>>2150528
Chad's voice startles you out of your stupor. “Hm?”

“He hasn't gone anywhere,” the large boy observes with his typical calm.

“I'm just wondering what we'd even do if he did decide to do something stupid,” you sigh, finally getting around to shoving your books in your bag. “Who's gonna stop him, you, big guy?”

“I've been training too,” Chad reminds you.

“That's not what I was asking.”

“We would think of something,” he insists, rather firmly. You've heard people use that tone of voice before of course, but it was never you they were trying to convince with it.

>Head home, get something to eat, and get your head back on straight.
>Head for the dojo, get some practice in while you can.
>Find Ichigo, see how he's holding out under the stress.
>You were asked to keep an eye on Ichigo... so tail him for a while.
>Other?

>>2150530
>>You were asked to keep an eye on Ichigo... so tail him for a while.

>>2150530
>>Find Ichigo, see how he's holding out under the stress.

Be direct about it. It's the best way to keep an eye on him, and maybe keep him from doing something foolish.

Mostly a show of support though.

>>2150530
>>Find Ichigo, see how he's holding out under the stress.

>>2150530
>You were asked to keep an eye on Ichigo... so tail him for a while.

>3d10, best of three
>DC 20, no critical

Rolled 5, 6, 8 = 19 (3d10)

>>2150575

Rolled 10, 9, 8 = 27 (3d10)

>>2150575

>>2150579

If this allowed crits, Tatsuki would have just won the Berrybowl.

>>2150589
>implying Appaci hasn't won already

File: 7e1eba2a38cf8d89321374649(...).jpg (175 KB, 700x1054)

175 KB JPG

>>2150575
“I'm gonna go check on Ichigo,” you decide, giving a resolute nod. “Yeah, that's what I'm gonna do.”

“I'll come too,” Chad declares.

“No,” you tell him, shaking your head. “No offense, but I've got more training in keeping my reiatsu hidden than you do, and I want to do it without Ichigo noticing. But if something happens I'll call you, okay? We'll talk him down together.”

“Are you sure?”

You nod again. “I don't want him to feel like we're dogpiling on him either. You know he gets sensitive about that.”

After a moment Chad seems to concede the point. “Good luck, then.”

“With any luck I won't need it,” you grumble. Boy it would be nice if Ichigo could do you a solid this time and not get into trouble. But you're not holding your breath.

You head home on the bus this time, which gets you back to your family's apartment in just a few minutes. Making an excuse to your dad that you've got a headache, you leave your body in your room with a little pill Lieutenant Matsumoto gave you one afternoon during your training with Rukia. Your body kneels quietly, waiting for your instructions.

“Just pretend to be asleep,” you order. “I should be back soon enough, and my parents shouldn't bother you at all.”

“Right away, pyon!” your body replies cheerfully, before throwing itself onto your bed.

You open your window, but halfway out you pause. “And don't say “pyon” when other people are around... it's embarrassing.”

You really hope she'll be okay unsupervised... but it beats leaving your cold dead corpse just lying around in any event.

Since you're in a spirit form nobody around can see you leap from rooftop to rooftop at breakneck speed, and as you draw closer to the Kurosaki clinic you try to suppress your reiatsu the way you learned while you were in the Seireitei. Apparently you really learned it well, because you manage to press right up against the low wall to the Kurosaki family's private yard without anyone seeming to notice. Not even Ishida.

Wait... Ishida?
>1/2

File: metal-gear-alert.jpg (10 KB, 180x508)

10 KB JPG

>>2150614
>Wait... Ishida?
Que pic related

>>2150614
They're talking about something. You strain your ears to hear it, holding your breath and almost willing your heart to stop for a moment.

“That's what I'm gettin' at,” Ichigo insists, his tone low but agitated. “They took your mom too, you know what I'm feeling here. How can you disagree with me on this?”

“I want the same outcome as you, Kurosaki,” Ishida replies firmly. “But I'm not as confident as you are about the outcome of us going alone.”

“We attacked the Seireitei,” Ichigo observes. “You were fine when our odds were that bad, and we're way stronger now than we were then. Even you've been training too, right?”

“I have...”

“And what were you training for if not something like this?”

You can hear Ishida sigh. “Why did you even come to me about this? We're not really even friends.”

“You trained with a sternritter,” Ichigo explains. “It was sternritter who figured out how to hide from the shinigami. So it makes sense that you'd know how to get to where they took our moms.”

“I... that's the dumbest leap in logic I've ever heard from... from anyone!” Ishida counters, almost at a loss for words.

“But am I wrong?”

There's a long pause.

“The worst thing about this whole conversation is you're not wrong,” Ishida grumbles. “Miss Basterbinne mentioned how the Schattenbereich was hidden, so I managed to reverse engineer the technique the sternritter use to get back and forth from it.”

“See, told you it made sense.”

“I hate you so much sometimes, you know that right?”

>Interrupt. This is a terrible idea and they're letting their emotions get the better of their sense.
>Interrupt. If they're dead set on doing this you can't stop them... but maybe you CAN help them.
>Remain hidden, but call in Chad as backup. You need to make this argument two to two.
>Other?

>>2150651
>Interrupt. If they're dead set on doing this you can't stop them... but maybe you CAN help them

>>2150651
>>Interrupt. This is a terrible idea and they're letting their emotions get the better of their sense.
They attacked the Seireitei WITH HELP. Let the captains who helped them last time know what's up

>>2150651
>>Interrupt. This is a terrible idea and they're letting their emotions get the better of their sense.

>>2150651
>>Other?
Also, since Tatsuki thought about it earlier, bring up how everyone else who part of this war is decades older; not the time to be impulsive

>>2150651
>Interrupt. This is a terrible idea and they're letting their emotions get the better of their sense.
>Ichigo, did you forget the part where Riku saved your ass multiple times and the leader of their CIA was helping you get in?

>>2150651
>Interrupt. This is a terrible idea and they're letting their emotions get the better of their sense.
>other: release Tokenjuu and give both of them a whack to the noggin.

>>2150651
>>Interrupt. This is a terrible idea and they're letting their emotions get the better of their sense.
>>This is clearly a trap, in multiple ways, but going off on their own without alerting or working with their allies is serving them up on a silver platter.
>>How would their families feel, if they ended up hostages as well?

>>2150651
“You realize there's a problem with that line of reasoning?” you interrupt.

“Wait... Tatsuki?” Ichigo realizes aloud.

“You didn't notice her reiatsu earlier?” Ishida asks. “She suppressed it when she got close... though admittedly even I had trouble telling how close she had gotten.”

“That's unimportant,” you press. “What's important here is that you've forgotten the fact that if it weren't for the support we had from the Captains we wouldn't even have made it through the front door, let alone survived long enough to rescue Kuchiki.”

“She has a point,” Ishida observes.

“Shut up,” Ichigo huffs. “So what? I beat a Captain since then, didn't I? And I've gotten two more 'power-ups' since then on top of it.”

“All I'm saying is that if you want to go charging into the unknown like this you need more power than we've got on hand.”

“What 'we' are you talking about?” Ichigo shakes his head.

“The 'we' that's gonna keep you alive you dumbass!” you shout, cracking him over the head with Tōōkenju's sheath.

“So what do you propose?” Ishida asks calmly.

>The shinigami have to be able to spare us someone to help. We have to balance the odds a bit.
>We need some support, but we can't count on the shinigami for it.
>We shouldn't even be considering this. There's a reason even Riku hasn't done anything THIS dumb.
>Other?

>>2150715

>Find a way for Ichigo to feel productive, preferably by not running face first into a trap

>We shouldn't even be considering this. There's a reason even Riku hasn't done anything THIS dumb.
>The shinigami have to be able to spare us someone to help. We have to balance the odds a bit.

Ichigo and company charged in against all odds the first time, but Aizen is definitely expecting this now.

This is a bad, bad idea on many levels, but I don't see Ichigo being content to do nothing. What we need is to find someone to feel like he's being productive.

>>2150715
>The shinigami have to be able to spare us someone to help. We have to balance the odds a bit.

>>2150715
>We gonna go see your aunt, And we are gonna convince her to help us with your crazy dumbass plan. But we aren't going in BLIND like what you're gonna do. We're going in WITH PREPARED WITH PROPER INFORMATION. Just like how Urahara and your other aunt Kukkaku prepared us for the Seireitei raid. And if she refuses, we'll convince her with the only way we know how.
>There's a reason even Riku hasn't done anything THIS dumb.

>>2150715
>>2150746
I'll support this.

>>2150746
I'll also support this line of reasoning.
>>2150715

>>2150715
>We shouldn't even be considering this. There's a reason even Riku hasn't done anything THIS dumb.

Seriously. Riku knows BOTH the people taken, and atleast one is direct family, if she hasnt charged in herself already, she either has a real good reason, OR shes just getting ready to do it later. Best thing to do is just wait, no way she wont retaliate.

>writing, had to take a quick break for lunch

>>2150715
“This is personal for Riku too, but you haven't seen her running off half-cocked no matter how much she might want to,” you point out to your classmates, knowing full well that you haven't won Ichigo over just yet. “There's a reason for that... because she knows how much of a colossally stupid idea charging off after them is!”

“You don't... have to do everything by yourself this very moment!”

Your last argument is almost more of a plea, and Ichigo knows it.

“You want to ask for help?” Ishida suggests.

You nod in agreement. “At least try. There's no way that Riku turns us down.”

After taking a few moments to consider it, Ichigo nods. “I'll play it your way. We need to go to the Urahara shop, use the Senkaimon there.”

With a quick message to Chad you take off for the shop. He meets you there a few minutes later, and you invite yourselves in. The big quiet guy is still there, and he greets you at the door.

“Tessai, wasn't it?” Ichigo asks, to which the large shopkeeper nods.

“You have need of me for something?”

“We need to use the senkaimon,” Ichigo explains. “It's important.”

“If it has something to do with that dreadful incident while I was away, you have my support,” Tessai nods, “such as it is.”

Tessai leads you downstairs to where the square array of stones has been set up, and instead of chanting seems to simply wave his arm at the gate to open the portal. If clogs and hat was a Captain, and it took him as much effort as it did to do this... then you have to wonder exactly who Tessai used to be.

A question for another day, you figure.
>1/2
>3d10, best of three
>dc 18, crit 20

Rolled 8, 10, 5 = 23 (3d10)

>>2150810

Rolled 4, 2, 3 = 9 (3d10)

>>2150810

Rolled 6, 10, 10 = 26 (3d10)

>>2150810

Rolled 1, 10, 3 = 14 (3d10)

>>2150810
>Oops, took a wrong turn, we're in canon now.

>>2150811
>>2150815
Holy shit Tatsuki.

File: 1507837458863.jpg (111 KB, 336x476)

111 KB JPG

>>2150815
>>2150811
jesus calm down dice.

File: 497452924.png (316 KB, 1920x1200)

316 KB PNG

>>2150815
“Halt!” one of the guards at the Senkaimon orders you. “State your business!”

“Captain Kusajishi is expecting us,” Ishida lies.

The shinigami can't stand aside fast enough. “By all means, don't let me get in your way.”

“What are you doing here?” Riku sighs heavily when you show your faces in her office half an hour later. “I though I made myself clear.”

“We're watching them,” you insist, knowing full well that's not what she meant.

Her forehead hits the desk. “What do you want.”

“Excuse me?” Ichigo demands.

“You're not here because you can't get enough of my charming company,” she sighs into her worktop. “You're here because you want something. What is it?”

“We need backup for a rescue mission.”

“No,” she denies Ichigo flat-out, shocking everyone present.

“What do you mean, no?” you demand, aghast at hearing the word.

“I'm under orders not to take any action with my division,” Riku grumbles into her desk. “Strict orders. I'm sorry, but there's no room for interpretation here, there's no wiggle room, there's no loophole to exploit.”

“That's never stopped you before,” Ichigo counters.

“It's been so long since I had an actual direct order to follow that I almost forgot what it feels like,” Riku admits. “But this time it's different. We're outnumbered by Aizen's army, and our plan to try and limit damage to the living world is going to take a lot of coordination by all our divisions.”

“I want nothing more than to charge in myself and take Aizen's head, but I can't. And I can't give any orders that contradict the Head Captain's orders.”

“Then we're going to have to go on our own,” Ichigo declares.

Riku lifts her head from the desk with a groan. “Dammit... how did I know you'd say that?”
>1/2

>>2150879
>any action with my division
Are the arrancar and/or quincy really part of our division though? If not them, then the reigai

>>2150879
“You're just making it harder on yourself Ichigo,” Lieutenant Abarai grumbles as he tosses Ichigo into the cell after you. “Kusajishi's not gonna let you go charging off on your own when it's this close to the final battle, you know that.”

“This is my family we're talking about!” Ichigo insists loudly. “Rukia, you've met my mom, remember? You stayed with my family for months! Renji I could understand, but how could you turn your back on us?”

“I can still hear you, asshole,” Abarai mutters, throwing a sidelong frown at your group.

Rukia shakes her head at you. “I'm sorry, but we have our orders... and it's hard to disagree with them. What's happening here is bigger than any of us. We have to weigh the lives of two people against the lives of tens of thousands of innocents.”

“You're right, Ichigo. I do know your mother, and I know she is an incredible kind woman. She would understand the math in this situation.”

“Ichigo, calm down,” Ishida insists. “Arguing won't help, so while we're here we should make the most of a bad situation.”

“Make the most of what?” Ichigo grumbles, turning his back on Rukia and Renji. Eventually Rukia follows suit, turning her back to Ichigo's. You can't see what sort of face she's making at Renji, but the Lieutenant glances down at the floor. So you can guess.

“Listen,” Ishida mutters, gesturing for the three of you to lean in closer as he pulls out a little silver vial from his belt. “We needed to be in the Seireitei anyway, based on how the Schattenbereich is hidden. We can still follow through on the plan.”

>I say we do it. At least we'll be accomplishing SOMETHING as opposed to being locked up in here.
>I say we wait. Riku can't keep us locked up in here forever, right? I mean... she can't, right?
>I... don't know what we should do. I really thought Riku would drop everything to help us.
>Other?

>>2150908
Arggghhhh! i don't know what to do.
in the meantime:
>Ask what the shinigami are doing to prepare
Better than just twiddling their thumbs. Information-gathering is important

>>2150908
>other: she could've at least told us what we would expect. Talking about what exactly the danger for us attempting to even try rescuing your parents would be TECHNICALLY deterring us from making the rescue mission when she's infact giving us info...
>There might be someone OTHER than a shinigami who wants to take the fight to them instead of waiting on their haunches... like a hollow maybe? You remember apacci right?
>I say we do it. At least we'll be accomplishing SOMETHING as opposed to being locked up in here.

>>2150925
>>2150908
This too. At least let us know what's going on.

>>2150908
supporting: >>2150928

>>2150908
>I say we do it. At least we'll be accomplishing SOMETHING as opposed to being locked up in here.

>>2150903
what about the Vaizards?

File: nrfjih5W5E1txlwvy_500.gif (840 KB, 500x281)

840 KB GIF

“Anything has to beat being locked up in here,” you mutter. “What I don't get is why she wouldn't do anything to help us?”

“The shinigami aren't what we would consider 'good' Arisawa,” Ishida points out. “Sometimes their duty has to come first... but if you truly want to know I suggest you ask them.”

You nod, then walk over to the bars and tap against one to get Rukia's attention. “What's going on that demands all the shinigami's attention? What have you planned?”

Rukia doesn't turn to face you. “The plan is to perform a series of swaps, swapping Karakura town and everyone in it for an empty patch of... it's complicated.”

“Then simplify it for me. Draw some rabbits or something.”

A few moments pass as Rukia takes out a note pad and scribbles something that no doubt looks nothing like the concepts she's trying to convey. “This is the dangai, and this is a minor plane that exists within the dangai called a “valley of screams”. The idea is to swap a piece of that plane for a piece of Karakura town, then swap that piece of the valley for a piece of the Rukongai.”

You try to work your way through that idea while Ishida sets to work with whatever technique he plans to use to get you from this cell to wherever the enemy who kidnapped Mrs. Kurosaki and Mrs. Ishida are hiding. “So to get to Karakura town...”

“Anyone who was trying would have to defeat two sets of defenses to make the real Karakura town accessible again.”

“That sounds like it would take a lot of effort,” you admit, actually marveling a little at the fact that such an ambitious plan is even within the realm of possibility.

“Honestly, something like this has never been attempted,” Rukia admits, “which is why it is so important that we get this right, and that we are on hand for the possibility that Aizen would attempt to...”

Of course she had to pick that moment to turn around and look at you. The troubled expression takes a moment to give way to confusion, before becoming alarm. You glance over your shoulder to see what she's seeing: Ishida's opened what looks like a shadowy portal against the wall of the cell.

“What are you doing!?” Rukia shouts. “Renji!”

>CHEESE IT! If you move NOW you'll all have time to get through the portal.
>Ask the two shinigami to come with you.
>Stay where you are and try to stop the shinigami from stopping your friends.
>Other?

>>2150997
>>CHEESE IT! If you move NOW you'll all have time to get through the portal.
Welp. Didn't mean for that to be a diversion, but it works.

FULL SPEED AHEAD

>>2150997
>other: "Oh look! a secret pathway to very heart of Quincyland! at a time where not even our enemy expects such a daring raid! Wouldn't it be nice to take advantage of the surprise invasion? it would be SUPER useful for you shinigami. Oh but what a shame that you have to be so uptight and to turn down an opportunity..." Add the sarcasm to make sure Riku understands the implications.

>>2150997
>CHEESE IT! If you move NOW you'll all have time to get through the portal.

>>2150997
>>CHEESE IT! If you move NOW you'll all have time to get through the portal.

>>2150997
>>2151009
Pfft. Sure, I'll support this.

>>2150997
>>CHEESE IT! If you move NOW you'll all have time to get through the portal.
This is too funny not to

>>2150997
>other: stall long Rukia and Renji enough in hopes that the portal stays open for Riku to come running over... and then yank her, Rukia, and Renji through the portal with you.

>>2150997
“What are you waiting for!?” you shout. “Book it!”

Ichigo is the first to leap into the shadows even as Renji fumbles with the keys to the cell, and Chad and Ishida charge in after him. Rukia stares at you in disbelief, and you can only shrug.

“I can't let those idiots go it alone,” you tell her. “Apologize to Riku for me.”

Then you jump into the shadows after your friends.

You find that suddenly the world is colder around you, like stepping from autumn into the dead of winter in an instant. The sky is dark as if the sun has gone down instantly, and then you begin to realize that the buildings around you have all changed as well.

“So this is the Schattenbereich,” Ishida muses, looking around at all the western-style buildings coated in icicles and frost. “I always thought it would be... warmer?”

“Where are we?” Chad asks.

“This is a separate dimension,” Ishida explains, “hidden within the shadows of the Seireitei.”

“So like a parallel universe?” you ask.

Ishida nods. “Yes, in a sense.”

“But doesn't that mean that Aizen's forces could just invade the Seireitei from here?” you press. “I mean, aren't they basically already in the Seireitei?”

“But if their objective is Karakura town that gains them nothing,” Ishida observes. “That is the conclusion my teacher reached when Captain Urahara asked.”

>3d10, best of three

Rolled 4, 4, 10 = 18 (3d10)

>>2151059
>inb4 Aizen himself decides to come push our shit in

Rolled 7, 4, 6 = 17 (3d10)

>>2151059

Rolled 7, 2, 9 = 18 (3d10)

>>2151059

>>2151068
>>2151064
>>2151061
oh dear. Welcome to the Final level, where you must roll 20+ or die.

>>2151059
“Mom!” Rangiku shouts, bursting into Riku's office. “Ichigo and the others have...”

“I know,” she nods calmly. “I felt them leave.”

“Then you also know that Rukia and Renji went after them?”

Riku sighs, leaning back in her seat. “Remember, dear. We're under very strict orders... we can't go after them until after the fake Karakura town is set up, nor can I order anyone to go after them for me. Shunsui repeated himself several times to be sure I acknowledged those orders.”

Rangiku stares at her mother in dawning comprehension. “You knew this would happen when you gave them that assignment, didn't you?”

“I had a series of suspicions,” Riku shrugs. “I suspected that Ichigo, and even Ishida when put to it, wouldn't be stopped so easily. I also suspected Rukia would chase after them if Ishida really did have a way to pursue the attackers that took his mother, and that Renji would chase after Rukia.”

Rangiku nods quietly in understanding. “Will they be okay?”

“I have no idea,” Riku admits quietly. “But given the situation this is all I could do for them, at least until our own work is done.”

“Speaking of which, has Kaoru contacted us?”

“Should be any minute,” Rangiku informs her Captain.

“Good. Then I'll need to get to work,” Riku sighs, rising to her feet. “Tenri, please bring the reconnaissance photos. We'll need a reference to make this ploy convincing at all.”
>1/2

>>2151107
And on that note I'll need to take a substantial break. I should be back some time around 6-7pm PST for another four hour session or so.

>>2151114
Looks like it should be 6pm PST to restart.

File: 628New_palace.png (812 KB, 890x1298)

812 KB PNG

>>2151107
“Of course we chased after you!” Rukia shouts. “The Captain would have my head if anything happened to you!”

“And my Captain would have my head if anything happened to Rukia!” Renji insists.

Ichigo sighs, holding his head in his hands. “Fine, fine. So you're here. Anyone else coming we should know about?”

Rukia shakes her head. “No one else will be joining us.”

“We need to move,” Ishida insists quietly. “I have no idea if anyone noticed our arrival, but we shouldn't take any chances.”

In the distance you can't help but notice that where the tower at the center of the Seireitei would be there is still a tower, larger and more monolithic, like a fortress built up around and atop a mountain. The top of the massive structure is crowned with a single two-tiered building clad in ice. The plain below it is covered in buildings, many of which seem to be in disuse, but some of which rise above the plain in strange shapes and irregular silhouettes.

One of those buildings seems fairly close... not a perfect match for where the Ninth Division headquarters would be were all the buildings literally transposed.

>We should head towards the tower in the center, keep it as low-key as possible.
>We should start a bit of a diversion here, see what we're dealing with.
>We should try and get into that closest building there. We may be able to learn something there.
>We should split up and all work towards one goal from different angles.
>Other?

>>2151867
>>We should try and get into that closest building there. We may be able to learn something there.

>>2151867
>>We should try and get into that closest building there. We may be able to learn something there.

>>2151867
>>We should try and get into that closest building there. We may be able to learn something there.
Intel is always good. Not that I'm really expecting much when Renji and Ichigo are involved.

>>2151867
>>We should try and get into that closest building there. We may be able to learn something there.
>>Other?
Ask Rukia or Renji what looks like the closest thing to a jail here. A few of those isolated towers connected with only a bridge could be a start.

>>2151963
Does Aizen even care about prisoners? And he's already sent a bunch of his troops on suicide missions.

>3d10, best of three
>higher is better

Rolled 1, 9, 6 = 16 (3d10)

>>2151971
He'd still need a place to put Ichigo and Ishida's moms somewhere. And since the place somewhat resembles Seireitei already, I figured there'd be locations that'll just be repurposed for such.

>>2152000
Rollin'

Rolled 9, 3, 2 = 14 (3d10)

>>2152000
Sudoku committing

Rolled 2, 8, 4 = 14 (3d10)

>>2152000

File: 1449365387031.png (112 KB, 313x337)

112 KB PNG

>>2152005
I feel really dumb for momentarily forgetting the reason they're even invading Aizen's hiding spot.

>writan
>this could have gone better

>>2152177
>this could have gone better
I suppose an unplanned entry into a different realm wouldn't really go unnoticed.

>>2152177
“There's a large building in that direction,” you declare, pointing it out to your companions. “We should take a look, try and get our bearings.”

“You want to go to the big fancy building?” Renji muses. “Isn't that the opposite of what we should be doing?”

“We have no idea what the differences between these buildings are,” Rukia explains, nodding to you. “I agree with Arisawa.”

Chad, for his part, simply starts marching in the direction you'd indicated. Ichigo shrugs and follows his friend, and the rest of the group starts marching after them.

It takes about fifteen minutes of this before anything happens, but eventually you hear voices approaching you from the right... they're set to cross your path at a crossroads about a hundred yards ahead.

“A patrol?” Ishida mutters.

“Seems that way,” Renji nods in agreement. “We can take 'em.”

“We should try to avoid them,” Rukia shakes her head.

>Take some extra time to loop back to avoid the patrol.
>You can lose them if you leave the actual roads and cut through some of these buildings.
>If you can get the drop on them you can take them out quickly.
>Other?

>>2152239
>>Take some extra time to loop back to avoid the patrol.

>>2152239
>>You can lose them if you leave the actual roads and cut through some of these buildings.

>>2152239
>>You can lose them if you leave the actual roads and cut through some of these buildings.

>>2152239
>You can lose them if you leave the actual roads and cut through some of these buildings.

>3d10, higher is better

Rolled 7, 10, 4 = 21 (3d10)

>>2152373
Don't fail me now dice!

Rolled 9, 5, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>2152373

Rolled 7, 2, 2 = 11 (3d10)

>>2152373
this is gonna be super close

>>2152373
“Through the buildings!” you hiss.

This suggestion seems to agree with everyone present, and so you find yourself vaulting a ten-foot wall and pushing your way into what seems like an abandoned office building. The patrol passes by your position with little to indicate that they noticed your presence, and you breath a collective sigh of relief.

Then you notice something.

“Hey, where are Renji and Chad?” you ask, glancing around the hallway. The building is still and cold, with frost lining the walls and glistening white in the darkened corners of the space furthest from the windows. You count yourself, Rukia, Ichigo, and Ishida... same as the first time you noticed, four people where there should be six.

Ichigo stares at you, then does a full turn in place.

“They made it over the wall with us,” he frowns. “I'm sure of it.”

“Then where...” you grumble.

Rukia taps on the nearest wall. “It seems solid to me.”

“So not an illusion,” Ishida concludes, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “How strange. Perhaps they went in a different way?”

“Then wouldn't one of us be able to feel them?” you ask.

“This is weird,” Ichigo puts words to the thought you all share. “What's wrong with this place?”

>We should search the building, see if they maybe came in through a lower level.
>Ishida, maybe you could use that sword on some of the walls? The one that vibrates stuff apart?
>I... might be able to poke my head through some of these walls. See if we can find them that way.
>Other?

>>2152511
>I... might be able to poke my head through some of these walls. See if we can find them that way.

>>2152511
>>I... might be able to poke my head through some of these walls. See if we can find them that way.

>>2152511
>>I... might be able to poke my head through some of these walls. See if we can find them that way.
Absolutely nothing can go wrong with this plan.

>>2152511
>I... might be able to poke my head through some of these walls. See if we can find them that way.
I think I saw this in a hentai once.

>>2152511
>I... might be able to poke my head through some of these walls. See if we can find them that way.
Heck, maybe they're below the floor even. Who knows how this dimensional space works.

>>2152511
>other: I just hope my clothes also phase through them too. otherwise...
>I... might be able to poke my head through some of these walls. See if we can find them that way.

You sigh, unsheathing and releasing Tōōkenju. “I'm going to do something weird, give me a moment.”

The concept is solidity... you need all of your solid-ness to be concentrated below your navel for this to work. You feel a little light-headed as your own power goes to work, and after taking a deep breath you plunge your head and torso through the nearest wall.

On the other side you see nothing out of the ordinary. It's just an empty room with a bare concrete floor, same with the hallway below you. The hallway immediately below you though has broken windows though, same as the one you broke into. The glass lies on the floor, and leaning deeper through the floor lets you see that there's no frost or dust lying over the pieces. So it's probably fresh.

“There's no sign of them,” you admit. “The windows downstairs were broken, and the shards aren't iced over.”

“So they were there not long ago,” Ishida summarizes. “So where are they now?”

“There's a staircase over this way,” Ichigo announces. “Let's go.”

“Hang on,” Rukia cautions him. “If Chad and Renji were downstairs they must have been able to see the stairs as well. So why have they not joined us yet?”

“Maybe they went the other direction?” Ichigo suggests.

Ishida however seems unconvinced. “I doubt that. Something certainly seems wrong here.”

“That may be true,” you admit, “but what other leads do we have?”

“None,” Rukia sighs.

>We could split up. Two of us could go downstairs and check while two hold this position.
>We should all go downstairs as a group. We need to try and find Chad and Renji.
>They must have kept moving. We should do the same.

>>2152692
>We should all go downstairs as a group. We need to try and find Chad and Renji.
>this reminds me of Seireitei with it's maze like corridors. But there's something off about the architecture.

>>2152692
>>We should all go downstairs as a group. We need to try and find Chad and Renji.
Not too keen with keeping the group split.

>>2152692
>>We should all go downstairs as a group. We need to try and find Chad and Renji.

Splitting up is bad. No splitting up in weird buildings in foreign enemy territory

>>2152778
Well, I was actually in the fence about that. Considered going for splitting up albeit with the option to ask Ishida if he's got any strings with him to keep the party tethered..

But "nakama" bond won out in the end.

>>2152692
>>We should all go downstairs as a group. We need to try and find Chad and Renji.

>>2152692
>>We should all go downstairs as a group. We need to try and find Chad and Renji.
Splitting up even more sounds crazy.

>>2152692
“We should stick together,” you insist. “Ishida's on to something.”

The four of you move down the stairs to the hallway immediately below where you were standing, taking the stairs slowly. But when you reach the hallway something immediately strikes you as off.

“There's no glass!” you exclaim. All the windows on this floor are unbroken... and you know what you saw from upstairs when you peeked through the floor. “These windows were shattered inward... right here, and here.”

“You're sure?” Ichigo asks.

“What, do you doubt me?”

Ichigo shakes his head. “No... you just shoved your head through a floor. So... you know. Isn't there a chance you were mistaken?”

“None,” you insist. “I know what I saw.”

“It's possible the buildings here repair themselves” Ishida offers. “They're all reishi, same as the Seireitei.”

“Have you seen how buildings in the Seireitei are repaired Ishida?” Rukia scoffs. “They certainly do not repair themselves.”

“These are quincy we're talking about here,” Ishida counters.

“Hey, we don't need that right now,” Ichigo snaps. “Okay, so the windows aren't broken when they should be. What does it mean?”

“Did any of you notice anything when we came down the stairs?” you ask.

Nobody offers a response.

>Poke your head through the ceiling, see what you can see.
>If you didn't meet Chad and Renji they clearly went down the hall the other way. Do the same.
>Check some of the rooms, see what happens.
>Split up and search for clues.
>Get the hell out of the building, this is getting out of hand.

>>2152871
>>Poke your head through the ceiling, see what you can see.
This is some Escher-level bullshit.

>>2152871
Can we poke our head outside and then get the hell out if it's clear? Also, can Rukia cast the Ten—whatever thing to talk to Renji?

>>2152895
I'll make a ruling on this. If you can't locate the person you're trying to talk to you can't make the connection. Riku and Yoruichi have horseshit powerful reiatsu sensing so they can do it almost effortlessly, but other people need to use a tracking spell to do it if the target is too far.

And under some conditions, of course, the tracking spell can fail as well.

>>2152871
Dimension within a dimension? Or maybe we're in a reishi equivalent of a mirror house. Much confusion indeed.

>>Poke your head through the ceiling, see what you can see.

>>2152916
Looks like all those years practicing their blind fighting really paid off.

>>2152871
>>Poke your head through the ceiling, see what you can see.
fck it. let's go deeper.
Mystery ahoy~

>>2152931
In a lot of ways. They're two Captains on a very short list who could totally ignore Sakanade and Suzumushi, and who could compensate to any appreciable degree against Kyoka Suigetsu, which was the intended effect. But having an over-developed sixth sense also makes feinting and surprise attacks almost useless, and lets them coordinate with each other in battle on a level other people can't match unless they're literally sharing thoughts.

>>2152871
>Poke your head through the ceiling, see what you can see.

>>2152871
“Hey, Ichigo?”

“Yeah?”

“Gimme a boost,” you tell him, pointing at the ceiling. “I wanna check something.”

After managing to balance carefully on your friend's shoulders and repeating the process using Tōōkenju's power, you poke your head up into the ceiling to find nothing. You even leap from Ichigo's shoulders, sinking into the solid surface up to your ribs before landing on the concrete and letting your tangibility return to... well, to a 'normal' distribution.

“What did you see?” Ishida asks.

“Nothing!” you tell him. “There's nothing up there, just solid... rock, or concrete, or something. No hallway at all!”

“That settles it,” Ishida declares. “The building isn't repairing itself, because we're not in a building. Whatever sort of space we're in is reorganizing itself as we pass from one room into the other.”

“How is that possible?” Rukia demands.

“No idea,” Ishida admits. “But it fits all the evidence. Chad and Ishida went up the stairs and ended up in a different space from the hallway we were in, and we came downstairs to a different place than they came through the windows below us.”

You poke your head out through one of the windows to find that instead of the exterior of the building, your head pops out into a dimly lit room... like it was a one-way mirror that merely made you think it was an exterior window.

“This is weird,” you mutter. “And worse, even if we know now what the trick is... do you have any idea for how we can break it?”

“I could probably break through into a different space using seele schneider,” Ishida sighs, tapping one of the walls lightly with his fingertips. “But if that just gets us into a space like the one we left, with no real way out, then it served no purpose.”

“We are being manipulated,” Rukia nods. “And cleverly too... but to what end?”

>If we let whoever's pulling the strings direct us, maybe we'll figure out what they want.
>Let's play along for now, but keep looking for a way to flip the proverbial table and escape.
>If we keep going 'up' we'll bust out through an ACTUAL roof at some point, right?
>Other?

>>2153071
>Let's play along for now, but keep looking for a way to flip the proverbial table and escape.
This is gonna be like Stanley's Parable.

>>2153071
>>If we keep going 'up' we'll bust out through an ACTUAL roof at some point, right?
Depends on just how much the building can be manipulated, but consistently choosing a specific action should do something.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJOe3CXE-mA

Want a mission?

>>2153071
>>Let's play along for now, but keep looking for a way to flip the proverbial table and escape.

File: aisaka_taiga_toradora.jpg (286 KB, 1920x1080)

286 KB JPG

Look to your book shelf

File: 1507353594938.png (684 KB, 847x883)

684 KB PNG

Let's make America great again

>>2153071
>>Other?
Ask Ishida if his portal trick can still work in this place. As long as the exit portal is anywhere but here.

>>Let's play along for now, but keep looking for a way to flip the proverbial table and escape.

>>2153125
>>2153090
>>2153112

anon. you're in the wrong thread.

sorry, traded to deleted it

File: 514769.png (218 KB, 3072x1920)

218 KB PNG

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUjE29rmqIg

>3d10, DC 18, Critical 22

Rolled 4, 1, 5 = 10 (3d10)

>>2153192
rats in a maze. the roller coaster of shitty dice begins.

Rolled 5, 9, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>2153192
>>2153198
Time for die

Rolled 9, 5, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>2153192

File: 1507833415422.png (216 KB, 299x455)

216 KB PNG

>>2153204
>>2153202

Rolled 7, 5, 9 = 21 (3d10)

>>2153192

Rolled 2, 5, 8 = 15 (3d10)

>>2153192

>>2153192
“I say we play along,” you sigh, “since the alternative is to just start breaking things with no real plan in mind.”

“Keep your eyes open for ways to turn things to our favor.”

You press on down the hallway, turning a corner and finding a similar hallway. Then you turn another right, then down another hallway, and another right. Almost to confirm your suspicions, you turn one more impossible right.

“So it's not just me, right?” Ichigo grumbles.

“Nope,” you sigh. “Someone's just messing with us now.”

Down a flight of stairs, along a hallway, then round a sharp corner and back the same direction down a new hallway, then up a long flight of stairs, which finally leads you to a large, open chamber. The hallway behind you closes up, leaving no clear way out of the space you've found yourself in.

“What now?” Ichigo grumbles.

“Now, you follow me,” a small voice replies.

You turn to face the newcomer, fists raised... only to spot a child, in what looks like some sort of Victorian era outfit.

“Hello, intruders,” the child greets you cheerfully. “My name is Picaro!”

“Is this your doing?” Ishida asks, gesturing at the wall where you came through into this chamber.

“Mmm mmm,” the child shakes her... his? The child shakes their head, indicating that they're claiming not to be in charge of the building's bizarre function.

“Then who?” Rukia asks.

The child, 'Picaro' it called itself, laughs. “Do you want to meet him?”

>... suuuure...
>I'd rather not, thank you. I'd prefer to leave.
>Is there someone around here to fight? I'm feeling a bit out of my element here.
>Other?

>>2153275
>... suuuure...
>other: play along guys. If Ishida's teacher is right, then half of the people in here operate on a crazy train of thought. our best chances of survival might be going along for the ride.

>>2153275
>>Other?
Depends on whether we'll meet our lost friends there too.

>>2153275
>>... suuuure...
Beats walking around aimlessly.

File: 1436424337531.jpg (28 KB, 350x183)

28 KB JPG

>>2153275
“Sure, okay,” you nod. “I guess there's nothing else to really do, we're already deep in the trap.”

Without a meaningful counterargument, the four of you follow the child through a doorway which appears in one of the walls of this chamber, then up yet another long stairway. Just when you were finally ready to make a snarky comment about the obsession this unseen manipulator seems to have with stairs you are led out into a smaller room than the last chamber.

“Ah, I see you have met my little side project,” a voice greets you. “An arrancar capable of reproduction... albeit through budding. Still, progress.”

The man who is speaking to you is bizarre... he wears a crown of sorts, almost like an Egyptian headdress complete with a gilded beard. He wears a mishmash of black and white facepaint... and a familiar white robe is hung over his shoulders.

“Kurotsuchi Mayuri?” Rukia realizes, her eyes wide.

The painted man stares at her. “I see, so you are a shinigami... one of the Ninth Division if I am not mistaken?”

“This is one of the traitor Captains?” Ichigo asks.

Kurotsuchi scoffs dismissively. “You are quite rude, do you know that young man?”

“Are you not a traitor?” Ichigo presses.

“From a certain point of view,” Kurotsuchi confirms.

“Then are we going to fight?” you ask.

“Oh my heavens no!” Kurotsuchi chuckles. “You see, I have people to do that for me now.”

He turns to leave you, pointing at the ceiling as he walks out through an opening with his 'creation' in tow. “If you attack through that ceiling you will emerge back into the surface level of the Schattenbereich.”

“Good luck!” he cheers you on with a mocking tone. “Give it your best, little humans.”

The opening snaps shut behind him, and a new gateway opens instead...
>3d10, taking the third roll only

Rolled 5, 9, 2 = 16 (3d10)

>>2153406

File: ACU_The_Supreme_Being_9.png (3.08 MB, 1920x1080)

3.08 MB PNG

You on the right

Rolled 4, 1, 9 = 14 (3d10)

>>2153406
third roll will be the lowest of the three

Rolled 10, 1, 3 = 14 (3d10)

>>2153406

>>2153461
Technically correct.

>>2153406
A squad of what appear to be quincies step into the room, seemingly confused at how they arrived here, followed shortly by four arrancars. One, with pallid white skin and messy blonde hair, points at your group with an alarmed shout.

“It's the enemy!” he calls out. “Dondachakka, the enemy is here!”

“The enemy!?” a large-bodied arrancar exclaims, before realizing what his partner is pointing towards. “Ah, Pesche! It's the enemy, ya know!”

“That's what I just said!” the first arrancar shouts, deivering a flying kick to his partner's face.

“That's just uncalled-for!”

The quincies merely stare in disbelief.

“I just can't get used to these guys,” one of them sighs.

“So, should we shoot these intruders now?” another asks.

“I guess this is Kurotsuchi's doing, somehow,” the first quincy realizes. “So probably. Yeah. Shooting would be a good plan.”

Ichigo draws his sword with lightning speed, as does Rukia. Ishida produces something that resembles a bow. You raise your fists... and the long-awaited battle with Aizen's forces finally begins.

>>2153493
And this is where I call it for now. Thanks for stopping by, and hope you enjoyed the read! SoZ will run tomorrow, but I'll be returning to SSQ on Monday evening for a while to continue with Tatsuki's part of the story.

Please continue to be patient with me here, as I'll be trying to strike a balance between showing all the various battles that will be going on simultaneously.

As an aside, if you haven't been keeping up with the Twitter there's an omake up on pastebin: pastebin.com/Ljd8Tpwc

New ideas for omakes will also be added to the list.

>>2153625
>The quincies merely stare in disbelief.
“>I just can't get used to these guys,” one of them sighs.
Is it a sign? I seriously hope there's a mauve shirt Quincy footsoldier in that group of war-era quincies for us Ichigo and co. to mess with via defection.

>>2153493
What you're not certain of is where you should focus your efforts. Ishida moves to circle around to the left, keeping his distance while Ichigo rushes the quincy as they try and form up. Two of the five shift to track Ishida while the other three shoulder rifles and fire on Ichigo. Rukia raises her hand as she rushes the arrancar.

“Sokatsui!”

She uses the opening created by her hadō to release Sode no Shirayuki, her blade turning pale and sprouting a long, flowing white ribbon from the hilt.

>Join Rukia in her attack, fight in tandem.
>Help Ichigo overwhelm the quincy before one gets in a lucky shot.
>Rely on Tōōkenju to draw attention, hope that creates an opening for someone else.
>Other?

>>2159032
>>Join Rukia in her attack, fight in tandem.

>>2159032
>>Join Rukia in her attack, fight in tandem.

>>2159032
>>Join Rukia in her attack, fight in tandem.

>>2159032
>Join Rukia in her attack, fight in tandem.
She's our training partner. Doy, we fight alongside her

>>2159032
>Join Rukia in her attack, fight in tandem.
I didn't realize until now, but have we become the Hueco Mundo arc?

>>2159075
The SSQ analog of it, yes.

>>2159032
>>Join Rukia in her attack, fight in tandem.

>>2159032
>>Rely on Tōōkenju to draw attention, hope that creates an opening for someone else.
Screen for Ishida, if he's trying to go for a blindside play. Ichigo's fast, tough and in-your-face, while Rukia has her "spells" and her shikai can hold anyone attempting to be cheeky.

At this point, not really a vote for contention. More like an idea of what each member is trying to pull off in the flow of battle.

>back from dinner, in a position to write

>>2159339
Also I need a 3d10 roll, DC 17, critical 21, best of three

Rolled 5, 4, 8 = 17 (3d10)

>>2159368

Rolled 10, 8, 2 = 20 (3d10)

>>2159368

Rolled 3, 7, 8 = 18 (3d10)

>>2159368

>>2159368
You decide to join Rukia against the arrancars, making that engagement a two on four fight.

“Shine, Zangetsu!”

Ichigo's zanpakuto releases, becoming... a spear? Since when has Zangetsu been a spear? Though you recognize the shape of a 'reclining moon' blade, a heavy head with a single curved edge, which certainly seems to fit the name better.

In the mean time you close with the arrancars, letting a sword strike slip through your body before concentrating as much mass and power into your hand as you can and clocking one of the four with it. The shot knocks him flat on his ass, and Rukia takes the opportunity.

“Some no Mae: Tsukishiro!”

The air in front of her begins to shimmer, and then crystalizes in an instant with the surprised arrancar still stuck inside it. Then the pillar crumbles, along with the prisoner trapped within.

“P-p-pesche!” the largest arrancar exclaims in panic as you and Rukia scoot closer to each other, preparing to cover for each other in the case of an immediate counterattack.

The blonde arrancar gulps. “I saw it too, Dondachakka... I saw it too! This isn't gonna be easy.”

“Aren't you two supposed to be fracciones or something?” the third arrancar, a broad-shouldered man with red hair and a mask over his mouth and nose like a hollow Hannibal Lector. “Get a hold of yourselves!”

“Aren't you all supposed to be natural-born warriors?” you taunt. “I'd be embarrassed in your place.”

Rukia edges closer, her blade raised, but the third arrancar remains in a fairly relaxed stance.

“Wrap, de Fuerza!” he declares, unleashing a wave of reiatsu as his body is transformed.

“Here we go,” Rukia mutters.

“Right,” you nod.

>I'll get him to attack me so that you can see what his ability is, then counterattack.
>I'll feint, pass through his space, and attack the other two. You hit the ginger.
>If you can take the lead I can strike through you when you're both engaged.
>Go for a wide-area attack to limit their mobility, and then I'll move in.
>Other?

>>2159478
>>I'll get him to attack me so that you can see what his ability is, then counterattack.

>>2159478
>>I'll get him to attack me so that you can see what his ability is, then counterattack.

>>2159478
>other: Keep on aiming for the face. aim for nothing but the face.

>>2159478
>>I'll get him to attack me so that you can see what his ability is, then counterattack.

with our luck, his ability will be a counter for our ability. Let's find out :D

>>2159478
>>I'll get him to attack me so that you can see what his ability is, then counterattack.
Also I just want to catch attention to this:
>“Shine, Zangetsu!”
Tatsuki even made note of the spear head fitting the name. Did canon Ichigo ever have a phrase to call it, and is this something different? I don't know how significant this is, but it probably has some underlying meaning.

>>2159517
>Did canon Ichigo ever have a phrase to call it, and is this something different?
No. Canon Strawberry never got a calling phrase. All he did was swing the damn butcher knife and boom. instant 24/7 shikai.

>>2159478
>>I'll feint, pass through his space, and attack the other two. You hit the ginger.

>I'll start writing in a few minutes

>>2159530
Okay, back. I need 3d10, DC 18, Crit 22.

Rolled 5, 2, 5 = 12 (3d10)

>>2159569

Rolled 6, 3, 4 = 13 (3d10)

>>2159569

Rolled 2, 4, 10 = 16 (3d10)

>>2159569
clutch?

Rolled 2, 10, 10 = 22 (3d10)

>>2159569
well shit, here goes

>>2159577
That would be this one >>2159578

Good job

Oh wait, it was 4th. Godammit.

>>2159569
wouldn't it be bo4 due to co-op circumstances? Tatsuki is handling this with Rukia afterall.

>>2159569
“Keep it simple,” you suggest.

“Agreed,” Rukia nods.

You rush in, with what would normally be considered reckless abandon. The arrancar no doubt sees it that way, seeing as he's actually chuckling as his sleeves stretch out towards you like the arms of a straightjacket... those are his own arms you realize, extending to inhuman proportions. They wrap and wind around your torso, tightening as if to crush your whole body like an empty soda can. He never gets the chance though, and his eyes widen when he realizes that you've literally slid through his grasp.

Then you loop an arm over both his arms, before locking the back of your wrist against his limbs to reverse the situation entirely.

“How did she do that!?” the blonde arrancar shouts in amazement.

“She's like a ghost, dontcha know!” his large partner adds.

“Shut up!” the ginger arrancar roars, turning his waist.

Uh oh.

The arrancar in your grasp lifts you bodily off the ground with his massively heightened strength, and slams you headfirst into the blonde arrancar. Then the both of you are sent flying into the third arrancar, leaving the three of you to land in a tangled pile against one of the walls.

Or more precisely, the two of them are on your back.

“Hey Dondachakka, we've got her!” the blonde one groans.

Then you roll out through the big one's legs, staggering to your feet.

“We don't got her...” the big one whimpers. “I thought we had her for sure, Pesche!”

“Well, can't win 'em all, Dondachakka!” Pesche declares, picking himself off and patting down his white outfit. “We gave it our best...”

There's a loud crash as Rukia narrowly avoids a cero.

“Don't you dare run from this fight!” the red-headed arrancar shouts. “Or I'm gonna have a talk with Master Nnoitorra!”

Both arrancars yelp in distress.
>1/2

>>2159677
These guys are such idiots that it's hard to even know what they're thinking about doing. Their antics are a distraction at every turn.

But you shake yourself off. Ishida and Ichigo are making decent headway, with the latter battering the quincy around while Ishida takes carefully aimed shots into the melee. It's impressive that given how strong Ichigo has become these guys are even staying in the fight. If this is what a basic quincy solider handles themselves...

No time to think about that.

>These two clowns aren't taking this seriously, and taking them out would narrow the odds.
>These two are hesitating, take advantage and team up with Rukia to beat the redhead.
>If you can make your enemies angry enough at each other you could get an impromptu ally.
>Other?

>>2159783
>If you can make your enemies angry enough at each other you could get an impromptu ally.

>>2159783
>>If you can make your enemies angry enough at each other you could get an impromptu ally.
Invite an attack, ghost out so it hits the redhead.

It's perfect!

>>2159783
>>If you can make your enemies angry enough at each other you could get an impromptu ally.

>>2159783
>>If you can make your enemies angry enough at each other you could get an impromptu ally.

>>2159783
>>These two are hesitating, take advantage and team up with Rukia to beat the redhead.

Roll me 3d10
DC 16, critical 20
DC is lower than it would be otherwise thanks to >>2159790 suggesting that the two numbskulls might be better marks.

Rolled 10, 5, 8 = 23 (3d10)

>>2159835
dice is such a crackbitch tonight.

Rolled 2, 4, 2 = 8 (3d10)

>>2159835
rollan

>>2159840
uhuh Suuuuuure

Rolled 1, 1, 10 = 12 (3d10)

>>2159835
Rounding out the rolls

Rolled 8, 9, 9 = 26 (3d10)

>>2159835

Rolled 3, 9, 8 = 20 (3d10)

>>2159835
We got this

File: d4acc01.jpg (115 KB, 900x655)

115 KB JPG

>>2159835
“What are you two even doing here?” you protest, rounding on the two clowns.

“What do you mean?” Pesche demands.

“We're here to fightcha, ya know!” Dondachakka declares.

“Really?” you shake your head as the fight continues to rage, completely ignoring you. Good.

“I thought you were here for comic relief,” you scoff.

“Why would you think that!?” Pesche demands of you again, setting you up perfectly.

“Because you're a joke!” you tell them, delivering the punchline to a gasp.

“Why would you say such a mean thing!?” Dondachakka blubbers. “We have feelings too, ya know!”

“Now you've gone and done it!” Pesche declares. “You've made my partner cry!”

“Maybe you shouldn't have brought a damn man-baby onto a battlefield,” you quip, your catty tone even surprising you a little.

“No!” Pesche gasps. “You didn't just say that.”

“I did,” you confirm.

“That's it!” Pesche shouts, vaulting into the air and landing with his knees on his partner's shoulders.

“What are you doing, Pesche?” Dondachakka asks in confusion.

“Let's show her that technique!” Pesche decides. “Come on, let's show her what we can do!”

“R-right!” Dondachakka shouts back, opening his mouth wide. The two arrancar charge two ceros, one yellow and the other purple, which slowly mix and blend into one before they release it.

“Cero sincretico!”
“Cero sincretico!”
>1/2

>>2159883
It certainly looks impressive, but it passes straight through you of course.

The two arrancar stare at you with wide eyes. Dondachakka's massive square jaw hangs slack.

“I... completely forgot she could do that,” Pesche muses.

You glance over your shoulder to see Rukia staring at the spot where the third arrancar had been standing, now marked only by the man's feet. Little wisps of smoke trail from the ankles which end abruptly in two burned ends.

Even the quincy are surprised at the outcome.

“Neat,” you nod. “But do you have something that can actually hit me?”

“That...” Pesche replies hesitantly.

“That was our best attack ya know...” Dondachakka admits.

>Ignore these two, help the others deal with the remaining quincy.
>Knock out the two arrancars for good measure.
>Tell them to leave. Fighting them after this would just feel wrong.
>Other?

>>2159893
>K than going to help my freinds, you two should probably take a break and get something to relax.
>>Ignore these two, help the others deal with the remaining quincy.

>>2159893
>>Knock out the two arrancars for good measure.
Don't give these idiots a chance to do something stupid that somehow ends up working in their favor.

>>2159893
>>Knock out the two arrancars for good measure.

>>2159893
>other: Exploit the threat of this "Master Nnoitorra" or whatever this guy to intimidate them into compliance and silence. They sound afraid of him.
>Ignore these two, help the others deal with the remaining quincy.

>>2159893
>>Ignore these two, help the others deal with the remaining quincy.

>>2159893
>Just go sit and a corner and wait for us to get done.

>3d10, DC 18 best of four

Rolled 1, 1, 7 = 9 (3d10)

>>2159940

Rolled 8, 6, 5 = 19 (3d10)

>>2159940

Rolled 6, 7, 8 = 21 (3d10)

>>2159940

Rolled 7, 10, 2 = 19 (3d10)

>>2159940

>>2159940
“Your funds will be wired to the usual account,” you joke, turning to join Rukia in dealing with the last of the quincy.

One goes down like a sack of potatoes when you slam your palm into his face and Ichigo sweeps his legs with Zangetsu's shaft. A second takes a reishi arrow in the shoulder that throws his aim off, allowing Rukia to electrocute him with kidō. The final quincy standing sighs in resignation as three attacks come at him from multiple directions: your ankle catches him in the crotch from behind, the power of your kick lifting him into the air where Rukia's hilt catches him under the sternum. Then the spine of Zangetsu's blade falls on his chest like a hammer, slamming him to the ground.

You spare a glance at the two arrancar, Dondachakka held in Pesche's arms like a princess.

“I think I peed a little,” Pesche whispers in terror.

“Looks like we're finished here,” Ishida declares calmly, adjusting his glasses with one fingertip.

Rolled 5, 9, 9 = 23 (3d10)

>>2159940

>>2159957
And that's where I have to take a pause for the evening. Keep an eye on Twitter tomorrow to see when I'll be back... it MAY be a similar time tomorrow night.

So... we're good? No comments, no questions, etc?

>>2160052
Seems to have been a light thread on discussion overall, whole lot of voting and rolling and not too much chatter. Don't normally do these but what the hell

>Renji:
Does it seem odd to you that two Lieutenant-level shinigami were required just to guard a few humans? How deep does Captain Kusajishi's keikaku go?
>Ishida:
How long have you known how to get into Silbern? Did you really think it was such a secret that the best way to use it would be to sneak in with 3 high schoolers?
>Mayuri:
Really? An entire patrol of varied spiritual redshirts and not one fucked-up biological experiment implanted in them? I almost feel disappointed, you were more interesting back when you were a Captain...
>Riku/Yoruichi/Masaki:
Predictions for the berrybowl showdown? When will it happen? Who will win? How many angles will you be filming it from?

>>2160052
Remind me how Tatuski's power is considered "Broken". In fighting game terms, All I can see is that she's able to shift her hitbox to anywhere within her body.

Also when Tatsuki does her "phase shift", does her clothes shift with her body? or does ghost physics say her clothes count as a separate entity and subject to clothing damage?

What does Ichigo think of Tatsuki's "phase shift" ability?

>Ichigo:
I know innate mastery of a zampakuto is a thing, but how do you feel about having to switch from Old Man Zangetsu's "Butcher cleaver sword" to Actual Zangetsu's "Guan Dao"?
Do you and Zangetsu still butt heads with each other?

>Mayuri
How often do you chide/discipline that Arrancar scientist? Do not worry, your daughter is in good hands, subject Nemu is progressing nicely in accordance to your hidden experiment/orders.

>>2160052
>The big quiet guy is still there, and he greets you at the door.

>“Tessai, wasn't it?” Ichigo asks, to which the large shopkeeper nods.

TESSAI YOU'RE BACK! For a second I thought everyone forgot about you! how was your trip?

>>2160052

A few moments pass as Rukia takes out a note pad and scribbles something that no doubt looks nothing like the concepts she's trying to convey. “This is the dangai, and this is a minor plane that exists within the dangai called a “valley of screams”. The idea is to swap a piece of that plane for a piece of Karakura town, then swap that piece of the valley for a piece of the Rukongai.”
>Riku:
So let me get this straight: This is planar swaps with 3 layers of inception starting from the top down in this order:

Rukongai (Disguised as Karakura Town) > Riku's personal realm > Real Karakura town

Is this correct? Have you talked with the twins yet? They've been on the fence for quite some time and need probably 1 days worth of briefing and catch up in order for them to make a solid decision. Have you considered putting them up for the Arrancar alliance admissions process? (that process having a captain reccommend an arrancar to 3 captains for judgement to see if they're fine with letting them work alongside Seireitei mentioned in the captain's meeting way back in thread #75) And have you considered having Kisuke administering that Hollow Regen serum to Yin (or was it Yang?) so she could regrow her arm back?

>>2160159
>Renji
"You know, I used to ask questions like that."
>Ishida
"Know? Hours. Suspect? A few days. And I don't think anyone assumes it's a "secret" anymore."
>Mayuri
"Who says that isn't part of the experiment?"
>Riku/Yoruichi/Riku
"This qualifies as a bowl game now? Damn, every year these just get lamer and lamer. Seriously, when 7-6 teams are in bowl contention we've got too many bowls. What was the question?"
"Deflections aside, I think it's an uncomfortable question because someone's bound to be upset in the short term. I'm sure they'll all get over it though."
"Yeah... what she said, I guess."
>Masaki
"I'm kinda pulling for Tatsuki. Not that I don't like Rukia too, it's just... you only 'live' once, you know? When you've had a chance to slow down and think about it, you start to see things a bit differently."

>>2160313
Tatsuki's power is broken because her power isn't phasing, it's "distribution". She uses that ability to dodge in combat and to focus her reiatsu even beyond the levels allowed by traditional hakuda, because those are the easiest and most practical applications and she hasn't had time to really hone her ability to use it in more esoteric ways.
>Ichigo
"It feels a lot more... god, what's the right word... 'complete'? Like it's something with actual techniques that you can use with it."
"They... still don't get along."
>Mayuri
"Scientist? You mean Szayelapporo Granz? Feh, I would hardly define such a man as a 'scientist'... more a cultist who worships knowledge as though it were some dark deity to be placated in exchange for patronage."
"Of course Nemu is 'progressing nicely'. After all I designed her myself... or do you mean to imply something mean about my abilities, hm? Are you perhaps applying to become my next 'research assistant', is that it? I keep petitioning Aizen for a replacement, but he seems to have quite unfairly implemented a policy of 'one per week' behind my back."
>>2160316
>Tessai
"Most enlightening."
>>2160323
>Riku
"Um... basically? I worked it out with Kaoru so that it serves as redundancy, but I haven't exactly thought about it since then. It's in whatever the right order is to force Aizen's Assholes to break two planar arrays."
"We may have spoken. Yin... or was it Yang? The one who was wounded has fully recovered, but they're lost and directionless now. I'd hardly want to force them to commit to something they haven't had a proper chance to consider. They'll make a decision eventually on their own, and it will be the right one for them."
"The process itself has never been properly used, to be fair. Some of the Captains were doubtless recognizing reality, not exercising their own judgment. So it would be an interesting test of the system."

>>2160405
>Riku and Yoruichi
Have you thought of practicing exerting your divine wills in the Valley of Screams? You did attune the thing to your soul essence(s). It'll be a really wicked tool to use when the fight gets to that point. Having sudden Volcanic eruptions and Typhoons come out of nowhere and rearrange the terrain to Seireitei's advantage would be scary. Although on a smaller scale, maybe having a sudden terrain shift that disorients the enemy would still be a really good practical edge.

>Mayuri:
If you're in a divulgatory mood, what was the "Most engaging but trivial" experiment you've conducted in Silbern? Any trivial experiment that is irrelevant to the current shenanigans in Silbern nor Aizen's plans would do.

>>2159957
"Not quite," you observe. The two arrancar left standing are clearly awed by the display.

“So, what do we do about these idiots?” Ichigo asks, jerking his thumb at them. “Seems kinda wrong to kill 'em, doesn't it?”

The duo glance nervously at you in unison, expecting some kind of reply.

“I dunno,” you sigh. “I'm better at the fighty sorta decisions, the big picture strategic stuff is more Ishida's game.”

The duo glance nervously at Ishida, who raises his hands. “Don't look at me. I don't want to be responsible for setting a precedent here either way.”

The duo glance back at Ichigo.

“We could just tie 'em up and leave 'em.”

They glance at Rukia, who so far has kept her thoughts to herself.

“If we had them take the wounded back to wherever the nearest barracks are,” she suggests. “If Captain Kusajishi were present she would point out that wounded soldiers take up more resources than dead ones.”

The duo turn to Ishida. “We could also tell them to take a message to Aizen. Throw them into disarray on the eve of their big plan to invade Karakura town.”

“And make it harder to do what we came for,” Ichigo points out.

>Not necessarily, if they send out more patrols the guard on your moms might be lighter.
>If Captain Kusajishi were here I'd be agreeing with her. Let's try Rukia's idea.
>Let's not mess things up by allowing these two to report, knock 'em out and leave 'em.
>Other?

>>2161231
>“If Captain Kusajishi were present she would point out that wounded soldiers take up more resources than dead ones.”

That's...only true when you care about the soldiers, and aren't willing to just kill them.

Mind, these particular idiots are being kept for a reason, but their well-being still isn't a very high priority, and as far as the party knows they may just get eaten or something.

>>2161231
>>Other?
Let's ask them first if they've seen any non-Sternritter humans around recently.

>>2161300
And by this, I meant asking if they've seen anyone that fits Masaki and Sanae's description, plus their possible whereabouts.

>>2161300
I'll second interogation. Followed by murder.

It's war, guys.

>>2161231
>>Let's not mess things up by allowing these two to report, knock 'em out and leave 'em.

Here's hoping they end up making a run for it back to Nel, eventually.

>back from dinner
>will write in a few minutes
So to that end gimme a 3d10 roll. I'll be taking the third roll only.

Rolled 7, 9, 7 = 23 (3d10)

>>2161396

Rolled 5, 7, 2 = 14 (3d10)

>>2161396

Rolled 5, 9, 3 = 17 (3d10)

>>2161396

Rolled 3, 10, 10 = 23 (3d10)

>>2161396
uh oh

>writing

File: 1469666396856.jpg (42 KB, 640x480)

42 KB JPG

>>2161425
“Before we make any decisions,” you sigh, “I've got a question for the two of you. Do the names Kurosaki Masaki or Ishida Kanae ring any bells to you?”

“Well...” Pesche muses, exchanging a glance with his partner.

“Hang on,” Ichigo interrupts. “Why should we trust these guys?”

“We won't,” you mutter back, leaning a bit closer and lowering your voice. “But we may learn something even despite that.”

“Hang on,” Pesche counters. “We're not exactly Aizen's favorites you know.”

“Oh?” you ask.

Pesche and Dondachakka exchange a nervous glance before Pesche actually explains. “Our mistress had a falling out with Aizen... we're pretty much being used as... how would you say it, Dondachakka?”

“Hostages?” the large arrancar offers.

“Yeah,” Pesche nods dejectedly. “We're totally hostages.”

“So you're saying you have nothing to lose?” Ishida asks.

“Wait...” Rukia mutters. “This 'mistress' of yours is Neliel tu Odelschwanck?”

“Yeah, how did you know?”

“She is with my Captain,” Rukia explains.

“She is!?” Pesche exclaims excitedly.

“She's alive!?” Dondachakka interjects. “She's alive! Is she okay? When did you see her last?”

“Answer her question first,” Rukia insists firmly.
>1/2

>>2161463
“Of course!” Pesche replies cheerfully, before he suddenly slumps dramatically. “We don't really know anything.”

You slam your forehead into your palm. “You're kidding.”

“We know they're here, but they don't exactly tell us much.”

>Surely you have to know something that can help us?
>Alright... I'm sure we can strike a deal here, help each other out.
>Then we're just wasting time here.
>Other?

>>2161467
>>Surely you have to know something that can help us?
Like any areas where guards increased, anywhere you're not allowed, where the big bosses are?

>>2161467
>>Surely you have to know something that can help us?
This >>2161469

And as long as they don't get in the way. Or bumble their misfortune to our disadvantage. Maybe they should just play dead and hide somewhere or something.

>>2161467
>>Alright... I'm sure we can strike a deal here, help each other out.
Worst case scenario they'd make a decent meat shield

>>2161467
>>Surely you have to know something that can help us?
>>2161469
If there's anything weaklings in Aizen's organization know, it's where not to be at a given moment

>>2161467
“Surely you have something for us to work with,” you grumble. “You can't possibly be that far out of the loop.”

“Even just basic information would help,” Ishida insists. “We know next to nothing about this place.”

“Well... most of the important folks have their own palaces,” Pesche explains, “if that helps. This one used to be Lady Neliel's.”

“Your mistress had a palace where all the walls and hallways could be reconfigured?” you ask skeptically.

“Well, all the palaces can be changed to suit their owners' whims,” Dondachakka explains as if it's the simplest thing in the world. “That's just common sense ya know.”

“They're all like this?” you repeat.

“Yup, so far as I know,” Pesche nods.

“Great,” Ichigo sighs, head in his hands. “Just great.”

“Anything on the two women who were brought here?” Rukia presses.

Pesche shakes his head. “If I had to guess I'd say they were in Silbern... but that's just a guess.”

“Silbern?” you ask.

Ishida nods. “Bambietta Basterbinne mentioned it as being the headquarters building.”

“You know that psycho too?” Pesche shivers.

“That psycho is my instructor,” Ishida scowls. “Stop that.”

Pesche pokes his head out from behind Dondachakka. “You gotta be kidding me! If you're her student that makes you just as scary!”

“Cut that out,” you sigh. “Bambietta doesn't seem that bad, and freaking out like this is just wasting our time.”

“Yeah, sorry,” Pesche apologizes. “So Silbern would be your best bet. It's the highest building up, can't miss it.”

>Then let's get out of here and get heading that way.
>We should launch a diversionary attack or two. When we invaded the Seireitei the chaos helped us.
>So what would be the best way for us to sneak our way there?
>Other?

>>2161552
>>So what would be the best way for us to sneak our way there?
If we can somehow pull off a successful sneaking mission in this Hueco Mundo arc analog, I'll die happy.

>>2161552
>>So what would be the best way for us to sneak our way there?

>>2161552
>>So what would be the best way for us to sneak our way there?
>seen a big human and read headed soul reaper around?
>This place have a control panel?

>>2161578
>>seen a big human and read headed soul reaper around?
Oh yeah, I forgot they got separated from us. Might as well take the chance to ask.

>>2161552
>We should launch a diversionary attack or two. When we invaded the Seireitei the chaos helped us.

>>2161552
“Last question, you seen a big human and a shinigami with red hair running around?” you press. “Second guy's head looks a little like a pineapple?”

“What's a pineapple?” Dondachakka asks. “And is it anything like a regular apple?”

“No, it's... I guess that's a no,” you sigh. “Alright, we need to figure out how to get as far as possible as stealthily as possible.”

“We could help with that!” Dondachakka tells you.

Pesche sighs. “Dondachakka, sometimes I wonder about you.”

“... sorry,” Dondachakka apologizes. “I just got carried away ya know.”

>That's perfect. You'd be safer with us anyway.
>Um... no. Sorry, but you two don't seem sneaky.
>Other?

>>2161663
>>That's perfect. You'd be safer with us anyway.

>>2161663
>>That's perfect. You'd be safer with us anyway.

>>2161663
>>That's perfect. You'd be safer with us anyway.

>>2161663
>>That's perfect. You'd be safer with us anyway.
This is gonna be fun.

>>2161663
Alright, vote was unanimous so that's a wrap for the evening. I'll pick it up here... probably next weekend, but keep an eye on twitter for updates.

>>2161698
Thanks for running! Looking forward to whatever weird keikaku onion Aizen is unpeeling here

>>2161663
>tfw pineapple is one of the only words that is nearly exactly the same in almost every language

I think it's some form of "ananas" in everything except English and I think one other language. How the hell do these guys even know what an apple is? Have they ever even seen a fruit? I guess they picked it up from being in quincyland instead of hollowville.

File: pineapples.jpg (133 KB, 522x619)

133 KB JPG

>>2161776
Yeah, that gag really only works in English.
In Japanese pineapple is painappuru, and apple is ringo. In Spanish pineapple can be either ananas or piña, but apple is manzana.

>>2162223
This plot hole has ruined the entire story for me. Fucking dropped.

>>2161776
Why the hell would ghosts all be speaking Spanish anyway? Why would thousand-year-old ghost monks dress like Nazis? Why would Nel losing fragments of her mask turn her into a child when Findorr gets stronger when he does it?

The answer is to always blame it on the Royal Guard.

>>2162468
>tfw the ghosts are speaking Japanese with a few Spanish words in it

AAAAAAAA

Fuckin' Monk, giving things the wrong fuckin' names. Makin' things fuckin' inconsistent. What a prick. Goddamn reality benders always muckin' stuff up.

>>2162474
At a certain point it ceases to matter, really. These are centuries-old planeswalking ghosts, it can be assumed that they'll know at least smatterings of several languages, particularly hollows given the fact that they get sucked in from all over the world and spend decades or even centuries eating each other.

>>2162485
Does eating each other really matter, though? Do they actually retain the memories of other people?

But of course they don't speak any other language because JAPAN BEST JAPAN STRONGEST ECONOMY JAPAN HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH GAIJIN GO HOME JDF JDF JDF! and shit but yeah, it makes sense. Where the hell would Pesche and Dondechaka come from? Alabama. I'm guessing Alabama.

>>2162492
A menos is literally a pile of souls all folded together into one, so why wouldn't they at least retain some understanding of languages their component souls knew? It's not like any of the souls you see in the series who lost their memories were incapable of communicating.

>>2162510
I don't think any single hollow has ever shown to remember any other soul's memories. This is an Occam's Razor situation right?

We're not given any evidence as to how or why they speak. They just do. It's safest to assume they just intrinsically know how to speak their languages based on some metaphysical concept. Which they do, it's just a device for the reader's convenience since they could be speaking some actual ghost language and not a real language at all (even though we know they aren't since Ichigo and Co. all understand everyone else). There is just some reason why these ghost cannibals all speak the same language as the ghost police and the living schmucks which in and of itself should be impossible due to how language evolves over time. The biggest issue is that some Shinigami who never leave the SS also speak perfectly fine as if they spend a ridiculous amount of time just learning modern dialects and such, like why would the Old Man who is over a thousand years old speak modern Japanese? Especially considering how he's a staunch traditionalist and people live for so long they have no reason to actually change how they speak since the only real change in language would be where the fresh souls come in via the Rukongai and there aren't enough of them in influx to noticeably change the language. It's just a big plot hole.

Really since this is fanfic you can just substitute any explanation you want, which hilariously is more than Kubo gives.

>>2162550
At least in this case Omoikane no mikoto (full name meaning "many-mind's-thought-combining-deity") is responsible for smoothing things out, in spite of the fact that the Monk constantly fucks with how things are named.

>>2162561
Someone should teach that bald beardy fuck a lesson. I wonder what the most egregiously disrupting thing the Monk ever did was. Like naming something pineapple despite knowing he never called them that before. Next level cruelty.

>>2162573
Just be glad it's not someone from here who has that power. Reishi would be soul jism, zanpakuto would be spirit dong, bankai would be maximum overcock...