Everytime you come around

There's always blood in your mouth

And I'm left with a bad taste

I wanna spit you out

And watch our world disconnect

As you blast off in your spaceship

Yammy rose from the ground and dug sand out of his ears. When Ichigo and Toshiro glided down in front of him, the last remaining Espada met their determined gazes with an arrogant smile.

"You didn't think an attack like that would hurt me, did you?" he asked.

"No, but I didn't intend for it to," Ichigo said. "I just wanted to give us more space to fight, but I can promise that the next time we hit you, you won't be standing so quickly."

"Fighting two worms like you isn't even worth my effort, but since you feel so bold, I'll let you decide which one of you gets to die first."

"If you think either of us is going to lose to you, you're much more foolish than I thought," Toshiro said.

"Why, you! Who the hell are you, anyway?! You look like that tiny, white-haired brat that tried to trap me in ice."

"Yes, that was me. And now I'm going to shut that mouth of yours permanently."

"A mouse grows a little and now he thinks he can take me on? I'll splatter your guts if you keep it up."

"Listen, Yammy," Ichigo said. "The way you are now, we could've cut your head off ten times already. You understand that? You're too weak to fight either of us separately, so stop wasting our time and bring out your full power."

Yammy growled and snatched at the red hilt of his sword. "All you are is trash! Your little Zanpakuto couldn't cut my head off in a thousand years! Enrage, Ira!"

Spiritual pressure burst out from his blade and spread throughout the landscape, smothering Hitsugaya and Ichigo. Once the dust cleared, the duo found themselves eclipsed by a shadow.

Ichigo leaned his head back and whistled. "Welp, looks like we're gonna need bigger swords."

The Cero Espada towered over the two and blocked out the sun in his Segunda Etapa form. Gray armor shielded the giant in several areas along his body, while horns jutted out of the top of his head and down his back. Lava-like spiritual pressure flowed from his thick claws, horns, legs, and the tip of his tail.

"He certainly has the power to match his size," Toshiro said.

"And you don't look too worried about that," Ichigo said.

"Neither do you."

Ichigo grinned. "Unless he somehow got faster and smarter, we shouldn't be in too much trouble."

Yammy let out a hulking roar before he stomped his massive foot toward the two of them. The duo used a Flash Step to dodge and appear above his head. As they soared downward, they both let out a yell and drop-kicked the Espada in the nape of his neck. Yammy yelped out and slammed into the ground. Ichigo slashed down a Getsuga Tensho while Toshiro fired a Masenko. Side-by-side, the two attacks collided onto Yammy's back, but proved to do minor damage.

"No one said it'd be easy," Ichigo remarked. "But it's a start, I guess."

Yammy stood and glared with his yellow eyes. "You flies are pissing me off. Now come here and let me swat you!"

Ichigo and Hitsugaya split apart to avoid being crushed by Yammy's hand. The two flew around to different sections of the giant's body and carved their blades in the gaps of his armor. The Espada tried to bat them away, but their smaller size and maneuverability caused him to only strike himself.

"Those puny Zanpakuto can't hurt me!" Yammy shouted. "They're nothing more than mosquito bites!"

Ichigo flew up from Yammy's chest toward his jaw. "Then try this one! Getsuga, Tensho!"

The upward slash of black and red energy cut Yammy from his chin to his forehead, slicing the center of his eye. Yammy clutched his bleeding face and cried out.

"Damn you!" He scowled at Kurosaki, then opened his jaws to release a black Cero.

As Ichigo prepared to take his chances with Yammy's blast and respond with a Galick Gun, Toshiro rushed in with his blade pulled behind him. Once he flung his sword forward, a large spear of ice pierced Yammy in his neck.

"Gaaaahh!" Yammy craned his neck upward and fired his Cero through the ceiling. He snapped his head down to the captain, then swung his fist in a blind rage. However, Hitsugaya remained in place.

"Shikai Hyoketsu." In an instant, Yammy's entire body froze as his fist reached Toshiro's face. Toshiro flew high into the air, wrapped the chain of his sword around his wrist, and cupped his hands down to his waist. "Kaaa… meee… haaa… meee… "

Ichigo dropped to the ground, stuck his blade in the sand, and thrusted his hands outward. After he slammed his wrists together, an energy ball formed in his hands and shot out electricity. "Final Flash!"

"Haaa!" The two shot their blasts as Yammy remained encased. He stood defenseless against the full force of Ichigo and Toshiro's attacks.

As the explosion kicked up sand and obscured their vision, Ichigo's grin parted his mouth. "All right, tough guy. I know that one had to hurt."

While Captain Hitsugaya and Ichigo waged their offensive against Yammy, Rudbornn's duplicates, known as the Calaveras, collapsed onto the Soul Reapers. The group of eleven fighters spread out across the desert to divert attention away from the members of Squad Four, the resting Saiyans, and Orihime.

Shinji confused a horde of enemies with Sakanade, allowing Rangiku and Momo to dispose of them with Haineko and Tobiume. As Komamura cleared a mass of Arrancar with Tenken, Shuhei stood beside him and used the scythes of Kazeshini to slice through anyone who approached them. Rukia and Renji combined their strength by freezing their foes with Sode no Shirayuki and destroying them with Hihio Zabimaru. While Yoruichi fended off spawns with Shunko and Hakuda, Kisuke stood behind her and attacked with the crimson energy waves of Benihime.

Soi Fon fought alone as she tried to make her way toward Rudbornn. However, Rudbornn responded by sending more Calaveras to her than anyone else. She did her best to kill as many as she could, but Arbol's ability to sprout infinite clones proved difficult to overcome.

With a slash to one of the Calaveras in the chest, she kicked another one from behind. She ducked a slash to her head and countered by throwing a clone over her shoulder. Before Soi Fon could dispose of the Arrancar on the ground, another latched itself onto her arm. She shot Sokatsui through its head, but others rushed in to snatch her other arm, then neck, then legs. While a swarm of Calaveras surrounded and restrained her, another group darted toward the barrier that held Aizen.

Goku clasped his fists. "Should've known that's what they're after. I guess we don't have a choice now."

Before the Saiyans leaped into battle, a voice spoke from behind the approaching clones.

"Sting all Enemies to Death, Suzumebachi."

Before any of the Calaveras reached their target, a butterfly-shaped marking appeared on each of their bodies. Soon after, their bodies glowed red before they faded, giving way to the expanded butterfly marking. Soi Fon appeared in front of the barrier with her Shikai wrapped around her right forearm and finger. The enemies that surrounded her before had disappeared, leaving Rudbornn and the others that watched in awe.

"Whoa, did you see that?" Goku asked. "What a technique!"

"Well, I'm impressed," Vegeta said. "Her moves are precise, and she's ruthless like a Saiyan. If Trunks wanted to improve his skills, that's who he should have trained with."

"It's funny that you say that, Vegeta," Goten said. He motioned his father and Vegeta toward him. When the two came in close, Goten dropped his voice to a whisper. "Don't say anything, but Trunks has a huge crush on her."

"Really?!" Goku asked. "Well, good for him."

Goten shushed his father while Vegeta crossed his arms and smirked. "Hmph, at least he's looking in the right direction. She'll be much better for him than an Earth woman."

"And what are you trying to imply about Earth woman, Vegeta?" Gohan asked.

"I implied nothing. I just think he needs someone strong to whip him into shape."

Soi Fon's showcase of her new speed caught the attention of the others, most notably her former Stealth Force associates.

Urahara took a moment to tease Yoruichi. "Looks like you're gonna have to hand over that 'Flash Master' title. It seems the student has finally surpassed the teacher."

"Once we get back home, that gravity room is all mine," she said.

Soi Fon strolled toward the Exequias leader with a sly grin. "For someone who boasts his intelligence, Aizen looks stupid for trusting you to kill us. I haven't even broken a sweat yet."

Though he trembled in disbelief, Rudbornn clenched his teeth. "Die!" With a swing of his sword, he commanded another horde of Calaveras to attack her.

"I'll die when it's my time, but not here…" Soi Fon disappeared, and much to Rudbornn's dismay, all of his spawns disappeared. In a flash, she reappeared next to him. "And not to someone like you. Get out of my sight."

Rudbornn swiveled to cut her down, but his body froze in place. He looked down and gasped at the mark of Suzumebachi on his chest. Her poison had taken effect; he cried out until his body faded away. With Rudbornn killed and his clones falling to the other Soul Reapers, Soi Fon turned her attention to Yammy.

A roar dispersed the smoke around the giant and sent a gust of wind hurling outward. "I've had enough of you bugs! You're all dead!"

"Oh no, the baby's throwing a tantrum," Ichigo said. "If only I had a giant pacifier to calm him down."

Hitsugaya dropped next to him with a humorless expression. "I think we should start taking him seriously. I'm sure you can feel his power increasing."

Ichigo's smile faded. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

Distant from the duo, Vegeta stood to his feet. "It's time I step in before this gets out of hand."

While Yammy continued to yell, a smirk crossed Soi Fon's face. Her body glowed with yellow spiritual pressure. "If those two won't shut him up, then I guess I have no choice.

"Ban-k-"

She stopped herself when Yammy lifted his hands over his head. A swirling, black vortex formed and expanded above his hands. Sand, stone from the outer walls, and the ceiling flew into the black hole. Ichigo and Hitsugaya struggled to stand their ground.

Gohan gasped and yelled out, "Everyone, get back!"

Before anyone questioned the situation, Goku teleported to the duo in front of Yammy, grabbing onto them and transporting them all to safety. Soi Fon Flash Stepped back to save herself, then picked up Trunks' body to prevent him from being sucked inward.

"What the hell's going on?" Vegeta asked.

Goku turned to his eldest son. "Gohan, is that what I think it is?"

"I think so," he said. "He just opened the Dead Zone."

Goten stumbled out of Soten Kisshun. "Dead Zone? What the hell is that?"

"I don't have time to explain, but all you need to know is that if you get sucked into that void, you may never get out. At the rate it's expanding, this place will be gone in less than a minute."

With the suction growing stronger, Gohan blurted out a plan. "Ichigo, grab whoever you can and get out of here as fast as you can. Once you get outside, release your energy so that we can come to you with Instant Transmission."

Ichigo nodded, then hoisted Orihime and Hanataro between his arms and took off. Gohan turned back to his father and brother. "Grab as many people as possible, lock onto Ichigo's signal, and teleport out once you sense him. Goten, you have the energy to do that, right?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine!" he blurted back. "Let's get going!

"Goten…" Toshiro said. Before he spoke up, Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan flew away to grab the others, leaving Goten, Hitsugaya, Soi Fon, Trunks, and the barrier that sealed Aizen. "Why the hell would you lie?! You know you're not good at Instant Transmission!"

"I'll figure it out," Goten said. "We'll be fine!"

"What do you mean you'll 'figure it out'?! Are you trying to get us killed?!"

"Lay off me, will ya?! Try to be positive for once in your life!"

"How the hell can I be positive when we're about to be sucked into a-"

"Shut up before I cut the both of you!" Soi Fon interjected. "How could you two idiots think of arguing at a time like this?!"

"Grab Aizen and let's go!" Goten said to Toshiro. As Hitsugaya ran and placed the barrier between an arm, Goten extended his hand out to Soi Fon. "Give me Trunks and grab on!"

She did as he asked, then found herself lifted by the waist between Goten's arm. As Goten prepared to escape Las Noches, a voice called out to him through the wind.

"Wait for me!"

Toshiro and Goten turned with widened gazes. "Momo!"

While the Dead Zone swept up both the living and dead Calaveras, Momo ran toward the group, but the black hole's suction lifted her into the air. Without delay, Toshiro soared after her and snatched her by the forearm. Once she secured herself to his back, the group raced off, desperate to escape the collapsing castle.

Everyone else managed to teleport out of Las Noches before them. While they dodged large sections of stone, Goten placed two fingers on his forehead and squinted to locate an energy signal outside the castle.

Goten's aching body caused him to wince once more. "Shit! I can't sense anything past these goddamn Sekkiseki rocks!"

"What's going on?" Soi Fon asked. "Why are you slowing down?!"

Toshiro looked back and shot a hand out. "Grab on!"

Soi Fon reached and grabbed his wrist, allowing for the Hitsugaya to pull them all together. However, the swirling void grew larger, and it soon pulled Toshiro back as well.

Goten forced all of his efforts into sensing any energy signal. "No. Fuck!"

At a safe distance from the imploding Las Noches, the group held their breaths for the remaining Soul Reapers and Saiyans to appear. Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, and Ichigo raised their energy levels to assist Goten with finding a signal. Nothing came, and as the Dead Zone only increased in size, neither Goku nor Gohan detected any presence from the castle.

"Come on, Goten," Gohan said. "Where are you? Dammit!"

The void sucked in the last remnants of Las Noches, then vanished from sight. Gohan dropped to his knees at his brother's disappearance; Soul Reapers bowed their heads at the loss of their comrades. Ichigo seethed with rage. He prepared himself to make Yammy pay at whatever cost.

He stepped out, but Vegeta held out his hand. "You're going to stay right here with everyone else. I'm taking control of this situation now."

"But what are you gonna do?"

Vegeta's fists shook as he tried to hold back his fury. "If that Dead Zone was one of Aizen's contingency plans, then there must be a way to escape. I'm going to torment that son of a bitch until he either coughs them out or he opens it so that I can get them out myself."

Gohan picked himself up and called out. "Wait, Vegeta! Let me go with you."

His father stepped next to him, gazing out into the distance with stern eyes. "Stay here in case something else happens." Goku then looked at Vegeta. "Ready?"

He nodded. "This ends right now."

"So Yammy opened a portal called the Dead Zone, and you risked your life on a technique you barely know? And not only did you endanger your allies' lives, but you almost gave up Aizen, too? Man, I knew you were Kakarot's son, but you're just a whole different breed of stupid."

"Hey!" Goten said. "Maybe I could've pulled it off if I wasn't so worn out." He then turned to Hitsugaya, who flew next to him. "At least we made it out in time, right?"

"We're only alive because Grimmjow came back to save us," he said. "What you did was not only unnecessary, but idiotic."

"At least you tried, Goten," Momo said.

"Don't defend him, Hinamori," Soi Fon said with crossed arms. "He obviously wasn't using his brain."

Goten narrowed his eyes at her. "You know, if I was getting carried to safety above a bottomless void, I would be pretty grateful."

"This is the Garganta; I'm perfectly fine with walking. How do you think we got to Hueco Mundo in the first place?"

He tilted his head to the side and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever."

Toshiro looked toward the blue-haired Saiyan flying in front of them. "What I want to know is why you didn't you warn us about more Arrancar hiding in Las Noches. And how did you know to come back for us? It all seems too convenient, considering you're an Espada."

Grimmjow's eyelids twitched. "Call me an Espada again and you can all fish yourselves out of deep space. As you can infer, Aizen's a very secretive man, even to his most trusted allies. I was told Yammy died on Namek; I only just found out that was a lie. And consider your asses lucky that I came back when I did. I was about to leave this wasteland when I saw Las Noches collapsing. I sensed a few people missing from your little group outside, so I went through the Garganta to check. That's when I was greeted by the wonderful sight of three Soul Reapers and a half-breed dumbass panicking for their lives."

"Thanks for the save," Goten smiled. "I guess you really are one of the good guys now."

"Am I supposed to give a shit about being 'good'? I do what I want and that's all. Now out you go."

An exit to the Garganta opened in front of Grimmjow. He stopped and moved to the side, allowing Goten and Toshiro to fly out into Hueco Mundo.

"You're not coming?" Goten turned and asked. "Where are you gonna go?"

"I'm finishing the job that you're all clearly incapable of doing." The Garganta shut in front of Goten and the Soul Reapers, leaving them in the sky to overlook the dark desert.

"You can put me down now," Soi Fon said.

"I will in a second," Goten said. "But let's find the others first."

When Goku and Vegeta stepped out to leave, Gohan's eyes shot open. "Hang on, guys! Do you feel that?"

"Don't distract me," Vegeta said. "The only thing I'm focused on is-"

The two pure Saiyans gasped, and the entire group turned to the sky behind them. Goten and Hitsugaya floated toward them.

Gohan pumped his fist. "Aw yeah! Way to stay alive, little bro."

"Well, we had a little help in that department," Goten said as they landed.

After Goten let go of Soi Fon, Ichigo ran to his side. "What do you mean, you had help?"

Goten threw his hand behind his head. "Hahaha, it's a funny story, actually. We sort of-"

"What Goten failed to communicate is that his teleportation doesn't work for long distances," Toshiro said. "We tried to bank on the chance that he would figure it out, but that didn't end up happening. That's when Grimmjow came and pulled us into the Garganta."

"The Espada?" Shuhei asked.

"Former Espada," Goten said. "It would've been game over if it wasn't for him."

Goku smiled with his hands on his hips. "I guess helping him out is already paying off."

Vegeta smirked, then powered up to Super Saiyan. "Now I can turn that stupid oaf into ash and end this ridiculousness." He took off from the group and floated high above the remains of Las Noches.

Under a mound of sand and shrunken down to his normal size, Yammy emerged and dusted himself off. "Heh, that'll teach those bastards not to fuck with me. I only wish I got to turn those two pests into mush. I guess they'll just have to rot away now."

"Something tells me that won't be happening." The Garganta opened behind Yammy, prompting him to scowl when Grimmjow strolled out. "Hey, tall, dumb, and ugly. It's been a while."

"If it isn't the weakling traitor. Don't tell me you're trying to take me on by yourself."

"As a matter of fact, I am. It's time I put down the last of Aizen's rejects once and for all."

"You're gonna put me down? Bahahahaha! That might be the best thing I've heard all day. Keep talking; I can at least get a good laugh before I kill you."

"With all the power you drained from that ability, I'd say we're on an even playing field. But you're too stupid to know that, aren't you?" Grimmjow smirked and shifted his eyes to the sky. Unbeknownst to Yammy, Vegeta appeared from above and charged a Galick Gun. Grimmjow transformed into a Super Saiyan, then stepped back to assume the same position.

"You were cursed with having no Pesquisa," he continued. "You probably don't even realize that all the people you tried to catch in your trap made it out."

"What?! That's a damn lie! How could you know that?"

"Because I can sense them, unlike you. Blame your leader for not giving you any skill." Fuchsia-colored energy enveloped Grimmjow's body. "Now before you go, turn around tell Vegeta to fuck off."

"Ha, I'm not falling for that-"

"Galick Gun!" Vegeta shouted as he shot his energy beam. Yammy turned and gasped before he tried to counter with a Cero, but Grimmjow fired his own Galick Gun at him. With no time to evade, Yammy cried out as both blasts struck him in unison, causing him to disappear with the explosion. Once visibility restored itself, only a torn piece of garment remained of the Cero Espada.

"Well, I tried to warn him," Grimmjow said. He stood straight to catch his breath.

The two Saiyans powered down, then shared a long, silent stare. Vegeta turned and sped away, leaving Grimmjow to watch with his hands in his pockets.

Always trying to help when you're not needed. What a punk.

He then set his sights on his next destination and huffed out a long sigh. "Guess I better get going while I can still stand."

"It's done," Vegeta said once he landed next to Goku. "We can finally consider this operation finished."

"Awesome," Goku said. "Now all we have to do is wait for Whis to pick us up."

"And just how is he going to know when to come?"

"Oh… guess we didn't really figure that out, huh?" Goku turned to Gohan. "Did he say anything to you?"

"Not really," Gohan said. "I just ran under the assumption that he'd be here-"

The Garganta opened ahead of them to reveal Universe Seven's angel at the entrance. "Well, hello there. I hope you'll pardon my tardiness."

"Hey, Whis!" Goku said as he ran to him with Gohan and Vegeta. "You came right on time."

"I started traveling as soon as I saw your fusion win the battle."

"Huh? You were watching?"

"I've been watching the entire time, and may I say that Gogeta's power is absolutely magnificent. I felt it all the way from Universe Seven, and that's almost unheard of."

"Woah, guess we make a great team. Right, Vegeta?"

"That'll be the last time we ever put ourselves in a position where fusion is the only option," Vegeta said. "The power will be mine alone soon enough." He then lifted the container of souls. "Now, let's stop wasting time and figure out how to open this thing."

"Hang on," Gohan said. "If we open that at the wrong time, then we'll have a hundred billion people to sort through. Whis, is there any way you can help?"

"Hmm." Whis took the container from Vegeta. He hummed as he observed it from all sides. "I'm sure if I work with Vados, we can separate the souls and send them all back to their respective locations."

"Haha, I knew you could do it!" Goku said. "What are we waiting for, then? Let's go!"

Before they left, Gohan turned and called out. "Goten, are you guys coming with us?"

"Nah," he said. "I'll stay with Trunks and wait till he gets better."

"Well, make sure you come home soon. Mom's gonna want to see you, and I'm sure school's gonna start soon."

Goten stuck his thumb up at his brother. "Got it. Take care, guys!"

Gohan waved back, and Goku yelled out to the others "Bye, everybody! Thanks for all your help! It was nice meeting you!"

Before Goku turned toward the Garganta, Captain Komamura Flash Stepped to him. "Just a moment before you all leave."

Goku raised his eyebrows. "Is something the matter?"

"No, nothing at all. On behalf of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads, I wanted to extend gratitude for capturing Aizen. Without your help, we would've never been able to accomplish such a feat. Rest assured, we will punish him to the fullest extent of our laws."

Goku smiled up at the captain and held out his hand. "No need to thank us. It was our fight as much as it was yours. If you need anything else, we'll be here to help."

Sajin grasped Goku's hand in his enormous paws. "And we will be here to support you as well. Have a safe journey back to your home."

Goku thanked him before the captain departed back to the group. As the Saiyans turned to enter the Garganta, Vegeta took a last glance at his son.

Goku rested a hand on his shoulder. "He'll be fine. Trunks is gonna be up and kicking before you know it."

Vegeta's eyes remained fixed away. "It's his pride that I'm worried about more than anything."

"He'll bounce back for sure," Gohan said. "After all, he is your son, and he has Goten by his side, too."

Vegeta paused, then walked to the Garganta. "Sure."

He flew inside of the void, which prompted Goku and Gohan to follow. The entrance shut and left the group standing in the wasteland.

"Alright, I guess we're all done here," Goten said as he looked down at his resting friend. "Better get going so we can get this guy in a bed. And would anybody wanna join me in a celebratory lunch?"

"You ate breakfast before you came here," Rangiku said.

"Yeah, and nearly getting killed works up quite the appetite."

"Wait a sec, hungry hippo," Ichigo said. "Before we do anything else, Kisuke, do you have any status updates on the fight in Karakura Town?"

Kisuke shook his head. "I haven't heard from them since we left. Once we return, I'll be able to touch base and see what the situation is."

"Whoops, forgot about that one," Goten said. "I'm sure the captains took care of them, but let's head over in case they need our help."

"Toshiro and I should be fine on our own, so I think you can rest with Trunks."

"Hey, I'm fine. Orihime made me feel as good as new-" A series of harsh coughs interrupted Goten's sentence, forcing him to cover his mouth with his arm.

Concern fell onto Ichigo's face. "You alright there, big guy? Inhaled a little dust?"

"I guess so." He held in another cough. "Just a little-"

Blood. Small streaks of blood mixed with spit stuck to his bicep. It shocked him, confused him, and even frightened him.

What the hell? But I got healed…

Before he speculated, several muscles in his body contracted in unison. He let out a slight yelp but strained to stay on his feet. "Ichigo, take Trunks… now!"

Ichigo raised his eyebrows. "Hm? What's wrong?"

"What's happening, Goten?" Toshiro asked as he came toward him.

"Just take him!" As Ichigo threw Trunks over his shoulder, Goten collapsed to his side and cried out in agony. Everyone gasped as his muscles twisted and tightened all across his body. Toshiro could do nothing but kneel by his side while he experienced excruciating pain.

"But I thought I healed him…" Orihime said.

"No, you did," Goten assured, trying to smile as he rasped through the pain. "It's just… a side effect of the… Kaioken."

"Is there anything we can do for you?" Ichigo asked.

"I just… need water, and maybe a banana. I think… that should help the cramps."

"You'll need much more than that in your current state," Unohana said as she stepped up to him. "I'll do my best to help once we arrive in the Seireitei, but I'll need someone to carry you."

"I'll take him," Toshiro said.

"It's okay," Goten said. "I think I'm feeling better now. Besides, I don't wanna get poked with that big thing you're holding."

"I'm not gonna poke you. Now shut up and let me help."

Goten threw his arm over Hitsugaya's neck and placed all of his weight on him. With Toshiro's help, he made it to his feet. "Wait a minute. How are we gonna get back?"

Without another word, Urahara pulled out a small remote from inside of his coat and pushed a button, opening the large, dark portal before them.

"Oh, I guess that solves that," Goten said. "Well, if everyone's ready, let's get outta here. By the way, Toshiro, when we get back, what do you wanna eat?"

For a moment, Toshiro forgot he held onto Aizen and laughed. "Can we at least leave before we talk about food? Gosh, it's always about food with you."

Goten chuckled. "What can I say? I'm a simple guy. But you're right. Let's go home."

While the Soul Reapers withdrew back to the Soul Society, Grimmjow flew farther into the recesses of Hueco Mundo. Within a few moments, he found what he'd been looking for on the ground: a space pod built like the ones he used to travel in. The pod sat next to a wide hole, which led to an underground laboratory. Inside, Aizen kept everything he wished not to be compromised by the Soul Society in that location. This included his spaceship, various equipment, and countless hours of footage he captured over the years.

Grimmjow landed next to the pod, then stared into the depths of the hole. Without hesitation, he lifted an open hand toward it and destroyed the lab with an energy ball. As fire and smoke billowed into the air, Grimmjow opened the Garganta. Before he left, however, he withdrew his Zanpakuto from his sash and glanced one last time at the desert.

All of this mess is yours to figure out now, Halibel. As for me, good riddance.

He tossed his Zanpakuto inside, sat on the seat, and pressed a button on the arm rest. From the floor, a handle came to him. He pushed another button that lifted the pod off the ground, then pushed the handle forward to propel himself into the Garganta.

After a few minutes of speeding through the void, an opening appeared before him and led him into space. Grimmjow plotted his course on a keypad on the other arm of his chair, prompting the handle to retract back into the floor.

His aching body sank into the seat; his eyelids weighed down to a close. Maybe I should think about how I should approach them. Eh, I'll wing it, like… always…

Grimmjow's head slumped to the side. He rested as his ship passed by thousands of stars and planets faster than light.

Two days passed before he arrived at Sadala. The space pod raced through the wine-colored atmosphere and crashed into a deserted wasteland, creating a massive crater. Grimmjow opened his eyes and let out a yawn. "Here already? Well, let's get this show on the road."

Once he opened his pod, a voice yelled at him from above. "Come out slowly and with your hands up!"

Grimmjow smirked and grabbed Pantera beside him. "I guess Kakarot and the prince got those souls out. The welcoming committee here is a bit more prompt than I remember."

He stepped out to see men surrounding the rim of the crater, rifles and pistols drawn at him. Unbothered, he raised his arms in the air to stretch his body.

The militant force let out an audible gasp.

"It's him!" one of them said.

Grimmjow placed Pantera back into his sash. "No need to piss your collective pants so soon. I just wanna have a word with your king."

One soldier stopped trembling and shouted at Grimmjow. "You, of all people, have the audacity to request an audience with King Sadala?! How dare you! As a commander of the Sadala Defense Force, I am placing you under arrest! Now put your hands where I can see them, or we will open fire!"

Grimmjow sighed and scratched his head. "You look kinda familiar. Didn't I shove your face in dirt the last time I was here?" The man tried to hold his gun upright, but trembled once more like the others. "Listen, I'm not here to do any harm. I was only following orders when I came here the first time. I have business with your king, so one way or another, I'm gonna go find him. Now, you all can lead me to him, or you can try to detain me. It's your choice, but I think you know what'll happen if you choose the latter."

The men tried and failed to uphold their pride. The commander's quivering hands fell as he tucked the gun into a holster on his side. He turned away and grumbled the words, "Follow me," then took to the sky.

"Hmph, smart choice." Grimmjow and the Sadala Defense Force followed the commander to the king's location. On his way there, Grimmjow took the time to observe his surroundings. The rocky terrain surrounding him would prove perfect for training. Small homes and buildings reminded him of his home planet.

Didn't know how much I missed it till now.

The Saiyans descended into a fortress that sat on a plateau high above the rest of the land. Led by the commander, they entered through large double doors opened by the castle's guards. As the group walked on a red carpet that led to the throne room, the guards growled and cursed at Grimmjow, but the former Espada ignored them.

Once they arrived at their destination, another pair of doors swung open to reveal the king's room. Multi-colored window panes allowed for light to enter the room. The carpet led to a set of stone stairs; at the top stood the decorated throne holding a middle-aged man with shoulder-length hair and a thick mustache. The soldiers dropped to their knees and lowered their heads, while Grimmjow stood with his hands tucked in his pockets.

"Nice place you got," he said. "It reminds me of the one my king used to have."

"Commander," King Sadala said. His voice boomed through the high ceiling. "Why have you brought this fool to me instead of apprehending him?"

The commander shut his eyes. "My sincerest apologies, sire, but-"

"I gave him an ultimatum," Grimmjow said. "We either came here together, or I'd kick the crap out of them and find you myself."

"They should have died before bringing an enemy like you here," Sadala said. He leaned his elbow on the padded armrest and rested his head in his hand. "What is your business, then? Do you wish to declare war? Do you seek my throne? Our three strongest warriors will be here soon enough. If you can defeat them, then I'll have no choice but to relinquish my position as king to you."

"I've already beaten all of them before; there's nothing left for me to prove. If I wanted that seat, I'd already be sitting in it with my feet up."

"Watch your mouth, you scum!" the commander glared. "Don't you ever-

"Raise your voice again in my throne room and I'll have your mouth permanently sealed shut," Sadala said.

The commander lowered his head once more and tamed his anger. "Forgive me, sire."

The king shifted his gaze back to Grimmjow. "So, if it isn't my throne you want, then what exactly are you after?"

"When I first came here, another Saiyan enlisted me. However, he had no honor and only wanted to rule the universe for himself. I only did what he wanted so I could get close to him and kill him. He's been defeated now, so I have no business fighting any of you. I came here because you have a glaring issue."

King Sadala sat up and leaned forward. "An issue? You'll have to elaborate."

"Your men are not only pitifully weak; they also have no shame. Those are two things that go against what it means to be a Saiyan. At the end of the day, you're the only one to blame for that."

"You have the gall to critique my leadership? What would you know about a Saiyan?"

Grimmjow clasped his fists and burst into a Super Saiyan. The king and his subjects gasped at his golden glow.

"Don't let this bone mask and blue hair fool you. Saiyan blood runs through my veins." Grimmjow exhaled and reverted to his base form, smirking at the shock of the king. "Let me get to the point. At the moment, nothing is stopping another person or group from coming here and turning everything you know to ashes. My goal is to make these rag-tag bunch of bitches into proud warriors. With my strength and knowledge of Saiyan power, no one in their right mind would ever invade this planet."

"Surely that can't be all that you want. There must be something you're aiming to gain out of this."

"A man named Frieza destroyed our race in Universe Seven, and if I can prevent that from happening again, then I will. The only thing I ask for is a training space. I still need to gain more power, and I won't stop until I'm the strongest being alive."

"Tell me your name, stranger."

"Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez."

The king grinned, stood from his chair, and walked down the steps. "Grimmjow: an intriguing name for an intriguing Saiyan. Very few people have had the nerve to speak to me in that manner; even fewer have dared to make demands. I can't tell if you're confident or arrogant, but either way…"

Sadala stopped in Grimmjow's face. The two locked eyes for a moment until the king stuck out his hand. "You're exactly the person I need. I'll provide you with living quarters, food, and someone to tend to your injuries. You'll also have your own training grounds and free rein to do as you please. But I can't grant you these amenities until you accept the position of general of our Defense Force. I can tell that you don't enjoy responsibility, but your people need you now more than ever."

The kneeling soldiers could not believe their ears.

"Sire," the commander said. "Permission to speak."

"Denied," Sadala said. "Nothing you say will sway my decision."

Grimmjow looked down at the hand and pondered the offer. Reluctant, he clasped the king's hand with a grin. "Urgh, fine. You've got yourself a deal."

A/N: And that wraps up the Arrancar portion of the story, and what a ride it's been! Part of me is having trouble believing it's over, and another part of me is glad it's done. At some point, the sheer volume of action that occurred between Chapter 14 onward needs a breather.

Threw in the Dead Zone part because… idk, why not? :D

Sorry for the delay. I had a whole week off from work last week and I did NOTHING in terms of writing. I also thought this chapter was gonna be half the size it is now, but I'm glad that I'm able to make up for the prolonged week with more content that I actually enjoyed making. I'll be starting the next chapter immediately.

Speaking of the next chapter, I am HYPED. It's not gonna be earth-shattering, but I'm excited for a change of pace. I don't wanna say too much but... naahhh ya'll are just gonna have to see.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone that's read until this point. You all make this more fun than it already is. Have a great day, and I'll see you next time. Also… would anyone prefer if I leave weekly status updates on my first page? I know I upload pretty randomly, so that might be a way I can communicate with you all more.