Author's Notes: Things start moving where I want them to. If you can spot where some of this is going, kudos.
Usual disclaimer: Bleach is owned by its respective rights holders (Tite Kubo/Shueisha). However this AU is my own.
Arc Two: Chapter 27 – Strength of Will
At the Squad One Barracks
"This is an announcement! Squad 12 Captain, Mayuri Kurotsuchi has been killed by the small invasion force – the Ryōka. You are to apprehend this group immediately, and bring them before me-!"
Head Captain Yamamoto's voice boomed across the Seireitei via communication kidō.
Every seated officer listened intently to this proclamation. The Captains and Lieutenants were struck by the news of Mayuri's death. Sure, many of them didn't particularly like Mayuri, but...he was still a prominent figure in the Court Guard Squads.
Also, due to the nature of the kidō, even Ichigo's group could hear this announcement. Ichigo in particular listened very closely to the news about Mayuri Kurotsuchi's death.
Mom...
"-as for you Ryōka. Your little invasion is now over!"
Yamamoto had one final declaration to make to the Ryōka. One that would make Ichigo, Ganju, Masaki and Uryū, shudder.
"To the Ryōka woman who felled Captain Kurotsuchi, I know who you are, and what your goal is. Do not think you can attack us so brazenly and expect no...retaliation."
Masaki felt fear. Not for herself, but for her young charges.
From the sudden temperature increase and the ferocity of that announcement...this must be the Head Captain, Shigekuni Genryūsai Yamamoto, that I was told about. Monstrous.
Currently, she was resting in one of the storage rooms, a good distance away from where she fought Kurotsuchi. Her nephew Uryū was on guard a small distance away from her. She all but collapsed in a heap of exhaustion, after flying away from her most recent battlefield.
I need to regain my strength and prepare for battle. I can't...let the kids come to danger. Darn...I should've controlled myself more. I made a huge mistake. Now...I've put even more pressure on...this already tenuous situation.
She thought to address her nephew.
"You heard that right nephew?"
Uryū nodded, a bead of sweat running down his face.
"I am so sorry for making things worse..."
"...I don't blame you Aunty. Not at all."
Masaki bowed her head in shame.
"I lost my composure...those pictures-!"
"I know Aunty. I...was able to grab a few, as they flew by from your...transformation."
"I see..."
It was so strange though. Even if what he did was unforgivable, I have never lost my composure like that. Not when doing so could derail this...mission. Something...
"So we're supposed to capture em for the Old Man eh?"
"I...I guess so Captain."
Ikkaku was laid flat on a bed. Bandaged from his battle with Ichigo, but conscious enough for conversation.
By his left bedside was a giant of a man. Wearing a ragged Captain's Haori (Cloak), sporting a peculiar, jagged hairstyle and an eyepatch. He also had a few (old) scars on his solidly built body. One in particular, ran down his uncovered, left eye. This was Kenpachi Zaraki.
Kenpachi Zaraki grinned.
"Well...even if I do have to listen to the Old Man, it doesn't mean I can't have my fun!"
"Of course Kenny!"
The ever cheerful Yachiru Kusajishi popped out, and agreed readily with her adoptive father.
"This will be fun, especially if this Ichigo is anywhere near the one who killed Kurotsuchi!"
Ikkaku struggled a little to sit upright. His wounds not fully healed, he winced in pain. However, he wanted to clarify something with his Captain.
"The boy...Ichigo Kurosaki. He...he said that there were possibly two others stronger than him in his group. However, he did say that he'd catch up to them soon enough. When I fought him, it felt like I was being toyed with. He was hiding a lot of power in our fight. Much more."
"Excellent...I can't wait to fight him then!"
"Captain...Hitsugaya?"
"Yes I know. With Kurotsuchi gone, we have no choice but to track down these, Ryōka."
The young, silver haired Captain – Tōshiro Hitsugaya – rose from his seated position. He then addressed his blonde haired subordinate, Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto.
"Come Rangiku, Gin will have to wait."
His Lieutenant nodded her affirmation, as both Soul Reaper's headed out.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
'I certainly didn't expect, the Quincy woman to annihilate Kurotsuchi. Now I'm pretty sure that derails Captain Aizen's plans. All the better for me."
The sinister smile of one Gin Ichimaru, can be seen. A smile that hides more than it could ever let on. Even from his supposed allies – Kaname Tōsen and Sōsuke Aizen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Hey Hanatarō. Are we close enough to the Repentance Cell?"
Ichigo addressed his short, wimpy looking, Soul Reaper comrade.
The ever timid and compliant, Hanatarō Yamada responded in kind.
"Not too far now. We should get to just before the staircase, leading to-"
"Thank you, Hanatarō. For sticking by us."
Hanatarō as surprised by the earnest appreciation, from (what he could so far gleam from Ichigo), the normally aloof and serious young man.
Leading the way, through the underground tunnel system, Hanataro nervously scratched his head.
"O-Oh...sure, no problem!"
"Heh, and here I thought I was gonna have to thank the runt for us!"
Ganju poked fun at his younger cousin.
"So you have manners? Didn't know that..."
This set Ganju off and started a nice little spat between the cousins. A friendly argument that also had the added effect, of relieving some emotional stress.
"We're here guys. Hope this is close enough."
The three tunnel venturers, popped out of the manhole cover, of the sewer system. Peeking for any enemies, none of them could see any obvious signs of an ambush. The tile floor creaked with each new weight and foot step.
"These stupid tiles are too loud!" Ganju screeched through gritted teeth.
"With such an open space, the sound would travel far." Hanatarō quietly reasoned.
"It means we'l-" Ichigo then sensed a very familiar presence. One slowly approaching from the stairs he and his comrades were about to scale.
Figured as much. This was a little too easy. And even worse now that they're all on high alert.
Audible clangs could be heard, as a certain red headed Lieutenant descended the stairs.
"I knew I'd find you here."
Hanatarō shook in fear, as he saw and felt the full presence, of Renji Abarai.
"Of course, Renji Abarai!" Ichigo snarled. He could never forget the man whom he fought and nearly died against. The man who also attacked Rukia.
"N-N-No...we can't...there's no way!"
The timid Soul Reaper slowly started to take steps back.
"Keep it together Hanatarō." Ganju tried to reassure the young Soul Reaper.
Ganju was less worried about the new arrival, and more about the time that would be wasted, having to face off against this Lieutenant. Damn, we just don't have the time!
Renji made it to the bottom of the steps.
"Oh? You remember my name. Wasn't expecting that."
"Then I suppose you won't expect me beating you!"
Ichigo unsheathed his blade, from the wrappings on his back. Then brandished his zangetsu, towards his new opponent.
"Heh, not wasting anytime eh? Fine by me!"
Renji's grin, turned into a scowl as he also unsheathed his blade from the scabbard.
The two combatants glared each other down.
This is my first real test. Ikkaku (even with his impressive power), was merely the warm up.
The air filled with energy - feeling heavy to those unaccustomed to strong spiritual pressures.
Then with no warning Renji launched himself at Ichigo.
Dodging the attack (by side stepping), Ichigo used his own motion to quickly counter with a cross-cut.
Renji read this well enough, and blocked using the flat of his blade. Surprised by the swiftness of his counter (and the power behind it), Renji was knocked back a few meters.
Then Ichigo used flash step to move behind Renji. Startled by the sudden loss of his presence, Renji (luckily) felt Ichigo's intent and blocked an axe swing from Ichigo.
Clang!
Renji blocked the overhead swing, raising his blade to defend. The young hybrid bared down on his enemy, as the red-headed Lieutenant struggled to keep him at bay. Each push, slowly forcing Renji to buckle.
What the!?
Sparks started to be generated from their clash. Spiritual Pressure and Steel – vying for dominance. Renji dropped to one knee, as he struggled to hold Ichigo's sword at bay.
This...isn't...possible!
"What's wrong Renji? Surprised by how much I've improved?"
"Maybe? But that's not enough to beat...me!"
The Squad Six Lieutenant, then quickly pushed Ichigo's blade up, allowing him a small opening to escape the blade clash.
Ichigo – annoyed, rested Zangetsu on his right shoulder. Glaring at the Lieutenant who helped take away his friend and mentor.
Renji was a little winded from the exchange. He never could've imagined a human, even coming close to his unrestrained power.
How is this possible. I'm five times stronger than before. Even more, how did he regain and boost his power to such an extent!?
Then he saw it. The calm but threatening aura of spiritual power, emanating from the boy. He would usually chalk this up to the heat of battle, but his spirit senses never lied. He started to sweat.
"Is that really all a Lieutenant has to offer? I'm disappointed. Perhaps you should release that sword of yours. Maybe then, you'll have a better shot, eh, Renji?"
Ichigo smirked. He knew now that Renji wasn't much of a threat now. Even if he called on Zabimaru, he already saw how the whiplike zanpakutō could be wielded. If Renji had a bankai, it could complicate matters. That was a big if, considering the spiritual pressure he was feeling now.
"Don't think you've won, just because you've landed some good hits. I'm nowhere near done!"
Renjis spiritual pressure flared. Ichigo knew he was releasing Zabimaru – his whiplike (serrated-blade) zanpakutō.
"Now, ROAR...Zabimaru!"
Renji took a stance, raising his blade and directing the edge towards Ichigo. Then he ran his hand across the edge, releasing the sword into its shikai state.
As soon as he released his blade, he attacked the young hybrid.
Like that will work on me a second time!
The whip-like blade arced towards Ichigo. Instead of dodging (like he normally would), he waited for the fangs of the blade to nearly pierce him. Then, he countered with a powerful upward slash, making the whip contort and bend. The wires and jaws stretched. Now ill-shapen, his own weapon was useless.
H-How!?
Then Ichigo let loose his own spiritual pressure. Eyes glowing. Rage directed towards his enemy.
"It's over Renji!"
Renji could now fully sense the power being released by this...boy.
How is he that strong! No human should be that strong!
"Getsuga...TENSHOU!"
He sliced the air. A downward strike. A beam of energy burst from the edge of Zangetsu – directed towards the now hapless Lieutenant.
Sh-- he's got me!
The blade beam hit Renji square on. Cutting deep. His left shoulder, down to his torso, spewed blood.
Renji was lucky he had the foresight to tighten his spiritual pressure around himself. Just enough to stop his limbs from being lopped off. Still...
"I've...lost? Rukia...I'm...sorry..."
The red-head collapsed to the ground, falling into a newly formed pool of his own blood.
Ichigo was shocked at this statement. He thought Renji hated Rukia. His first encounter with him seemed to give that impression.
Then again, now that I think about it...
The young hybrid sighed. Again resting Zangetsu on his shoulders.
End of Chapter Notes: With Mayuri's death things take a very interesting turn. Yamamoto is basically on the warpath and that also changes the tactics of other players in the field (like Aizen). I'm pretty excited to write these next chapters.