zangetsu. Were you listening to everything we had said outside?"
"Yes."
"So who are you? You said you were my instinct before…my instinct to do what? And if you are Zangetsu? Who is the old man?"
"He's also Zangetsu."
Ichigo let out a bark of laughter, despite himself. "I'm drowning here, Zangetsu. Figuratively and literally. Who are you…? Are you even a hollow?"
White knelt down, extending a hand toward Ichigo. The boy took it without hesitation. He knew it was White that had pulled him up earlier, and he could see from the gash on his side that his reactive strike had, in fact, connected. The hollow - or whatever it was - certainly didn't want to kill him.
His black and yellow eyes widened as Ichigo took its hand. He pulled Ichigo up, and for a few seconds, seemed to struggle with himself.
"You didn't answer the other part of my question, Zangetsu. My instinct for what?"
"You already know."
"Can you be less cryptic for once and just tell me straight up!?" Ichigo demanded.
"I can't answer that question, Ichigo, not because I don't want to, but because It's an answer that you have to arrive at on your own. You will grow powerful, Ichigo. More powerful than Aizen. More powerful than Yamamoto, or anyone else you can imagine. If you can work it out."
Ichigo shook his head, dejected. "Why can't you tell me?"
"Can you explain to a baby how to walk? Can you explain the nuances of language to one that has yet to hear speech? No. The answer you must uncover is something so fundamental that it is both impossible to teach, yet impossible to forget once it is known."
"...instinct." Ichigo muttered.
"Yes, I am your instinct. But that is not all."
"My instinct…is to protect."
"..."
Ichigo looked at white in the eyes. "Is that what you are? My instinct to protect?"
"..."
"Protect what!? My friends, my family?"
"..."
Ichigo dashed forward, lifting the hollow by its collar. "Answer me-Gahh!" He dropped the hollow, instantly doubling over as he felt a white-hot sensation in his side. He looked down, shocked to see the blade of Tensa Zangetsu half-buried in his abdomen.
"W…what!?" Ichigo swung his own unreleased Zangetsu toward the hollow, who stood motionless as it cut into its arm.
"You can't hurt me, Ichigo. Your blade may cut me, but you cannot hurt me. But I can hurt you. Why is that?"
"Because you stabbed me! What kind of idiot question is that?" Ichigo seethed through clenched teeth.
"We are in your mind, Ichigo. You are the king here and I am the horse, remember? The fact that you still felt Tensa Zangetsu when I stabbed you is a sign that you are still not ready to accept the truth, yet."
Ichigo pulled the sword out, throwing it back toward the hollow. He felt for the wound, and his eyes widened when there was none. "What the hell is going on?"
"Ichigo!" It was his father's voice. "Come out!"
White looked around him, smirking slightly. Ichigo followed his gaze, and realized that the flooded mindscape had mostly calmed. The buildings were still in ruins, but somehow they were now standing on solid ground. "But we are making progress. You are beginning to understand, Ichigo. Go, and pray that you see the truth before it is too late."
Muken
"Ichigo…can you hear us?" Isshin said as his face came into focus.
"Yeah. I'm fine. Did he come out?"
Isshin looked toward Starrk, who frowned. "Not quite. Your mask manifested, and just from that I could tell that it was not the reiatsu of a pure-blooded hollow, but an Arrancar. Whether it's because your shinigami reiatsu was mixed with it, or because it is somehow individually just an Arrancar, I don't know, but I can tell you without doubt that it is not a simple hollow."
"More importantly," Isshin said, holding up his soul pager. "We need to go. Your training needs to be put on hold for now. Captain Commander Yamamoto is gathering the Gotei 13 in the Fake Karakura town to set up an ambush for Aizen right now. Squad 12's detecting multiple Gargantas as well as huge reiatsu signatures exiting Hueco Mundo. We're out of time."
"What?" Ichigo shook his head. "I'm not strong enough yet. I can't even beat Starrk!"
"It'll have to do. We will create an opening for you to get the drop on Aizen. With your hollow mask, the reiatsu you demonstrated was in fact quite comparable to Starrk's earlier. If you land a decisive blow on Aizen, it will definitely do damage."
The Primera Espada frowned. "I guess there's not much I can do…apart from sit here and wait for the results of this battle, right?"
Isshin nodded. "You are still our prisoner, and the Primera Espada, at that. Unfortunately I cannot allow you to leave this prison."
"Very well." Starrk sighed, lowering himself to a cross-legged, sitting position. "Lilynette and I have a few things we'll need to discuss, at any rate."
"Coyote Starrk." Isshin said, walking up to the Espada. "Your words about hollows have given me much to consider, too." I won't wish you luck against Aizen, but I hope all this resolves as peacefully as it is able to."
"Thanks." Ichigo said. Isshin merely nodded as he led the way out of the Muken with Ichigo at his back.
Elemental Nations - Shinobi Alliance
Madara contemplated various dramatic methods of arrival, but Harribel and Nel had talked him down. Ultimately, the trio had opted to simply walk through the front gates. None of the guards could see them, so they simply walked right past. He supposed it was fair enough that they didn't want to kick up a fuss for no reason.
He still didn't see how this could work out - Hashirama was a warrior; the greatest shinobi, from a line of legendary predecessors. He was no diplomat or politician.
"This place has grown so much in such a short time." Nel mused.
Madara did not respond. He stopped walking, and the two Arrancar behind him followed suit.
"Welcome, Madara." Hashirama strolled toward them with open arms. The Hokage was clad in his full, red battle armor, complete with sealing scroll on his back, and the sword of Kusanagi at his hip. "Surprised by what you see?"
He was flanked by Tobirama and Aizen.
"...Yeah." Madara was not a liar. He could appreciate the fruits of the alliance, brief as its existence may be. "I'll admit, Hashirama, that you've already managed to make this more than I ever expected you to."
"Geez, you don't need to say this every time we meet, Madara." Hashirama rolled his eyes. "I suppose I must also say that I, too, am impressed at how quickly you managed to capture seven tailed beasts. Do you feel any different?"
Madara shook his head. "No; they are in the Gedo Mazo. The ten tails cannot awaken unless it has the Chakra of all nine tailed beasts. Speaking of which...where's Mito?"
Hashirama chuckled despite the implication of the question. "She doesn't want to see you. Are you surprised?"
Madara grunted, turning toward Aizen as he moved.
"If it isn't my dearest Nelliel tu Odelschwanck." Aizen spoke smoothly, ignoring Madara and walking past him toward Nel. His eyes drifted to the green scabbard at her hip. "I trust that I have kept Gamuza in a satisfactory enough condition?"
"L-lord Aizen." Nel backed away one step, before gulping. "Sorry, it's been a long time - I'm surprised you even remember me. I'm happy with the condition Gamuza is in. Thank you for taking care of her in my absence."
"Of course. How could I forget one of my most trusted Arrancar allies?" Aizen gasped in mock horror. "I am glad you are joining us for this fight. Your strength will be crucial to our victory."
Nel shifted uncomfortably. "Actually…I haven't decided if I want to participate in the battle itself, yet. I'm sorry. Ichigo is on the other side…"
Aizen's eyes softened. "Ah, of course. I had heard that you'd grown quite close to the boy. I understand completely. Harribel, will you be joining us?" He directed the question to the blonde arrancar beside Nel.
Tier Harribel's expression darkened. "Just like that…? Nothing about what happened in the Seireitei…no mission report…just straight to business?"
Aizen pursed his lips. "I know what happened. Ulquiorra showed me everything with his eye, and I am truly sorry that I doubted you as the traitor when Gin was plotting right under my nose." He turned back to Nel, with a sorrowful shake of his head. "You, too. If I had known about Nnoitra earlier I would have taken measures to protect you. Could you ever forgive me…" He trailed off as a series of Gargantas opened near the mountains in the distance.
"Enough tearful reunions. Let's cut to the chase." Tobirama interrupted, clearing his throat as he sensed the Gargantas, too. "What is your plan, Aizen?"
Aizen smiled. "Yes, let us rendezvous with everyone, first." Without another word, he disappeared with a shunpo.
"He sure has a flair for the dramatic..." Madara mused, gathering his energy to his feet in preparation to follow. "Well? Harribel, Nel? I won't fault you for not wanting to fight, but you should come to hear about the plans at least."
Nel and Harribel exchanged a glance.
"Oh, come on." Hashirama pushed them gently. "It can never hurt to be in the know."
That swayed them.
Four figures emerged from the Gargantas.
"So this is where Madara came from?" Barragan held out a skeletal hand, as if feeling around him experimentally. "The reishi in the air is thin."
"Ha! I sense plenty of souls ripe to be devoured. Pity I'm already full. I'm so sick of those bland, weak hollows" Yammy bellowed. Having spent the last few days eating, Yammy reiatsu was at its capacity. His size had grown to tower over even Barragan's released form.
"You will do well to contain your appetite, Yammy. Remember Lord Aizen's orders. Our enemy is the Shinigami."
"Yeah, yeah, Ulquiorra. I just said I wasn't hungry, in case you've grown deaf." The large Arrancar spat back.
Grimmjow cracked his knuckles. "So where are these Shinigami?"
Barragan sighed. "Looks like the little Adjuchas's brain hasn't fully evolved yet, either. We're not in Karakura town, yet. This is our pit stop to pick up Aizen's new allies."
Grimmjow bared his fangs, but did not rebuke the God-King. He knew better than that. He had felt Barragan's fully flared reiatsu very recently, and it was not something he wanted to mess with.
"Gentlemen." Aizen chided as he arrived. "You will all have your share of blood soon enough."
A series of sonidos echoed around the mountain range as Madara, Harribel and Nel joined the gathering.
"Barragan? It's been a while. Why have you released your Zanpakutou?" Harribel asked, raising an eyebrow.
The God-King of Hueco Mundo cackled in laughter. "Released my Zanpakutou? Ah, you are mistaken, Tier, but you shall see soon. I have awakened a power beyond your imagination."
Harribel frowned, but was distracted by Nel's voice beside her.
"Who's this?" The green-haired Arrancar asked, gesturing at Grimmjow.
"Who are YOU, woman?" The Sexta Espada spat back.
"Please." Aizen laughed, though a glint of steel was present in his eyes. "Nelliel, this is Grimmjow. He is the current Sexta Espada. And Grimmjow, Nelliel. Former tres Espada before Harribel."
The feline Arrancar's eyes widened, before they narrowed again suspiciously as he took stock of Nel's reiatsu.
Hashirama and Tobirama arrived, then, spurring Aizen to clap his hands together, drawing everyone's attention.
"Alright. Everybody is here." He began. "Ulquiorra, is Wonderweiss in position?"
The Cuatra Espada nodded. "He is ready to join the battlefield at a moment's notice. Szayalaporro has the special Garganta ready at your command."
Nel's eye twitched at the mention of the Septa Espada, though nobody noticed.
"Excellent." Aizen replied as he turned toward the gathering before him. "Barragan, Ulquiorra, Harribel, Nel, Grimmjow, and Yammy...plus Hashirama, Tobirama, Madara and myself. That makes nine. Ten including Wonderweiss. Wonderweiss and I shall occupy the Head Captain. The rest is up to you."
A moment of silence followed, until Tobirama blinked and spoke up. "Okay? And?"
"That's it." Aizen replied cooly. "I would suggest Grimmjow, Tobirama and Yammy challenge the Captains of Squad 2, 6 and 7, as those are the weaker captains. However, as long as Wonderweiss and I are able to confront Yamamoto uninterrupted, we will be able to bring him down."
"What about the Royal Guard?" Madara asked, having noticed that Aizen had curiously not mentioned them at all.
Aizen waved off Madara's concern. "The Royal Guard will not be present for this battle. They will not move a finger unless the Royal Palace itself is threatened. Yes, they may descend to the Seireitei, but they would never venture forth into the world of the living to fight a battle for the Gotei 13."
Madara crossed his arms. "And if they do?"
"I can put them in Kyoka Suigetsu's perfect hypnosis." Aizen replied without missing a beat. He laughed, then. "Don't forget, Madara, that I had planned to take on the entire Gotei 13, including the Royal Guard even before you and Hashirama agreed to join me. Alone, my victory is likely. Together, our victory is assured."
Madara grunted.
When nobody else spoke, Aizen opened a garganta with a swipe of his hand. "Then, ladies and gentleman, if there are no more questions, shall we proceed?" He stepped inside the garganta.
"Wait." Nel said. "I want to stay here. Harribel, too."
"What-" Harribel began to protest, but caught herself as she saw the look in Nel's eyes.
"If you're so confident, then you don't need our power. I want to stay here just in case." Nel continued.
"In case of what?" Hashirama asked. He wasn't surprised Nel was backing out - her power was not on the same level as the more heavy-hitters of their group, but she seemed to know or suspect something.
"I don't know. I felt something earlier. A familiar reiatsu. I want to investigate it." Nel answered, "Harribel, would you accompany me?"
"I…sure." She finally said, casting a concerned look at her predecessor. She knew that her own strength was nothing in the face of Madara, Hashirama and Aizen, so she wasn't concerned about their battle. She was more concerned with whatever Nel was wanting to do.
A look of disapproval crossed Aizen's face, but he sighed. "Very well - have it your way. We should not delay any longer. The Seireitei would have detected so many Gargantas with notable reiatsu signatures leaving Hueco Mundo. We do not want to allow them any more time than necessary to prepare for us."
"Let us go, then, and be done with it." Tobirama said.
Madara inwardly smirked. Aizen didn't know, of course, but the Tobirama who was there with them now was a shadow clone, and Hashirama was a wood clone. They were powerful clones, but the two of them truly had no stakes in this fight, whether or not they lived or died. Madara briefly considered doing the same, but struck the thought from his mind.
His pride would not allow him to go into the final battle with the Shinigami at any less than his full strength.
AN - sorry for the long gap between updates, and a HUGE THANK YOU for the support in the reviews. As I mentioned before it's getting harder to tie up the plot threads, but this is the last chapter before the real action and big twist happens. I actually have most of the next chapter written, already, so it will not take too long to come out. I've been REALLY excited to post this next chapter as it's been like...7? 8 months of build up?
Anyway, I'mma just keep this AN short and get on with it.
Again, thanks for the support for all those who are still following this fic - it'll all be wrapped up soon!
