The next day found Ichigo going through the basics of kido at the Squad Four Barracks and learning how to try to keep her Reiatsu at a level where she didn't have it constantly flowing but it didn't seem to be working so Urahara made some pieces that acted like Kenpachi's eye patch. These were bands that wrapped around her wrists.
She was having a hard time remembering the incantations but Unohana realized that her kido was very strong so she could practice enough that she wouldn't need the incantations. "why are the incantations so long?" Unohana smiled "the words and Reiatsu mix together to form the needed element for the kido but with enough practice, you may not need the incantation."
Ichigo continued practicing until she heard a voice echo 'oi... King or should I be callin ya Queen now?' the voice asked mockingly she sighed "what's wrong Ichigo?" Ichigo turned towards Captain Unohana "I need to go speak with Zangetsu for a bit." Unohana nodded and let the girl get comfortable on the floor.
Her inner world appeared before her eyes tall buildings stretched out as far as she could see. She turned towards the pure white figure that stood a few feet away from her.
She sighed "what do you want Shiro?" the being smirked, still looking male "aw... Ya wound me, king.." he giggled maniacally and Ichigo just sighed again "alrigh' alrigh', no need to get your taco in a twist. You know how the old man told you about your powers righ' ?" she frowned but nodded "well old man "Zangetsu" isn't actually your zanpakuto he's the manifestation of your Quincy powers."
Ichigo looked shocked at the revelation "but if he's the manifestation of my Quincy powers does that mean that...?" she trailed off and Shiro nodded "ya got tha' righ' king I'm your true zanpakuto but I'm also the manifestation of ya hollow powers."
She was so confused "how is that possible?" he cackled "the two fused due to who ya parents are." he smirked "now the question is will you use us the way we were meant to be used, what will ya decide king?" with that Shiro left and she left her inner world.
She thought of what her apparent zanpakuto told her "is something wrong Ichigo?" she looked to captain Unohana and hummed "yeah Zangetsu just gave me some surprising information that's all." she was worried she didn't want to use her hollow powers but she knew she should learn how to control that side of herself. "captain Unohana is there somewhere I can train by myself?"
Unohana looked startled at the question "well not really, you can ask people not to accompany you but other than that.." then Ichigo remembered the training ground under Sōkyoku Hill "hmm can someone send a message to Urahara Kisuke? I need to ask if I can use his training ground and if he has any hints to help with how I got my powers in the pit." Unohana looked concerned at the vague way the girl was speaking but nodded "I'll have the message sent along but your sure he knows what you speak of?"
Ichigo smiled "Yeah, he'll know what I mean its nothing too important I just need his help with my zanpakuto training." Unohana nodded "very well, but it seems training is over for today, go get some food Ichigo." Ichigo stood up and left Squad Fours barracks walking to where her friends normally ate.
Ichigo smiled as she walked in and saw that everyone was there today "hey Ichigo how was training today?" Renji yelled across the room she laughed as she sat down between Captain Ukitake and Rukia "it went well. Learning kido is difficult but I'm slowly getting the hang of it."
She paused as she ate "it's learning the incantations that kicking my butt right now.." Rukia laughed "yeah Renji had trouble with that too he always added an extra word or forgot a word and it would blow up in his face!" Ichigo giggled at Renji's indignant face "that makes me feel better. Though you've obviously gotten better at that haven't you?" she smirked towards Renji. "Che... Who do you think I am of course have!" she shared a look with Rukia who was laughing into her hand. "awwe king what good friends ya have, an' they don' even know what your hiding.." the spirit cackled her eyes narrowed slightly "shove off!" she replied.
Captain Unohana walked into the room "Ichigo Kisuke said that he'll be here tomorrow." she nodded in thanks "oh why is Kisuke coming?" Captain Ukitake asked "ah I've asked for his help with some training with Zangetsu." the group nodded "Man you sure are taking your training seriously Ichigo!" Shūhei said seriously "yeah with what happened with Aizen I don't want to be caught off guard again." that made everyone look proud of how the girl was doing with her situation.
