"Now then, let me explain," Urahara said. "Shane, I want you to train with Ichigo for the next five days. I spent the last five days training with Ichigo, but I want you to finish."
"Hey wait a minute!" Ichigo protested, "Why are you doing this now? I don't have time to be changing teachers every few minutes!"
Urahara sighed and fanned himself. "Impatient as ever I see. You might have ten days to do as you like, but I am a very busy business man. I have errands to run and a shop to take care of."
"You're so full of it," Ichigo sulked.
Urahara ignored him and turned to Shane. "I'll leave the training method up to you. Just make sure you don't hurt him too badly." Urahara said the last part loud enough for Ichigo to hear. He then whispered, "Don't underestimate him either." Shane nodded.
"Hey! Don't talk about me like that!" Ichigo shouted. Shane watched Urahara leave, then turned to Ichigo. "Well, we can do this the hard way or the very hard way."
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked. Shane pulled his swords, sheath and all, out of his sash and held them in front of him. "The hard way, I'll use my Soul Slayer," Shane explained. "The very hard way, I won't use my Soul Slayer."
"Huh?" Ichigo asked, clearly confused. "How is the very hard way without your Soul Slayer?" Ichigo grinned. "You'd better use your Soul Slayer or you won't stand a chance against me!"
Shane sighed and shook his head. "Still underestimating your opponents? Seriously, you should stop. If you do that in Soul Society, you'll die for sure."
"Whatever, let's get started already!" Ichigo said. He held his Soul Slayer in front of him, ready for action.
Shane stood there with his arms crossed and stared at Ichigo's Soul Slayer. "I see your Soul Slayer is different," he said. "Or is it just like the last one, all style and no substance."
"No, this here is the real deal," Ichigo said proudly. He swung it around, resting it on his shoulder.
Shane shrugged and walked over to a boulder and set his swords on top. "Please wait, just for a little while," he whispered.
I understand, Tsukuyomi's voice echoed in Shane's ears.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Ichigo called out. He was starting to get annoyed with Shane.
"Okay, first step," Shane called out, "How to fight without your Soul Slayer."
"What do you mean without my Soul Slayer?" Ichigo asked. "Why would I ever have to fight without it?"
Shane smirked and Ichigo went on the alert Oh crap, he's going to do something! Ichigo thought. He brought his Soul Slayer down to guard. He glared at Shane, blinked, and looked again...
But Shane wasn't there!
Ichigo looked down and it took a split second for his brain to register what his eyes were seeing. His hands were empty, his Soul Slayer was gone!
"You sure talk big," Shane said. Ichigo whirled around and saw Shane standing behind him. In his hand was Ichigo's Soul Slayer.
"How..." Ichigo sputtered.
Shane walked to the rock his Soul Slayer was resting on and stabbed Ichigo's Soul Slayer in the ground next to the rock.
"Hey, don't do that!" Ichigo protested. He put his hands on his hips and glared at Shane.
"What was that you said about fighting without your Soul Slayer?" Shane taunted.
"Shut up!" Ichigo shouted. "You're just like Urahara, you know that?"
Shane pretended to be hurt. "I am in no way like that perverted shop keeper," he said.
"I heard that!" Urahara called out.
"Anyway, you seem to be on a tight timetable here, so let's get started," Shane said. He took a stance and waited for Ichigo. Ichigo grinned and got into his own stance.
"What's that look for?" Shane asked.
"Just so you know, I've been training since I was about four years old," Ichigo smirked.
"Yeah, Tatsuki told me she used to beat the crap out of you on a regular basis," Shane retorted.
Ichigo turned pale and collapsed. "She told you that?" he asked in a small voice. Shane smiled and nodded. Ichigo quickly regained his composure. "But that was then and this is now!" he said.
"Okay, ready, set, go!" Shane said quickly and closed in on Ichigo.
"Hey wait!" a surprised Ichigo said. Shane gave Ichigo two quick punches to the body. When Ichigo's defense broke, Shane grabbed Ichigo and threw him into a boulder with such force, the boulder cracked in half.
"Who are you?" Ichigo gasped. He looked up and saw Shane standing over him with his arms crossed and a serious expression on his face.
"Shane Akiyama, 13th squad, formerly of the Secret Mobile Corps.," Shane replied. "That means I'm one of the best hand to hand fighters in all of Soul Society.
Ichigo stood up and leaned on the rock to steady his shaking legs. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Is that all you've got?" Ichigo asked.
"Oh?" Shane replied.
Shane then proceeded to pummel Ichigo for the next few hours. Ichigo was good, but he couldn't overcome Shane's speed and strength.
"Okay, let me take a break," Ichigo gasped.
"Are you tired already?" Shane asked. "We've only been at it for a few hours and I still have five days to go!" Ichigo sighed. "Get up and fight me!" Shane urged. Ichigo stood up and they fought for a few more hours. Slowly, Ichigo was beginning to fight back. Shane had to be a bit more careful as Ichigo was starting to see through Shane's attacks and anticipate where the blows would fall.
During another break, Shane stood off a distance from Ichigo and watched him closely. I think I understand what you mean Urahara, Shane thought. Ichigo is a very quick learner. He's already picked up on some of my moves. But I haven't shown him everything.
Shane walked back to the rock where their Soul Slayers were. He pulled Ichigo's out of the ground and held it in his hands. It was unlike any he had ever see. The blade was long and cleaver shaped. There was no hilt or guard, just a handle wrapped in white cloth. It wasn't all that heavy, but it seemed to resonate with power. Shane walked over to Ichigo and handed him his Soul Slayer.
"Okay, now you can use this thing," Shane said. Ichigo took his Soul Slayer and gripped it in his hands. "It feels good to hold it again," Ichigo said.
They stood up and faced each other. "For this next part, you are going to attack me with your Soul Slayer," Shane announced.
"Aren't you going to use your Soul Slayer?" Ichigo asked.
"This is also a lesson for you on how to not underestimate your opponent," Shane added.
"That's okay," Ichigo said with a grin. "I think I've got you figured out already."
"There you go again," Shane sighed. "It's like teaching a rock. Nothing gets though to you does it, Strawberry Boy,"
"Shut up!" Ichigo glared. "My name means-"
"'One who protects,'" Shane finished. "I know, Tatsuki told me that too,"
Ichigo slumped over. "Is there anything she didn't tell you?" he asked quietly.
"Cheer up Ichigo," Shane said. "Now you get to hack and slash at me all you want." Ichigo's grin was full of evil.
"Now that you are motivated, come at me like you intend on killing me!" Shane shouted.
"AHHHHH!" Ichigo yelled and charged at Shane. Shane dropped into a stance, a grin on his face. Ichigo made a stab at Shane, but Shane stepped to the outside. As Ichigo's momentum carried him past, Shane grabbed Ichigo's right arm in an arm lock, forcing Ichigo to a bent over position. Shane walked Ichigo around in a circle, then rolled over Ichigo's back, while still holding on to Ichigo's arm, causing Ichigo to roll over Shane's back. Using Ichigo's arm for leverage, Shane slammed Ichigo to the ground with such force, a small crater formed under Ichigo's body.
( watch?v=gIU2AyzUg8g skip to 5:55 to see the move)
Shane stepped back and watched Ichigo twitch for a moment. "Are you done yet?" Shane goaded. "I wonder what Rukia would say if she saw you right now,"
"Shut up you devil," Ichigo muttered. He peeled himself off the ground and shakily got to his feet.
"Let's go!" Shane shouted, "Come at me like you want to kill me!"
"If only you knew how much I'd like to right now," Ichigo growled and gripped his Soul Slayer.
"Then show me!" Shane called out. Ichigo roared again and charged Shane.
Shane lost track how long they fought like that. Ichigo stabbed and slashed, while Shane punched and kicked. He threw Ichigo around and beat him to a pulp, but Ichigo got up every time and continued fighting. Finally they took a break.
"Why do you want this so bad?" Shane asked. Ichigo drank some water and wiped his face with a towel. "I told you, I have to save Rukia," he said.
"Why does Rukia need saving? She broke the law and she needs to be punished," Shane argued. "What do you think would happen if she was allowed to go about her merry way? Without consequences, people would simply ignore the law and Soul Society would be thrown into chaos. Is that what you want?"
"I don't expect you to understand," Ichigo said. His face grew serious and silence settled between them.
"You know, Rukia is my friend too," Shane said. "I know she should be punished for her crime, but I don't really want her to die," Ichigo glanced at Shane. "Is this what I get for forming a bond with someone? Is it supposed to hurt, even though it's the right thing to do?" Shane shook his head to clear his thoughts.
"Why are you helping me?" Ichigo asked.
Shane shrugged. "I don't know," he replied. "Urahara asked me for a favor and I couldn't say no. When I found out what the favor was, well..." he thought for a minute, then said, "I'll probably be punished for helping you. In fact, I'm not even supposed to be in the Real World right now."
"What?" Ichigo asked, his face wide with surprise. Shane rolled his eyes and told Shane about coming back because of the promise to Tatsuki.
"Oh, I see how it is," Ichigo said, making a sly face. "Getting a little friendly with someone in the Real World, eh?"
Shane let Ichigo's snide comment slide. "Our relationship is no different than your relationship with Rukia," Shane said calmly.
"What do you mean?" Ichigo asked, getting defensive.
"Oh come on," Shane said. "A pretty girl falls into your life, changing it forever. You spent so much time with her...alone," Shane smiled at Ichigo, "And here you are, doing everything you can to 'save' her, but I think you really just want to see her again."
Ichigo's mouth hung open in shock. He shook his head and glared at Shane. "It's not like that at all!" he shouted.
"Oh, I believe you," Shane replied, his words dripping with sarcasm. Shane could see the flames burning in Ichigo's eyes and the steam coming out his ears.
"Well, since you are in the mood," Shane said, standing, "Let's get back to training, shall we?"
"I'm going to let you have it good!" Ichigo said. He was waving his Soul Slayer around, ready for action.
Shane walked back to the rock that his Soul Slayer was resting on. He picked them up and closed his eyes as if meditating.
"Did you learn anything?" Shane asked.
"Yes," Tsukuyomi replied. "That boy holds incredible power, more than you realize. His soul is strong and very determined. Beat him up while you can because you might not be able to later on."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," Shane said. He opened his eyes and put both blades back in his sash.
"Okay Ichigo, here is the moment you've been waiting for," Shane said, walking back to Ichigo. They stood a few paces apart. Shane saw Ichigo was grinning from ear to ear. "Before we get started, I have a question," Shane asked.
"What's that?" Ichigo replied. He dropped his guard and stood up strait.
"What is the name of your Soul Slayer?" Shane asked.
Ichigo raised his Soul Slayer and stared at it for a moment. "Its name is Zangetsu," Ichigo replied.
Shane thought for a moment, "'Cutting Moon' eh?" he whispered. Shane grasped the handles of his Soul Slayer, one in each hand and slowly pulled them from the sheaths. He held them in a reverse grip, the blades pointing down.
"Would you like to know the name of my Soul Slayer?" Shane asked. Ichigo nodded and Shane whispered, "Here is one moon you won't cut so easily." Shane rotated his hands so the blades were pointing out and touched the ends of the handles together.
"Rise, Tsukuyomi," Shane said softly.
The swords began to glow bright silver and Shane could feel the power resonating from them and from deep inside his soul. It filled him with a warm feeling that revitalized and energized him. The increase of his spirit power had kicked up some loose dirt and blew it away, causing Ichigo to cover his eyes. When it had all cleared away, Ichigo opened his eyes.
He saw that Shane was holding a weapon unlike any he had seen before. It looked like someone had taken two swords and merged them together at the handle. One blade was black with a silver edge. It had a circular guard that was also black. The handle was black with a white wrap. The other blade was silver with a black edge and had a circular guard colored silver. The handle was white with a black wrap.
"This is my Soul Slayer, Tsukuyomi," Shane said. "I can count on one hand how many people have seen Tsukuyomi released like this."
"It is certainly something I've never seen before," Ichigo commented.
"Well, back to work, shall we?" Shane offered. Ichigo grinned and nodded his head.
For the next five days, Shane pounded Ichigo into the dust. Shane began to realize that Ichigo already had the ability to fight, he simply needed experience. Since Ichigo was dead set on going to Soul Society, Shane felt he had to give everything he had so Ichigo would have the smallest chance of surviving in Soul Society, let alone succeed in rescuing Rukia.
On the same note, every hour Shane spent fighting with Ichigo meant the noose was beginning to tighten around his own neck. He began to sense that he was going to be in a lot of trouble, and Captain Ukitake wouldn't be able to save him this time.
This is the path you have chosen, now you must walk down it, Tsukuyomi kept repeating in Shane's thoughts.
Urahara watched them fight from a distance. He felt something rubbing against his leg and looked down to see a black cat with gold eyes.
"Ah, Yoruichi!" Urahara exclaimed, "How nice of you to come visit me!"
"Cut the crap," Yoruichi replied curtly. Urahara instantly became serious. "How is the training coming?" Yoruichi asked.
"Ah, it seems Ichigo keeps getting stronger and stronger," Urahara said. Yoruichi squinted and asked, "Who's that down there with him?"
"Oh, he's just a shinigami I picked up off the street," Urahara said. A glare from Yoruichi, and Urahara added, "He's friendly with Rukia and seems to know Ichigo. His name is Shane Akiyama from the 13th squad."
Yoruichi watched them fight for a while. "His Soul Slayer is like nothing I've ever seen before and his combat style is also different," Yoruichi commented.
"Shane claims he fought Soifon to a draw," Urahara said and waited for Yoruichi's reaction.
"Is that so?" Yoruichi said. Urahara nodded and Yoruichi frowned and said, "I'll just have to see how good he really is sometime."
Urahara snapped his fingers. "Ah! Since we're on this subject, there is something you should know about Shane."
"Oh? What's that?" Yoruichi asked. Urahara turned and Yoruichi followed him back up to the shop. When Urahara came back after a few hours, he was alone.
"Okay! Splendid job everyone!" Urahara called out as he approached Shane and Ichigo. "That's a wrap!"
"Huh? What do you mean?" Ichigo asked.
"Don't you remember?" Urahara asked. "It's been ten days since we started. Now you can go home and do whatever. Come back exactly one week from today at one o'clock in the morning."
"So that's it then?" Shane asked. Urahara nodded. "Thank you for helping. You have no idea what this means."
"It means I'm in deep crap when I get back to Soul Society," Shane said.
"Well, I guess it can't be helped then," Urahara sighed. He turned his attention to Ichigo. "I see you are still alive. That's always a good sign," he said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Ichigo asked. "Don't you have any faith in me?"
"Of course I do!" Urahara said. "Remember, come back in one week. The preparations to go to Soul Society will be complete then."
Shane turned to Ichigo. "I'm sure we'll meet again in Soul Society, but as friends or enemies, I can't say. I wish you well," he said. Ichigo nodded and grinned, then left, leaving Shane and Urahara alone. After a moment of silence, Urahara asked, "So how did he do?"
Shane shrugged. "It's like you said. He can be pretty dense sometimes, but he learns very quickly. He has all the necessary skills, all he needs is experience. Give him time and I honestly think he'll give any of the Captains a run for their money."
"You don't say," Urahara said thoughtfully. He clapped his hands and said, "Well, you've done enough. Go ahead and return to Soul Society."
Shane opened the gate with his Soul Slayer and returned to Soul Society.