"Kiyone you moron, the execution has begun! Isn't the Captain ready yet?!" Sentaro yelled when he saw the release of the massive spear through a window from the 13th Division's Barracks.
"Stop yelling you idiot! I'm standing right in front of you" Kiyone retorted snappishly and glared at the Third Seat.
"Just get the Captain, we don't have much time!" he yelled and glared at her with equal vigor.
The door to the Captain's office opened and Ukitake Jushiro stepped out with a large strangely designed brown structure connected with a black pole by a brown cord.
Sentaro snapped into attention and bowed to the silver haired Captain.
"Captain, the execution has begun!"
"Yes I know, sorry but breaking the seal was a lot harder than I had expected it to be," Jushiro stated apologetically. "Given that our appeal to Central 46 failed, we'll just have to do it our way"
Turning to his two attendants, "Kiyone, Sentaro, let's go and destroy the Soukyuko!"
"Yes sir!"
***
"The Soukyuko has been released!" Toshiro stated in shock as he witnessed the eruption of the blue flames from the hill.
"I'm not blind Captain, I can see that." Rangiku retorted annoyingly.
Toshiro's eye brows twitched as his Lieutenant ruined his dramatic stance. She had been dreadfully in good spirits ever since she had returned from that meeting. He had questioned the other Lieutenants about anything eccentric happening in the meeting as that could be the only reason for her good mood, but was surprised and not surprised at the same time.
Surprised that she had apparently ran off to hunt down one particular Ryoka and not surprised regarding the fact that she had ran off, considering she usually did that.
Whatever had happened after hunting down the Ryoka, she had gained a rather nasty habit of annoying and nagging him more than she normally did. If he found out whoever had triggered this unexpected transformation of behavior in Rangiku, he would freeze his ass to death!
"Oi Captain, what's with that constipated look? Have you forgotten your binky or something?" Rangiku asked with a sly look on her face. Just seeing that old man's face was enough to bring out the old mischievous Rangiku in her! Hey, she was raised by the Prankster King from Hell and the Gambling Princess themselves! She was bound to inherit their quirks.
Unfortunately for her Captain, she had more of Haruto's pranking quirks than Naruko's famous volatile temper!
Toshiro growled in irritation and stomped away followed by a smirking Rangiku. The man was dead as soon as he saw him, no mercy. He would release Hyourinmaru on his ass the second he saw him!
***
"What's that?" Orihime asked when she saw the giant blue flare emanating from the center of the hill.
Orihime, Ganju, Chad, Uryu, Naruko and a small girl known as Yachiru were standing in the middle of a street near the 3rd Division. Ichigo and Yoruichi were not present because the black cat had taken Ichigo off to a secret training ground. She had challenged Byakuya that she would have Ichigo learn Bankai in three days, thus the training.
"I think they have started the execution." Yachiru's loud childish voice chimed in while she was sitting on Naruko's shoulder.
Naruko was keenly scrutinizing the hill, having detected the powerful presence of Haruto on top of the hill, signifying that he was there.
"Then let's go," Naruko announced firmly as she walked away followed by the group.
She had been away from her Beloved long enough; it was time to reunite with him! Inconspicuously creating a Shadow clone behind the group, she substituted with it and teleported to the hill. She materialized above the hill, concealed behind a shrouding Genjutsu and sweatdropped at the scene that greeted her.
Haruto was sitting there like a King on a wooden throne with a sake bottle in his hand, impassively gulping away. The fact that the others couldn't see him meant he had used a Genjutsu to stay hidden "Beloved, if I didn't know you better, I would say you're happy without me."
As soon as he saw her, his eyes lit up as he jolted up from his throne and sprinted towards her with his hands opened broadly, anime tears streaming down his face. "Naru, I missed you! Drinking sake without you is as boring as hell!"
Naruko prepared herself for the incoming impact and sure enough Haruto slammed into her with incredible vigor. The force of the impact was so strong that she was knocked on her ass as Haruto wept on her shoulder. Naruko stayed there with Haruto atop her as she tried to shake the stars from her eyes due to the force of the impact.
He really should work on his brakes!
Just as she was about to speak, Haruto snaked his hands up her abdomen and cupped her large 'assets' before he captured her lips in a hungry and dominating kiss that left her all boiling and sizzling inside! Whatever she was trying to say was forgotten as she returned the passionate gestured and allowed her hands to do their own exploration seeing as Haruto was already searching every inch of her with his hands!
Damn him and his effect on her!
Well she wasn't going to let him win like that! Using her strength, she rolled them over in an instant and straddled his waist without breaking apart as she cupped his face and deepen the kiss. Haruto's hands left the 'safety' of her heaving chest and found home upon her firm rear cheeks as he squeezed them like there was no tomorrow!
Sitting on the wooden throne, an irritated Haruto and a widely grinning Naruko were drinking a bottle of sake as they watched the show after their satisfying make-out session. It was more like a contest measuring each other's body in a limited amount of time but, much to Haruto's irritation and Naruko's amusement, it had ended before it could escalated any further!
He had been looking forward to the end result of that session dammit!
The ground beneath Rukia glowed a little and two square objects floated up. Her hands were instantaneously drawn to the support beams as they elevated up followed by a similar square object under her feet.
The Captains and Lieutenants witnessed as the captive was hauled up higher in to the air till she touched the top of the rectangle structure. The innocently motionless Soukyuko all of a sudden burst forth into raging flames and lifted higher into the air, slowly and progressively shifting its form.
"What the hell? Is that the release of the Soukyuko?!" Omeada asked in disbelief. Is he blind or plain stupid? Haruto asked telepathically and ran his hands through Naruko's long blonde hair.
Judging from his looks, I would say he is stupid. Naruko replied and sighed in content as she sat in her companion's lap and leaned her head against his chest. She could still feel his… excitement from their earlier activities!
Haruto grinned in approval at her blunt response and tried to ignore her slow grinding when she noticed his… condition. What was with her now? Hadn't she learned her lesson on their first day in Karakura Town? If the new vigor with which she was 'working' was any indication, he guessed that she hadn't! Well, he wouldn't mind showing her once again what it meant to tempt Namikaze Haruto!
The Soukyuko little by little altered its appearance until it resembled a majestic phoenix, unfolding its wings and expanding it far and wide as it hovered in front of the prisoner like a vengeful Angel.
Rukia's eyes widened in shock and dread when she witnessed the terrifying visage of the released Soukyuko. Even though she had accepted her fate, it didn't diminish the fear of death, never mind by something like this! The mere sight of the black eyes glaring at her among the blazing inferno was giving her shudders!
"What an astonishing sight!" Shunsui murmured as he observed the massive blazing bird hovering in the air in all its flaming glory.
Nanao nodded dumbly, too stunned to even speak.
The flaming phoenix reared its peak—no doubt preparing itself for piercing the prisoner–+and flew forward with a thunderous roar while Rukia closed her eyes in resignation. The Captains and Lieutenants watched as the area around Rukia Kuchiki was engulfed in blazing flames, obscuring everything from view.
Haruto watched the wonder with a diminutive smile on his handsome face and calmly drank his sake.
There were two reasons for the smile; one was the sight that greeted him amidst the blazing inferno caused by the Soukyuko, the sight of Kurosaki Ichigo blocking the flaming bird with his sword from harming Rukia. The other reason was the unquestionably appealing and admirable sight of the aforementioned person standing in front of a flaming bird just to save his friend!
The reason why he took so much interest in Ichigo was because he saw himself in the boy. The same determination, the same attitude and the same will of steel reminded him so much of his past self. The only difference between him and Ichigo was that he was ostracized while Ichigo was loved; he had friends to rely on while Haruto had no one.
"What?!" Soifon exclaimed in shock, seeing the orange haired Ryoka stop the Soukyuko with his sword alone.
The Soukyuko has the power of a million Zanpakutos, it should be virtually impossible to stop! How is he able to stop it with his Zanpakuto alone? Just who is this guy? she thought in incredulity.
"Nanao, is he one of the other Ryoka who was able to defeat Kenpachi?" Shunsui asked lazily.
He had to give him credit, the kid sure knew how to make an entrance!
"Yes, the reports about his appearance match with this one, so it's safe to assume he is the one," she replied firmly and pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose.
Ichigo was standing above the rectangle structure in front of Rukia and was holding the bird form of the Soukyuko at bay. Rukia opened her eyes when nothing happened. No pain, no burning of her soul, nothing. Her eyes widened when she saw the cloaked form of Ichigo right in front of her.
"Hey," Ichigo greeted with a grin.
"What the hell are you doing here?!" She yelled in response.
"What does it look like? I'm saving your sorry ass from execution" Ichigo deadpanned
"You don't understand! I don't need you to save me; I have already accepted my fate. If they capture you this time, you're as good as dead!" Rukia shouted in frustration.
Why couldn't he just let her die in peace?
Why did he have to risk his life to save her?
"You're a real piece of work, aren't you?" he commented lightly. The force of the Soukyuko vanished, prompting Ichigo to look over his shoulder and see the Phoenix rearing back, no doubt preparing itself for another attack. "So you wanna go another round? Well then, come on, I'm ready for ya."
The flaming bird let out a loud screech and flew towards Ichigo with incredible speed. Seeing the approaching bird, Ichigo prepared his Zanpakuto and dashed right at the zooming bird. Before the two could collide, a black pole connected with a large cord flew towards the flaming form of the Soukyuko and wrapped around its neck. The thrown pole twisted around the bird's neck a few times and embedded itself in the ground.
Hmmm. It seems the party is heating up, Haruto mused with a grin.
Ichigo tracked the path of the cord and was dumbfounded to see the famous Captain Ukitake standing below with a brown shape construct. What even more surprising was that another Captain, Kyoraku Shunsui, materialized near the pole embedded in the ground followed by Nanao and placed his hand on the black object.
Soifon's eyes widened in shock and realization, seeing as she recognized the strange symbol engraved on the brown construct.
"Captain Ukitake and Kiyone?!" Isane gasped in shock.
"That's the Shihouin Clan symbol! Stop them. They are trying to destroy the Soukyuko!" she ordered hurriedly and turned to her fat Lieutenant.
Omeada looked hesitant to move or rather didn't know what to do.
"What am I supposed to do?" he asked with a dumb look on his face.
Ok, now I'm totally convinced that he is an idiot. Haruto grinned.
Agreed.
For the last time Naruko, stop your grinding or you will need someone else to save you from my 'execution'!
You can try all you want
You are enjoying this aren't you?
That much is obvious. Though no one is preventing you from enjoying yourself, since you know, we are under a Genjutsu!'
Now you are just testing my patience and stop increasing the speed of your grinding dammit!
As if you are not enjoying this! I can feel you under me, you know! So stop being such a coward and take it like a man!
Needless to say, Haruto was ready to tear out his hair in frustration!
"Hey there Mr. Handsome, I was beginning to think you wouldn't make it," the laid back Captain commented with a small grin.
Jushiro gave him a sideways glance and nodded. "Sorry it took so long, but now that I'm here, let's get to it!"
Shunsui and Jushiro unsheathed their swords and simultaneously speared them into the brown object. A blue stream of energy emitted from their swords and raced towards the deterred bird through the cord. As soon as the energy reached the bird, the bird disintegrated into small hypnotic fragments of fiery metal with a loud screech.
Haruto was tempted to give a loud shout of joy, but had to restrain himself since Naruko was sitting—more bouncing—in his lap and wouldn't appreciate a shout right in her ears.
"Hmmm?" Yamamoto hummed in shock and anger.
His students had the audacity to disobey his orders and destroy the Soukyuko!
The other Lieutenants and Captains were flabbergasted to witness two of their own betray them, the Great Kyoraku and Ukitake no less!
"I don't know what the hell is going on, but I could use this diversion to my advantage." Ichigo commented as he witnessed the destruction of the Soukyoku by the two respected Captains. It would give him enough time to release Rukia and escape without them realizing it.
He did a back flip to land atop the structure and raised his sword above his head as his eyes blazed a dim cerulean.
Spinning the giant sword a few times by the white bandages tied to its hilt, he grabbed it with a backhanded grip and stabbed the stand as he released a massive amount of Spirit Energy directly into the structure, temporarily blinding those below. The stand glowed for a few seconds and exploded into countless pieces without warning.
"What!" Isane gasped.
"What kind of man is he?" Omeada stuttered in shock.
Byakuya narrowed his eyes at the orange haired boy. It would appear he had improved somewhat since the last time we crossed blades.
Ichigo was standing on a half destroyed piece of the stand with Rukia tucked under one of his arms and his blade draped over his other shoulder.
"Let me ask you something Ichigo, how are we going to escape from here?" Rukia asked in resignation.
"We'll make a run for it." Ichigo answered 'wisely' prompting Rukia to give him a look that clearly said 'are you stupid?'.
"Those are Captains and lieutenants down there, you know?" she deadpanned.
"Well, we'll just beat their asses and then go. Don't worry, we're not alone. Chad, Uryu, Orihime, Yoruichi, Ganju, Hanataro, that redhead idiot Haruto and his wife Naruko are all here. We are going to help all those who have helped us and get out of here alive!" Ichigo declared with determination.
Haruto would have been impressed if he wasn't so irritated right now over that idiot comment.
'Who is he calling an idiot? If anyone is an idiot, it's him, Haruto said with a childish pout while Naruko snickered.
"About time you showed up Renji," Ichigo announced.
Rukia looked around to see where Renji was and saw him kneeling on the ground over a few unconscious Kido Corps members. "I knew you would come here!"
"Of course, I couldn't let you take all the credit for saving Rukia." Renji retorted smugly, panting in exhaustion and fatigue.
"Renji! It's so good to see you again!" Rukia shouted with a happy grin.
The exhausted man returned the grin and tried to regain his composure.
"Hey Renji, catch!" Ichigo raised Rukia above his head while she struggled to free herself.
"H-hey now wait a minute, you're not thinking what I think you're thinking, are you?" The redhead asked hesitantly. He knew the orange haired boy was an idiot, but even he wouldn't do something like that.
"I don't know what you're thinking, but I'm clearly thinking about throwing her at you. Now look out below!" he released a screaming Rukia at the dumbfounded Renji with a large grin.
Renji didn't have time or the energy to prepare himself for the impact and thus was knocked on his ass when Rukia collided with his chest.
"Ichigo, you idiot! What the hell is wrong with you?! Were you trying to kill me?!" Rukia yelled, sitting up in Renji's arms with an indignant expression on her face.
"Yeah, you fool. What if I had failed to catch her?!" Renji shouted in disbelief as he rubbed his sore behind.
"Renji, take her and go. Get her as far away from here as you can and protect her with your life." The orange haired boy stated calmly, shouldering his giant sword.
Renji nodded in consent as he gave him a grateful nod and dashed away with Rukia in his arms.
The others looked on with disbelief and shock as another one of them committed treason.
"Renji?" Omeada asked with a dumb look on his face.
"What the hell are you doing, you fool?! All of you Lieutenants go after them." Soifon shouted in irritation and ordered the gaping Shinigamis.
The Lieutenants looked towards their Captains for permission and received small nods. Isane, Omeada and the 1st Division Lieutenant Chojiro unsheathed their swords and ran after the escaping Renji. Their path was suddenly blocked by Ichigo as he landed in front of them with his blade draped over his shoulder.
"Get out of our way." Seeing as his threat didn't work, Omeada raised his sword with a twitching eyebrow. "Crush him, Gogetsuburi! "
The sword in his hand transformed into an oversized spikey globe attached to a long chain similar to a flail while the chain was connected to the hilt of the sword.
"Run, Itegumo!" Isane's sword didn't go through any major changes, only three smaller blades protruded from the hilt at 45 angle, making it a three pronged blade.
"Bite, Gonryomaru!" Chojiro's sword only changed into a rapier.
Without saying anything, Ichigo ran forward and punched the fat Lieutenant in the stomach, shattering his Zanpakuto in the middle as he sent him skidding back and knocked flat on his ass. Chojiro, despite being surprised with Ryoka's speed, raised his sword and slashed it down on the orange haired boy.
Ichigo saw the sword strike and dodge his slash by crouching slightly in front of the silver haired Lieutenant. Without giving the middle aged Shinigami time to think, Ichigo clenched his fist and delivered a devastating punch to the man's chin, sending him flying away to the ground.
Isane's eyes widened in shock as she witnessed the defeat of two Lieutenants by the strange Ryoka.
He is not even using his Zanpakuto!
She readied herself and raised her sword for the upcoming attack when the orange haired boy used Flashstep and appeared right in front of her. However, due to Ichigo's superior speed and her admittedly sloppy defense, she didn't even stand a chance of stopping his palm strike to the stomach.
Haruto had to give the boy thumbs up for that impressive performance!
Ichigo suddenly twisted around and blocked a surprise sword attack from Byakuya. "I can see your movements Kuchiki Byakuya."
Seeing as her sister was hurt, Kiyone ran to assist her and ignored the warnings of Sentaro "Kiyone, wai… ahhh—" Sentaro's warning were cut off midway as he was kicked up to the air by an enraged Soifon causing Kiyone's eyes to widen in fear, knowing what was coming next.
"Soifon, wait…" Jushiro started, trying to stop the 2nd Division petite Captain from harming his subordinates, but was blocked when the Head Captain stepped in his path. "Head Captain Yamamoto"
"Nobody moves!" Yamamoto declared firmly with his eyes closed and a hand on his cane "This violation, a Lieutenant liberating a convicted criminal and aiding in her escape shall be solved by capturing the traitor officer and putting him to death, thus his fate is sealed. However, that is the least of our problems here, what you two Captains have done here today is a crime of far greater magnitude. Surely you both understand that your actions are unforgivable!"
Jushiro lowered his eyes, knowing full well the consequences of his action, though that didn't mean that he was ashamed of what he had done, not even a bit. He had done what he thought was right and stood by that decision even now!
Shunsui knew they would have to fight one way or the other, however he also knew that should he and Jushiro fight the old man, many others, innocent or otherwise, would die by getting caught in the crossfire.
"Well, I guess we have no other choice, are you ready Jushiro?" he asked pleasantly as he placed one hand on his large trimmed hat and the other holding a firm grip on Ukitake's shoulder.
Without waiting for his response, he Flash Stepped out of there followed by Nanao and unknown to them, Haruto and Naruko teleporting with their throne. "Ah, Shunsui!"
Yamamoto sighed in exaggeration, seeing his two students disappear towards the abandoned district. Did they really think he won't be able to catch them? Well, he would just have to show them why he was the Head Captain after all. He vanished just as a blur slammed into Soifon to stop her from crushing the 3rd seat of Squad 13.