A/N: This is a very short chapter, but I made it one because it doesn't relate very well to the next chapter. You'll see when that one is posted - along with the Author's Note there.

Chapter 14: The Final...Release!?

/A couple of days later

"Bankai!?"

"Yes Ichigo. The bankai release is the final form of the zanpakutō. I'm surprised that Kisuke didn't tell you this."

Yoruichi stood in her human form. A fairly tall, dark skinned woman with dark purple (or was it just black?) hair – styled in a ponytail. She wore black, form fitting clothing, with an orange top that had braces fastened to her shoulders. At least in this form, you wouldn't mistake her as a 'male' housecat. However, she looked far more intimidating to Ichigo as her golden eyes narrowed – incredulously – at the lack of knowledge this boy really had. 'Kisuke is normally more thorough...what is he playing at? Is it something to do with Aizen?'

/ /

Oh, she remembered that night, over 100 years prior. Where she had to save her friends from the Central 46's judgement. Where the smartest man she knew, was reduced to a blubbering wreck when confronted with the futility of his situation. Where her other friend solemnly awaited his fate...

She had heard from members of her Stealth Force (the Onmitsukidō) that high ranking members of the Thirteen Court Guard Squads (Gotei 13) were to be summarily tried and punished for transgressions against nature, Soul Society and the Seireitei. She had an inkling it had something to do with her 'idiot' of a former Third Seat – one Kisuke Urahara. She was right of course, so quickly booked it to the Central 46 Chambers with some makeshift disguise (her scarf covering most of her features). In short she saved her friends and brought everyone to her and Kisuke's training area.

Her one regret was not telling Soi Fon that she had to leave. Then again she assumed the girl would follow her to the ends of the earth, and she couldn't have that! She needed someone trustworthy to watch over her division...

/ /

...well that was all in the past. Nothing she can do about it now. Still it brings her back, and also offers some weird parallels with the current situation. They say lightning never strikes twice, but she begs to differ.

"Hat and clogs didn't tell me squat about a 'bankai' or whatever! What even is a bankai and how do I get it?" Ichigo was of course – impatient – about learning the means to greater power. It wasn't that he wanted it for power's sake, but that it was a means to an end for rescuing Rukia and protecting those he cherished. Yoruichi could admire that.

"Well Ichigo, a bankai is the final form of a zanpakutō. What you have now is what is known as a shikai, and is attained when you first commune with your zanpakutō spirit. You see how the shape of the blade is different from a normal katana?" She pointed at his – comically – large zanpakutō, that resembled a khyber knife or butcher's blade. It was of course in shikai, and (as she deduced) couldn't go back to a normal katana because of his vast and uncontrollable spirit energy.

She knew his mother was working on getting that sorted, but they would likely not have much time for that to occur. From the plan they all set out, they would have a few days before Rukia's execution to get her out of there, with all this additional training tacked on.

"Oh...so that's why when I called out Zangetsu's name, the blade didn't change into anything else!?" Ichigo unsheathed his sword, holding it in-front of him – marvelling at his weapon.

"Well...yes. To attain bankai, you actually have to force your zanpakutō to manifest into the real world, and then make it submit to your will. This will allow you to truly harness the power of the weapon. Bankai gives you power between five and ten times your power in shikai – depending on your level of mastery. To attempt to attain bankai and to master it can take up to 10 years for even a seasoned Soul Reaper." She smirked, waiting for his rebuttal from that seemingly 'damning' statement.

"WH-WHAAAAT!? I can't wait that long. Rukia's gonna be ex-" Yoruichi shushed the impulsive boy.

"Calm down Ichigo. There is...another way. However, it is far more dangerous, but if you succeed you will gain access to bankai within three days!" She held out her left hand gesturing three fingers upright, to emphasize her point.

The orange haired hybrid was clearly excited about gaining this 'bankai' in three days, but he did wonder what the catch was.

"Awesome! A boost of five to ten times my power in three days is exactly what I need!" His smile grew wide, and he clenched his fist ready for the challenge.

"Kisuke was the one who invented this method, using a device known as the Tenshintai. It allows one to manifest the zanpakutō into the real world. From his research a maximum of three days was required to attain bankai. No more, as the body couldn't handle the strain. However..."

Ichigo nodded, intent on listening to every word.

"...If I deem it necessary, I may allow you one more day of training to acquire your bankai."

"I'll get it down within the three days. There's...too much riding on this for me to fail!" Ichigo punched his left palm with his right hand, gripping his fist. A determined expression washed over his face. His spirit energy surged, far more controlled than when he first arrived at the Shiba Estate – but more powerful for sure.

'So...bankai huh? Looks like this is the edge I need to save Rukia!'