A/N: Sorry for the delay in my updates, the holidays are here and I have been traveling to visit family since Thanksgiving. I want to thank everyone who has reviewed and added this story to their favorites; it inspired me to fill an entire notebook with ideas and new chapters while I was unable to gain access to a computer.
So without further ado, Chapter 26…
"I think they are trying to kill each other," Ichigo commented with a cringe, receiving an amused snort in response from his blue haired lover.
It was the last day of the competition; the final match was taking place. The arena was packed; everyone had come to watch the epic battle between the two most blood thirsty and psychotic competitors, Zaraki Kenpachi and Gilga Nnoitra. Shinji sat on Ichigo's other side, his face buried in Ichigo's shoulder unable to watch.
"Shin, I don't think Nnoi is gonna win this one," Ichigo claimed.
"Don't underestimate my brother, Ichi. He's not pulling any punches this round," Grimmjow said slightly annoyed at Ichigo's opinion.
"I know, Grimm. That's why I said I don't think he's gonna win. Shin, take a look and let me know what you think," Ichigo watched Shinji look up and saw his face fall.
"Yeah, you're right Ichi," Shinji sighed.
Grimmjow looked at the two in disbelief, he growled demanding, "How do you figure?"
Ichigo looked at Grimmjow and gave a small smile, "Nnoi is fighting all out, holding nothing back," Grimmjow nodded, "Okay, so here's the deal, Kenny IS holding back." Grimmjow's eyebrows shot up and he turned his attention back to the fight, watching closely.
"How can you tell, Ichi?" Grimmjow asked.
As Ichigo opened his mouth to answer he was cut off by a small pink whirlwind landing in his lap. "Ichi knows because he's Kenny's best friend!" Yachiru cried excitedly. "Kenny has the most fun when Ichi plays with him."
Grimmjow looked at the small girl curiously as she bounced on Ichigo's lap, never taking her eyes off of her father. Ichigo laughed at the bundle of energy as she continued talking to the bluenette.
"Kenny never fights at full strength; he says if he does the fight ends too soon. Your brother is pretty good, Kenny isn't holding back as much with him," Yachiru giggled, "but Kenny has only ever lost to one person, the only person Kenny can fight without holding back."
"Who would that be?" Grimmjow asked when the girl didn't continue. He didn't notice Ichigo blanch at the direction of their conversation.
"Ichi!" cried Yachiru, "That's why Ichi is Kenny's best friend! Right Berry-chan?" Grimmjow looked at his lover in shock; he had fought and beaten that nut case?
"I only fought him once, I think it was a tie but ojiisan said I won because I stayed conscious ten seconds longer than him. Ever since he chases me around trying to get a rematch, I value my life though so I avoid him as much as possible. I'll spar with him in school because he has severe restrictions there."
"Ooh, Kenny's getting mad," Yachiru squealed.
Ichigo focused on the two men again. Nnoitra caught Kenpachi with a straight leg kick to the solar plexus, leaving the larger man stunned for a split second. Using that brief opening Nnoitra swept his opponents legs out from under him. Nnoitra grin grew almost splitting his face in two, thinking he had finally gained the upper hand over the larger man he was fighting.
"Shit, Nnoi's in trouble," Ichigo said softly.
"Huh?" Grimmjow questioned, "Are we watching the same match?"
"Yup. You are about to see why Zaraki Kenpachi is also called The Demon of Squad Eleven."
Grimmjow's retort was silenced by the sound of the most deranged laughter he had ever heard. His eyes quickly refocused on the man lying on the floor that the frightening sound was emanating from. Nnoitra's grin faltered as his opponent began laughing, his visible eye growing wider as the volume increased. Kenpachi jumped to his feet and darted toward Nnoitra, too fast for Nnoitra to dodge. Nnoitra didn't see the sudden change in direction, the older man was in front of him one second, and the next Nnoitra barely registered the sound of Kenpachi's bells before a blow was landed high on Nnoitra's neck from behind. Kenpachi didn't let up on his assault, by the time Nnoitra's body hit the ground Kenpachi's blows had already cracked six ribs, dislocated his shoulder, and landed at least a dozen other minor hits on the lanky teen.
Shinji groaned jumping up to rush to his lover's side as Grimmjow looked on in stunned silence. Yachiru hugged Ichigo and jumped over the audience to land on Kenpachi's shoulder, smiling and laughing as she congratulated her father.
"Come on Grimm, my demo is coming up soon. Let's head up to the room so I can change and grab my sword." Ichigo said laying his hand on Grimmjow's shoulder, "let's check on Nnoi first though."
Grimmjow nodded getting to his feet and followed, making their way down to where Nnoitra was being examined by Szayel.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Half an hour later Ichigo and Grimmjow were back in their hotel room. Grimmjow sat on the bed watching Ichigo change into a traditional looking outfit. Ichigo stood before him wearing black hakama and sleeveless kimono, a blood red haori with a large white kanji for fifteen on the back also had the sleeves removed, a red sword belt looped over his shoulder, and traditional waraji and tabi.
"You look hot, but what's wit the getup?"
"Getabouchi's idea. It's a variation of the shihakushou that the samurai of legend wore. You haven't seen the best part yet," Ichigo said walking to a box on the table, with his back toward his partner he opened the box fiddling with its contents. Turning around he wore a smooth white shikami mask that covered his entire face. Four red lines slashed over the left eye from the bridge of the nose to the temple, two more under the same eye extended across the cheek, and three more adorned the left side of the chin meeting under the pointed teeth carved into the mask.
"Wow, I don't know what to say," Grimmjow said admiring the full effect of the demonic attire as Ichigo situated the large sword on his back. "Let's get going, keep everything on though. I wanna see how many people run from you on the way down!"
Ichigo laughed but pulled off the mask, "Sorry babe can't. I have orders not to wear the mask in public outside of the arena."
"Fine." Grimmjow pouted.
XOXOXOXOXOX
"Ichigo! I have just been asked if you will be going on as yourself or under another name. Also what the name of your sword is," Kisuke tittered in his sing song voice, "since you are following along the traditional lines with this exhibition. Traditionally warriors named their weapons and used false names and masks to protect their loved ones from their enemies."
"King, you have the names already."
"What ever, Kisuke. I guess you can call me Shiro and my sword will be Zangetsu. In honor of my voices."
Kisuke laughed, nodding his approval. He walked off to give the information to the announcers.
"Our next demonstration is a special one; we have one of the few masters of the uchigatana. He is definitely the youngest. Please welcome Shiro and his blade Zangetsu."
Ichigo took a deep breath as the music began to play, (I hear voices in my head, they council me) he settled the mask over his face making sure it was secure (They understand, they talk to me); he made sure Zangetsu was settled properly on his back.
Ichigo moved to the center of the floor almost too fast for the audience to see. Feeling the music flow through him, he let his body take over, the muscles knowing what to do as he reached up grasping the cloth covered hilt of the sword, pulling it free in a smooth graceful arc. Ichigo moved across the floor in an erotic display of deadly precision. By the end of the first verse Ichigo had agreed to let Shiro assist him in his movements.
"King, just let me show you how to use this blade, it may not be traditional but it is amazing."
"You can show one contemporary move; this is supposed to show how to use this weapon traditionally."
"Thank you King. I only need a few moments to show the abilities of the unique sword."
Ichigo's eyes began to glow golden as his body shifted into a slightly unfamiliar stance (I hear voices crying), the long blade swung upward, the force behind the swing appearing greater than needed (I see heroes dying), the slender fingers released the blade allowing the trailing ribbon to pass through long fingers for a moment before being caught by the hand (I taste blood that's drying), the large sword began to rotate in full circles at the end of the ribbon being swung by the teen (I feel tension riding), with a series of quick wrist movements the blade flew forward and snapped back to be caught by the handle, the masked youth moving again into the smooth graceful movements perfected by years of practice. A few short minutes later Ichigo sheathed Zangetsu and bowed to the stunned crowd before exiting the floor. Seconds later the arena erupted in applause and cheers.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOX
Ichigo removed his mask once in the staging area, watching as his father and uncle approached him.
"Ichigo, my son! I couldn't be prouder!" Isshin called out rushing to hug his son. Ichigo scowled as his foot connected with his father's face.
"You need to calm down goat-face! I don't feel like dealing with your idiocy right now!"
"Ichigo, I am most impressed with your skill. I would not have thought to swing the blade by its tail." Kamame said with admiration.
"It was Shiro, not me." Was all Ichigo said on the mater. His face split into a huge grin as Grimmjow arrived wrapping his arms around the sweaty teen.
"That was amazing! I had no idea that you were a master swordsman." Grimmjow said kissing Ichigo's temple. Ichigo smiled at his lover and shrugged his shoulders.
"There is a lot you don't know about me," Ichigo smirked.
"I plan on spending a life time learning." Grimmjow whispered to his blushing berry.