Hello FanFiction! This is a story that pain17ification was kind enough to let me adapt.

The story is a Naruto/Bleach Xover he titled "Spiritual Bonds". The story will feature Naruto and Yoruichi. Naruto sacrificed his life to end the Fourth Shinobi War and was given a second chance; but not as a Shinigami, Hollow, or Human. Note that the Xover diverges from Naruto during chapter 609 and begins just before the "Turn Back the Pendulum Arc" of Bleach.

Please note: pain17ification doesn't own Naruto or Bleach and neither do I.

"Speech"

'Thoughts'

"Higher Being Speech"

'Higher Being Thoughts'

"Techniques"

(Technique Translations)

Scene or Time Change/Chapter Name

Chapter 1: Death is not really the End

It was total chaos to the Kyuubi Jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki. That was the only possible phrase he could use to describe this war. The army of undead shinobi and the seemingly endless Zetsu soldiers kept causing mass destruction for the Shinobi Alliance. Naruto was in his Kyubi Chakra Mode facing off against the man responsible for all the horror: Obito, the identity of the mysterious orange masked Tobi of Akatsuki. It made the blonde's blood boil at the fact that a man who did not care about the bonds he had in his past would do all of this.

All of Naruto's friends were either dead or dying, and the 16 year old Kyuubi host was at his wits end. He tried everything against the Uchiha, but nothing worked! Kakashi's Kamui (Authority of the Gods) was extremely helpful at first, but his old sensei had died by using the remainder of his chakra to help Naruto hit Obito with a Bijuu Rasengan (Tailed Beast Spiral Sphere). Kirabi also sacrificed himself to take down the revived Madara Uchiha in an explosion of both chakra and youki (demonic energy).

Naruto cursed as a couple tears leaked from his eyes. He was losing every one of his precious people and it was all because of this red-eyed bastard. He glared at the Uchiha while forming another Bijuu Rasengan and a single Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone). He remained silent as his technique increased in size and power.

Obito said nothing and paid the clone no mind. Why would he when the clone just needed a single solid hit to be dispelled? Instead, he ignited his right hand with the flames of Amaterasu (Illuminating Heaven) and charged at Naruto. Their techniques reached their full power as they reached one another. With twin roars, both jutsu clashed and met at a standstill. However, while that was happening, the Naruto clone went through a long series of handsigns, and it prepared for the technique that his father used to stop Kurama's rampage: the Shiki Fuiin.

Little did Obito know, the 'clone' was actually the real Naruto who substituted with it the moment it was made. This was all part of Naruto's trump card. As soon as the two jutsu in the power struggle cancelled each other out, Naruto would use the Shiki Fuiin (Reaper Death Seal) on Obito to end the war. Obito may have a seemingly impenetrable body, but Naruto believed that no one can have their soul be out of the Shinigami's reach. Naruto saw the end of the clash right as he finished the last handsign and rushed at the Uchiha while the clone dispelled itself to create a smokescreen. When he reached the madman, Naruto gripped his shoulders and used the last of Kurama's chakra to give him the strength to not let go.

Obito's eyes widened when he saw the purple face of the Shinigami and he grew fearful. He had no idea that this brat was able to perform such a feat. The entity of death took the dagger it had out of its mouth and stabbed the blade right through both the Jinchuriki and the Harbinger of Death. Naruto merely smiled through the pain and said, "Your time is up, teme. I hope you enjoy your stay in Shinigami-sama's stomach!"

Obito could feel his soul as the Shinigami began to rip it away from him. He desperately tried to stop it, but it kept being pulled away. His final words before his soul was completely ripped away were, "Damn you, Uzumaki! My plan is ruined all because of you! Damn you!" And with that last, enraged cry, Obito, the catalyst for the 4th Shinobi War, had finally been defeated. Naruto then collapsed from the pain and loss of chakra. He believed that he performed his 'last' act as a warrior perfectly; however, the Shinigami had other plans.

Between Life and Death

Naruto slowly opened his eyes to the sight of a white area filled with a dense fog. He hesitantly stood up and tried to locate anything through the fog that could help him. He was brought out of his searching by someone clearing their throat. He turned to look behind him and was not so surprised to see the Shinigami behind him.

Naruto decided to break the ice. "So, this is your stomach? It's…definitely not what I was expecting…"

The God of Death chuckled as he replied, "That's because we are not in my stomach, ningen (human). Why would I ever have to go into my stomach? No, we are in a realm outside of Life and Death. Kami-sama and I are incredibly impressed with your endeavors throughout your life and we have agree that one such as yourself does not deserve an early death."

Naruto was shocked to hear that. "I've impressed Kami-sama?! T-That's insane! How could Kami-sama be impressed with someone like me?"

"Perhaps it was because of the incredible amount of sacrifices you've made for the world? Or maybe it's the drive and determination you showed during the war? I wouldn't know, seeing as I'm not Kami-sama. However, we have agreed that you are more than worthy to receive a second chance at life." Naruto smiled widely at that, but the smile fell when the Death God finished, "Unfortunately, it won't be in your realm. Second chances do not work that way. Those worthy of them must have their second life in a realm not their own. Luckily for you, your new life is in a realm is one that I personally reside in."

"And what realm is that, Shinigami-sama?"

"The realm I speak of is the Life/Death Realm, a realm that is inhabited by beings both alive and dead. Those that are dead are one of three things: regular souls, Shinigami, or Hollows."

"What do you mean by 'Shinigami'? I thought you were the Shinigami? And what the hell are Hollows?"

"Patience, young soul. I will explain now. The Shinigami in this realm are basically souls that have spiritual power, otherwise known as reiatsu. They are like me, since they help other souls pass on, but their power pales in comparison to mine. Think of them as my personal task force, seeing as I am known to them as the Spirit King.

Hollows are souls that have become corrupted by dark forces over time. They fall into despair over their deaths and have some 'hollowness' in their souls. This 'hollowness' forms a hole straight through them while their despair forms a mask of various designs over their heads. They become beings of darkness and despair while having nothing more than basic instincts to go off of. A Hollow's instinct is to consume strong sources of reiatsu to try and fill up the 'hollowness' they constantly feel."

"Whoa… That is some really heavy shit right there… What will I be for my second life? Will I be human again, a simple soul, a Shinigami, or a…Hollow?" Naruto asked anxiously.

"None of them."

"…What?! What do you mean by that?! What else is there?!"

"I wasn't finished explaining what gives a Shinigami their power. Now, a Shinigami's power is mostly kept within them, much like chakra for shinobi. However, that is not all the power they possess. They may also wield a sword that has a reiatsu source all its own. These swords are known as Zanpakuto (Soul Slayer) and each one holds a spirit within the blade that is partnered with a Shinigami. It is always amazing to me to witness the bonds between Shinigami and Zanpakuto. This is what you will become, Naruto; a Zanpakuto Spirit. Your partner has a status that didn't require them to have the full understanding of their Zanpakuto, so they have never even gotten to know their spiritual partner. This is perfect for you since giving you to some newbie would be counterproductive."

"Wait, if they never even bothered to get to know their Zanpakuto, why are you giving me to them?" he asked in slight irritation.

"Because I have seen that the one you will be partnered with is beginning to realize just how important getting to know their Zanpakuto really is. Once you are placed into their sword, the bond between you two will begin to grow."

Naruto nodded in understanding and acceptance before he asked the question that was nagging at him. "Who exactly will my partner be?"

The Shinigami smirked and replied, "She is a Shinigami Taicho (Captain) that has earned herself the name 'Shunshin', or Goddess of Flash, due to her incredible speed that would make your father's fabled Hiraishin (Flying Thunder God) look like one was moving in slow motion. So far, she has only relied on her hand-to-hand combat skills in her career, but she is beginning to see that her Zanpakuto deserves to be used and connected with. That is where you come in."

"Alright, I understand. Anything else I should know?"

"Yes, she may not be able to hear you or your name at first due to the connection between the two of you being poor because it is just beginning to start grow properly. However, she will be able to hear you over time. Also, a Zanpakuto has three states.

"Sealed State is when the sword is not emitting reiatsu and when the bond between Zanpakuto and Shinigami is not high enough.

"Shikai (Initial Release) is available when the Zanpakuto and Shinigami have reached a decent level of bonding and understanding. It usually increases one's reiatsu output and power by about double, but it may be higher depending on the bond.

"The final state is Bankai (Secondary Release). This shows a complete bond between a Shinigami and their Zanpakuto and usually takes at least ten years to accomplish. The time needed to do so is definitely worth it since power output increases from five to tenfold."

Naruto was amazed at this information and his mouth was left agape at it. When he shook himself out of the shock, he asked, "Do the releases just increase power?"

"No, usually a Zanpakuto will change with each transition. You will be no different. But, I will leave the transformation and abilities a surprise for now. All I will tell you is that your name is also the name of your sword form; Naruto (Maelstrom)."

Naruto nodded at that and said, "I assume my Bankai has a different name, but I won't ask you what it is. All I will say is that I'm ready for this!"

The Spirit King saw the determination in his eyes and smirked. "Very well. Now then, Naruto Uzumaki, as Spirit King and God of Death, I pass on my judgment to you!" he yelled as he plunged his clawed hand into Naruto's chest. The blonde felt power surge within him and was transformed into a glowing orange orb of reiatsu. The Shinigami then created a portal to the Life/Death Realm and flung the orb into it. Giving one last smirk, he turned to the new inhabitants of the realm between Life and Death: Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki.

"Thank you for giving our son this chance, Shinigami-sama," the blonde said gratefully. "I know he'll find a better life there."

"I do not need your gratitude. Kami-sama made this decision and granted your son this chance. I am merely following orders."

"Still," Kushina stated, "we thank you. If he never called for you with the Shiki Fuiin, he would have never received this chance. I just wish we could have talked to him one last time."

"You will… Not for a long time, but you will…"

Seireitei (Court of Pure Souls) - Second Division Barracks – Captain's Quarter's

Yoruichi Shihoin was in her quarter's recovering from wounds with her Zanpakuto resting across her lap. She had spent her entire Shinigami career without using it, but she had been beginning to notice that she was not getting anywhere by ignoring it if what happened in her last encounter with some higher level Hollow's was anything to go by.

She had been taught that Zanpakuto were partners, and she respected the ideal of camaraderie. So with that in mind, she decided to try and finally contact her sword's spirit.

'I know I never took the time to get to know you, let alone talk to you, but please let me know that I still have a chance to. I want to see how strong our bond will go. Please…'

It was silent for what seemed like an eternity to her. With her eyes closed, she failed to see her sword give a faint orange glow. She did, however, hear a faint male voice speak to her. What struck her as odd was that it seemed to be the voice of a teenager.

"You're not too late... I'm here partner..."

(End)

Well, what did you guys think? If enough of you guys like this, I will continue with it. This will just an side project in that case and shouldn't take too much time from my other story. If I do continue this story the next chapter will be the start of the divergence from pain17ification's story.

The updates should be more often then my other thanks to pain17ification sending me the chapters he had finished already. So please, either leave your thoughts on it in reviews or PM them to me.

Thanks