368Author's Note: Here is Chapter 33. Not much to say but I hope you all enjoy it.
"Juha Bach"
"Shiro"
"Aka"
"Ao"
"P.O.V."
'Thought'
"Attacks"
Shikai/Bankai
Chapter 33: Tragedy of Dawn
{Opening Theme: "D-tecnoLife" by UVERworld}
As the sun begins to set in the Seireitei, a grievously wounded and frozen Renji clutches Ichigo collar before succumbing to his injuries and passes out from exhaustion and near blood loss, letting his arm fall back to his side.
"Just stay put until a relief team or back up unit shows up. The ice will keep your wounds closed until then and will dissipate once I'm a considerable distance away." Ichigo tells the fallen Lieutenant.
"Ichigo!" Ganju calls out to his cousin as he and Hanatarō rush over to him. "That was incredible, Ichigo. I never expected you to best a Lieutenant with little to no injuries at all." He says in amazement.
"Yes and I thought only Captain class Shinigami were about to do that. The surprises with you Ichigo never seem to end." Hanatarō says but then hears the sound of approaching footsteps. "Someone's coming. Looks like three- or maybe even more- of them." He says.
"Then I suggest we get out of here. This is no time for a fight." Ganju says.
"Ganju's right. Plus, it won't look good after what just happened here. Even if Renji did attack first." Ichigo says.
"Right." Hanatarō says as he, Ganju and Ichigo begin retreating.
"And just to make sure they don't follow after use." Ichigo says falling behind his two companions a little. "Aisu Ranpādo (Ice Rampart)." He says swinging one for his swords upwards, creating a massive wall of ice that separates them from Renji and the incoming Shinigamis. "That'll insure we aren't followed." He says running after Ganju and Hanatarō.
"Great work, Ichigo." Ganju praises his cousin.
"Yes, most impressive. Now then, let's get back into the canal system. We'll be safe there." Hanatarō says.
"Sounds like a plan." Ichigo says.
Meanwhile on the opposite side of the ice wall, the group of Shinigami had just arrived on scene and were horrified by what they saw.
"That's Lieutenant Abarai!" One of the Shinigami says causing Izuru to gasp in shock as he runs up to his fellow Lieutenant.
"Renji! Renji! What happened? Who did this to you?" Izuru asks.
"Ichigo…Kurosaki…Shiba." Renji manages to say.
"Then all this ice must be Kurosaki-Shiba's doing." Another Shinigami says looking at all the ice everywhere.
"That's impossible." Izuru says in disbelief. "The reports we received say that Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba wields a dual fire type Zanpakutō not an ice type." He says.
"Actually Lieutenant Kira, just before this ice wall went up, I managed to get a glimpse of three individuals fleeing the battlefield before we arrived. I recall the reports say Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba has bright orange hair with a custom Shinigami uniform and that's exactly who I saw. Just before this ice wall appeared I saw the Ryoka holding two swords in his hands and swing one upward creating this wall of ice." A Shinigami says.
"Then that would mean our report on Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba's Zanpakutō is incomplete." Another Shinigami says.
"Seems like it." The first Shinigami says. "In any case, should we peruse them, Lieutenant Kira? Our orders are to bring Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba to the Captain-Commander." He says.
"No. Our first priority here must be to take care of the Lieutenant. Luckily, it seems Ichigo was kind enough to have his ice close up Renji's wounds until we arrived, so at least we know he's not a heartless killer. Call for a stretcher quickly. Let's get him out of that ice and back to the barracks." Izuru says.
Meanwhile back in the canal network under the Seireitei, Ichigo, Ganju and Hanatarō regrouped in a room to decide their next move.
"Okay, so what's our next move, Ichigo? Defeating 3rd seat or lower seated officers is one thing but you managed to completely overpower a Lieutenant. There's no why the Gotei 13 will respond in kind to that." Ganju says leaning again a wall.
"Yes. The most logical respond from them will be for only Captain level Shinigami to confront and bring you before the Captain-Commander unless you make it to him yourself." Hanatarō says sitting on his knees near the back of the room.
"Which is why we'll be going our separate ways from here." Ichigo says sitting on top of a crate.
"What?" Ganju and Hanatarō ask in shock.
"Ichigo are you insane? Why in the world do we need to go our separate ways? I thought the goal was to rescue Rukia." Ganju says.
"It is but there's more to it than just that. Besides Ganju, you still need to confront Rukia about why she didn't tell you the truth about your brother's death." Ichigo says shocking Ganju about why he had come in the first place. "Look, I agree that Captains will be after me because of my battle with Renji but that actually helps you two as well." He says.
"How do you figure, Ichigo?" Hanatarō asks.
"Because they all know where I'm headed; the 1st Division Barracks. Which means it'll be easier for you two to make it to the Senzaikyū." Ichigo explains. "Once you two make to the Senzaikyū and you Ganju confront Rukia, I want you to surrender yourself so that you can prove that you have no further part in this and maybe, just maybe, they'll let you return to the Rukongai." Ichigo says.
"Fine." Ganju says reluctantly.
"Good. Now then, we should get ourselves healed up. Hanatarō, think you can tend to Ganju since he's the most injured?" Ichigo asks.
"Of course, but you have injuries as well. Do you need me to tend to those too?" Hanatarō asks.
"No, I know Kaidō myself, so I'll be able to heal my own injuries." Ichigo says.
"All right then." Hanatarō says making his way over to Ganju.
"You're going to heal me, huh?" Ganju asks taking a seat on the ground. "And just how do you plan to do that? You have no instruments and no medicine." He says.
"Actually, the other Shinigamis can only use their Reiryoku for combat. But we members of the 4th Division can use ours to heal. It's practically are only power." Hanatarō says as he turns on a lamp mounted on a wall. "It's a good thing, too, since we certainly aren't much use when it comes to fighting." He says chuckling.
"Don't sell yourself or the 4th Division short there, Hanatarō." Ichigo says gaining their attention. "Because if it's not for you or the other members of the 4th Division, then how would any of the injured Shinigami manage to get back into fighting condition?" He asks.
"I suppose you're right. I never thought of it like that." Hanatarō says feeling better about himself from the praise he received. "All right…" He begins to say taking his medical kit off his bag. "…let's get started." He says preparing to heal up Ganju.
Elsewhere, Izuru brings Renji to a waiting room where Momo meets up with them.
"It's Renji!" Momo says left horrified by Renji's condition as she stands over him with Izuru.
"When we found him, he was unconscious and frozen in place." Izuru says.
"Frozen?" Momo asks.
"Yes, we believe that Renji engaged Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba in his attempt to reach the 1st Division Barracks, but it seems our intel on him wasn't complete. It would appear that this Ryoka not only possess the third dual Zanpakutō but one with dual elements of fire and ice. It also seems Ichigo used his ice to keep Renji's wounds closed until help arrived but we were too late to apprehend him and he managed to escape by creating a large wall of ice. If only I'd gotten there in time to keep Renji's emotions in check, then this never would have happened." Izuru says.
"Don't blame yourself, Izuru. None of this is your fault. This whole situation with Rukia has been hard on Renji." Momo says.
"At any rate, the main thing now is to take care of him. I'll go make the call for the emergency relief team." Izuru says.
"That won't be necessary." A voice behind the two Lieutenants says.
"Huh?" Izuku asks turning to see who is was.
"Huh? Captain Kuchiki." Mom says after turning to see the captain of the 6th Division and head of the Kuchiki clan behind her and Izuru.
"I've already called for relief team to come here but then I want Renji taken to prison." Byakuya says.
"But Captain, why? I mean I glad Renji will get treatment but why must he be taken to prison afterwards?" Momo asks.
"Because he disobeyed direct orders. He, along with the rest of you lieutenants, were told to bring Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba directly to the Captain-Commander to talk peacefully and explain Rukia's case. But instead, he disregarded those orders and engaged the Ryoka in battle. Now that he has lost and is nearly at deaths door, this only makes things more complicated in the long run for Rukia. Take him to the 6th Division holding cells, the relief team will meet you there." Byakuya says turning to leave.
"How dare you! Is that how you treat your men? Renji's been-" Momo begins to say.
"Momo!" Izuru says holding his right arm in front of her, stopping her from continuing.
"Izuru?" Momo asks in confusion.
"A thousand pardon, Captain Kuchiki. She didn't mean it." Izuru says bowing his head to the man.
"I didn't mean it, Captain. Please forgive me." Momo says bowing as well as Byakuya takes his leave.
"I'm so sorry, but we have to follow orders. We must take Renji to prison." Izuru says shocking Momo.
"But at least he'll receive treatment for his injuries. That's a good thing, isn't it?" A voice says.
"Captain Ichimaru!" Momo says gasping in shock at the sudden appearance of the 3rd Division Captain.
"I must say that this is quite unlike Byakuya. To show kindness to one of his own who disobeyed orders directly from the Captain-Commander. However, there's no telling what Renji's fate will be because of his actions but don't worry, I'll be sure to speak on Renji's behalf so he won't get in too much trouble." Gin says.
"Would you do that, really?" Momo asks with hopefulness.
"Absolutely. It's no problem. Seeing as how our intel on Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba was incomplete, it would've been hard to expect a victory with only half the info on his opponent. Come on, Izuru." Gin says as he walks out of the waiting room.
"Yes, sir." Izuru says following after his Captain.
"Thank you, Captain Ichimaru." Momo says with a bow.
As Momo solemnly looks down, she is unaware of someone standing directly behind her.
"Wow! Renji is in bad shape. What a mess." Tōshirō says scaring the daylights out of the 5th Division Lieutenant.
"Tōshirō!" Momo says turning to see the 10th Division Captain.
"Hey, hey. Mind your manners now. You still have to address me as a captain, you know." Tōshirō says.
"Oh, you can forget about that! What is it with you captains always creeping around silently? And what were you doing sneaking up behind me like that anyway, anyway?" Momo asks waving her arms around comedically. "Wait a sec. what are you doing here, Tōshirō? Where's your Lieutenant?" Momo asks.
"I have come here to warn you." Tōshirō says.
"About what?" Momo asks in confusion.
"Be careful dealing with the 3rd Division." Tōshirō says.
"What does that mean? You mean Izuru?" Momo asks.
"Actually, what I mean was Ichimaru. But watch Izuru, too." Tōshirō says.
[Flashback]
"Saved by the security alert. Convenient timing, eh, Ichimaru?" Aizen asks as Tōshirō begins walking by them.
"Why don't you just come out and say it? You're not making much sense." Gin says.
"You don't really think you'll get away with this, do you? Just remember, don't underestimate me, Ichimaru." Aizen warns him before walking away leaving a confused Tōshirō to stare at them.
[End Flashback]
"It's strange. I wish that I can give you more specifics." Tōshirō says making Momo gasp in shock. "Just be careful." He tells her.
Later that night, another captains meeting was called at the 1st Division meeting hall. Only instead of the captains being lined up in two lines across from one another, they were all standing in a single line in front of the Captain-Commander. From left to right the captains stood in order of Suì-Fēng, Retsu Unohona, Sajin Komamura, Kaname Tōsen, Byakuya Kuchiki, Gin Ichimaru, Tōshirō Hitsugaya, Shunsui Kyōraku, Kenpachi Zaraki, Sōsuke Aizen, and lastly Mayuri Kurotsuchi.
"The situation has become critical. As a result of recent events, the Gotei 13 are now short by one lieutenant. Obviously, we can no longer afford to leave these matters in the hands of lower-ranked officers and members. Subsequently, no disciplinary measures will be taken against Ichimaru for his earlier, independent actions." Yamamoto says.
"Thank you, sir." Gin says with a smile.
"Furthermore, senior officers, including lieutenants, shall hereby be allowed to carry the Zanpakutō at all times, with full war-time usage of their powers." Yamamoto says.
"They're allowed to carry the Zanpakutō at all times?" Kaname asks.
"Full release as in wartime, hey? I couldn't be happier." Kenpachi says.
"Ha. If someone had brought the Ryoka here like he was told to, none of these measures would be necessary." Mayuri says looking over at Gin.
"Now, now. What's the use of talking like that?" Gin asks. "Besides, this only proves the point I made at the last meeting. Our troops have gotten rusty if they are being beaten by these Ryoka. Even our own lieutenants are having difficulty by what the reports have said." He notes.
"Indeed, which brings us to our next topic of discussion, concerning Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba." Yamamoto says getting everyone's attention. "Our initial reports stated that Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba wields a dual fire type Zanpakutō but the after action reports from his battle with Lieutenant Abarai has proven these statements to be false." He says.
"How so, old man Yama?" Shunsui asks, curious about the third dual Zanpakutō wielder.
"While it is true, he wields a dual Zanpakutō, it is not just a fire type but an ice type as well, meaning he wields a dual Zanpakutō with dual elements of polar opposites." Yamamoto says shocking everyone as they began mumbling amongst themselves. "While I know this has never been recorded throughout our history it just proves my point in the order I'm about to give; Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba is still to be brought before me so I may hear what he has to say but he has proven to be too much for any non-captain Shinigami, so therefore, only captains of Gotei 13 are to engage him in battle." He orders.
"So, he's fair game now, just the way I want it." Kenpachi says laughing.
"Everyone! Let us do what we can to capture these Ryoka!" Yamamoto says, leading Aizen to look at Gin while the latter continues to smile.
Meanwhile, back in the canal network, Hanatarō continues working to heal up the injured Ganju while Ichigo heals himself inside a light green Kaidō barrier with his three Zanpakutōs resting against his shoulder. Hanatarō pauses for a moment in his work and looks over in Ichigo's direction with bewilderment in his eyes.
'Ichigo is amazing, to be able to perform that level of Kaidō with little to no effort. I've only ever seen this skill level in Captain Unohana and Lieutenant Kotetsu and neither of them even know Ichigo. So where could he have learned to do all these things that would take decades to master?' Hanatarō wonders before returning to patching up Ganju.
That night, at Senzaikyū, two Shinigami stand guard outside the Shishinrō when their attention is caught by a sound behind the door.
"Excuse me, guards." Rukia's voice is heard from behind the door.
"Hmm?" The guard asks turning his head slightly towards the door he and the other Shinigami were guarding.
"If it's not too much trouble, could you tell me a little about what's going on in the city? Have you heard any recent news?" Rukia asks.
"Uh, well, we don't know any of the details. But they say that Lieutenant Abarai was defeated by Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba and badly hurt." The guard says making Rukia gasp in shock.
Elsewhere, in a prison ward, Momo watches as a member of the Fourth Division tends to Renji within a cell, with Renji still unconscious and his hands bound as he lies on a bed.
"That's all I can do for him for now. I'll be back to check on him tomorrow." The 4th Division member says standing at the cell bars facing Momo.
"Thank you very much." Momo says before sliding the bars open and allowing the division member to leave.
After the Shinigami departs, Hinamori enters the cell and sits next to Renji has he pants heavily.
"Oh, Renji." Momo says staring at her fellow Lieutenant. 'Why did you disobey orders and attack the Ryoka all alone? I don't understand. Does it have to do with Rukia?' Momo wonders as she recalls their past at the Shin'ō Academy.
[Flashback]
In the past, Renji runs through the forest and leaps high into the air, where he slashes at a surprised Hinamori in midair, resulting in her Zanpakutō being knocked out of her hands as she falls to the ground below with Renji landing several meters away from her.
"Ow!" Young Momo says soothing her aching wrist as she stands up next to her Zanpakutō, which has embedded itself in the ground. "Hey, why do you have to be so serious all the time? We're not supposed to hurt each other in practice, you know." She reminds Renji.
"Ah, if you don't take it seriously, then you're not learning." Young Renji says resting his Zanpakutō on his shoulder. "Okay, now pay attention this time." He tells her.
"Why not practice against me instead?" A voice behind Renji says.
"You, Izuru?" Young Renji asks a Young Izuru, who's hair was shorter and didn't obscure his left eye entirely.
"It'll be more of a challenge than beating up on a girl." Young Izuru says.
"Oh, is that so? You come here, and say that, pal!" An annoyed Momo says glaring daggers at Izuru.
"No, wait! That's not what I meant, Momo." Young Izuru says nervously, trying to justify what he meant before Renji began punching him in the arm.
"Oh, quit acting so embarrassed." Young Renji says continuing to punch Izuru, hard and fast, making him grunt in pain. "Well, I actually never thought of you as a sparring partner before. But I supposed it would be better than nothing." He says grinning.
"Oh, just wait. I think you're going to be surprised." Young Izuru says with a smirk.
A while later, Momo was sitting on a nearby rock and watches as Renji and Izuru spare with Renji forcing Izuru back to end their clash and dodges Izuru's subsequent thrust aimed at his head before crossing blades with Izuru once more.
"Very good, Renji. You have improved." Young Izuru praises his classmate.
"Well, thanks. I'd say you're much better now yourself." Young Renji says as he and Izuru are blade locked with sparks flying off their Zanpakutōs before pushing each other back. "Huh?" He asks noticing something. "Uh, wait here just a second." He says with a smile before running off towards a walking Rukia. "Rukia!" He calls out hopping over some bushes.
"Wait, what's all this about?" Young Izuru asks.
"Huh?" Young Momo asks as the two watch Renji and Rukia talk.
[End Flashback]
Momo was now sitting by Renji's cell bed side watching as his breathing evened out.
'Oh, Renji.' Momo thought before hearing footsteps approaching.
"Lieutenant Hinamori, you are to report immediately to receive special wartime orders." A Shinigami says standing outside of Renji's cell.
"What wartime orders?" Momo asks with slightly wide eyes.
Shortly afterward, in the Fifth Division barracks, dozens of Shinigami run through the halls to pass along the wartime orders. Meanwhile, in Momo's quarters, another Shinigami was already passing along the message while kneeling in front of her as she sat on her knees on a pillow.
"One, all senior-level officers, including lieutenants, are permitted to wear their swords within the court. Two, full wartime usage of one's Zanpakutō is now permitted, as decreed by the captain of the 1st Division and Captain-Commander of the Gotei 13, Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto." The Shinigami says relying the orders he was giving.
"Yes." Momo simply says as the Shinigami leaves, closed her quarter door behind him. 'Wartime orders. Permission to carry swords and use deadly force in order to subdue and capture the remaining Ryoka who aren't Ichigo Kurosaki-Shiba. Why did it have to come to this? This is not the answer. It certainly won't bring about peace.' She thought tightening her grip on her uniform. 'I can't stop thinking about Tōshirō's warning.' She thought.
[Flashback]
"Be careful dealing with the 3rd Division." Tōshirō says. "Just be careful." He says.
[End Flashback]
'Captain Aizen may know what it all means.' Momo thought.
Later that night, Aizen, out of his Shinigami uniform, sits in his room and writes a letter before noticing Momo standing outside his doors.
"What's the matter, Momo? Are you all right?" Aizen asks his lieutenant as she opens the sliding door to his room.
"I know it's late." Momo says.
"It's either very late or it's very early, since it's almost daybreak now." Aizen says.
"I know this is incredibly rude of me, but can I talk to you for a little while about some things?" Momo asks making Aizen gasp before giving a small smile. "If you say no, I'll understand. But I don't know who else to go to." Momo says on the verge of tears.
"Momo, do you really think that I could possibly turn you away?" Aizen asks.
"Well, I-" Momo begins to say.
"Surely you don't think I'm that heartless, even at this hour?" Aizen asks.
"No, that's why I came here." Momo says.
"Why don't you come inside? Today was a difficult day for everybody. You can tell me all about it to your heart's content, Momo." Aizen tells her making the lieutenant smile.
Meanwhile, back in the room in the canal network, Ichigo was resting within his Kaidō barrier as Hanatarō continued working on a sleeping Ganju.
"Ichigo." Juha Bach voice calls out.
"Hmm." Ichigo hums as he opens his eyes and realizes that he is no inside his inner world.
Looking around Ichigo noticed that he wasn't in the forest were Aka and Ao resided, instead he was on top of one of the many skyscrapers that Juha Bach mainly stayed on.
"Over here." Juha Bach calls making Ichigo look behind him to see his Quincy powers' spirit standing on the edge of a flag pole. "It's been some time, Ichigo. Good to see you again." He says with a stern face.
"And you as well, old man. So, what'd you call me here for?" Ichigo asks.
"It's time to move out, Ichigo. You're all healed up and time is of the essence." Juha Bach says.
"Right. Can't keep the Captain-Commander waiting. Especially with the treachery and the incoming war on the horizon with your true self." Ichigo says getting up onto his feet.
"Indeed, just so you know, I may be a spirit of the Quincy powers inside you but that doesn't mean I don't have memories of that man from a thousand years ago." Juha Bach says.
"Really? Then you got any advice for when I meet him?" Ichigo asks.
"He's stubborn. If he feels you are hiding something, he won't take you seriously. So, make sure that you give him a reason to trust your words above all else." Juha Bach informs his user.
"Right. I'll do that. See you around." Ichigo says before closing his eyes and when he opened them again, he was once more in the storage room in the canal system.
"Oh, you're awake Ichigo. How do you feel?" Hanatarō asks as he put the finishing touches on healing Ganju.
"I'm all healed up and ready to head out." Ichigo says getting to his feet and straightens out his uniform. "I need to get going if I'm gonna meet up with the Captain-Commander and stop Rukia's execution." He says making his way to the door before looking back a sleeping Ganju. "Hanatarō…" He begins to say.
"Yes." Hanatarō replies.
"Thank you for all your help in getting us this far. Without you, Ganju and I would probably still be fighting off those 11th Division jackasses. You also led us all the way to the Shishinrō and saved us precious time, so thank you. I'm truly grateful for all your help." Ichigo says.
"Oh, you don't have to thank me Ichigo. I told you when we first met that I would do anything I could to help save Ms. Rukia Kuchiki." Hanatarō says bowing his head a little.
"Well just remember, guide Ganju to the Shishinrō so he can talk with Rukia and once that's done, remind Ganju to turn himself in incase he forgot." Ichigo says before walking out the door.
"Right." Hanatarō says watching the hybrid leave.
Back in his room, Aizen continues writing his letter while Hinamori sits behind him.
"So what is it, Momo? Wasn't there something specific you wanted to talk about?" Aizen asks his lieutenant.
"Yes. I was-" Momo begins to say.
"How is Lieutenant Abarai's recovery coming along?" Aizen suddenly asks cutting her off.
"Oh, um, he's stable and not in danger anymore." Momo replies.
"That's good to hear. You're probably worried about what was decided at the meeting, aren't you? Captain Kuchiki wanted Renji discharged for disobeying direct orders. But then he back down when there were objections. So Renji will be allowed to return to his post once he's finally recovered." Aizen informs her.
"I'm so glad! And I bet you were the one who objected, weren't you, Captain?" Momo asks.
"I wasn't alone. Most everyone recognizes that he's an excellent officer. Despite their differences, no one in all the Gotei 13 would rejoice in Renji's dismissal." Aizen says.
"Good!" Momo says with a chuckle.
"The only thing he's really guilty of is tunnel vision; sticking to what he believes in." Aizen says with a chuckle as well making his lieutenant chuckle some more before returning to writing his letter.
"Can I ask a favor?" Momo asks.
"What is it?" Aizen asks, not bothering to turn around as he continues writing.
"If it wouldn't bother you-and I promise no more questions, I'll just sit here and watch-could I stay with you awhile longer?" Momo asks.
"Stay as long as you like, Momo." Aizen replies.
"Thank you." Momo says with a smile.
[August 4th, 2001]
As dawn begins to break, Aizen leaves Momo sleeping underneath his coat within his room and closes the door as he steps outside and walks away, with someone else standing behind him next to the door.
Meanwhile, Ichigo was once again out of the canal system and was standing before the steps of the Senzaikyū ready to make his way towards the Captain-Commander, only there was one problem.
"Even though Hanatarō said this is where the 1st Division is located he didn't specify where exactly. How am I suppose to the old man in that area? I can sense multiple high levels of Reiryoku." Ichigo says to himself.
"Come on King, you know what to do." Shiro says.
"Oh really? Well please, enlighten me." Ichigo says insisting his inner hollow enlighten him on what he clearly did not know.
"Pesquisa." Shiro simply says making Ichigo's eyes widen in realization.
"Right. The Hollow technique that not only pinpoints Reiryoku but also gauges the amount one has as well." Ichigo says as he closes his eyes and sends out a radiating pulse which reacts to sources of Reiatsu within the proximity of Senzaikyū. "Hmm. There are several large Reiryoku gathered together in one location but their only slightly more powerful than Renji's. I'm guessing that group gathering is composed of lieutenants. A couple more higher levels…must be captains but where is…" He begins to say before sensing an incredibly large Reiatsu alone on a balcony like office. "Ah, that must be him. Time to move out." He says with a smirk before making his way up the stairs at a quick pace. 'All right, so all I have to do is head straight towards the 1st Division barracks, which is probably where Ikaku's captain, Kenpachi Zaraki is waiting. Fight him and that'll help with my discussion in the long run with the old man if I'm in no real condition to fight back.' He thought as he made his way through the towering buildings after reaching the top of the stairs.
"That all sounds well and good but you are forgetting the most important thing, Ichigo." Aka says through their telepathic link.
'And what's that?' Ichigo asks already knowing the answer.
"The unexpected roadblock." Ao says as her wielder comes to a stop, for blocking his path was no other than…
"Hello, Ichigo Kurosaki. I'm the captain of the 5th Division, Sōsuke Aizen." The man across the hybrid says as he spoke gently, mockingly as he was sure Ichigo knew who he was and his intentions as the hybrid said nothing as the two stood across from one another. "If you would be so kind-" He begins to say as he started to unsheathe his blade as Ichigo instantly appeared before him and swung Zangetsu at the captain but he effortlessly blocked the attack as a shockwave created a gust of wind. "-to let me finish. And you called Renji rude." He says holding off Ichigo's strike.
"The difference is that Byakuya was actually interested in what I had to say." Ichigo says as his Zanpakutō began emitting a glow for a familiar ability. "There is nothing you have to say that I care about. Getsuga Tenshō (Moon-Fang Heaven Piercer)!" He roars, as a wave of white energy in the shape of a crescent moon hits Aizen point blank range, which left a giant gash in the ground and several towers surrounding them. "I know what you're after and you won't stop me from reaching Yamamoto." He says as he scanned the cloud of dust for his opponent.
"Do you mean to tell him about my goals with the Hōgyoku?" Aizen says from behind Ichigo as six beams of light impaled him but he manages to use Shunpo to dodge and put distance between them. "Do you really think he'll believe the words of a Ryoka or the student of exiles over a captain that's served loyally for a century?" He asks mockingly.
"Actually, I was going to tell him about an actual threat. Not some arrogant child attempting to play god." Ichigo says with a smirk as Aizen glared at the hybrid in front of him. "Did I actually strike a nerve on the great Aizen?" He asks before Aizen uses Shunpo to appear before him and attempts slash the hybrid but his blade was quickly block by Ichigo's.
"I thought you wanted to get to Yamamoto as soon as possible." Aizen says as he and Ichigo continue their blade lock. "How do you expect to get to him if you spend all your time talking to me?" He asks.
"Guess you're right." Ichigo says kicking Aizen in the stomach sending back a good 20 yards away. "If we're going to keep exchanging banter till one of us dies, we'll be here till morning." He says rolling his shoulder and cracking his neck in preparation. "So, I'm not going to bother being subtle with this, neither of us are going to go all out and I doubt you'll benefit in killing me now." He says looking his opponent in the eye and settled into his stance. "Is this just to get an idea of my current power, or are you staging a show?" He asks.
"Could be both, could be neither." Aizen replied, readying himself. "You will never succeed, Kurosaki. Shatter, Kyōka-" He began to say but never finished his release phrase before Ichigo attacked him furiously, forcing the captain on the defensive.
The training from Urahara, Yoruichi, and the Royal Guard showed as every blow was filled with an intent to kill, so subtle that the only way to confirm the intentions of every strike was that each one was aimed for a vital area. Aizen easily met every strike, the danger actually making him focus on defense.
'Could he? No, that's impossible. No one knows.' Aizen thought to himself as Ichigo continued his assault.
'Cannot let him use his illusion ability, absolutely can't!' Ichigo thought to himself, knowing that anything less than lethal intent would do little to give the man pause.
The two continued their dual for a good 5 minutes with their only injuries being minor cuts here and there. After a while, the two end their sword clashing as they leapt away from each other and just watched, waiting for the other to make a move or a mistake.
'This is getting me nowhere. Plus, the more time I waste here, the more chances are other Shinigami will begin showing up.' Ichigo thought trying to think of a plan as he took in his surroundings. 'Not much for me to work with and I don't want to cause a big scene either, so I guess it's time to get creative.' He thought with a smirk as he began charging Zangetsu with his Reiatsu. "As entertaining as this has been, Aizen, I'm afraid I have more important places to be." He says.
"And just how do you plan on getting out of this? I told you I wasn't about to let you just walk away from this." Aizen says preparing himself for whatever Ichigo was planning.
"Getsuga Tenshō…" Ichigo says unleashing an even bigger energy attack than before.
"This trick again? I've seen it countless times from your father." Aizen says with a chuckle.
"…pincer style!" Ichigo shouts from behind Aizen making the captain's eyes widen as he realized Ichigo was unleashing a second Getsuga Tenshō from behind in order to blind side him.
"Interest. Not to mention creative but still it's not enough. Double Bakudō #81. Dankū (Splitting Void)." Aizen says calmly as two defensive walls are created in front and behind him, intercepting the hybrid's attacks, creating a massive dust cloud. "A good effort Kurosaki but without using your full power, all you'll hope to accomplish is-" He begins to say before realizing that Ichigo was gone as the dust settled. "Not bad. The boy used that maneuver not to wound me but as a diversion. The second he unleashed that second Getsuga Tenshō, he concealed his Reiatsu and used Shunpo to escape while I defended myself. Clever, but he's still far from a perfect being. Oh well, time to move on with the plan and you will play a role in this next part. Both you and another certain someone." He says with a dark smile as he walks away.
Meanwhile Ichigo flashed onto one of the balconies connecting the towers and was panting slightly.
"Damn, even though it wasn't a long fight, it still took too long for my liking." Ichigo says as he looks around and spots a supply room. "May as well wait out a few of hours just to make sure no one comes looking to see what that commotion was." He says entering the room and keeps his Reiatsu suppressed.
An hour or two later, back in Aizen's captain's quarters, Momo was beginning to wake up from her deep sleep.
"Oh, dear!" Momo says bolting awake. "I'm sorry, Captain. I was so tired I feel asleep!" She apologizes. "Captain?" She asks looking around the room before hearing a bell ringing making her look over to see that it said 10 o'clock. "Ten o'clock! Look at how late I am!" She shouts in shock as she grabs her Zanpakutō and rushes out the room. "I wish the captain would have woken me up before he left. I don't know how I'm going to ever make it to the meeting on time!" She says, bemoaning her captain for not waking her.
Momo than makes her way past the site of Ichigo and Renji's battle and up the stairs leading to Senzaikyū.
"I'll take the shortcut." Momo says as she enters an opening to the side of the stairs.
Momo than begins jumping onto the roofs of several of the buildings surrounding Senzaikyū in order to reach the corridor surrounding the tower nearby.
"I actually made it." Momo says panting before running through the pavilion, however at that moment, the sound of dripping was heard causing the lieutenant to come to a stop as she turns around in confusion before screaming loudly in shock.
Inside the lieutenant's meeting room, the loud scream alerts the four lieutenants; Izuru, Tetsuzaemon, Shūhei, and Rangiku.
"Who in the hell was that screaming?" Rangiku asks.
"I think it was coming from the East Holy Wall." Tetsuzaemon replies.
"That sounded like it was Momo." Izuru says before rushing towards Momo's location with the others following behind him. "Momo! What is it, Momo? Please, tell me what happened!" He says but Momo was silent as she stared forward with her mouth agape. "Momo, please!" He says shaking her a little but she still doesn't respond.
Izuru decides to look at where Momo was staring and the moment he did, he became horrified by what he saw. Aizen, at the top of a wall, impaled through the chest with his own Zanpakutō with a long trail of blood dripping from his body, with layers of froze sticking to him as well as a large icicle impale in his right leg.
"That's impossible!" Izuru says in disbelief.
"He was murdered?" Rangiku asks, as horrified as the rest.
Momo continues to stare at her impaled captain atop the wall as she began breathing heavily.
"Captain Aizen!" Momo screams loudly.
{Ending Theme: "Hōkiboshi" by Younha}
Author's Note: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please be sure to review and tell me what you think.