Hours had passed since the battle against Alostrol and his companions, a battle that had affected some areas of the city, not to mention that, in the middle of the battle, Alostrol used an artifact to attract a herd of hollows that roamed the city in search of prey.
Fortunately, thanks to everyone's hard work, they not only managed to wipe out the enemies but also all the hollows.
There was a lot of destruction due to the intensity of the fights, but the most important thing was that not a single person was injured except for those who fought against the evil shinigamis.
They were now in recovery.
"Well, how are you feeling now?" asked Rimuru standing in his slime form in front of the otherworldly group who were on individual futons, where they received treatment for their injuries.
"Quite a bit better. Those potions of yours are a wonder if they can heal wounds like that." said Ichigo, as it turns out Rimuru had bestowed upon them potions made by himself, literally, that quickly healed their wounds, even the deepest ones.
"Yes, I would venture to say that not even Captain Unohana could develop healing spells of this caliber." said Rukia.
"No need to exaggerate. Besides, it wasn't all my doing, Orihime also helped a bit with her powers." began Rimuru before turning her gaze to the young woman. "By the way, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for healing Shion after your confrontation."
"Oh, no, there's no need, Lord Rimuru." began Orihime shaking her arms in defense with a blush of embarrassment due to the fact that she was receiving personal and sincere thanks from the leader of a nation. "I only did what I had to do, nothing more." said Orihime with a smile.
"Still, I appreciate it and I'm sure Shion does too." said Rimuru.
"If it's not too much trouble, Lord Rimuru, it would be nice if you would allow us to take a sample of that potion to the Soul Society." said Renji.
"I agree." began Uryu before adjusting his glasses. "If they could replicate it somehow, it would be beneficial to all of us, since we're almost always in life and death situations."
"Hmm. Sounds good. However, I have to ask for something in return, since it wouldn't be a gift, but a kind of trade between us, don't you think?" asked Rimuru.
"Of course, after all, you were the one who created the potion. You have all your rights." said Chad.
"Lord Rimuru." began Rukia, catching the slime's attention, before dropping to her knees and bowing her head until she almost touched the ground with it. "We deeply regret everything that happened in your city. This could have been avoided if we had acted in a better way."
"No, it's my fault. It was me who caused the incident that brought us here. If not for that, none of them would have come here in the first place." said Ichigo.
"On that we can agree." said Renji, receiving a scowl from the substitute shinigami.
"While I appreciate your apologies, it really isn't necessary." began Rimuru, to the surprise of the substitute shinigami and the vice-captain, who raised her head to look at the slime in surprise and confusion. "None of you are to blame when you didn't even know what would happen. It's true that what Ichigo did was what caused all of that, but did you even know that this would happen? Did you even know that this place, of all the cities and Demon Lords that are in this world, would be attacked by them in the first place? No, of course not. No one is in control of everything or knows what might happen in life. Take me, for example. I didn't even know that I would end up being reincarnated as a slime and become a Demon Lord. What I mean is, even if we don't know what the future holds, we should do our best to overcome whatever obstacles come our way, even when bad things are happening along the way."
The group gasped at the slime's words.
In fact, they all recalled experiences that were just as Rimuru had said.
Ichigo would never have imagined that he would end up becoming a shinigami and having responsibilities both in his own world and in the Soul Society.
Orihime and Chad would never have imagined gaining powers that had their effect on the arrancar and fullbringer respectively.
Uryu would never have imagined that he could ever team up with a shinigami or even help the Soul Society at times due to the history between the shinigami and the quincy.
Rukia and Renji, as well as the entire Soul Society, would never have imagined the betrayal of Aizen and other captains that would lead to a war that involved arrancar and vizard, as well as some sacrifices.
But if all those occasions had one thing in common, it was that although none of them expected such things, they ended up accepting them and despite the obstacles that came their way, they grew stronger and prevailed to carry on and be able to keep everyone, friends, family, acquaintances and even strangers, safe.
"You're right, Rimuru." said Ichigo with a smile.
"Yes, we will never forget that." said Orihime with a smile.
"I'm glad to hear that." said Rimuru.
"Anyway, once we go back to the Soul Society and explain to them what happened, we'll request that they send a unit to help with the repairs." said Renji.
"Well, it would be nice to get some help, but do you think they will accept?" asked Rimuru curiously.
"They'll have to, since practically you and your people took care of THEIR problem." said Uryu.
"That brings me to another question. Will there be any trouble for that?" asked Rimuru.
"I don't think so. Before our eyes and anyone else's, Alostrol and his group attacked the city and you fought back." said Rukia.
"That's right. As soon as the others learn that they were willing to indiscriminately kill innocents who had nothing to do with the Soul Society, their influence will be reduced to the point where they see them as the bad guys they really were." said Ichigo.
"So, practically, your mission has been completed, right?" asked Rimuru.
"True, but there's still the issue of us being able to return to our world." said Chad.
"That's why you don't have to worry anymore. As it turns out, before I came in here, I completed the spell that will allow you to return to your world. Specifically, to Soul Society." said Rimuru to the surprise of the group.
"Really? Are we really going to be able to go back?" asked Orihime with a big smile of happiness.
"Of course. I could do it now if you wanted to, but I would recommend getting some rest first, since you have recently experienced very tough battles." said Rimuru.
"Of course." said Ichigo with a smile.
The group was happy, not only because they had managed to put an end to the problem of the revolutionaries, but they had a way to return to their world.
Later, in the main square of the city, a great celebration was set up in honor of the victory against the enemy and in terms of protecting the city.
Ichigo was having a pulse duel with Benimaru, with both of them smiling defiantly as they tried to outdo each other.
The shocking strength of both was so great that they ended up breaking the table they were using, causing them to end up in a draw, which they decided to accept.
For the time being.
Renji had a chance to meet the members of the Shadow Squad that was under Souei's command and was telling them some of the things he knew and could tell about the 2nd division, which, like them, was specialized in stealth and assassination.
Uryu was hanging out with Shuna chatting about clothes, though some of the conversation strayed to the topic of making women's dresses and outfits for Rimuru.
Shion and Orihime hung out making snacks for the crowd.
Of course, thanks to Orihime's immense help, Shion's food looked… a bit more normal than usual, which meant they were able to sell a lot of quantities.
Chad and Geld, surprisingly, were playing with the little hobgoblins, especially a little girl with an upright ponytail that Chad was carrying on his shoulders while she was smiling.
Rukia and Hakuro had some words and advice on swordplay, as Rukia had heard from Renji about Hakuro's skills he showed during their fight.
Everything was going well, until, suddenly…
"AAHH!" shouted Ichigo as something slammed against his chest with force, sending him crawling across the ground, leaving a furrow in the process.
"Ichigo!" exclaimed Orihime with extreme concern.
For a moment, both she and the others in her group thought it was another enemy attack, but then, as the smoke cleared and Ichigo opened his eyes with a groan, he and the others were shocked to see Milim on top of Ichigo, a sign that she was the attacker.
"Ichigo!" exclaimed Milim raising her head to show a sad expression.
"Milim?" asked Ichigo before getting up. "What are you doing here?"
"Is it true that you're leaving?!" asked Milim very saddened.
"Yes, my friends and I have finished our chores here and we must leave." said Ichigo.
"I don't want you to leave! I have so much fun playing with you!" said Milim with pleading eyes.
"I'm sorry, but I have my duties and responsibilities back there and I can't neglect them, just like you with your Demon Lord duties." said Ichigo.
"Then become my subordinate." began Milim with a smile as she thought she had hit upon the solution. "Frey is my subordinate, but still, she's my friend and plays with me from time to time, so if you become my subordinate, then… Ouch."
Suddenly, Ichigo gave her a small karate chop on the head to stop her.
"You think I'm going to give up everything just because you ask me to? Even if you offer me the whole world, I'd still turn it down." said Ichigo.
"But… But… But…" began Milim with tear drops at the corners of her eyes.
Ichigo let out a sigh of defeat.
He couldn't leave her in that state, as Milim, despite her great amount of power and her title, was like his little sisters and he didn't like to make them cry, so…
"Listen…" began Ichigo rubbing the back of his head. "I don't know what will happen later, but we may have more trips to this city and if it cheers you up a little more, we can play a little before I have to leave."
"Really?" asked Milim with a big smile. "Great!" exclaimed Milim before launching into a tight hug with the substitute shinigami, who groaned a little due to the Demon Lord's strength. "Come on, let's go play!" said Milim before quickly running off somewhere while keeping hold of Ichigo's hand, who had to run at his pace to keep from yanking it away.
Despite Milim's childish personality, Ichigo couldn't help but smile that he had managed to cheer her up, even if it was only temporary.
From one side of the plaza, Rimuru stood with his arms folded contemplating the interactions between his friends and the otherworldly visitors.
"Enjoying the view, eh?" asked Veldora approaching his sworn brother.
"Yes. This scenery is one of the reasons I founded this nation." said Rimuru.
"Even though it was unexpected and they didn't take your opinion into account when that happened?" asked Veldora with a toothy grin, since, at the time, he was inside his prison inside Rimuru, so he could see and hear everything that happened outside.
"Touché, but I stand by what I said." said Rimuru with a smile.
"I have to admit, for being from a different world than the one you come from, they are quite peculiar, so to speak." said Veldora.
"I know and I hope things will be that way if we have visitors from another world again. Though I'd like it to be without the whole fighting a bunch of baddies thing." said Rimuru.
"Considering your luck, you never know." said Veldora.
"Heh. That's true." said Rimuru.
"I know I've only known them for a short time, but I'm going to miss them." said Veldora.
"Me too, but considering they will talk about us in their report, there is a chance we will see them again and we may also see more like them. Also, they said they were going to ask them to send reconstruction aid." said Rimuru.
"They better, because if they don't, I will personally go to the Soul Society to tell them a few things." said Veldora with a toothy grin and slamming his fist into his palm.
Rimuru chuckled lightly at the humanoid dragon's words before turning his gaze back to the plaza, where, despite the city recently suffering a major enemy attack as well as an invasion of hollows, everyone was smiling, laughing and enjoying their time together as if nothing had happened.
A sight he loved to see every day and would do his best to maintain and continue to see.
Shortly after the celebration, they proceeded to get things ready for the return trip.
Of course, they weren't going to leave without being able to say goodbye to the friends they had made during their time on that world.
"It was an honor to have fought alongside you." said Geld extending his hand toward Chad, who accepted the gesture and shook his hand.
"Likewise. I hope you can rebuild the city." said Chad.
"It will be hard work, but if it's to give everyone a home, it will be worth it." said Geld.
"I know." said Chad with a smile.
"Thank you for all your help, Mr. Hakuro." began Renji bowing in thanks and respect before standing tall. "In fact, I would like you, should the opportunity arise, to meet my captain."
"Mmm. Sounds interesting. I'd be happy to meet him and I hope he is what I've heard he is." said Hakuro stroking his beard.
"He will be. I assure you." said Renji.
"And I also hope you keep practicing with your bankai. I have a feeling it's a lot more than it appears now." said Hakuro.
"I don't get it." said Renji with an eyebrow arched in confusion.
"You'll have to find out on your own." said Hakuro.
Although Renji didn't understand what he meant, he gave a nod as a sign that he would make an effort to understand.
"I owe you my life, Mr. Souei. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you." said Rukia bowing to the kijin ninja.
"You don't need to say that. Just become stronger so that won't happen again, understood?" asked Souei.
"Of course. As the vice-captain of the 13th division, I will train hard so that I can become stronger and never lose to anyone again." said Rukia with determination.
"That's the way I like it." said Souei.
"I'm going to miss you so much, Orihime." said Shion hugging the young woman who smiled before returning the hug.
"I'll miss you too, Shion." began Orihime before they broke the hug. "Make sure you don't forget what I taught you about cooking, okay?"
"I won't. You've helped me a lot with that." said Shion.
"That's what friends are for, right?" asked Orihime with a smile that Shion returned before the two shared another hug.
"You didn't fight badly to have only used a bow." said Benimaru with a smile and his arms crossed.
"Clearly it would be a mistake to underestimate me just because of the type of weapon I use." said Uryu as he adjusted his glasses.
"I wasn't. You're a capable fighter, quincy. Be proud of it." said Benimaru.
"I did it before, I do it now and I always will." said Uryu.
"It's a pity there aren't more quincy and if there are, I hope they are honorable warriors like you." said Benimaru.
"Honestly, I wouldn't know what to think if such a thing happened." said Uryu.
Unnoticed by any of them, sitting on a throne, a man with a large mustache smiled wickedly, as if he sensed someone was talking about him and his followers or as he called them, his children.
"I don't know how to thank you for everything you've done for us. I don't know what we would have done if it wasn't for you and yours." said Ichigo.
"I just did what needed to be done to help a group of people who were lost in unknown territory." said Rimuru.
"I hope you will continue to take care of your own and make this city prosper better than ever" said Ichigo.
"I'll make sure to do that, but let me tell you one thing." started Rimuru, catching the substitute shinigami's attention. "I don't know if you know it or not, but you have more than just shinigami powers inside you. You may not have noticed it yet, but at some point, you will awaken it and things could change for you. I can only tell you that it doesn't matter what you are or what you might be, what matters is who you really are and what you use your power for."
Ichigo was taken aback by that and wondered at first how he could know that, but that question was removed from his mind when he remembered what the human slime was capable of.
He didn't know what exactly he meant by that he said.
Did he even know about his inner hollow? Or was there really something else inside him that even he himself didn't know about?
It was then that he remembered the times he was possessed by his inner hollow and was frightened of it before he decided to learn how to master it.
He also remembered when, during the fight against Ulquiorra, he transformed into a complete hollow that would have killed everyone if it hadn't been for Orihime.
That had as a consequence that he was afraid to unleash all his power for fear that it would end up turning him into a monster that would harm all his loved ones and he wouldn't have accepted it had it not been for that encounter with Tensa Zangetsu, but in the end, he accepted everything, including the hollow power that was in him.
He may not have known what that power was exactly, whether it was good or bad, but that didn't matter, what mattered was that this power was HIS power and HE would decide what to do with it and the first thing would be to use it to protect them all regardless of the origins of such power or the consequences it may bring.
With all that decided, he gave Rimuru a smile of thanks.
"Of course. I'll keep all that in mind." said Ichigo extending his hand towards the human slime.
"Good." said Rimuru before shaking hands with the substitute shinigami.
After the farewells, the otherworldly group gathered in one spot, with Rimuru in front of them.
"Get ready everyone. It could be a bumpy ride." said Rimuru before stretching his arms forward diagonally.
In the next instant, a magical circle glowing with various symbols formed on the ground below the group, who looked up in surprise before feeling something envelop them.
Sensing that the moment was approaching, they gave Rimuru one last smile before suddenly disappearing, whereupon Rimuru undid the magic circle.
"Well, that's it. I hope they were able to return to their world." thought Rimuru.
"Analysis. There's a 90% chance they'll end up in the same spot they were in before they came to this world." said Raphael.
"And where would they end up in that remaining 10%?" asked Rimuru.
"Analysis. I don't know." said Raphael.
"Bah. It's okay. I don't think, even if they end up in that 10%, they'll turn up in a really bad place." thought Rimuru.
Meanwhile, at the Soul Society, a captains' meeting was being held regarding a certain event.
"Any word from Ichigo Kurosaki's group?" asked Genryusai Yamamoto.
"Negative, sir. We have been inspecting the Seireitei grounds and have found nothing." said Toshiro, captain of the 10th division.
"I have also sent my men to inspect the Rukongai, but so far, there is no sign of their whereabouts." said Soi-Fon, captain of the 2nd division.
"Captain Kurotsuchi, didn't your division detect the opening of a senkaimon? Maybe they used it to go to the human world." said Jushiro, captain of the 13th division.
"Maybe, but we didn't detect anyone crossing through the Precipice World." said Mayuri, captain of the 12th division.
"Do you think this is up to Alostrol and his group?" asked Retsu, captain of the 4th division.
"It's very likely. After all, we don't know the extent of their current power." said Shinji, captain of the 5th division.
"Could something bad have happened to those guys?" asked Rose, captain of the 3rd division.
"I doubt it. Ichigo would never let himself be beaten by that scum." said Kenpachi, captain of the 11th division.
"Besides, he and his friends have the cooperation of vice-captain Abarai and vice-captain Kuchiki. It shouldn't be easy to beat them." said Byakuya, captain of the 6th division.
"But we can't underestimate the enemy either." said Kensei, captain of the 9th division.
"So what could have happened to them?" asked Sajin, captain of the 7th division.
"Come on, everybody calm down. While it's true that we haven't heard from them since Yama-jii sent them on that mission, we know what those young men are capable of, so we shouldn't worry so much at the moment. It's not like they're going to appear right here all of a sudden." said Shunsui, captain of the 8th division.
Just then, a magic circle formed on the floor in the middle of the room.
All the captains got into position thinking it was an enemy attack, but then, Ichigo and the others appeared above the circle that disappeared shortly after.
Needless to say, that surprised everyone present.
"It's not like a bottle of sake was going to suddenly appear in my hand." began Shunsui looking at his hand as if expecting something to happen, but when nothing did, he shrugged. "It had to be tasted."
It was then that the group realized where they had ended up and were slightly surprised by it.
"Oh, come on. Wasn't there somewhere else to send us?" asked Ichigo with annoyance.
Genryusai tapped the tip of his staff against the ground, generating a noise that got everyone's attention.
"Would any of you care to explain to me what happened? What happened to Alostrol and his followers?" asked Genryusai.
"They are gone, Captain-Commander. They have all been eliminated." said Renji, to the captains' surprise.
"You eliminated them?" asked Genryusai.
"No, it wasn't us. It was others who did, one of them being the one who brought us here." said Ichigo.
"And who might that someone be?" asked Genryusai.
"It is… the otherworldly Demon Lord and leader of the Jura Tempest Federation, Rimuru Tempest." replied Rukia, to the captains' confusion, as they had never heard of someone like him before.
"Explain." said Genryusai wanting to know the whole story.
AN: And with this we close this story!
I'm sorry if I have to end it this way, but it seemed the best, honestly.
If you want a sequel, you can request it, but it would take me a while to create it.
Anyway, with this one, we stop for a moment the Bleach crossovers, because there are still more stories pending from this anime, and we'll move on to the crossovers of another anime.
Which one will it be?
You'll have to wait.
See you next time, friends!