Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, Tite Kubo owns. Big time~
Warnings: major Manga spoilers for chapter 538 (starting next paragraph) Sort of? Since it was inspired by the chapter.
Summery: Shuuhei is reluctant to release Bankai, even for training in the forests of Rukongai, and Kensei is tired of this. So he seeks help. And Ichigo never 'Just Talks'.
Note 1: Perhaps I'm reading into the chapter more than what it really is, and Hisagi's reaction to Kensei telling him release his Bankai was understandable (Well, he can't release it on a whim, can he?) but I suddenly realized that Ichigo is... very honest with his words. (I mean, Renji, for one, can say a load of crap and brag, but Ichigo doesn't) And I wanted to use this sudden realization for a story. So I twisted the idea and inserted another idea that popped about Hisagi and his Bankai and wrote this! Enjoy :D
Everyone knew Kurosaki Ichigo was more a man of action rather than words.
And, something they've come to realize about Kurosaki Ichigo, is that he never 'Just Talks'.
If he speaks, it's briefly and to the point, and often with such sincerity one cannot dismiss. His words shouldn't be taken lightly.
If he says something, it will happen. He stands behind every single word passing his lips.
Whatever happens before or afterword, it, will happen.
-X-
"Are you sure you want me to do this?"
"If I wasn't I wouldn't have had to ask you." Kensei chided dryly. "Mashiro has to beat him up to submission with her mask on for him to finally sober up and admit halfway through that he needs his Bankai. If he released it from the very beginning we wouldn't have had this problem ,now would we?" The Captain cast his lieutenant a rebuking glare. Hisagi had the audacity to look guilty, but only a bit.
"But thing is, Mashiru tends to play around with her victims, so it's hard to take her seriously, never mind how strong her kicks are." Kensei voiced idly. "With you it's different, Ichigo." and Shuuhei couldn't help but tense at the sudden spark of triumph in his captain's hard-looking light-brown eyes. He kept gazing at him intensely even as he spoke to the substitute. Ichigo stiffened at Kensei's victorious-like tone and his eyes travelled elsewhere. Like the captain's words which wore victorious to him meant a brutal downfall to the orange-haired.
"Mashiro always gives him openings and time to get himself up. I don't need him to have these luxuries." Because even though Mashiro is very strong, she just doesn't emit that killer aura with the feeling she's out to snap your neck. You know that she won't really kill you, because in the end, it's just training. You're not fighting for life and death."So go ahead, Ichigo. Serve yourself."
The carrot-head shifted uncomfortably. "He's not going to react like Hiyori, is he?" He asked casually, but there was a hint of nervousness and shame(?) to it, and Shuuhei was impressed that the carrot-top was reluctant to do this almost as much as himself.
"Hiyori?" Kensei eyed him for a moment, puzzled. "What are you- ah! Oh hell no! - does he look like a little girl to you?!" the grey-haired spattered at Ichigo loudly and sprung his chest proudly. "Shuuhei's a man! he can take it!"
Ichigo twitched and chuckled ludicrously, Inwardly imagining Hiyori's reaction upon being refered to as a little girl. "We'll see about this. Well, if you know what you're doing.." he released a breath, raising chocolate-colored eyes to the brunet across him. "Release your Bankai."
Hisagi blinked back, stating firmly; "I appreciate your concern, but I-"
"Twenty seconds." Ichigo murmured in low voice and raised his hand to grab the bandaged hilt of his Zanpakuto.
"What?" Shuuhei's eyes narrowed, feeling the ominous wind blowing around him and moved his hand t0oward his Zanpakuto.
"If you don't release your Bankai, you'll be dead withing twenty seconds. This isn't a request," The Shinigami Substitute demanded with hard eyes (which, Shuuhei noticed suddenly, were coloring black and gold) and the huge blade left his shoulder, but instead of gripping the hilt Ichigo grasped the white bandages used as sheath and hoisted the blade up, stepping forward toward Hisagi.
Shuuhei watched with widening eyes of awe and growing dread as the Shinigami Substitute -no, the Hollow revealing before his eyes - he could even feel it now- was spining his large sword high above his head.
Step. Step. Step.
Step, step,
Step-
"Realse your Bankai."
-And then he was gone.
Note 2: When you write 'Ichigo', it's hard to refer to him as 'Kurosaki' in his many titles, right? Is it just me, or since Kensei apperad it's easier to refer to 'Hisagi' (like you usualy write 'Kira' insted 'Izuru') as 'Shuuhei'? It's easier, right?!
