Fate in Bleach: Unlimited Blade Works! Chapter 287: Sorry, I’m A Ryoka!

Before entering the Seireitei, Yoruichi Shihōin had warned Ichigo Kurosaki and his companions about the terrifying strength of the Gotei 13 captains. Even at their strongest, they were no match for the thirteen captains.

Furthermore, they had Orihi Inoue, their "weak link," to consider.

Undeniably, Orihi's abilities were potent. Her "Rejection of Phenona" could heal injuries and even reverse events. While her healing speed might not surpass Captain Retsu Unohana's "Blood-Soaked Hot Springs," the essence of her power was on a higher level than Unohana's. However, Orihi was still a novice. Even an elite-level Shinigami could defeat her.

Adding Orihi to their group and failing to provide Ichigo and his companions with an escape route... These two factors suggested that Yoruichi and Urahara hadn't expected Yasutora Sado, Uryu Ishida, and Orihi Inoue to play a significant role in rescuing Shino Madara.

Perhaps they had even intended for the three to simply create chaos within the Seireitei, disrupting its carefully maintained order, forcing Sōsuke Aizen to expose his weaknesses while seeking the Hōgyoku hidden within Shino Madara's soul.

Ailin suspected that, besides their role as distractions, Urahara had another objective: to nurture Ichigo Kurosaki.

After Ichigo was born, Urahara had discovered that the boy possessed Shinigami, Quincy, and Hollow powers within him. In Urahara's view, Ichigo's potential was limitless. He was undoubtedly a "Soul King Candidate."

Seeing the possibilities within Ichigo, Urahara had created two Modified Souls: Ururu and Jinta. They were Urahara's final insurance policy.

If, in the future, sothing were to happen to the Soul King, he could use those two as "Soul King Candidates" to stabilize the three worlds.

Ichigo and his companions were rely teenagers. It was understandable that they couldn't see through Urahara's machinations.

In fact, Ailin suspected that, of the four, only Yasutora Sado had co to the Seireitei with the resolve to die if necessary.

Perhaps Uryu Ishida hadn't accepted that possibility, and Orihi Inoue might even be treating their invasion as a casual outing.

...

Clank, clank, clank, clank...

"Ergency Order! Ergency Order!"

"Sixth Division Lieutenant Renji Abarai defeated by Ryoka! Relaying Captain-Commander Yamamoto's orders!"

"All captains, permission to release Zanpakutō granted!"

"Ergency Order! Ergency Order!"

Night had fallen on the Seireitei, but this night was unusually chaotic. For the first ti in centuries, most of the Shinigami were experiencing a Ryoka invasion.

Furthermore, these Ryoka were no ordinary souls. Many Shinigami had already been defeated and sent to the Fourth Division for treatnt. Among the injured were several seated officers.

But the news that Lieutenant Renji Abarai had been defeated sent shockwaves through the Seireitei, igniting a frenzy.

Lieutenants were, after the thirteen captains, the strongest fighters in the Gotei 13. How could a lieutenant be defeated? Did these Ryoka possess captain-level strength?

This revelation galvanized the Shinigami. They doubled their patrol efforts, forming groups of five or more.

As long as the Ryoka didn't create a major disturbance, the Shinigami would remain relatively safe.

However, this increase in security asures was a cause for concern for Uryu and Orihi.

After shaking off their pursuers, Uryu had taken the shihakushō they had obtained and, after adjusting them to fit, they both donned the black uniforms. This disguise had served them well for half a day.

But after the news of Renji's defeat spread, they encountered problems.

Within half an hour, practically all the Shinigami patrols consisted of five or more mbers. A two-person team like theirs was conspicuous.

"Not good, Orihi! We have to move!"

Sensing the shift in security, Uryu urged Orihi to find a place to hide.

Thankfully, as the Shinigami gathered, forming larger groups, the density of their patrols decreased, allowing Uryu and Orihi to move a considerable distance.

However, as the Shinigami learned of the Ryoka's destination—the Palace of Penitence—they shifted their focus, setting up barricades and checkpoints at all the main intersections leading to the palace.

Uryu and Orihi were trapped.

Two people, amidst groups of five or more, stood out like sore thumbs.

"Halt! Identify yourselves. Which division are you from?"

A group of ten Shinigami cornered Uryu and Orihi within an alley. A burly Shinigami blocked their path and demanded to know their affiliations.

"Huh?"

"Um, well..."

Orihi froze. She looked around frantically. Her gaze eventually settled on Uryu.

Of the four, Uryu was a Quincy trained by his grandfather from a young age.

Yasutora Sado and Ichigo Kurosaki had fought their share of battles outside of school. They had at least so combat experience.

Orihi, however, had always been a gentle soul. Her only experience with fighting was when she awakened her Fullbring after witnessing Uryu's battle against hundreds of Hollows and used her powers to protect Tatsuki Arisawa.

Faced with this situation, she was utterly helpless. She had only co to rescue her classmate, Shino Madara. She knew nothing about the intricacies of the Seireitei's inner workings.

Thankfully, Uryu was more resourceful.

"We're from the Fifth Division," he said. "We were ordered to patrol this area."

While taking the shihakushō, Uryu had been careful to note the division of the Shinigami he had robbed.

"Ah, so you're from the Fifth," the burly Shinigami said, relaxing slightly.

While all Shinigami uniforms seed identical at a glance, each division had its unique emblem embroidered on an inconspicuous part of the uniform. The shihakushō Uryu and Orihi were wearing bore the emblem of the Fifth Division—"Lily of the Valley." It matched his claim.

However, Orihi's deanor made the Shinigami suspicious.

A Shinigami wouldn't be clueless about their own division.

Therefore, this orange-haired woman was likely one of the Ryoka invaders.

The slender man must be her hostage!

With this thought in mind, he discreetly signaled to his comrades, then chuckled and said, "It just so happen that our Eight Division often work with the Fifth. These Ryoka are quite cunning and powerful. Why don't you patrol with us tonight?"

As he approached Uryu, he clapped him on the shoulder, silently comnding his acting skills. He wasn't actually a mber of the Eighth Division. It was a test, a subtle ssage to Uryu.

Uryu's response was satisfactory.

The emblem on his uniform was "Iris," the Thirteenth Division's emblem.

He had deliberately misidentified his division to test Orihi.

As Orihi relaxed, the burly Shinigami grabbed Uryu's arm.

"Let's go!" he said, pulling Uryu away.

The mont the two were separated, the other Shinigami drew their Zanpakutō and charged towards Orihi.

"Huh?"

Orihi was dumbfounded.

What was happening? Why had they pulled Uryu away?

Had they been discovered?

While slow to react, she wasn't stupid. Seeing the Shinigami's actions, she knew they had been exposed. She touched the hairpin on her head.

"Tsubaki!"

Her hairpin shimred, then a black light materialized beside her, transforming into a thumb-sized figure.

"Koten Zanshun—I Reject!"

Swoosh!

With her command, the masked ninja figure transford into a miniature black crescent moon and darted through the crowd of Shinigami.

"Aaaaargh!"

"Aaaargh!"

"Aaaargh!"

Blood splattered. Before the Shinigami could even reach Orihi, they were struck down by Koten Zanshun.

Monts later, only the burly Shinigami, still holding Uryu's arm, remained standing.

"Damn it! I underestimated them!"

Beads of cold sweat trickled down his forehead. He had known these Ryoka were formidable, but he hadn't anticipated such a swift defeat.

"You go! Tell the captains what happened! I'll hold her off!"

Despite his fear, he drew his Zanpakutō and shielded Uryu, preparing to face Orihi.

However, before he could even attack, a blue arrow pierced his chest.

He slowly turned his head to see Uryu standing behind him with his Ginrei Kojaku in hand.

"Sorry, but..." Uryu said, a faint smile on his face, "I'm also a Ryoka."