(Squad 15 Barracks)
With the reveal of the other Shinigami captains and lieutenants from the Garganta, accompanied by one of the Arrancar of Ichigo's court in Hueco Mundo, Uryu immediately went on the offensive. He used Hirenkyaku to get behind the fakes and activated his Vollstandg, firing his feathers to the legs of his opponents. The moment they made contact however, they all popped like balloons, leaving Uryu confused. Suddenly, the fake Renji appeared behind Uryu with his Zabimaru in Shikai and ready to tear into the Quincy's back. Thanks to his wings, Uryu deflected the attack and Renji immediately attacked his double.
"Oh no you don't!" He roared, swinging his own Zabimaru, only to be stopped by the fake Shinji. That same fake was then sucker punched by Kensei and kicked in the neck by a masked Mashiro, followed by a sickening crack as his neck was shattered. The features dissolved into that of a blank mannequin before turning into dust, leaving only a small red soul candy.
"Try to leave at least one alive!" Urahara called out as clouds of gray ash collided and Uryu was being chased by a cloud of pink. Kisuke looked to Nozomi, who disappeared. "Damn it!" He cursed, pulling out a tracker he had prepared during their time in Hueco Mundo. Szayelapporo may have died but his main lab was still functional, Kisuke just needed some time. He watched his scanner as it picked up all the clone versions of the Shinigami. The Byakuyas were fighting each other, Kisuke knew something about 'their pride' being involved. The fake Hinamori and Rangiku were.... already neutralized... in the massive hands of the Tres Bestias' chimeric Ayon. The Renjis were fighting, both going into Bankai though one seemed to have a vastly different one than what he saw of the 6th lieutenant's release. The Vizards had on their masks and made pretty short work of their remaining copies, destroying the fake Kensei and immobilizing the fake Mashiro. For some reason, neither had donned their Hollow masks which Urahara found quite suspicious. Lastly he saw Uryu and the fake Toshiro were fighting, the latter was in Bankai to try and match the Quincy Vollstandg. The ice not lasting long against the vibrating Reishi feathers Uryu commanded.
"Looks like your double ran off with Nozomi." Isshin said, trusting his comrades to win against their fakes. "I've got Lisa, Chad, and Tatsuki guarding Jackie and Giriko. So long as he's asleep, no Senkaimon should open." The shark Arrancar was with them as Urahara kept scanning.
"Let's hope that applies to a naturally occurring opening to the Precipice World." He said as he finally found two signatures that were trying to get away from their location. "That way!" He called out, moving as fast as he could with Isshin and Halibel following close behind. It took them a minute but they found Nozomi, bound and gagged with Kido, in front of a shrine in the middle of the woods. Though they saw the girl, Urahara found the signal coming from deeper inside the woods. "Follow that signal." Kisuke ordered as he passed the tracker to Halibel, who went on ahead as he and Isshin landed in front of the girl. Urahara took out his Benihime and shot at her with a Reishi wave, causing her to pop like a balloon. "I'm starting to get annoyed by this."
"You do know who you're fighting right?" He heard his own voice say before dodging a blade swing aimed at his back. "What were you-" Isshin gave the fake no time to talk before punching it, only to get another balloon pop.
"Why did you make those portable gigai!?" Isshin roared, getting just as annoyed. Half a dozen Kisuke copies appeared, the two Soul Reapers going back to back to cover blind spots and to stay near the original Kisuke. The air was filled with pop after pop as the two fought off the fakes, soon getting caught in the middle of a tornado of blue light that destroyed the rest. When it dissipated, the captains looked up to see Halibel and Uryu with Nozomi in hand.
"Surprisingly enough Kisuke, your double was not nearly as cautious as you." Uryu said, dropping down to the two. "Everyone else was finishing up by the time I finished my fight with the fake Toshiro. Urahara's double set a series of Kido traps around Nozomi, but he never expected me."
"And you said helping Ichigo in his early prank wars with me was going to be a useless experience." Urahara said with a smile, making Isshin laugh at the memories. Uryu had his eye twitch in annoyance, but he had to concede the fact that it let him get the drop on the fake Kisuke. "Anyway, let's get back to my shop. I've got a lot to tell you." He said as they moved to return to the base, Nozomi still tied up.
"You mean MY squad's barracks Kisuke?" Isshin teased.
"It's still my shop Isshin!" The former shopkeeper returned.
"Is this normal?" Halibel asked Uryu, who could only groan. "My condolences."
(Squad 1 Barracks: Yamamoto's Office)
"Kageroza Inaba plans to usurp the Gotei and replace them with Reigai copies with modsouls based on the Reishi of the current captains and lieutenants." Mayuri explained to the Captain Commander. "He had a secret lab located hidden within the Senkaimon gate where he conducted his alterations to the Precipice world and the creation of his Reigai. More than that is his fixation with one 'Nozomi Kujo'. According to the data I was able to look through while downloading all of his research and findings, she seemed to be the first modsoul. The odd thing is that it seems he also plans to fuse with Nozomi."
"Do you have any theories as to why that is?" Yamamoto asked, clenching his fists as yet another past problem reared its head. "And any way to tell the real Shinigami from the Reigai copies?"
"I might have an idea, but I'd need to analyze Reishi from both Kageroza and Nozomi to fully test it." Mayuri responded. "Plus, there is some good news in regards to the Reigai. But that would depend on your point of view. Kageroza seems to have an inability to control Hollow Reishi, so the copies of the Vizards would be without their masks and rendering them far weaker than otherwise." He reached into his Shihakusho and pulled out Ichigo's stasis pod, placing it before Genryusai. "Either he thinks Ichigo would be the key to solving that problem or he deemed him to be that much of a threat, it was enough for him to brave going into my personal lab. And considering that Ashido has yet to report his capture, we can assume that Kageroza's gone into hiding. And likely plans to unleash the full power of the Reigai."
"Then I shall keep my student safe for the time being." Yamamoto said, taking Ichigo's pod and hiding him away. "What would you say is the current threat level?" Mayuri took the moment to do some quick calculations before coming to his conclusion.
"Each Reigai, while restrained, should equal the original in strength and ability. Without those restraints, I'd say that there would be a twenty-five percent increase to their abilities. Minimum." He answered, earning a tired sigh from the old man. "Just the ones he did right, some are thankfully flawed with inaccurate data." That did relieve Genryusai to some degree. "Just one more thing Captain Commander. Depending on the results of this attack, Urahara recommends the revival of Project Spearhead."
"Explain." Yamamoto growled, not eager to consider bringing back the project but willing to listen to reason.
"The original project was shut down due to 'morality issues' as the Central 46 would tell us," Mayuri started, "fear of the project going out of control is more likely. But, as evidenced by this and one other case, some of the modsouls survived the destruction of the project. That one other case was a modsoul that found its way to Urahara and then to the Kurosaki household. That soul was devoted to the family and served as Ichigo's soul after he became a Soul Reaper. Unfortunately, when the twins were kidnapped by Aizen, the modsoul fought, lost, was broken, and died saving its masters." There was an angry pulse from the stasis pod, as if Ichigo heard the conversation and was less than pleased with calling Kon an 'it'. "The idea for the project revival is to help increase our numbers again. Or at least to free up some Shinigami from other tasks and increase efficiency." Yamamoto drummed his fingers against the table, mulling the idea over in his head and whether the risks outweighed the possible benefits.
"We end this attack first, and then I will decide." The dragon finally stated.
(Kageroza's Base)
"Damn that Mayuri!" Kageroza growled before getting into another coughing fit. The nerve gas was already causing various muscle failure throughout his body and affecting his nervous system as well. He had to repeatedly use his Raiku's spacial displacement ability to get him to his base as fast as possible before he was rendered completely paralyzed and then die. If he had to assume, he already lost his Reigai of lieutenants Nanao, Kira, Kurotsuchi, and his Nemu copy to the nerve gas that the original used in his main lab. That, on top of the lack of reports back from his Reigai in the world of the Living means he lost them as well. To finish his failed plans of the day, Ichigo Kurosaki was STILL out of his grasp and who knows when he might awaken from his sleep.
"Master Kageroza!" The other Hinamori Reigai he had called out as she rushed to his side. "Are you alright sir? You're looking terribly weak." She said, not noticing that Kageroza tensed up in anger. Weak, looking weak, nothing truly filled him with more rage and hate than being called weak. "Wait here, I'll get Unohana and Isane." She said, getting ready to retrieve the Reigai healers. The moment she turned her back, Kageroza cleaved her across her back and ran her through with Raiku. The Reigai Hinamori turned to dust and left just her modsoul behind. With that, Kageroza collapsed, losing the use of his body more and more. He desperately reached out for the small pill, struggling to grasp it and bring it to his mouth. Even swallowing the small ball was a challenge, but it was one that was rewarded. Reishi erupted from his being like fire until a second him separated from his body, and freeing him from the toxic nerve gas.
"Nice try Mayuri Kurotsuchi." Kageroza said, chuckling as he rose to his feet and ignoring the gasping pleas of the sacrificed modsoul. "But I won't be beaten that easily." He looked to his Raiku, grinning madly as he decided his next action. "And my Reigai will crush the Gotei!"
(Squad 15 Barracks)
"And that should just about do it." Kisuke said, finishing the last steps to connect the barracks communique to a secure line with squad 12's and, more importantly, with Mayuri. Said lieutenant's face appeared on the monitor as he finished preparations on his end. "How's things on your end?" He asked as Nozomi watched, left sitting in the corner as the two scientists did their work.
"Kageroza has been exposed and will likely unleash the full power of his Reigai copies of the captains and lieutenants. So if you thought that the bracelets the copies wore would be a good indicator of who is real or not, we are out of luck there." Mayuri reported back. "On the plus side, the new nerve agent seemed to be effective and my security cameras got us some details of his abilities. As for his plans, he has this fixation on Nozomi Kujo." The girl in question tensed slightly at hearing this. "And though this is only a guess, I believe he intends to fuse with the girl."
"That seems odd," Kisuke returned, "doesn't seem to have much point to it either. The very beginning of modsoul creation is basing it off of an existing Soul Reaper. And if Nozomi is the first, then shouldn't she be based off the first volunteer?"
"Oko Yushima, the head of the project, was the first volunteer." Mayuri answered, remembering that most of this happened after Kisuke's exile.
"And I wasn't the only one based off of him." Nozomi finally said, speaking up after deciding that she had little other option than to help out. "Kageroza Inaba was the other. The two of us were made from the two halves of Yushima's personality. You could say that I'm the light to Inaba's darkness."
"I figured." Mayuri said, happy that his theory was correct. "If I had to guess, Nozomi might have something to her that Kageroza needs in order to complete himself or another project that Yushima made before his full mental breakdown." Nozomi turned away, not happy with being reminded of the worst memories of the original's life. "On other matters, the Captain Commander is now considering the revival of Spearhead." This shocked the modsoul.
"He wants to end this fight with our copies before deciding though, correct?" Urahara asked, Nozomi turning back to the screen.
"Indeed, and Kageroza will have to either be imprisoned or destroyed." Mayuri answered. "I have an idea, but they rely on Nozomi's cooperation." The two turned to the girl, now slightly unsettled with how Mayuri was smiling at her.
(Spreading The Word: Living World)
"So, to clarify," Halibel started, "someone else with a grudge against Soul Society has made a clone army of a majority of the top Shinigami and is using them to overthrow and conquer the Soul Society. All the while, trying to capture this girl and fuse with her to revive the original mind behind the creation of modsouls." The assembled captains nodded.
"And I thought Aizen had the complicated plan." Appachi said, somewhere between irritated and amused with the course of events.
"I'm surprised you actually understood that." Mila snarked to her sister fraccion member, sparking another fight between them.
"How uncouth." Sun-Sung said, getting involved in the argument.
"You say that he seems adverse to Hollow Reishi, correct?" The shark asked, earning a nod from Toshiro and Kensei while the other captains watched the fight in amusement. "Then the course is clear. Appachi, Mila, Sun-Sung. You three return to Las Noches and bring us back up. Take Nozomi Kujo with you, she's the key to the enemy's plans" She ordered, ending the fight instantly as the three wordlessly obeyed and opened a Garganta. "I shall go with them to the Soul Society. But know this Soul Reapers, my king's safety is my top priority." She said, earning an understanding nod from the assembled captains and lieutenants.
"Lisa, you're in charge." Isshin said as he rose to his feet. "Uryu, you're coming with us. Everyone else, protect the world of the Living. Here's the code to know it's us. July 17th." The squad members nodded as Halibel opened her own Garganta and the group progressed to the Soul Society.
(Soul Society)
"This is Captain Commander Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto." The dragon announced over a system of Hell Butterflies, sending his message throughout the entire Seireitei and to the 75th Rukon districts in Shinigami police territory. "Extremely dangerous and powerful enemies have appeared and infiltrated the Gotei, aiming to replace our top officials. Until further notice, all but third seats to captains are ordered to stay inside their homes or squad barracks. This curfew will end when we can confirm that the enemies of the peace are defeated." The result was as he expected. All around him were the sounds of outrage and panic, coming from the Shinigami and the citizen souls. Some immediately complied with his orders, but many had to be forced. Maybe he had to push it just a little bit more. "I am giving Kenpachi Zaraki permission to show no mercy, and I will be participating in the coming fights as well." The public outrage turned to fear as everyone scrambled to get to safety.
'That might have been going a little overboard Head Captain.' A black cat thought as she made her way throughout the different barracks of the Gotei squads. From her findings, Ikkaku and Yumichika were replaced, Isane was replaced, Kyoraku and Ukitake were replaced by their fakes, even her precious bee was captured by the Reigai. She was going to have a word with her protege about keeping her guard up at all times if she was captured by these fakes. Even Kisuke prepared for his own self being an enemy.
(Kageroza's Base)
"So, war is it?" He heard the announcements the Captain Commander made, and all he could do was laugh. "If you want a war with my Reigai Yamamoto, you shall have it!" He roared as his remaining Reigai in the base assembled around him. He spun his Raiku around before holding it high, letting his energy pass through the blade in a wave of yellow light. All around him, his Reigai glowed with a pale light that burned like fire to show an increase in their own Reishi. This resonated with many other Reigai around the Seireitei that made sure they were in places of secret, unseen by their enemy. "I have all I need. I do not fear anyone."
(Ichigo's inner world)
"Did you feel that?" They hybrid asked, sitting in the middle of a lake with the horizontal sky scrappers standing high above him. The water itself was greatly disturbed, rippling madly and prompting Kyoka Suigetsu to crack him on the head.
"What's going on out there is not important Ichigo." The spirit scolded as Ichigo groaned in anger before settling back into his meditation. Instantly the waters began to calm, becoming perfectly still and mirror like. "Now, let's begin again." Images formed in the water, memories from Ichigo's life. All of his struggles and trials, each one changing more and more into loses and nightmares. The purpose of this was for Ichigo to gain full calm and serenity in his mind, as a calm and focused mind was the key principle to mastering Kyoka Suigetsu. He was making progress, but it was slow going and Zangetsu was occupied with cleansing and repairing his soul from Hell's influence. Chances were, he wasn't going to be able to help.
(Illustrated Guide to Soul Reapers)
Getting to Las Noches
A black tear in space appeared in the vast deserts of Hueco Mundo, spitting out a group of captain and lieutenant Soul Reapers onto the fine desert sand. The group fell in a confused heap that slowly fumbled to get up, brushing the sand off their clothes as they did so.
"That was rough." Kisuke said, scanning the area for a certain castle. "I forgot how little practice you guy have with Garganta. Frankly, I'm not sure why I risked that." Kensei and several others looked ready to beat the scientist to death, Byakuya was as calm and dignified as ever, Mashiro was going on about a beach party. "Now come on, let's find Las Noches."
"Is that why we came to Hueco Mundo?" Shinji asked, deciding to try to calm down before attempting to kill Kisuke. "What's in Las Noches?"
"Well, unless Uryu completely destroyed it, there should still be some material from Aizen's Arrancar scientist's lab. Maybe find Aizen's own workspace there."
"There." Byakuya suddenly spoke up, pointing in the distance to what was a small building in the distance. Almost completely unnoticeable at this distance.
"Maybe I should build that light house Ichigo wanted." Kisuke muttered before doing some quick math in his head, then collapsing with exhaustion. "And a massive desert transit system." He nearly cried after figuring out just how far from Las Noches they were.
Arrancar Raffle
"Okay, gather up everyone." Gin said, summoning the Arrancar. Kisuke and his group arrived three hours after wandering the desert before getting taken to the prisons by Runuganga. It took another two for Gin to notice and actually do something about it. "Since we don't have eight top Arrancar, you can't exactly go by Espada. Knights are up for consideration but you are not to go by Cabarellos. Despite being Spanish for 'knight' people might mistake you for the Disney bird trio. Next on the agenda, Ichigo is out of commission and Soul Society might be under attack by copies of the top Shinigami combatants. Volunteers?" He asked as all eight hands shot up. Some eager to prove themselves to their king in his absence, others just to fight. "Okay, I'm only going to allow one... so I'm going to pull a name out of a hat." The silver fox said, holding up Kisuke's hat.
"Why did it have to be my hat?" Kisuke groaned, ignoring that he was literally the only one that had a hat.
Renji's new Bankai
"Zabimaru." Renji stood across his Zanpakuto spirit, the fur covered women and the albino snake kid chained to her, anger and betrayal in his eyes. "What was that 'true Bankai' thing? I thought I earned your Bankai a while ago." He said, earning a scoff from the pair.
"Not exactly. We've been keeping it from you because honestly? What have you actually done to deserve it?" The baboon woman asked. "The furthest you've gone was finally manning up and fighting for your beliefs."
"If Zangetsu didn't convince us, you still wouldn't have the Soo Zabimaru form." The snake admitted, shivering as he remembered the 'talk' Zangetsu had with them.
"So what changed?" The Soul Reaper asked.
"No way in hell is a crappy knock off copy going to beat us!" The two responded.
'I don't remember having that kind of ego.'