Chapter 136: Into the Lion’s Den

Ichigo left with Yoruichi so he could learn Bankai. Eventually, Chad was also defeated by a Shinigami, most likely a Lieutenant, and taken prisoner. Orihime, Ganju, Hanatarou, the only Reiatsu I didn't recognize near Ichigo, and Ishida were being taken prisoner. Hanatarou was most likely reprimanded but that was as far as his punishments might go. I knew that the Gotei 13 quarters were based on Feudal Japan architecture, but seeing it live was kinda boring, since I was used to a lot of buildings in the Naruto universe being the same. When I go back to the One Piece universe, Wano Island will be the same or better.

Kyoraku gave Nanao to a passing Shinigami from his division so she can be taken to the Fourth Division quarters, the Hospital Division of the Gotei 13. I was given weird and hostile stares as we made our way to the meeting place of the Captains. On the way to the meeting hall, Kyoraku and I were discussing good alcohols, food and women. Ah, a man of culture. I promised to get some good spirits next time I visit and it will be soon. He was excited to taste the differences that the modern world has to offer. While walking to the hall I told Kyoraku that two other Captains were most likely defeated so he wouldn't be too surprised. We made it to the meeting hall and almost immediately all the Captains drew their Zanpakuto. Until…

Kyoraku: Whoa whoa, stop everyone. He is my guest.

Genryusai: What is the meaning of this blatant disrespect Shunsui?

Kyoraku: Jiijii (Gramps), I am just keeping my end of the bet with my guest here.

Soifon: What nonsense is this bringing a Ryoka here during this predicament? Are you defecting?

Kyoraku: Yare yare (My my), to think that I would be suspected of treason because I brought a Ryoka.

Ukitake: You can't blame her for thinking that Kyoraku. Please, explain why he is here.

Kyoraku looked at the old man, Genryusai, for an approval nod. Once he nodded Kyoraku was going to explain why I chose to come to the lions den. I knew this from the anime and manga but damn Soifon is flat, cute though.

Kyoraku: First of all, I don't see Zaraki-taicho or Kurotsuchi-taicho.

Hitsugaya: They were defeated by the Ryoka.

Sage: Told you, Kyoraku-san.

Kyoraku: When you're right, you're right. Back to the topic at hand. I was also defeated by my Ryoka guest here.

Everyone drew back when Kyoraku said that. Even Genryusai, who normally keeps his eyes closed, opened his eyes. He saw the look in Kyoraku's eyes and knew he was not joking. Genryusai gripped his cane a little tighter in anticipation for a sudden attack.

Kyoraku: Before the fight I made a bet with him. Win or lose, he would come with me but if I lost he would come without restriction, so here he is. He came to prove that he and his group had nothing to do with Aizen-taicho's death.

Ichimaru: And you expect us to believe an outsider jus' like that, Eighth Division Captain?

Sage: Just be lucky you encountered Ichigo first, Ichimaru Gin. Now then, if all of you would show me the "dead body", I can prove our innocence.

Genryusai: How do you have intimate detail of our inner workings, youngster?

Sage: I am so sorry. My name is Sarunokami Sage. As to why I know the inner workings then let's just say they are the spoils of the winner, Captain- Commander Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto-san.

Again, everyone but Kyoraku was taken a back. Now, others began to grip their Zanpakuto's as well. Soifon on the other hand took the opportunity to attack me. I smiled at her little attempt and followed all her movements with my eyes. She had already released her Zanpakuto, Suzumebachi, I let her grab me from behind as she tried to stab me with her Zanpakuto on my neck, I even moved my head slightly to give her a bigger target but unfortunately for her, when she tried to stab me the tip of Suzumebachi was bent backwards along with her finger. Soifon's Zanpakuto ability only works if she stabs her opponent in the same location twice but if she can't even pierce my skin what use is it. She didn't scream in pain because she was trained to withstand pain but she did groan.

Sage: Aww, poor baby. Let me kiss it and make it better.

I held on to Soifon by her chin before she could even react and gave her a kiss on the lips. I infused some of my energy to my lips to hers. I let go of Soifon and she immediately backed off while grabbing her mouth and trying to cough.

Unohana: I noticed that you used energy in your lips, what did you do to her?

Sage: Aw, and here I thought that as a healing expert you would notice something else, Unohana Retsu-san.

Unohana looked back at Soifon's hand where Suzumebachi was and it went back to normal, her eyes grew wide. The previously broken finger with the bone protruding out the skin was fully mended except for her Zanpakuto, Soifon was healed. She also noticed that the energy flow was much smoother and a little bit stronger now as well.

Unohana: I am sorry for my remark earlier.

Sage: It's ok. I understand the suspicion. Before I was deliciously interrupted (I licked my lips), can you please show me the body so that I can prove that we didn't kill Aizen Sosuke?

Genryusai: Even if you can prove that you or the other Ryoka didn't kill him, what of your invasion? Are you all willing to give yourselves up?

Sage: (With a soft and gentle smile) Come on Genryusai-jiisan, even if you had Division Zero theres no way ANY of you could win against me, maybe scratch me, if you're lucky. Even if we did come uninvited, we are actually doing all of you more of a favor than a disservice.

I cannot mention how many times I have seen this old mans face surprised, but in the short time that I have met him face to face, I have seen him open his eyes multiple times. I laughed to myself because he reminded me of the dad from the animated movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, that whenever he was serious or surprised he would show his eyes from his bushy eyebrows. After a few seconds of silence, Genryusai nodded to Unohana to show me the body.

I knew that even if I did expose Aizen for the villain that he is, he will still go to Hueco Mundo and continue his plan because he set many contingencies in place. I remembered that he was the first to create the Hogyoku and only needed the one that Urahara created to feed it to his. In order to keep the story going and to get a good fight out of Aizen, I will let him use the secondary method to take Urahara's Hogyoku from Rukia's soul, which was the tool that Urahara created himself for taking things out of souls without damaging or destroying them. While on the way to the morgue Ichimaru's Lieutenant, Kira Izuru, the emo looking guy.

Kira: Ichimaru-taicho, there seems to be an incident that needs your attention.

Ichimaru: Everyone, I'm sorry fer skippin' the show and tell.

Genryusai: Take care of it.

I grinned at the sight of Ichimaru leaving. I knew that he was going to inform the now in hiding Aizen. I didn't mind because he will now revise his plans. I don't know if we can still prevent Rukia's execution from following through but I know it won't actually happen though because Aizen took control of the Central 46, which is the Judiciary authority of Soul Society. The one thing I do know though, is that if Aizen doesn't recover it, he will lose his Zanpakuto.