Thank you all for the Birhtday wishes last chapter. Have this extra long chapter as thanks from me!

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In the Tenchuuren.

"Rock... Paper... Scissors!"

(Y/N) and Ganju were currently playing Rock, Paper, Scissors to pass the time as they rocketed up to the Royal Palace. Unfortunately for Ganju...

Ganju: I lost again?!

(Y/N): Yep. Sorry bud. I'm not one to gamble but this would be the perfect time to do so.

(Y/N) was on a winning streak, beating Ganju a total of 5 times so far.

Ganju: I won't lose the next one! Alright! Rematch time!

(Y/N): Sure... This time I'll only play paper.

Ganju simply grinned.

Ganju: *thinking* Yeah right! I won't fall for that! On the surface, I may have the advantage, but there's a one in three chance of a draw. In other words, he's playing in hopes to get a draw. I've seen through your scheme (Y/N)!

"Rock"

Ganju: *thinking* (Y/N)'s a sneaky bastard. I can't trust him to actually play paper. He's just trying to psyche me out! He wants me to play scissors so that he can play rock and get a tie!

"Paper"

Ganju: *thinking* I've got you all figured out, (Y/N)! The Great Ganju won't fall for such a simple trick! I'll just play rock and settle with either a win or draw!

Ganju prepared his answer with confidence, however that all shattered as Ganju saw a shit eating grinning plastered on (Y/N)'s face. Ganju started to doubt himself.

Ganju: *thinking* Is he really going to commit to playing paper?! If he goes for it, he has a one in three chance of losing but also a one in three chance of winning. Declaring his choice ahead of time means I only have a one in three chance of losing and he knows that! I'm better off playing Scissors!

"Scissors"

Ganju: *thinking* It's now or never! I made my choice! I'm going with scissors!

"Shoot!"

Ganju threw scissors, however (Y/N) threw Rock.

(Y/N): You were thinking pretty hard about this, huh Ganju?

Ganju: But how!

(Y/N): You almost let me taunt you into playing rock, but when you saw my expression, you came to your senses. You knew I was baiting you into playing rock but you changed your answer when you realized you had a higher chance of winning if you stuck to scissors. Still, you should've played paper.

Ganju: Why wouldn't I play with the higher odds of winning?

(Y/N): That's how I was able to predict you'd play scissors. If you had figured out that I had it figured out, you would've played paper. It's the safest bet. If I had stuck to my word and played paper, we'd have tied. If I had played rock, you'd have won. It was the better option between that and scissors.

Ganju comedically fell to the floor in defeat.

Calavera: I've never seen two people take Rock Paper Scissors so serious before...

Orihime: I didn't think people thought so hard about it. I just pick whatever pops up in my mind first.

Ichigo: Most people do. (Y/N) just wanted to show off.

(Y/N): This battle of the minds thing is kinda fun... Maybe I should learn chess one day and put it to good use.

At that moment, The group felt a massive spiritual pressure that shook the Tenchuuren.

Ichigo: That is Senjumaru's Spiritual Pressure.

Yoruichi: It must be her Bankai.

Ganju: B-Bankai? I have never felt such strong Spiritual Pressure on the Bankai of other captains.

(Y/N): Well I guess that's what you can expect from a member of Squad Zero.

Orihime: Squad Zero that really important group right? The one that protects the Soul King.

Ichigo: That's right. The Zanpakuto, these outfits, and the new power that me and (Y/N) acquired was all thanks to Squad Zero. Anyway, they're all extraordinary.

Orihime: Given how powerful they are, they will prevail over the Quincies, right?

Ganju: That's right! It would be fantastic if they can defeat Yhwach and his army. We'd be home free!

Calavera: Yeah, let's hope these Squad Zero guys are kicking ass right now!

Meanwhile (Y/N) noticed missing spiritual pressures from Squad Zero.

(Y/N): Say Ichigo...

Ichigo: What is it?

(Y/N): We felt Senjumaru's Spiritual Pressure... But what about the others?

Ichigo: Now that you mention it... Besides Senjumaru, Osho's spiritual pressure is the only one there that belongs to Squad Zero.

(Y/N): You don't think the others lost, did you?

Ichigo: I'd hate to think they did. But what else could have happened?

Yoruichi: If that's the case then we'll need to be at our best. Matter of fact, we'll need to be over 110%. If you have any tricks up your sleeves, then use it the moment the opportunity presents itself.

Hearing this, Calavera clutched CJ tightly in her arms before looking at the stuffed animal.

Calavera: You heard her Junior. We didn't spend all that time training to hide behind the others.

(Y/N): You got some new technique that you never told me about?

Calavera: Something like that... Wiz said when she upgraded CJ, she gave her more than just battle mode.

(Y/N): Really? Why hasn't she told me about it?

Calavera: Well she said it would've been a surprise when I got strong enough to use it. We wouldn't have kept it a secret if we know something this serious was going to go down. Thankfully, training with Orihime and Chad made me a lot more used to it.

Orihime: We have Apacci and the others to thank for helping as well.

Yoruichi: Speaking of the gang back in Hueco Mundo, I hope you didn't forget the other thing Wiz told you to bring with you.

Calavera: Don't worry, I didn't forget.

Yoruichi: Good. What about the rest of you?

Nobody said anything but the mention of hidden abilities and techniques did remind (Y/N) of something he never got the chance to ask and inevitably forgot to ask Ichigo.

(Y/N): Since we're on the topic... Say Ichigo, do you remember Ulquiorra?

Ichigo: Of course I do. But what does he have to do with this?

(Y/N): I guess it slipped my mind but I guess it's better late than never to ask but did Ulquiorra ever mention anything about how to activate Segunda Etapa?

This caught the attention of both Ichigo and Orihime.

Ichigo: How do you know Ulquiorra had that ability?

(Y/N): Cien told me during our fight. Thanks to Roka's ability to store information in her Negacion threads, Cien got a hold of it and found out about its existence. My mom knew how to use it as well so they're probably the only two people in recorded history to actually use it. I was thinking that perhaps you'd have a clue since you fought someone who actually used it.

Ichigo: Sorry, but Ulquiorra never said anything. He only used it against me in hopes I fell into despair. He never spoke a word about how he achieved it. Sorry if I wasn't helpful.

(Y/N): It's okay. I'm sure I'll crack the code eventually.

Just then, the Tenchuuren crash landed into the Royal Palace. The abrupt landing caused everyone to tumble. Thankfully, Orihime caught everyone with Santen Kesshun before they could hit their heads on the hard ground.

...Well everyone except Ganju.



Orihime: I-I'm sorry, Ganju. You slipped right out of Santen Kesshun.

Ganju: Not a problem...

Everyone finally exited the Tenchuuren and looked around the Royal Palace. It was eerily silent and there's nobody present.

Chad: So quiet. What is going on? Is the battle over?

Everyone then spotted Ichibei in literal pieces.

Yoruichi: He's...

Chad: Is he from Squad 0?

(Y/N): Yeah, he's practically the leader of Squad Zero.

Orihime: I'll try to heal him!

Ganju: You can't! Not when he's blown to pieces like that!

(Y/N): If anyone can do it, it's Orihime.

As Orihime attempted to heal Ichibei, Ichigo began hearing a voice in his head.

"Ichigo."

Ichigo: Osho?

"Ichigo. Name..."

Chad: What's wrong?

Ichigo: I have no idea.

"Call out my name."

Ichigo: I heard his voice.

"Call out my name, Ichigo."

Ichigo: Your name?

...

...

Ichigo: Ichibe Hyosube.



At that moment, Ichibei's entire body pierced itself back together with no effort. The Monk was back in one piece.

Calavera: What kind of Eldritch horror are you?!

Ichibei however ignored Calavera's insult as he thanked Ichigo.

Ichibei: Oh, thank you!

Ichigo: What the hell! We thought you were dead!

Ichibei: Names hold all the power. Simply by having you call my name, I received your small amount of power and my body healed.

Ichigo: That's just too outrageous.

(Y/N): I agree, that almost sounds too good to be true...

Ichibei: Is it? With our power, it makes sense.

*ahem*

Ichibei: Ichigo. (Y/N). Please go and stop Yhwach. They have defeated Squad Zero. My body has been restored, but there is no time for me to regain my strength. No one else can stop him now. You don't have to kill him. Just stopping him will do. The Soul King holds the world together. If the Soul King were to die, the Human World, Hueco Mundo and Seireitei would all collapse and disappear. I am sorry to charge you two with such a mission. Please protect the Soul King.

Ichigo and (Y/N) answered with no hesitation.

Both: Okay.

The group ran towards the pillar where the Soul King resided. Orihime had used Santen Kesshun as a platform for everyone as she took everyone to the highest peak of the tower.

As the group left to find the Soul King, Ichibei spoke to himself.

"I'm sorry humans... You guys can't defeat Yhwach..."



"But do not fear... That is what all peace is like."

"Isn't that right? Yhwach."

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The team arrived at the room that held the Soul King and was met with Yhwach standing before them.

Yhwach: I've seen it all. You're here to stop me from killing the Soul King, aren't you?

Ichigo: You've seen it? What does that mean?

Orihime: Ichigo, that person seems a little off.

(Y/N): It's his eyes... What in the world happened to them?

Yhwach: I can see through everything. It is proof of being a real Quincy. Everything is under my control. Whether it's the future of the Soul King or your future.

Ichigo and (Y/N) wasted no time drawing their Zanpakuto.

Ichigo: You won't get away with it. We got this power to stop you.

(Y/N): We can't falter just because you gained new powers.

(Y/N) then transformed his Zanapkuto into its scythe form.

Yhwach: Two Zanpakuto? And a zanpakuto that changes forms? Let's see if you two can pierce me with your new Zanpakuto, or if they will simply break again.

https://youtu.be/bZi3DcT8ut8

Reishi emitted from Yhwach's palms as Ichigo and (Y/N) dashed towards him with their zanpakuto drawn. The two Shinigamis swung their swords which prompted Yhwach to block both attacks, one with each hand. Making contact with Yhwach's reishi caused an explosion that blew the two boys out of the shrine.

(Y/N) and Ichigo took flight and prepared their next attack right as Yhwach appeared out of thin air in front of them.

Ichigo: Getsuga Tenshou.

(Y/N): Hadō #73. Sōren Sōkatsui.

Both attacks sent Yhwach flying. Ichigo flash stepped behind Yhwach and attempted to sneak him but Yhwach managed to summon his Heilig Bogen in time to block Ichigo's attack. The two were locked into a stalemate before freefalling into Tenjiro's Kiridin. As the two were about to land, Ichigo took his second zanpakuto and attempted to stab Yhwach, however as the two landed Yhwach activated his Blut Vene to block the attack.

Yhwach: Your attempt was unsuccessful.

Ichigo attempted to strike again but was interrupted by Yhwach's next attack.

Yhwach: Sankt Bogen!

A giant bow made of reishi materialized and shot a Heilig Pfeil at Ichigo. Thankfully, (Y/N) was there to block the attack.

(Y/N): Bakudō #81. Dankū

The transparent barrier successfully blocked the attack. (Y/N) used this chance to restrain Yhwach.

(Y/N): You're up, Luppi!

Luppi emerged as his tentacles wrapped around each one of Yhwach's limbs.

Luppi: You're crazy if you believe I can hold him back!

(Y/N): You're just here for reassurance! Bakudō #75. Gochūtekkan!

Five Yellow energy orbs slipped through (Y/N)'s hands as they then surrounded Yhwach. Five pillars, connected by chains, then fell from the sky and trapped Yhwach in place. Luppi then released Yhwach as (Y/N) continued to cast more Bakudo spells.

(Y/N): Bakudō #73. Tōzanshō!

Another barrier covered the restraints that held Yhwach. (Y/N) then bit his index finger in order to draw blood. (Y/N) then charged a cero, and the blood from his index finger fused into the cero, creating a Gran Rey Cero.

(Y/N): Ichigo!

Ichigo: On it!

Ichigo then prepared a Getsuga Jujisho and fired it in conjunction with (Y/N)'s Gran Rey Cero. The two energy blasts made contact with the multiple barriers that contained Yhwach creating a massive explosion.

As the explosion cleared, the two Shinigami saw Yhwach standing in place with Blut Vene activated.

(Y/N): That technique is getting on my nerves...

Yhwach: Three chantless Kido incantations followed with two strong attacks. A mixture of creativity, strategy and power. You both have improved immensely. But it's not enough...

Yhwach summoned another Sankt Bogen towards (Y/N) this time while beelining towards Ichigo. (Y/N) caught each Heilig Pfeil with his bare hands and absorbed them one by one.

While that was happening Ichigo and Yhwach clashed blades around the Royal Palace.

Yhwach: What's the matter? Why don't you attack? With your level of skill, even a second of doubt could cause your death.

Ichigo: Is that so?

Yhwach then casted a spell all too familiar to Ichigo.

Yhwach: Qualkreis! Rest again in the dark, Ichigo.

Multiple Heilig Bogen surrounded Ichigo but Ichigo broke through them. Yhwach for the first time, was genuinely shocked.

Ichigo then charged another attack.

Ichigo: Getsuga...

Yhwach prepared a spell of his own.

Yhwach: Sankt Zwinger!

Just like he did to (Y/N) in their previous battle, Yhwach summoned his ultimate technique to block Ichigo's attack.

Ichigo: Jujisho!

Ichigo launched the cross-shaped energy blast. At the same time (Y/N) casted another spell.

(Y/N): Hadō #91. Senju Kōten Taihō

Ten energy orbs made contact from the other side of Yhwach's barrier and the two attacks easily destroyed it.

The others watched in amazement as Ichigo and (Y/N) seemingly went toe to toe with Yhwach.

Orihime: So, this is Ichigo and (Y/N)'s new power...

Calavera: I feel like we're out of our leagues here...

Meanwhile, (Y/N) and Ichigo's combined efforts sent Yhwach crashing to the ground yet again.

(End Song)

Ichigo: It's over, Yhwach.

(Y/N): I'd say "give up" but I know better than to think that'll happen. So let's end this.

Yhwach: I get it now. You have gotten stronger through training here. Ichigo, you in particular stepped onto the Irazusando under the supervision of Squad Zero, and after learning about the immortal memories and explanations of everything, you grew stronger. (Y/N), you soaked up as much information as you could from Ichibei Hyosube and trained fiercely with him, while also improving on the skills and techniques you already knew.

Ichigo: How do you know that?

(Y/N): He gathered that much intel by just fighting us...

Yhwach: Still, it is not enough. I still have not seen anything in the fight with you two.

Yhwach allowed the two shinigamis to look into his eyes. They both realized that Yhwach had not used the new abilities he gained against them.

Yhwach: The battle is just getting started. I will also take action right now!

https://youtu.be/8l92Dv507z8

Yhwach activated his Almighty ability as his pupils now gained an additional two pupils. Yhwach's spiritual energy rose exponentially, creating a pillar of energy and casting Qualkreis again.

(Y/N) summoned Cien who shot multiple Ceros at the Heilig Pfeils while Ichigo used a Getsuga Tenshou as a combined effort to combat the spell.

Both Ichigo and (Y/N) began to fight Yhwach but they couldn't touch him.

Yhwach: I've seen it. You two can't see any possible futures, can you?

(Y/N): Ichigo, its about time we both use Ban-

Before (Y/N) could finish his sentence, Yhwach grabbed both Ichigo and (Y/N) by the head. The two didn't hesitate to try attacking Yhwach again while in his grasp.

Yhwach: You can finally see the difference in our strength, yet you both still swing your blades at me? What fools.

Yhwach fired pure spiritual energy at Ichigo and (Y/N) that sent them flying into a nearby shrine. As the two boys tried to pull themselves out of the crater, Yhwach magically stood over them. Neither could react to Yhwach's appearance.

Yhwach: The more you swing your sword at me, the more hopeless you will feel.

Ichigo: We will defeat you and-

Yhwach: "-protect everything"? How many times do I need to say it? I have already seen all of your futures.

As Yhwach predicted, Ichigo swung his blade which didn't reach the King. In his own desperate attempt, (Y/N) tried swinging his scythe at Yhwach but that failed as well.

Yhwach then dragged (Y/N) and Ichigo through the multiple floors of the Soul King's shrine and threw them both to the ground.

(End Song)

(Meanwhile) In the Seireitei.

A few minutes before (Y/N) and co.'s arrival at the Royal Palace.

Tremors could be felt throughout the Soul Society.

Renji: It keeps shaking nonstop. What is going on?

Rukia: Urahara should know what is going on. Let's go to the Department of Research & Development.

Renji: Right.

Renji then pointed in the wrong direction

Renji: It's this way, right?

Rukia: It's this way, you idiot!

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On the other side of the Seireitei, Shinji and Soi-Fon, alongside Omaeda and Momo were on high ground as they felt the tremors.

Shinji: It's been shaking for quite a while.

Omaeda: I wonder if the other captains and lieutenants are okay?

Soi-Fon: Of course they are. You survived, didn't you?

Omaeda: I guess you're right... Wait...

Shinji then turned to Momo.

Shinji: Good job healing them.

Momo: Thank you!

Shinji: Too bad you couldn't fix her sharp tongue.

Momo: No...

Momo then remembered that Soi-Fon was still present and immediately apologize.

Momo: S-Sorry...

Soi-Fon didn't seem to take offence and decided to speak her mind.

Soi-Fon: This abnormal shaking and the changes in the air... What exactly is going on?

Shinji: It is pointless to think about it. Now stop yapping before we leave you behind.

Soi-Fon simply huffed and got a head start on the way to the Research and Development lab.

Shinji: Why are you running ahead? Geez, right when you think she's calmed down... I guess (Y/N) and Yoruichi really are the only two people that can get her to slow down...

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Rukia and Renji were on their way to the Squad 12 Laboratory to meet up with Urahara before they felt the spiritual pressure of Senjumaru's Bankai.

Renji: Hey, do you think Squad Zero may have been defeated?

Rukia: I'm uncertain. But it is likely that someone from Squad Zero is using Bankai or something similar to it to release such strong spiritual pressure that it even shakes the Seireitei.

Renji: So that's what's been shaking the Seireitei the entire time, huh?

Rukia: I hope that's it... I keep feeling uneasy. I hope the others are safe.

A small frown appeared on Rukia's face due to her concern for the group on their way to the Royal Palace.

Renji: Why do you look so gloomy? They're going to the Royal Palace with the intent of stopping Yhwach no matter what. We just need to believe them. We have nothing to worry about.

Rukia was pleasantly surprised at Renji's words of encouragement.

Rukia: I didn't know you could come up with good words of advice. I'm surprised.

Renji: You flatter me.

...

...

...

Renji: Huh? What do you mean by "surprised"?

Upon making their appearance to the Lab's entrance, Rukia and Renji found Shinji and Soi-Fon alongside their respective lieutenants.

Shinji: Everyone seems to have arrived at the research lab at the perfect time.

Renji: Yes sir... By the way, you look like hell. Are you alright?

Shinji was currently wrapped in bandages, mostly due to his second scuffle with the Sternritters.

Shinji: You kiddin' me? This is nothing.

"Of course he's fine!"

Renji and Rukia looked over to Omaeda who held his sister's unconscious body in his hands. Omaeda defended Shinji for Renji's comment (mostly due to Shini;s help getting his sister to safety).

Renji: Oh you're here too, Omaeda?

Omaeda: What're you, stupid?! Of course I'm here! Thanks to us and Captain Hirako using his zanpakuto's ability on the enemy at the very last moment , the enemy's attack veered and we were saved! So anybody who talks smack about Captain Hirako's will have to deal with me! I'll never forgive you!

Renji: Coming from the guy who called Captain Hirako an outsider and talked the most smack when he first arrived... By the way, why'd you bring your sister to a place like this?

Omaeda: You idiot! She just fell asleep! Stop your bellyaching! You're gonna wake her up!

Soi-Fon intervened by hitting Omaeda in his side to shut him up as he was the most boisterous one in the group.



Soi-Fon: You're the one that needs to shut up.

Omaeda: U...Ugh... Sorry about that...

Soi-Fon: The wounds that the girl and I received from the enemy have just finally healed thanks to lieutenant Hinamori's hard work.

Soi-Fon referred to Mareyo's wounds from BG9 and her own wounds from her fight with Bambietta. Soi-Fon continued her explanation to Renji.

Soi-Fon: He couldn't leave her amidst this battle, could he? Cut him some slack.

Renji: Y-yes Ma'am!

Renji then moved closer to Rukia and whispered.



Renji: *whisper* Captain Soi-Fon's really mellowed out...

Rukia: *whisper* She's always been nice.

Renji: *whisper* Are we talking about the same Captain? She was uptight before. (Y/N) definitely did something...

Rukia: *whisper* Something? Like what?

Soi-Fon interrupted the two lietuenant's conversation.

Soi-Fon: C'mon. Enough with the chit chat. Let's go inside.

Renji: Is everyone inside?

Shinji: Who knows? "All captains and lieutenants convene even if you must disengage from whomever you're fighting." I'm sure everybody came as fast as they could.

Soi-Fon opened the door to the laboratory and was met with a visual spectacle of light.







Yushiro made it a point to introduce himself to the group.

Yushiro: It's an honor to meet you all! I'm Yushiro Shihoin! I appreciate all you've done for my sister!

Soi-Fon: Yoruichi's younger brother! You've grown so much!

Urahara: Yushiro, please don't leave your post!

Yushiro: Yes sir!



As that interaction was happening, Shinji looked around and noticed a lack of Captains and their lieutenants.

Shinji: Where is everybody? What's going on, Kisuke?

Urahara: Squad 7 asked that they be allowed to act independently due to captain Komamura's injuries. They refused our offer to send a medic team. Captain Kuichiki informed us that the Captains of Squads 3 and 9 will be linking up with Squad 12. But knowing Captain Kurotsuchi, they'll join us eventually. He'll suffer like the rest of us if Soul Society disappears. Squad 11 Captain and Squad 9 lieutenant as well as Mr. Madarame and Mr. Ayasegawa of Squad 11 is receiving emergency care in the room behind us. Three of them will be alright, but Captain Zaraki is severely wounded. The Head Captain has some business at Central 46... However, we haven't been able to reach both the Captain and Lieutenant of Squad 10.

Urahara gave an entire rundown on the situation by far leaving Shinji with an annoyed expression.

Shinji: What a mess... So what were you intending on doing when you got them all here?

Urahara: I wanted to storm the Royal Palace.



Everyone was surprised at Urahara's plan.

Shinji: Can we do that?

Urahara: We can. We should be able to with the Tenshiheiso Mr. Yushiro brought and the pedestal Captain Kurotsuchi built. And with the immense spiritual energy of the assembled Captains.

As Urahara said that, Shinji heard the doors of the Treatment room open.

Shinji: Hey I think they're done, Kisuke.

Ukitake was the first one to leave the room with Isane, Hanataro, Kiyone, Sentaro, Ikkaku and Yumichika right behind him.

Ukitake: We're down with tertiary care! Give these guys a pat on the back!

Shinji turned around at the sound of Ukitake's voice.

Shinji: Ukitake?! What're you doing?! I thought you needed treatment?!

Ukitake: What are you talking about? If I'm feeling good, I can help with treatment! I'm weak to begin with, so I'm quite familiar with the ways of treatment! At any rate, everybody except Captain Zaraki has recovered enough to be active again. Thanks to Lieutenant Kotetsu and 3rd seat Yamada. Thank you!

Hanataro: Please! All we did was...

Isane: If it weren't for your precise instructions...

Urahara: Well it's great to see everyone is ready to go... Now then... We should be ready to start any minute now...

Back with (Y/N) and co. in the Royal Palace.

The Soul King's shrine was slowly crumbling as (Y/N) and Ichigo struggled to get back on their feet.

Yhwach stared at Ichigo specifically.

Yhwach: You must have seen it too. A world that was once eternal. The darkness that threatened eternity. The power of the Soul King that drove away darkness. However, even though he possesses the power to overturn the world, he is used to keep the world stable. He saw through all the things in the three realms. With those wise eyes, he gazed into the future in a thousand years. Even the misfortune of the Quincies was seen by the Soul King Adnyeus. He saw it all, yet he abandoned the Quincies. Us Quincies were almost wiped out twice because we didn't fit into the world's rules. So, I have chosen my own path. That is to kill my father, and create a new world.

Ichigo and (Y/N) got to their feet as they bled. (Y/N)'s body healed itself, which gave (Y/N) time to heal Ichigo with Kaidou. Ichigo in the meantime raised his sword.

Yhwach: Why do you want to draw your sword at me?

Ichigo: We're here to stop you. and protect the Soul Society, the World of the Living, and Hueco Mundo.

Yhwach: The Quincy blood within you will deny the Soul King's existence.

https://youtu.be/VAKddGJOfBo

Ichigo leaped towards Yhwach and prepared to launch a Getsuga Tensho, but the Quincy King simply put his hand out and blocked the attack.

Yhwach: Do you intend to protect everything? So arrogant. Don't tell me that you think you are the only one who can do it.

Ichigo: Others may be able to do it, but I can't just ignore it and run away. Besides, I didn't come to fight this battle alone.

Without looking, Yhwach stuck his other arm behind him and stopped (Y/N)'s sneak attack attempt, with his zanpakuto now in sword form.

Yhwach: You know very well that the King is just a sacrifice to keep the Soul Society stable, but you still want to protect him and fight me?

"You sure like to talk."

In seconds, Yhwach was surrounded by thin wire. The trap was set by Yoruichi. The moment the trap was set, (Y/N) activated Shunko, disappearing into the shadows to escape the trap himself.

Yoruichi: Touching it will tear and cut you. Don't move. Tenshiheiso, Hissakikumoi.

Yhwach didn't care as blue flames erupted and burned the wire. Some of the flames fell on the curtain behind him.

Yhwach: I have seen everything, including your meeting with the monk, helping him revive, appearing here under his deception, and the fact that you arrived too late.

The curtains were now completely burnt and revealed the Soul King with a sword in his chest. Everyone was surprised.

Calavera: Is that the Soul King?

Ganju: Have you really killed the Soul King?

Yoruichi: No, he's still alive.

Ichigo then dashed past Yhwach and grabbed the sword that impaled the Soul King.

Yhwach: Pull it out. If it's you, you can do it.

Ichigo slowly began to pull the sword out, however (Y/N) heard Yhwach's comment and didn't like the sound of it.

(Y/N): *thinking* Whatever he's planning, we shouldn't go along with it.

(Y/N): Ichigo, stop! Yhwach's planning something! Let the sword go!

Yhwach: Pull out that sword.

To Ichigo, he couldn't hear a single thing as his mind was focused on one thing.

Save the Soul King.

(Y/N) noticed Ichigo didn't respond and decided that he'd have to stop Ichigo himself.

(Y/N): Bakudō #4. H-

Yhwach grabbed (Y/N)'s arm as he predicted the shinigami's attempt to help his friend. Yhwach then twisted his arm in an attempt to break it, but (Y/N) resisted.

Yhwach: I've predicted you'd help Ichigo as well. Know that you could have never prevented this from happening, (Y/N).

Ichigo then removed the sword from the Soul King.

Yhwach: Now Ichigo, destroy the Soul Society with your own hands.

The moment Ichigo removed the sword from the Soul King, Ichigo's body moved by itself. Ichigo's right side of his body began to show the patterns of Blut Vene as he became controlled by Yhwach.

Yhwach: I have seen it, Ichigo. The Quincy blood within you will absolutely deny the existence of the Soul King. It can't. It won't. Since you have the blood of a Quincy, you must kill the Soul King!

As Ichigo battled himself for control, (Y/N) was trying to find a way to stop Ichigo.

(Y/N): *thinking* Captain Unohana... I'm going to need your help.

"What is it?"

(Y/N): *thinking* You can reattach limbs with your Kaidou, can you? I know you can if you were able to heal Hiyori after she was cut in half by Gin. So I'll need you to heal Ichigo... I'm going to cut off the arm that's being possessed.

"Understood."

(Y/N) was still being restrained by Yhwach, so in a desperate attempt to put his plan in motion, (Y/N) used his free hand to throw his zanpakuto towards Ichigo.

Yhwach: Futile attempt after futile attempt. When will you learn?

(Y/N)'s zanpakuto was unfortunately parried by Ichigo due to Yhwach's control. Due to Yhwach's Almighty, he saw through all of (Y/N)'s plans and because of that, Ichigo was successful in cutting down the Soul King.

Yhwach then threw (Y/N) into the group behind him as he walked towards Ichigo.

Yhwach: Well done, my boy. I've transferred to you the spiritual pressure hidden in the sword. That power has awakened your blood. Your actions, your will, and everything else about you are linked to my will. To completely destroy the Soul King's seal, one must simultaneously have Quincy, Human, Shinigami, Fullbringer, and Hollow powers.

(Y/N): *thinking* So that's why he was so focused on Ichigo... Damn it...

Yhwach: You awakened as a Shinigami and gained your true power just for this moment, when the life of the Soul King is ended before my eyes. This is the future I've seen.

As Yhwach finished his monologue, the entire three realms shook as the consequences of the Soul King's death made itself known.

Yhwach: Come, Ichigo. Let us watch the end of the Soul Society together.

(End Song)

Meanwhile In the Seireitei.

The shockwave caused by the Soul King's death caused the ceiling of the R&D lab to collapse. Once the initial tremor ended everyone got to their feet, pondering on what was going on.

Urahara: What's this? Is the Soul King dead?

Shinji: No way, what is Squad Zero doing?

Akon: What is going to happen now?

Urahara: One thing is certain... at this rate the Seireitei will... No. The Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the Human World will all be destroyed.

Renji: Isn't there something we can do?!

Ukitake had a serious look on his face before he took a step forward. A shadowy aura started to envelope him.

Ukitake: I will take the Soul King's Place.



To be continued.

Fun fact: The rock paper scissors scene at the beginning of the chapter was just one big reference to the same scene in No Game No Life Episode 2 (Because I just love the anime. I should read the manga at some point.)

Next few chapters should be just as intense as this one.