Many Squad 11 members were knocked out as (Y/N) did his best to keep them alive. However due to Giselle's ability, they just stood back up.

(Y/N): She didn't call them zombies for nothing. Then I guess I'll just have to forget them and just aim for killing the girl. Though they'll just get in the way... A double chant it is then.

(Y/N) then casted two Bakudo spells back to back.

(Y/N): Bakudō #4. Hainawa. Bakudō #73. Tōzanshō.

With (Y/N)'s first Bakudo spell, he restrained multiple zombified Squad 11 members in a rope of reishi to keep them from approaching him before encasing them in an inverted pyramid-shaped barrier.

(Y/N): That should keep some of them contained for now.

Giselle: Wow~! Just like the reports said! You are good at magic!

(Y/N) was still trying to find out what Giselle used to turn everyone into zombies, and decided he should wait it out until he figured out what it was.

(Y/N): What's going on in that ditzy head of yours?

Giselle: Whatever do you mean~?

(Y/N): Surely you didn't think I would lose to some originary shinigami officers, did you? You're hiding something, aren't you?

Giselle: Maybe. Maybe not...

(Y/N): Giving me the run around, huh? Maybe I'll just have to be more aggressive.

In response to this, Giselle started to shake the wings that she gained through Vollstandig, as bones made out of reishi fell from it. The bones started to take the shape of cartoon-looking skeletons and ran towards (Y/N). (Y/N) cut down each of the skeletons with his zanpakuto, seamlessly switching between sword and scythe form as he took them out.



(Y/N): If that's all you can do, then it should be safe to kill you as it is now.

Giselle: What to do...

Giselle said as she pretended to be at a loss on how to win.

Giselle: Oh! I know! I'll just get help from Mr. Captain!

(Y/N) was confused until he saw a familiar figure with white hair walking from behind one of the buildings nearby. Coming into view was Hitsugaya, now wearing a Quincy uniform, clearly being controlled by Giselle.



Giselle: What do you think? I found Mr. Captain here, slowly dying so I brought him under my control. We're similar right? Right?!

(Y/N): You were stupid enough to admit to controlling him and even more stupid to compare us. I'm nothing like you. Anything else you say will be written on your tombstone, so watch your tongue the next time you speak! Hadō #73. Sōren-

Ichigo rejoined the fight as he stopped (Y/N) once again.

(Y/N): This is the second time you've interrupted me...

Ichigo: I'm stopping you from making a mistake you'll regret.

(Y/N): Regret? Once we win, there won't be anything to regret-

Ichigo: I know you better than most. You always valued life and reasoned with everyone that was what because you believed being human was. What you're doing isn't just about this war. You're about to throw everything that made you (Y/N). Unohana wouldn't-

(Y/N): It's not just about her! Look at Hitsugaya right now! Does he look fine to you?! What about the Head Captain?! Is he alive right now?! I don't even know if Harribel or Starrk is alive right now! How can I say I'm strong if I can't protect them from the people that are trying to take them away from me! I can't persuade them to give up!

Ichigo: You're about to kill them for revenge rather than for the protection of your family and freidns. Didn't you tell Yhwach that revenge would only create another war in the near future? We can still turn this war around, without throwing away what we believe in. Remember what you said to me before we went to save Orihime in Hueco Mundo?

(Y/N): What are you-

Ichigo: "We break the mold." We never abided by the rules. You proved it yourself when you persuaded Harribel and Starrk to join us to fight Aizen. Kiyone and Sentaro trusted you even after they found out you were an invader coming to rescue Rukia from getting executed. You persuaded Azashiro to atone and return to prison after he came after your life. How can you say you don't have the power to persuade them when you've proven that you can in the past.

(Y/N): That was just me being scared to take someone's life. I'm a coward. I don't have the strength to kill someone... Yhwach was right about me... I'm a hypocrite. The only time I protected anything with full conviction was when I killed Baraggan for mom's sake...

(Y/N) fell to his knees as he felt his conviction waiver. He wasn't sure what he should do. However, just then, he felt a presence kneel down in front of him.

"You shouldn't belittle yourself, (Y/N). The amount of things you've accomplished because of your beliefs are massive and felt by many."

(Y/N) thought he was hallucinating hearing such a familiar voice, but as he looked up he saw the figure of Unohana in front of him, holding onto the zanpakuto that was given to him by Kenpachi.

(Y/N): Unohana... I... I don't know if I have what it takes to fight in this war...

Unohana: (Y/N). The people who are depending on you aren't depending on you because of your ability to kill, but your ability to protect. That's always been the case. I entrusted my power to you because I believe you can do what the rest of us Shinigami can't. Pave a way for victory for them. Whether by protection or through words. Do what you do best. And remember: Killing someone doesn't make you any less human.

Ichigo: Get up. Our friends put their faith into us. We'd only be forsaking them if we ran away.

...

...

...

(Y/N) got to his feet.

(Y/N): I was about to give up my beliefs and then I was about to give up fighting for everyone I cared about. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I did that. And most of all, I would be ashamed to look Mom, Soi-Fon or anyone else in the eyes afterward. Dad and Thanatos would be ashamed that I forgot about their advice about times like these. Thanks, Ichigo. Unohana. I think I can fight with a clear mind now.

Ichigo: That's what I like to hear. Now call back those other guys and save your energy.

(Y/N): Right!

(Y/N) recalled Cien, Siegfried and Panzer. (Y/N) then turned to Unohana.

(Y/N): Captain Unohana, can burden you one more time.

Unohana: No need to ask. I'll gladly help you in this fight.

(Y/N): Thank you. I'll leave Captain Hitsugaya to you. Ichigo, do you think you can handle two by yourself?

Ichigo: Who do you think you're talking to? Of course I can!

(Y/N): Right... That was a stupid question.

(Y/N) and Ichigo watched as the Bamies all regrouped. Most of them looked pretty injured from their fight with (Y/N)'s respective army members.

Liltotto: Something changed...

Meninas: What does that mean for us?

Candice: Nothing. I'll just blow them both to bits!

Candice drew her Heilig Bogen.

Candice: Galvano Blast!



Candice launched an arrow made of electricity directly at (Y/N) and Ichigo. As the attack was about to make contact, (Y/N) dodge the attack while Ichigo took it head on.

Candice: Five gigajoules will turn you into ash! You piece of shit!

Liltotto: You idiot. One or two shots of Heilig Pfeil won't kill either of them.

Just then, Ichigo walked out of the explosion in perfect shape, his cloak made by the Royal Guards being the only thing that was destroyed.



Liltotto: See? Told ya.

(Meanwhile)

Yhwach watched as Ichigo made his appearance.

Yhwach: So you're here... Ichigo Kurosaki.

Yhwach then spoke to Haschwalth and Uryu.

Yhwach: Let us begin. Haschwalth. Uryu.

On a building not too far away from Yhwach, another Quincy spoke aloud to himself.

???: So it's beginning. Now... will I be among the chosen?



(Back to Y/N and Ichigo)

Giselle: Perhaps we made a little oopsie~...

Liltotto: If we keep hiding we'll eventually die.

Giselle: Perhaps that Ichigo fella would've been an easier opponent.

Liltotto: It was your idea to fight (Y/N). Of course he would know how to counter your ability when both are so similar in strategy.

Currently Liltotto and Giselle were hiding from (Y/N), who vastly outclassed the two. In the middle of their conversation, Liltotto reacted to a purple wave of energy at the last minute and saved Giselle from being a victim of being turned to dust. The two Quincies evacuated the building before it collapsed on them.

Liltotto: He might be in his right mind again, but (Y/N) is still serious about killing us.

Giselle: That must have been the ability of the Old King of Hueco Mundo.

Liltotto: Senescencia... A terrible ability to be up against.

Before Liltotto and Giselle could think of a way out of their predicament, an axe came flying towards the duo, forcing them to scramble across the field.

(Y/N): I was hoping that sneak attack would've worked. I gotta say... Gran Caída is a dangerous weapon. You two almost lost your lives because of one swing from that axe.

Liltotto: No need to state the obvious. We know about Baraggan Louisenbairn's Gran Caida. He was able to extend his range of Senescencia by swinging that weapon. You demonstrated as such.

(Y/N): You could get out of the fight with your lives if you just gave up.

Giselle: Sorry but we can't do that. I haven't had a chance to see all of your zombies yet.

(Y/N): I'm not sure how accurate it is to call them zombies. They're more like souls.

Liltotto kept her guard up. She was confused as to what (Y/N)'s plan was. He was surprisingly talkative all of a sudden. Her question was answered when she immediately felt a blade make contact with her body. Thankfully, with her Blut Vene and quick reflexes, she was able to stop the blade from completely cutting her open. That didn't mean she got away unscathed as she had a deep cut in her stomach.

Liltotto looked over to her attacker and noticed a second (Y/N) standing behind her.

Liltotto: Two (Y/N)?

Giselle: Looks like thing's got a bit more complicated...

(Y/N): I simply evened the playing field a bit.

Giselle: Not for long...

Giselle then bit her finger, causing blood to drain from her wound. She then threw some of the blood on the second (Y/N).

Giselle: You didn't think this one through did you? I've turned your biggest surprise into your biggest mistake.

(Y/N): So that's how you turn people into zombies, huh?

Giselle: Yessire~! It's a much easier method than killing people but it doesn't come with the same benefits as your ability does.

Liltotto: I hope you don't mind telling us where this clone came from, do you?

(Y/N): You seem like the brains of the group so I'm sure you'll figure it out. If you have enough time that is.

Another (Y/N) made himself known, grabbing onto the first clone of (Y/N). The two clones then began to blow.

The Quincies' initial confusion turned into sudden realization as both Liltotto and Giselle immediately ran away as they realized that the second clone of (Y/N) performed Cero Reversion on the zombified clone.

The explosion covered the entire area as Liltotto and Giselle were sent flying.

(Y/N): *thinking* Using Cien's cloning ability on myself wasn't a bad idea. It allowed me to use Cero Reversion in a way I never thought of before. Unfortunately that explosion wasn't as powerful as any that I've done because of the downside of clones being inherently weaker than the original. Had my clone not used Cero Reversion on another clone, the impact would've dealt the same amount of damage that it normally does.

Coincidentally, Candice and Meninas were also sent flying as Ichigo attacked them with a Getsuga Jujisho. Meanwhile the zombified Toshiro wasn't having a much better time as Unohana vastly outclassed him.

Candice pulled herself off of the ground irritably.

Candice: Just they wait, I'll-

Liltotto: Impatience isn't gonna win you this fight.

Candice: Shut up! I'm gonna kill them!

From afar, (Y/N) spoke.

(Y/N): Contrary to my first impressions, I don't have any ill will towards any of you in particular, but I gotta do what I gotta do. Don't hold it against me for killing you, alright.

Hearing this, Candice flew towards the two boys. However, a familiar beam of flame flew in the direction of Candice. However before the attack could hit Candice, a ball of reishi came in contact with the beam, causing it to explode. Being in the blast radius meant that Candice was still pushed back.

Candice: What the hell? It was that asshole Bazz-B.

Bazz-B: Glory is something that's up for grabs, and stealing it is a privilege of those who show up late. I'm sure that's what your "leader" was trying to do. Right, Bambietta?

Bambietta, who came in to save Candice at the last moment, showed herself.

Bambietta: I don't need to sneak around like a weakling! Killing one of the Bambies is an insult to me! I hope you know that, Bazz-B!

(Y/N) turned to Bazz-B.

(Y/N): Hey, where's the two Captains you were fighting?

Bazz-B: Hell if I know! We postponed the fight. I just had to get here to take out at least one of you.

"If that's true then you should've heeded your own advice and come a bit later..."

Three new Quincies joined the battle, one of them being Robert.

???1: ...But since we all arrived at the same time, what do you say we share the glory equally?



Liltotto: Don't be ridiculous. The one who lands the killing blow takes all the glory.

(Y/N): So... A nine on two... Think you can handle it, Ichigo?

Ichigo: You were the one that's been fighting multiple battles. I'm more curious if you have the reiatsu and stamina to keep going.

(Y/N): Psh... If it's one thing I prioritised during training in the Royal Palace, it's controlling and maintaining those two.

Right before the two Shinigamis could start battling, A large pillar of light shined behind them.

Ichigo: What is... that light?

(Y/N): It must be Yhwach!

Bazz-B: So it's begun.

From afar, Yhwach spoke.

Yhwach: Let us be thankful to the one who has guided us to the light. Thanks to you, I can now invade the Royal Palace.

Ichigo and (Y/N) watched as Yhwach and two others beside him started to ascend to the Royal Palace. The two boys wasted no time giving chase however, the Quincies didn't make it easy for them as they attempted to attack Ichigo and (Y/N) on their way to Yhwach.

Meninas: It's pretty naïve to think that you can go after His Majesty when we have you surrounded. Diamond Push.

Meninas attempted to attack Ichigo but (Y/N) pushed him out of the way. This led to him being vulnerable, allowing Robert to aim his Heilig Bogen directly at (Y/N)'s head.

Robert: You're a tough one.

As Robert pulled the trigger, Robert's gun was suddenly knocked away as one of Luppi's tentacles materialized itself to protect (Y/N).

"You can thank me later."

That was all (Y/N) heard from Luppi. However, they weren't out of the woodworks yet as Bazz-B attempted to use Burner Finger 1 on Ichigo. But just in the nick of time, the two were saved.



Ichigo looked up and saw...

Ichigo: Renji!

(Y/N): Man, I'm glad to see you!

Renji: Get going. I won't let these guys through. I don't know all the details, but you two have a score to settle with the boss of the Quincies, right? You can have him. It's your job now.

Ichigo and (Y/N) nodded as they went after Yhwach. The Quincies immediately gave chase.

Bazz-B: You're not getting away!

The Quincies, however, came to a complete stop as their route was cut off by a trial of sakura blossoms.

Renji: Don't make me repeat myself. It makes me look bad.

Appearing at Renji's side were Rukia, Byakuya, Ikkaku, Yumichika and Hisagi.



Renji: I just said you guys are not getting through!

While Renji and the others dealt with the Quincies, Ichigo and (Y/N) got closer to Yhwach.

Ichigo: Yhwach!

However as the two got closer, they noticed a familiar face.

(Y/N): Tell me I'm hallucinating and that's not...

(Y/N) didn't finish his sentence as an arrow was shot at both of them.



Ichigo: Ishida...! What're you doing there?!

(Y/N): You better have a good excuse for this, Uryu!

Uryu: Leave. Both of you.

Ichigo: What?

Uryu: You two cannot stop His Majesty.

Ichigo: What're you talking about, Ishida...?

Uryu: Leave... before you waste your life.

(Y/N): We're asking you what're you doing there?!

Uryu didn't answer as he aimed his bow again.

Uryu: Licht Regen.

Uryu released a barrage of arrows at the duo and (Y/N) wasted no time trying to dodge out of the way. Ichigo, on the other hand, stood in shock.

(Y/N): Ichigo, what are you doing? Move!

However, in that moment, a Garganta opened up as Ichigo was protected by both Orihime and Chad while Calavera's giant stuffed animal came in and protected (Y/N) while the girl in question held onto the back of her overgrown stuffed animal.



Ichigo: Ishida... Wait! You still haven't answered any of my questions!

As the trio of Yhwach, Haschwalth, and Uryu rose higher in the sky, (Y/N) yelled at the top of his lungs.

(Y/N): YOU BETTER WATCH YOU BACK URYU! I STILL HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN THAT PROMISE I MADE TO YOU ABOUT KICKING YOUR ASS WHEN WE FIRST MET! I THINK YOU'LL NEED IT AFTER THIS BULLSHIT!

Uryu simply ignored (Y/N) as he left with Yhwach to enter the Royal Palace. Immediately the crew was pushed back by a force, sending them tumbling to the ground.

(Y/N) let out a yell of frustration.

(Y/N): This easily trumps the day we fought Aizen as the worst day of my life... What the hell is going on...

To be continued.

I really hope I was able to properly express (Y/N)'s internal conflict properly within these last three chapters. Although (Y/N) has come to terms with killing in the past, this time changes (Y/N)'s perspective a little because he doesn't know how bad the hostility between the Shinigami and Quincy really goes. No matter what, this war would've happen because of Yhwach's goal to take down the Soul King. However, from (Y/N)'s perspective, this war only stemmed from the Quincy's demise by the hands of the Shinigami hundreds of years ago. Because of this, (Y/N) ignorantly believe that showing mercy would show Yhwach that the Shinigamis have changed and maybe their could a turnaround in their relationship could happen.

Unohana's death was the wake up call that (Y/N) needed to realize that this was nothing like the war with Aizen. This was a war between two factions that believe they're justified in their actions. However, finding out Unohana's death of the battlefield was probably the worst place to find out as he felt the best way to cope was to throw away his belief in order to survive on the battlefield.

I'm glad I was able to write a scene where Ichigo could finally be the one to motivate (Y/N) instead of vice versa. With some assistance with an undead Unohana, (Y/N) was able to get his head back into the game and approach the war with a new mindset.