Chapter 5: Two Societies

Karakura Hospital

The moon has reached the center of the sky, illuminating the town below. Jushiro Ukitake looks down upon Karakura Town, atop the hospital where the Hollow attacked earlier, trying to find Rukia and the humans. He is quite upset to find neither but instead a squad of policemen inspecting the hospital to find out what happened.

Ukitake thinks to himself, "Luckily, we were able to make the police think it was a gas explosion. But still… where is Kuchiki?"

As if on cue, Rukia appears behind her captain, kneeling with her head towards the ground, apologizing, "Forgive me, Captain, but I had to take the humans elsewhere."

"And where is elsewhere, Kuchiki?", Ukitake asks with an unusually stern tone.

Rukia flinches, a nervous frown on her face, "Near the clinic down the road. They apparently have friends they could stay with in the area."

Ukitake turns around and looks down at Rukia, "And did you wipe their memories?"

Rukia is silent as she purses her lips.

"YOU DIDN'T WIPE THEIR MEMORIES?!", Ukitake shouts, something he rarely does to any of his squad members.

Rukia scrunches her brows, an overall strained expression on her face, "I couldn't do anything about it, because someone saw potential in the two of them… he could've overpowered me to get his way… Besides, the humans are spiritually aware, so likely would have resisted the mind wipe anyway."

"BUT THAT IS STILL NO EXCUSE TO BREAK PROTOCOL—ALLuh!", Ukitake's shouting has triggered his condition, making him cough up blood and forcing him to take a knee from the pain.

Rukia urgently runs to support her captain, helping him to stand, "Are you all right, Captain Ukitake?!"

The man waves her off, "Yes, I'm fine… I'm sorry for yelling… the Hollow just got away… But please, Rukia, I'm going to need more of a concrete explanation!"

Rukia nods and explains somewhat begrudgingly, "…Former Captain Shiba has allies in this world that are tending to the humans… He also wants to come back to the Soul Society with us. His daughter had expressed interest in joining the Gotei 13 as well. I have no doubt she has the potential to become a Shinigami."

Ukitake widens his eyes as he looks at Rukia for a good ten seconds, taking time to process all of what he just heard.

The man then responds, forcing himself to keep a passive tone despite the obvious surprise in his eyes, "Very well, but we'll need to ask Head Captain Yamamoto and the Central 46 about both. Personally, I welcome them if they are indeed willing—I have a feeling we'll need all the help we can get against this Hollow…"

The captain lets out a disgruntled sigh as rubs his forehead, "But alas, it's not my call…"

The raven-haired woman nods, "Thank you, Captain—"

"However," Ukitake adds, cutting her off, "Isshin Shiba will need to come back with me tonight as we make our report."

Rukia nods back at her captain, who asks her another question, "Oh, right. I almost forgot. What did you want to talk to me about earlier, Rukia?"

The woman recalls Urahara's explanation, "The Quincies were almost all exterminated 200 years ago…"

The woman also recalls Uryu's words, "I am Uryu Ishida, the last of the Quincy! …. It would make sense that your higher-ups wouldn't tell you about us. What they did to my people is not something to be proud of…"

Rukia closes her eyes and shakes her head, "Nothing important… I've forgotten what it even was."

Ukitake nods, before the two Flash Step away, heading to the Kurosaki Clinic.

Kurosaki Clinic

As Isshin just finished scolding Yuzu for being out so late at night in the rain, he sends both her and Karin to bed.

He sighs, "Why'd Ryuken decide to give Yuzu a Quincy Cape of all things to keep her dry?"

Just then, there's a knock on the front door, which tells Isshin nothing, as he already sensed his visitors coming. Jushiro Ukitake and Rukia Kuchiki walk into the room Isshin is in, an uncomfortable silence between them.

Finally, Isshin decides to let them know he's aware of them by starting a conversation, "How long's it been, Mr. Ukitake? Probably not that long from your perspective…"

"Come now, you make it sound like I'm an old man with that type of talk.", Ukitake answers jovially, waving the man off before continuing with a more serious tone, "But really, it's been too long for me to find you here with a family. And here I thought I'd always be invited to your wedding…"

"Sorry about that…", the man responds dejectedly, "…a lot's happened."

Ukitake sighs, "Rukia has told me. Do you really think it's a good idea to come back after all these years? The Head Captain would kill you on the spot if you weren't of noble birth."

"I know that…", Isshin states with a frown.

"THEN WHY?!", the white-haired man demands passionately, "WHY THROW AWAY THIS HAPPY LIFE YOU HAVE HERE WITH YOUR CHILDREN WHEN FOR TWENTY YEARS WE HAVE NEITHER SEEN NOR HEARD OF YOU?!"

Ukitake starts coughing due to his fit of passion.

Isshin faces the Shinigami now, explaining, "Ms. Kuchiki must've neglected to tell you that the Hollow you've been hunting down, the one that launched that huge Cero—White. That thing attacked my wife twenty years ago, and now it has returned after another Hollow killed my son."

Ukitake is shocked and stares at the other man while he elaborates, "I'm sorry if I can't act rationally when my family's greatest nightmare has returned. I must kill it for good, for both Masaki and Ichigo!"

The captain nods, understanding where this man is coming from fully, as past events have shown him entirely how a Shiba operates when it comes to those they care for, "I understand. This type of battle is one of pride—the pride and memory of your whole family is on the line."

Ukitake regains his bearings and makes direct eye contact with the other man, "Very well, I'll take you back to the Soul Society to meet with Sir Genryusai."

Isshin's eyes light up with resolve, "Thanks. So, when do we go?"

The white-haired man pauses as he is walking out of the house, turning back and answering, "Right now."

Isshin hurriedly exits his Gigai before following the other captain out of the house and through the streets of Karakura.

As they travel, Ukitake clarifies, "I will leave your daughter out of my report. If anything goes wrong, you have my word that Rukia will ensure her safety and hand her over to your… allies…"

The ex-captain nods, struggling slightly to keep up with the captain, "I appreciate that…"

The veteran captain's gaze softens briefly before he continues his explanation, "The Central 46 and Sir Genryusai will both need to determine the terms of your return. I don't think I need to tell you it's best not to ask about your daughter until you are certain that the Soul Society won't come after her…"

By the time Ukitake is finished explaining the politics about Isshin's requests, they have met up with Kenpachi in the woods of Karakura, where the battle with White took place.

"Well, would you look who it is? Never thought I'd see your sorry face again!", Kenpachi whistles as he looks upon his former colleague.

The white-haired captain warns, "Now's not the time for catching up, Zaraki. Sir Genryusai will be cross if we don't report in soon."

Yachiru comments with a pout, "Aww, old man Juju is killing our fun…"

Kenpachi himself shifts from a smile to a frown at being reminded of the 'boring' duties that come with being a captain, "Whatever… I'll let you do all the talking this time. It's a pain."

Ukitake nods, agreeing that is probably for the best, as Yachiru jumps off Kenpachi's back, waving to the three, "We'll catch up later Isshi, ok?!"

Isshin waves back at the girl with an awkward smile, "Yeah, sure!"

Ukitake prepares the Senkaimon and the three walk through to enter the Soul Society.

Silbern

In the shadows of the Soul Society there lies a white fortress named Silbern. This is the home base for the Wandenreich; the army of the Quincy King—Yhwach. Candice Catnipp, otherwise known as Sternritter T: The Thunderbolt is walking through the halls of the fortress, heading towards the throne room to report to Jugram Haschwalth—the leader of the Sternritter and Yhwach's Advisor. However, he is not in front of the massive white doors of Yhwach's throne room as she expected him to be, but instead, a Soldat—a foot soldier—stands guard, addressing Candice as she approaches.

"His Majesty awaits in the throne room, Ma'am.", the Soldat salutes, delivering quite grim news from the perspective of the Sternritter.

"Just my luck, reporting to His Majesty directly could be fatal depending on his mood. That means I have to be all formal! Damn… why'd I have to feel nice and give that girl my cape? He might take that as a sign of disrespect!", Candice thinks to herself.

"Ma'am…?", the Soldat questions after Candice is silent and unmoving for a minute.

"Yeah, I heard you", she suddenly replies as she makes her way in, thinking, "It's definitely worse to show up late and keep him waiting than to show up not fully dressed… on the bright side, my chances of not dying are at an all-time high! Fan-fricking-tastic!"

Candice halts her thoughts as she takes a knee, bowing before her almighty emperor, her face facing the floor. The massive doors close behind her, leaving the room pitch black save for the blue light coming from the floor, illuminating the features of the Quincy King sitting on his throne.

"Sternritter T: Candice Catnipp, you may raise your head and speak of what you discovered in the living world.", the Quincy King's voice comes out as but a whisper, but was perceived as a loud, booming voice of absolute authority, tolerating no resistance.

Candice raises her head, looking upon Yhwach for the first time in a very long time, and reports, "Your Majesty, the one known as Ryuken Ishida has turned down our invitation—he will not be part of the Wandenreich, but also will not stand against us."

Yhwach considers this news, "I have foreseen this… Despite his attempts to deny it, Ryuken is just like his foolish father Soken…"

The King ponders this a moment longer, "And what of Ryuken's son, the young Uryu Ishida? Were you able to observe the boy?"

Candice answers, "Yes, Your Majesty. He used his Quincy powers to dispatch a Hollow earlier today. It seems he has made contact with the Shinigami."

The green-haired woman waits for what feels like hours before the emperor responds, "Good. I'm sure they will come to validate his hatred of them, and he will no doubt wish to join us when the time is right."

Candice remains silent, waiting for the Quincy King to give her his permission to continue.

The King is stirred from his thoughts, noticing the woman's silence, "You may continue."

She bows slightly, "Of course, Your Majesty. The Shinigami currently have two of their squads, including captains, stationed in the World of the Living. I believe they are hunting an exceptionally powerful Hollow but was unable to get close enough to confirm without making myself known to them."

Candice's heart drops when she hears Yhwach state,

"No."

He elaborates, "This, I had not foreseen. Do you dare to lie to your King?"

The woman's face is full of fear as she sees Yhwach's hand start to rise.

"N-No, Your Majesty, I would never lie!", she almost shouts, but instinctively keeps her voice down despite the fear, as she's seen many ex-Sternritter murdered by Yhwach for less.

The King states, matter-of-factly, "So, you are calling me wrong."

Candice is full of despair now; searching for things to say that would ensure her survival here but has nothing. She's frozen, fully accepting death.

"Nothing to say…? Well, I suppose I'll make this quick, then.", Yhwach muses but suddenly pauses as a man with long blonde hair and blue eyes finally steps out from the shadows.

"Wait, Your Majesty, I'd like to ask her a question.", the man requests.

Yhwach looks at this man, Jugram Haschwalth, as if asking what he could possibly want from the Sternritter that he has not already asked.

He allows it, however, as he lets his hand rest on his leg once more, "Very well… but make it quick. I must return to slumber shortly."

Haschwalth bows graciously, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

Candice feels a glimmer of hope that Haschwalth has allowed her to survive this.

Unfortunately, her hopes are dashed by what he says next, "Sternritter T, please explain to me why you have returned without your cape. Surely you know appearing before His Majesty without wearing your full uniform is a sign of disrespect?"

Yhwach also seems a bit interested in her answer as he leans forward slightly. Candice can't stop sweating bullets despite the coldness of Silbern as she trembles.

She decides to answer, as at this point, she's dead anyway, "I… gave it away…"

The room is silent for a minute before Haschwalth decides to break it again, "And to whom would you give your cape, knowing that it could throw your life away? Another Sternritter, perhaps?"

Candice feels a bit of embarrassment as she admits, "A little girl standing in the rain by herself…"

Yhwach finds this show of embarrassment amusing, considering everyone in the room knows she'll be dead once this conversation is over, but Haschwalth pushes further, "And this little girl's name?"

The woman looks to Haschwalth, expecting to see him taunting her or making fun, but sees he is completely serious, as always.

"Yuzu…", she repeats, "…Yuzu Kurosaki."

Candice did not expect what came next: both Haschwalth and Yhwach gasp. She's seen Haschwalth get surprised like this on occasion, but never has she even heard of the Quincy King losing composure at all.

"Kurosaki… you're sure?", Haschwalth asks nervously.

The woman scrunches her brows before nodding, "Yes, she told me her name was Yuzu and I saw her crying in front of the grave of her brother, Ichigo."

At this point, Haschwalth is too stunned to speak, so Yhwach continues the conversation as he strokes his mustache, "Ichigo Kurosaki should have become a Substitute Shinigami recently… to hear that he is dead…. complicates things."

Candice resists the urge to raise a brow as she internally questions, "How come these two are so shocked by this? She's just a little girl…"

Haschwalth breaks out of his shock, inquiring, "And what are your thoughts of the girl, Catnipp?"

The woman answers honestly, "I thought she was weak but has some potential to become a Quincy. I sensed her power, which caused me to investigate. From what I could tell, that was the first time she ever used her abilities."

"Fascinating…", the Quincy emperor murmurs, "It seems that Ichigo Kurosaki's death has greatly altered events… I had not considered the possibility of this 'Yuzu' awakening her Quincy powers…"

Yhwach strokes his large black mustache, pondering something as his two subordinates wait quietly for his decree.

After a few more moments, the King smirks, almost evilly, "Candice Catnipp, you have survived this meeting due to your interaction with the young Yuzu Kurosaki. I wish to speak with that child as soon as possible. She will become a member of the Wandenreich… if she is anything like her brother, she will no doubt become a great asset to our cause, if properly trained."

Candice blinks in mild surprise as Yhwach finalizes, "Haschwalth will inform you of the trivial details, I care not to waste time on such things. That will be all."

The emperor shoos her away and Haschwalth follows her out of the room, closing the doors behind them. He dismisses the Soldat standing guard, reassuming his duties of standing guard of the throne room. Candice lets out a breath, falling to her knees in relief of no longer feeling like she is under duress.

"You did well not to crash under His Majesty's gaze, Catnipp.", Haschwalth compliments the younger Sternritter.

"Thanks…", Candice states with a passive-aggressive glare.

Haschwalth, completely out of touch with such social cues, or perhaps just ignoring them, continues, "You will leave for the World of the Living as soon as possible. You have the equivalent of one day in the World of the Living to retrieve the girl. I don't think I need to explain what will happen if you fail to meet that deadline or are caught by any Shinigami…"

The green-haired woman sighs, "No, sir… no you do not…"

Candice is internally livid at this, however, "Just great! I was looking forward to kicking back a bit with the girls… but now, I have to go right back to the World of the Living—crawling with Shinigami, our hunters! …well, at least it will only take a day. Probably less…"

Haschwalth finalizes with an urging tone, "Gather your things, Catnipp. Do not forget to employ prudence."

Candice nods quietly before marching off to get ready.

Squad 1 Barracks

In the First Division Barracks of the Soul Society, all captains are present except for Gin Ichimaru, who stated he had business in the Rukongai to attend to, and Captains Zaraki and Ukitake, who the rest of them are waiting for. The doors to the Head Captain's office open as three individuals enter. The first two are the previously mentioned captains, but the last one is… Yamamoto's eyes widen in recognition of the third man standing before them, a reaction shared by the rest of the captains present.

"Captain Shiba?!", Toshiro yells, both delighted and confused to see his former captain for the first time in twenty years.

Isshin gives a friendly wave to the young captain before shifting his attention to Yamamoto. The two lock eyes, neither saying anything.

Ukitake interrupts this stare-down by stepping in front of Isshin, "Head Captain, I would like to give my report about what just transpired in the World of the Living."

"And I would like to hear it, Captain Ukitake, as you have brought a deserter seemingly back from the dead with you to report.", Yamamoto's grip on his cane is so tight that Soi Fon, standing to his right, flinches from the sound of it.

"He's pissed.", she thinks as a slight smirk forms on her face.

The white-haired, veteran captain nods, "Very well. I'll begin by saying that we encountered the unique Gillian named White in the World of the Living again. It was collaborating with another Hollow, but their intentions were unclear. Regardless, they caused great damage to a building in the living world, although there were no casualties from what I can gather. Furthermore, White has evolved into an Adjucha and forced Captain Zaraki to fight without his eyepatch."

The captains are once again stunned that the Hollow was able to evolve so fast.

"And? What became of the Hollow?", Yamamoto asks cautiously.

Ukitake explains, "Losing to Captain Zaraki caused the Hollow to go into a frenzy, charging a Cero that very well could have leveled the town, despite us fighting away from the populated area, so I intervened using my Shikai. It got away while I was dealing with the blast."

Yamamoto hums, "We are fortunate that you were there to ensure the town's safety. A rabid beast is most dangerous when cornered. It seems we must be even more vigilant when dealing with this particular Hollow."

The white-haired captain nods his head in agreement as the Head Captain moves on to the next topic of discussion, "Then what of ex-Captain Shiba? Why does he stand before us now?"

Ukitake is about to answer when Isshin steps forward, "Well, that's simple, Head Captain. I have a personal vendetta against that Hollow—it attacked my wife twenty years ago and now I want to kill it. I'm not asking for my seat as a captain back or even a pardon, I simply refuse to let that thing outlive me!"

Yamamoto contemplates what he just learned as Toshiro steps forward, "Head Captain, I can personally vouch for Captain Shiba's character. He would be an asset against the Hollow White!"

The Head Captain raises his voice, "I don't need you to vouch for him! I've known him since before you were even born! I know all I need to know about Isshin Shiba's character."

This causes Toshiro to step back as Isshin gives him a smile of appreciation regardless.

Meanwhile, Aizen's mind is rushing, "WHITE?! An Adjucha already…? Isshin Shiba, you fool! You want to kill your own son! …In any case, it seems I must send a message to Gin to motivate Barragan to catch this Hollow so that I can speak with it. Or perhaps… perhaps another approach would be better at this point…"

Yamamoto's declaration draws Aizen from his thoughts, "…Despite these crimes, the Gotei 13 will accept your help. I would be a fool to turn away such a talented and skilled individual."

Isshin sighs mentally, "Here it comes…"

On cue, the Head Captain continues, "However, for the crime of desertion, you will need to speak before the Central 46. They will determine the further terms of your return and question you as much as they see fit."

The ex-captain nods, having been warned of this outcome, "I understand, Head Captain."

Yamamoto slams his cane on the ground, "This meeting is over. I will take Isshin Shiba and Captain Ukitake with me to the Central 46 for questioning. Captain Zaraki is to return to the World of the Living in case any powerful Hollows appear. The rest of you, return to your posts."

Silbern

Candice traverses the cold, dark halls of Silbern wearing a mildly irritated expression. The woman abruptly stops before a door, letting out a sigh as she can hear a few voices on the other side. She steps forward, swinging the door open aggressively.

"WHO THE HELL SAID YOU COULD ALL CRASH AT MY PLACE WHILE I WAS GONE?!", the green-haired woman shouts, genuinely irritated.

A group of four women wearing white hats and clothing sit on the large, white bed in the middle of the room.

The first to address Candice is Sternritter Z: Giselle Gewelle; a woman with long, black hair with antennae-shaped tufts sticking up from the top of her head, "Candy's back! You were gone for so long! We were starting to get worried…"

"You mean, YOU were starting to get worried and dragged the rest of us with you to Candy's place…", a small, short-haired blonde girl, known as Sternritter G: Liltotto Lamperd, nonchalantly comments on the other woman's words, while chewing on a donut.

Giselle glances back at Liltotto with an odd smile, "That's so mean Lil! Candy's feelings will get hurt if you say you don't care about her! ~"

Liltotto shrugs, looking to the side before fetching another donut from her satchel, "Candy can take care of herself—I don't need to invade her room to ensure her safety."

"Then why'd you agree to come? ~", Giselle questions with a snide expression.

The blonde is about to respond, but notices sparks running across Candice's skin from the corner of her eye.

Seated next to Liltotto is a tall woman, with long fluffy pink hair, known as Sternritter P: Meninas McAllon, who notes the obvious, "Would you two please be quiet and listen to what Candy has to say?"

Giselle turns her attention energetically to the green-haired woman, who is wearing an irritated expression, "Oh right! Tell us what happened, Candy!"

The sparks fade as the woman sighs, explaining her situation.

About 2 Minutes Later

"…so, that's all of it.", Candice states as she nonchalantly pulls a white cape from a closet at the edge of the room.

Liltotto nods her head, stating while placing yet another donut in her mouth, "You're right. I definitely wouldn't want to be in your shoes. Sounds like a pain…"

Candice sighs as she then removes a bag from the closet, which she stuffs more colorful, casual-looking clothing into, "Well, I should be back with the girl soon, in any case…"

The green-haired woman begins walking out of the room but pauses as she notices someone next to her.

Candice raises her brow as she addresses the woman matching her stride, "What are you doing, Bambi?"

A confident-looking black-haired woman known as Sternritter E: Bambietta Basterbine, smirks at her peer, "I'll be coming with you. It's been a while since the Wandenreich has recruited a girl and I want to see if she has what it takes to be one of us."

Candice deadpans, "You realize she only recently got her powers, right?"

Bambietta scrunches her brows, frowning, "And did you forget that His Majesty said this girl's probably going to be an asset to us? She's probably made of sterner stuff than you think, Candy."

The green-haired woman sighs, "Fine… but no blowing anyone up. We've gotta keep a low profile."

Liltotto adds her own commentary, while chowing down on yet another pastry, "You two might want to grab some disguises, too. Some of those Shinigami may recognize you as Quincies in all white."

The black-haired woman sends the blonde girl a look before turning away, muttering to herself, "If only it was the promised day… we wouldn't need to hide… we could just kill the Shinigami and be done with it…"

Candice raises a brow, looking intently at the other woman, "Bambi?"

Bambietta groans as she waves her hand, "Yeah, yeah! I'll get a disguise!"

The black-haired woman turns on her heels, snapping with her index finger pointed commandingly in the air, "Alle raus! (Everyone out)", causing the others to jump off the bed and move to leave.

Bambietta stops at the door before giving the green-haired woman a look, "Go ahead without me. I'll catch up."

The women disperse from Candice's room as the green-haired woman eyes an intricate medallion in her hand.

Central 46 Chambers

In the middle of a dark, descending chamber lined with robed aristocrats stands Isshin Kurosaki, or, as he is known here, Isshin Shiba. The man is lit up by a light so that the aristocrats, each hidden by a barrier, can see him. In the corner of the room, behind Isshin, stands Head Captain Yamamoto.

One of the aristocrats concludes, "…therefore, we shall both reinstate you as a special captain and grant you a pardon if and only if you assist in the hunt for the Hollow White. Furthermore, we would like to request that you produce an heir. We all would like the Shiba Clan to live on as nobles in some capacity."

Isshin immediately responds, "I'll gladly fight that Hollow as much as you want. As for producing an heir, that won't be necessary…"

Another aristocrat questions this, "Does this mean that you produced a child in the living world?"

The bearded Shinigami nods, "Yes. I have a daughter named Karin. She is spiritually adept, which is impressive considering she is still just a human."

The same aristocrat who laid out Isshin's terms states, "Very well. In that case, your daughter must live in the Soul Society from here on out, so that she may be raised to become a proper heir to the Shiba Clan."

The ex-captain internally scoffs, "Yeah right, more like you all want to keep a close eye on her, as well as have leverage over me if I act out..."

Isshin agrees to the terms nonetheless before asking, "Would it be fine if my daughter became a Shinigami?"

The Shinigami can hear murmurs within the council before the speaker declares, "Given your crimes, Isshin Shiba, you are not someone who is in any position to be making requests. However, this is a request that the Central 46 will grant you. Of course, we shall also provide an Asauchi so your daughter may become a proper Shinigami."

The Shiba man lets out a mental sigh, having officially accomplished what he came here for before the speaker continues, "Your daughter, Karin, is to be known as 'Karin Shiba' from now on. As soon as she arrives at the Soul Society, legal documents of citizenship will be created for her. After that, she will attend the Shinigami Academy in order to become a member of the Gotei 13."

The speaker concludes, "You may leave now, Isshin Shiba."

Isshin nods as he walks past Yamamoto, giving the older captain a brief glance, before ascending the stairs.

The speaker then addresses the Head Captain, "Normally, we would trust you with all military matters, however, we are requesting that you send two additional captains to the World of the Living to ensure this Hollow is vanquished."

The Head Captain nods, "Very well. Who do you want me to dispatch?"

"We would like you to dispatch Captains Kuchiki and Aizen. We think that Captain Kuchiki, being a noble himself, will have the Soul Society's best interest in mind while working alongside Captain Shiba. If he acts out, Captain Kuchiki will be the first to do something about it. Furthermore, we feel that Captain Aizen's good personality will help hold the group together, as Captains Zaraki and Kuchiki have been known to have disagreements in the past. We'd like to minimize the likelihood of infighting."

After a moment of taking in the speaker's explanation, Yamamoto nods, finding their selections appropriate, "I understand. I shall have them leave at once."

Outside the Central 46 Chambers

Isshin exits the Central 46 chambers through a large wooden gate, leading out into a long wooden walkway. He is squinting as his eyes meet sunlight for the first time in an hour.

The ex-captain is greeted by the sight of Ukitake, whose expression relays a feeling of worry, "How did it go?"

Isshin smiles weakly, "Well, I'm alive, so how do you think?"

The white-haired Shinigami gives the man one of his signature friendly smiles, "Welcome back, Captain Shiba."

Hueco Mundo

White feels completely rejuvenated after he finishes devouring the hunting party belonging to Barragan. He roars up at the sky, a red glow coating his body as his wounds close. He is successfully able to take off now and starts flying around aimlessly.

A blue explosion occurs in the distance, prompting White to fly toward it to investigate. What he finds is a group of Adjucha Hollows standing proudly over what he can make out as the corpses of other Adjuchas. They notice White as he lands, staring them down.

Most of the group backs away, sensing White's Reiatsu, but a smaller, panther-like Hollow steps forward, barking, "You are all cowards! This one is my prey—its strength is worthy of a King!"

If he were still human, White would have questioned the Hollow about Barragan being the King, but his instincts are screaming at him to fight this Hollow and devour it like the rest of the pompous self-centered Hollows he's devoured thus far. The two lock gazes and pounce at each other, beginning a rivalry that would last for a long time to come.

Author's Note:

I've decided to include the Bambies early on in this fic to give them time to develop their relationship with Yuzu, as well as allowing Yuzu to become involved early on. That said, I will attempt to combine Bambietta from the manga with Bambietta from the anime, as in the anime she seems to care a bit less about the Quincies as a whole. Beyond her apparent sadism, Bambi in the manga is hinted at caring a great deal about the Wandenreich, which I interpret as her caring a great deal about the Quincies in general. Sure, it is just one line of dialogue, but regardless I will take any material I can get to adapt her well.

Another note: Isshin doesn't think White is the same as the old one… time for yet another convoluted explanation for y'all who care: Ichigo died by a Hollow recently, and he has parts of White's essence in him that could be reawakened in a different, new Hollow. Not to mention the same could be said about Masaki to an extent (I'm not sure about that though, as she presumably died without powers of any kind but who knows...) While Isshin already suspects that White is Ichigo, I think it makes more sense for him to assume the Hollow side in Ichigo and/or Masaki that has traces of the old White would be brought to the forefront of the new Hollow... It's a bit convoluted but when he says "White is back" he doesn't mean literally the same Hollow, just a kind of new one that came from the old... I mean, rebirth and reincarnation are big themes in Bleach, so even when someone is dead, they aren't really dead.

All in all, I gotta say it's a good time to be a Bleach fan, which is ultimately why I'm writing this—to spread love for this great series!