Legend of the Five Heroes Chapter 26 (Patreon)

Bleach parody: Patreon Reward

AN: This work is a work of fiction it's characters are fictional and are works of fantasy, as the creator of this parody, I can confirm they consent to all narrative and nsfw choices. This content is only for the purpose of entertainment and doesn't promote or condone any in real life actions, governments, policies, religions, groups, or life styles.

Chapter 25

Chapter 26 A Storm Brews

Things had finally quieted down giving Ichigo and Bazz-B time to talk and compare notes. “I had no idea the holy weapons were capable of this stuff.”

“And what you said before…”

“Oh yes, spell upgrades, when you use certain spells the weapon collects Spell Points, which you can use to enhance your known spells, making them stronger, once a spell is enhanced five times you can Advance it. Advancing spells is almost like Reincarnation in RPGs where you reset your level back to 1 but gain some added buffs, with spells you can keep some of their boosted power but also drop their mana cost, even gain aoe benefits. Also after you advance a spell the recycling helps you learn other spells.”

Ichigo believed that Bazz-B wouldn’t lie to him, so when he checked his weapon menu it appeared right away. “I completely missed this!”

“Well, it’s not like I knew about any of the stuff you showed me. You’ve really been working so hard.”

“I have to.” Ichigo said bluntly.

“I know, I know, but it’s still no less amazing.” Bazz-B touched Ichigo’s hand. The orangette blushed, which made the red head blush. He pulled his hand away. “Sorry.”

“No it’s okay…” The two couldn’t look at each other, but their hearts were racing. Ichigo couldn’t help but remember what Ririn had said earlier. ‘He likes me? Really?’

“I...I hope what Ririn said doesn’t bother you.” Bazz-B was rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

“It doesn’t...not really…”

Bazz-B sweats. ‘It totally bothers him.’

“But you know, you have a really good party.”

He smiled. “Thanks so do you.”

Ichigo could see that Bazz-B really cared about his party, they were a bunch of weirdos but they were important to him. ‘Just as they are important to me.’ He looked to his party, all of them sleeping peacefully.

A brief quiet was shared between them. “You know...the um next wave isn’t gonna be for awhile before the next wave…”

“Yeah?”

“I was thinking if you’re interested we could do a dungeon crawl together.”

“But if we fight too close we won’t be able to gain experience.”

“That’s true but!” Bazz-B got excited feeling this was his shot. “In dungeons that doesn’t matter, we’ll be able to still collect drops and materials and we’ll get skills for defeating dungeon floor bosses!”

“Well...I was planning on tackling the dungeon again with my party. So let’s do it!” They had been after a specific item before, and didn’t get the chance to fully explore the floors.

“You will?!” Bazz-B was so pumped. Ichigo nodded. “Yes!”

It was a good way for them to get stronger. Bazz-B turned in but Ichigo stayed up a bit longer to play with his Spell Points. ‘Might as well try it.’

First Heal has been enhance, First Heal X 2 has been enhanced, First Heal X 3 has been enhanced, First Heal X 4 has been enhanced. First Heal has been Advanced. He did the same to his Cure Spell.

First Heal + First Cure you have learned the spell Recover!

Recover was short range but it combined both healing and cure dispelling disease and status conditions while doing some solid healing.

He did the same to First Defense Boost, but something different happened. He learned Second Defense Boost, which was a Greater Defense Boost, he advanced it and gained the spell Fortify. ‘So with this kind of spell you had to advance the First and Second stage to unlock the new spell.’

Ichigo experimented using the last of his Spell Points on First Barrier, which allowed him to learn Second Barrier. ‘I guess I should practice my magic more.’

Halibel was something else, she was so powerful, he needed to know more and get stronger in the hopes of defeating her in the future. Advancing spells was awesome not only did it reduce the mana cost but offered a lot more punch.

He finally got to rest, but with what would come tomorrow things would change.

The King’s knights arrived. Jinta looked a little worried as the general wasn’t pleased with his vanishing. “It seems you’ve taken some of my knights.”

“Huh? Isn’t it the duty of the kingdom’s knights to protect the kingdom, don’t get mad at them just because you’re late.” Ichigo clapped back.

The old general got red in the face.

“I didn’t take anyone, they volunteered, I was able to bring them with the sacred weapon’s power, you wouldn’t be spitting on the power of the holy weapons would you?”

“You cur!” He went for his sword only for another knight to stop him.

“Captain Byakuya!” Jinta cheered. The red head rushed over and said they had volunteered to come.

“Nonsense you shouldn’t listen to the shield he’s…”

“Enough, we have a mission to complete.” Byakuya snapped.

“Fine, the heroes and their parties are to return to the capital, we’ll escort you.”

“I’ll pass.” Ichigo waved them off. He wasn’t interested in dealing with the King, his bitch of a daughter, or their so called support.

“You must come, it is the order of the King!” Ichigo had a look of “I don’t give a fuck!”.

Byakuya stepped forward. “From our reports the Shield Hero and the Bow Hero were critical in defeating the Wave Boss, as such they are to receive special recognition.”

Bazz-B nudged him. “Come on, if we go we can make it quick then head to the dungeon together after.”

Jinta and the other knights pleaded with Ichigo to comply. “Fine, fine!” There was something he wanted to work on, on the way back.

He sat with Grimmjow and Toshiro working to study new spells. Double Tornado Fist, Tempest Kick, Air Lock, Tailwind Quick (Group Support).

Toshiro struggled with studying but some teasing from Ririn pushed him to buckle down. Second Frost (Grand Frost), Snow, Frozen Winds, Snowman’s Hug (Support Grants Cold Resistance)

“Wind and Ice magic had potential to do combo spells.” As Ice was close to water in nature and Wind and Water had strong magic unity.

Once they reached the kingdom the knights made quick work of splitting up the hero parties. Uryu, Cang, and Askin were whisked away. No doubt licking their wounds of how the fight with Halibel went, even if she wasn’t there they had struggled against the Wave Boss.

“Ririn, see to it we have rooms at the inn, Kuroda and Noba see what you can sell, we’ll be going as soon as this is over.”

“On it!” She said.

“You can count on us.” Kurodo said and Noba nodded.

“We should prep as well, don’t bother getting rooms sell what you can, we are getting Grimmjow and Toshiro their class upgrades then we’ll leave the city.” Ichigo gave Bazz-B a nod, they wouldn’t be going far, just to get out of dodge.

“I don’t want you going there alone!” Grimmjow said.

“Fine you can come with, but be on your best behaviour.” The bluenette smirked.

“Always!” Renji was worried.

The knights led them to the castle but…

“Bazz-B-Sama!” They were stopped by one of the saints.

“Opie-san? What is it?”

“There is an important matter I need to speak to you about. May we talk, it’ll only be a minute.”

Bazz-B looked to Ichigo. “It’s fine, I can handle the king yelling at me for a few minutes. We’ll catch up later.”

Ichigo and Grimmjow left the hero, little did they know they would come to regret this.

-x-

“Where is the rest of your party, Shield?” The king spat.

“Busy doing more important things, like I’d like to get back to, instead of being here.” The king glared at Ichigo, not liking his smart mouth response.

“Why you…” Ichigo didn’t even flinch.

“It seems you’ve calmed another wave, you and your party as I understand it reduced not only the casualties, but also the amount of damage the waves caused.”

‘I’m surprised he even cares about that. Though I suppose village repairs would come out of the kingdom’s pocket.’

“You and the Sir Bazz-B made great showings against the boss, but your growth is unusual for the shield as is the strength of your party. Tell us how you managed to surpass the other heroes.” Ichigo was willing and able to bring his party to the boss fight, even Bazz-B had his team dealing with the wave. “Though I’m sure you will lie, but do not bother to deceive us.” He stroked his mustache

“Excuse me?” Ichigo glared at the king.

“Did you make a deal with a demon? Find some unholy artifact? Some forbidden sorcery perhaps?”

“Ichigo wouldn’t do any of these things.” Grimmjow snapped.

“Control your slave or I’ll do it for you.” Some guards readied their weapons and Grimmjow growled at them.

“I wouldn’t try it, Grimmjow is quite strong and he could use a warm up fight. Though your men might not be much of one.” The bluenette smirked and cracked his knuckles.

Some of the guards began to sweat. This was a demihuman and someone who fought bravely on the front lines, against the wave boss no less. Could they take him...no...no they could not. From the look in his eyes it was clear he’d tear through them easily.

The king banged his fist on the arm of his throne. “Enough of your games I demand you tell us how you and your band of inferior warriors got so strong.”

“We all worked hard, working out butts off and got so…” He said rubbing his ear nonchalantly.

“An obvious lie!” Ichigo rolled his eyes.

“Listen, I came here because I thought you may have some information about that woman who appeared with the wave. As strong as you think I am, I can tell you she was far stronger.” This brought some murmuring.

There was much of the waves that were a mystery. “She fought like one of the heroes.”

“Then enough games, clearly you have some sinister secret way to gain power, if you reveal it the other heroes can defend against this mystery woman and defeat her as a united front.” He placed a hand over his chest. “It’s what’s best for the kingdom.”

“Well, if you want all the details…” Ichigo raised his hand up before pointing it down. “Kneel to me!”

Grimmjow fought back a laugh.

“What…?” He was trembling with a mix of shock and rage.

“You heard me, if you want my help then show some gratitude and humility, bow to me and ask me to enlighten your ignorant self.” That had Grimmjow howling with laughter.

“You...you...you...you...you...you…”

“What can’t do it? Not even for the sake of your kingdom? Wow you really are nothing but trash. Good luck with your other precious heroes then.”

“Trash...you dare call me trash?!”

“I believe I’m making myself clear, you are wanting my help, yet all you’ve done is insult me and my party that’s not the way to get what you want where I come from. So first you can prostate yourself and apologize then properly ask for my help.” His veins were throbbing the king looked ready to blow a gasket. “And if you can’t forgo your pride for the lives of your people as a king all I can see you as is trash.”

“You filth!” He stood up. “Seize him, seize him at once!”

Spears and swords pointed at the pair. “This feels familiar.”

“This has happened to you before, glad I came along then.”

“Don’t worry things are different now, I’m not alone anymore, and I’m not powerless anymore. You can’t push me around and have your way!”

“Kill him, take his head!”

Ichigo casually looked at the men holding their weapons towards him. “You can try, but you’ll be throwing your lives away.” He had brought down the Soul Eater, with seemingly one of his skills.

The men looked ready to be pissing themselves in fear. “Don’t be afraid men, his demi-human hasn’t had a class up yet, he’s nothing to fear, he’s just a bluff.”

“A bluff huh...Grimmjow...hurt them, but try not to kill them.”

“Will do!” He cut through their spears and smashed their swords, before unleashing blades of wind that knocked back and cut deep. It took him less than a few minutes to do this.

“You fool, I’ll have you thrown into jail for killing my knights!”

“They are still alive… barely…”

Ichigo glowed with mana. “Fast Heal!”

“There’s no way a low level healing spell could fix…” King was wrong again as Ichigo healed all their wounds.

“You pointed your weapons at us, we defended ourselves, I trust you all have learned your lesson?” The men nodded their heads vigorously. Ichigo looked to the King. “Have you?”

He was red in the face.

“It’s clear we can’t work together, but this is where you’ve brought our arrangement. I’ll keep battling the waves and doing my job, but stay out of my way. Clearly my way is better, and if you want any chance of dealing with HER, you’ll either wise up or never approach me again. You got that Trash!”

“You...you...your slaves...I’ll have them pay for your mouth, I’ll see them suffer I’ll see them…”

Suddenly Ichigo’s rage pulsed, the room grew cold as one of Ichigo’s eyes flashed gold. Those close to his aura were frightened completely, unable to move and struggling to breathe. Even the king froze in the face of the powerful intimidation. Though Ichigo was so far away he felt a blade at his throat.

“If you try it, I’ll bring my wrath upon this castle, I’ll make the Waves of Catstrophe feel like a summer shower in compared to what I do to you. Know that I will protect them, and if you become a threat I’ll end you!” He dragged his thumb across his throat for emphasis.

‘What is that...what is that power…’ Even the king was sweating now.

“Grimmjow, we are done here.”

“Right!” The bluenette squeaked he was so damn hard right now. He followed after Ichigo and the hero was able to catch his breath.

Truth of it was, Ichigo didn’t know how to explain the Wrath Shield or it’s power, but the king’s attitude really set him off.

Once leaving the throne room he was finally able to catch his breath. “Are you okay, Ichigo?”

“Yeah...yeah I’m fine...I…” Grimmjow hugged him, which Ichigo returned warmly.

Taking a moment to calm down Ichigo told Grimmjow about the plan to raid a dungeon with Bazz-B and his party. “If you’re sure about this.”

“I am. I think I can really trust Bazz-B and it’s nice to have him on my side.” Speak of the devil they saw the bow hero walking down the hall. “There he is...Bazz-B…”

Ichigo rushed over to him. “Ichigo!” Grimmjow sensed danger but it came too quickly as an arrow surged and struck Ichigo’s shoulder. It didn’t hurt him thankfully because of his defenses but the sudden attack surprised him and knocked him back.

“Don’t approach me so casually.” He snapped.

“Bazz-B?” The man seemed angry and on edge.

“What the hell?!” Grimmjow growled.

“Bazz-B...I thought...I thought that we…”

“We are nothing to each other, as if I’d associate with the Devil of the Shield!” Ichigo’s heart sank.

“What?”

“You bastard!” Grimmjow lunged at Bazz-B, only to be hit with three flaming arrows and two Stun arrows in his legs. “Gah!”

“Grimmjow!”

“Consider that my warning, never approach me again.” He said and walked off.

Ichigo’s focus was treating Grimmjow. The bluenette glared at the bow hero. ‘Why...why did he say those things...what the hell happened?!’

To be continued