Thunderous Soul 8 (Patreon)

In the Seireitei, alarms started to ring. In a certain room inside Squad Twelve, a series of small, wooden planks with characters written on them descended in their rails, clacking loudly once they struck the bottom. High, high up above, a mirrored set activated inside the Royal Palace, as the walls of the Seireiheki started to descend.

“Distortion detected in the western slums! Alert regions three through eight! I repeat!”

All around, the Shinigami who didn’t already know this was coming flinched. A redhead who was walking with his petite friend looked around wildly, “Huh? What’s going on?”

In his training grounds, Captain Sajin Komamura stopped his practice swings. His face and head were completely covered by a large, heavy helmet that concealed his appearance completely. A loud, snarling rumble echoed from behind his helmet as he heard the announcement. “Finally.” He growled out.

In another part of the Seireitei, Shūhei Hisagi caught his spinning Kazeshini as he looked to the west. “Things won’t be the same this time, Kurosaki.” He said in a deadened tone. His fists clenched on the shaft of his weapons.

And in his office inside the Division One headquarters, Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni merely stopped his writing as he looked out of the window. “So, it begins.” He stated softly, before resuming his work.

-]|[-

“Okay, what the fuck is with the giant skeleton in the purple goo?” Ichigo asked, looking around.

“Ugh, this goo looks nasty.” Tatsuki complained as she did the same.

“Don’t just stand there, fools!” Yoruichi’s manly cat voice roared, “We have to get to the end, and the Kōryū is closing in!”

“And don’t forget about the Kōtotsu.” Lisa said, shaking her head over the lack of concern she could see on their faces.

“What’s the big deal?” Ichigo yelled, suddenly more than halfway towards the exit, “It’s not like any of us are slow!”

Yoruichi joined him on his shoulder, “That’s no reason to be overconfident.”

“If you’re going to sit on my shoulders, at least be human.” Ichigo scratched the cat’s head, getting a purr and a laugh.

“So, where’s this Kōtotsu thing?” Orihime asked, “What does it look like?”

“That.” Lisa pointed, and they blinked as the way they came from was completely swallowed by Kōryū, and a bright light started to shine from the ugly purple wall.

“A train?!” Orihime started to sparkle, “So cool!”

“Remember, ONLY your shield can touch it, not your Shun Shun Rikka!” Lisa jabbed her in the side.

“Owie!” She rubbed the affected area and gave Lisa a teary gaze, “What was that for?”

“So you focus!” Yoruichi said, “Get ready!”

“Right!” Orihime took a breath as they braced themselves near the exit, “Santen Kesshun, I reject!”

…

A floating portal of light in the sky flashed above a city of traditional Japanese houses. The portal flashed, disgorging tons of Reiatsu, before multiple bright lights shot out of it like miniature meteors and caused large explosions as they hit the ground.

“Is-” Orihime coughed, “Is everyone okay?” One of her triangular shields carried all of them. She was sitting with her legs to the side, Sado was in a superhero landing, Yoruichi was spread eagle on her front, Lisa and Tatsuki had landed in a 69, which she was a little jealous about, and Ichigo was on his back folded up with his legs behind his head. “Wow! Kurosaki-kun, your landing pose is so artistic!” She said gleefully.

“Is that the pose you take when you get pegged?” Tatsuki shot out, grinning (and blushing. The only reason she hadn’t gotten a face full was that Lisa’s Reiatsu-hiding cloak had kept her skirt from flipping up.) Ichigo’s eye twitched, and he took a page out of his old man’s book. He tucked his middle finger behind his thumb and flicked, resulting in him flipping his childhood friend the bird… with enough force for a tiny wind blast to knock her head back. “Ow!”

Ichigo completed his roll and flipped up to his feet, patting himself off, “Huh, so this is the Seireitei, huh? You guys weren’t kidding when you said it was feudal.”

“No, this is definitely just the Rukongai.” Lisa informed them as she got up, not a hint of embarrassment on her face. Because she wasn’t feeling any. “But where?”

“Realistically, we could have ended up anywhere.” Yoruichi sighed as she took to her feet. “There are eighty districts in each cardinal direction, numbered from one to eighty.”

“And the souls arrive in each district based on the purity of their souls while they were alive.” Lisa told them, “While truly evil souls go to Hell, there are scales of evil. Someone could have committed evil acts from good intentions, or simply been brainwashed or taken advantage of. The worse their karma is, the higher the district they end up in.”

“But with free movement between the districts, isn’t that a bit of a waste of time?” Ichigo asked, having some knowledge about it from conversations with his father and Rangiku.

“It can be if someone slips through the cracks, but generally speaking, people travel closer to the Seireitei for a better life.” They began walking, looking around. The place was a ghost town, with everyone in hiding at the moment. “Those who act up and worsen their karma are quickly punished by the Shinigami and booted back to the higher numbers.” Yoruichi told them. “If they really act up, they are executed and returned to earth without getting to enjoy the peace of the afterlife.”

“Ah, I suppose that would keep folks in line.” Tatsuki said, “So, how are we supposed to figure out what district we’re in? Aren’t the districts themselves huge?”

“How about we just try that patch of ‘obviously higher quality’ land?” Chad asked, pointing towards a shining white city in the distance.

They all stopped and stared, before Ichigo chuckled, “Yeah, that about tracks. Either our luck is fantastic, or Urahara nailed it!” He grinned, “And it looks like the walls aren’t even up yet! Let’s go!” He took off running.

“No wait! They’re-” Yoruichi screamed.

BOOM

The walls came down. “Coming.” Yoruichi said, palming her face.

Ichigo jumped back, “Ugh, can’t just make things easy, huh?”

“And why would we do that?” An actual giant landed in front of him, “It’s been some time since anyone tried to enter the Seireimon without a permit.” The man could have hidden Chad inside just his forearm, and Chad was huge! His hair was tied into a ponytail, which extended down to his waist. He had long sideburns, which continued down onto his neck and were long enough to be tied up in small, ponytail-like tufts. He wore armor on his left shoulder and upper arm and left the left side of his chest exposed. On his head was a, frankly, rather cute red hat with tassels. “At last, I have a customer!” He hefted a behemoth of an axe, “Now,” He said, before slamming the shaft of his axe into the ground, cratering it with his strength, “Show me what you can do!”

“Nah.” Ichigo replied, having already turned, and walked away.

“Wh-what?” The huge man almost fell over, “What do you mean ‘nah?’ And you’re already walking away?! How rude!”

“Yeah, no real point in fighting.” Ichigo stopped and turned back as his friends caught up, “Two skilled opponents should be able to tell, right?” His eyes speared the giant’s, “The level between them without crossing blades.”

The man started to sweat lightly, ‘Th-this aura! It’s like being in front of Kenpachi-Taichō, just without the bloodlust!’

“Besides, it’s not like you’d open the gate for us if we won.” Tatsuki said off-handedly. “Ain’t that right, big guy? What’s your name, anyway?”

“Ikkanzaka Jidanbō.” Jidanbō revealed, having shaken the sudden nerves off, “And of course I would! The obvious thing to do when you lose is open the gate for the victor!”

They all blinked. ‘Is he an idiot?’ Only Orihime didn’t think that, and only because she was too nice to.

“Well, I suppose that’s different then.” Ichigo chuckled, “How ‘bout it, Tats?”

Tatsuki grinned, before cracking her knuckles. “Yeah, should be fun. One-on-one, right big guy?” She started to walk forward.

“Of course!” Jidanbō looked affronted, “You must be from the country. Everyone knows you follow the three rules in the city. Wash your hands once you enter your home, don’t eat food off the ground.” He clenched his axe, “And all duels are fought one-on-one.”

“Those just seem like common sense to me, but you do you.” She put her hands up and got into her new Hakuda stance, “The name is Arisawa Tatsuki, and I’m the strongest girl in Japan.” She grinned, “Let’s have some fun!”

“Japan?” Jidanbō gasped, “You mean the living world?! How are you here?! Why are you here?” He shook his head, “Never mind. I suppose I’ll have to ask you once you lose!” He roared as he suddenly swung his axe with all the strength he could muster. Tatsuki raised her hand, her digits relaxed, and slammed it almost gently into the blade of the axe.

CLANG

The sound of Tatsuki’s special technique rang out, but it was drowned out by the absolute gale force that buffeted all of them. The winds howled and they were forced to shield their faces from the dust. Once it cleared, Tatsuki was smirking broadly at Jidanbō, having completely deflected his attack with her bare fist.

His eyes widened to huge proportions, and her smirk widened, “Hope you got more than just brute strength, Jidanbō.” A fiery aura surrounded her, “Cuz you’ll just make me stronger if you don’t.”

“Wh-what strange technique is this?” Jidanbō asked, seeing that her fist wasn’t even scratched. He started to chuckle, “My, you are impressive! It’s a shame you’re not a Shinigami yourself!” He stood a bit straighter, “It’s been decades since someone blocked my axe! I suppose I can’t hold back!” And then the giant vanished, appearing behind Tatsuki in a really loud swish with his axe already moving.

“You’re fast!” She praised, as she again blocked his attack, this time with her forearm, with a loud CLANG. “But not as fast as sensei.” She smirked up at him before appearing level with his chest. Jidanbō’s eyes widened as he raised his spare arm in front of him and allowed it to glow gold with his Reiatsu. “EXPLOSION!” She roared, discharging all of her stored-up energy into his ‘shield.’

He rocketed back and had to grind his feet on the ground to slide to a stop. “Guh, what strength!” Jidanbō laughed joyously, before drawing a second axe, “Then I suppose I should use my strongest attack! Banzai Jidanda Matsuri!” He roared as his skin began to turn red. Steam erupted from him as the armor he was wearing shattered, literally flexed off. He disappeared and again reappeared behind Tatsuki with his left axe crossed behind his neck over his right shoulder, “One!” It was like a mantis shrimp firing a bullet punch. The blade moved so fast it left afterimages.

Tatsuki’s eyes widened, and she jumped over the axe. A blast of wind sliced into the ground a dozen meters in front of him. “Two!” He swung with his right axe, and a new miniature canyon was created as she dodged to the right. “Three! Four! Five!” Jidanbō continued acting like a whirlwind, slicing, and dicing everything around them except for the Sekkiseki Stone that made up the walls of the Seireiheki. “Uhh, six…” Jidanbō seemed to… get confused? “Four… two?”

“COUNT TO TEN PROPERLY, DAMN IT!” Tatsuki roared indignantly, and noticed he had slowed down a bit. This attack must take too much energy for the giant to keep it up at the absolute highest level for long.

CLANG

She was able to block and parry again. A swipe from the right was blocked by her left leg, and a rising swing that actually was cutting through the dirt on its way to her was sharply punched upwards and over her head harmlessly with another clang.

“Nine! Four! Seven!” Jidanbō continued to call out, and even the onlookers were sweatdropping.

“S-surely there has to be some standard of education, right?” Chad commented, his sweatdrop the heaviest and actually tilting his head slightly.

Lisa chuckled, “Sure, but enough ability is enough to countermand silly things like counting to ten.” She joked at Jidanbō’s expense. “His speed and power are why he’s a Gatekeeper and his intelligence is why he’s not in any real position of authority.” She kept her voice low, knowing that at this distance, even the sounds of the battle wouldn’t keep her words from reaching his razor-sharp ears. She didn’t want the big guy to feel bad, after all.

Tatsuki continued to block, having maxed out her storage a while ago, but waiting for her opportunity. She finally got it when he slowed down even more, “EXPLOSION!” She yelled, punching him with every bit of her energy square in the chest.

“GUHHHH!!!” Jidanbō groaned out, his axes flying from his hands and spinning through the air before landing on the ground. Even just their weight and the landing were enough to slightly crater the earth. Jidanbō himself flew straight into the gate he was meant to guard, and the impact rocked the structure, though it was undamaged. He let out a groan and slid to the ground, making it rumble with a miniature quake.

“That’s my win, big guy.” Tatsuki grinned as she landed, her fist smoking.

“Oof…” Jidanbō hauled himself up, clutching his chest, “That’s a strange little power you have, little lady.” He grimaced, rubbing the affected area, “My blows were just making you stronger, weren’t they?”

“Ayep!” Tatsuki grinned, “So unless you have some Kidō skill…” She trailed off leadingly.

“No, I never had any chance with those.” Jidanbō snorted, before grabbing one of his axes and looking at it, “Still in good shape, at least.” He mumbled, before bowing to Tatsuki, “Three hundred years I’ve been the Gatekeeper of the White Road Gate. I’ve never lost a single time.” He looked back at her, “Until today. You might be tiny, but you are mighty. You may pass! Jidanbō authorizes you to pass through the White Road Gate.”

“Well, that was easy.” Orihime clapped excitedly.

“I doubt it.” Lisa replied, blandly, while still hiding behind Chad so as to not get recognized by an old drinking buddy.

“Wonder if I could lift this thing?” Ichigo asked idly as he watched Jidanbō dig his fingers beneath the gate.

“It’s not as hard as it looks.” Jidanbō replied, before howling in effort as he raised it. The teens smiled and began to walk forward, but stopped as Jidanbō started letting out terrified squeaks that sounded very out of place with his voice. “I-Ichi-”

“This won’t do.” There was a flash that only Ichigo, Yoruichi, and Lisa could track, and then Jidanbō’s entire left arm fell off in a deluge of blood that almost drowned Tatsuki.

“WHAT THE FUCK?!” She yelled as Jidanbō howled, sinking to his knees. Blood continued to splatter, and Orihime immediately had Chad go get Jidanbō’s arm, which had flown away, because it would be easier for her to reattach. The gate sank too, with Jidanbō barely able to hold it up.

Ichigo’s eyes sharpened as he drew his blade and held it loosely. “Ichimaru Gin.” He growled, wanting to simply kill the man here and now, but having been advised against it, at least until they were closer to exposing the traitors.

“Oh? I see my reputation precedes me.” Gin chuckled lightly. He eyed Ichigo with his wariness well hidden. He had no idea how strong Ichigo actually was, what with him having beaten Tōsen while hidden inside the man’s Bankai. He focused on Jidanbō, “I can’t believe you can hold that gate up with just one arm. You sure are strong. Definitely the strongest of Seireitei’s giants.” He smiled wider, “But as a Gatekeeper, you’re a failure.”

“I-I lost!” Jidanbō panted, “The obvious thing to do was open the gate!”

Gin chuckled again, “That’s strange… A Gatekeeper that loses doesn’t open any gates.” His smile became sinister, “After all… a Gatekeeper that loses” He rapidly sidestepped a blade of wind from Ichigo. “dies. You’re scary, kid.” He eyed the trench that had been cut into the Seireitei’s floors.

“Yeah, can’t let a guy like you butcher a poor, defenseless giant.” Ichigo shot back, “Why don’t you choose a different dance partner, Ichimaru?”

Gin laughed, “Oh, I’m afraid I’d have to get in line for that, Kurosaki. Komamura-Taichō, Hitsugaya-Taichō, and Kenpachi-Taichō are all so eager they might jump me if I try to cut in line.”

Ichigo snorted, “Yeah, I suppose that tracks.”

“Kurotsuchi wanting to dissect you is a bit creepier, admittedly.” Gin said off-handedly. “I don’t suppose I can convince you to just leave, can I? Fighting you here might get me in trouble.”

“Sure.” Ichigo said, surprising the white-haired man, “But before I do, I think you deserve a parting gift for Jidanbō’s arm.”

Gin stiffened as a blazingly potent Cero appeared at the tip of his Zanpakutō and crackled with purple lightning. The silver fox rapidly cried out, “Bakudō #81. Dankū!”

A massive explosion rocked the area, rising above even the walls of the Seireitei. Jidanbō yelled as he was blasted backwards, and had to be caught by Tatsuki and Lisa. It took over ten seconds for the shaking to stop, and if they were able to look over the walls, they would see a massive crater sitting where the doom blast had hit Gin’s shield. Even from outside, they could see the massive mushroom cloud his attack had generated.

Inside the walls, the man in question was shaking his head, somewhat stunned, but thoroughly entertained. The shouts of panic from the rushing Shinigami inside did not reach the intruders outside.

“Ugh, you idiot.” Yoruichi groaned out on the other side of the wall, “Now they know some of what to expect!”

Ichigo shrugged, “They were going to find out soon anyway. At least now maybe it’ll keep the small fry off our backs.”

“Y-you saved me.” Jidanbō panted in agony as Tatsuki helped him lay down. He was still dazed, but not out.

“Gonna do better than that, big guy.” Tatsuki promised as Chad brought his arm back. “Go to sleep.” She said as Jidanbō finally succumbed to his exhaustion and shock.

Orihime shouted, “Sōten Kisshun, I reject!” Her hairpins flashed, and her Shun Shun Rikka got to work.

“How will we get in now?” Chad asked, looking at the two senior Shinigami.

“Going through the gate was stupid anyway.” Yoruichi told them, “It would have been exceedingly easy to find us, and the entrance was always going to be defended.”

Their attention was drawn as random townsfolk started to appear. “Think they’ll be friendly?” Tatsuki asked.

“I think so.” Lisa said, “They love Jidanbō here. One of the few Shinigami universally loved by the citizens of Rukongai. Saving him will certainly have earned us a few brownie points.”

“If that isn’t counteracted by Ryoka like ourselves being considered the principal cause of problems over here.” Yoruichi deadpanned.

Luckily, Lisa was the one proved right, and in the unlikeliest of ways! “Chad!” A little boy came running up to them after getting through the throng of people. “Chad, it’s me! Yuichi!”

“Yuichi-chan?!” Tatsuki gaped, while Ichigo and Chad repeated the name in shock as well.

Finally, the big guy grinned and walked closer, “How have you been, little one?”

“Did you find your mother?” Ichigo asked, patting the boy on the shoulder.

“Not yet.” Yuichi pouted, “But anything can happen! You guys are here!”

“Well, you seem happy, so we’re happy.” Tatsuki grinned down at him, before lightly slapping Chad, “You two go catch up. You were closest to him, after all.”

Chad picked him up and put him over his shoulders, and walked away, chatting lightly with the boy.

“I suppose I’ll go find the chief. Hopefully, he’ll have the info we need.” Yoruichi wandered off.

“I’ll find us a place to stay temporarily, and some food.” Lisa wandered off with Yoruichi.

Ichigo looked over at Tatsuki, but she shook her head, and went to go keep Orihime company. Ichigo wandered off, stopping every once in a while to chat with the townsfolk and gather information on both the Shinigami and their treatment by the Shinigami. But as he walked, he saw something that made him freeze. “You…” He breathed out.

Before him was a young girl. A young girl with a very familiar face. She squeaked, and tried to hide behind a cart. Ichigo swallowed, but walked forward with a purpose and kneeled, “Hey, it’s okay.”

She peeked out from her ‘hiding’ spot. “I…I’m so sorry!” She teared up.

Ichigo shook his head. “I know it wasn’t your fault.” He held his hand out, “It’s okay.” He repeated himself.

She shyly stepped out from behind the cart, “Y-you don’t hate me?”

“That would be like hating one of my sister’s friends.” Ichigo said softly, “If anything, this makes me feel better to know you truly were just an innocent little girl. You can’t help what you did as Grand Fisher.” She started to tear up, and he started to pat her on the head, “I’m glad to see we actually make a difference.” And idly, he wished he had at least punched Ishida in the nose a few times.

She sniffled, “Th-thank you.”

He smiled at her, and she returned it shyly, “I don’t suppose my mom made it here with you, did she?”

“I don’t know.” She replied, “Sorry. It was disorientating enough just landing here. I have no idea where any of the others ended up.”

Ichigo chuckled sadly, “Oh well. It was a long shot, anyway.” He stood, “Maybe someday. You be good, okay?”

“I-I will!” She said as he nodded at her and started to walk off, “A-and!” He stopped and turned around, “I’m going to be a Shinigami and help others, just like you!”

Ichigo grinned broadly, “You do that, little one. I’m sure you could be a great one.” She beamed, “See you around.” He waved behind his back as he continued to walk away. She ran off, a happy smile on her face.

…

Night had fallen, and Orihime had long-since finished working on Jidanbō’s arm. The giant was still sleeping his ordeal off, and they were having a small dinner. Yoruichi was asking about the whereabouts of Shiba Kūkaku, which obviously got Ichigo’s attention. “Shiba, huh?”

“That’s right, boyo.” Yoruichi replied, “They’ve got the only way we’ll be able to get into the Seireitei now.”

“You can’t possibly be thinking of going over the wall in that thing!” The elder was sweating heavily.

“You betcha.” The smirk on her face told it all.

“You’re mad!” The elder said, “No one in their right mind would-”

“And it’s a good thing we are, otherwise, it would never work.” Ichigo couldn’t resist throwing that line in. He was pretty sure he knew what Yoruichi was talking about too, since he had asked for more details about the Shiba from Rangiku and his father.

“W-well, if you’re sure…” The elder looked like he was completely and utterly in doubt of their sanity, but provided a map for them all the same.

-]|[-

“Huh, going pretty far out into the country for this.” Tatsuki said as they walked towards the location on the map the elder had given them.

“This is weird.” Orihime pouted, “If they’ve got the only way to get into Seireitei without going through the gates, shouldn’t they be living in town like some sort of celebrity?”

Lisa and Yoruichi both reacted, “Pfft.” Before the black cat continued, “No, that would be impossible.”

Lisa chuckled, “Yeah, a quiet, deserted area is right up Kūkaku’s alley. You’ll see what we mean in a moment.”

“Hmmm, but how will we know it when we find it?” Tatsuki asked, before she froze, “Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me.”

Yoruichi started to cackle, “Yeah, you can’t miss a Kūkaku Shiba house even if you’re blind! They’re just so recognizable!”

All of the teens gaped at the sight of what looked like a small, Japanese workshop with an absolutely massive smokestack… and two pillars shaped like arms holding up a red banner with Kūkaku’s name on it.

‘THAT’S BEYOND ‘RECOGNIZABLE!’ Ichigo, Tatsuki, and Chad screamed inside their heads, totally aghast. Orihime was the only excited one. ‘Kūkaku Shiba can’t live in town because all the neighbors would throw a fit!’

“Hmm, the banner holder is a pair of arms this time. Very nice.” Yoruichi commented.

‘It’s different every time?!’ Ichigo thought to himself, ‘Oh no, the goofiness is hereditary! Is it only a matter of time before I become a moron as well?!’

‘You’re already a moron though.’ Thor sniped at him, smirking wide.

‘OI!’ He fumed at his Zanpakutō spirit.

“HALT!” Two identical, giant men wearing nearly identical outfits dropped in front of them once they got close enough. “Who are you?” They stared at them imperiously, “You’re a suspicious-looking lot! Koganehiko and Shiroganehiko shall not let you pass! Go! Or you will die here!”

Ichigo let out a sigh, “It’s okay if I just bruise ‘em a bit, right Yoruichi?”

“YORUICHI-SAMA?!” The two nimrods gasped, and suddenly spotted the cat. They both fell to their knees and knelt to the cat. “Forgive our blindness, Yoruichi-sama!”

“It’s fine. I should have notified you in advance.” Yoruichi waved them off, “We’re here to see Kūkaku.”

“Y-yes! Right this way!” One of the two opened the door and the teens again gaped as it revealed a staircase leading straight underground. No entrance hall, no other rooms, no nothing. How did they even get to the second floor? They came to a set of rice-paper doors, “Please wait here for a moment.”

“Koganehiko? Have you brought some interesting guests?” A woman’s voice called from beyond the doorway.

“Y-yes!” Koganehiko (apparently) replied.

“Well, show them in already! What are you waiting for?” She declared impatiently, and Koganehiko hurried to open the door.

They laid eyes on Kūkaku for the first time. She was a youthful-looking woman, and a bit taller than Yoruichi’s human form. She had messy black hair that was covered in bandages, and wore a white skirt with a wide rip on her right side, along with a provocative red robe with the Shiba family symbol on the front that exposed her cleavage and almost all of her back. It was practically half bikini. She had a tattoo from shoulder to elbow on her left side, and her right arm was missing from right above her elbow. It was covered in bandages, as well as a holster holding what was likely her Zanpakutō. She was smirking, “Been a while, Yorui…chi.” She trailed off as she caught sight of Ichigo. “Ehh? Kaien? When’d you dye your hair?”

Yoruichi chuckled (along with Tatsuki and Orihime), “I’m afraid you’re a bit off, Kūkaku-chan.”

Ichigo smirked at the woman, wondering if this was going to lead exactly where he thought it would, “Hey auntie.”

“WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!” The fiery woman erupted and… well… erupted.

Ichigo leaned backwards, just barely dodging her foot, which had been on a collision course with his nose. He blinked as he got a peek under her skirt. “Was that a lightning bolt?” He asked, and gave her a thumbs-up, “Nice!”

Kūkaku blinked as she landed, and put her hand on her hip, “Who the hell are you?” She hissed at him, her eyes narrowed.

“Kurosaki Ichigo.” He introduced himself, “Though you’d probably know my old man Shiba Isshin a bit better.” He grinned at her.

Koganehiko gasped audibly while Kūkaku’s eyes widened. “Isshin is alive?!” She yelled, totally shocked.

“And kicking.” Ichigo confirmed, before his eye twitched, “Usually me.” he deadpanned.

“HA!” Kūkaku barked out a laugh, “That doesn’t sound like that idiot at all. He was always such a lazy ass.” She didn’t not believe him though. He was the spitting image of her brother, just younger and orange haired.

“Yeah, well, shit changed. I wish he was still a lazy ass. Old goat can’t sit still anymore.” Ichigo said, before sighing, “He kinda had to after mom died.”

“Ah.” Her gaze turned sympathetic, “Sorry kid. I’m sure she was a good woman. I’d like to hear more.”

“The best.” Ichigo smiled, “And for sure. I’d like to get to know some more family. So would the twins, once this shit we’re dealing with is done with.”

Kūkaku grinned, “Two more? You better haul all of their asses over here! I’ve been itching to throw a party!”

“You’re a Shiba. Since when do you need an excuse?” Yoruichi laughed lightly.

“You know me well!” Kūkaku laughed, before she threw an arm around Ichigo’s shoulder and put him in a headlock, “And don’t fucking call me ‘auntie!’ We’re barely related with how far removed me and Isshin are!”

“How closely is that Kūkaku-san?” Orihime asked curiously.

“Ehhh?” Kūkaku let go of Ichigo when he straightened out and lifted her off the floor nonchalantly, dropping to her feet, “I’d need to bust out the family tree to know for sure, but I think… like… third cousins, thrice removed?” She shrugged, “Something like that.”

“Huh, today I learned.” Ichigo chuckled.

Kūkaku mirrored him, “Heh.” She looked at Lisa, “Lisa?! Is that you?!”

“Hey Kūkaku-chan.” Lisa smiled, taking off her hood.

“Holy shit, is everyone I thought dead actually alive?” She gaped.

“Ehh, probably not everyone.” Lisa denied, “But those of us who were sentenced to death a hundred years ago?” She smiled, “Yeah, we’re still kicking.”

Kūkaku beamed, “Well, looks like this party is just going to keep getting bigger then.” Her grin turned into a vicious smirk, “You here to raise some hell?”

“We are.” Yoruichi said, “So we need a favor.”

“Good. I love trouble. Lay it on me.”

-]|[-

“Rangiku.” Hisagi walked up to the bars of her cell and called her name.

“Hmm?” Rangiku was wearing a pure white robe that was perhaps a size too small. She smiled lightly, “Hisagi.” Some of the warmth between them was definitely gone, and she could see how he had bags under his eyes. She laid back on her cot, “I heard an explosion a few hours ago.”

He smiled humorlessly, “It appears your substitute has arrived.” He had an edge to his voice that had never been there before when talking to her.

She sighed, ‘Damn it Ichi-kun. I know it was a good tactical move to remove one of Aizen’s pieces, but the rest of them are pissed.’ Still, she smiled, “I knew he would. I told you all so during my interrogation.”

Hisagi’s teeth ground, “Is that all you have to say? After he murdered Tōsen-Taichō? And now there’s a huge crater near the western gate!”

“And Tōsen-Taichō was trying to kill him in turn.” She shot back, “I suppose you would have preferred he just laid down and died?” She could see his jaw clench even harder, “Why are you here, Hisagi?” She changed the subject abruptly.

Hisagi huffed through his nose, “You’re being transferred to the Senzaikyū to await your execution.”

“Fun.” She said as she stood, barely looking at him, “Let’s go then.”

“Damn it Rangiku! This isn’t a joke!” He slammed his hands on the bars. “You’re going to die for this murderous brat!”

“Good, because I wasn’t laughing.” She smirked at him, “I want you to think about this, Hisagi. It took Ichi-kun two months to go from baby substitute to being able to kill a sealed Captain using Bankai, and that was just to fulfill my regular duties.” She walked closer to the cell, “So just how strong do you think he’s gotten while training to save me?”

Hisagi didn’t have an answer, but her Captain did. “Enough.” The very young, white-haired boy snapped as he walked through the door. “Clearly you’re too emotional for this, Shūhei-Fukutaichō. You’re dismissed.”

Hisagi stomped away, “Yes sir.”

She smiled, “Heya Captain.”

“Matsumoto.” Hitsugaya Tōshirō looked at her coldly. “I presume Shūhei already told you.”

“He did.” She said, before grinning cattily, “How big is the crater?”

“You’re not taking this seriously at all.” He deadpanned.

“No, you all aren’t taking it seriously.” Rangiku replied, “But you’ll figure it out. Shall we go?”

Tōshirō stared at her, completely incapable of understanding just where her confidence stemmed from. As he unlocked the door and tied her hands behind her back, neither spoke a word, before he led the procession to the white tower at the center of the Seireitei.

-]|[-

“Heh. You’re a fucking Shiba alright.” Kūkaku chortled, “Invading the afterlife to save your woman. I’m all in.” She lay back and took a puff from her kiseru, blowing out a cloud of smoke. “Wish I could actually go in with you lot, but that’s impossible. Maybe if Ganju was still here, I could trust him to do the first part, but he fucked off to the Seireitei with Kaien.” She rubbed her chin, “Shit, you any good with Kidō, Ichigo? Someone needs to be able to do the second part of the spell, otherwise it’s a much nastier entrance than it needs to be.”

Ichigo winced, “I’ve been working on it, but my Reiryoku naturally turns into electricity which fucks everything up unless it’s a lightning Hadō.” Kūkaku grimaced, “I’ve been working on it, but we don’t have time for me to both learn it and get it to the point where I can do it without conscious thought.”

She huffed out a breath, “Fuck, well, it’s going to be the hard way then. Nothing for it.” She said, “If we could use method number two, you could precision guide your way in. If I have to use one of the other methods, I’ll have to do all the heavy lifting myself from here, and wish you all luck.”

“Uhm, Kūkaku-san, how exactly will you be getting us into the Seireitei?” Orihime asked.

“Follow me.” Kūkaku said, “And I’ll show you.” She walked out of the room, and they hurried to follow her.

“How is it so bright in here?” Tatsuki asked, “We’re underground, aren’t we?”

“We grow hotarukazura here, in the holes on the ceiling as well as both sides of the wood paneling.” Kūkaku replied, though did not elaborate further.

“Probably a glowing plant.” Chad said, which got an affirmative nod from Lisa.

“We’re here.” Kūkaku hauled the heavy wooden door open unceremoniously and stepped inside.

“Woah, it’s the huge smokestack from outside!” Orihime gasped, “It goes this deep?”

“And how will this help?” Tatsuki asked in confusion as Ichigo grinned. He clapped his hands together and rubbed them eagerly, a mad grin on his face. “Oh no.” Tatsuki groaned, “That’s never a good sign.”

Kūkaku chuckled, “I see that Shiba blood pulsing in you, Ichigo!” She slapped a palm on the dark shaft, “This is how you’ll be getting in… through the sky!” She pointed up. Tatsuki and Orihime both gasped, “I’m Shiba Kūkaku, Rukongai’s premier fireworks expert! Koganehiko, Shiroganehiko, hoist it!” She yelled up.

“YES MA’AM!” The two stooges roared from above. And then they heard some really strange grunting noises that had the teens looking side-eyed at each other and about to start snarking before the entire floor they stood on started to move upwards. The roof, which looked like two solid feet of stone with a layer of soil and grass on top, started to open. The yellow smokestack had apparently been a façade for the black cannon and had shattered, allowing the real deal to now aim proudly towards the sky.

“How’d you like that?!” Kūkaku grinned as they came to a stop, “Did that scare you?! This is Shiba Kūkaku’s exclusive fireworks launchpad! The Flower-Crane Cannon!”

Orihime clapped loudly, “This is going to be fun!”

“Glad you think so!” Kūkaku pulled a large orb from… somewhere. “Catch!” She tossed it to Ichigo.

“What’s this thing?” Ichigo asked her, looking at the design within the clear ball.

“A Reishukaku of my own invention. Go ahead and fill it with Reiryoku.” She told him.

“Sure thing.” Ichigo said, before focusing on the orb.

“Wait!” Tatsuki yelled, making Kūkaku twitch.

“What?” She asked irritably.

“Chad, if you would?” She elbowed her boyfriend.

“Sure.” Chad went over and… picked Ichigo up and walked away with him. Ichigo’s right eye started to twitch.

“What the hell are you guys doing?” Kūkaku deadpanned as Chad put Ichigo down and ran back.

“No, no, she has a point.” Lisa deadpanned.

“If someone would expla-” Kūkaku’s breath caught in her throat as a massive ball about fifty meters in diameter erupted into being. Chad almost hadn’t brought Ichigo far away enough. “Holy shit! You don’t need that much energy, you idiot!” She screamed at him.

Ichigo grunted, “Fucking hell, I’m barely using any!” He tried to wrestle it down more, and got it down to about half.

“B-barely using any?” Kūkaku gaped, before turning to Yoruichi, “How much fucking Reiryoku does he have?”

Yoruichi let out a long-suffering sigh, “If he had the skill, he could toss out forbidden Kidō like they were candy. His Reiatsu is heavier than any I’ve ever felt, except the Sōtaichō, when he’s going all out.”

Kūkaku gaped at her friend. “Shitfuck.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose. She watched, “He just had to get the most extreme gift of Shiba Reiatsu I’ve ever heard of, huh?”

“You don’t know the half of it.” Lisa deadpanned.

“Well, this fucks things up even more.” She watched as Ichigo managed to compress the ball down to just five meters around him. “But at least he has talent.” Her eyebrow twitched, “Too bad it wasn’t enough to NOT FUCK UP MY LAWN!”

“Sorry!” Ichigo grunted, not taking his focus off the spirit core in his hand, “This is like trying to pick a seven-leaf clover from across a field the size of the Seireitei.”

“Well, hurry it up! We can’t launch unless you can fit in the cannon!” Kūkaku said.

“I’m assuming there’s a reason we can’t just not use it, right?” Tatsuki asked Kūkaku.

“Damn straight.” Their expert replied, “If you think the walls of the Seireiheki are the only thing that protects it, you’re dead wrong. The walls are made from Sekkiseki which completely blocks Reiryoku. It’s an ore that’s rare even in the Soul Society, and quite a bit of the known quantities of it are in that wall. And that means you can’t just make a hole in it. Not with Reiryoku, at any rate.” She said, “But the more important thing is that it emits waves that break down Reishi. A sphere called the Shakonmaku that is normally invisible surrounds the entirety of the Seireitei. If you flew in without a defense, you’d smash into the barrier and, being made of Reishi, would disintegrate.”

Tatsuki and Orihime looked aghast. “Holy shit! That’s dangerous! And how does it not affect the Shinigami inside?!”

“The effect does not travel a far distance.” Yoruichi replied, “Not unless the walls are shaped for it. The sphere itself is actually surprisingly thin, and you have to be very close to it to feel the effects.”

“Understood.” Chad said softly.

“And that’s where the cannonball comes in.” Kūkaku said, smirking as Ichigo finally got it down to a manageable size. “By infusing the Reishukaku with your combined power, you will create a cannonball that is dense enough to punch through the Shakonmaku.” She chuckled as Ichigo cut the power, “It’ll be a rough ride, but there’s no other way. Any questions?”

“Uhh…?” Tatsuki started to say.

“Good.” Kūkaku said carelessly, “You’re dismissed then. Go to the dojo and start practicing with the core, because if you lose focus, boom.” Orihime and Tatsuki gaped at her. “Koganehiko, Shiroganehiko, escort them.” She snapped her fingers, “Not Ichigo though. He’ll have to practice outside.”

“Figured.” Ichigo let out a groan. The others let out yelps as the two walls of muscle started picking them up without so much as a ‘by your leave.’

“W-wait!” Orihime yelped, “W-we can walk, and I want to ask Kūkaku-san something!”

“Hmm?” Kūkaku looked at her as Koganehiko put her back down, “What is it? What are your names, anyway? I never got them in the excitement.”

“Ah, I’m Inoue Orihime.” Orihime introduced herself, “This is Arisawa Tatsuki-chan, and Yasutora Sado-kun. Most of us call him Chad.” She giggled.

“Tiger, huh?” She grinned at the big guy (who was feeling really small here in Soul Society, what with Jidanbō and now the two idiots next to them.), “Nice to meet you all officially. So, what do you need, Orihime-chan?”

“Well, I was wondering if you’d like me to restore your arm?” Orihime asked, smiling happily at the woman.

“Ehh?!” She and her two attendants gaped at the redhead, “Orihime-chan, this wound is ancient. My arm is long gone. There’s nothing to heal anymore. The other half of it got blown up in a dumb Kidō accident. And even if it hadn’t and I had kept the arm somewhere, it would long-since have mummified. Healing this is impossible.” She said sharply.

Ichigo chuckled, “Kūkaku, let me tell you.” He smirked as he clapped her on the shoulder, “I’ve never seen any wound that Hime-chan could not heal.”

Kūkaku looked at him, before she looked at Orihime, and then Ichigo, and then Yoruichi, and then back to Orihime. She pursed her lips slightly, before reaching up and removing her Zanpakutō. She handed it to Ichigo a little more roughly than she needed to, and then removed the bandages covering her stump. She didn’t say a word, and merely looked at Orihime.

The redhead smiled, “Sōten Kisshun, I reject!” Her hairpins flashed, and her Shun Shun Rikka got to work once more. The golden shield surrounded Kūkaku’s stump, and Orihime closed her eyes. She could feel the years melting off of Kūkaku’s limb as she rejected them. Years, then decades, and then more than a century. And finally, after about a minute, flesh started to appear out of nowhere. The bits of flesh were torn, bloody, and burnt, but rapidly healed themselves and resolidified into Kūkaku’s arm. She even had a matching tattoo from her other side. Her shield disappeared, and Orihime huffed as she put her hands on her knees, “Oof, that was more tiring than I thought.”

As the rest of them beamed, and the twins cheered raucously, Kūkaku looked at her arms as if she had seen a ghost. (There was a joke there, somewhere.) She turned it back and forth and side to side, stretching it, feeling her elbow pop, and touching it with her other hand. “…I…” She looked at Orihime, who was wiping her sweat off, “This is incredible.” She breathed out, throwing a few punches with the arm, before finally beaming and wrapping Orihime up in a hug that cracked her back and swung her around and around in a circle. “OOOOH, YOU HAVE A FRIEND FOR LIFE, ORIHIME-CHAN!”

“Waaaaahhhhh!” Orihime squealed as Kūkaku twirled her, “K-Kūkaku-san! D-d-dizzy! I-”

She was cut off as Kūkaku abruptly put her down, “Koganehiko, Shiroganehiko!”

“Y-yes, Kūkaku-sama?!” The two crying giants asked her.

“Go prepare a feast! And break out the good sake!” She ordered, “I’ll oversee their training myself! Tonight, we PARTY!” Ichigo chuckled as the two stooges quickly ran off to fulfill their orders.

-]|[-

“Ichimaru Gin.” A wizened old voice called out as the doors opened and the silver fox walked in.

“Hmm? Oh, such a big procession for little old me?” Gin asked, looking around. “Where’s Ukitake-Taichō?”

“Still sick.” Unohana Retsu said softly.

“Again? That poor thing.” Gin said airily.

“Enough.” Kenpachi Zaraki’s growly tone called from the right, “You let the Ryoka escape. Did you think you were called here to discuss a sick Captain?”

Kurotsuchi opened his mouth, but Yamamoto called, “Silence.” His eyes were open, and glaring down on Gin. “You acted without orders, and faced off against this Kurosaki. And now we have a crater at the entrance to the west. Explain yourself.”

“Well, I was just in the area when I heard the commotion from the other side.” Gin scratched the back of his head sheepishly, “I figured I would stick around just to see the outcome. I wasn’t expecting that gate to rise, so I had to act when it did.”

“And yet you did not kill a single enemy, did you?” Yamamoto stared at the much younger man, “How much stronger would you say he is compared to when Tōsen faced him?”

“I have no idea.” Gin said truthfully. “We didn’t even have a real exchange. All I can say is that he blasted me with an attack that held more power than I could put into a Hadō #88. Hiryū Gekizoku Shinten Raihō. No incantation. He didn’t even call its name.” Of course, Gin knew that was because it was a Cero, but he couldn’t reveal that little tidbit here. “And it shattered my Dankū.” He let out a whistle, “It’s one hell of a Shikai that kid has. I can tell you that much.”

“It’s inconceivable.” Kurotsuchi growled, “He has been a Shinigami for less than three months. Next you’ll tell us he already has Bankai too.” The painted man sneered, “Even so-called prodigies take at least a decade to get to the level he has. You were one yourself. You expect us to believe this drivel?”

“That sounds like an accusation, Kurotsuchi-Taichō.” Gin replied airily once more, “Perhaps you’d like to just speak plainly for once?” His gaze narrowed on the man, “Of course, if you’re accusing me, I’d have to defend myself. We all saw what that ‘boy’ did to Shūhei and Tōsen, after all. Or are you insinuating that was all part of some master plan by me as well?”

“Enough.” Yamamoto said sharply. He looked at the least funny clown in the world, “Keep your tongue behind your teeth, Kurotsuchi-Taichō. Do not make snide insinuations in my presence without proof.” He turned to Gin and opened his mouth again, but all across Seireitei, people started hammering on hanging wooden boards, making as much clacking noise as they could.

“EMERGENCY! EMERGENCY! INTRUDERS ARE INSIDE THE SEIREITEI! ALL GUARDSMEN, REPORT TO BATTLE STATIONS!” The alarm continued to be repeated while several of his captains began to talk amongst themselves.

Yamamoto closed his eyes and leaned back, ‘Less time than I thought.’ And there went Kenpachi, running out the door, heedless to the call from Aizen-Taichō to return. “Very well then. This meeting is adjourned for now.” He said, “Alert the Gotei 13 that only Fukutaichō in groups and Taichō may approach this Kurosaki Ichigo. For all others, he is flee-on-sight.” That got some eyes to widen in surprise. But Yamamoto was certain that was the correct decision. Soldiers should be willing to die, but there was no need to send lambs to the slaughter.

“And the others of his group?” Aizen asked the old man curiously.

“We have no knowledge of their capabilities beyond their fight with those Gillians.” Unohana said, “So I believe that no one incapable of fighting a Gillian should be facing them, unless in a group.”

“Agreed.” The old man stated, “And all Shinigami of the Gotei 13 have permission to release their Zanpakutō within the Seireitei.” Several Captains inhaled sharply. “Now go.” His Captains left him to his thoughts. He clenched his fist around his staff. ‘Now how will you play this, brats? Like you treated Shūhei Hisagi, or like you treated Tōsen Kaname?’ They best pray it was the former, otherwise the sleeping dragon of the Seireitei may have to wake from his long slumber.

-]|[-

“Alright!” Kūkaku grinned, still ecstatic that she could actually put both fists on her hips. She had been surprised by how quickly the kids had been able to create their cannonballs, and had been pretty amused by Tatsuki’s star-shaped first attempt, but they had gotten it in no time at all. So, they had spent the rest of the time eating, drinking, singing, and even dancing to their heart’s content. 

She now knew quite a bit about her long-lost family, and had a feeling she’d love the little firecracker Karin. She was even tempted to go over to the living world and grab her little mini-me. And Ichigo himself drank all of them under the table. How he fit that much quality sake down his gullet boggled her mind. And the asshole didn’t even have the decency of getting drunk off it! She was really eager to try this ‘mead’ of his, though he didn’t have any on him. She’d have to save it for their victory party. “You all ready?”

“Born ready.” Ichigo said, confidently.

She smirked at the response, “Atta boy.” She slammed a fist onto the Kakaku Taihō, and a spiral opened up before turning into a circular entrance. “Get your butts in there. The sunrise will be our signal.” They all started walking forward as she continued, “I’d prefer to use Kagizaki to launch you all, but that won’t be possible. Ichigo’s the only one I’d teach the second half of the incantation to, and it would take him far too long to learn it. That means I’m going to have to do all the work myself.” She stared at them seriously, “I can guarantee that you all hit the barrier, but once you’re there, the cannonball will most likely collapse and cause an intense suction vortex, ending with you all being shot in different directions.”

“That’s fine.” Ichigo said, taking a deep breath, “I trust all of us to see this through. And staying as a group was never going to be viable anyway. If we were all together they could just swarm us all at once.”

Kūkaku smirked, “I guess this ends up working better than Kagizaki then.”

“What will be the groups then?” Orihime asked, “We should stay close to our dance partners when it happens.”

“Hmmm… I’m fine by myself, and Yoruichi could probably do ninja stuff fine by herself.” Ichigo said, getting a nod and a slight smirk from the cat, “So let’s do Lisa with Tatsuki, and Chad with Orihime.”

“That’s fine with me.” Lisa said, before she smirked, “And I know just where to aim us.”

“Good. Now hurry your asses up and get in the cannon!” Kūkaku said, grabbing a giant paintbrush from Koganehiko, before she began to draw a giant circle around the cannon.

The door sealed up, and Yoruichi took command, “Alright.” The cat said, “We came here to rescue Rangiku-chan, but simply grabbing her and leaving won’t be enough. They’d chase us to the ends of the earth before they just gave up. So, our primary objective is to reveal the traitors for who they are, clearing her name in the process. As such, raise as much hell as you can up until the execution, and stay alive.” Yoruichi finished. “Worst comes to worst, I can get her out myself.”

“And we’ve already killed one Captain, so try to be somewhat gentle.” Lisa said dryly, “I know Gin and Aizen are tempting targets, but that won’t accomplish anything if they haven’t been unmasked. Blow off a limb or two and put them in the hospital if you need to, but no death blows unless it’s the only way.”

“I hate to ask, but any exceptions?” Chad asked.

Ichigo huffed, “Kurotsuchi’s going to be gunning for me the second we get in there so he can strap me to a lab table and start dissecting me. Ichimaru even mentioned it before I blasted him, and Ran-chan’s stories haven’t painted a pretty picture. As far as I’m concerned, I’d be doing them a fucking public service.” 

Lisa and Yoruichi grimaced, “Why Kisuke freed him from the Maggot’s Nest, I’ll never know.” The cat grunted. She stared at Ichigo, “Tempting as it is, no. Again, not unless there’s no other option. Last thing we need is for the Sleeping Dragon to wake up.”

Ichigo nodded, but secretly, he wanted to see what all the hype was about.

And then they heard Kūkaku’s loud voice, chanting the spell that would bring them towards their destiny. “Fly away now! Dense are the ashes that fall on the snow!”

Lisa yelled, “It’s starting! Combine your Reiryoku!” Their hands all started to glow as they fed their power into the extra-large Reishukaku that Kūkaku had gotten for them. A glowing blue sphere of Reishi surrounded them.

“Eighteen legs, twelve eyes, a loud cry brings victory!” Outside Kūkaku had gotten onto one knee and slammed her Zanpakutō into the floor of the launch pad, directly in front of where she had painted a part of the circle. She stood and reached up to her head bandages and pulled them off. “The heavens crack open-” They immediately started to spiral and wrapped around her right arm. Her arm was engulfed with a screaming blaze. With a roar, she punched the painted circle and finished the last part of the chant. “- as the wolf swallows the flame of life! Flower Crane Launch Method #3: Guren Hanabi!” The flames rapidly ignited the circle she had drawn, before racing towards the cannon from four points and up its side.

BOOM!

Smoke poured from the top of the cannon, but also from the blaze down at the base which rapidly extinguished. As Kūkaku grabbed her Zanpakutō and her two attendants congratulated her on the successful launch, she had an uncharacteristically solemn look on her face, “Be careful in there…” She whispered, staring up at the twinkle in the sky.

“Huh, that wasn’t as rough as I thought it would be.” Tatsuki said… before they all jerked as the cannonball turned ninety degrees and shot forwards. “WAAAAAAAAAAAH!!”

“You just had to say something, didn’t you?” Ichigo deadpanned once it calmed down a bit.

“Shut!” Tatsuki sniped at him, red-faced.

“Well, at least it’s working.” Orihime smiled as she looked around, “And so fast too! We’re racing!”

“Pay attention!” Lisa barked, “Match your Reiryoku output to mine.”

“Indeed. We need this cannonball to last until we hit the barrier. If it breaks too early, we’re finished.” Yoruichi said, “So shut up and focus.”

…

“We searched all night, but there’s no one here!” Kenpachi growled, “Was there really an intruder or were they just messing with us?”

“I don’t sense anyone, Kenny.” Yachiru, his pint-sized Lieutenant who was hanging off his right shoulder, whined, “I thought we were going to get a fun fight!”

“So did I.” The largest Captain growled, “What a damn tease. I should go an-” He stopped, getting Yachiru’s attention. “What’s that sound?”

“Wow, the moon’s so big!” Yachiru was looking around as well, and finally spotted it, “Pretty!”

Kenpachi looked up, and his eyes widened as he realized it was getting bigger, “That’s no moon.”

All around the Seireitei, the Shinigami panicked as they saw what seemed to be a large projectile barreling for the Shakonmaku.

…

“Here we go!” Ichigo grinned, “Harden the cannonball as much as possible!” He roared in anticipation, spiking his power output. The ball became a much darker blue just from his own output. They all braced, before to the perspective of the Shinigami down below, the sky appeared to quake.

Blue bursts of Reiatsu lit up the sky, and down below, Aizen gasped for the benefit of his subordinates, “The impact didn’t destroy it! How could a spiritual entity be so dense?”

“What the hell is it?!” One of his tenth seats asked.

Off in her white prison, Rangiku smiled up at the sky, “See you soon, Ichi-kun.”

…

“We’re through!” Yoruichi yelled, “Grab your dance partner and hold on!”

“Why aren’t we falling?!” Tatsuki yelled as she grabbed onto Lisa.

“The spiritual wreckage is entangled around us, but it’ll swirl and disappear soon enough! Be ready for the vortex!” And then an insane burst of wind started to swirl like a blue tornado around them.

“It’s almost done!” Lisa made sure her cloak was secure, “Tatsuki, I’ll stay close to you when we’re on the ground, but invisibly!” She grunted as she used her power to form a few small platforms of Reishi and directed her and her partner, “Stay safe!” She pushed off, and they blasted off in a golden blaze.

“That goes for all of you!” Yoruichi cried out, before being flung away.

“Keep each other safe!” Ichigo commanded his two remaining friends, before allowing himself to fall back and ride the lightning.

…

“They split!” Yachiru said in annoyance.

“But which one’s the strongest one?!” Kenpachi was equally annoyed, “Which one is it, damn it?” He eyed all four of the ‘meteors,’ but there was so much interference he really couldn’t tell. His frustration was mirrored by at least three others, who were searching for Ichigo himself.

…

As Ichigo landed in a classic superhero landing pose, lightning sparked all around him and blasted a few unprepared Shinigami away. As he rose and smirked out at the mass of enemies surrounding him, they all knew what it meant.

The invasion of the Seireitei had begun.

-]|[-

Boom! After way too fucking long, I finally managed to get back to this. Bit of a short setup chapter, but that was expected and I’m still happy with it. Hope you all enjoy!

Took some inspiration from Sin’s vow and had Ichigo meet Grand Fisher. I thought it was cute lol.

And I’m sure even the legally blind of you won’t miss the implications of this chapter. To get it out of the way now, yes, Kaien is actually alive! Why did I do this? shrug  Why not? LOL! Always thought he got hoe’d the way he went out in canon. Decided to do something about it.

I’m also already hard at work on chapter 9, so hopefully by the middle of December. I’m hoping my muse sticks to Bleach at least through December, because I have a LOT of ideas I actually want to get to, but I wanted to get at least two TS chapters done before my muse swerves into oncoming traffic. (LMAO)