Again, fanfiction is keeling over and somewhat dead. It will probably bounce back at some point, but again, if FF ever does die completely, I'll still be writing and posting on pat reon. Not looking to switch over to another site at this point, but yeah, if FF ever does really die, check my pat reon to keep reading until I figure out where else to post things. Hopefully it won't come to that though… Anyway, this is my last banked WHBTS chapter. Frankly though, I wrote it in 2021… let that sink in, this chapter has been done for 2 years already… sheesh. Anyway, I am going to be focusing on finishing my first Naruto story in the immediate short term, but I've got 30+ chapters banked on my pat reon, most proofread, some raw, and I also have done some extra scenes far ahead for some of the stories I write. For this story I have a future upcoming scene with Rangiku, Ichigo, and Candice for this story and if you only read my bleach stories, the next three chapters for AHTNK are up there as well. If I get more patrons through my tiers, I will move up from monthly updates across my stories to at most five updates a month. Again, join the discord ( Otherwise, cour 2 of TYBW anime has ended and we got some crazy bonus stuff, even if we missed out on the comedy and ecchi. Guess now we wait for cour 3 which is about half a year away. Either way, even if alerts aren't working, if you do want to ask me something, join the discord or I do actually check my PMs every now and again. Well, enjoy! SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan. Previously:
The Shinigami would regroup after their battle with the Zanpakutou and learn more about the Zanpakutou through Hyourinmaru, as well as how to reclaim them. Back in Karakura town, Kisuke would meet with the Kurosakis and let everyone know of the current situation, with Ichigo adding Zangetsu's input. The next day, the Shinigami at Karakura Town would post themselves around the Kurosaki residence, with Senna and Isshin going with Kisuke to work on a plan for the blanks, while Masaki ana Ichigo, with Nemu in tow, would head for Hueco Mundo. Arriving at the Forest of Menos, the trio would run into Ashido, a former Lieutenant of the Eleventh division, before convincing him to return to Soul Society, while also learning that Muramasa had indeed come to the forest as well. The trio would then head to Las Noches to speak with the Espada.
Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Bleach anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.
'Talking'
"Thinking"
'Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou talking'
"Hollow, Inner Hollow or Zanpakutou thinking"
*expression*
FlashbackChapter 22 – Ancient history
Ulquiorra sat in his room alone, thinking on what Starrk had spoken with them about.
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Flashback
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Ulquiorra arrived with Nel and her Fracción to the dwelling of Coyote Starrk 'I'm trying to sleep here.' Grumbled a deeper voice. 'Hey, you aren't number one anymore so you can't be this lazy.' Said the first voice. 'How annoying.' Groaned the voice, before a heavy sigh was heard. 'Come in.' Said Starrk, which led to Nel knocking before opening the door. 'Hello? Sorry to interrupt, would you have a minute for a chat?' Asked Nel cheerfully. 'Well I'm awake now, might as well.' Grumbled Starrk, sending a sleepy glance to his own Fracción. 'Well, Ulquiorra has some questions about you and Lilynette.' Explained Nel, before stepping aside from Ulquiorra. 'What is the point of your Fracción? What purpose do they serve?' Asked Ulquiorra. Starrk blinked a few times at the question, opening his eyes slightly wider at Ulquiorra's question. 'What do you mean? Fracción are there to help out the Espada.' Said Starrk flatly. 'Nelliel says her Fracción are companions, what is your Fracción to you?' Asked Ulquiorra. 'An annoying alarm clock.' Grumbled Starrk, only for Ulquiorra to continue to stare at the man, causing him to sigh. 'Lilynette is the other piece of our soul.' Revealed Starrk, confusing Ulquiorra. 'What do you mean by our soul? Who else does your soul belong to?' Asked Ulquiorra. 'It isn't that simple. Once, the two of us were a single being. That Hollow was so powerful that any other Hollow that came near them was crushed and obliterated from its sheer power.' Explained Starrk, with Lilynette coming to sit next to him quietly. 'Then shouldn't this Hollow have tried to avoid others?' Asked Ulquiorra, causing Starrk to sigh at Ulquiorra's question. 'This Hollow didn't want to be alone. One day, this Hollow ascended from a Hollow to an Arrancar and used this opportunity to weaken itself and split its power between two beings. These two beings became Starrk and Lilynette.' Said Starrk. 'Do you mean to say to avoid sitting at the top of the world, you purposely reduced your power?' Asked Ulquiorra, as he stood unmoving. 'I guess that's one way of putting it. We just didn't want to be alone anymore. Even split in two, our power was still too strong for most Hollows and didn't help our situation, but at least we had each other from that point.' Explained Starrk. 'Why do you not have more Fracción then? If you don't want to be alone, why don't you have more Fracción like Barragan or Grimmjow?' Asked Ulquiorra. Starrk seemed to pause at this question, almost as though he hadn't been expecting it. The collective group of Arrancar sat there in silence, as Starrk worked up his answer before speaking. 'Once Lilynette and I were created, we met Lord Aizen shortly after that... here was another person who could survive being near us. He asked us to become his ally and invited us to meet others who were also strong. Once we joined the Espada, we didn't have to worry about being alone anymore, because now there were many among us. When the set-up of Espada and Fracción was decided, it made sense for Lilynette to be the Fracción, and Starrk the Espada, but now having many allies, there was never a need for any other Fracción.' Said Starrk. 'Why do you want to know? Are you thinking about getting a Fracción as well?' Asked Lilynette curiously. 'It has crossed my mind. Previously, being alone was my natural state. I was the odd one out as a Hollow and found solitude. I embraced the emptiness of the world and didn't awaken until one day; I was recruited, similar to you. I had no ambitions and only sought to embrace the emptiness of the world, broken only by the fleeting moments when I had been assigned a task to complete. I wish to understand the purpose of a Fracción as I wonder if it is something worth pursuing. Does it fill the emptiness of life, or is it in fact an empty gesture? Will having someone as a subordinate cause any change in myself, or will it simply add a further presence to an empty barren world?' Said Ulquiorra. 'What makes you say this world is empty?' Asked Starrk. 'Take Lord Aizen away and what would become of us all? The way of Hollows is survival of the fittest, the strong preying on the weak. There would be no organisation and the world would return to the dark desert. Even the Arrancar and Espada would not exist. Do you really think someone like Barragan would believe himself equal to any of us? This artificial team which has been created is constantly on the verge of shattering, it is only the fear of Lord Aizen which keeps most in line. Therefore, even this arrangement is an empty one, much like the deserts of Hueco Mundo and the entire world.' Said Ulquiorra. 'I see. I think I finally understood your question.' Said Starrk, causing Ulquiorra to blink. 'What is your final answer then?' Asked Ulquiorra. 'A Fracción is someone who helps fill the emptiness of the world.' Said Starrk.
'Stark, we've got company!' Shouted a voice inside the room.
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End Flashback
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Ulquiorra had left shortly after that, wanting to be left alone with his thoughts. In truth, he had allowed his senses to blanket Las Noches and sense what the others were up to with his Pesquisa. Working his way down from the number one, Ulquiorra noted the disparities in power as well as the proximity of the Espada to their Fracción. There was no trend which Ulquiorra could determine, as the number of Fracción was not linked to either the Espada's power or rank. It seemed as though there was no specific reason for why the groupings were as they were, which left him to ponder on his own isolation. Ulquiorra could not remember a time when he was not isolated. Even his tenure as the Cuatro Espada didn't reduce his sense of emptiness, even though numerically he was surrounded. Perhaps it could be tied down to his neighbouring numbers and the disdain the lower number had for the higher, which made it feel anything but cohesive. While he could say Nelliel seemed to be the easiest to get along with, she was rarely alone. Even after being reduced to a child and left to wander the desert, she had never been alone. Ulquiorra meanwhile, felt alone even when they sat at the table with all Espada gathered.
It was while Ulquiorra was pondering this, that he felt a bright spark light up on his radar, right on the edge of Las Noches. Ulquiorra was familiar with the power instantly, recognising it as that of Ichigo Kurosaki and his mother, with an additional signature he did not recognise. Shortly after that, Ulquiorra noticed a shift in Nel's Reiatsu, likely detecting the intruders herself now, before she quickly made her way towards them. Nel's sudden displacement immediately got the attention of most of the other Espada. Barragan immediately gathered his Fracción and sent them towards Ichigo, following himself shortly after. The Fracción of Harribel went to survey things from a distance, while Szayelaporro also moved closer, but remained far from the immediate vicinity. The Shinigami remained where they were, but Ulquiorra was sure they were surveying things from the outside as well. It was after a few minutes of waiting, that Ulquiorra himself went to meet the intruders.
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Ichigo, Masaki, and Nemu arrived at the edge of Las Noches. While Ichigo was completely comfortable, Masaki remained on guard. The third member of the team was curious, but unwilling to question why they had ventured so far into the land of Hollows.
'Ichigo! You came for a visit.' Said a green haired figure, dressed in white robes.
'Nel? You look so different.' Commented Ichigo.
'I know, I had to wear the uniform sooner or later.' Said Nel.
'Well, at least that is something more appropriate than before.' Commented Masaki, causing Nel to beam.
'I'm glad you like it. I don't really think white is my colour, but that might be because very few Hollows are white.' Said Nel, before noticing the third person with them.
'Oh we haven't met, I am Nel, nice to meet you.' Said Nel, addressing Nemu, who blinked before inclining a small nod.
'Anyway Nel, I wanted to ask you something. It seems someone else has come to Hueco Mundo and been causing trouble in the Forest of Menos. Do you know anything about that?' Asked Ichigo.
'Hmm, no I don't think so, but I think Barragan is in charge of the other Hollows outside of Las Noches.' Said Nel, only for multiple buzzing sounds to reverberate behind her.
'Isn't that convenient, Ichigo was just coming to tell us about something happening in the Forest of Menos.' Said Nel, turning to face the group.
'Is that so? Well then boy, what do you have to say?' Asked Barragan.
'Your guardian was killed by a rogue Zanpakutou Spirit called Muramasa.' Said Ichigo, causing the king to lower his eyebrows as he frowned.
'Hmm? You claim a sword managed to defeat the Guardian of the Forest? Findorr, go and confirm this.' Said Barragan, as one of his blond subordinates disappeared.
'Why have you returned here today, boy? Surely you must know you are not welcome here.' Said Barragan.
'Why wouldn't I be welcome?' Asked Ichigo.
'I do not welcome you here and I am the God-King of Hueco Mundo.' Said Barragan.
Ichigo seemed to mull this statement over for a moment, seemingly weighing up his possible responses.
'So I guess you must not like Aizen much then.' Said Ichigo after a while.
'In fact I hate him.' Said Barragan.
'But you choose to work with him?' Asked Ichigo.
Barragan's Fracción all wanted to back away at the moment, feeling the anger that started to rise up out of the former king.
'I chose nothing.' Said Barragan.
'So he really is that strong then…' Said Ichigo, confusing the older being.
'What makes you say that?' Asked the elderly man.
'You call yourself king, but work for Aizen. Either you are arrogant, or you were the former leader of this place before Aizen came. Either way, the fact that you are still alive and didn't have a choice in the matter means Aizen overwhelmed you, which means he must be strong.' Said Ichigo.
'So, you recognise my rank, but disrespect me nonetheless.' Said Barragan.
'I did come to let you know about the forest. I just thought it was the right thing to do before leaving.' Said Ichigo, as Barragan's Fracción returned.
'Well?' Asked Barragan, only for his Fracción to nod.
'Is there a problem here?' Asked Ulquiorra, arriving on the scene.
'No, I was just coming to let you know that the Guardian of the Forest of Menos was killed by a rogue Zanpakutou Spirit.' Said Ichigo, before reaching into his clothes for something.
'Here, I also wanted to drop this off for you, but now that you are here, it is easier to give it to you person.' Said Ichigo, offering a book to Ulquiorra.
'Hmm, it looks like a children's book.' Commented Nel, walking over to the two.
'It is.' Said Ichigo.
Ulquiorra stared at the object of paper and ink, wondering why it was being offered to him.
'I thought it might help you with some questions you had before.' Said Ichigo.
Ulquiorra stared at Ichigo for a moment, before accepting the book.
'Can I have a minute to go and speak with Aizen?' Asked Ichigo.
'Of course you can, don't worry about us.' Said Masaki, with Nel also nodding.
Barragan seemed to give a disapproving huff, before vanishing with his Fracción.
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'How can I help you, Ichigo?' Asked Aizen, as the human hybrid appeared at the end of the table.
'I wanted to get to the bottom of what happened with Rukia.' Said Ichigo.
'Of course. It is simple really, after what happened with the first Substitute Shinigami, there were certain rules put in place. One of which, is that it is forbidden for a Shinigami to transfer their powers to a human.' Said Aizen.
'The first? How many have there been?' Asked Ichigo.
'You are the second.' Said Aizen.
'What happened to the first?' Asked Ichigo.
'I would be happy to give you the details, but aren't we getting off topic from Miss Kuchiki's execution?' Queried Aizen.
'So you mean because of that rule she was going to be killed? I'm not human though, won't that make it an exception?' Asked Ichigo.
'You seem to have a misconception of leniency in Soul Society. While it is true that one's rank can afford someone certain privileges, your dear Rukia was an unseated officer. That is not to say she would not be as strong as a higher seated officer if given the opportunity, but with her current status, death was all but assured, unless the head of the Kuchiki clan intervened. I'm sure you know how that would have worked out. If you wish to really understand how Soul Society works, there are many others you can speak with. I will give you two hints, but they will send you down quite a rabbit hole as it would happen. The first, the original Substitute Shinigami is indeed alive and well, hiding off the radar as it would happen. The second, did you know that there a certain number of Noble Houses which are given authority even greater than that of Soul Society in its entirety, the Shihouin and Kuchiki Clan are just two examples, but there also exists others, one is even closer than you think?' Said Aizen.
'Are you talking about the Ryoudoji Clan?' Asked Ichigo.
It wasn't often that Aizen was caught by surprise, but this was perhaps the first time in centuries that he was truly not expecting something.
'That is quite an oddly specific inquiry. The Ryoudoji Clan was exiled from Soul Society a thousand years ago.' Said Aizen.
'I thought you said they had authority above Soul Society, so how could they be exiled?' Asked Ichigo.
'There is one exception. If there is evidence that a noble family is carrying out something which would be directly treasonous to Soul Society, the military is allowed to step in. In truth, if you had been the first Substitute Shinigami, it is unlikely that Rukia would have been sentenced to execution at all.' Said Aizen.
'Thanks for letting me know. Guess I have some people to go ask some questions.' Said Ichigo, as he stood up.
'I do enjoy our conversations, Ichigo. However, in the future, I would ask that you refrain from bringing Shinigami here without my consent. I do appreciate you telling them to wait outside. It wouldn't do for Soul Society to know of the information I am telling you about. After all, you don't want to be slated for execution either, do you?' Questioned Aizen.
Ichigo didn't respond beyond a small tightening on the lips, before leaving without a sound.
'Lord Aizen, it seems some Arrancar have escaped to the living world.' Said Tousen.
'I see. Think nothing of it for the moment, we shall retrieve them when the time is right.' Said Aizen, taking a sip from his tea, before noting Tousen was still there.
'Can I help you, Kaname?' Asked Aizen.
'Forgive me for eavesdropping. It seems you were guiding Ichigo Kurosaki towards the injustice of Soul Society. Do you intend for him to join us in overthrowing Soul Society?' Asked Tousen.
'I believe he already has. I only wish to reveal the truth to all.' Said Aizen, to which Tousen nodded before leaving.
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'We should head back now.' Said Ichigo, as he returned to his companions.
'Leaving so soon? You didn't even have chance to play tag.' Commented Nel.
'Maybe another time Nel.' Said Ichigo.
'We don't have to play tag; I like reading too.' Commented Nel, looking at Ulquiorra examining his book.
'Then I'll make sure to bring you something next time.' Said Ichigo, causing the green haired Arrancar to beam.
'Please bring me back something more mature, I'd love to add to my library.' Said Nel.
'S-sure.' Said Ichigo, before he, Masaki and Nemu left the area.
'What did you mean by mature?' Asked Ulquiorra.
'Well, this is a book for children, and I've already read many of those, I was hoping for some more philosophy books. It is so hard to get them in Hueco Mundo.' Said Nel.
'Are we children?' Asked Ulquiorra, scrutinising his book.
'Hmm, I like to think we are, but every book is useful in one way or another. We can even read it together if you want.' Said Nel.
'I will consider it.' Said Ulquiorra, before all the Arrancar returned to their dwellings.
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Kenpachi was bored out of his mind at the moment. The role of sentry did not suit the Eleventh Division Captain. As he stared into the open sky, he kept his limited sensing abilities open. Truth be told, Kenpachi's radar was calibrated at a certain level, which meant most people didn't even register a ping to him. Aside from his own Lieutenant behind him, he could also sense the two former captains. Scattered throughout the rest of the town were only passing wisps. Kenpachi suspected one of those wisps were Ichigo's friends and he had weighed up the option of tracking them down and seeing how they would fair in a handicap fight, but then thought of how much effort it would be to track them down for very little reward. For this reason, when a not insignificant power suddenly popped into his radar, Kenpachi stood to attention. He prepared to head directly for it, only to find it was heading right for him. Kenpachi stood there, grinning from ear to ear, looking forward to a battle, only for the signature to stop a few metres away from him, directly in his line of sight.
'Are you Eleventh Division Captain, Kenpachi Zaraki?' Asked the pale skinned man, with a hollow mask on his waist.
'That's me. I don't know too many people who would try to find me. Usually, I go and find other people.' Replied Kenpachi.
'Ichigo Kurosaki advised me to find you. I am Ashido Kanou, Lieutenant of the Eleventh Division to Seventh Kenpachi, Captain Kenpachi Kuruyashiki.' Said Ashido.
'Hmm? That doesn't sound like the one I cut down and I'm pretty good with the names of those I cut down. Seventh Kenpachi, that must have been a while before me then huh? So, are you any good then? I've never heard of Lieutenants going missing for nothing.' Questioned Kenpachi.
'I was in the Forest of Menos for the past few centuries fighting Hollows. My team at the time was killed by a swarm of Menos Grande and I was the only survivor, since then I have been doing my best to reduce the number of Hollows that escape to the living world.' Said Ashido.
'A couple hundred years of fighting Hollows? You should be pretty strong then, how about a fight?' Asked Kenpachi.
'I was hoping to test myself against you at some point, but shouldn't you verify who I am first?' Queried Ashido.
'Yachiru, come out here with your friend!' Hollered Kenpachi.
Moments later, Yachiru and Nanao appeared. Nanao had her guard up while Yachiru looked unbothered.
'What did you say your name was again?' Asked Kenpachi.
'Ashido Kanou, Lieutenant of the Eleventh Division to Seventh Kenpachi, Captain Kenpachi Kuruyashiki.' Repeated Ashido.
'Does that sound right to you?' Asked Kenpachi.
'I'm not sure, I would need to consult Soul Society to be sure.' Said Nanao.
'Are the two of you Lieutenants?' Asked Ashido.
'Yeah, I'm Kenny's but she belongs to Shun-shun.' Said Yachiru.
'Shun-shun? Do you mean Shunsui Kyouraku Captain of the Eighth Division? He was good friends with Kenpachi Kuruyashiki, he will remember me.' Said Ashido.
'We shall see.' Said Nanao, before pulling out a bunny-themed cell phone and calling Soul Society on it.
'Hmm, is that my little Nanao calling me?' Asked Shunsui jovially.
'Are you familiar with a Shinigami named Ashido Kanou? He reports he was the Eleventh Division Lieutenant to Captain Kenpachi Kuruyashiki.' Asked Nanao.
'Oh. Now that's a pair of names I haven't heard in a long time. Did he ever find the Vasto Lorde Hollow?' Asked Shunsui.
'No. Unfortunately, I was only able to combat the Adjuchas in the Menos Forest.' Said Ashido, after Nanao passed on Kyouraku's question.
'I see. Well, I am pretty confident in saying that I am familiar with Ashido. We will have to catch up and have a drink some time. Is there anything else Nanao? Did you want to tell me how much you missed me?' Said Shunsui.
'Goodbye Captain.' Said Nanao, closing her cell phone.
'So you used to be Lieutenant huh? Guess that means you should be pretty strong then.' Said Kenpachi.
'I don't know if that compares to Kenpachi though, my Captain was leagues beyond me at my best.' Admitted Ashido.
'Well isn't this lucky for you, I'm limited and you're not, doesn't that make for an even battle then?' Suggested Kenpachi.
'Yay! Kenny's going to fight!' Cheered Yachiru.
'Is it ok to do it here?' Asked Ashido.
'I will place a barrier around the area, it should last up to a certain point.' Said Nanao.
'See, no worries.' Said Kenpachi, bringing his sword off his shoulder.
Ashido grasped his sword with one hand, causing Kenpachi to grin.
'Only using one hand, are you underestimating me?' Asked Kenpachi.
'Never use your full power unless you are ready to deliver the killing blow. That's what I learnt.' Explained Ashido.
'I'm getting more and more excited. Let's go.' Said Kenpachi, as a blue translucent barrier surrounded the two and the surrounding area.
Kenpachi waited for Ashido to attack first, opening his guard. Ashido took the opportunity and charged straight for Kenpachi, swinging a horizontal slash to his midsection. The blade made the sound of steel grating against rock for the first half of the arc, before drawing blood in the second half.
'Ho? That's an interesting skill. Was that your sword or you?' Asked Kenpachi, noticing the power behind the attack increased during the slash.
'Both.' Said Ashido, but didn't elaborate further.
'Gihihi, I'm getting excited, let's see just how well you keep up when I fight back.' Chuckled Kenpachi, before lunging at Ashido.
Having spent many years fighting Hollows, Ashido knew that size had nothing to do with speed, but even he was slightly taken aback at how quickly Kenpachi was on top of him. Kenpachi raised his blade up with one hand and swung it straight down on Ashido. Rather than endure the hit completely, Ashido swung his sword in an opposing arc, meeting Kenpachi's blade midway through its arc and knocking it off to the side, before swinging at his chest with a punch. Kenpachi's blade was knocked off course, missing Ashido, while the punch caused a burst of air pressure to be released from behind his shoulder blade, without moving the current Kenpachi.
'That's quite a punch, but I'm not here for a brawl, I'm here for blood.' Said Kenpachi, lashing out with a kick to Ashido's midsection, which caused spittle to fly from his mouth as he was launched back through the air.
Regaining himself, Ashido coughed and expelled a blob of slime, but not even a trickle of blood was mixed in with his saliva.
'You're pretty tough, I'm impressed.' Said Kenpachi, giving an ear-to-ear grin.
Ashido changed his grip, so he now held his sword with two hands.
'Getting serious now?' Asked Kenpachi, only for Ashido to Shunpo right in front of him, already swinging down his blade in a vertical swipe.
Kenpachi raised his sword up and stopped the sword in its tracks, before starting to force it away. Strangely, after Ashido's sword had been knocked back a few centimetres, it suddenly broke even against Kenpachi's strength, before starting to overpower the behemoth of a captain.
'Oh, so that's what you meant.' Said Kenpachi, before giving a grunt of exertion as he forced Ashido's sword high into the air before punching the former Lieutenant in the chest, winding him and launching him back.
'I think I get you kid. The harder you try, the stronger you get, that's pretty exciting, I'm almost jealous. I have to wonder though; have far can you push it?' Asked Kenpachi.
'I should have expected for a Kenpachi to realise my sword's strength quickly.' Complimented Ashido.
'It's like the opposite of what I do with my eyepatch. The more power I put out, the more gets sucked up. For you, the stronger you push, the harder it becomes.' Said Kenpachi.
'Your eyepatch?' Questioned Ashido, before the barrier suddenly fell.
'Several intruders have been detected five kilometres west of here. It is likely they are the group calling themselves the Dark Ones as numerous other souls are appearing on screen surrounding them.' Reported Nanao.
'And just when things were getting good. Yachiru, take those kids down there somewhere safe. We'll go and handle these guys.' Said Kenpachi, getting a salute from Yachiru as she laughed happily and disappeared.
'Well, let's get going.' Said Kenpachi, before the three headed towards the disturbance.
The trio reached their destination in next to no time, coming to stand in the air as numerous white souls wandered around aimlessly.
'So the dogs of Soul Society have finally gotten involved, have they?' Questioned Ganryuu, staring down at the Shinigami with his followers behind him.
'I don't care if you call me a dog as long as you can back it up.' Said Kenpachi with a grin.
'Mue, Bau, take care of him.' Said Ganryuu as a dark-haired man and a shorter veiled man stepped forward.
'Two against one? Sounds good to me.' Said Kenpachi.
'You might be a captain, but even you won't be a match for these two with all the blanks we have brought with us today.' Said Ganryuu.
Mue charged with a large thick blade, the weapon raised in the air for a downward slash. Kenpachi, having already warmed up with Ashido, rushed to meet the attack. The sound of the impact caused Mue to recoil, not having expected such a strong initial attack. Mue regained himself quickly and pushed back against Kenpachi, while Bau sprung up behind him and swung two large clubs down on Kenpachi's shoulders, causing a pair of large explosions. Mue and Bau both retreated in the aftermath of the attack and waited to see the result.
'Wow, that works better than an alarm clock.' Said Kenpachi from within a cloud of smoke.
As the smoke started to clear, a pair of rockets were launched into the cloud which detonated moments later.
'So is it three against one now? I don't mind.' Said Kenpachi, as the smoke cleared, and he was revealed unharmed.
'I see. It seems only a Captain-Level opponent will be enough for you.' Said Ganryuu, as he held his left hand out towards the blanks, which suddenly started to rise into the air, as though Ganryuu's hand had become a centre of gravity.
As the blanks neared the hand they seemed to vaporise into a yellow mist before being absorbed into Ganryuu, whose power steadily increased. After Ganryuu's power had increased to a level sufficient to him, he ceased the absorption of the blanks and descended to meet Kenpachi at eye level.
'The rest of you can take care of those other two, then see to finding the Shinenju, I will handle the Captain.' Said Ganryuu, before the sound of static was heard, and the sky parted off to the side in between the two.
'You don't mind if we join in.' Said Grimmjow, appearing with several Arrancar behind him.
'A battle royale! I'm excited already!' Laughed Kenpachi, as a torrent of yellow Reiatsu started to pour out of him.