BLEACH

CHAPTER ELEVEN (AFTERMATH)

Byakuya and Ichigo are both left wounded after the battle.
The effects of the clash is felt across the Seireitei in a colossal blast that other Shinigami feel. As the dust clears, both combatants are standing apart with their backs to one another. After a pause, blood explodes from Ichigo's back and shoulder and he pushes his bladed into the ground for support, refusing to fall after coming so far. Byakuya finally shifts and blood also explodes from a deep wound across his chest, causing the captain to stagger forward several steps. He reflects that during their clash, Ichigo's blade shattered his own and stares at the remnants of his Zanpakutō left in his hand as they flutter away in the wind.

Byakuya explains his obligation to the law.
Clenching his fist, Byakuya decides to alert Ichigo to his reasons for supporting Rukia's death. He reveals that as both a member of the Gotei 13 and the head of the Kuchiki Clan, a great Noble House, he is obligated to act as a an example of how the law should be obeyed, for those below him to follow, regardless of family ties. Ichigo understands but states that in Byakuya's position, he would use all his strength to fight the law to protect his sister. Byakuya is reminded on Kaien Shiba and realizes that Ichigo is just as liberal as the former Head of the Shiba Clan in that the current laws were Ichigo's true enemies, not Byakuya himself.

Byakuya leaves the battleground.
Byakuya informs Ichigo that his recklessness has broken his blade that thus he cannot continue the battle, nor pursue Rukia any longer and thus Ichigo is the victor. With that, the greatly wounded captain uses Shunpo and abandons the battleground, leaving Ichigo alone on Sōkyoku Hill. The red head stands stunned by the news of his victory before dropping his sword and crying out loudly in jubilation of his triumph. However, he soon becomes lightheaded due to exhaustion and falls backwards only to hit the back of his head against Orihime's forehead after she arrives and tries to help him. Ichigo is happy to learn that his friends are alright and Orihime tearfully thanks Ichigo for surviving his battle with Byakuya. Ichigo stares at her before thanking her for her concern and support.

Rukia has saved from The Kuchiki clan and everything back to normal after the fight Kenpachi Zaraki tells Ichigo that Grimmjow has ecaped from the Portal that he Entered 10 years from the Past.