A week and a half after the Defeat of the Fullbringers and Azashiro's Rearrest.

(Y/N) and Ichigo were visiting Soul Society. They had just been greeted by Rukia and Renji at the entrance of the Senkaimon.

Renji: Yo, (Y/N). Good to see you're still alive after the Muken Breakout.

Renji then turned to Ichigo.

Renji: I know you weren't a target but I assume you were there to help, so I'm glad both of you are safe.

...

...

...

Ichigo: It's weird hearing you be concerned for someone.

Renji: You picking a fight or something?

Rukia: I'm sure Ichigo was just teasing. But just as Renji said, I'm glad you both are safe.

(Y/N): Thanks, you guys.

Renji: When we heard there was another Szayelaporro, I wanted to join the fight, but I wasn't allowed to.

Rukia: Neither of us were.

Rukia and Renji both looked a bit disappointed in themselves.

(Y/N): Hey, don't worry about it, it's fine. Everything worked out in the end. Now, no more moping around.

Renji and Rukia shook off their initial feelings and put a smile on their faces.

Renji: Sure. So, are you here to make another report to The Head Captain?

(Y/N): Nah, not today. Me and Ichigo are just here to visit today.

Rukia: Well, that's good. A lot of people have been worried about you ever since the news broke out that your life was targeted by Kenpachi Azashiro. Although news has come out that Azashiro was arrested and you won the battle, they still wish to see you in person.

(Y/N): Really? Well, I should probably show my face around to let them know I'm at 100%.

Renji: Then let's get going. Where to first?

(Y/N): Why not Squad 13? Me and Ichigo didn't get to visit Captain Ukitake when we were here to get Ginjo's body. And I'll get to visit Kiyone and Sentaro while I'm there.

Ichigo: You're right. Visiting Captain Ukitake seems like the best thing to do.

Rukia: Then allow me to lead the way.

(Timeskip)

"(Y/N)! YOU'RE STILL ALIVE!"

(Y/N) was instantly greeted by Sentaro and Kiyone as he and the others entered the Barracks of Squad 13.

Sentaro: Seriously, how do you manage to win these unexpected fights?

Kiyone: Right? Not only surviving but outright defeating Kenpachi Azashiro would mean that you're a Kenpachi now, right?

(Y/N): Nah, I only fought him because he was after my life. I don't want to be a Kenpachi... It's not my style.

Kiyone: Sounds just like you.

Sentaro: So, what brings you all here?

Rukia: (Y/N) and Ichigo wanted to visit Captain Ukitake.

"Then please, make yourself comfortable."

Entering the scene was Captain Ukitake.

Rukia: Good day, Captain Ukitake.

Ichigo: Yo

(Y/N): It's good to see you again, Captain Ukitake.

Ukitake: The feelings are mutual. Now, what brings you two here.

Both (Y/N) and Ichigo looked at each other before Ichigo spoke up.

Ichigo: I wanted to thank you.

Ukitake: Hm? What for?

Ichigo: For giving us the combat pass. I never got to thank you like (Y/N) did, but I wanted you to know that despite what the combat pass was originally made to do, it still gave us the possibility to continue being shinigamis after Rukia left.

Ukitake was surprised at the sudden show of gratitude, but accepted it regardless.

Ukitake: It's no problem really. I'm just glad you both chose to trust us.

Ukitake then turned to (Y/N).

Ukitake: Although I must apologize for our mishap of allowing Azashiro to escape. You must've been scared.

(Y/N): That was out of your control. If anything, it was Cien's fault that Azashiro was given the chance to escape.

Ukitake: Speaking of that arrancar, I heard the one who assisted him was spared. Did she switch sides?

(Y/N): Yeah. She was just a victim. All she needed was some reassurance and self confidence and she was able to overcome her fear of Cien and switch sides.

Ukitake: I see, it must be nice to have another friend among the arrancars.

Ichigo: Speaking of Roka, what's she doing now that Cien is gone?

(Y/N): Last time I talked to Wiz, Roka officially joined Nel's fraccion.

Ichigo: I can't imagine how she'll get along with Pesche and Dondochakka.

(Y/N): They're a bit weird but I think she'll get used to it.

Ichigo then turned to Ukitake and his 3rd seats

Ichigo: Well, we don't wanna keep you guys away from work, so we'll get out of your hair.

Sentaro: Where are you guys heading next?

Kiyone then elbowed (Y/N) with a smug smirk on her face.

Kiyone: I assume you're going to visit Captain Soi-Fon.

(Y/N): That's one of my final visits for the day, correct.

Renji: What's up with you guys, anyway?

(Y/N): We're just-

Ichigo: (Y/N) has a huge crush on her.

(Y/N): Don't just blurt it out like that, will you.

Ichigo: Besides Renji, I think everyone besides you and Soi-Fon herself can see it.

Renji: Oi, what are you implying?

Ichigo: You're not that intelligent in this department.

Renji: Y-you're one to talk!

(Y/N): He's right, you know. You're still in your denial phase about your crush on Orihime.

Rukia: He is? Orihime makes it pretty obvious she likes you. Have you not given her an answer, yet?

Ichigo: H-hey, how did the conversation become about my love life. We were talking about (Y/N)'s.

(Timeskip)

As the group left the Squad 13 barracks they ran into Shinji, Kensei and Mashiro.

Mashiro: Hey hey! Ichigo! (N/N)!

(Y/N): Hey, Mashiro.

Kensei: Well well, look who it is? The man of the hour.

Shinji: What are you two doing here?

(Y/N): Just checking up on everyone. I wanted them to know I was alright.

Shinji: Make sense. Nobody here can really say they defeated Azashiro.

(Y/N): Well Zaraki could. I'd argue his showing was better than mine. He made Azashiro flee and still won the second encounter.

Shinji: Give yourself some more credit, will ya? You've only been a shinigami for 2 years and you've accomplished a lot then many couldn't in hundreds of years.

(Y/N): I guess, but I feel like I rushed through most of my journey, you know?

Shinji: *sigh* You're way too modest, you know that? Anyway, how's Hiyori and the others doing? Lisa is usually back and forth between her and the World of the Living, so we get to see her every so often, but Hiyori is dead set on never returning to Soul Society.

(Y/N): Hiyori's still the same as ever. We nag each other every so often for a favor, but besides that she normally keeps to herself. Hachi and Love, on the other hand, are usually doing their own thing. I've been meaning to visit them again. Me and Love were supposed to discuss the new Jump issue that came out but the last few weeks have been... hectic.

Kensei: That sounds like them all right.

Ichigo: What about you guys? Have you guys readjusted to being in the Soul Society?

Shinji: No problems here. I held my grudge for a bit but I've gotten over it.

Kensei: I could say the same. We've all taken back our original positions so there's no problem there.

(Y/N) then looked at the time on his spirit phone.

(Y/N): I have to get moving, or else I'll be late.

Ichigo, Rukia and Renji were confused.

Ichigo: Late for what?

(Y/N): Oh right, I forgot to tell you but I didn't only come here to visit everyone. I have to meet with Captain Unohana at the end of the day.

Ichigo remembered the conversation that they had the previous week.

Ichigo: Oh, about that.

Rukia and Renji were now the ones confused.

Rukia: Are we missing something?

(Y/N): I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say just yet. But there's still more stops I wanted to make before then.

Renji: And where would that be?

(Y/N) shuddered as chills ran down his spine. He wasn't exactly thrilled but the new revelation he came to during his discussion last week piqued his curiosity.

(Y/N): I want to visit the R&D Department. Specifically Captain Kurotsuchi.

(Timeskip)

(Y/N) stood face to face with Captain Mayuri, with his friends standing behind him.

Mayuri: I didn't think you of all people would return here. What's the point of your visit? Make it quick. I don't have all day.

(Y/N): I'll keep it brief, I want to make a deal.

Mayuri looked in surprise.

Mayuri: At least you've learned from our last encounter. No deed I do comes without compensation. What is it?

(Y/N): I want to know if you have the body of the arrancar Luppi Antenor. If so, I want it. In exchange...

(Y/N) pulled a cube out of his pocket. An Caja Negacion that Wiz specifically altered to store items in.

(Y/N): Here contains the deceased body of Cien Granz.

Mayuri: Has your little servant not told you? I don't require the body of that wannabe scientist. If you wanted to make a deal, you should've brought Roka Paramia.

(Y/N): You don't have a Vasto Lorde among those arrancars, don't you? Cien here evolved way past that of Szayelaporro and anyone else you may have had collected from Hueco Mundo. I'm talking about an arrancar that's far stronger than Yammy. An arrancar that took on multiple Vasto Lorde arrancars and 2 Captain Level Shinigamis.

Mayuri: So what? He wouldn't be too far off from Szayelaporro Granz. Not interested.

(Y/N): You drive a hard bargain... Fine then, how about in addition to Cien Granz, I allow you to run your little experiments on me like you wanted to during our first deal.

(Y/N)'s friends looked at him in confusion... and fear.

Ichigo: Hey, (Y/N)... I don't think this is worth it...

Renji: He's right. You don't know what you're getting yourself into.

Rukia: Give this some more thought, (Y/N).

Mayuri: No need. I've had ample time to observe and gain data on that ability of yours as it grew. There isn't anything I don't know about it already.

(Y/N): Did you determine this before or after my final fight with Aizen?

Mayuri: Why does that matter?

(Y/N): Because my Bankai wasn't fully unlocked before then. Anything prior to my fight with Aizen may be obsolete.

For the first time since their conversation, Mayuri was genuinely intrigued.

Mayuri: Really, now? Then maybe this deal may be worth looking into after all. Fine then, follow me.

(Y/N) turned to his friends. This may take a while so you guys can go on without me.

Ichigo, Rukia and Renji stared at each other in concern for (Y/N).

Ichigo: *whisper* Hey, be careful alright? Mayuri's crazy so who knows what he'll do to you.

(Y/N): I don't think he'll do something too crazy.

*thinking* If something happens to me, no doubt he'll get more than just a earful from Captain Unohana.

As (Y/N) followed Mayuri, Rukia and Renji looked towards Ichigo.

Renji: Captain Kurotsuchi isn't the easiest to get along with... Is (Y/N) going to be alright?

Ichigo: Sounds like he wanted to meet Captain Kurotsuchi for something important. I don't think we could have talked him out of it.

Rukia: I hope he comes out okay.

With (Y/N) and Mayuri.

As the two got to the main laboratory, Mayuri stopped suddenly.

Mayuri: Before we go any further. I want you to tell me what exactly this "true" power of yours is. I don't want you pulling a fast one on me.

(Y/N): Well, I can summon more than just Hollows. Shinigamis, Humans, you name it. As long as they fell by my hands or by my weapon, I'm allowed to summon them.

Mayuri: Is that all?

(Y/N): No. I can also take the soul of someone as well... And I don't mean a copy. The original, authentic soul.

Now Mayuri was fascinated.

Mayuri: Now we're getting somewhere. Now let me ask you a question. Why do you suddenly want a body of one of my arrancars?

(Y/N): Luppi was killed by me, which means I have a copy of his soul. I wanted to know if it was possible to bring him back to life with just a copied soul by placing said soul in his body.

Mayuri gave (Y/N) a serious look.

Mayuri: You do know what you're saying? You're playing with life you know?

(Y/N): This would be no different from the creation of Gikon and Mod Souls wouldn't it? Shinigamis have already tried playing with life before. The creation or destruction of a copied soul wouldn't affect the cycle of souls like the destruction of a real soul could.

Mayuri then gave a creepy wide smile.

Mayuri: You know... I might actually respect you now, Substitute Shinigami. But unfortunately for you, you can't test your little theory.

(Y/N): Why not?

Mayuri: Because, as of recently, Luppi Antenor has been revived.

...

...

..

(Y/N): I beg your pardon?

Mayuri: With the extensive research on the bodies I recovered from Hueco Mundo during the fight against Aizen, I've learned how they tick. Luppi Antenor was the one who kick started this little project of mine. After all, we came in possession of his body prior to that fight because of you and Captain Hitsugaya.

(Y/N) remember quite clearly. (Y/N) could only guess that Hitsugaya took the body with him back to Soul Society since he was the one who froze Luppi in place in order for him to get the final attack.

(Y/N): So does that mean you brought the other arrancars back to life too?

Mayuri: Of course! I wouldn't stop at just one.

Mayuri then clapped his hands. On cue, multiple capsules in the lab opened as a mist of some sort was released. After a few seconds, a silhouette stepped out of each capsule.

Mayuri: Say hello to the Kurotsuchi Corpse Unit.

(Y/N) took a look at each of the arrancar that stepped out of the capsule.

The first arrancar had long hair and was muscular. He was very flamboyant from what (Y/N) could gather upon first impression.

The second was a female arrancar with short purple hair wearing gothic lolita clothing. She definitely looked like she didn't want to be here right now, rightfully so.

The third arrancar was one that (Y/N) was somewhat familiar with. He remembered the third arrancar as Dordoni... although he couldn't remember the rest of his name. Just like his first appearance, Dordoni struck a... awkward pose.

And finally was the arrancar that (Y/N) was familiar with, despite knowing almost nothing about him. Luppi Antenor.

???1: What were we summoned for this time?

???2: Not for another one of those horrid experiments, I hope.

Dordoni: Why not ask and find-

Dordoni stopped mid sentence as he saw (Y/N).

Dordoni: Well well, I didn't think I'd meet the (H/C) haired niño from Hueco Mundo again.

(Y/N): We only met briefly. I'm surprised you remembered me.

Dordoni: Your friend with orange hair left a lasting impression, so I made it a point to remember the one who was traveling with him as well!

(Y/N): I see...

"You got a lot of nerve showing your face here."

(Y/N) turned to see Luppi giving him a glare.

(Y/N): Yo. I would say "long time no see" but-

(Y/N) summoned a copy of Luppi.

(Y/N): -I'd be lying.

Mayuri: The rest of you can return to your chambers. We'll only be needing Antenor here.

Luppi: Just me?

Mayuri: (Y/N) (L/N) here wanted to meet with you personally.

Luppi: What would you want from me?

(Y/N): How would you like to join my team of warriors?

Luppi simply laughed.

Luppi: First I get revived to be a lab rat for a mad scientist and now some kid wants me to fight under him. As if my second chance of life couldn't have been more terrible...

(Y/N) couldn't blame him. His life right now was terrible. Who would want to be a test subject for the rest of their life...

His mom was subjected to a life like that for a while. And it doesn't help that his life is guaranteed to be any better under his care. Now (Y/N) felt bad for the guy. Sure, from the little he knew of Luppi, the guy was sadistic and arrogant. But maybe being here really humbled the guy.

(Y/N): *sigh* Life for you sucks here, that much is obvious. And I can't guarantee you'll be happier if you come along with me, but I want to at least try.

Luppi: What are you talking about?

(Y/N): It's technically my fault you're in this position to begin with. There must've been a way to prevent this situation from happening.

Luppi: We're enemies! What are you doing being sympathetic to me?!

(Y/N): I'm trying to think of a way to rectify this problem.

Luppi: Stop that! It's weird! I'll just kill you right here and now!

(Y/N) simply brushed Luppi off, brainstorming some sort of way to make some sort of compromise.

Luppi: Hey! What are you-

(Y/N): Do you want to stay here or not?

Luppi: O-of course not-

(Y/N): Then let me think...

Luppi: What makes you think anything you do will convince me to play along with your little game? Maybe you could've convince we if they're were cute girls but-

(Y/N): So if I show you some cute girls you'll think about it?

Luppi: That was a joke... somewhat...

(Y/N): Psshh, that's easy. There's plenty of cute girls in Hueco Mundo. I go there pretty often so that shouldn't be an issue.

Luppi: T-that's not going to convince me one bit.

(Y/N): Hmm... Oh I got it...

Luppi: What are you planning now?

(Y/N): Say... Wanna help me beat up Grimmjow?

Luppi stopped in his tracks before a sinister grin appeared on his face.

Luppi: I'm all ears...

(Y/N): You see, I got this battle with him coming up soon. Wanna help out?

Luppi: I'm listening...

(Y/N): Well, before you agree to anything...

(Y/N) proceeded to tell Luppi how his powers worked. (Y/N) wanted to be as transparent as possible. Being a member under (Y/N)'s army meant he would basically be giving up his soul, although to be honest, he couldn't escape where he went because of Mayuri.

But if Luppi was being honest, (Y/N) was easily the least intimidating guy he's ever met. Despite being the one who killed him, Luppi recalled how (Y/N) gave him a chance to surrender when they first fought. Even now, (Y/N) was simply trying to find a better alternative for living, rather than being stuck in Mayuri's grasp for the rest of his days or until Mayuri got tired and got rid of him permanently.

In all honesty, (Y/N)'s offer was a lesser of two evils. And "if" (Y/N) was being honest, then he'll probably be living a bit lavishly.

Luppi: Let's get this straight, I'm not your errand boy. If you think I'll be at your beck and call, you better forget it!

(Y/N): That's completely fine. All I need from you is to assist me in more tougher battles. Whenever I'm not in battle and I have access to my powers, I'll allow you to roam free and do whatever you want as long as you aren't doing anything bad. We have a deal?

Luppi: ...Yeah, I guess we have a deal. First order of business will be beating the crap out of Grimmjow.

(Y/N): That's fine by me. Now about we make things official.

Luppi: Alright then.

(Y/N) came to the sudden realization that he now had to figure out how he was going to consume a soul in the moment.

(Y/N): *thinking* Say Ankou, I know this a bad time but-

Ankou: Don't worry, (Y/N). I'll help you out this time. Allow me to guide you through it.

With Ankou's instructions, (Y/N) was able to convert Luppi's entire body into a ball or reishi that took a similar shape of his own soul.

(Y/N): Welp... Here goes nothing.

(Y/N) ate the entire soul whole and swallowed.



...

...

...

(Y/N): It tastes like takoyaki...

To be continued.

We're back.

Shout out to whoever headcanoned that every soul would have a different taste in the last chapter. I probably wouldn't have added that last part in if I didn't see that comment.

Now to get into the meat and potatos of this chapter. Luppi returning. I had to get this moment out as soon as possible because this was the only time I'd get to do it. It was either this or (Y/N) found a way to take the body during TYBW since Luppi made his return briefly in that arc as apart of Mayuri's Corpse Unit.

Also, as said in the chapter, because a copy of a soul isn't the same as the original, there would be no fear of messing up the cycle by trying to put the copy in an empty body. It would be the same as putting a mod soul (an artifical soul) in a Gigai (an empty body). And considering the creation of Mod Souls and Gikons was by a Squad 0 member, it confirms that its no threat to the cycle. But considering Mayuri learned out to revive arrancars (How tf did he learn how to do that?) (Y/N)'s original plan went out the window. Though to be honest, this could work out better for him.

But that's all from me.