Chapter 158 - 158: Reaching Aizen

We finally reached the end of the Garganta. As we saw the exit, Aizen was on the other side. I hid my presence so that I could get a better view of the fight and help out in the background. Immediately, Ichigo attacked with a full power Getsuga Tenshou without the Hollow form at the back of Aizen's neck. As if he had a barrier, the attack was warded off.

Aizen: Long time no see Ryoka boy. Nice try, but you went for the wrong spot. The back of the neck is a blind spot for every living creature. Did you really think I'd go out to battle leaving it unprotected?

Sure it was a folly but it would not have made a difference. No matter how strong or what kind of recovery Ichigo has made, it will not be enough to kill Aizen. Ichigo still has to learn the Final Getsuga in order to be fully prepared but that will only happen until Aizen moves on from the fake Karakura Town to the real one back in Soul Society. Of course, if I had stepped in I would have ended him, no problem, but how will Ichigo grow without the experience?

The Captains were not too bad off fighting Aizen since I broke Kyoka Suigetsu. When I broke it, I should have also broken the "Absolute Hypnosis" it had on all of its victims. Aizen was actually taking quite a bit of damage but since he has already begun his fusion with the Hyogoku the damage was kept to a minimum and healed quickly. Still, Aizen had to reinitiate the "Absolute Hypnosis" if he wanted his biggest advantage back but considering his power he wouldn't bother.

Komamura stopped Ichigo from further engaging Aizen. From what I saw, Aizen was way stronger than Ichigo, even if he was fully recovered. I was smirking because he was still slower than Minato, stronger sure, but still slower. There were a few people who lost some limbs so I assisted in helping them get their missing pieces back. The one that needed help the most was Sarugaki Hiyori because unlike the anime, she was split in half in the manga. Since Unohana came along with us she could heal them fine but will she be able to regrow or recover missing limbs like Orihime. Since Unohana had her hands full with Hiyori, I went to Soi Fong.

Sage: Hey babe, you miss me?

I said as I kissed her cheek.

Soi Fong: You bastard! This is no time for your foolishness!

Sage: And yet every time that fatass behind you says anything you punch him in the face. How did you lose your arm? (Like I didn't already know).

Soi Fong: I've been fighting, what do you think?

She said while trying to kick me.

Sage: How would you like your arm and Reiatsu back?

Soi Fong: What's the catch? (With suspicious eyes)

Sage: How about a one night stand?

Soi Fong: Get away from me you bastard!!

Sage: Aww, why not? (While dodging her kicks and right punches)

Soi Fong: I may be hurt but I am not out. I will not give in to you!

Soi Fong was blushing at the gesture and seriously contemplated the proposal but then snapped out of it. She began attacking me again so I let the matter go.

Sage: Fine, fine, it's free. (Under my breath) For now.

I healed her arm and gave her half a Senzu bean. Truthfully, there was no need to heal anyone because they were all going to go after Aizen just to give Ichigo a chance to deliver the killing blow. If anything I was wasting the bean just for a chance to bang Soi Fong. I really wanted to go after Rangiku but she was already out for the count for now. I shrugged my shoulders and stood to the side and watched the show.

Everyone gave their best to beat Aizen but they stood no chance because Aizen's power was not only his Zanpakuto but he was also strong without it as well. After everyone tried and Ichigo failed, Kurosaki Isshin stepped in before Aizen gave away Ichigo's origins. The moment Ichigo's dad stepped in I payed closer attention. The way Kurosaki Isshin is portrayed is that of a carefree, rumbuncious and doting father with a slight foolishness. He has lived for many years thus having a wealth of experience.

Isshin fought with Aizen while Ichigo fought Gin.

Gin: It's been a while since you an' me fought like this. D'ya remember? What happened when we last fought? You came at me in one helluva fury when I cut off Jidanbou's arm. And I remember thinking to myself "what an interestin' kid"

Ichigo: I don't remember…

Gin: That ain't nothing but a lie. You tryin' to provoke me?

Ichigo: You got it wrong. It's not that I don't remember your sword, I don't remember your mind. Whenever I cross swords with someone, I learn a little bit about what they are thinking. I'm not saying I can read minds or anything, but I do learn what kind of determination they're swinging their sword with or if they look down on me, or if they respect me, those kinds of things. Usually you don't realize it until after the fights over since everything is so hectic. But the stronger the opponent, the more they convey their mind to you.

Gin: Well, aren't you just a regular poet?

Ichigo: Shut the hell up. But you didn't have any of that. You didn't so much as look at me back then, despite the fact we were fighting.

After their little discussion, Gin further explained what his Zanpakuto, Shinso, could do. Even though he explained that in Shikai his sword is the length of one hundred swords and his Bankai was 13 kilometers, it was still, somewhat, a lie. His Zanpakuto doesn't stretch and retract, if anything it was similar to Rangiku's Haineko, that turns to ash or dust at a much higher speed but since his control is so great, he makes the blade look as if it stretches and retracts.

Their fight started and immediately Gin used his Bankai, slicing the surrounding 13 kilometer area horizontally apart. Ichigo managed to defend with difficulty. Ichigo was already in his Bankai form so he was able to withstand the attack. If Gin really wanted to kill Ichigo he would've because he hid the real ability of his Zanpakuto, even from Aizen, for so many years. I love the fact that when I erase my presence I seem to be forgotten all together, even from Aizen. Unless I reveal myself or start talking I won't be noticed. For now, I will enjoy the show until I could have a little time with Aizen when he passes on to Soul Society.