The Gotei 13 vs. Kagerōza Inaba & The Reigai

The Gotei 13 vs. Kageroza Inaba & The Reigai is a fight taking place in the Reigai Uprising. It focuses upon the conflict between several Shinigami captains against 7th Seat Kageroza Inaba and his invading army of Reigai.

Prologue
As Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya staggers up from Inaba's surprise attack, he prepares to deal the killing blow. However, several throwing knives interrupt him, as he moves on the defensive to avoid them. Inaba glances at the entrance, whereupon Captain Suì-Fēng comments that this is where he was hiding. She is accompanied by Lieutenant Isane Kotetsu, carrying an unconscious Akon. Inaba is surprised at her arrival, stating that he thought Suì-Fēng would never make it out of the barrier.

Suì-Fēng retorts, stating that he had the tenacity to seal him there in the first place. Inaba then explains his reason for getting rid of her, stating that the Onmitsukidō would be under his control if he did so. Yoruichi Shihōin interrupts their conversation, explaining that he went to a lot of trouble. She jumps down from the ledge, asking whether he is Kageroza Inaba. Inaba responds by stating that she has finally made her presence known, wondering how he was unable to find her.

Yoruichi comments that she experienced difficulty in rescuing Suì-Fēng and the others without him noticing. Inaba mockingly apologizes for putting her through much strain, explaining that it was necessary to bring him into power. Yoruichi tauntingly asks whether he is able to do such a thing, prompting Inaba to ask whether she deems it beyond his capabilities. She asks him whether she is incorrect to presume such a thing, to which Inaba tells Yoruichi not to underestimate him.

He continues, stating that he dislikes being underestimated. Yoruichi counters, stating that he should, in turn, not underestimate his adversaries. On cue, a door opens next to Inaba, as Captains Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake emerge. Inaba is surprised that the two captains are alive, as an battle worn Captain Byakuya Kuchiki walks slowly down the staircase. Hitsugaya expresses his surprise over Byakuya's survival, as he states that the Shinigami will put their pride on the line in order to defeat him. Suì-Fēng comments that escape is impossible, as Hitsugaya tells him to cede defeat. Inaba laughs, prompting Yoruichi to ask what is so funny about the situation. He states that they are incorrect to presume that he is defeated with so few numbers, commending their fights so far against his Reigai army. Inaba reveals that they fared better than anticipated, but that it will not be enough to defeat him. Suì-Fēng draws her katana, stating that his madness ends here.

Battle
The other Shinigami follow suit, charging at Inaba, who merely smirks. Before they can make contact, however, several Reigai emerge from the rooftop. The Shinigami's attacks are countered by the Reigai, who push them back to their original positions. Suì-Fēng realizes what he meant by his previous statement, as Hitsugaya comments that the fight is now evenly matched. However, Yoruichi states that they have the advantage, as their side is uninjured.

Kenpachi laughs, stating that he does not care either way. Inaba comments that this will be their final battle, as his Reigai proceed to attack the Shinigami. Byakuya releases his Zanpakutō, Senbonzakura, his pink petals swarming around Reigai-Komamura. The Reigai cuts them away easily, attempting to attack Byakuya. However, he uses Shunpo to get away, clashing with Kenpachi. He pushes Reigai-Komamura away, clashing blades with Reigai-Unohana. He is able to counter all her attacks, moving away to allow Kyōraku and Ukitake to strike her.

However, she moves away, as Reigai-Isane uses Hadō #58. Tenran at them, whipping up a wind storm. The Reigai protects her captain, as Suì-Fēng and Yoruichi kick them away easily. However, they are instantly attacked by Reigai-Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who stabs at the air before them. They use Shunpo to evade his strikes, as Hitsugaya moves in with his Zanpakutō, freezing Reigai-Mayuri's. However, as Hitsugaya releases another ice dragon, it is countered by Reigai-Ukitake, who redirects it back at him.

Hitsugaya dodges this barely, as Reigai-Kyōraku prepares to take him by surprise. However, Byakuya blocks the attack with his petals, releasing his Bankai. The huge swords disperse into a swarm of petals, proceeding to surround the Reigai. Byakuya comments that this is the perfect chance to attack Inaba, telling the others to move ahead. Both Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng use their Shunkō, preparing to strike him down. However, Inaba states that he will not give up so easily, twirling his Zanpakutō above his head. A green portal appears, which disperses their Shunkō, much to their surprise. Hitsugaya releases Sennen Hyōrō, proceeding to trap Inaba in an array of ice pillars. However, the ice pillars begin to crack into pieces, as white energy emanates from within. The Shinigami assemble before the ice formation, as Suì-Fēng expresses her surprise over Shunkō being released from his Zanpakutō. Kenpachi informs the pair that he can utilize any attack, as Hitsugaya asks whether they can counter his Shunkō. Yoruichi states that they can, telling Suì-Fēng to get ready.

Inaba breaks free from the ice pillars, as Hitsugaya and Kenpachi leap up above him. They simultaneously state that they are ending this, as Inaba twirls his Zanpakutō in the air, proclaiming that their attacks are useless. However, Yoruichi and Suì-Fēng tower over him, as she tells Inaba that they will negate his Kidō by spinning in reverse. The two proceed to use Hankisosai, as the two attacks cancel each other out in mid-air. Inaba is caught off guard with this, and is cut down from both sides by Hitsugaya and Kenpachi.

As his Zanpakutō twirls in the air, the Reigai cut through Byakuya's attack, proceeding to subdue the Shinigami. Inaba topples to the ground, as Yoruichi asks why they are continuing to fight them. Suì-Fēng backs this claim up, proclaiming that their master is dead. However, Inaba's body dissipates into nothing, as the real Inaba jumps down from the ceiling, taking them all by surprise. The Shinigami fall to the ground, as Inaba smirks, stating that their teamwork was well executed.

However, Inaba states that they had no chance at victory from the very beginning, as Byakuya attempts to attack him. However, Reigai-Komamura and Reigai-Unohana block his attack, as Inaba retreats to the upper levels. Inaba asks whether they understand how hopeless their plight is, preparing to finish them off. The Shinigami wince, as Reigai-Mayuri plunges his Ashisogi Jizō into Inaba's back, taking him by surprise. Mayuri asks what the problem is, pulling his Zanpakutō out, sending Inaba sprawling across the floor. Mayuri asks Inaba whether he noticed him changing places with the Reigai a long time ago, smiling voraciously. He pulls apart the Reigai limiter bracelet with his Zanpakutō, pushing the purple-tinted contacts out from his eyes. Mayuri taunts Inaba, telling him that he was in over his head, when he thought he could overpower his superior officer. Inaba curses, asking Mayuri when he changed places with the Reigai. Mayuri comments that that is a stupid question, explaining that he did so when the Reigai lieutenants invaded the Human World.

He goes as far as to state that his powers are far beyond their comprehension, explaining that the people who were meant to take it back from Soul Society never returned. Mayuri states that this is why it took time for him to reveal his true nature, as Inaba begins to laugh. He stands up, commending his superior officer's witty nature. However, Inaba persists, explaining that they are still at a disadvantage. Mayuri comments that he is too conceited for his own good, proceeding to bind Inaba with his extending arm.

He tells Inaba not to forget the fact that he is angry at his actions. Mayuri hurls Inaba around the surrounding area, before Inaba cuts himself free with his Zanpakutō. Inaba breaks free from the bonds binding him, as Mayuri releases his fake arm, commenting that he never would have thought he fancied close combat. He retaliates, stating that such a weak attack could never capture him, pulling Mayuri's arm away from his neck. Mayuri tells him not to get too arrogant, injecting Hojiku Zai into his left arm, with it reforming back instantly.

He states that that was just to buy time for Ashisogi Jizō, but Inaba states that he has taken that into account as well. Mayuri realizes that Inaba has come prepared to face off against Ashisogi Jizō's paralyzing toxins, asking whether they should test that hypothesis. He closes his eyes, proceeding to walk towards Inaba. He states that, if Inaba can move, then he should be able to attack him without much difficulty. Inaba is initially shocked, as Mayuri asks him what the matter is. He smirks, stating that he has seen through Mayuri's trickery.

Inaba attempts to think about Mayuri's next move, as his eyes glow with a purplish tint. Mayuri walks up to him, again repeating his question. As Inaba is unable to counter him, Mayuri plunges his Zanpakutō through him. Inaba staggers back, sending Mayuri away from him. He comments that his body can still exercise its limbs, and yet he could not react to Mayuri's open movements. Mayuri reveals a purple vial to Inaba, stating that he injected a thought-inhibiting drug into him in his first strike. Mayuri laughs, as Inaba is surprised at this revelation.

He explains the physics behind the drug, asking whether Inaba knows what a scientist is most afraid of. Mayuri reveals it to be oblivion, stating that a scientist's goal is to perfect their knowledge over time, and that nothing can ever replace that factor. He likens it to their very reason for existence, as Mayuri explains that his drug will render Inaba unable to think, and as such will not know how to use the knowledge he has accumulated up until this point. Inaba pants heavily, as blood pools from his wound onto the floor.

He holds himself up via his Zanpakutō, as Mayuri points Ashisogi Jizō at Inaba. Mayuri tauntingly asks what the matter is, as Suì-Fēng tells him to stop stalling for time and finish him off. Inaba groans in pain, attracting the attention of the other Reigai. Reigai-Isane Kotetsu jumps onto the platform, forcing Mayuri back. She states that she will heal him immediately, as Inaba expresses his hopelessness in this situation. Inaba laughs loudly, stating that today will be the only day in which he will admit his weakness. He staggers to his feet, as Reigai-Isane tells him not to overexert himself.

Inaba turns to the Reigai, asking what the problem is. Reigai-Isane stammers, stating that his physical body has become apparently weaker. Inaba lashes out violently at her, cutting across her backside. As she stumbles onto the floor, Inaba plunges his Zanpakutō into her body, causing her to revert back to her mannequin state. He apologizes for his weakness, as the Shinigami are surprised by his uncontrollable anger. Mayuri realizes that he also lost control over his emotions, on top of being unable to think.

He states that he is surprised at this revelation, as Inaba picks up Reigai-Isane's red pill. Mayuri asks what he is doing, as Inaba pants heavily. Hitsugaya initially believes it to be a Gikongan, but Mayuri states that it is in fact a Mod Soul. Inaba smirks at them, holding the Mod Soul between his fingers. As Inaba gags repeatedly, Mayuri assumes that he no longer has the ability to talk. He expresses his disappointment, stating that he wanted to know how Inaba obtained Mod Soul technology.

However, Inaba apologizes to Mayuri, stating that he has been on a higher level than them all. Inaba places the Mod Soul into his mouth, promptly ingesting it. He immediately groans in pain, as his veins begin to become dilated. Purple energy proceeds to emanate from Inaba's body, streaking across the interior of the silo. Inaba screams in pain, as both Shinigami and Reigai are shocked at the process taking place. His unhurt soul instantly is removed from his body, collapsing to the ground. Mayuri asks what occurred, to which Inaba explains that this is a practical use for a Mod Soul.

In the body behind him, Reigai-Isane clutches her chest in extreme pain, collapsing to the ground. Inaba asks whether he is surprised at his quick thinking, to which Mayuri realises that he subjected the Mod Soul to the injuries he had received, alongside the effects of his drug. He confirms this, although he reveals that the science behind the concept is far from complete. Inaba twirls his Zanpakutō, proceeding to knock Mayuri off the balcony with his Shunpo. As Mayuri falls safely to the ground, the Reigai join their master. Inaba and the Reigai then tower over the original Shinigami.

Ukitake turns to Inaba, asking how he knew the Mod Soul data was hidden within the Dangai. Kyōraku tells him to answer truthfully, stating that the truth will be known sooner or later. He asks Inaba to tell them who he truly is, to which he states that it is about time they knew the truth. Inaba reveals that he developed the original Mod Souls, prompting Mayuri to dismiss this as a lie. However, he slams his Zanpakutō angrily upon the metal, stating that this is not a lie.

Mayuri is surprised at his forthcoming attitude, as Inaba explains the backstory behind his Mod Souls. He states that Project Spearhead was decommissioned, and that the vast amount of research conducted was to be destroyed along with it. Inaba explains that the Mod Souls he created were infused with a Shinigami's reishi, which would allow them to inherit their physical structure and enhance their abilities. He proclaims that his research would have bridged the barrier between them and the gods, as Ukitake states that his research was deemed to dangerous to continue.

He explains that Spearhead was scrapped primarily due to the fact that Central 46 rejected the idea of using the dead as battle implements. Ukitake reveals that that was not the true reason Central 46 forbade the research, explaining that they deemed it a threat. Inaba confirms this, stating that the Central 46 were afraid of the implications of his research. He comments that he could not forgive their foolishness, stating that he converted the data into reishi, tossing it into the Dangai. Inaba recalls that Mayuri stated oblivion was what a scientist fears most, stating that he agrees with this sentiment.

He states that he could not allow for his creation to be forgotten in the stream of time. Ukitake asks whether this is why he dreamed of re-establishing Project Spearhead, to which Inaba confirms this. He states that he will use his invading army to hereby rule over Soul Society, as he plunges his Zanpakutō into the air. A green tinge ripples outwards, causing the Reigai's bracelets to disintegrate. As the bracelet is removed, the Reigai are flooded and enveloped with bright blue reiatsu. Hitsugaya asks what this reiatsu is, prompting Inaba to laugh out loud.

He reveals that all this time, the Reigai were holding back their power levels. Inaba reveals that this is the true extent of a Reigai's capabilities, as more Reigai arrive on the scene. Hitsugaya is surprised at this, believing Inaba brought them back to life. However, Mayuri states that the Reigai are merely vessels, and so long as the core pill remains, many Reigai can hold them. Inaba refutes Mayuri's observation, proclaiming that not even he could create Reigai of this caliber, as he proceeds to increase their reiatsu with his Zanpakutō. Ukitake tells Kyōraku not to let his guard down, as he comments that they will have to fight again.

Kenpachi smirks, stating that things finally got interesting again. Suì-Fēng asks Yoruichi whether she is ready to fight again, to which she confirms this. Hitsugaya glances around the battlefield, as Reigai-Byakuya takes him off-guard, knocking him back into a pillar with his Shikai. Yoruichi is surprised at this also, as the Reigai jump down to the lower levels, dispersing the Shinigami captains. Mayuri is attacked by Reigai-Kyōraku and Reigai-Ukitake, before being ambushed by Reigai-Komamura, who slams his Shikai's sword down upon him.

Suì-Fēng dodges a multitude of attacks from Reigai-Byakuya's Shikai, before being intercepted by Reigai-Kenpachi Zaraki. She is knocked to the ground with a single hit, and finds herself unable to get up. Yoruichi faces off against Reigai-Unohana, but averts her attention to the fallen Suì-Fēng. This gives the Reigai an opening, cutting Yoruichi down with a single strike. Kenpachi is surrounded by lieutenant-class Reigai, before being thrown off his feet by Reigai-Hitsugaya. Byakuya faces off against his Reigai counterpart, who states that winning is impossible for him.

Aftermath
Inaba laughs loudly, mocking their predicament. Later, Renji Abarai reveals to Captain-Commander Genryūsai Shigekuni Yamamoto that they have lost all contact with the Gotei 13 captains.