Chapter 42 - Rescue (1/2)

”Wait who is that?!” Hanataro asked, confused about what is going on.

”No...but I've heard that name before. That's Shihouin Yoruichi...the ex commander of the onmitsukido and the ex general of the executive militia…” Rukia replied in awe of what was going on.

”Shihouin Yoruichi, I haven't seen your face in a while. It's been a hundred years since your disappearance. Everyone thought you had died.” Byakuya commented, regaining his composure.

”Yoruichi...move aside I have to defeat him!” Ichigo said, raising his zanpakuto again. Yoruichi turned her neck and looked back at Ichigo.

”Defeat him? By yourself? Idiot!” Yoruichi said as she vanished and reappeared in front of Ichigo, jabbing him through the torso with her hand.

”What are you doing...Yoruichi…” Ichigo gasped before collapsing forward. Yoruichi catches him and mounts him over her shoulder.

”It's a drug isn't it? You released a strong tranquilizer into his body. You're trying to save him, Yoruichi.” Ukitake commented.

”I won't allow it.” Byakuya interrupted. ”I won't allow for that shinigami or for you to leave freely.”

”Oh? When did you learn to talk big Byakuya? You never did win against me in tag.” Yoruichi smiled back.

”Should we try again…?” Byakuya replied. The two of them suddenly disappeared, with their vague afterimages appearing in different spots on the bridge. As Yoruichi's foot touched the ground, Byakuya suddenly appeared behind her.

”You can't escape me with that level of shunpo.” Byakuya commented. Byakuya raised his blade in the air, ready to cut down as Yoruichi turned around. Byakuya's eyes widened as Itachi suddenly appeared in front of him. 'Was Uchiha always this fast?' Byakuya thought to himself as he stared at Itachi who was standing in front of him.

'Genjutsu: Sharingan.' Itachi's eyes met Byakuya's and Byakuya's zanpakuto dropped out of his hand onto the ground. Byakuya himself shortly followed and collapsed onto the ground.

”Hmph. I could have escaped that Itachi.” Yoruichi commented. ”But thanks. It still would have been a hassle to get away from him while holding Ichigo.”

”Miss Shihouin I do not doubt your skill. You are renowned as the flash goddess after all. I only intervened so as to not take any unnecessary risks.” Itachi replied. ”However, it would be best if you left now. Captain Kuchiki has powerful reiatsu and will recover soon.”

”You don't have to be so formal with me, Itachi. We'll most likely meet again. I'll leave things here to you to clean up.” Yoruichi smiled and left. Itachi turned back around to see Byakuya who was just now getting back up.

”What did you do to me?” Byakuya questioned, holding his head with one hand.

”I calmed you down, Captain Kuchiki. The invaders can't be killed yet, especially since they may have information regarding the murder of Captain Aizen.” Itachi replied. Byakuya remained silent for a moment before turning his back and walking away.

”Where are you going Byakuya?!” Ukitake yelled, confused about his behavior.

”I've lost interest.” Byakuya responded, before vanishing from sight.

”There he goes...doing whatever he wants.” Ukitake scratched his head, confused.

Itachi walked across the bridge over to Rukia, who had an empty look on her face.

”Kuchiki you alright?” Itachi asked. Suddenly, Rukia falls over but Itachi manages to catch her.

'She must have been struggling to stay up with Captain Kuchiki's spiritual pressure out like that.'

”Sentaro, Kiyone come out!” Ukitake suddenly yelled. Two figures leap out from under the bridge and land in front of Ukitake.

”You called, Captain?” Both of them responded simultaneously.

”So you did come after all? How long were you here?” Ukitake asked.

”I'm very very sorry, but I respect Captain too much and couldn't help but follow you!” Sentaro yelled out.

”Captain I feel exactly the same way...no I respect Captain even more!” Kiyone retorted, not wanting to be outdone by Sentaro. The two of them started to bicker but Ukitake calmed them down.

”Kiyone, please contact the fourth division. We have someone here who is wounded. And Sentaro, take Kuchiki back into the prison.” Ukitake ordered.

”Yes sir!” The two of them replied before splitting up. Sentaro approached Itachi and Itachi handed Rukia over to him. As Itachi passed Rukia over to him, Sentaro looked Itachi in the eyes.