Everyone walked out of the R&D Lab to see the amount of destruction caused by Aizen's Kurohitsugi.

Hisagi: What power... Even the debris is gone.

Gin: Captain Aizen's power hasn't dulled one bit... It's honestly quite scary.

Urahara: Unbelievable... A Kurohitsugi without an incantation caused this much destruction... He may have become more powerful than when he fought Kurosaki.

Renji: Are you saying he got stronger even while he was detained in Muken? Damn monster!

Meanwhile Aizen simply grunted as he was still stuck in the chair that binded him.

Aizen: What do you know... It's still intact despite being struck by my Kurohitsugi. Not surprising given that it's built the same way as the cross in Muken. It's quite a chair.

Renji: He purposely aimed it at himself?!

Soi-Fon: There's no time to talk. We must destroy the canopy.

Aizen: That won't be necessary. The gravity from Kurohitsugi created a fissure in the canopy. All I need is to strike it with my Spiritual Pressure and it will collapse.

A gust of wind picked up.

Aizen: Those things earlier were a torrent of Yhwach's power. They likely poured out while trying to absorb the Soul King's power.

Urahara: What makes you say that?

Aizen: Can't you sense the change in Yhwach's Spiritual Pressure? It means even the Quincy King will need time to fully contain the Soul King's power.

Azashiro: He's right. I've seen what happened in the Royal Palace. Yhwach is now in possession of the Soul King's power.

Renji: Are you serious?

Rukia: Then we need a way to get to the Royal Palace!

Urahara: There is. But we need—

Aizen: If you have business at the Royal Palace, I will shoot it down for you.



Aizen's spiritual pressure shot up as he attempted to shoot down the Royal Palace

Renji: Shoot down the Royal Palace?! No way! Is that even possible?!

Aizen's spiritual pressure suddenly came to halt as he looked up in surprise when realized that his spiritual pressure didn't reach the Royal Palace.

Kyoraku: It's useless. Those restraints don't eliminate your Spiritual Pressure. It only keeps it near your body. But its power to restrain it is immensely strong. You're looking at the embodiment of Soul Society technology. Have some respect. Isn't that right, Captain Kurotsuchi?

Mayuri walked onto the scene with Nemu next to him.

Mayuri: Those restraints were never designed to eliminate Spiritual Pressure. All of our efforts were spent on restraining Spiritual Pressure along with the body. I control the extent. Did you really believe your power exceeded my technology? How naïve of you, Sosuke Aizen. I don't care if you can shoot the Royal Palace down or not. However, it would be humiliating for me to see you do such a thing while in my restraints.

Aizen: In that case, how about setting it to maximum? Let's see which is superior; your technology or my power—

Aizen was interrupted by a sneak attack. And by a Sternritter no less.



"Sorry, but I've thoroughly observed your Spiritual Pressure. I don't know if it's because of that black suit of yours but your Spiritual Pressure is full of holes."

NaNaNa was standing on top of a building.

NaNaNa: As long as I can measure its distribution I can poke the holes and strip you naked! Especially on someone that can't move. It's easier than ripping the legs off a chicken!

NaNaNa launched a successful attack on Aizen. However, Aizen was simply stunned. This surprised NaNaNa.

NaNaNa: No way, you're still conscious? You really are a monster.

Backup came has Bambietta, Giselle, Liltotto and Bazz-B met up with NaNaNa.

NaNaNa: No matter. I neutralized your Spiritual Pressure. You won't be able to move for a while. We can't have you shoot down the Royal Palace. Just sit tight and watch.

Kyoraku: Oh, great. What a perfect time for the enemies to show up.

Kyoraku turned to Urahara.

Kyoraku: Urahara. You guys get started on building the gate to the Royal Palace. We'll handle things out here.

Azashiro and Gin walked to Kyoraku's side in preparation to fight the last remaining Sternritters.

Urahara: Good luck. We'll do our best as well.

As Urahara ran back to the R&D Lab, Soi-Fon and Mayuri stayed back to help Kyoraku and the other Muken residents to fight. A large number of zombified Court Guard officers then began to rise due to Giselle's ability.

Mayuri: I'm surprised you're still alive, zombie girl. I guess it takes a zombie to control another zombie.

Giselle simply taunted Mayuri.



Kyoraku then spoke to the Quincies in a casual tone.

Kyoraku: Say, Quincies! We agree with you about not wanting the Royal Palace shot down. Perhaps you've come to help us?

NaNaNa: Of course not. We can't have the Royal Palace shot down while His Majesty is still there.

Kyoraku: Right, of course. Then I guess we have no choice but to fight.

NaNaNa: Do you think you can take us on? I've already observed all of you, so my—

NaNaNa was cut off as he was shot. The person who shot him was none other than Bazz-B.

NaNaNa: B-Bazz-B...what...?

NaNaNa collapsed to the ground as he fell unconscious.

Kyoraku: I'm confused.

Bazz-B: We'll give you a hand.

The remaining Sternritters went to ground level to speak face to face with Kyoraku.

Bazz-B: The Wandenreich exists in the shadows of the Seireitei. Like you, we can't have the Royal Palace fall and destroy the Seireitei.

Mayuri: And that's why you're helping us? You expect us to believe that?

Bazz-B: I didn't ask you to believe us. Nor did I say it was without a price. I'm saying we want something in return.

Liltotto: A cease-fire. We won't get in your way. Or let the other Sternritters either.

Bazz-B: In return, take us with you to the Royal Palace. We're going to go kill Yhwach for abandoning us!

Kyoraku: I see.

(Meanwhile) In Hueco Mundo

Wiz, Lilynette, Nelliel, and Roka stood at the meeting spot where she and the rest of the arrancars were supposed to enter the Soul Society. Wiz had a massive bag of items sat beside her as she tapped her foot impatiently.

Wiz: He's late...

Nelliel: I'm sure he'll be here soon.

Roka: Should I search for him?

Wiz: No. If he isn't here in five minutes, we'll leave without him. We can't stay here longer than necessary. The longer we stay here, the more danger the others will find themselves in.

"Oi, we got word from Grimmjow. He'll be here any minute!"

The four female arrancars heard Apacci yell as she ran towards them.

Wiz: Good. Then we should open the Garganta. Once we do, be prepared for battle. There's a good chance we'll be in the middle of battle in the Royal Palace.

Lilynette: Then let's kick some ass.

Mila Rose: We can't be there to help out so put in a little extra work for us, will you?

Sung-Sun: We'll hold down the fort on this side.

Nelliel: Will do!

Grimmjow finally made his appearance as he cracked his knuckles.

Grimmjow: Alright, lead the way.

Wiz: No "Hello, sorry I'm late"? The fight could very well be over after how long you took. What were you doing anyway?

Grimmjow: Last minute training.

Wiz: That would've been more effective if you trained with us.

Grimmjow: Your training was for those brats from the World of the Living. They'd have held me back.

Wiz: You could've learned a thing or two from them. But that's enough chit chat. I'm opening the link to the Soul Society. Be prepared for anything.

Wiz began to open the Garganta as she and the other Arrancars took a step in.

Back in the Seireitei.

The Court Guard was preparing their gateway to the Royal Palace. Aizen was then recovering from NaNaNa's ability.

Kyoraku: You can move already?

Aizen: To say I can "move" would be a bit misleading. Now's your chance to kill me.

Kyoraku: You're kidding, right? If it were that easy, I'd have killed you ages ago. Seriously... You got struck by that attack while having your Spiritual Pressure suppressed... and all it did was immobilize you for five minutes or so. I almost feel sorry for that fallen Quincy over there.

Kyoraku said, referring to NaNaNa.

Aizen: That was the first time I've ever been immobilized for five minutes. There's no reason for you to feel bad for him.

Kyoraku: Good point... Well, if you're not in top shape yet, then do me a favor and stay put for a while until the gate's ready.

As Kyoraku walked off, Aizen found himself in front of another visitor.

Aizen: I guess we haven't had the time to speak since being released from Muken, haven't we, Gin?

Gin simply smiled.

Gin: It's been two years. It's nice to see you "Captain Aizen". I must say, this is quite the getup. It suits you.

Gin said with notable sarcasm. Aizen simply smirked.

Aizen: You came to kick me while I'm down, I see.

Gin: I won't say I care too much about what happens to you, but if we're going to work together then I'll hold my tongue. I just felt the need to get that initial thought off of my chest.

Aizen: Is that so? It's good to see you're still the same as always, Gin.

Gin: I know that you don't really care, but I appreciate that you at least tried feigning your feelings of my value.

Gin then turned around.

Gin: I spoke about getups earlier but I feel the need to bring it up. When did you find the time to get a change of clothes between your release and now?

Gin looked on as Azashiro approached the other two members of Muken. While he was arrested in his Shihakusho and Captain's cloak, Azashiro was now wearing more noble garbs.



Azashiro: I asked the Head Captain if he'd allow me to change into more appropriate clothing. I was only allowed into the Court Guard Squad after gaining the title of Kenpachi. Now that my title as Kenpachi has been revoked I believed it was more fitting the garbs I wore prior to my standing as Captain of Squad 11.

Gin: Huh. You're a weird guy, I'll say that. But whatever floats your boat. So what now? After you serve your time in Muken, are you thinking of rebuilding the Azashiro clan or will you try your luck at becoming Kenpachi again?

Azashiro: I've thought about it, but I've decided to leave the title behind. I have no need for it anymore. I will still try my hand at becoming a Shinigami. After all, I made a promise that I would.

Gin: A promise, huh? To whom exactly.

Azashiro: I would rather keep that a secret.

Gin: Fair enough.

Azashiro: We're wasting time with small talk. We should be getting prepared to open the gate to the Royal Palace.

Gin: Right, right. Let's do that.

Meanwhile

After his talk with Aizen, Kyoraku then made an announcement to every Shinigami available.

"Attention all members of the 13 Court Guard Squads. All able personnel please report immediately to the site of the Department of R&D. I need all of your help. I need to borrow your Spiritual Pressure!"

Every Shinigami that heard this announcement made their way to the laboratory. Even Kenpachi, who only just recovered from his fight with Gremmy and the Bambies, found the strength to leave his bed.

Yumichika: Captain!

Kenpachi: Where's Yachiru?

Yumichika: Our men are out looking for her, but still no word...

Kenpachi simply gave a grunt of understanding before leaving to find Yachiru himself. However, Nanao stepped in front of him.

Kenpachi: Move.

Nanao: The other officers will find her faster than if you went yourself, Captain Zaraki. Most importantly, your power is absolutely necessary to build the gate. You should be focusing on the task at hand. Am I wrong, Captain Zaraki?

Nanao and Kenpachi had a staredown before Kenpachi conceded.

Kenpachi: You're right. Our guys can probably find her faster.

"That's quite the response. I don't think I would've heard a response that mature coming from you Zaraki."

Kenpachi turned around and saw Azashiro.

Kenpachi: The hell? What are you doing out and about?

Azashiro: I hate to repeat myself but I guess it's understandable if you've only just woken up. But I've been released to assist you all in battle.

Kenpachi: Is that right? Well I guess there's no problem having someone strong on our side as long as you aint gettin' in the way of my battle.

Azashiro: That was a more fitting response that I was expecting. I'll be sure to stay out of your way.

.

.

.

Gin was looking around in search of someone, though it seems he was out of luck. Gin then turned around as he heard someone speak behind him.

"Your mind seems occupied about something."

Gin saw Soi-Fon standing behind him.

Gin: Captain Soi-Fon. Now you're someone I didn't think I'd find myself interacting with.

Soi-Fon: You seem to be searching for someone. Can I assume you're looking for lieutenant Matsumoto?

Gin: Guilty as charged. Does that mean you know where she is?

Soi-Fon: You're better off asking Captain Kurotsuchi. One of our new... "acquaintances" got a hold of Captain Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Matsumoto. Captain Kurotsuchi is most likely curing them of their ailment as we speak.

Gin: I see. You saved me the trouble of looking around. I can't say I can ease your worries about (Y/N) but as thanks, I'll point you in the direction of someone who can.

Gin said before directing Soi-Fon's attention to Azashiro who was conversing with Kenpachi.

Gin: Good ol' Azashiro over there said he saw what happened in the Royal Palace. If (Y/N) and Ichigo aren't here, then the only guess I have of their whereabouts are there. He can probably fill you in on what went down.

Soi-Fon: Who said I was curious about (Y/N)?

Gin: You hold that same "don't care" expression on your face all the time but I can tell something was eating away at you.

Soi-Fon: I should've known someone who's as two-faced as you would be able to tell... but thanks.

Soi-Fon walked away as she went to speak with Azashiro.

.

.

.

Azashiro had to admit. Ever since his release, he's had some of the most genuine interactions he's had in years. After the initial concern of his release, His interaction with Zaraki opened conversations with a lot more people as they prepared for the gate's opening. Azashiro wasn't one for lengthy conversations but he was experiencing quite a lot of them in such a short amount of time.

And there was another one coming. Azashiro watched as Soi-Fon approached him.

Azashiro: We meet again, Captain Soi-Fon.

Soi-Fon: I've had the time to come to terms with the situation at hand. And I'd like to say thank you for coming to our aid.

Azashiro: Think nothing of it. It's the logical thing to do.

Soi-Fon: We're going to be fighting huge threats, so it's understandable if you want to sit this one out.

Azashiro: I've let fear control my actions in the past, but not today. I'm sure it's the same for all of you.

Soi-Fon: Right. Then let me ask you this. What did you see at the Royal Palace? Is it something we can reasonably beat?

Azashiro: I'm not sure. Both Ichigo and (Y/N) lost against Yhwach and that was before he absorbed the Soul King.

Soi-Fon: (Y/N) lost?

Azashiro: Not just to Yhwach, but to a man that (Y/N) called his grandfather.

Soi-Fon: Is that supposed to be some sort of joke?

Azashiro: Far from it. I felt the same confusion as you did. The man in question was just as confused as we are as well.

Soi-Fon: So what's the condition of everyone in the Royal Palace right now?

Azashiro: Ichigo and (Y/N) are unconscious but still breathing. Orihime Inoue seems to be treating their wounds as we speak.

Soi-Fon: Then they'll survive. As long as they aren't targeted again.

Soi-Fon then heard Kyoraku get the attention of everyone.

Kyoraku: Everyone... Thank you all for gathering. The enemy has ascended to the Royal Palace and it appears that Yhwach has stolen the Soul King's power. That's right. The Soul Society, no, the whole world, is on the brink of destruction. At the moment, we do not know the status of Ichigo's group or Squad Zero. That leaves us with one mission... to stop Yhwach at all costs. Do you understand? Past grudges are irrelevant now. This is our fight. What is it that you risk your lives for? Only if we protect the world will there be a path for the Court Guards. So let's protect this world in the name of the 13 Court Guard Squads!

Everyone cheered as Kyoraku raised their morale to enter the Royal Palace. Urahara then stepped up to speak.

Urahara: We're about to create a gate that connects this place with the Royal Palace. In other words we will be storming the Royal Palace.

"Okay! Are you damn Soul Reapers ready?!"

Hiyori and the remaining Vizards came rolling in with a container of sorts. Shinji, who was in the front row, was in shock.

Shinji: Hiyori?! What the hell are you doing here?

Hiyori: We're here cuz you forced us to run your damn errands, remember?! Stop asking dumb questions, you damn baldy!

Shinji: Huh? I ain't bald, so I don't know what you're talkin' about!

Hiyori: Yeah, yeah, whatever! I'll ignore the loud one with the bowl cut!

Shinji then leaned over to Soi-Fon.

Shinji: Hear that, Soi Fon? She's ignoring you.

Soi-Fon: This is not a bowl cut. I'll kill you.



Hiyori then began filling the area with a liquid that looked like water.

Rukia: It doesn't feel wet...

Urahara: This substance formed from the distortion between the Soul Society, the Precipice World, and the World of the Living. It is the source of energy we'll need to head into the Royal Palace.

Once Urahara was done explaining, Hiyori finished up preparations.

Hiyori: It's done.

Urahara: Good. Love, Lisa, Hachi, Hiyori... You'll find your Shihakusho in the autopsy room. Go get changed so you can join us.

Hiyori: Huh? Wha—!

Love picked up Hiyori before she could argue differently.

Love: Got it.

Hiyori: Hey! I haven't agreed to anything yet! Let go of me, Love!

Love: Stop your whining. Rose, Shinji, Mashiro, and Kensei are putting their lives on the line. We can't just leave like it's none of our business.



Love's words forced Hiyori to concede in the one sided argument as he decided to help out. As Vizards went to change into their Shihakusho, Urahara began to open the gateway to the Royal Palace.

Urahara: We can only use this method while Kurosaki has torn a hole in the membrane. There might not be a way to return.

Soi-Fon: Seriously? You're telling us this now?

Urahara: I'm sorry. Please don't get so worked up.

Soi-Fon: That's not it! Your disrespect for assuming we would cower if you had told us the truth is what upsets me, Kisuke Urahara! You were once a member of the 13 Court Guards. You should know better!

Rukia: We all feel the same way about fighting for the Court Guards.

Kenpachi: Respect? Fighting for the Court Guards? I don't care about any of that or if we can get back or not. All I care about is to go and crush those bastards. So stop wasting our time. Let's go already.

Urahara: You're right. Let's get going... together.

As the group prepared to leave, Aizen watched from the sidelines.

Aizen: Soul Reapers and Quincies joining forces So they can protect the Soul Society together? No... It's because they happen to share a common goal... to catch up and destroy the very enemy you're going after. Ironic... that the ones who stopped me... would enter the Royal Palace before me.

To be continued.

A lot of interactions between characters in this chapter. the next few chapters will be like this until we get to the Wahrwelt battles.

I'm also closing in on the 200 chapter limit so I'll have to make a new book for the rest of the story, which will consist of CFYOW, (possibly) WE DO knot ALWAYS LOVE YOU (haven't read it to know if it has any information that's I could realistically add to the story), the Epilogue, and possibly a what if that takes thousands of years in the future after the story ends.

So yeah, expect the second book to be updated after I'm done writing Cour 3. Cour 4 (aka the rest of the manga) and onwards will be in the new book.

I may create it sometime this week so it can give everyone time to add it to their libaries so they aren't suddenly blindsided by the abrupt stop of uploads to this one.