Usual Disclaimer: Bleach is owned by their respective holders, but this story is my own.
Arc Two: Chapter 29 – Finale of the Strongest! Next up: Showdown at the Senzaikyū (Repentance Cell)
Crash!
Metal striking metal.
Tear! Splat! Drip...
Metal meeting flesh.
Ichigo and his monstrous opponent, Kenpachi Zaraki, traded blows and wounds. While Ichigo did dodge most of Kenpachi's strikes, some inevitably got through. While no strikes on Ichigo were life threatening they still hurt. Badly.
The biggest weakness with Blut, is that neither versions can be used in conjunction, i.e. Ichigo can only focus on the attack half, or the defence half – not both at once. At this time, Ichigo could only use Blut Arterie, and even then (as he was sure Zangetsu just told him), it would only be for a short while.
Damn it! This Kenpachi is a madman.
"KYAHAHHAHAHAH!"
Case in point, his opponent was cackling from being inflicted pain!?
What did Ichigo get himself into!
Sliding back to a relatively safe distance, Ichigo steadied himself, incredulous. Some of his own wounds were deep enough to be spilling blood. While those of Kenpachi, would've floored regular opponents.
Tch "What in the world is wrong with you!? Do you really love battle that much?
Kenpachi's eyes continued glowing, his unsettling grin sending shivers down Ichigo's spine.
"Idiotic question. I should be asking you why you're not enjoying this? Revelling in the pure ecstasy of battle...!"
(Ichigo...you don't have much time. You must end this now!)
'I know Zangetsu. This final blow will end it'
Closing his eyes, he blew a breath, and relaxed himself, before refocusing on his crazed opponent. He placed Zangetsu on his shoulder. A few moments passed, before his spiritual aura erupted - blazing azure, with glistening shadow.
"I'm ending this in one blow Kenpachi. Ready yourself!"
"I'd like to see YOU TRY!"
Kenpachi's own spiritual pressure exploded, to match the might of Ichigo's power. The behemoth of a man, pointed his jagged blade towards his young enemy. His spiritual power screeching across its edge. The bloodlust emanating from Kenpachi would've crushed weaker men. Not Ichigo, though.
The young hybrid, took a stance, pooling his spiritual energy into Zangetsu. The blade glowed, and resonated with his own spiritual pressure. His own Blut Arterie glowed in tune with his power.
A sword swing, imbued and amplified by my spiritual energy. That's what you called it. The basis of the "Getsuga." Yet...
Both combatants stared each other down. Neither wanting to make the first move. Their aura's howling at their respective opponents.
A bead of sweat, dripped down the side of Ichigo's face.
The droplet.
Falling.
Falling.
Splash!
The two warriors raced towards eachother. Kenpachi - Captain of the battle crazed Squad 11. Ichigo - Substitute Soul Reaper and Hybrid. Zaraki's smile never wavered, as Ichigo's own conviction never faltered.
"HYAHHHH!"
"RRRAAAH!"
Ichigo swung his sword, a horizontal slash - meeting Kenpachi Zaraki's own arcing strike.
KRAKOOM!
The explosion generated from this titanic clash, shook not only the immediate vicinity, but a large portion of the Seireitei.
From the Repentance Cell, Rukia Kuchiki felt a tremendous force wash over her. Even through the anti-spirit sekkiseki walls, lining her current prison.
What was that? How can I feel it through the Sekkiseki!?
Her face grew more sullen, as she closed her eyes and prayed. Prayed that if this was her friend Ichigo, that he'd be safe.
Please...
The surrounding infrastructure (walls, pillars, towers) crumpled and disintegrated from the sheer force of the spiritual impact. To onlookers (like little Yachiru), all that could be seen was a blinding light. Even then her own joy at watching her "Kenny" find a worthy opponent, never left her. Even if she didn't know if he'd be alright.
Of course he will be. He's Kenny!
The light dissipated and the dust started to settle. Yachiru could now see a very large crater, around where Kenny and Ichigo collided.
I can't see Kenny, but I can still feel him.
As the smoke settled, both combatants were still standing. However, one stood in victory, as his
blade had broken his opponent's, simultaneously cutting into their flesh. Blood poured out in viscous clumps, from Kenpachi Zaraki's torso. Ichigo sported new cuts, resulting from their clash. The blood slowly dripping from the open wounds.
"Heh...you...win...kid." Kenpachi looked tired, yet, it was more from relief than any pain he currently felt. He had finally met a worthy opponent. Not since her had he felt anything like this. And now that he got the chance to examine this boy, he could tell,
He was still... holding... back...
With those last thoughts, Kenpachi collapsed in a heap. The blood flowing freely from his opened torso.
Ichigo, was tired as well. He had exhausted himself, especially with his sudden usage of Blut and exertion of spiritual power. And his own wounds didn't help the matter either. Though minor (compared to what he inflicted on Kenpachi), they still added to his strain.
Pant...Pant...
"While I can't say I enjoy battle like you... that was certainly... one I'll remember for a long time."
At around the same time, both Ganju and Hanatarō had arrived near the bridge, directly connected to the Repentence Cell.
Both felt the massive surge in spiritual power, and hoped that Ichigo was safe. The two decided to quietly converse with each other, as they overlooked their goal, from the safe vantage point of a tower wall.
Hanatarō? So what's next?
Well, Ganju, we just need to take care of these guards, and I can use my cell key to get us into there!
The young healer gave his older comrade a goofy grin, showing him the key to Rukia's cell.
Okay, but how should we get rid of them? I could use flash step and knock them out, or...?
Leave that to me Ganju!
The young healer then pulled out a vial of green liquid. Then he proceeded to carefully aim the liquid over one of the guardsman, and dropped a small dose onto his crown. The unsuspecting guard, immediately fell unconscious, as his guard-mate rushed over to his aid. Before he could look up to see the perpetrator, Hanatarō dripped a few more drops onto him as well.
"What the heck is that stuff?"
"Oh, this is something called Shinten. It can knock out someone with low spirit energy with just a few drops."
His lackadaisical explanation, unnerving the Shiba lord.
"Geez Hanatarō, you're one creepy little guy..."
"Oh? Don't be like that Ganju, I'm a perfectly nice guy, certainly not creepy."
It didn't help the short Soul Reaper's argument, as he continued to stare almost lazily at Ganju. All the while holding a syringe, and its contents squirting out. Almost like a mad scientist, readying themselves for their next experiment.
Is this what Squad 4 are all about? Surgical horror!?
Ganju shook these thoughts away, as him and Hanatarō approached the bridge leading to Rukia's prison.
I'm not liking the length of this bridge. Could be some traps.
Without any warning, Ganju scooped up his comrade-in-arms, and flash stepped over to the door to the Repentance Cell. Placing his friend on the ground, he examined the door. He then found a key shaped indent (well a rather large one), and realised they had reached an impasse.
"Er, Hanatarō, seems to me like a key is needed to get in." The older of the duo, scratched his head.
"No worries Ganju, I brought the spare key to the cell with me!" He then produced a large key from inside his satchel bag.
"I realised what I'd have to do, so I was lucky that a spare to the Repentance Cell was readily available, at Rukia's barrack cells."
The short young man shuffled over to the door, and placed the key inside. Turning it, the rock solid door parted vertically.
I guess I'll finally face your old subordinate, big brother. You'd want us to save her, wouldn't you?
Over the past 50 years, he had harboured deep resentment towards Rukia Kuchiki. It wasn't until his Aunt had started to live with them, and the sporadic visits from Yoruichi, did he find out the truth. It just all clicked when he realised who was likely behind his brother's death. Even if Rukia was the one to make the finishing blow.
Damn that Aizen!
He clenched his fists.
Why is the doors to the cell opening? It can't be Renji again, right?
Rukia shuddered at the implications of Renji returning. Telling her that he had finally killed the one who stole her powers. She knew her old friend would see it as justice. But to her, it would be the most heartbreaking experience she would feel, since Kaien's demise. And she would likely never forgive Renji for it.
However, as much as she wanted to show her true emotions, she used every ounce of her Kuchiki grace to simply sit there, and wait. Even calling out a, "who goes there?" in the most authoritative tone she could muster.
Then her eyes widened at the response,
"It's me Rukia! Hanatarō!" The kind member of Squad 4, who shared in her stories of the Human World, had somehow made it all the way to the Senzaikyū. Standing next to him stood an unfamiliar man. Dressed in unfamiliar garb.
She stood up and greeted her old cell companion.
"Hanatarō? H-How!?"
Her friend hastily summarised as much of his journey as he could. Regaling her with what looked to be feats of grandeur, and many things that amazed him. She couldn't understand half of what he was saying, but did hear one particular name.
Ichigo...
Her eyes began to water, but she refused to let the tears flow, so quickly wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her priosner's kimono.
The fool really is still alive...what a fool
(But I'm so thankful he's okay).
"Hanatarō, time to cut the reunion short, we need to get out of here."
Rukia noted that the gruff looking man, was glaring at her, with eyes that look too familiar.
"Oh...yes we better hurry. Come with us Rukia!"
Rukia followed Hanatarō along, until she laid her eyes clearly on the gruff man. She could now see his clothing in full, and it shook her to her core.
"That's the...h-how are...?"
"Figures you'd recognise the clan symbol, considering my brother was your superior!"
Brother...?
Internally she was breaking, seeing a family member of the superior officer she respected so much. However, her years of being a Kuchiki still shone through, as her face remained rather neutral.
"I see...so are you here for revenge? Dragging Hanatarō around so you could more easily get to me?"
Oh how she wished to pay for her crimes. Crimes that logically speaking she wasn't guilty of. But her heart and mind had always been on opposing sides, regarding the death of Kaien Shiba.
"Pfft, like I'd stoop so low as to use someone else for my revenge. Listen well, us Shiba men would never lower ourselves like that, nor would we cower away from our problems!"
He directed his rebuke towards the smaller (but older) woman in front of him. Oh he was pissed, but now wasn't the time. He made a promise to his family, that he'd help rescue Rukia.
Rukia in response lowered her head in shame. He's right...I am a coward.
"Besides...I made a promise to Ichigo, to save your behind. And that's what I'm going to do!"
Ganju then turned around and walked outside of the cell, with Hanatarō and Rukia following suit.
"I see now that the Head Captain was correct. A couple of ants scurrying about, trying to save the prisoner from her lawful fate."
An intense wave of spiritual pressure blanketed the area. Even more potent then that of Kenpachi. Hanatarō collapsed to his knees, panting. Ganju tensed, as he clearly wasn't expecting someone of his calibre to appear. Rukia was horrified, as this meant the end of her rescue attempt.
The trio had only just started to walk across the bridge, before the noble Kuchiki Clan Leader, Squad Six Captain and Rukia's older brother, Byakuya Kuchiki had arrived on the other side.
"I thought perhaps this was the Ryōka that battled Kurotsuchi, merely masking their presence, yet as I see you now, you don't fit their description."
Byakuya slowly walked towards the group, his intimidating aura radiating off him. Nearly as menacing as his spiritual pressure. He had just drawn his blade.
"But seeing as you're only ants, I deign to show a modicum of mercy."
He kept his blade steady to his side, as he stopped near the mid-way point of the bridge.
"Though that would require your complete surrender!"
His spiritual pressure was now directed towards the small group. Hanatarō dropped instantly, barely conscious, with drool pooling from his open mouth.
Ganju drew his hatchet blade, realising he had no real choice but to defend himself. Even if he was barely defending himself against Kuchiki's overwhelming aura.
Thankfully I'm used to overwhelming spiritual pressures. Still...
He looked down, to see his friend being crushed from Kuchiki's spiritual pressure. Behind him, Rukia held steady enough, likely cushioned from the sekkiseki walls which still surrounded her.
"Rukia, get Hanatarō and go back inside. I'll buy some time, to hopefully give you an opening to escape." He harsh-whispered to her.
"Are you insane? Can't you feel that!? My brother will cut you down. It's better if you just..."
She was resigning herself to her fate. Better that than letting others get hurt for her sake.
"Are you insane!? Ichigo would pulverise me, if I don't give it my all to get you out of here!"
Ganju steadied his breathing, as he refocused his own spirit energy.
"Listen and do as I say. If all works out great, we should all get out of here."
Then without a second thought, Ganju charged at Byakuya.
"Thankfully, you two aren't too worse for wear. It was fortunate, you encountered Kyōraku. He would always be lenient towards young ones like you."
Yoruichi was now in her human form, wearing her trademark orange gi, and ninja-esque attire. Her eyes were closed, and arms folded, as she contemplated the next part of the rescue mission.
Things haven't turned out as well as we all had hoped. And Masaki killing Kurotsuchi complicates matters – however this could also be an opportunity. I wonder if...
"Ummm...Ms. Yoruichi? What are we going to do next?" Orihime enquired of her friend and mentor.
"Not too sure yet. A lot has changed. With Captain Kurotsuchi gone, things become...complicated."
"That seems to be the case. But, wasn't that Captain, head of Research and Development, and controlled surveillance around the Seireitei?"
Chad had sagely realised that an opportunity might arise from this situation. One where their movements would be less monitored.
"Smart thinking Sado. That was exactly what I was thinking. But, remember that Aizen still has his own surveillance equipment, and we know nothing about where that-"
Everyone in the little hideout felt the immense pressure engulf them.
Byakuya already huh? And it feels l-
"This pressure is-"
"incredible!" Both Chad and Orihime sweat-dropped. They knew without a doubt this was a Captain, but they could also feel a smaller spiritual pressure combating this force.
"Damn it Ganju, survive till I get there!"
Ichigo, was initially just walking the stairs to the Senzaikyū, but realised (belatedly) that that was a bad move. He glided up the stair well. Hoping to save his cousin before it was too late.
End of Chapter Notes: I've been reading more of my comments and I can see some people are wanting me to go in certain specific directions. I've been quite open about where I will be going with the story. The story itself gives a solid guide to the direction I'm heading. And yes, I know some of you want the "Super OP Ichigo" asap, but this is a long haul story. So any leaps in power have got to make sense (like a training arc or two) and coincide with the overall theme of this story - which is about family - as Don Toretto from Fast and Furious would say. Besides, it should be obvious that everyone is gaining in power, with Masaki (in terms of her group) at the apex currently.
Also to those asking about pairings - this won't be a focus of my story. However since I am focusing on the Kurosaki family, the only canon pairing that is relevant is Masaki and Isshin (with some Ryūken and Kanae via flashbacks). Anything else is not a focus.
Final Note: I'll be taking a fairly long break from this series, as I try to catch up with other stories I have + other work irl. Not sure when I'll return, but should be safe to assume either a little after Xmas or just before.
See you then!