Part 11: Fall of the Arrancar Vol. 2, 1-1

Just make sure you're aware of each step you're taking.

One missed step inside and you'll wind up in an unknown space, and there will be no way to get back.

But that might be very entertaining for me to watch.

............

What's the matter?

Well, come to think of it, when Kisuke saw us off, I remember he was talking down to us, just like you're doing right now.

Since you're the second person to become Chief of Research and Development, you must have been his apprentice or something. The two of you are very similar.

How dare you!

Ichigo, there are some things I need to fill you in on.

At the moment, you are probably the only person in the world of the living, the Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo who can fight Sosuke Aizen and actually defeat him.

What do you mean?

I'm going to tell you about the power of his Zanpakuto, which is called Kyoka Suigetsu, and the requirements to activate it.

For him to activate his Kyoka Suigetsu, he simply has to show his enemy the moment of his Zanpakuto's Shikai release.

All of us who make up the 13 Court Guard Squads, Kisuke Urahara's people, with whom you are acquainted in the world of the living, and even Sosuke Aizen's subordinates, the Arrancars and the Espadas.

Everyone who is even remotely involved in the battles in the world of the living has seen Aizen's Shikai.

Everyone that is, except for you, Ichigo.

............

You have not seen the Kyoka Suigetsu's Shikai. If you do anything to lose this advantage, you will become vulnerable, and the battle cannot be won.

Listen to me. No matter what happens in this confrontation from here on out, you must not look at Sosuke Aizen's Shikai.

Do you understand?

Got it.

Thank you, Captain Unohana. I'm glad you explained all of that to me before I have to meet up with him again.

This time, I'll defeat Aizen!

Quite fearless. He has my interest. Oh, I've got plans for you, little Ichigo.

At first, I thought it might be interesting to trap him in the Garganta, but forget it.

When this battle is finally over, I'm going to take my time putting some real fear into him.

Why did you stay behind, Mayuri Kurotsuchi?

Odd. My whereabouts don't seem like something you would even take the time to concern yourself with.

There should be many more things of interest to you in the world of the living. So why stay here? Unless of course, you're plotting something.

Ah, we're very suspicious, aren't we? Don't worry so much. When all is said and done, you'll see that I'm not planning anything that will scare you.

Actually, at the moment, in case you're wondering, I've discovered that the corpses over here are more interesting. That is really all there is to it.

Once the battle in the world of the living is over, someone will open up a Garganta from the other side.

By then, I should be finished with my work here and be able to use that Garganta to go to the world of the living, where I'll take time examining each of the corpses.

............

Well, what is it?

Well, I never would have expected you to say such a thing or make such an assumption.

Like what?

You know very well. You believe sending Ichigo Kurosaki to the world of the living will end that battle.

On top of that, it sounds like you believe the boy will ultimately be victorious.

That's nonsense.

Total nonsense. I never expected that you would make such absurd assumptions, Captain Kuchiki.

............

Listen, Ichigo. How about you let me run in front of you for a little while?

Ah, no, I'm alright. If you're worried about me using up my Spiritual Pressure, don't be. I'm doing just...fine?

Ichigo, I think it would be a good idea if you'd let me run in front of you now.

Er... Sure, if you insist.

Sorry about that.

Wow! The path looks so nice when it's laid out by a captain's Spirit Energy.

What are you talking about? Don't you know that you and I have similar Spirit Energy?

From what I can see, your wounds have already healed up. But you'd be making a mess even in your best condition. Your sloppy Spirit Energy is not suited to this sort of task.

That's not true! I'm...I'm just not recovered yet! That's the problem. I know I could do better if I were!

You must be daydreaming. Although, I have to say, you look to be wide awake.

Hold on! Don't you think you're being too hard on me? I'm not a daydreamer. This is very real!

Orihime can heal wounds quickly, but it takes her a while to revive a person's Spirit Energy.

I was in a big hurry. Rukia and the others were in trouble, and I couldn't stay to finish. I left before having all of my Spirit Energy restored.

............

(Impossible.)

(I was under the impression that his level was equal to a captain's, and it needs to be.)

Ichigo, I think you should run in front of me now.

I'm going to try to restore your Spirit Energy as best I can while we're moving along.

On the run? While we're in motion? You're able to do that?

Yes, I am.

Restoring missing Spirit Energy in a body that has been healed is quite easy. I've done it many times.

Now, Ichigo, to the front.

(If what I am sensing is really only half of his Spirit Energy...)

(...then if I restore him, there's a very good chance he could be the advantage we need.)