Gotei 13 vs. The Reigai

The Gotei 13 vs. The Reigai is the final battle between the Reigai and the Gotei 13 during the Reigai Uprising. The Gotei 13 take on the Reigai Invasion force created by Kagerōza Inaba as Ichigo Kurosaki and his friends fight against the newly resurrected Ōko Yushima

Prologue
During their previous engagement with Kagerōza Inaba and his Reigai Invasion Force, the Gotei 13 had found themselves being pushed back by the overwhelming force of the Reigai. However, Yoruichi Shihōin had taken the precaution of informing Kūkaku Shiba about the situation, and so Kūkaku arrived with Jidanbō Ikkanzaka and Ganju Shiba to assist the captains. Thanks to Kūkaku's intervention, the Gotei 13 were able to retreat. They then treated their injuries at Kūkaku Shiba's home and awaited their next opportunity to strike. Ichigo Kurosaki ventured into Soul Society with Kisuke Urahara and Kon in order to regain his lost Shinigami powers by converting the reishi he collected in the Dangai into a Mod Soul, they find themselves at the S.R.D.I to make use of Inaba's equipment. Ichigo Kurosaki was able regain his lost power, but found his restored reiatsu highly unstable which made his Hollow powers able to go out of control and take over him because he took an incomplete Mod Soul. Ichigo, Urahara and Kon then go to find Inaba's second lab, due to Inaba rigging his "official" equipment to destroy itself in anticipation of an intruder's attempt to use it. They quickly move out due to the explosion attracting attention from nearby Shinigami. As they rush outside, the three find themselves confronted by the Reigai army. Urahara tells Ichigo and Kon to flee as he tries to hold them off, but then Yoruichi Shihōin and the Gotei 13 captains arrive ready to fight the Reigai.

Relieved that Yoruichi and the Gotei 13 are all alive, Ichigo asks Yoruichi where they were all hiding. Yoruichi explains the details on how they managed to escape with the help of Kūkaku Shiba. Kenpachi Zaraki then attacks the Reigai and tells Ichigo, Urahara and Kon to get out of the way. Yoruichi tells the trio to leave the Reigai to them and they leave. The captains proceed to take on the Reigai.

Battle
The battle between the original Gotei 13 and their Reigai doubles gets under way at the S.R.D.I. Captain Byakuya Kuchiki faces off against his Reigai double. The blades from the Reigai's Shikai surrounds them as he tells Reigai-Byakuya Kuchiki that it is futile no matter how many times they fight because there is only one true head to the Kuchiki clan. The Reigai agrees and asserts that it is he who is the true head. He then sends his Shikai at Byakuya. As this happens, Kenpachi Zaraki and Reigai-Kenpachi Zaraki charge at each other. They both jump high into air and cut each other, both generating small craters and debris upon landing on the group. The Reigai tells his original that he is not bad while Kenpachi replies that he likes that his opponent still wants to fight. Both simultaneously state that the "fun starts now." Suì-Fēng and Yoruichi Shihōin make their charge against Reigai-Retsu Unohana. They attempt to strike her from her left and right side, but the Reigai generates Bakudō # 73. Tozanshō to block their attacks. Both are surprised to to see the Kidō barrier stopping them. The two desist in their attacks and move back. Yoruichi comments on how the Reigai has good reflexes, which Suì-Fēng notes as being a little too good. Yoruichi observes that the Reigai have improved their capabilities and thus they will have some difficulty defeating their opponents. The two assume battle positions for their next move. Reigai-Sajin Komamura then uses his Shikai against Captains Shunsui Kyōraku and Jūshirō Ukitake, forcing the pair to quickly dodge the ferocious Reigai's giant sword strike. At Captain Tōshirō Hitsugaya's end, he is finding himself pushed back as his Reigai double sends him flying into a wall. The Reigai taunts on how the original is no challenge at all, and how he supposes the original won't turn away from a Reigai and run due to his pride. Hitsugaya emerges from the debris, stating that this is not the case as it is simply the duty of the Gotei 13 to protect Soul Society.

Each captain continues in their battle against the Reigai captains. Captain Zaraki is locking blades with his Reigai double while Hitsugaya and Reigai-Hitsugaya are unleashing their Shikai at each other, which cancel each other out. Byakuya and Reigai-Byakuya keep using Shunpo to cross blades with each other. As the two briefly pause to lock swords, Reigai-Byakuya again asserts that he is the true head of the Kuchiki clan. He then breaks the deadlock and Byakuya is repelled back. Byakuya comes back to back with Kenpachi, as Kenpachi casually asks if Byakuya needs some help as it appeared that Reigai-Byakuya is giving him trouble. Byakuya rejects the offers and tells Kenpachi to not interfere. He then counters with his own offer to help if Kenpachi has having trouble. Kenpachi only chuckles and heads out to fight again. As Reigai-Kenpachi and Kenpachi exchange sword strikes once more, the Reigai comments on how he is having too much fun. Kenpachi then asserts that he will be the one to kill Reigai-Kenpachi and for Byakuya to not interfere in his fight. Over at Kyōraku's and Ukitake's end, the two exchange attacks with their Reigai before using Shunpo to be back to back with each other. As the Reigai face them from atop nearby roofs, Kyōraku notes to Ukitake that he thinks the Reigai have the edge in this battle. Ukitake agrees, stating that the Reigai's capabilities have significantly improved and curses Kagerōza Inaba for doing so. Kyōraku suggests that they kill one Reigai per person, but then jokes that maybe it is two per person Ukitake scolds Kyōraku to stop fooling around and prepare as the Reigai are about to attack. Reigai-Shunsui Kyōraku proceeds to use Bushōgoma. Both immediately dodge as the wind blades destroy the surface that the two were just at. Kyōraku, who had jumped into the air to dodge, compliments the Reigai on using a nice imitation of his Bushōgoma technique. He then uses his own Bushōgoma against the Reigai. However, Reigai-Jūshirō Ukitake intervenes by using his Sōgyo no Kotowari to absorb and redirect the attack back at Kyōraku. Kyōraku is slightly surprised and as he lands, he braces himself for the attack. But, Ukitake intervenes in a similar manner and returns the redirected attack back at the two Reigai with his Shikai. Both Reigai dodge with Shunpo and Kyōraku compliments Ukitake on an excellent move with a Sōgyo no Kotowari return fire. Ukitake once again scolds Kyōraku, saying that this is no time for jokes. Kyōraku agrees, stating joking in this battle does seem inappropriate. As the two watch the other battles, they see that their fellow captains are not having an easy time. Kenpachi and Byakuya are both on the defensive, and Captain Komamura is finding himself fighting against five Reigai versions of the lieutenants (Lieutenants Abarai, Kira, Iba, Matsumoto and Hisagi). Yoruichi appears at Kyōraku and Ukitake side, saying that she believes that they ought to pull back for the moment. Ukitake understands, and calls for Hitsugaya, Byakuya, and Komamura to pull back. But, Hitsugaya appears nearby the three and tells them that he is not backing down. While both Captain Kuchiki and his Reigai double look on at this development, the Reigai quickly asserts that it is futile trying to escape. Byakuya re-assumes his battle position as the Reigai prepares to use Bankai, asserting that he will defeat the original. The Reigai unleashes the Gōkei technique of his Bankai. The other Reigai also attack with Reigai-Shunsui Kyōraku using Bushōgoma, Reigai-Tōshirō Hitsugaya using Guncho Tsurara, Reigai-Kenpachi Zaraki using a slash attack with his Zanpakutō, and Reigai-Retsu Unohana firing Hadō #88 Hiryūgekizokushintenraihō. The resultant effect is large explosion, generating a massive cloud of smoke and debris.

As the smoke clears away, Yoruichi and Hitsugaya are both revealed to be relatively unharmed. Yoruichi is seen kneeling down and tells Hitsugaya that it unfortunately appears that they are at a disadvantage. Hitsugaya points his blade at Reigai-Hitsugaya and states they cannot afford to lose as the two glare at the Reigai, who is on the roof of a building. Reigai-Hitsugaya tells the two that the originals simply do not know when to give up and that they cannot win against the Reigai as his allies join him. Reigai-Shunsui Kyōraku states that the time has come for the Reigai to take the place of the originals, while Reigai-Ukitake tells them to give up already. Hitsugaya refuses to do so. His Reigai double asks why does he keep on fighting. Hitsugaya's responds back by telling the Reigai to not make him repeat himself as the other originals come by his side. He states that the captains of the Gotei 13 protect what must be protected, and that there is nothing else to it. Reigai-Hitsugaya notes this, but tells the originals that reasoning is also true for them. Reigai-Kenpachi scoffs at Reigai-Hitsugaya's claim. Reigai-Byakuya Kuchiki agrees that their reason for fighting is not quite the same as the originals and tells the Shinigami that they will show what sets the Reigai apart from them. The Reigai then assume battle positions again and make their charge. The Gotei 13 captains and Yoruichi ready themselves, as Hitsugaya takes the lead in taking on the Reigai. He reminds himself that he had swore an oath to protect and a burst of energy erupts as the Reigai and Shinigami rush at each other.

Second Half of Battle - Ōko Yushima Resurrected
The battle soon spreads beyond the S.R.D.I. as several areas of Seireitei have smoke coming from damage to the buildings. Hitsugaya and his Reigai once again attack each other with their Shikais, only for them to cancel out. Before Hitsugaya can do much else, he finds a large shadow looming over him. He is caught off-guard as Reigai-Sajin Komamura releases his Bankai to strike at Hitsugaya. However, Komamura blocks the attack with his own Bankai. The two Bankai giants engage in combat as Komamura and his Reigai double go against each other. In another part of Seireitei, Ukitake and Kyōraku are fighting against Reigai-Shūhei Hisagi and Reigai-Ikkaku Madarame. Reigai-Hisagi swings and throws his Kazeshini at Ukitake, who promptly blocks the attack. Reigai-Ikkaku attempts to stab Kyōraku with his Shikai, but Kyōraku dodges. The two captains are back to back again as the two Reigai face them. Ukitake asks for Kyōraku's opinion of their situation. Kyōraku responds that he thinks they have a problem as the Reigai pretend to fight one-on-one, but strike at the openings of other opponents. Ukitake agrees, noting that this tactic gives them a numerical advantage. Kyōraku observes that they need to make sure to kill them to reduce their numbers. The two then notice that something is coming down from above them. They see that it is Kenpachi and Reigai-Kenpachi and move out of the way. The Reigai chase after them and as Kenpachi and Reigai-Kenpachi land on the spot that the two Gotei 13 captains were at, they create a large amount of damage to the roof that they landed on. Both continue to battle each other, even as their fighting platform and debris continues to fall. Not too far off, Captain Kurotsuchi is seen observing this battle. He complains on how Kenpachi and the others are such barbarians, wishing that they would be more careful in defeating the Reigai as he wants them as unharmed as possible for him to experiment on later. Reigai-Unohana appears from behind the 12th Division captain and asks if Kurotsuchi is simply going watch from his “lofty perch.” She provokes Kurotsuchi by wondering how someone like him can be a captain of the Gotei 13. Kurotsuchi replies that he finds it amusing that a Mod Soul is saying such things to him. He then states that he has made up his mind. Reigai-Unohana asks him what has he made up his mind about. He sinisterly smiles as he tells her that he has decided to do a live-body experiment on the 4th Division captain's Reigai, who has always irritated him. He draws out his Zanpakutō to release his Shikai and charges at Reigai-Unohana. Reigai-Unohana simply smiles and calls upon her own Shikai to defend her. The large Manta Ray like creature attempts to swallow up Captain Kurotsuchi, but he moves away with Shunpo. Reigai-Unohana does not allow the captain to easily escape as she uses Bakudō #63. Sajō Sabaku. The Bakudō is able to catch Kurotsuchi by his left arm, but he simply detaches the arm. He lands safely on the roof of a nearby building and confidently smiles as his left arm begins to regenerate itself. He tells Reigai-Unohana that type of technique won't work on him, but is shocked when Reigai-Kenpachi injuries him from behind by cutting off his right arm. The Reigai laughs as Kurotsuchi falls to his knees and Kenpachi reengages in combat against the Reigai copy of him. Mayuri remarks on his “defeat” being impossible and collapses. As Minazuki flies overhead, Reigai-Unohana begins to laugh triumphantly over her seemingly defeated opponent. The attack on Mayuri does not go unnoticed by the other captains as Kyōraku and Ukitake worriedly look at Mayuri's direction. They do not have much time to worry over their fellow captain as they notice Reigai-Byakuya Kuchiki appear before them. The two are taken aback as the Reigai unleashes his Bankai and the blades envelop the surrounding area.

More and more of the Seireitei ensues damage from the battle, which the newly resurrected Ōko Yushima observes with delight. A Hollowfied Ichigo finds him and attempts to blast him with a Cero, which Yushima easily dodges with Shunpo. He finds it interesting that Ichigo still pursues him, despite being in a state controlled by his inner Hollow. As the Hollowified Ichigo attempts to attack him again, Yushima binds him with Bakudō # 30. Shitotsu Sansen. Yushima attempts to leave, stating that he does not have the time to deal with Ichigo. However, the Hollowified Ichigo breaks free and attacks once more. Yushima simply defends with Hadō 58. Tenran and binds Ichigo with Bakudō #99, Part 1. Kin. Yushima repeats that he is unable to waste more time dealing with Ichigo and releases his immense reiatsu. This is quickly noticed by the Reigai. Reigai-Hitsugaya wonders whose reiatsu he is sensing. Reigai-Unohana remarks that Kagerōza Inaba must have succeeded in achieving full strength. Reigai-Kyōraku and Reigai-Ukitake smile at this development, with Reigai-Kyōraku happy that a game-changing turn in the battle has occurred and Reigai-Ukitake agreeing that victory is now theirs.

As the battle goes on, the Reigai seem to be gaining the upper hand. Hitsugaya is sent crashing into a building by his Reigai double and has some difficulty getting up. Reigai-Hitsugaya quickly charges at the original and prepares to finish off the captain, claiming the battle ends now. However, he finds his blade blocked by the ashes of Haineko's Shikai. Ice forms upon the ash, and Reigai-Hitsugaya pulls back. Hitsugaya turns his head to see that Rangiku Matsumoto has arrived as the ash from her Shikai reforms into her Zanpakutō's blade. The other seated officers who were in the World of the Living arrive upon the battlefield. Yumichika Ayasegawa and Ikkaku Madarame arrive at their captain's side as he faces off against the Reigai versions of himself, Yumichika, and Ikkaku. Madarame states that they are here to help. Kenpachi simply replies that no one asked for their help. He then turns to them and gives a slight smile as he tells the two that the other Reigai are making it hard to concentrate on his own fight so he will leave the “cleanup” to them. The two 11th Division officers release their Shikai as Ikkaku enthusiastically complies with his captain's order.

As the Gotei 13 seated officers aid their captains, Lieutenant Tetsuzaemon Iba has begun fighting his Reigai double. He is pushed back by the Reigai's attack, and is surprised to see that Reigai-Sajin Komamura's Bankai is about to attack him from behind. Captain Komamura quickly protects his lieutenant by blocking the attack with his own Bankai. Komamura reminds Iba to not be distracted by multiple opponents and focus on his own battle. Iba replies that he is aware of that, and the two return to battle. Meanwhile, Reigai-Unohana is battling against Yoruichi. Reigai-Unohana attempts to blast her with Hadō #31. Shakkahō multiple times, but Yoruichi keeps herself moving to dodge the Kidō. As she does so, she monitors the multiple fights that are concurrently going on and contemplates on their situation. Most of the Gotei 13 are fighting against the Reigai copy of themselves. She curses the Reigai as they have turned the battle into a brawl by attacking at random and effectively exploiting moments when they are off-guard. She lands on the roof of a building and notes that the originals' pride, who value fighting one-on-one, is working to their disadvantage. As she finds herself deep in thought of the status of their battle, she is caught off-guard by Reigai-Shunsui Kyōraku. He smiles and moves to attack as Yoruichi curses for letting her guard down. Fortunately, Byakuya intervenes and blocks the Reigai's slash. They briefly lock blades before both pulling their Zanpakutō back. Reigai-Shunsui Kyōraku then activates his Irooni technique and calls out 'white.' Byakuya is caught unawares by this as the Reigai's Irooni technique inflicts a large cut on his back.

As Byakuya draws back from the attack, Reigai-Shunsui Kyōraku moves to strike again. However, the original Shunsui Kyōraku comes in between and attempts to cut the Reigai. The Reigai immediately dodges and taunts how Kyōraku's attack was so close before using Shunpo to retreat. Yoruichi asks Byakuya if he is alright as he appears to wince from his injury. The two are quickly forced to evade as Reigai-Unohana appears before them with Shunpo and attempts to cut the two down. They leap off the building, but both Reigai-Hitsugaya and Reigai-Byakuya use Shunpo to come at them. The two are protected by Ukitake and Suì-Fēng, who block the Reigais' blades. The two Reigai disengage, but Reigai-Ukitake uses Shunpo to appear behind Byakuya and try to use Hadō #63. Raikōhō. The Reigai is forced back by Hitsugaya, though. All the captains who had just protected Yoruichi and Byakuya join up with the two. Upon landing, Hitsugaya remarks that the Reigai are keeping the pressure up on them. Yoruichi then asks Byakuya why he took such a risk to protect her. The group is soon surrounded by the Reigai, who appear with Shunpo to take positions on the nearby roofs. Hitsugaya curses that the Reigai have them surrounded. Lieutenant Hisagi notices and remarks on the severity of the situation for the captains. He is prevented from taking action by Reigai-Tetsuzaemon Iba. Lieutenant Matsumoto, who is back-to-back with Lieutenant Isane, also notices and remarks that Captain Kuchiki needs medical attention. Knowing that Isane could heal Byakuya, Reigai-Yumichika Ayasegawa tells them that they won't allow that and attacks Isane. Ukitake looks around and observes that the Reigai will not miss an opportunity to strike when their guards are down. Hitsugaya also has noticed this and sees that the Reigai's strategy is to switch in and out at will. He looks towards Byakuya, understanding that if an opponent is injured and slowed down, the Reigai focuses their attacks on that particular individual. Suì-Fēng also is trying to think of a plan as she sees that they have no way to escape. Her train of though is interrupted by Kenpachi, who remarks that it does not matter. Suì-Fēng looks up to see him attack and push back Reigai-Rangiku Matsumoto as he goes against both Reigai-Rangiku Matsumoto and Reigai-Izuru Kira. He then states that all they have to do is kill the Reigai off one by one. Ukitake tells Kenpachi that the Reigai are trying to separate and isolate them. But Kenpachi simply tells him to shut up as he states that he hates little details. He turns to face Reigai-Rangiku Matsumoto and Reigai-Izuru Kira, who ready themselves. Reigai-Kenpachi then comes at the captain from behind and tells the original that he agrees. Kenpachi blocks the attack as the two lock blades and the Reigai advances at him. Reigai-Sajin Komamura and Komamura exchange attacks with their Bankais. The giant Bankais briefly lock swords before Reigai-Ikkaku Madarame suddenly rushes and injuries Komamura. Reigai-Sajin Komamura takes advantage of Komamura's loss of concentration to strike, knocking Komamura's Bankai down. Up above the Reigais that are surrounding the captains, Reigai-Renji Abarai is pressuring Yumichika Ayasegawa. Not too far off, the other seated officers are taking on some of the non-captain Reigai. Yoruichi wonders what should they do as the loss of even of their forces will allow Reigai the opportunity to take them out. Kyōraku comments on how one small mistake may get them annihilated. However, Byakuya is seen to be quite calm in the face of such grave conditions.

He simply states that the Reigai will not initiate an attack. Ukitake asks him why is that. Byakuya responds by saying that if they keep a tight formation, the Reigai cannot use a strategy of switching off opponents to disrupt them. The Reigai are mildly bewildered by this statement as Byakuya goes on to say that he does not believe any of the Reigai will risk sacrificing themselves to break their formation. Yoruichi smiles at this as she understands that Byakuya let himself be injured to test the Reigais' tactics. Reigai-Ukitake is put on guard, but turns to see the fight between Reigai-Kenpachi and Kenpachi upon hearing the sounds of their battle. Reigai-Ukitake smiles smugly as Kenpachi looks to be being pushed back by his Reigai double. He appears as though he will join up with Reigai-Kenpachi, but this is noticed by Hitsugaya. He causes Reigai-Ukitake to have some doubt as he asks the Reigai if he is sure that he wants to leave, implying what may happen if one of them left. Suì-Fēng joins in, asking what would happen once their side outnumbers the Reigais. Reigai-Ukitake shows his frustration and concern. Kyōraku smiles happily in light of this, and suggests they have a test of wills.

Byakuya then asks the Reigai why do they fight the way they do. Reigai-Hitsugaya is surprised by the question as Byakuya goes on, asking why do Reigai try to separate them and attack the one that is isolated from the others. He states that while he understand it as a tactic, it does not appear to be a choice the Reigai would make. Byakuya deduces that not trusting others, loathing one's own allies, and considering isolation a virtue all must be the true nature of Inaba. Thus, the Reigai must have acquired this from him since they value self-preservation foremost and will not attack first in fear of being outnumbered. Hitsugaya asks if Byakuya is accusing that Inaba's nature is affecting their fighting style. Byakuya responds that the methods the Reigai are using will not be able to break their solidarity. No doubt that they heard Byakuya, some of the seated officers gather together in formation to cover each other. Hisagi tells them to not show an opening, which Matsumoto tells him that she knows as their opponents surround them. Komamura and his lieutenant have also moved to covering each other, as Komamura tells the Reigai that their strategy from before will no longer work again. Yumichika and Ikkaku come to their captain's side, as he wonders what is going on with his subordinates since he told them to stay out of his fight. Yumichika apologizes as Ikkaku adds that this may be their last battle so they would like to be allowed to die along with him. Yumichika agrees, saying that their place of death has already been decided. Kenpachi finds this amusing, and simply accepts it. He then that he suppose s it is nice sometimes to have someone cover him. The captains ready themselves as Reigai-Hitsugaya scoffs at the idea that the Gotei 13 will be working together in battle. He notes that it is out of character for them to do that. Byakuya tells the Reigai that they will use any means they can to protect what they must. Reigai-Hitsugaya asks if he is referring to their pride. Byakuya responds it is not, as the Gotei 13 have only one thing to protect: the Soul Society. They resume battle as the Gotei 13 look to make a turn in the battle by working together.