chapter 35

Yokai Academy war zone

Chad is running towards a Hollow and engaged it in battle. Considering that he didn't have the ability to use shunpo like Ichigo or use sonido like the Espada could, running is better than nothing and will have to do. Although he couldn't move or dodge as well as his friend could, he is fast and agile enough to avoid attacks and his body's durability and its amazing ability to withstand severe injuries that would more likely kill an ordinary human being speaks loudly for itself. It's just that getting from here to there just takes a little longer than it should be...

The fins on his right arm began to open and spiritual energy began to burst forth. With a burst of speed, he caught a Hollow by surprise as he balled his fist which exploded with immense power...

"EL DIRECTO!"

The Hollow who got caught up with the blast, disintegrated to nothingness and the huge wave continued to take out several hundreds more in it's wake. Chad then turned around and blocked an in coming attack from behind pushing him several feet away. With deceptive speed, he somehow got to it's side and counter attacked, dealing the Hollow a crushing blow to it's mask, breaking it and killing it instantly. After taking out a few more of them in a quick and efficient fashion, he didn't blink as several arrows went past him, killing his attackers whom he missed in the heat of battle. He gave Uryu a thumbs up in thanks and the Quincy acknowledged him with a nod. Uryu saw Chad run towards another direction and while keeping an eye on him and knowing that he will be alright, the Quincy then observed the others to see if they needed any assistance...

Renji just aimlessly swung Zabimaru here and there and sure enough he wound up hitting several Hollows and instantaneously killing them. Whether it was due to stress or fatigue, he almost felt numb just mindlessly swinging his zanpakuto around. It has only been 30 minutes ago that he and his comrades have fought this seemingly endless battle and he wonders when the hell was it going to end. He has to remember though that he is a Lt. of the Gotei 13 and he cannot afford to be careless in battle lest he endangers himself and those around him. He has to snap out of it before he gets himself or worse someone else killed...Distracted with his thoughts, the red head didn't realize the eminent doom from behind but a timely energy arrow managed to save his hide without him even knowing. Uryu appeared right beside him and asked.

"Renji are you alright?" Uryu asked. "This is no time to get complacent you know!"

"Huh?"

"Earth to Renji, hello!"

Renji realized that someone is talking to him and he suddenly recognized that it is the Quincy.

"Finally got back from La la land huh?"

"Ya, my bad, I just had the bad case of tunnel vision that's all."

"Well, anyway snap out of it man, we're in a middle of a battle..."

"I know thanks, I'm alright."

"Anyway, I got your back alright, just don't get too distracted."

Rukia released her Shikai as soon as the Hollow attacked. In fact, all the Shinigami in the the group followed suit. Of course she knew that releasing their zanpakuto for small fry would be just plain overkill but since they were pretty much outnumbered at the moment, she's sure that "lapse" in judgement would be forgiven...not that she cared what anybody thinks or anything. Her spiritual pressure began to rise as she punctured the ground 4 times in a semi-circle. She then brought her sword towards her right shoulder with the blade pointing forward...

"Tsugi no mai, Hakuren!" (Next dance, white ripple)

A massive wall of ice shot forth from her zanpakuto in a strait line and frozen hundreds of Hollows foolish enough to get caught in it's wake. Mercilessly she thrusts her sword at the ice, breaking it to millions of pieces and thereby killing all the Hollows inside. Without missing a beat she began to chant a Hado spell as quickly as possible as a very large Hollow is running towards her...

"Ye lord! Mask of blood and flesh, all creation, flutter of wings, ye who bears the name of Man! Inferno and pandemonium, the sea barrier surges, march on to the south! Hado 31: Shakkaho!"

A red ball of energy began to charge on her outstretched palm and as she completed the spell, she fired it and a very large ball of incandescent red flame shot out of her hand and barreled through the ground and hit the unsuspecting Hollow head on and caused a huge explosion. Before the smoke even cleared, it has already disintegrated to nothing. She then focused and concentrated on her next opponent...

Ikkaku is having the time of his life doing what he does best, even though the said opponents were just mere cannon fodder. It really didn't compare to fighting Ichigo or that Fraccion that he battled earlier in the world of the living but at least it's better than nothing. As he mowed down perhaps the 100th Hollow in a row, there seems to be no end to them in sight. He spared a glance at his buddy Yumichika who had a very dismayed look on his face.

"What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing, it's just that this ugly business is taking too long and besides it's keeping me from giving some loving attention to my hair. You know I always need to look fabulous..."

"Oh stop yer complaining. What would the Captain say if he hear you say that crap?"

"You're right." Yumichika sighed.

"The faster we kill these bastards and the faster you can do all the preening and beauty stuff you always do all you want. Deal?"

"Well if you must insist..."

No matter how much Hollows Rangiku killed, 3 more of the pests takes the place of the fallen. It's not that she's getting tired or getting complacent, it's just getting on her nerves that the endless hoards keep relentlessly coming with no end in sight. She wonders if there's something attracting them to their location and if there can be measures to eliminate this factor? Then she noticed it in the corner of her eye...some kind of flash from a far off distance. After eliminating her opponent, she told Toshiro that she is coming back and that she is investigating something to her Captain's disapproval. Before Toshiro could even voice his objection she has already disappeared. When she arrived, she saw it...it looked like a floating cylinder on top of the tree. Then it suddenly flashed again and she found herself surrounded. It would seem this thing is what is attracting the Hollows into this world. Before she can report in though she had to get herself out the mess she got herself into first...

"Growl, Haineko!"

With her zanpakuto released, her blade turned to ash and with a nonchalant swing of her handle, she caused a 50 foot tornado made of ash that sucked all the Hollow within it's confines and tore them all apart. The winds that it generated and along with the ash that surrounded it, flattened and tore the surrounding forest to shreds. After eliminating the enemy, she commanded the ash to return and then destroyed the device. The results were immediate and it would seem that the amount of Hollows appearing significantly declined by 10 percent. Now she is sure that these things were planted all over this area. She had to inform her Captain immediately of this development...

"Captain, it's me..."

"Matsumoto where have you been?" Toshiro said sternly.

"I'm about half a mile from your current position and guess what I just found out why it seemed that the Hollows kept on coming no matter how much we kill them.!"

Rangiku then quickly briefed him on what recently happened to her.

"So you are saying that these devices function like Hollow bait?" Toshiro asked her.

"Sounds about right but it would seem that they're not entering this realm from the usual tear in reality. It's almost as if these things are teleporting the Hollows here instead."

"I see...then our course of action is obvious. Tell everyone to hunt for these devices. I'm sure that once they are all destroyed, the Hollow incursion should seize."

"Yes, Captain, I'm right on it!"

Shuzen family castle-entrance to "The Room"

An invisible telekinetic attack is on it's way towards Tsukune and he couldn't move fast enough to dodge it. In fact, he didn't have a choice seeing that the attack would have harmed the ladies behind him. Causing suffering to his friends and especially to Moka is unthinkable and actually made him angry. As the attack came barreling towards him with horrifying speed and power, just thinking about how much it would harm his friends and thinking that he has failed them yet again fueled his anger. It was the same reason why he obtained this Bankai and his reason to become stronger and that is to protect his friends. It would have been a wasted effort having suffered great pains and nearly killed himself to learn it. He is sure as hell not going to run away now and break the very tenets that got him to this point. And for this very reason that may have triggered a transformation to Yamazakura. The zanpakuto suddenly split itself in the middle forming a three pronged blade. As the blades separated itself it began to gather spiritual energy at a rapid rate and as the telekinetic attack was about to hit him, Tsukune instinctively used Kurenai Higyou. The first and most basic of his zanpakuto's abilities ignited in a burst of raw power. The size of the thrust was perhaps several feet taller than he was and it's power carved a sizable trench as the technique moved to meet Victor's attack. When the two attacks met, a tremendous explosion occurred and it is in that instant that the crimson strike was able to splice the attack towards him, forming a Y and seconds later the dispersed energy hit the back wall completely missing his friends and causing a lot of collateral damage.

Tsukune couldn't believe his eyes at the power he had generated. Yamazakura wasn't joking when she said that learning Bankai will increase his power output 10 times. He wonders though what would have happened if he called the name of the attack? How much power would the technique generate then? Although, after he has successfully defended the attack, he is quite winded and he doesn't know why. Though he has an increasing suspicion that perhaps he did not quite recover from the hell that Bankai training has wrought on his body and he's already using it as if he's at full power...

"See, didn't I tell you about resting and making a full recovery before you start using it." Yamazakura chided. "If you stop being such a poopie head and listened to me this wouldn't have happened! The reason why you're so winded is that you are basically exhausting your remaining reserves of spiritual energy."

"But what would you have me do lovely?" Tsukune asked her. "We were getting beaten left and right and I didn't have any choice in the matter. It was either I use it or die!"

"Dearest, if this guy wanted to kill you, he would have done so already in the first attack!" she told her master. "It's more like he's either playing with you or he's stalling for time or maybe both!"

"And you are absolutely right lovely. But I'm not going to risk the lives of my friends on a theoretical "maybe." I nearly killed myself trying to become stronger and I'm not about to run and turn tail when I have the power to protect them."

"Well, I guess you have a point...But still..."

"So what happens if I run out of spiritual energy anyway?"

"Then you're body will no longer be able to sustain Bankai and I would probably revert back to my katana form. You wouldn't be able to use techniques such as shunpo or be able to withstand bodily harm or heal either. That's the one thing you don't want to happen not with this opponent at least."

"I see...then you're going to have to give me a little more time so I can beat this guy. I know I'm asking for too much but please do this little favor for me. I promise that after we get out of this scrape I'll do whatever you want, whether it be training, spending more time with you or whatever. Just give me this one thing for me, please?"

"Dammit dearest, this isn't fair!" Yamazakura pouted. "You know I adore you and I will do anything for you and I can't well deny you being my master. and all...Geez I'll see what I can do..."

"Thank you lovely you're the best zanpakuto that a guy can ever get!"

"You promise that you'll do my training when we get out of this mess and when you are well rested?"

"Yes...I promise."

"You better keep your word to me or I'm going to be very annoyed at you!"

Meanwhile...

Orihime could barely stand up as she never felt so tired in her life. Her shield has so far did not break just yet but she had a feeling that if the Count ever pressed his attack one more time with the force he used, she knew that it will collapse leaving herself and her friends vulnerable and defenseless. She wished that Kurosaki-kun is alright and hopes that he will get here soon. But she shook her head, she can't afford to be distracted with wishful thinking. Besides, she's still mad at him for daring to ogle another girl right in front of her! Thinking about it actually annoyed her and a large vein contracted on her forehead...

"When this mess is done, Kurosaki-kun and I will have a very lengthy discussion of this subject!" She muttered darkly.

Another massive and powerful telekinetic attack was easily deflected, however Tsukune didn't anticipate it to rebound towards the girls. Realizing his mistake, he tried desperately to save them in time but it was too late. Orihime's eyes widen and the attack that she was afraid of coming is barreling towards her. At best her shield will probably be able to hold on about a minute or two before it collapses and the force of the attack squishes them flatter than a pancake. She closed her eyes and regretted that she wasn't able to make up with her Kurosaki-kun just because she was too stubborn to let the matter go. She felt a massive shockwave as it hit her shield and she felt it breaking....

"I guess this is it, I'm sorry Kurosaki-kun." She said to no one in particular. "I wish that we could have spend a little more time in each other's arms...I-I l-lo..."

Orihime felt her shield shatter but she never felt the attack connect. That's odd, she should have been squished flat on the wall by now and there she is standing still. She opened her eyes and as the large voluminous smoke begin to clear, she saw an eerie yellow eye looking at her. When the smoke completely cleared, she gasp and tears began to well up on her eyes as she saw how injured and exhausted he looked. Then, she did a double take and she realized that she is rather admiring Ichigo's muscular, well toned, and very naked back. The only clothes he had left were the rags that hardly passed for pants. Orihime couldn't help but ogle at the scrumptious sight before her. She blushed madly either from embarrassment for him being half naked or because she couldn't stop herself from having inappropriate thoughts...

"Inoue, are you alright?"

"Y-yes, babe I'm fine thanks to you!"

"Good...Akasha-san can you help evacuate Inoue and the others?"

"Of course, dear you only have to ask."

"Alright, let's get out of here then."

With Akasha's help, moving the others was very easy. They retreated deep into one of the castle's hallways. The older vampire then took her phone out and called appropriate staff to go to their location and to treat the wounded. Orihime, used Soten Kisshun on her friends while they all waited for some help to arrive. The very hallway shudders as the fight rages on and she noticed Ichigo standing with his back turned looking at the dark hallway, deep in his thoughts. Akasha who is still talking on her phone, noticed her looking at him and she then signaled the young lady to approach him. Orihime balked for a second but she was not having it, so the vampire pushed the girl, almost hitting him from behind. The older vampire, shooed her to go to him and gave her a wink. The red head swallowed the lump on her throat and finally went to him...

As Orihime got near him, she saw that his mask began to crumble. She blew a sigh of relief, as much as she accepted this aspect of him, she finds it rather uncomfortable looking at his menacing yellow eyes and listening to the echoing quality of his voice which quite frankly creeps the hell out of her. She took a deep breathe and she tried to talk to him...

"H-hi..." Orihime said shyly.

"Oh, it's you Inoue." Ichigo said. "Are you...alright?"

"Y-yes, we sort of established that earlier didn't we?"

"You're right, I did asked you earlier didn't I?" Ichigo said scratching the back of his head.

"Kurosaki-kun you goofball!" Orihime giggled.

Silence...Ichigo turned around to look at her. Then suddenly both of them tried to speak.

"Uh..." both of them said at the same time.

"You go first Inoue..."

"N-no, y-you go first..."

"No you..." Ichigo insisted.

"No you..."

"No I think you should go first."

"Dammit Ichigo, just spit it out!"

"Okay, I will...please don't hurt me!" Ichigo joked. "Geez I didn't know you're so pushy Inoue!"

"Shut up and just tell me what you want to say...NOW!"

"Yes ma'am!"

Then silence...After a few seconds though, Ichigo coughed to clear his throat and then begins to talk to her...

"Earlier, I did something stupid that made you upset..."

"Go on..continue."Orihime said.

"After thinking about it for a little while I knew that I was wrong to admir...err ogle another girl when I knew that my most beautiful, drop dead gorgeous, and sexy girlfriend was with me..."

"You're are so sucking up but I'll give you bonus points for that..."

"Uh, thanks. I but humbly try." Ichigo said.

"Don't get ahead of yourself mister, you're still in trouble!" Inoue said. "Ok keep going..."

"Uh right...anyway as I said I thought about it and I knew I was wrong and I just wanted to say..."

"Yes, go on..."

"I'm sorry Inoue...I messed up and I hope you can forgive me."

"Was that all?"

She then boldly came up to him and embraced the poor stupefied strawberry in her arms. Ichigo's eyes widen as he felt tears welling up her eyes and he had to stick Tensa Zangetsu on the ground so he can envelope her in his arms to comfort her...

"Inoue you alright?" Ichigo asked concerned.

"Kurosaki-kun y-you b-baka!" Orihime said sniffing. "Do you know how I felt when I saw my boyfriend ogling, a hot older woman? It made me feel inadequate, it made me feel like I wasn't good enough for you!"

"W-what are you talking about you know that's not true!" Ichigo protested. "I wouldn't be here, making a dumb ass out of myself trying to apologize if I didn't think you mattered! Look I made a mistake and if that's how I made you feel then I'm sorry. Look at it another way...if Akasha-san is hot, you are hotter, if she is gorgeous then you're drop dead gorgeous. The point is Inoue you are the one that matters to me the most and I would rather ogle you 24/7 if I can help it."

"K-kurosaki-kun stop saying inappropriate things!" Orihime said blushing.

"Hey I can't help it if it's true." Ichigo said. "So...do you forgive me?"

"Hmm...let's see, I'll think about it!" Orihime said. When she saw him dejected a little, she giggled and decided to forgive him."Just kidding...Of course I forgive you. Just don't do it again. Do you hear me?"

"Inoue you're a very cruel woman but you're so cute when your mad. Did you know that?"

"S-stop changing the subject!"She said pouting. She then playfully hit him on the shoulder.

"What it's true you know..."

"Kurosaki-kun just shut the hell up and just kiss me already!"

"As my hime commands!"

Orihime whose patience has been run ragged all day threw her arms on Ichigo's neck and kissed him. Not accustomed to her boldness, he stiffened at first but he eventually relaxed and his hands settled at the small of her back. There seems to be an urgency in the way Orihime kissed him as if parting for a few hours were equivalent to spending a year a part. He explored her lips with his tongue and a few seconds later, she boldly opened her mouth and her tongue snaked it's way to intertwine with his. After 5 minutes, they both had to come up for air. Orihime looked up at him lovingly, her right hand playing with a strand of his hair...

"So I take it that I'm forgiven right?" Ichigo asked her.

"Hmm, let me see..."

"Oh common Inoue!"

"Just joking, of course I forgive you babe!" Orihime told him. "But as I said, you better not do it again...do you hear me Ichigo?"

"Yes ma'am I read you loud and clear."

"Ichigo I'm serious!" she said stamping her foot.

"Fine...I won't do it again ok Orihime?"

The red haired girl seemed pleased that he said her name and felt very intimate that they are on a first name basis...Well at least when they were in a serious discussion. She's so used to calling Ichigo, "Kurosaki-kun" that it wouldn't surprise her that she'll fall back on that habit later on. Still at least their first fight has been resolved rather smoothly and in the near future she and Ichigo will have to have a discussion on what they both expect of each other in this relationship.

"So anyway, not that I'm complaining or anything but why are you half naked anyway, babe?" she asked him puzzled.

"Yes why are you half naked dear?" Akasha said while stifling a giggle.

"But not that we're complaining or anything!" Kurumu said giggling.

Ichigo and Orihime blushed madly as they both turn around and saw their friends looking at them. As a testament to Orihime's powers to reject reality, the girls have recovered quickly and is moving up and about. They actually found their little discussion a little entertaining as somehow they all were sitting comfortably while passing around a bowl of popcorn and drinking some soda. Akasha and Kurumu were giggling, while Ruby is blushing madly while Mizore is watching them curiously and taking some notes. Moka sat there blushing while she tried to make them all behave and Yukari is a little upset...

"Aww dammit you had to open your big mouth when it was just getting to the good part too!"

"Ha ha funny you guys, shows over now so SCRAM!" Ichigo yelled.

Then they all felt a tremor that shook the hallway for a few moments. When the shuddering stopped, they felt tremendous spiritual pressure coming from the remaining combatants. Ichigo reluctantly let Orihime go and yanked Tensa Zangetsu and was about to leave when Akasha appeared right in front of him from out of nowhere blocking his path.

"And where are you going dear?" Akasha asked. "You just finished a brutal fight yourself and from what I gather even with your enormous power, you are at your limit."

"But Akasha-san who else is going to stop Tsukune and Count Shuzen from tearing this place up?"

"I will go. Victor will more than likely listen to me! At least he better listen!"

"But..."

"But nothing young man! You are going to stay here getting some medical attention! I am sure Orihime-chan will be more than willing to nurse you back to health, right Orihime-chan?"

"Uh...o-of course!"

"See, so now why don't you be a good boy and let this young lady attend to you!" Akasha said. Oh and Orihime-chan?"

"Y-yes..."

"I truly apologize for this mess, will you ever forgive me, please?"

"D-don't worry about it Akasha-san."

"Umm sorry to interrupt the conversation but have any of you'll seen Moka anywhere?" Kurumu asked.

"Dammit, that foolish girl!" Akasha whispered.

With the swiftness of the wind, Moka ran as fast as she could already reaching the door to where Tsukune and Chichiue were fighting. The minute that she felt their Yoki spiraling upwards, she knew that she had to put a stop to it before they both seriously get injured. When this business gets done, she will have a word with both of them and she feels that Ura-chan would like to say a few choice words to them as well!

"I'm coming Tsukune...just hang on!"

Meanwhile...

Fury...this is the emotion raging within Tsukune. He became careless thinking that he will be able to protect the ladies but he has failed them miserably. If it wasn't for Ichigo blocking the attack that he deflected accidentally towards them, he wouldn't have been able to live with himself if something ever happened to his friends. He didn't understand what this guy's deal is considering that Ichigo seemed to have concluded his fight and thus The Count shouldn't have a reason to fight anymore. But he is determined to test Tsukune's already rapidly dwindling strength to the limit and the Shinigami doesn't know when his body will give out so he has to end this fight now.

The battle setting went outdoors as Tsukune crashed through the castle wall and ended up leveling a nearby hill. Although slow to get up, the defensive capabilities of his Bankai seemed to have save him yet again because there is no visible damage to his person except for a few tears in his trench coat. He'll have to ask Yamazakura about it when this fiasco is done...

The Count not satisfied with retreating into his so far impenetrable shield is now actively and physically attacking Tsukune. Unlike his daughter who used a blend of speed and power to fight her opponents, The Count it seemed, used his overwhelming strength to overpower his. Tsukune sees him charging with his right hand extended, only for the Shinigami finds himself suddenly grabbed from behind and found himself getting lifted up high into the air and then slammed forcefully into the ground face first causing a massive tremor that shook the castle. But Victor wasn't done, as soon as the vampire felt the impact he began to run dragging Tsukune's entire body, gouging a trench on the ground and then Victor lifted him up and slammed him forcefully on another hill, destroying it and grinding it to rubble. However, as soon as the last piece of rock fell down from the sky, the remnants of the hill exploded and a massive crimson strike emerged from the smoke and slammed towards Victor. Another explosion rocked the valley and as soon as the smoke cleared, the vampire is still standing without a scratch but Victor didn't anticipate Tsukune to use the smoke as a screen, used shunpo to get into a low position and then explode with crushing right hand punch to the gut that not only destroyed the ground between them but the power of the attack sent Moka's father sliding backward.

"JUUMAN SEMISHIGURE!" (Hundred thousand cricket chirping outburst)

As soon as the arching energy from his zanpakuto connected to the ground several rapid explosions blended together, each column of energy easily clearing 300 feet and raced it's way towards Victor who is currently sliding from his last attack. Since he couldn't employ his shield in time, he crossed his arms and tried to protect himself as best he could. When the technique connected and made contact with him, he found himself being pushed back and he found himself careening towards several hills, going through them completely. As soon as Victor made contact with one of the mountains in his property, an enormous and massive explosion occurred that consumed it entirely. When things are all said and done, that small mountain was entirely gone and a gigantic crater is all that is left.

Victor is very impressed with this Tsukune although he is loathe to admit it. The technique he witnessed used perhaps half of it's potential destructive power. He knew in the beginning that Tsukune was not at his full strength, still he pushed the boy anyway to test his mettle in battle. From what he has gathered so far, the boy is quite doing well for somebody who's running on empty. Perhaps he should stop now before things get too serious. He is sure that Moka will not appreciate him crushing this Tsukune. But, in his great pride, he cannot simply let this battle go unfinished without a winner. So having using already 10 percent of his strength, he reluctantly raised it to 20. The explosion of massive and potent Yoki begins to envelope the entire valley. Within a blink of an eye he sent one of his powerful telekinetic attacks but it's size, power, and radius is vastly different from before. The enormous power of the the attack, gouged chunks of rock from the ground, the shockwave flattened some trees in it's wake, and speed in which it made it's way to a surprised and unmoving Tsukune swallowed him whole and another tremendous explosion occurred. Satisfied that was enough power to render the boy unconscious and put him in his place, he began to walk towards the castle so that he can have a change of clothes and have a medical team extract Tsukune and give him some much needed attention. However, he suddenly felt an enormous Yoki energy coming from Tsukune's position.

"So you still haven't given up eh boy?" Victor called out. "You do realize that you are far outmatched right?"

There was no answer. Victor used his Yoki power to clear the area of the smoke and debris. Pleased that the boy is still standing and somewhat surprised that he can still do so. He warily kept his distance and observed what he will do next. Tsukune stood with his head looking down. His jacket is gone entirely and all that is left is his shirt which had a gashes here and there. The only clothes that were intact was his pants although it didn't escape some damage either.

"Well boy what are you going to do now!"

Victor's eyes widened however, when Tsukune finally looked up, some kind of mask forming on face. The unusual thing about it is that it didn't have a lower jaw and thick crimson lines going from his forehead down to the teeth. The boy's sclera turned black and his pupils were slitted and crimson like his own. The Count has to hand it to the boy, he is full of surprises! Excited that the fight will continue, he thought of a number of ways to test this new form. However, before he could implement and execute his plans, H. Tsukune is already on the move. The lord of the vampires didn't retreat and stood his ground and when the enemy closed in on him, Victor kicked him but he missed as he only attacked an after image. Likewise, H. Tsukune shunpo'd behind the vampire and used a Kurenai Higyou to start things off but he too missed and the technique ended up shearing through swats of trees and bisecting a nearby hill instead. This happened several times in a blink of an eye before Victor jumped up and fired one of his telekinetic attacks from high up into the air. Without missing a beat, H. Tsukune's zanpakuto split in the middle to turn into a 3 pronged blade. Spiritual energy began to gather rapidly and then he released and enormous crimson strike from a downward to upward motion that gouged a 20 foot long gash that is 6 feet wide and about half as deep on the ground. The 350 foot energy arc not only overwhelmed Victor's attack, he had no choice but to avoid lest he sustained serious injury. The hill that happened to be in it's path was turned to rubble.

Victor then appeared behind Tsukune but he had to duck as another enormous Kurenai Higyou came towards him. It would seem that in this form, Tsukune can rapidly use his techniques without having to charge them and still have some destructive power. Having avoided the boy's attack, he then dealt Tsukune a crushing blow to the gut that sent him sliding and with a little more effort on the Count's part, he caught the boy again with another tremendous blow that sent him flying through some trees and some hills as well. Victor is about to follow up on his attack but he felt Tsukune's power spiking again and become wary. A Kurenai came from the remnants of the hill and Victor used his shield to block it. But it would seem that the attack was only a feint as his eyes widen when he felt the boy from behind used a Juuman Semishigure Jinsoku (Rapid hundred thousand cricket chirping outburst). Victor is swallowed by a very massive column of spiritual energy which rose to nearly 1000 feet into the air. The enormous energy flattened trees from a 5 mile radius. The ground shook from its enormous power and it is so strong that it caused a 200 foot diameter crater in its wake and Victor's seemingly invincible shield finally breaks. After the smoke finally cleared, he had his arms crossed seemingly able defend the enormous attack but he didn't came out of it unscathed.

In all the 5000 years he has lived, he has yet to find an opponent, except for grandfather of course, that has injured him in any way and yet this boy has dared and successfully made the lord of the vampires bleed for the first time in millennia. He suddenly became excited again, he is actually having fun fighting with this boy! Victor is about ready to attack when suddenly Tsukune grabbed his mask and ripped it out of his face. As soon as he done so, Tsukune turned back to normal. He is about running on empty and his breathing is ragged. The boy could hardly stand up but out of pride and sheer will power alone he stood his ground. His eyes never showed any kind of despair and Victor had to admit that he can respect that. However, another surprise happened and now Victor sees Moka in front of Tsukune barring his path.

"Chichiue, stop this foolishness!" Moka pleaded. "Mommy has already gotten her information so you don't have to fight any more!"

"I told your mother that I was going to test this boy to see if he is suitable for you! So far he has conducted himself as a worthy adversary and I will not stop until I am satisfied!"

"Move Moka, you heard him, he won't stop so I'm going to have to do my best."

"But Tsukune, y-you're hurt!"

"Oh this, this is nothing!" Tsukune chuckled. "Although it would sort of help if the world stops spinning and although it would be nice having two of you, it's a little distracting!"

Tsukune tried to get passed Moka but he was at his last legs and finally collapsed. Yamazakura turned back to her katana form and fell to the ground. Before he lost consciousness though, he instinctively reached out and pulled her Rosario which then changed Moka into her vampire form. Moka caught him and as much as she loves and respects her father, harming Tsukune was the very last straw!

"CHICHIUE!" Moka growled. "Are you satisfied now beating an exhausted Shinigami who just finished his Bankai training yesterday? Where is your honor as a vampire?"

"Do not lecture me what honor is to a vampire...daughter!"

"Then I'm going have to beat some honor into you then!" Moka spat.

"Then come daughter, it's been a long time that you and I had a father-daughter fight!"

Then an enormous column of fire suddenly erupted in the space between them. The massive wall of flames incinerated trees, scorched the earth and burned nearby hills turning them to ash. The column easily cleared 3 miles up into the sky and the earth trembled from it's enormous power. Moka instinctively grabbed Tsukune and his zanpakuto and got away from the the column of flame as far and as fast as she could. Victor also retreated as well. Captain-General Yamamoto emerged from the raging inferno and glared at the lord of the vampires. Victor with his great pride glared back and stood his ground.

"Are you done with this foolishness now Victor. If you are not, then you have to contend and pass through me!"

Victor paled a little, having exhausted 20 percent of his power already, he will need all of it to at least be of near equal footing with the old man. Fighting him now would only level this entire valley into a wasteland and he rather liked this place. Besides although his assessment of Tsukune is incomplete, he is begrudgingly impressed with the boy. With a little more training, he will probably make a decent warrior...maybe. As much as he would like to contend with grandfather again, it would be better to swallow his pride now and fight him another day.

"You are right grandfather I apologize for this foolishness. I got caught in one of Akasha's little schemes and I got carried away. Do make yourself comfortable and welcome to my home."

to be continued...

A/N- Well it's about time that fight's over...So what do you'll think of Tsukune's Bankai...it's secrets are yet to be revealed and I will do so as the story progresses...So what do you'll think...Read and Review as usual...Have fun and enjoy and I'll cya kiddies in the next chapter.