[Soul Society Arc] Part 94: The Difference Between You and Me

In the heated clash between Ichigo and Byakuya, after Ichigo successfully provoked the captain, he achieved his desired outcome. Byakuya chose to unleash his Bankai. The captain gracefully drops his zanpakutō and the blade seamlessly phased into the ground, mimicking a tranquil pool of water. Energy ripples emanated outward, casting an ominous darkness over the surrounding area. In a matter of seconds, two rows of a thousand towering blades emerged from the ground, creating a breathtaking and imposing spectacle.

Byakuya: "Bankai..." - His voice resonated with a calm authority as the countless blades formed a formidable array. - "Senbonzakura Kageyoshi." - The thousand swords scattered, and an uncountable number of ethereal blades soared towards Ichigo.

Ichigo attempted to face Byakuya's Bankai with his Zangetsu, but it didn't take long for him to be overwhelmed by the countless blades. The teenager was quite battered but didn't seem angered by the situation.

Ichigo: "It was a stupid move... thinking I could take down your Bankai with just my Shikai..." - He voiced his realization while rising to his feet.

Byakuya: "Choose your words carefully, boy... you imply you've already reached Bankai level..."

Ichigo: "Yeah... that's exactly what I mean, Byakuya Kuchiki!" - He retorted with a smirk. - "So I don't have to repeat myself... I'll just show you..." - He pointed his Zanpakutō forward. - "This is my Bankai." - Gripping the Zanpakutō with both hands, the white band coiled around Ichigo's right arm, and his Reiatsu surged dramatically. - "BAN–KAI!!!"

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Ichigo's transformation unfolded, the spiritual pressure escalating, and the very essence of his power unveiling itself.

The colossal explosion of Reiatsu summoned forth an immense curtain of swirling smoke. As the ethereal veil dispersed with the breeze, it unveiled Ichigo in a transformative new guise. Ichigo's Bankai compressed his sword into a daitō with a sleek black blade. The cross guard now boasted four prongs meticulously bent into the distinctive shape of the manji "卍". Replacing the cloth from his Shikai form, a short chain dangled from the hilt's base, bearing a broken link at its end.

In tandem with the metamorphosed sword, Ichigo's attire underwent a profound change. His robe, a visual echo of Zangetsu himself, transformed into a long-sleeved, ankle-length black shihakushō with vibrant red lining. The garment, closed at his chest, cascaded into ragged ends, exuding an air of raw power and formidable presence.

Ichigo: "Tensa Zangetsu" - His words resonated with newfound authority as he declared the name of his Bankai.

**

The battlefield crackled with a tangible tension as the lithe forms of Soi Fon and Tatsuki engaged in a dance of combat, each movement driven by profound emotions and lingering wounds. Soi Fon and Tatsuki positioned themselves on opposite ends, ready to clash. As the confrontation loomed, emotions welled up in Soi Fon's eyes, revealing a mixture of pain and determination. In contrast, Tatsuki maintained a stoic and focused expression, her eyes reflecting a resolve.

Soi Fon: "Yoruichi must have trained you to fill the void she left when she departed." - Her words carried a bitter undertone, a hint of resentment echoing in the air.

Tatsuki: "This isn't about substitution. Yoruichi-sama saw potential in me, just as she saw in you in the past." - Tatsuki's response held a sense of unwavering determination, her gaze fixed on Soi Fon with a mix of respect and understanding.

Soi Fon surged forward with surprising speed, unleashing a barrage of swift strikes. However, Tatsuki skillfully dodged each attack, showcasing enhanced agility. Tatsuki retaliated with a powerful strike, and Soi Fon struggled to block, feeling the weight of the formidable assault.

Tatsuki: "The only thing I had to learn from Yoruichi-sensei... was to overcome my limitations!" - Her voice echoed with unwavering conviction. - "You're strong, Senpai... I'm sure of that... because I see the limitations you impose on yourself."

Soi Fon: "Shut up!!"

Soi surged forward, unleashing a forceful punch that Tatsuki skillfully intercepted. In response, the tomboy retaliated with a punch of her own, and a gripping struggle ensued as Soi Fon and Tatsuki locked hands.

Soi Fon: "Quit talkin' like you know me!! I'm stronger than you!!!"

She shouted, her voice echoing with a mix of frustration and defiance. Tatsuki couldn't be certain if the words were solely directed at her or if they were a manifestation of Soi Fon's inner turmoil.

Soi Fon: "You shouldn't be a problem for me!!! I should have surpassed you!! Centuries of isolation should have weakened you while I grew more powerful!!" - The intensity of Soi Fon's frustration reverberated through her words as she continued to express her inner conflict. - "So how?! How can you still stand before me!!! Am I so worthless that you won't even face me yourself and let this human do it?!!"

Tatsuki felt her own frustration growing in response to Soi Fon's relentless assertions.

Soi Fon: "Is this all some game to show how much you outclass me?! Answer me, Yoruichi!!!!!" - The severity in the captain's expression intensified, reflecting a complex mix of emotions, from anger to a desperate need for answers.

Tatsuki released Soi Fon's hand, her intent clear as she prepared to throw a punch at the captain, hoping to bring an end to the escalating rage. However, an unexpected surge of wind enveloped Soi Fon, and in a sudden outburst of anger, the captain drove her Suzumebachi into Tatsuki's stomach. The force of the strike was so overwhelming that, despite not aiming for a Hōmonka, Soi Fon's hand plunged deep into the tomboy's abdomen.

Yoruichi: "Tatsuki!!" - Yoruichi's voice reverberated with a mix of concern and urgency, poised to intervene.

Tatsuki: "Don't interfere!!!!" - Tatsuki's response carried a potent mix of determination and pain. Blood now flowed from her mouth as she clutched her stomach, the physical toll of Soi Fon's attack evident on her face.

Soi Fon: "I didn't want to use this on you, human..." - She spoke in a calmer yet breathless tone, the intensity of the battle evident in the pauses between her words. A swirling aura of wind enveloped her form, emphasizing the gravity of what she was about to unleash. - "I developed this technique recently... a combination of Hakuda and Kidō. You should feel honored. I intended to use this technique against Yoruichi... I haven't even named it yet..."

Tatsuki observed a shift in Soi Fon's demeanor. For the first time in the entire fight, Soi Fon was entirely focused on her, so she remained silent during the captain's words.

Soi Fon: "You really think you can surpass centuries of training and dedication?"

Tatsuki: "It's not about surpassing. It's about evolving. Not just in battle, but as a person..." - Tatsuki's words carried a weight of resilience and determination, punctuated by the rhythm of her labored breaths. - "And you're stuck in the past..." - Despite the stabbing pain in her stomach, she maintained a defiant posture, eyes fixed on Soi Fon. - "So at least answer me this... why have you held onto so much resentment all these years...?" - The question lingered in the charged atmosphere, an inquiry that cut through the clash of physical blows, exposing the emotional core of their confrontation.

Soi Fon: "I admired her…" - She spoke suddenly, her expression inscrutable. - "She meant everything to me… I was elated…even in battle…I was happy…I would have died over and over again for her…"

The captain's anger threatened to resurface as Tatsuki observed her in silence.

Soi Fon: "Until one day she vanished from my life… without saying goodbye." - A palpable bitterness tainted Soi Fon's voice as she recalled the past. The captain's fists clenched, reflecting the lingering pain of abandonment. - "She deserted to help that despicable Kisuke Urahara escape…"

Yoruichi observed the unfolding drama with a conflicted expression, torn between the desire to halt the escalating conflict between Soi Fon and Tatsuki.

Soi Fon: "I lost all respect for her! I hated her! I cursed her very name!! I vowed… that I would grow stronger and capture her with my own hands!" - Her teeth gritted, and her voice resonated with a mixture of anger and betrayal. - "I will never forgive her… for betraying my respect and trust…"

Tatsuki: "...I understand perfectly." - She said seriously. - "I confess I don't like that Urahara guy either..." - She scoffed. - "And you have every right to feel that way... but... haven't you realized one thing?"

Soi Fon: "And what would that be?"

Tatsuki: "That even without knowing it... you also betrayed her trust... not just her trust, but you betrayed yourself as well." - She spoke with conviction.

Soi Fon: "How dare you!!!" - The captain's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and disbelief, unable to accept Tatsuki's bold words.

Tatsuki: "You said you would do anything for her... So why didn't you go after her?"

Soi Fon was about to speak, but the words didn't come out.

Tatsuki: "That's the difference... between you and me." - A greenish aura began to form around Tatsuki's body. - "In your shoes... I would have gone after her and demanded answers."

Tatsuki's words hung in the air, carrying a weight that seemed to settle over the battlefield. The greenish aura surrounding her intensified, reflecting the surge of determination within her.

Soi Fon struggled to find a response, her usual confidence momentarily shaken. Tatsuki's straightforward challenge seemed to pierce through the layers of resentment and bitterness.

The green aura surrounding Tatsuki intensified, glowing with a translucent quality reminiscent of a powerful water current. Her defiant smile revealed a solid determination as she prepared for the confrontation.

Tatsuki: "I'll match you, Senpai... I've developed this recently too... and it doesn't have a name yet either." - She raised her hand, showcasing the energy flowing around her.

**

Numerous clashes echoed throughout every corner of Seireitei, the palpable surge of Reiatsu indicating the intensity of the ongoing battles. Yato seized the chaotic backdrop, strategically advancing towards Central 46.

The Tentōken cloak still draped over him, Yato chose caution over haste, navigating with a keen awareness to avoid the risk of drawing attention from other Shinigami who might spy him in flight.

Yato: 'Hitsugaya and Matsumoto have to be making their way there too... but Unohana won't show up until later...' - His mind calculated the unfolding dynamics as he pressed the communicator to his ear. - "Nemu?"

Nemu: [Yes, Yasakani-sama?]

Yato: "How's Rukia doing?"

Nemu: [She somehow regained her Shinigami powers a while back, but she mentioned you were already aware, so I didn't bother updating you. Right now, she's in deep meditation.]

Yato: 'Seems like she hasn't stumbled onto anything about the Hōgyoku yet... but that's not exactly surprising...' - He let out a contemplative sigh, his gaze momentarily distant.

Nemu: [If I may, Yasakani-sama, what's going on out there? I can feel the tremors of various Reiatsus colliding.]

Yato: "There's a whole bunch of captains throwing down everywhere, even Yamamoto himself."

Nemu: [Need my assistance?]

Yato: "Nah, I'm not the one going toe-to-toe with the old man... for my own safety..." - A wry grin crossed Yato's face. - "By the way, Nemu..."

Nemu: [Yes?] - Her voice came through the communicator, crisp and efficient.

Yato: "How do I get in touch with Ishida-san and Inoue-san? This communicator only has one button, and so far, I've only been able to reach you..."

Nemu: "Ah, Yasakani-sama, to contact your friends, simply press the button twice quickly." - She explained with a tone that suggested she was used to guiding others through technicalities. - "That will activate the secondary contacts selection."

Yato: "Oh..." - A sheepish grin spread across his face. - "Twice... got it... Thanks, Nemu." - He chuckled at his own momentary confusion.

The young man wrapped up his communication with Lieutenant Kurotsuchi and promptly followed the instructions to reach out to Ishida and Inoue.

Yato: "....Hello?"

Orihime: [Oh! Something just spoke in my ear!] - Her voice carried genuine surprise.

Uryū: [Inoue-san... it's the communicator we received... it's Yasakani's voice.]

Orihime: [Oh, right! Yasakani-kun! Over!] - Her tone shifted to a cheerful recognition.

Yato: "How's the situation over there? Is everyone okay?" - He asked, trying not to laugh at the way Inoue was speaking.

Uryū: [Somehow, yes... we managed to get Sado-kun and Ganju out of prison, and now we're on Sōkyoku Hill.]

Orihime: [Your plan to find Captain Zaraki worked!]

Uryū: [Where the hell are you, Yasakani? Kurosaki is facing off against a captain right in front of us... thought you'd be here helping.]

Orihime: [I also haven't spotted Tatsuki-chan anywhere.] - The tone of her voice held a mix of concern and inquiry.

Yato: "Tatsuki's in a fight with a captain, but Yoruichi's got her back, so Tatsuki's covered. I'm not jumping in to help Ichigo because I'm pretty sure he's gonna pull through, which brings me to why I'm reaching out."

Uryū: [What happened?]

Yato: "Before I spill the beans, I've got a favor to ask Inoue-san."

Orihime: [Sure thing, Yasakani-kun.]

Yato: "I need you to keep an eye on Sado and patch him up if things get rough."

Orihime: [You got it!]

Uryū: [Cut to the chase, Yasakani.] - He interjected.

Yato: "Well, I had this suspicion that someone was scheming against Rukia, so I was digging into things. But after seeing a captain's reaction to the matter, now I'm pretty sure someone's up to no good, and it won't be long before they make a move."

Uryū: [But Kuchiki-san isn't at Sōkyoku Hill anymore, and what does that have to do with Inoue-san needing to heal Sado-kun?]

Yato: "Listen up, Ishida-san... Literally, most of the captains are duking it out. Whoever's plotting against Rukia is going to take advantage of this, because as soon as that person shows up, there won't be anyone at full strength to face him, if it's just one person." - He spoke somewhat hastily, conveying a sense of urgency.

Soon after Yato's words, he felt Ichigo's Reiatsu skyrocketing, followed by a pillar of light emanating from Sōkyoku.

Uryū: [What was that?!] - He shouted amid a loud commotion from his location.

Yato: "It's Ichigo's Bankai... Ishida-san, I'm cutting off communication here because I need to hurry!" - He raised his voice to make sure Uryū heard him clearly. - "When Ichigo's done with the fight, make sure to ask Inoue-san to patch him up right away!"

Uryū: [Hold on, Yasakani, but what about–]

Yato terminated the communication abruptly, leaving Uryū with unanswered questions amidst the escalating chaos.

The young man continued running towards Central 46 for a while until he sensed Reiatsus approaching and decided to take cover. Moments later, Yato spotted Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto trailing behind Lieutenant Izuru Kira.

Yato: 'As soon as Hitsugaya heads back to Central 46, he'll run into Aizen...'

Cheshire: 'Honestly... why bother heading there?' - The feline's voice echoed in the young man's mind. - 'You're not planning to face Aizen or anything... wouldn't it be better to wait on Sōkyoku Hill with the others?' - Cheshire's words carried a mix of curiosity and a hint of skepticism.

Yato: 'I'm heading there to ensure Aizen and Gin will actually show up. It adds an extra layer of security to the plan since no one will be poking around the sewers looking for Rukia.' - He pondered. - 'As for Tōsen, I made sure to lay a serious beatdown on him in our fight because I knew he wouldn't wait to fully recover, given his eagerness to follow Aizen's orders. That's why I sent Uryū elsewhere, as Tōsen would be waiting for him on the stairs.'

Cheshire: 'Wait... So...beating up Tōsen was part of the plan?'

Yato: 'I'll admit, it wasn't... but after some thought, it turned out to be quite convenient.' - He smirked. - 'Because Tōsen should now be way more battered than he should be for going up against Zaraki without a full recovery. And with Unohana, Isane, and Hanatarō away, the other medics wouldn't have the expertise to fully heal him in such a short time. Even though Tōsen is a captain, he's now in a state where, even if he ventures into the sewers, Nemu could stop him... not to mention that Chad made Komamura unleash Bankai and had the strength to survive... if he's fully recovered, he also has the power to cause some serious trouble for Tōsen.'

After the conversation with his Fullbring, Yato noticed a looming shadow sweeping across the skies of Seireitei and recognized it as Captain Unohana's Zanpakutō, heading straight for Central 46.

Yato: 'This is our signal...' - He sprinted towards the location as fast as he could.